VQA onTour / Exceptional Value
CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES 'ESTATE' RIESLING  2005
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake  

Tasting Note: This is a terrific value that shows excellent varietal character. Aromas suggest peach, grapefruit, lychee with mineral and floral notes. Dry, very crisp and fruity, it's medium-bodied with a medium long finish. Serve with pan-seared scallops.  (VINTAGES panel, June 2006)

277228    (XD)   750 mL    $15.95    

The Speck brothers deliver a delicate, medium-bodied Pinot Blanc of tremendous value. Look for subtle floral aromas as well as peach and mineral characteristics. Enjoy as an aperitif with cheese and olives or with chicken in a chive cream sauce.

618827    (XD)   750 mL    $14.95    

935957    (XD)   750 mL    $24.95    

453415    (XD)   750 mL    $24.95    

000588    (XD)   750 mL    $25.95    

685610    (D)   750 mL    $14.95    

Food match: grilled freshwater fish with lemon and fresh thyme.

948737    (D)   750 mL    $20.95   

The fruity and floral Symphony grape variety was created at the University of California-Davis by crossing Muscat of Alexandria with Grenache Gris. This popular version from Ironstone makes a refreshing aperitif with its wonderfully aromatic nose and off-dry palate that features orange and lychee flavours.

355784    (MD)   750 mL    $14.95   

This Chardonnay won 'Double Gold' at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition 2006. Enjoy it chilled with Grilled Corn Salad. You can find this tasty recipe at www.jekel.com (select "Jekel Wines" and then "Chardonnay").

Tasting Note: For those who like a leaner, Chablis-style Chardonnay brimming with bright, clean fruit and racy acidity, Jekel hits the mark. Oak and butter notes are very much in the background, allowing lemon, lime, apple and orange marmalade flavors to shine. It has Chablis-like minerality too. Excellent.  Score - **1/2 (out of 4).  (Tasting panel, San Francisco Chronicle, Jan. 5, 2006)

421016    (XD)   750 mL    $15.95   

Kenwood is consistently ranked among California's top Sauvignon Blanc producers and this is their most popular wine. The perfect size for two, this is always a crisp and vibrant wine packed with intense lemon/lime, grapefruit and gooseberry characteristics. It makes a refreshing aperitif or an exceptional match for grilled asparagus.

722686    (XD)   375 mL    $10.95   

684399    (XD)   750 mL    $17.95   

537597    (XD)   750 mL    $17.95   

The name says it all. This is a classic Rhône-style blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, and Counoise sourced mainly from the Paso Robles region.

Tasting Note: Dark fruits abound on the nose and a mouth-filling, flavourful palate is nicely complemented by cedary oak. Enjoy this rich red with grilled meats on a late summer's eve.  (VINTAGES panel, Feb. 2006)

687517    (XD)   750 mL    $29.95   

687509    (XD)   750 mL    $29.95   

The Sebastiani family celebrated their winery's 100th anniversary in 2004 so it's not surprising that they own some of the oldest vineyards in Sonoma. The Sonoma County range sources its fruit from the same vineyards used for their Appellation Selection and Single Vineyard Selection wines. Expect a full throttle Zin with ripe cherry, raspberry, mocha and briary characteristics. A terrific match for barbecued spareribs.

672667    (XD)   750 mL    $20.95   

'Del Fin del Mundo' or 'the end of the earth' is, essentially, where this winery is located. Patagonia, Argentina's cool climate growing region, was made famous by journalist Bruce Chatwin in his 1970s travel book "In Patagonia". Expect a tasty wine with ripe berry aromas, lots of depth and concentration, ripe tannins and a long finish.

681197    (XD)   750 mL    $12.95   

A fantastic value, the previous vintage of this Cab flew off the shelves in spring 2005. You can expect more of the same with the 2003 vintage including sweet crushed juicy fruit and mocha flavours. Plush and plentiful, it is sure to be a hit at your next barbecue party.

587147    (D)   750 mL    $12.95   

684522    (XD)   750 mL    $14.95   

Since 1824, Viña La Rosa has been recognized as one of Chile's leading producers of high quality wine. La Capitana (The Woman Captain) is the name given to a remarkable palm tree on the La Palmería estate that stands 30 metres tall. Like its namesake, this wine is a stand out with its tropical fruit on the nose, generous palate of ripe fruit, and long and refreshing finish. Contemporary and stylish, it is a wine for a special summer occasion.

