BARACK PÁLINKA PECSETES APRICOT LIQUOR  
Hungary  
(Zwack Unicum Company Ltd.)

This apricot brandy is given a year in oak to let all the flavours meld together, and meld they have. Not only is it clearly identifiable as apricot, but there are also hints of orange blossom, honey and peach. Enjoy it as an after-dinner sipper.

40253    750 mL    $26.95   

603837    (D)   300 mL    $19.95   

CROFT ORIGINAL FINE PALE CREAM SHERRY  
  
(Gonzalez Byass)

This smooth and luxurious Cream Sherry is actually a sweetened Fino. It should be served chilled in a wine glass. It makes for a memorable alternative to traditional dessert wines and matches beautifully with lemon tart, light holiday puddings and fresh fruit salads.

73452    (S)   750 mL    $14.95   

722520    (D)   750 mL    $65.15   

30882    (XD)   750 mL    $16.95   

VINTAGES VQA Discovery
KONZELMANN SELECT LATE HARVEST VIDAL  2004
VQA Ontario  

This wine was named Best Value Sweet Wine under $30 at Toronto's Wine and Cheese Show and won a Gold Medal at Ottawa's Wine and Food Show in 2006.

409474    (MS)   375 mL    $19.95    

New at VINTAGES
MIKE WEIR SAUVIGNON BLANC  2006
VQA Niagara Peninsula  

This home grown Savvy, a new addition to the Mike Weir stable of wines, has concentrated aromas of grapefruit, lemon peel and gooseberry with clean grassy notes. It's crisp and refreshing with hints of tropical fruit flavours and a racy seam of zesty acidity. Enjoy as an aperitif or pair it with fresh trout pan fried in lemon butter.

686972    (XD)   750 mL    $14.95    

TINHORN CREEK PINOT GRIS  2005
VQA Okanagan Valley  

Tasting Note: ... This is one of the winery's major whites. The wine has a full, almost creamy, texture, reflecting the fact that 20% of the blend was fermented on neutral barrels and left on the lees for six months (the other 80% was fermented in stainless steel). There is a ton of fruit on the flavour – ripe apples, pears, mangos. The finish is dry.  Score - 88.  (John Schreiner, www.planitvancouver.com, April 21, 2006)

530683    (D)   750 mL    $18.95    

New at VINTAGES
MIKE WEIR CABERNET/SHIRAZ  2004
VQA Niagara Peninsula  

A blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon and 26% Shiraz, this combination is common in Australia, but very rare here in Ontario. The two varieties are very simpatico. The Cabernet brings cassis, plum and red berry fruit, structure and backbone. The Shiraz contributes rich blackberry, pepper and spice plus a rounded mid-palate and finish. Try it with grilled steaks after a great round of golf.

578633    (D)   750 mL    $24.95    

Arrive in Style
BIG YELLOW CAB CABERNET SAUVIGNON  2004
Mendocino County  

Here's a cab that is easy to hail. The whimsical name and label are all in good fun but the wine inside is surprisingly serious. The 04 vintage recently won Best in Class honours and a Gold Medal at the 2007 San Francisco Wine Competition. An excellent value, this wine is bursting with ripe wild berry and blackberry flavours with notes of mocha, and toasty oak. It's dry and well-balanced with ripe tannins providing structure. Well worth the fare.

35014    (XD)   750 mL    $18.95   

CUVAISON MERLOT  2003
Carneros, Napa Valley  

Tasting Note: Wonderful harmony, richness and depth, this elegantly styled young Merlot is deftly balanced, with ripe cherry, plum and currant flavors framed by light cedary oak. Ripe, integrated tannins. Drink now through 2011.  Score - 88.  (James Laube, www.winespectator.com, web only 2006)

27508    (XD)   750 mL    $39.95   

LA CREMA PINOT NOIR  2005
Sonoma Coast  

La Crema specializes in producing tasty, distinctive Pinot Noir like this one. This inviting wine displays aromas and flavours of ripe cherry, wild berries, baking spices and a touch of oak. Dry, medium bodied, it's supple in texture and well structured with a medium long finish.

719435    (D)   750 mL    $31.95   

MOUNT VEEDER CABERNET SAUVIGNON  2003
Napa Valley  

Tasting Note: Very good Cab, creamy, dry and rich. The flavors are super-upfront, all blackberry and cherry pie, chocolate and charry vanilla oak, with cinnamon spice in the finish. It's a decadent wine, and fortunately has the crisp acidity and firm tannins for balance. Best now-2012.  Score - 91.  (Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast, Dec. 15, 2006)

708842    (XD)   750 mL    $49.95   

RIDGE LYTTON SPRINGS VINEYARD  2004
Dry Creek Valley  

This proprietary red is comprised of 79% Zinfandel, 18% Petite Sirah, and 3% Carignan.

