WTN: Serge Hochar visits Helsinki :)

All right, all right, I'll open one in the next few days. I wasn't keen on waiting too long myself, either.

Liquor sales vary by province in Canada. Most provinces have a government monopoly, with some, limited, private retailers.

Here in Alberta, the retail monopoly was privatized in the mid-90s. However, the warehouse/distribution is still a private monopoly contracted by the government.

It's a bastardized system and seems to be creating a lot of headaches lately for retailers. Alberta has a tight labour market and employers are finding it hard to attract and retain workers. As a result, the orders to retailers are being delayed to the point that shortages are expected in the holiday season.

We recently saw this during a tasting of Louis Albrecht wines. The store didn't have any of their wines in stock because the order was held up at the warehouse.

Mike B and I finally got around to tasting the `92 white last night. Decanted as per Otto`s rec and served slightly chilled. Oak, butterscotch and marzipan on the nose. Some muskyness blew off, not oxidized! Very much a food wine, I found pear hints and all 6 of us thought the nose was a double plus. Nice mouthfeel but the finish was tad short. Very pleasant experience for only $26 Cdn.

A slight correction, Bob. It was the '92. But again, the Musar proved to be a fascinating wine even if the finish was lacking.

Better yet, I still have another bottle. . .

[James Roscoe]

I wonder when Otto gets back from Zanzibar? If bringing this thread back from the dead doesn't bring him onto the forum, he must still be in Africa.