MACROSTIE CHARDONNAY  2005
Carneros  


TASTING NOTE: Over the years, this has been a remarkably consistent wine, and the '05 is right up there in quality. Elegant and dry, it shows Carneros Chardonnay at its best, with forward tropical fruit, pear and peach flavors, and a gorgeously acidic, creamy structure. Score - 90. (Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast, May 1, 2007)

663054    (D)            750 mL    $27.95   

ASTING NOTE: Green melon, grapefruit rind, grassy, orange blossom aromas. Ripe, round, fresh, slightly oily palate with grassy, nettle, grapefruit rind, butter and gooseberry flavours. Good intensity and balance with just a touch of heat on the finish. Impressive organic sauvignon. Score - 89. (Anthony Gismondi, www.gismondionwine.com, May 27, 2007) 

Our Quality Assurance laboratory has determined that this wine contains 18 mg/L of free sulphur.

46334    (XD)            750 mL    $19.95   

ChÂteau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay 2005
Columbia Valley  


TASTING NOTE: A distinctive Chardonnay, popping hints of nutmeg and mineral notes through the racy pear and sage flavors, which linger on the finish. Drink now through 2011. Score - 88. (Harvey Steiman, www.winespectator.com, June 15, 2007)

232439    (XD)            750 mL    $17.95   

Beringer was established in 1876 and the 'Third Century' line commemorates the beginning of their third century in business. Rich and velvety, this Merlot serves up abundant aromas of berry and cherry with hints of chocolate. A memorable wine drinking experience at a value price.

45211    (XD)            750 mL    $24.95   

CLOS DU VAL OAK VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON  2002
Napa Valley, Stags Leap District, Estate Btld.  


TASTING NOTE: There is a real trade off between very deep and impressively extracted fruit and aggressive tannins at work here, and there is no question that this gritty and gutsy young wine will take its time in coming of age. There is also no doubt that it has the strength and stuffing to hold up for years, and its glimmers of ripe plums, cassis and dark chocolate are promise enough to earn it endorsement and a place in the cellar where it can rest for ten years. Score - 88. Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wines, Aug. 2006)

720961    (XD)            750 mL    $67.95   

DUCKHORN VINEYARDS MERLOT  2004
Napa Valley  


TASTING NOTE: There's a beautiful Merlot in here but you're going to have to paddle against the powerful tannins to find it. It brings to mind the old Duckhorn Three Palms Merlots, which were similarly tough and tannic in youth, but aged well. This wine is ripe in chocolate, blackberry, cassis, coconut macaroon and plum sauce flavors, but needs four or five years to begin to come around. A Cellar Selection. Score - 90. (Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast, Jan. 3, 2007) 

992529    (XD)            750 mL    $64.95   

Paul Dolan is an icon in the wine world, not only for putting the acclaimed Fetzer Vineyards on the map, but also because of his long held commitment to organic wine practices. Naturally, this Zinfandel is made with organically grown grapes producing a wine of pure berry fruit and distinctive peppery spice flavours. Delicious with spaghetti in a creamy pancetta sauce. Our Quality Assurance laboratory has determined that this wine contains 23 mg/L of free sulphur.

46342    (D)            750 mL    $21.95   

DoÑa Paula Estate Shiraz-Malbec  2005
Mendoza  


TASTING NOTE: The wines of Doña Paula represent the new Argentina: high-quality, distinctive wines that are truly undervalued. Shiraz (syrah) and malbec may seem an unlikely couple, but they really do go well together ... Doña Paula's 2005 version is a stylish, elegant wine packed with red and black fruit flavors. I would love to taste this wine again after it's had five more years of aging. (Richard Kinssies, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Oct. 11, 2006) 

998492    (D)            750 mL    $16.95   

The discovery of the terroirs in the foothills of the Andes was a true revelation for Jacques and François Lurton. Their Domaine now ranks among Argentina's very best. The Gran Lurton is a big, structured wine with intense aromas of dark fruit and attractive notes of chocolate. Enjoy this hearty red with steak or braised beef.