982413    (XD)   750 mL    $48.95   

VINA ROBLES JARDINE CABERNET SAUVIGNON  2002
Paso Robles  

Paso Robles has a reputation for its rugged ranch lands and cowboy ambience. In the pioneering spirit of the Old West, Paso Robles represents a new frontier for winemakers. Among the new generation of wine cowboys is Hans Nef, a Swiss civil engineer who followed his passion for wine from Zurich to sunny California. He enlisted another Swiss native, Matthias Gubler, as his winemaker. This single vineyard Cabernet is supple and smooth with intense flavours of dark fruit and smoky oak. Full-bodied and rich with dusty tannins, it shows excellent balance and a medium long finish.

693838    (XD)   750 mL    $21.95   

ACHAVAL FERRER MALBEC  2004
Mendoza  

Tasting Note: Bold plum and blueberry fruit aromas, with a ripe palate of fruit, mineral, violets and graphite that gain intensity through the finish. Nice piercing acidity, too. Drink now through 2008. Special Designation: Smart Buys.  Score - 91.  (James Molesworth, www.winespectator.com, Dec. 15, 2005 )

24737    (XD)   750 mL    $24.95   

CLOS DE LOS SIETE  2005
Mendoza  

Conceived by the famous consulting winemaker, Michel Rolland, Clos de Los Siete (Vineyard of the Seven) is an enterprise consisting of seven top winery owners from Bordeaux who each planted vineyards in Argentina.

622571    (D)   750 mL    $24.95   

New at VINTAGES
NAVARRO CORREAS COLECCION PRIVADA CABERNET SAUVIGNON  2005
Mendoza  

The Correas family has a long history in Mendoza dating back to 1798. From the mid 1800s to 1974 the family cultivated grapes for other wine producers, but all that changed when Don Edmundo Navarro Correas established the family's own winery. Today, this state-of-the-art winery crafts exceptional premium quality wines like this powerful Cabernet from the Coleccion Privada series. The label features a painting by local artist Carlos Alonso.

28910    (XD)   750 mL    $14.95   

On the Back cover
D'ARENBERG THE HERMIT CRAB VIOGNIER/MARSANNE  2005
McLaren Vale, South Australia  

Tasting Note: A blend of 70% Viognier and 30% Marsanne, the lovely 2005 The Hermit Crab exhibits notes of honeysuckle, apple blossom, and litchi nuts in its medium-bodied, dry, exuberant, even flamboyant style. It also displays some restraint and elegance. Drink it over the next 1-2 years.  Score - 90.  (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2006)

662775    (D)   750 mL    $16.95   

JIM BARRY SILLY MID ON SAUVIGNON BLANC/SEMILLON  2006
Clare Valley/ Adelaide Hills, South Australia  

The late Jim Barry loved the sport of Cricket and many of the family's wines pay tribute to the game. Silly Mid On, for example, is a field position.

24042    (XD)   750 mL    $24.95   

MITCHELTON BLACKWOOD PARK RIESLING  2005
Central Victoria  

Tasting Note: A pretty, clean and shapely riesling with a fresh, penetrative and floral perfume of lime juice and lemon rind. Fresh and juicy, with a slightly confectionary aspect, its tangy, citrusy palate delivers a pleasing length of lingering limey fruit backed by chalky, powdery undertones. Finishes crisp and refreshing.  Score - 89.  (Jeremy Oliver, www.jeremyoliver.com.au, July 16, 2006)

18655    (XD)   750 mL    $17.95   

TALTARNI T SERIES SAUVIGNON BLANC/SEMILLON  2005
Victoria  

Taltarni sources the grapes for this impressive wine from Victoria's best cool climate regions. Made with 89% Sauvignon Blanc and 11% Semillon, this wine features aromas of lime, gooseberry and tropical fruits. It's dry and soft with ample citrus and passion fruit flavours leading to a crisp and refreshing finish. A delicious match for oysters on the half shell, grilled calamari or chicken and feta tostadas.

19471    (D)   750 mL    $15.95   

ARROWFIELD ESTATE SHOW RESERVE SHIRAZ  2004
South Australia  

While Arrowfield is located in New South Wales, this premium range Shiraz is sourced mainly from mature vines in McLaren Vale district of South Australia. Dry and full-bodied, this opulent wine boasts rich cherry and plum flavours with a touch of sweet spices.

