913400    700 mL    $86.95   

When Cooley came on the scene in 1989, the Irish Distillers company dominated the landscape. After a few missteps in the early 1990s, Cooley hit its stride. They looked at what was being produced, saw that it was very good, but realized it could be so much more. With labels such as Connemara they reintroduced peating into Irish Whiskey, a concept that had been avoided for generations. When Connemara Peated was reviewed in 1999 by whisky expert Jim Murray, he raved about it, rating it 9/10 (Whisky Magazine, May 13, 1999).

027946    700 mL    $66.95   

Single grain whiskies are very rare as most grain whiskey finds itself into Blended whiskies. There are only [a few] other such products in the world. Many people, including Jim Murray, world-renowned whiskey expert, consider Cooley's grain distillery to be one of the best in the world and as such Greenore was developed to highlight this. (www.cooleywhiskey.com) This 8-year-old is the first offering from this line. Down the road, we can look forward to 10-, 16- and 18-year-old versions.

027953    700 mL    $58.95   

TAMNAVULIN 12 YEARS OLD SPEYSIDE SINGLE MALT  
Aged in oak casks

Tasting Note: Here's a twelve year old with loads of personality. At first, the palest gold appearance, and then the nose befriends you with peat, cereal, citrus and the not unpleasant medicinal smell of nettle tonic. Engagingly light, very smooth and everything harmonizes into a persistent finish. Score - 91. (Patricia Noonan, Wine Access, “First In Line E-Report”, Jan. 2004)

955260    700 mL    $63.95   

According to winemaker Ron Giesbrecht, Gewürztraminer yields were particularly low for the 2005 which means more concentrated flavours in this spicy aromatic wonder. Intense aromas of lychee, citrus and spices dominate this rich, full-bodied wine. The perfect match for spicy Thai food or smoked salmon.

268359    (D)   750 mL    $17.95    

033910    (D)   750 mL    $35    

034561    (D)   750 mL    $55    

033936    (D)   750 mL    $25    

289082    (XD)   750 mL    $19.95    

033951    (D)   750 mL    $35    

033944    (D)   750 mL    $35    

033902    (D)   750 mL    $35    

034553    (D)   750 mL    $60    

033894    (D)   750 mL    $25    

This gorgeous Chardonnay from the cool Carneros district is packed with rich pear and melon fruit flavours along with fascinating notes of ginger and hazelnuts. Full-bodied, dry and well-balanced, it's drinking well now but should improve over the next four years.

986737    (D)   750 mL    $32.95   

369686    (D)   750 mL    $19.95   

232439    (D)   750 mL    $17.95   

703850    (XD)   750 mL    $104.95   

703017    (XD)   750 mL    $43.95   

This Pinot from Five Rivers is a consistent overachiever offering terrific value vintage after vintage. This wine offers straight-forward sweet cherry fruit with cola notes and hints of spice. Dry and medium-bodied, it's a great introduction to the variety that's bound to create more life-long Pinotphiles.

684514    (XD)   750 mL    $19.95   

027516    (XD)   750 mL    $21.95   

Packed with classic blackberry and ripe cherry flavours with notes of spice, herbs and toasty oak, this attractive Cab represents an incredible value. It won a Gold Medal at the 2006 Los Angeles County Fair Wine Competition. Enjoy it over the next 2-3 years with grilled New York steaks.

967893    (XD)   750 mL    $16.95   

Packed with strawberry, and dark stone fruit character, this lively Pinot Noir offers excellent value. Winemaker Charlie Gilmore sources fruit from several vineyards, including Jekel's well-known Gravelstone vineyard, to craft this rich and well-balanced wine. This bright beauty is a terrific value and would pair well with pork tenderloin or grilled tuna steaks.

027268    (D)   750 mL    $23.95   

331603    (XD)   750 mL    $19.95   

St. Francis' winemakers crafts this ready-to-drink Merlot with grapes that are hand-picked at the peak of ripeness. Lush with deep concentrated cherry and plum fruit flavours and hints of mocha and toasty oak, this creamy, mouthfilling red is a crowd-pleaser for even the most discerning crowd.