685834    (D)   750 mL    $13.95   

976381    (XD)   750 mL    $17.95   

This is a straightforward fresh and fruity Chardonnay that would be ideal with grilled trout or a chicken Caesar salad. Look for apple, pear and vanilla notes and some lively acidity keeping everything perfectly balanced.

440321    (D)   750 mL    $12.95   

There's always a story behind d'Arenberg's quirky wine names. When the Bearded Dragon Lizards who inhabit the vineyards occasionally make their way into the crushers along with loads of grapes, d'Arenberg's method of gentle pressing allows the little guys to escape. Look for ripe peach and melon fruit and hints of oatmeal in this intense and expressive Chardonnay.

683011    (D)   750 mL    $25.95   

598862    (XD)   750 mL    $27.95   

Beelgara Estate honors legends of the Australian bush with this wine range. "The Gun Shearer" is the best of the best. This superior wine is sourced from the finest Coonawarra fruit, this Cab's long, rich, mouth-filling fruitiness is balanced by its soft oak. A great complement to game dishes.

684167    (XD)   750 mL    $17.95   

984021    (XD)   750 mL    $20.95   

684183    (XD)   750 mL    $19.95   

Penley's rosé is a quirky cuvée of 41% Merlot, 31% Pinot Noir, 15% Chardonnay and 13% Cabernet Sauvignon. They get the most out of their all-star lineup, crafting a vivid, refreshing wine with layers of strawberry, plum and cassis fruit flavours. Serve this at your next Sunday afternoon barbeque party and your friends will be 'Over the Moon'.

684316    (XD)   750 mL    $12.95   

Allan Scott Wines, located in the prime viticultural area of Marlborough, has earned a reputation for excellence. This wine won a Silver Medal from the 2005 New Zealand International Chardonnay Challenge. The elegant structure here underpins a flavourful, creamy, and oaky palate with stonefruits persisting on a very lively finish. Enjoy now but built to age for several years.

694836    (D)   750 mL    $15.95   

Established in 2002, Cottesbrook unites two family-owned estates, St Helena Wine Estate and Rossendale Wines, to produce Sauvignon Blanc from the Marlborough region. The house style is a wine with aromas of gooseberry, redcurrant bushes and nettles. Expect a ripe, crisp, varietally correct wine that would match grilled asparagus or mushrooms stuffed with goat cheese.

657221    (XD)   750 mL    $16.95   

904110    (XD)   750 mL    $15.95   

699322    (D)   750 mL    $28.95   

New at VINTAGES
'GOAT DOOR' CHARDONNAY  2005
WO Coastal Region  
(Goats do Roam)

Charles Back's goats are at it again. As the story goes, a certain goat was so enamoured with the fruit from this vineyard that he now guards the gate or 'door'. Burgundy's Côte d'Or? Never heard of it - pure coincidence. Look for plenty of fresh apple and peach flavour as well as hints of toasty oak in this dry, medium full-bodied Chardonnay.

684506    (D)   750 mL    $14.95   

Nicknamed 'the Duke of Delheim', Spatz Sperling is the heart and soul of this family-owned winery. His attention to detail, willingness to experiment and unwavering dedication has positioned Delheim as one of South Africa's leading producers of quality wines. You can enjoy the fruits of Sperlings five decades of loving labour in this rich and intense Cabernet. Put up your 'dukes' and enjoy it with roast beef or lamb dishes.

981357    (XD)   750 mL    $19.95   

682732    (D)   750 mL    $11.95   

686311    (D)   750 mL    $17.95   

Château Reynon is the home property of Denis Dubourdieu, the man many consider the guru for white wine in Bordeaux.

Tasting Note: Classic aromas of grass, guava, gooseberry, citrus and brine. It is dry, racy fresh with a very good backbone. Medium-bodied, it has a lingering finish. Would match pan-fried freshwater fish or even turkey sandwiches.  (VINTAGES panel, Feb. 2006)

525220    (XD)   750 mL    $17.95   

525378    (XD)   750 mL    $29.95   

525105    (MD)   750 mL    $13.95   

Picpoul de Pinet is a grape variety that is a perfect example of the Mediterranean climate in a bottle. Expect hints of citrus, curry, spice, garrigue and floral in a racy/fresh frame. It is an excellent palate refresher or would match a grilled prawn dish.

525444    (D)   750 mL    $14.95   

599431    (XD)   750 mL    $39.95   

As is sometimes the case in Bordeaux, this wine was purchased from several different négociants. For this reason, each parcel has a different LCBO number. The foremost is listed below. The price is the same for all lots. In stores, ask for this wine by name. When using Vintages' product search engine on our website also look under LCBO# 587279.

