39974    (D)               750 mL    $14.95    

685610    (XD)             750 mL    $14.95    

40709    (XD)            750 mL    $14.95    

467753    (XD)            750 mL    $11.95    

After an extensive two-year search for the perfect limestone rich soils, Calera founder Josh Jensen planted his first Pinot Noir vines in 1975. Over thirty years later, Jensen has much to celebrate. This complex Pinot displays lovely aromas of black cherries, plums, tea and smoky oak. Rich and flavourful, it has a core of fine tannins and well-balanced acidity. Robert Parker considers Calera to be “... one of the most compelling Pinot Noir specialists of not only the New World, but of Planet Earth”. (The Wine Advocate, April 2003)

933044    (D)            750 mL    $32.95   

This wine was awarded Critics Gold at the Critics Challenge International Wine Competition 2006.

25106    (XD)            750 mL    $22.95   

The fruit for this robust Syrah is sourced from the San Lucas appellation at the southern end of Monterey county. Rich and intense it has impressive peppery spice and black fruit aromas and flavours. It’s dry and full-bodied with ripe dark fruit, smoked meat and vanilla notes wrapped in fine tannins. Enjoy it over the next 4-5 years with beef or lamb dishes.

673764    (XD)            750 mL    $28.95   

This silky smooth wine shows why the Russian River Valley is the ‘go to’ region for quality Pinot Noir in California. Seductive aromas of cherry, plum, cinnamon, and oak spice replay on the medium full-bodied palate. Dry and well-balanced, it’s soft and smooth with a peppery finish. If you’re not a Pinot lover, you’re about to become one.

954834    (D)            750 mL    $24.95   

18671    (XD)            750 mL    $17.95   

There are exciting new appellations emerging from Argentina beyond Mendoza including the cool climate Patagonia region at the southern tip of the country. Bodega Del Fin Del Mundo is literally located at the end of the world and it produces wonderfully vibrant wines like this beautifully balanced Cab. The nose is fragrant with cassis, plum and mint notes. It’s dry, medium-full bodied with bright fruit, silky tannins and a bright core of acidity.

31179    (XD)            750 mL    $13.95   

31609    (XD)            750 mL    $17.95   

                             

This thirst quenching rosé comes from the Argentine outpost of Jacques and Francois Lurton’s wine empire. A blend of Bonarda, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, this dazzling pink wine is bursting with berry fruit flavours balanced by a lively seam of acidity. It’s a superb summer sipper.

999839    (D)            750 mL    $11.95   

CASA LAPOSTOLLE CHARDONNAY  2006                              

The Marnier-Lapostolle family, of Grand Marnier fame, has been involved in winemaking for generations. The same uncompromising approach to quality that has made their liqueur a world-wide success is applied to this winemaking endeavour. Expect exotic fruit, toast and mineral aromas, and a crisply dry, fresh and fruity medium-bodied palate. It complements salmon steak perfectly.

396986    (D)            750 mL    $15.95   

This brilliant rosé is bursting with vibrant cherry and raspberry fruit flavours. Dry and juicy with a hint of melon, this lush, medium-bodied wine is an ideal match for salads, grilled salmon or chicken dishes.

34314    (D)            750 mL    $11.95   

                             

The Verdelho grape made the journey from its native Portugal to Australia sometime in the 19th century. Today, it remains an important variety in Hunter Valley where it makes vibrant, full-bodied wines like this one. Perfect for summer time, it’s fresh and fragrant with tropical fruit aromas and flavours, lively acidity and a clean, lingering finish. Enjoy with pasta salad.

29470    (D)            750 mL    $14.95   

677641    (D)            750 mL    $20.95   

943399    (XD)            750 mL    $49.95   

Maison Chapoutier has long been a dominant producer in France’s Rhône valley but it is 7th generation winemaker Michel Chapoutier who has raised that status to legendary. His boundless energy, pioneering spirit and fascination with terroir inspired him to establish vineyards in Australia in the late 1990s. He has significantly raised the profile of the Mount Benson region with his Domaine Tournon vineyard. This Shiraz nicely balances the Aussie and Rhône styles with spicy, savoury aromas, lovely blackberry fruit flavours, terrific balance and a lingering finish.

24968    (XD)            750 mL    $28.95   

25379    (XD)            750 mL    $23.95   

689927    (XD)            750 mL    $19.95   

606624    (XD)            750 mL    $19.95   

24091    (XD)            750 mL    $19.95   

24653    (XD)            750 mL    $24.95   

Hugel’s Gentil is what is known as a field blend. In the past, some vineyards would be planted with a variety of different vines. To make life easier, the winery would pick all the fruit together and make it into a wine. The blend is usually a secret but, since this is Alsace, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer and Pinot Blanc would be a fairly accurate guess. A great match for seared scallops.

367284    (MD)            750 mL    $14.95   

Christophe Mittnacht contends that only soil that has been properly cared for can produce wines of depth and true character. Full-flavoured and food-friendly, this round, smooth wine has loads of ripe peach and mineral character and just a hint of spice.

Our Quality Assurance laboratory has determined that this organic wine contains 12 mg/l of free sulphur.