24083    (XD)   750 mL    $23.95   

BANROCK STATION THE RESERVE MERLOT  2005
South Australia  

Reserve is a word that has multiple meanings in the wine world depending on the region. In the case of Banrock Station, The Reserve is an actual place. As good stewards of the land, the winery has donated part of the proceeds from their wine sales to restoring and preserving wetlands in Australia and around the world. This premium Merlot is characterized by its intriguing black cherry, plum and licorice aromas and flavours. Enjoy with Osso bucco or barbecued pork chops.

27482    (XD)   750 mL    $19.95   

BROKENWOOD CRICKET PITCH  2003
Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Shiraz South-Eastern Australia  

Tasting Note: A delicious Australian version of a French Cotes du Rhone is the 2003 Cricket Pitch Red, a blend of equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Shiraz as well as small dollops of Pinot Noir, Petit Verdot, and Nebbiolo. Revealing a Rhone-like earthy, peppery, slightly herbal perfume with plenty of sweet cherries, currants, and spice, this is a value-priced, delicious, medium-bodied, fleshy, dry red to drink over the next 1-2 years.  Score - 88.  (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Dec. 2006)

731638    (D)   750 mL    $20.95   

PEPPERJACK SHIRAZ  2004
Barossa, South Australia  
(Saltram Wine Estate)


Tasting Note: Good colour; attractive medium-bodied wine; blackberry, plum and a touch of chocolate; good oak and tannins.  Score - 93.  (James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2007)

20198    (XD)   750 mL    $22.95   

PUNTERS CORNER TRIPLE CROWN  2002
Coonawarra, South Australia  

Punters Corner's talented Peter Bissell was named Winemaker of the Year in 2005 by Gourmet Traveller Wine magazine. This proprietary blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 14% Shiraz was awarded 90 points from James Halliday in the Australian Wine Companion 2006. It has generous, ripe red plum flavours and notes of anise and a finely textured mouth feel.

29314    (XD)   750 mL    $23.95   

New at VINTAGES
VIRGIN HILLS  2003
Victoria  
(Hope Estate)

Virgin Hills is located in the cool heights of the Macedon Ranges in Victoria. The winery makes only one wine, this eponymous Cabernet-based blend. While the wine has always enjoyed a deserved reputation, the winery itself had financial problems and changed ownership several times. Finally, Michael Hope, of Hope Estates, rescued it in 2000 and re-invested in its vineyards and facilities. This latest vintage is full of ripe berry and dark plum flavours with notes of chocolate and peppery spice leading to a long lingering finish. The cult continues.

25007    (XD)   750 mL    $27.95   

WIRRA WIRRA CHURCH BLOCK  2003
Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz/Merlot McLaren Vale, South Australia  

Tasting Note: Lithe and lively, nicely balanced and appealing for its pure blueberry and currant fruit, nicely framed with a touch of spicy oak. Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot. Best from 2007 through 2011.  Score - 87.  (Harvey Steiman, www.winespectator.com, Dec. 31, 2005)

24034    (XD)   750 mL    $20.95   

On the Back cover
KIM CRAWFORD DRY RIESLING  2004
Marlborough, South Island  

Tasting Note: For the Alsatian Riesling lovers in the group, seek out this alternative wine. Bone-dry in style with intense aromatics of white peach and freesia, it showcases ripe fruit and a mouth-filling texture tinged with minerality.  Score - 88.  (Leslie Sbrocco, www.winereviewonline.com, June 27, 2006)

626408    (XD)   750 mL    $19.95   

TORLESSE RIESLING  2004
Waipara, South Island  

Riesling thrives in the cool climate of Waipara and is considered to be one of Torlesse Wines' greatest strengths.

24158    (D)   750 mL    $18.95   

SPY VALLEY MERLOT  2004
Marlborough, South Island  

Tasting Note: The dark, purple-flushed 2004 vintage was hand-picked in the Waihopai Valley, fermented with indigenous yeasts and oak-aged for a year. Spicy, generous and smooth, with a sweet-oak influence, it is fresh, brambly and plummy, with richness and complexity, and good tannin support.  Score - **** (out of 5).  (Michael Cooper, Buyer's Guide to New Zealand Wines 2007)

25320    (XD)   750 mL    $27.95   

Exceptional Value
DELHEIM RHINE RIESLING  2004
WO Simonsberg-Stellenbosch  

This limited release from Delheim is a rare find as Riesling makes up less than 1% of South Africa's vineyards. Sourced from 20 year old vines this juicy wine has refreshing green apple and lime fruit flavours with a seam of acidity providing balance. It's delicious served with grilled calamari salad or sushi.