422014    (XD)   750 mL    $24.95   

017129    (XD)   750 mL    $16.95   

028936    (XD)   750 mL    $17.95   

017038    (XD)   750 mL    $14.95   

556795    (XD)   750 mL    $15.95   

Viña Casa Silva is a family-run winery where everyone is involved in the daily activities of the company. The Silva family have a long and proud tradition of winemaking in the Colchagua Valley dating back to the 19th century. This refreshing Savvy has loads of grapefruit and citrus peel aromas and flavours as well as zesty acidity and a long finish. Enjoy as an aperitif or with pan-seared scallops.

024216    (XD)   750 mL    $14.95   

597054    (XD)   750 mL    $18.95   

This elegant, Burgundian-style Chardonnay took the trophies for Wine of the Year and Best Young Dry White at the New South Wales Wine Awards 2006. Tumbarumba, in addition to being fun to say, is a cool climate region located in the Snowy Mountains, part of the Australian Alps, with vineyards at elevations between 300-800 meters. Complex and full flavoured, this wine features pear and nectarine fruit flavours integrated with nutty oak notes.

015479    (D)   750 mL    $22.95   

This award-winning stunner is a blend of 80% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Semillon, 5% Muscat of Alexandria and 5 % Riesling. All of the selected grapes are Botrytis affected, leading to a natural sweetness in the finished wine.

Tasting Note: Has richness and depth without excessive sweetness, delivering delicious apricot, honey and creamy vanilla flavors that linger on the refined finish. ... Drink now through 2020.  Score - 89. (Harvey Steiman, www.winespectator.com, May 15, 2005)

015255    (S)   375 mL    $21.95   

660027    (XD)   750 mL    $20.95   

This award-winning Pinot offers terrific value. It has a great nose featuring lovely delicate cherry fruit and toasty oak notes from time spent in new and one-year-old French oak. Enjoy it with veal chops or glazed ham.

015487    (D)   750 mL    $18.95   

686865    (XD)   750 mL    $19.95   

938225    (XD)   750 mL    $29.95   

660951    (XD)   750 mL    $24.95   

012674    (XD)   750 mL    $23.95   

014340    (XD)   750 mL    $19.95   

Kiwi Cabernet Franc is a rare find in our market, so this flavourful wine from one of New Zealand's finest winemakers is a great opportunity to try something unusual from this wine-producing country.

Tasting Note: Grown mostly in the company-owned vineyard at Te Awanga and matured for 10 months in seasoned American oak casks, the 2004 vintage is full-coloured, with vibrant plum and red-berry flavours and a restrained oak influence in a fresh, smooth, fruit-driven style. Score - *** (out of 5). (Michael Cooper, Buyer's Guide to New Zealand Wines 2007)

017392    (XD)   750 mL    $22.95   

020503    (D)   750 mL    $38.95   

Torlesse is full of surprises. By Waipara standards, it's been making wine for a long time. The winery seems to pull a stunner out of the bag almost every year. One year it might be chardonnay, the next riesling and then, bingo, a terrific pinot noir. (Bob Campbell MW, Australian Gourmet Traveller Wine, Dec. 2005/Jan. 2006)

699330    (D)   750 mL    $19.95   

The Pritchard family credit much of their winery's success over the past decade to winemaker/viticulturalist I.P. Smit, who joined the team in 1997. His work in the vineyards and dedication to quality have allowed Clos Malverne's wines to reach a whole new level. This award-winning Sauvignon is zesty and refreshing with intense gooseberry, lime and grapefruit aromas and flavours. Enjoy as an aperitif or serve with grilled shrimp.

024166    (XD)   750 mL    $16.95   

027862    (XD)   750 mL    $17.95   

Our Quality Assurance Laboratory has determined that this wine contains 6 mg/L of free sulphur.

Tasting Note: 2003 continues neatly-tailored style; ripe brambleberry, cassis bound by mouth-coating tannin; honestly dry. Barrel matured. Fruit quality of these organically grown wines impresses. Score - ***1/2 (out of 5). (Irina von Holdt, John Platter's South African Wines 2006)

011064    (XD)   750 mL    $19.95   

Among its many accolades, this wine won a Gold Medal at the prestigious Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2006 and was also named as one of the top 10 Pinotage wines of the year in 2006 by South Africa's Pinotage Association. Full-bodied and brooding with dark fruit and gripping tannins, savour it with roast lamb or beef or put it away for 2 to 3 years.