980334    (D)            750 mL    $20.95   

Santa Julia's Malbec Reserva was a Silver Medal winner at the 2006 Japan Wine Challenge. Aged for 10 months in French oak, this rich, full-flavoured wine offers intense aromas of plum and coffee with accents of spice and smoke. An excellent match for beef Bourguignon on a cool autumn's eve.

665026    (D)            750 mL    $13.95   

This crisp, well-balanced Viognier has intense citrus and apricot aromas with subtle hints of tropical fruit. A lovely aperitif or delicious complement to seared duck breast.

45138    (D)            750 mL    $15.95   

Los Vascos GRANDE RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON  2004
Colchagua Valley  
(Domaines Barons de Rothschild [Lafite])


TASTING NOTE: A balanced specimen, from front to back and top to bottom. The nose deals smooth fruit touched up by chocolate and a whiff of mint, while the mouth is spicy and herbal but also saturated with dark berry notes and touches of the forest. Stout in terms of feel, with cheek-to-cheek depth. Score - 90. (Michael Schachner, www.wineenthusiast.com, Nov.2006) 

32078    (XD)            750 mL    $17.95   

A Silver Medal winner at the 2007 Wines of Chile International Wine Challenge. Here's a little gem from a lesser-known Chilean producer. This elegant Carménère offers a palate that is smooth and rich. Enjoy with roast rack of lamb or braised duck breast.

44008    (D)            750 mL    $14.95   

Since opening in 1996, Annie's Lane winery has commanded over 350 awards at local and international wine shows. This Chardonnay was made with fruit sourced entirely from the Clare Valley. Its soft straw colour with green hues is a prelude to peach, nectarine and melon fruit on the nose. These scents develop into lively varietal fruit flavours (the warm vintage ensured good fruit intensity) with complex oak characters on a creamy, refined palate. Ideal for Thanksgiving dinner.

59105    (D)            750 mL    $17.95   

This Moscato is light and aromatic with lifted fruit characters and balanced sweetness. Enjoy well-chilled on a mild September evening. A lovely aperitif or complement to fruit-based desserts.

43968    (MS)            750 mL    $15.95   

Wine of the Month
Clarence Hill Cabernet Sauvignon  2004
McLaren Vale, South Australia  


TASTING NOTE: A big, rich wine with licorice from the oak, spice from the alcohol and sweetness from the fruit. The nose is somewhat shy; the palate long, lingering and very juicy. Score - **** 1/2 (out of 5). (Winestate, Sept./Oct. 2006) 

43729    (XD)            750 mL    $18.95   

Tantalus, a figure from Greek mythology, was perpetually tantalized by water and fruit that he could see but not reach. Those who pick up this beautiful red blend (59% Shiraz, 28% Cabernet, 8% Malbec and 5% Merlot) will not be disappointed by its abundant flavours of red and black berries and hints of spice, pepper and mocha. Perfect for grilled steaks or gourmet pizza. A great value.

721589    (XD)            750 mL    $16.95   

A Gold Medal winner at the 2006 Royal Hobart International Wine Show. This McLaren Vale Cab offers good fruit concentration, complexity and intense flavours of cassis and blackberry as well as wisps of dried herbs and spice. It's not too late to fire up the barbecue and enjoy this with a juicy grilled steak.

567917    (XD)            750 mL    $19.95   

This lovely red blend is matured for an average of 10 months in a combination of new, one- and two-year-old French and American oak. Medium-bodied with attractive aromas and flavours of dark plums and violets with an underlying caramel oak texture, it is complemented by supple tannins and a soft acidity. Ideally suited to beef, lamb, or pork.