18697    (D)   750 mL    $15.95   

NEWTON JOHNSON SAUVIGNON BLANC  2006
WO Walker Bay & Elgin  

Tasting Note: White asparagus and earth nuances to predominantly mineral character of standout 2006, marked by arresting tension between fruit ripeness and restrained nervous structure, harbouring good maturation prospects.  Score - ****1/2 (out of 5).  (Cathy van Zyl, John Platter's South African Wines 2007)

714212    (XD)   750 mL    $16.95   

RIETVALLEI SAUVIGNON BLANC  2006
WO Robertson  

The grapes for this zesty Sauvignon Blanc were hand-harvested at different ripeness levels giving the finished wine a nice balance between the fresh grassy characteristics and the ripe fruit flavours. Crisp and delicious, this wine makes an excellent patio wine or serve it with spicy Asian noodles.

19034    (XD)   750 mL    $13.95   

New at VINTAGES
HIDDEN VALLEY SHIRAZ  2004
WO Stellenbosch  

Tasting Note: Stylish debut; attractive Rhône-like character; garrigue/dried herb shadings, touch of tar, even ripe brie – all anchored by creamy black fruit. Amenable tannins give smooth drinking pleasure, structural longevity. [Matured for] 13 months [in] new and 2nd fill barrels. Made in Elgin by [consulting winemaker] Niels Verberg.  Score - **** (out of 5).  (Christine Rudman, John Platter South African Wines 2006)

15438    (XD)   750 mL    $19.95   

DOMÄNE WACHAU TERRASSEN FEDERSPIEL GRÜNER VELTLINER  2005
Wachau  

Grüner Veltliner is fruity, dry, fairly high in acid, medium in body, often contains a slight prickle of gas and always has a spicy, almost musky aroma that is fairly reminiscent of the pungency that is common to all Alsatian wines (adapted from Jancis Robinson's Vines, Grapes and Wines, 1986). Under Wachau wine laws, a wine labelled Federspiel must be quite dry and, without chaptalization (sweetening), achieve an alcohol content of between 11.5% and 12.5% by volume. An excellent match for spiced chicken dishes.

31534    (XD)   750 mL    $16.95   

LENZ MOSER PRESTIGE PINOT GRIS TROCKEN 2005
Monchhof, Burgenland   

Pinot Gris is a real rarity in the vineyards of Austria, making up only 1% of the planted vines. Lenz Moser creates a style that is parway between those of Alsace and Northeen Italy with a refreshing acidity that is reminiscent of Oregon. Enjoy with grilled trout or veal in a cream or mushroom sauce.

672980    (XD)   750 mL    $12.95   

HATTSTATTY HATSCHBOURG RIESLING  2003
AC Alsace Grand Cru  
(Les Vign. de Pfaffenheim)

This wine won a Gold Medal at the 2006 Concours Riesling du Monde. Established in 1998, the Concours Riesling du Monde (Rieslings of the World) competition takes place every year in Strasbourg, Alsace. Rieslings from throughout the world are submitted to an international jury of oenologists and wine critics. This hugely respected competition illustrates the diversity and brilliance of fine Riesling from around the world.

21295    (XD)   750 mL    $21.95   

LORENTZ GEWURZTRAMINER ALTENBERG DE BERGHEIM  2002
AC Alsace Grand Cru, Vieilles Vignes  

The Altenberg de Bergheim vineyard has been the pride of Bergheim winegrowers since it was first planted to grapes in the 13th century. The soil and exposure have always been ideal for fully maturing Gewurztraminer, such as this 2002. Rich and concentrated it is dry, powerful and complex with a lovely roundness that makes it very palate appealling. Match it to spicy Indian dishes such as vegetable curry or vindaloo chicken.

21311    (D)   750 mL    $29.95   

DOMAINE CAILLOT MEURSAULT LA BARRE DESSUS CLOS MARGUERITE  2002
AC  

Tasting Note: Pale yellow gold in colour. Aromas of fresh apple, pineapple and hazelnut. Dry and very youthful with crisp character. Medium-full-bodied with a medium-long finish. Will need cellaring from 1 to 4 years.  (VINTAGES panel, April 2006)

20545    (XD)   750 mL    $48.95   

LOUIS LATOUR BOURGOGNE CUVÉE LATOUR  2004
AC  

Tasting Note: An attractive brilliant straw colour is the first hint of quality here. The aromas in this Chardonnay are classic apple, mineral and citrus, plus a pretty nuttiness. Dry, clean and citrusy-crisp, this beautifully balanced wine is a fine match for stuffed roast chicken.  (VINTAGES panel, July 2006)