30726    (D)            750 mL    $18.95   

29884    (XD)             750 mL    $64.95   

28050    (D)            750 mL    $42.95   

29876    (XD)            750 mL    $39.95   

This second wine of Château Bouscaut is owned and managed by Sophie Lurton. The estate’s vineyards are mostly Merlot with some Cabernet Sauvignon and a little Malbec. Fermented in stainless steel tanks and then matured in barrels for 14 months, this elegant wine displays ripe cassis and cherry fruit flavours as well as some spicy notes.

28076    (D)            750 mL    $27.95   

Château Notton is owned and run by Henri Lurton, who also owns Château Brane-Cantenac. The vineyard is located on a small plot of the Brane-Cantenac estate, and is neighbour to Château Desmirail, another Lurton property, which we are also featuring (028050, on this page). Château Notton is a classic Margaux. Enjoy this undiscovered gem with roast lamb or beef anytime over the 5 to 7 years.

28043    (D)            750 mL    $34.95   

653584    (XD)            750 mL    $25.95   

Unlike the wines of nearby Bourgueil AC, those produced on the lighter soil of Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil tend to be fresher, early-drinking wines ideal for simple pasta with a red meat sauce or grilled herbed chicken dishes.

30213    (D)            750 mL    $16.95   

640482    (XD)            375 mL    $18.95   
959999    (XD)            750 mL    $37.95   

Assyrtiko is a highly-regarded white grape able to hold on to its acidity in Greece’s hot climate. Grown in quantity in the Halkidiki region and blended with Sauvignon Blanc, it makes a crisp, refreshing cooler of a wine fit for a hot summer’s afternoon.

26575    (D)            750 mL    $13.95   

Located at the heart of Crete, outside of the village of Skalani lies the southernmost of the Boutari estate vineyards. This single estate red wine is made with the indigenous Greek grapes Kotsifali and Mandelaria. The Kotsifali brings softeness to the powerful, forceful and occasionally tannic Mandelaria. Both these grapes are known for creating exceptional wines especially from Crete. Try it with lamb.

26484    (D)            750 mL    $19.95   

... [In the Benevento zone], producers such as Domenico Ocone actively pursue strictly organic farming, using only biological materials in the vineyards and doing much of the work by hand – “the old-fashioned, laborious way, the way the Greeks and Etruscans did it,” he jokes. “We knew we were on the right track when the little yellow birds began nesting in the vineyards,” he says. “Now they are a big part of our insect control.” (Tom Maresca, Quarterly Review of Wines, Winter 2006/07) Ocone is not officially organic or biodynamic, but they practice many if not all the edicts. Falanghina is a very fragrant, intensely flavoured white wine that is a fine natural partner for mildly spicy foods.

30221    (D)            750 mL    $15.95   

The Arneis grape is originally from Roero, a region of sandy conical hills on the bank of the Tanaro River in Piedmont. By the 1970s, this variety, sometimes known as white Barolo, had almost disappeared. It regained popularity in the 80s due to a resurgence of interest in Piedmontese whites. Crisp and refreshing with fresh citrus fruit flavours, zippy acidity and a long harmonious finish.

26146    (D)            750 mL    $16.95   

Villa Giada’s Moscato d’Asti is consistently expressive in its fruit flavours (particularly lemon, lime blossom, muscat grape, tangerine and peach). The frizzante character adds a liveliness to the wine that keeps the residual sweetness nicely in balance. Try with coffee-flavoured ice cream with fresh strawberries.

699900    (M)            750 mL    $15.95   

Santa Margherita, the excellent Northern Italian house behind our number one selling Pinot Grigio (106450, $16.95, VINTAGES Essentials Collection) has travelled to the far southern tip of the country (Sicily) to source the grapes for this delicious, fruit-forward, ripe and round Chardonnay. It is perfectly paired with their equally warm-climate Shiraz (028977, $18.95), also available in this release. Enjoy it with pan-fried freshwater or barbecued chicken.

28985    (D)            750 mL    $16.95   

Fausto Maculan is one of northern Italy’s finest producers. His wines are appreciated for their elegance and finesse. Enjoy this Pinot Grigio with flavourful fish dishes or pasta with a simple sauce and a few slivers of black truffle or a drizzle of truffle oil.

734921    (XD)            750 mL    $14.95   

Tenuta Sant’Antonio is owned and operated by the four Castagnedi brothers: Armando, Tiziano, Massimo, and Paolo. Their father owned a vineyard but sent the grapes he grew to a co-operative winegrowers’ association he founded. In 1989, the sons purchased 30 ha of land to add to their father’s original 20 ha and began producing their own wine. Having grown up in the vineyards, the Castagnedis continued their hands-on approach and now produce a line of highly-respected wines.

29843    (XD)             750 mL    $17.95   

A vibrant, fresh wine that shows its best in the first 3-5 years, this Dolcetto is classic for its variety with aromas and flavours of sour cherry and almond. A delicous, lighter red for simple fish dishes, or pasta with a light red sauce, it can also be chilled for 20 minutes and enjoyed as a sipper.