511600    (XD)            750 mL    $19.95   

YALUMBA Barossa SHIRAZ & VIOGNIER  2004
Barossa Valley, South Australia  


TASTING NOTE: The outstanding 2004 Shiraz/Viognier (95% and 5% respectively) offers an exotic, flamboyant nose of blackberries and flowers along with wonderful intensity, richness, fruit, and glycerin. Enjoy it over the next 3-4 years. Drink 2006-2010. Score - 90. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2006) 

524926    (D)            750 mL    $19.95   

DORNIER MERLOT  2004
WO Stellenbosch  


TASTING NOTE: Fine tannins & minerals underpin poised, well fruited 04; sugared plum character tempts on first sip, encourages return visits. [Aged for 18 months in a combination of new and 2nd fill French oak.] Score - ***** (out of 5). (Cathy van Zyl, M.W., John Platter South African Wines, 2007) 

694224    (XD)            750 mL    $15.95   

Zind-Humbrecht GewÜrztraminer Wintzenheim  2005
AC Alsace  


TASTING NOTE: Nuanced aromas of yellow plum, cinnamon and cardamom. This has alcohol and residual sugar similar to the 2004 bottling but shows more weight and richness, with very ripe suggestions of mirabelle and marzipan. Conveys a chewy impression of extract, with good lift from its aromatic spice component. Tactile and long on the aftertaste. Quite plump but not at all overly sweet. Score - 89. (Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, July/Aug. 2007) 

918078    (MD)            750 mL    $35.95   

Made with a blend of Sémillon, Sauvignon and Muscadelle that have all been touched by noble rot (Botrytis cinera), Château Septy's Monbazillac has a rich peach, pear, honey and apricot nose. It is a worthy substitute for Sauternes, and a terrific value. Enjoy it with fresh fruit cocktails (you can even sprinkle some over the fruit) or mature cheeses.

31625    (MS)            375 mL    $9.95   

Harvested at perfect ripeness, the Viognier grapes are pressed then fermented and aged for five to six months in oak barrels. The resulting wine is full of honeysuckle, orange marmalade, peach and tropical fruit aromas and flavours. The producer recommends enjoying this wine with white fish in cream sauce dishes such as Sole à la Normande.

41871    (D)            750 mL    $19.95   

Cave des Clairmonts makes their white Crozes-Hermitage exclusively from the Marsanne grape. It creates a full-bodied and flavourful wine with aromas that suggest honeysuckle, almonds and paraffin. If you are looking for a weighty wine to substitute for Chardonnay, this would be an excellent, if adventurous, alternative.

41905    (D)            750 mL    $26.95   

St-Georges St-Émilion is a satellite appellation of the prestigious St-Émilion. In great VINTAGES, such as 2000, it offers excellent value for money. This Bordeaux will now be showing some maturing so you can expect developed aromas of wet earth and dried leaves. Bottled without filtration, this wine will throw some sediment. Stand it upright for an hour or two before serving, then decant it, if you do not like sediment in your glass.

45187    (XD)            750 mL    $26.95   

CHÂTEAU LES GRANDS CHÊNES ROUGE  2004
AC Médoc, Cru Bourgeois Supérieur  
(Bernard Magrez, Prop.)

TASTING NOTE: Aromas of new saddle leather, fleshy black cherries and black currants, and underbrush appear in this soft, opulent, complex, delicious effort. A sleeper of the vintage, it should drink beautifully for 5-6 years.
Score - 88. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, June 2007) 

43836    (XD)            750 mL    $36.95   

This Merlot-dominated wine is created in a fruit-forward style making it ideal for grilled backribs or braised beef dishes. Our Quality Assurance laboratory has determined that this organic wine contains 27 mg/l of free sulphur.

43752    (D)            750 mL    $18.95   

Tentation translates as 'temptation'. In order to retain the bright fruit flavours, the Château does not wood age this wine. Enjoy this cassis- and plum-scented wine with grilled steaks.

43661    (D)            750 mL    $21.95   

The Hospices de Beaujeu, located in Beaujeu, the capital of the region, was first established in the 15th century as a hospital for the aged. It functions as such to this day, aided by the generous contributions from 250 benefactors who provide everything from monetary support to vineyard properties. Some of those donated vineyards produced this cherry-scented, flavourful wine that is a good match for pink-fleshed fish such as salmon or trout.