Tasting Note: The dark plum/purple-tinged 2003 Potensac is a sleeper of the vintage. Sweet, exotic scents of mincemeat, black currants, cherries, and crushed rocks are followed by an elegant, fleshy, forward, delicious claret to enjoy over the next 5-7 years, although this wine has a tendency to last longer. It is one of the finest Potensacs produced in several years.  Score - 89.  (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, April 2006)

594747    (XD)   750 mL    $35.95   

002477    (XD)   750 mL    $29.95   

Though located in northwest Languedoc near the Mediterranean coast, the Cabardès AC is known for producing wines closer in style to Bordeaux. The blend recognizes both worlds: 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 40% Syrah. The resulting wine is assertive and brightly fruity, yet it is also well-balanced by a seam of acid and ripe tannins. The full-bodied, long finishing wine would work with a rare grilled steak.

654582    (D)   750 mL    $15.95   

747170    (XD)   750 mL    $19.95   

719120    (XD)   750 mL    $38.95   

626648    (D)   750 mL    $17.95   

Tavel rosés are amongst the richest and most robust of the great French pink wines, and Domaine La Genestière's is an excellent example. Expect cherry/raspberry aromas and flavours with a good crisp acidity for refreshment. Enjoy it as an aperitif or with spicy Mediterranean fare.

680900    (D)   750 mL    $17.95   

672279    (M)   750 mL    $15.95   

682781    (M)   750 mL    $13.95   

597500    (D)   750 mL    $13.95   

Food match: pork tenderloin.

480517    (MD)   750 mL    $15.45   

The fruit for this Chardonnay is sourced from Dereskos's own Peloponnesian vineyards. The juice is fermented and matured in new French barriques. What we get is a fruity/smoky/oaky wine with a good crisp tone - a great partner for grilled chicken, marinated octopus or shrimp stir-fry.

642454    (D)   750 mL    $13.95   

980805    (MS)   500 mL    $16.95   

This wine won a Silver Medal at the 2004 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles wine show.

Tasting Note: Medium ruby colour leads to aromas of currant, pit fruit, gingerbread and leather. It is dry with very good concentration and balance. The tannic core suggests 2+ years cellarability or enjoy this long-finishing wine tonight with grilled steak or roast beef.  (VINTAGES panel, Jan. 2006)

687160    (XD)   750 mL    $15.95   

987503    (D)   750 mL    $13.95   

'Sotto le Querce' translates as 'under the oaks', which refers to the location of the vineyard not to oak ageing (there is none). This fresh, ripe Verdicchio is allowed to age seven months in bottle before it is released onto the market. The wine may be enjoyed with grilled prawns, lobster tail or shrimp stir-fry.

531723    (XD)   750 mL    $14.95   

Made with the local grapes Inzolia, Grecanico and Catarratto, the wine is matured only in stainless steel and is not put through acid-softening malolactic fermentation. The producer chooses this approach to retain the bright fruitiness and racy crispness of the wine. Enjoy with steamed mussels, chicken or summer salads.

531780    (XD)   750 mL    $15.45   

The grape variety is key to the Danzante line of wines. The producer goes to whatever region can supply the absolute best grapes for the style of wine they wish to produce. This Pinot Grigio is made with grapes from Veneto, while the Sangiovese, also featured in this release (534206, $15.45) comes from the Marche region. Expect apple and mineral tones and hints of citrus. Enjoy as an aperitif or with simple fish dishes.

689794    (XD)   750 mL    $15.45   

The 'hot' (in every sense of the word) 2003 vintage created many wonderful fruit-forward wines, such as this Montepulciano. Enjoy it with hamburgers, gourmet sausages, rich pasta dishes or grilled steak.

981399    (D)   750 mL    $12.95   

Made from 100% Aglianico, expect aromas of jam, chocolate and blackberry with a rich and powerful, sweet-centred mouthfeel. A warm year in Basilicata, this is a massive wine that would match seared steaks, game meats or aged parmesan.

739185    (XD)   750 mL    $22.95   

Sourced from carefully selected vineyards within the Marche, expect this Sangiovese to display aromas of berry, cedar and plum. For your next backyard barbecue, choose the Pinot Grigio in this line, available this release (689794, $15.45), as a palate refresher then pair this Sangiovese with gourmet sausage, hamburgers, grilled vegetables or even steaks.

534206    (XD)   750 mL    $15.45