26187    (D)            750 mL    $21.95   

713354    (XD)            750 mL    $32.95   

Travaglini’s home base is the little-known Coste della Sesia DOC, located near Gattinari. Here, they create a more fruit forward wine using the legendary Piedmont grape, Nebbiolo. Where Barolo, Barbaresco and even Gattinari are legendary for their longevity in the cellar, this version gives you an excellent opportunity to try this great grape, in a drinkable style at a value price.

30353    (D)            750 mL    $17.95   

Girelli Syrah Virtuoso is sourced from a superior vineyard on the western shore of Sicily. The heat of the Mediterranean is countered by the cooling sea breeze leading to a near perfectly balanced Syrah. It has impressive ripe berry nose and a palate that has a good heft to it. It is deep, ripe and flavourful, nicely balanced by crisp acidity. Try it now with gourmet burgers or sausages.

23440    (XD)            750 mL    $21.95   

Grown near the hot region near Marsala, Poderi del Sole’s vineyards are situated 300 metres above sea level. The resulting Nero d’Avola are rich in cherry, floral tones, wild raspberry and underbrush. Fruity, intense, this red is a good choice for barbecued back ribs.

26054    (D)            750 mL    $15.95   

Alto Adige’s Santa Margherita wanted to make a fruit forward, Mediterranean-meets-New-World red wine. To do it and stay in Italy, they sourced the grapes from the hotter climate area of Sicily. The result is this vibrant, blackberry- and pepper-scented Shiraz that is the perfect wine for barbecued steaks, hamburgers or gourmet sausages.

28977    (D)            750 mL    $18.95   

672337    (XD)            750 mL    $47.95   

963199    (D)            750 mL    $44.95   

651141    (XD)            750 mL    $61.95   

ANTINORI SOLAIA  2003
IGT Toscana

TASTING NOTE: Fantastic aromas of crushed blackberry, licorice and strawberry. Full-bodied, with rich, velvety tannins and a long, fruity finish. Fruit-forward and exciting. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best after 2008.  Score - 95.  (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 31, 2006)

987586    (XD)            750 mL    $149.95   

683474    (XD)            750 mL    $45.95   

Resembling a good Chianti Classico, this Sangiovese-domainated wine, with a 25% dollop of Merlot, exhibits ripe aromas of blackberry, spicy oak and a hint of black pepper. It is dry, very well-structured with a long, focused fruit/tannin/crisp finish. Try it with roast beef reheated Italian-style in a beef broth with onions and garlic.

662197    (XD)            750 mL    $15.95   

The blend here is 90% Prugnolo Gentile (a local name for Sangiovese), 5% Mammolo and 5% Canaiolo. Sangiovese gives the wine structure, finesse, cherry/berry fruitiness and an earthiness, the heavily perfumed red grape Mammolo brings a lovely aroma of violets to the finished wine and Canaiolo adds a certain softness to the final blend. The wines mature for 24 months in Slavonic 35 hectoliter barrels and then a further 6 months in bottle. It is fairly tannic, meaning it will definitely reward 3-5+ years in a cellar, or match it tonight to roast beef.

674283    (XD)            750 mL    $32.95   

23408    (XD)            750 mL    $21.95   

This wine is so intense, it should be reserved for drinking alongside a roast with a concentrated demi-glace. To make a perfect pairing, add a few finely diced dried fruits to the sauce – things like black cherries, peaches, cranberries, or figs. (Wes Marshall, www.austinchronicle.com, Aug. 13, 2004)

28027    (D)            750 mL    $78.95   

A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot and 5% Malbec, Capo di Stato has intense, ripe berry/cherry aromas and flavours with a fine layer of tannins for balance. Put it in the cellar for up to five years, or enjoy it tonight with rare roast beef or lamb.

356295    (XD)            750 mL    $29.95   

This is the partner to our best-selling white wine (Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio, 106450, $16.95, VINTAGES Essentials Collection) This partly barrique-aged Merlot is exceptionally versatile. Try with seared tuna, roast chicken, beef or pasta in tomato sauce.

933333    (XD)            750 mL    $16.95   

24471    (XD)            750 mL    $17.95   

This wine is made using the popular Ripasso method, where grape skins used for the production of Amarone are added back into the Valpolicella, starting a refermentation that increases the weight and body of the wine. This complex wine has forceful raspberry, cherry and toasty oak aromas. It is soft and round with a hint of tannin for balance. A highly pleasant wine that will match grilled barbecue fare or richer pasta sauces.

29850    (D)            750 mL    $18.95   

A slick family-owned business headed up by Salim Wardy, which began making arack back in 1893 and is now the leading producer of varietal wines ...The company owns 50 ha and sources from a further 50 ha under contract. They now make 500K bottles per year ... [Salim Wardy said]: “in certain areas of Bekaa, we pay growers 25% above the market price to encourage them to stay and replant.” This Merlot is ripe, round and fruity with a good weight and finish. Match it to lamb kabobs with rice. (Richard James, www.winewriting.com, Nov. 2005)

30577    (D)            750 mL    $15.95   

718999    (XD)            750 mL    $15.95