24570    (XD)   750 mL    $18.95   

VIRÉ-CLESSÉ VIEILLES VIGNES  2004
AC  
(Cave de Viré)


Tasting Note: This wonderful Chardonnay comes from the Viré-Clessé, a white wine appellation in the Mâconnais. It's brimming with aromas of marzipan, ripe pears, banana and floral notes. It's dry and medium-bodied, striking the perfect balance between the complex fruit flavours and crisp acidity. Terrific to serve with grilled chicken with mushroom risotto.  (VINTAGES panel, Dec. 2006)

17715    (D)   750 mL    $19.95   

LES PIERRES BLANCHES MUSCADET SÈVRE ET MAINE SUR LIE  2005
AC, Vieilles Vignes  
(Domaines Pierre Luneau-Papin)

Good quality Muscadet like this one is perhaps the world's best wine match for oysters. It's also terrific with other seafood or as an aperitif. Made with 100% Melon de Bourgogne, this delicious wine displays rich yeasty aromas that lead to tangy citrus and lingering mineral flavours. “This is another producer who has long been outstanding.” (Jim Budd, Decanter, March 2006)

695643    (XD)   750 mL    $16.95   

New at VINTAGES
DOMAINE SERGE LALOUE SANCERRE  2005
AC  

For generations, the Laloue family has been making wines in this region. Currently, brothers Serge and Frank head the estate creating exuberant wines that perfectly reflect the region's terroir. A terrific Sauvignon Blanc with a lot of gooseberry, asparagus and citrus for balance. Try it with steamed mussels.

744086    (XD)   750 mL    $22.95   

Food & Drink Discovery
LABET BOURGOGNE HAUTES-CÔTES DE NUITS  2005
AC, Vieilles Vignes  

Because the weather was so auspicious in 2005, even the less propitiously sited vineyards did well so there are many great buys at the bottom end of the price scale. (Jancis Robinson, www.jancisrobinson.com, Jan. 18, 2007)

692566    (XD)   750 mL    $19.95   

LOUIS LATOUR SANTENAY LA COMME  2004
AC, 1er Cru  

Louis-Fabrice Latour and his winemaker, Jean-Pierre Thomas, created magic from a difficult vintage with their ‘04 Santenay La Comme. Louis-Fabrice, who recently conducted a popular winemakers dinner in Toronto, commented in www.burghound.com that 2004 is a “classic vintage that carries with it excellent transparency of terroir and more minerality in evidence than usual”. The wine itself is a pretty, floral/earth Pinot Noir with a lovely balance between these two elements. It offers good complexity and a long finish. Enjoy it tonight with pork tenderloin, or put it in a cellar for 1-3 years.

24588    (XD)   750 mL    $29.95   

YANNICK AMIRAULT LE GRAND CLOS BOURGUEIL  2004
AC  

Yannick Amirault is considered one of the best producers in Loire Valley's Bourgueil AC. In fact, French publication Classement (2005) called him the best in the region, commenting “[in] the last ten years, the wines of this domaine have appeared as the most complex and the most consistent of the appellations Bourgueil and St. Nicholas de Bourgueil. The wines of the domaine are characterized by body, cleanness, charm and in a great vintage, by aristocracy”.

663567    (XD)   750 mL    $24.95   

Exceptional Value
HECHT & BANNIER MINERVOIS  2003
AC  

This is a great match for rack of lamb, roast beef, juicy steaks or wild boar sausages.

17764    (XD)   750 mL    $19.95   

DOMAINE DE L'AMEILLAUD  2004
Vin de Pays de Vaucluse  

A blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 20% Carignan, this value-priced wine comes from a producer Robert Parker Jr. regards as “a high quality estate”. This wine is consistently delicious and straightforward with ripe black cherry dominating. Match this wine with gourmet pizza or your best pasta.

719286    (D)   750 mL    $9.95   

DOMAINE LES GOUBERT GIGONDAS  2003
AC  

The property has been used for grape growing since the 17th century. Goubert's traditionally styled Gigondas is a generous mixture of ripe berry fruits, spices and tobacco. In the mouth it is rich, ripe, round, yet superbly balanced. It will age gracefully for up to four years, or enjoy it tonight with roast leg of lamb or grilled rabbit and ducks.

19455    (XD)   750 mL    $31.95   

SCHLOSS REINHARTSHAUSEN RIESLING KABINETT  2004
QmP, Hattenheimer Wisselbrunnen, Estate Btld.  