024182    (XD)   750 mL    $17.95   

This proprietary red blends Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz and, according to John Platter South African Wines 2006, lays claim to the title of most popular South African red wine since the 1940s. Ripe and round, this full-bodied red is packed with juicy berry fruit and notes of toasty oak. Enjoy with pasta in a tomato meat sauce.

652628    (XD)   750 mL    $13.95   

As a child, I followed my parents around the production areas and I was fascinated even then by all the magic which surrounds the convivial world of wine. Later on they taught me the vocabulary and then the actual science of understanding wine. They taught me that tasting wine is both an art and a vocation. Today, I believe in the immense wisdom and intelligence of the winemaker based on observation, patience and the search for beauty. (Hubert Laugner, www.isasite.net/allimant-laugner/) Laugner's patience has paid off with this aromatically-intense Muscat. Match it to spicy Asian seafood dishes.

021279    (MD)   750 mL    $16.95   

Dirler-Cadé have embraced the dictates of biodynamic farming. The resulting wines demonstrate superior Riesling aroma profiles of peach, pear and citrus. On the palate, it is a near perfect balance between the fruit and acidity. Made for substantial ageing (4-6 years), it can also be enjoyed tonight with a variety of fish, seafood and poultry dishes.

021337    (D)   750 mL    $18.95   

This is a premium Gewurz with loads of personality, the aromas suggest peach, lychee nut, nutmeg and grapefruit. It is dry and rich with a full body and a lingering finish. An excellent choice for grilled salmon steaks.

021352    (D)   750 mL    $25.95   

Alsatian Pinot Gris deliver some of the most flavourful interpretations of the grape there is, and this one is no exception. The aromas recall tropical fruit and floral tones. It is fat and rich on the palate with a core of acid for balance. Will match with Thai dishes, such as spicy noodles with lemongrass chicken.

021253    (D)   750 mL    $20.95   

Château Cantelys is owned by the Cathiard family. Their most famous property is Château Smith Haut-Lafite. This is the white partner to the red (019786), also available in this release.

Tasting Note: Barrel tasting. Rich and powerful, with lots of lemon, vanilla and honey character. Full-bodied, with a medium finish. Score - 89-91. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, June 30, 2005)

019778    (XD)   750 mL    $36.95   

The grapes used in Vin de Paille wines – Chardonnay, Savagnin, Poulsard and Trousseau – must be dried for at least 45 days before pressing. The must once pressed is very sweet and can sometimes take up to a year and a half to ferment. The wine can only be naturally sweet, not fortified, and must have a minimum alcohol content of 14.5% by volume. The French term for the drying process is passerillage. This wine exhibits aromas of dried fruit, nuts, beeswax and honey. It is sweet, ripe and round with excellent aroma replays. It is long finishing and would be a great partner for nuts.

703140    (S)   375 mL    $36.95   

982421    (XD)   750 mL    $24.95   

017285    (D)   750 mL    $20.95   

Their white Château Cantelys, (019778) is also available in this release.

Tasting Note: Aromas of blackberry, meat and spice follow through to a full-bodied palate, with velvety tannins and a long, flavorful finish of berry, orange peel and chocolate. Structured and complex. Superclean. Best ever from here. Best after 2009. Score - 92. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, March 31, 2006)

019786    (XD)   750 mL    $36.95   

Domaine de Lathevalle is a highly respected 10-hectare property ideally situated in one of Morgon's finest locations. The crisp and fruity Gamay displays aromas of strawberry, mineral and a hint of peppermint. It is dry with a very good balance between the fruit and acid. This is a Gamay that will age gracefully for 1-3 years, or enjoy it tonight with stuffed veal tenderloin.

420257    (D)   750 mL    $18.95   

One of Saint-Chinian's strongest producers, Château du Prieuré des Mourgues takes Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre and barrel ages them separately for 12 months. The final blend accentuates the fruit of the Syrah with the pretty cedar tones of the Grenache, the backbone of the Mourvèdre, plus the vanilla from the oak to create this finely made, food-friendly wine. Match it to grilled leg of lamb with garlic and rosemary.