Reinhartshausen is located right on the Rhine with its ancient cellars dug beneath part of the river itself.

28464    (MD)   750 mL    $18.95   

New at VINTAGES
RAPPENHOF DORNFELDER TROCKEN  2004
QbA, Alsheimer, Estate Btld.  

Dornfelder is a cross, bred in 1956 by August Herold. In its genealogy, the grape claims every important red vine grown in Germany. Fortunately, it has inherited most of the positive attributes and very few of the negative. The wines are deeply coloured, velvety in texture with hints of floral. Slightly off-dry, this example gives good aroma replays on the palate. Serve with Wiener schnitzel.

33456    (D)   750 mL    $17.95   

CHÂTEAU JULIA ASSYRTIKO  2005
Regional Wine of Drama  
(Costa Lazardis Winery)

This unique white grape – Assyrtiko – manages to retain its zippy acidity even in the hottest of climates. This makes it ideally suited to the hot regions of Greece. Floral, lemon/lime and mineral aromas precede a long and flavourful finish. This is an excellent choice for a wide variety of seafood dishes.

608513    (D)   750 mL    $18.95   

PALIVOU VINEYARDS STONE HILLS  2005
Peloponnese, Néméa  

One of the more low-key Nemea producers, but one who is always striving to improve his existing wines or to create notable new ones, Giorgos Palivos established this estate in 1995. His family has a long winemaking tradition in the area and Palivos mostly relies on his own vineyards to cover his requirements. The Nemea vineyards are found in the lower parts of the middle zone, giving good potential for age-worthy wines. Great care has been taken in the cultivation of the vineyards, and Palivos is always open to new ideas (Konstantinos Lazarakis, The Wines of Greece, 2005)

26468    (D)   750 mL    $18.95   

PALIVOU VINEYARDS AGIORGITIKO ST. GEORGE  2005
Peloponnese, Néméa  

Agiorgitiko is the second most planted varietal in Greece, primarily grown in the Peloponnese, which is reputed to produce the best quality examples of the varietal. It is an extremely versatile grape, producing wildly different styles of wine depending on where it is grown, from sweet wines to substantial dry reds to rosés. This version is noted for its berry and chocolate characteristics, medium body and good length.

26443    (D)   750 mL    $16.95   

DISZNÓKÓ TOKAJI ASZÚ 4 PUTTONYOS  2001
Tokaji  

The 2001 vintage in Tokaji was almost perfect, with heat and rain at exactly the right time. The resulting Botrytis-affected wines are a perfect balance of peach, pear, honey, mango and citrus. On the palate, it is sweet, with an exciting ‘wildness' from the Botryitis. Keep this in a cellar for up to a decade, or enjoy it now with blue-veined cheeses.

27177    (S)   500 mL    $34.95   

OREMUS LATE HARVEST TOKAJI CUVÉE  2003
Tokaji  

Oremus is a very old wine house (established in the 16th century) that fell into steep decline during the 40 year Soviet rule (as did most Tokay houses). The legendary Spanish winery, Vega Sicilia, bought Oremus, replanted its vineyards and in the last fifteen years has made a collection of great Aszú wines plus dry and off-dry wines, such as this Late Harvest. Try this medium in sweetness, apricot- and peach-scented wine with spicy Asian cuisine.

980789    (M)   375 mL    $27.95   

OREMUS TOKAJI FURMINT DRY MANDOLAS  2004
Tokaji  

[Oremus] produces an outstanding dry Tokaji, which is made exclusively from Furmint, Hungary's unique and most important varietal. This internationally styled wine, which had long been made in small quantities in Tokaj by a few local producers, now ranks as the estate's leading wine. It is named Mandolas after the picturesque slope from which it originates. All of the vineyards of Tokaj-Oremus are classed First Growth. [A designation bestowed upon the Tokaj vineyards 150 years before the Médoc classification of 1855] (www.winemonthclub.com/newsletters/vol7no4.html) Match this flavourful wine with Cajun shrimp dishes, chicken paprika or steamed mussels.

959817    (D)   750 mL    $24.95   

CRISTINA ASCHERI GAVI DI GAVI  2005
DOCG  
(Ascheri)

It's in the vineyards near the town of Gavi that the Cortese grape achieves its finest expression. This brilliant example from Ascheri possesses a fragrant, fruity nose featuring pineapple, lemon, lime and mineral notes. Dry, crisp and delicate, it's lovely with scallops, shrimp, crab, sushi or antipasto platters.

957555    (XD)   750 mL    $16.95   

FALCHINI VERNACCIA DI SAN GIMIGNANO  2005
DOCG, Vigna a Salatio  

Vernaccia di San Gimignano is Tuscany's premier white wine. It comes from the famous and ancient village of San Gimignano whose renaissance towers (one was measured by the height of one's tower, so to speak) were the skyscrapers of their day. The wine is made from a local grape called Vernaccia and tends to be soft and full with pleasant complimentary acidity (www.tastings.com)

994012    (XD)   750 mL    $14.95   

Exceptional Value
TERRA D'ALIGI SANGIOVESE  2004
IGT Terre di Chieti  

The mountainous Abruzzo region in central Italy is a great place to discover good quality wines at an unbeatable value. This ready-to-drink Sangiovese is full of lush red and black cherry flavours, with a spicy note that makes it an ideal match for pasta with meat sauce, veal chops or gourmet pizza.

28084    (D)   750 mL    $14.95   

New at VINTAGES
TRE MONTI SANGIOVESE DI ROMAGNA SUPERIORE RISERVA  2003
DOC  

Tre Monti is one of several producers in the Sangiovese di Romagna DOC at the forefront of a wine revolution in the region. The result is more flavourful, full-bodied wines with real punch, showing just what Sangiovese can do outside of Tuscany. Enjoy this wine with Veal Parmigiana.

26211    (D)   750 mL    $21.95   

DESSILANI GHEMME  2001
DOCG  

Tasting Note: Plum and chocolate aromas, with hints of toasty oak and flowers. Medium- to full-bodied, with fine tannins and a fresh finish. Nebbiolo [90%], Vespolina and Uva Rara. Best after 2008.  Score - 88.  (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Dec. 31, 2006)

29637    (D)   750 mL    $39.95   

Organic product
NUOVA CAPPELLETTA BARBERA DEL MONFERRATO  2005
DOC  

A easy-drinking wine with lots of cherry, cranberry, tobacco and underbrush aromas. This ripely fruity, light to medium-bodied wine is a good choice for simple meat stews or mushroom risotto. Our Quality Assurance laboratory has determined that this wine contains 6 mg/L of free sulphur.

719518    (D)   750 mL    $15.95   

PODERI COLLA NEBBIOLO D'ALBA  2002
DOC  

Tasting Note: Brilliant light scarlet with orange hints. Quite translucent. The nose is layered with delicate fresh cherry fruit and bitter tar with a smoky porcini highlight. Elegant, balanced and restrained on the palate, it is already drinking well for such a firmly structured wine. The finish has plenty of grip, but is shows a silky gracefulness. Drink now and over the next several years. Aged in large casks for 10 to 12 months.  (Craig Camp, vinocibo.typepad.com, May 18, 2005)

Food match: pasta with meat sauces, meat-based main courses

748566    (D)   750 mL    $23.95   

PODERI COLLA RONCAGLIE BARBARESCO  2001
DOCG  

Tasting Note: Initially quite closed, the 2001 Barbaresco Roncaglie gradually opens to reveal a very classic profile in its floral, spiced nose and layers of pretty red cherry and mineral flavors, with excellent persistence. This subtle, medium-bodied Barbaresco is a bit austere today and will benefit from a few years of cellaring, but make no mistake about it, this a terrific effort. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2016. Barbaresco Roncaglie gradually opens to reveal a very classic profile in its floral, spiced nose and layers of pretty red cherry and mineral flavors, with excellent persistence. This subtle, medium-bodied Barbaresco is a bit austere today and will benefit from a few years of cellaring, but make no mistake about it, this a terrific effort. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2016.  Score - 91.  (Antonio Galloni, www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2006)

715763    (XD)   750 mL    $49.95   

SEGHESIO BAROLO LA VILLA  1999
DOCG  

Tasting Note: Brothers Aldo and Riccardo Seghesio's wines privilege suppleness and balance, as the 1999 Barolo La Villa demonstrates. A fresh garnet, with a spicy caramel, floral, smoky and tarry nose, its round flavors, satiny texture, mineral and licorice notes, and overall finesse could easily lead one to mistake this for a fine Cerequio or Brunate. Anticipated maturity: 2005 -2018.  Score - 90.  (Daniel Thomases, www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2003)

20404    (XD)   750 mL    $49.95   

CANTINE DUE PALME PRIMITIVO  2003
IGT Salento  

Aromas of plum, oak and leather, tempered by the softness of vanilla, dominate this wine. The palate of the Primitivo (a.k.a. Zinfandel) is smooth and silky, soft and sweet. A good complement to grilled steak with mushrooms.