985598    (XD)   750 mL    $15.95   

The Bordeaux-based Lurton brothers have been venturing into the Midi for some years now, producing exciting, quality-priced wines such as this. Grenache (60%), Carignan (30%) and Syrah (10%) contribute aromas of raspberry and red currants with notes of spice, pepper and chocolate. There is great fruit concentration and well-integrated oak in this fresh, full-bodied wine. A fantastic value. Match it to grilled steaks or portobello mushrooms.

992800    (XD)   750 mL    $16.95   

After many years of being labelled Côtes du Rhône-Villages for its red wines, Beaumes de Venise received its own AC in 2005. The red wines are generally made with a blend of mostly Grenache and Syrah, and seasoned with Mourvèdre and Cinsault. The wines are often favourably compared to nearby Gigondas. Enjoy this structure, fruit/cedar dominant wine with roast beef with root vegetables.

017145    (XD)   750 mL    $16.95   

Saint Joseph is one of Northern Rhône's undiscovered gems. Produced from 100% Syrah, Saint Joseph wines are well-regarded for their fruit-forward blackberry intensity and attractive pepper tones. They can age beautifully, however, many 2003s, such as this, are really hitting their stride now. Enjoy with rich lamb or beef dishes.

017152    (XD)   750 mL    $27.95   

Until 1992, Florent Viale and his father sold all of their grapes to négociants. As Crozes-Hermitage came into its own, the Viales decided to make their own wines. The results have been nothing short of spectacular. Layers of blackberry, tar and black pepper dominate their finely made Syrah-based wines. A very good match for roast leg of lamb.

013300    (XD)   750 mL    $26.95   

017400    (XD)   750 mL    $23.95   

Yes, Germany does make red wine, and rather good ones at that. This delicious Pinot is from one of Germany's most prestigious co-operatives. It's dry, medium-bodied with ripe cherry and strawberry flavours, spice and velvety tannins. Enjoy it with duck or veal chops. Excellent value.

460410    (D)   750 mL    $17.95   

Located in northern Greece, the Naoussa region has developed a reputation for producing superior red wines from the local Xinomavro grape. Xinomavro has been compared to the Nebbiolo of Piedmont, and yet it has a totally unique flavour and aroma profile. The producer suggests serving this rich, balanced wine with beef stew, seared tuna or pasta with pepperoni and olive oil.

653790    (XD)   750 mL    $15.95   

The perfect Chardonnay for Every Day! Once the grapes are soft-pressed, 40% of the juice is drawn off and aged in oak barriques for 4-5 months (hence the name Barricato 40), then reunited with the stainless steel-fermented portion. Its intriguing touch of oak is ideally integrated with fresh citrus fruit aromas. Versatile, food-friendly, exceptional value.

987503    (D)   750 mL    $15.95   

951319    (D)   750 mL    $15.95   

Pignoletto is one of the most important white grapes in Emilia-Romagna that makes a lively, crisp wine. The best versions, such as this example, are grown in the Pignoletto Classico DOC near the town of Bologna. This is a friendly, palate-refreshing starter wine.

013409    (XD)   750 mL    $16.95   

013268    (XD)   750 mL    $14.95   

717306    (XD)   750 mL    $15.95   

Trentino is proving an ideal home for Pinot Noir. The cool-climate here allows for the kind of slow, easy ripening that this grape prefers. As a result, the wine exhibits classic cherry, beetroot and earth aromas and flavour. Try with pork tenderloin or grilled veal chops.

023002    (XD)   750 mL    $17.95   

Nebbiolo finds its most natural home in Piedmont. In the Ghemme region, Nebbiolo produces wines that are riper, fuller-bodied and require much less cellaring than the, perhaps, better-known versions of Barolo and Barbaresco. It is a good match for simple beef dishes or something more complex like pasta with shaved truffle.

650606    (XD)   750 mL    $29.95   

Fontanafredda, the largest and, perhaps, oldest producer in Piedmont, has recently emerged as one of the region's premier wineries. With the 1996 vintage, a new vision inspired replanting and refurbishment of the winery. In 1999 a new winemaker, Danilo Drocco, was hired. As this example demonstrates, his Barberas are known for displaying ripe fruit made in a polished, modern style. Match it to grilled sausage, meats or a truffle risotto.

023135    (XD)   750 mL    $15.95   

Primitivo is Zinfandel's Italian twin. This Italian interpretation has lively aromas of blackberry, damson plum and pears poached in wine. Dry and mouthfilling, it is smooth, almost velvety in texture. There is very good balance here with a good streak of acid and a fine tannin core for mid-term ageing (3-5 years), or enjoy it tonight with a rare grilled steak.

023143    (XD)   750 mL    $19.95   

The world of Italian cinema brushes up against this wine. Sedàra was Claudia Cardinale's character's name in Luchino Visconti's 1963 film, The Leopard. The film was supposedly loosely based on the family who owned this winery. The wine lives up to the name of the film, with an assertive fruitiness giving this delicious wine real teeth. It would complement a rare steak.

900274    (D)   750 mL    $15.95   

An eminently quaffable red with loads of black fruit and a hint of vanilla. It is dry and fruity, with a hint of tannin for some pretty balance. Enjoy it tonight with grilled steak or rich meat-based pasta sauce.

947440    (D)   750 mL    $16.95   

The special clone of Sangiovese that allowed the area and appellation of Brunello di Montalcino to develop was identified in the 19th century by the Biondi-Santi clan. They continue to innovate with this grape. This 100% Sangiovese is aged for at least 14 months in new French barriques. The resulting wine will reward short-term cellaring (1-3 years), but is also enjoyable now with roast beef due to its lovely fruit core that is surrounded by silky tannins.

981407    (XD)   750 mL    $34.95   

In 2005, the Gambero Rosso Italian Wines guide panel remarked: “Roberto Droandi's wines reveal a strong territorial bond and a light hand in the cellar.” Rich, full-bodied with tantalizing blackberry and dark chocolate flavours, this wine is a true expression of the Gaiole terroir in the Chianti Classico zone. Perfect with meat lasagna or steak.

685131    (XD)   750 mL    $20.95   

480533    (XD)   750 mL    $159.00   

Castelão, a.k.a. Periquita, is a very versatile wine that may be enjoyed in its youth for its bright fruitiness. Older vintages deliver more elegant, dried fruit qualities. This example falls gracefully into the latter category. Enjoy with grilled lamb.

021287    (XD)   750 mL    $16.95   

This refreshing Albariño would match beautifully with baked fish in a light cream sauce or a curried shrimp dish. It's dry and medium bodied with a hint of refreshing tropical fruit aromas and flavours as well as zesty acidity.

023788    (D)   750 mL    $17.95   

Spain's La Mancha appellation is known for its extremely hot temperatures but in the last decade it has overcome this challenge to breakthrough as a serious winegrowing region. Established in 1997, Bodegas Fontana is leading the pack of quality winemakers that are now capitalizing on the region's potential. Fontana has succeeded by doing its homework. They carefully researched to determine which vines to plant where in order to take full advantage of the region's vagaries of weather. According to John Radford, in his 2004 edition of The New Spain, “Quality is high.” Don't just take his word for it though, experience it for yourself with Fontana's Gran Fontal Reserva Tempranillo. It boasts lovely aromas of strawberry, raspberry, cinnamon, spice and Christmas cake. Dry and well-balanced, it's ready-to-drink with braised meat dishes and will also improve in a cellar for 2-4 years.

028118    (XD)   750 mL    $19.95   

This polished, solidly structured red is 100% Tempranillo. Its bouquet is loaded with ripe fruit and pleasing notes of toast, leather and chocolate. Delicious now with leg of lamb or hard cheeses, but this wine will also reward short-term cellaring.

658450    (D)   750 mL    $13.95   

A Wine Spectator “Editor's Daily Wine Pick” (September 2006). This Spanish red is packed with cherry and strawberry aromas and accented with lovely hints of oak. A velvety, expressive and medium-bodied wine that will make a delectable match with roast beef.

237834    (D)   750 mL    $17.95   

Spain's La Mancha region is gaining a reputation for its good value reds. Here is a delicious blend of Tempranillo (50%), Cabernet Sauvignon (20%), Merlot (20%) and Syrah (10%). This medium-bodied Crianza displays intense berry fruit aromas and well-integrated vanilla oak notes. A great match with sausages and shish kebabs.

981613    (D)   750 mL    $14.95   

015073    (D)   750 mL    $16.95