658351    (D)   750 mL    $13.95   

CASTELLO DI QUERCETO IL PICCHIO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA  2001
DOCG  

Tasting Note: Fresh and well-poised, with black fruit and tangy mineral aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, with well-integrated tannins and a delicious finish. Drink now.  Score - 90.  (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 31, 2004)

938738    (XD)   750 mL    $42.95   

MASTROJANNI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO  2001
DOCG  

Tasting Note: Mastrojanni's 2001 Brunello di Montalcino opens with suggestions of flowers, spices, herbs and a note of alcoholic sweetness on the nose. Medium in color as well as body, it is a pretty, refined Brunello, with a soft, supple personality, showing outstanding persistence in an understated style, with fine tannins and a juicy note of sweetness on the finish. It is a lovely Brunello to enjoy now and over the next 10-12 years. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2016.  Score - 91.  (Antonio Galloni, www.erobertparker.com, Dec. 2006)

033381    (XD)   375 mL    $24.95   

942508    (XD)   750 mL    $47.95   

SALCHETO VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO  2001
DOCG  

Tasting Note: The 2001 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is one of the best regular bottlings the house has yet made, dark in color and with a penetrating nose of red fruit, herbs, and caramel. The long and sustained palate of red berry fruit, rhubarb, and licorice is ample, vigorous, and with very pleasurable tannins on the close. Drink: 2005 -2012.  Score - 90.  (Daniel Thomases, www.erobertparker.com, April 2005)

685180    (XD)   750 mL    $25.95   

L'ARDÌ DOLCETTO D'ACQUI  2005
DOC  
(Vigne Regali)

Dolcetto at its best, as in this example, has a grapey/spiciness with a hint of baker's chocolate in the background. Lower in acid and lighter bodied than the nearby Barbera, Dolcettos are great wines for sipping with scintillating conversation.

23036    (XD)   750 mL    $17.95   

New at VINTAGES
L'ARCO VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE  2002
DOC  
(Barichello & Fedrigo S.R.L.)

Luiz Barichello, a New World winemaker, joined forces with Veneto-born winegrower, Luca Fedrigo, to create the L'Arco Estate. They make their Valpolicella using only the best grapes. The grapes are harvested and left to dry in the fruit cellar for about 30-50 days. The wine is aged in 10-20 hl Slavonian oak for approximately two years. The result is a cherry-scented, rich, ripe wine with a balancing core of acid. Try it with a medium-flavoured pasta sauce.

28001    (XD)   750 mL    $31.95   

MASI BROLO DI CAMPOFIORIN  2003
IGT Rosso del Veronese  

Tasting Note: A newer brand from Sandro Boscaini, the always inquisitive, experimenter of Verona. Falling between Masi's Campofiorin and Amarone in price and style, it is made by the appasimento technique of drying harvested grapes for a month before processing. Highly scented herbal, leather and chocolate on the nose with very ripe dried fig fruit and a touch of acetone often found in amarone. It's full bodied, fairly soft and almost sweet, with some charm. Alcohol and tannin well managed; the length is very good to excellent. Now to 2009.  Score - 89.  (David Lawrason, Wine Access Lawrason E-Report, Dec. 9, 2006)

976092    (D)   750 mL    $24.95   

NICOLIS VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE  2003
DOC  

Nicolis uses much more than the usual grapes of Valpolicella, in fact it is a blend of 60% Corvina, 20% Rondinella, 15% Sangiovese and 5% Molinara. To add complexity, they mature the wines for one year in Slavonian oak before bottling. There is plenty of red berry fruit and a pretty seam of acidity for balance. Match it to gourmet sausage and a wild mushroom risotto.

23333    (XD)   750 mL    $21.95   

Benchmark
VALPANTENA FALASCO VALPOLICELLA RIPASSO  2004
DOC  

A consistent favourite with Vintages customers, this Ripasso always delivers with loads of plum, cherry, chocolate, leather and licorice characteristics. It is dry and supple with a medium-body and substantial finish. Enjoy with grilled lamb chops.

642421    (XD)   750 mL    $17.95   

ALTANO  2004
DOC Douro, Tinta Roriz/Touriga Franca  
(Symington Family Estates)

The Douro table wine category is growing in stature thanks to rich and robust bottlings such as this [Altano] (Kim Marcus, www.winespectator.com, May 15, 2005). The wine blends together Tinta Roriz (a.k.a. Tempranillo) and the great port grape, Touriga Franca, to make a full-flavoured, robust red wine. Enjoy with braised beef, or bean-based dishes with hearty vegetables.

579862    (XD)   750 mL    $11.95