46862    (D)            750 mL    $22.95   

A blend of 85% Syrah and 15% Grenache, the majority of the wines are matured in stainless steel, while a small portion is aged in seasoned barriques. As a result, the wine is quite fruit-forward with soft tannins. Raspberry and plum aromas and flavours dominate this pretty wine. Enjoy it with grilled gourmet sausages or lamb chops.

43042    (D)            750 mL    $14.95   

Founded in 1859, the Caves des Papes name has been a symbol for some of the finest wines from the Rhône Valley. A blend of Grenache (80%), Syrah (10%), Mourvèdre (5%) and Cinsault (5%) and aged for 12 months in large wooden vats, this fruity/spicy wine is ripe and round with a pleasing core of tannins bringing structure. Enjoy with roast quail or dishes with Provençal herbs.

978262    (XD)            750 mL    $37.95   

A small domaine (20 ha) now run by the brothers Jacques and Jean-Louis Pradelle, it produces only 8,500 cases a year of beautifully crafted, deeply coloured, rich Syrahs. To add layers of flavour, they mature the wines for nine months in a combination of new and seasoned French barriques. The wine is cherry-, plum-, leather- and smoke-scented with a soft, well-balanced finish. Enjoy with grilled steaks.

674192    (XD)            750 mL    $21.95   

An elegant and approachable blend of Grenache and Syrah, with an environmental conscience. The Perrin brothers of Château de Beaucastel fame have been practicing organic methods for decades, and this is one of their finest examples. The half bottle makes it ideal when it is just the two of you over a plate of pasta with meat sauce. Our Quality Assurance laboratory has determined that this organic wine contains 9 mg/l of free sulphur.

10363    (XD)            375 mL    $9.95  

Buzet is up the Garonne River from Bordeaux producing exciting, value-priced wines from the same grape varieties as its neighbour. The vast majority of Buzet wines are made by the Les Vignerons de Buzet co-op. A few producers, such as Eric Pozzoli, proprietor of Domaine de la Croix, have struck out on their own, producing flavourful wines such as this Cabernet/Merlot blend. Made in a fruit-forward style, this wine is an excellent choice for tonight's grilled beef dish or cellar it for up to four years.

43075    (D)            750 mL    $16.95   

This very popular Riesling, part of Rainer Lingenfelder's "Vineyard Creatures" collection, is an excellent sipper. It will also complement lightly spiced Asian foods.

568634    (MD)            750 mL    $14.95   

LINGENFELDER RIESLING SPÄTLESE  2003
QmP, Grosskarlbacher Osterberg, Est. Btld.  


TASTING NOTE: A fine spatlese with some classic Riesling elements. Enticing nose combines lemon candy, lime and mineral fragrances. Medium dry with good fruit focus and acidity. Well balanced with good length. Will last several years. Drink 2006-2012. A good price for a classic style of wine. Score - 89. (Jeff Davis, Wine Access ‘First In Line E-Report', Feb. 18, 2006) 

928192    (M)            750 mL    $21.95   

A Gold Medal winner at this year's 7th Annual Thessaloniki International Wine Competition. The Boutari Santorini is a fresh, white wine with an exuberant citrusy aroma. Dry, lively with a rich body and a lingering aromatic aftertaste. Perfect with calamari or seared scallops.

47985    (D)            750 mL    $15.95   

Made with a blend of 80% Furmint and 20% Haslevelu, the 2002 vintage was a near perfect vintage for this legendary Hungarian sweet wine. An early Indian Summer of warm days, cool nights and foggy mornings led to the creation of first-class botrytis-affected berries for the making of the Aszú wines. The wine was matured for three years in barrel before bottling, resulting in a honeyed elixir with dried fruit, apricot, banana and pineapple aromas and flavours and supported by a zesty vein of acidity. Enjoy it chilled with nuts, foie gras or blue-veined cheeses.

47209    (S)            500 mL    $34.95   

Moscato d'Asti is aromatically intense and slightly sweet, making it a terrific wine to sip at a reception or to end a fine dinner. It has a slight frizzante giving it a lovely refreshing quality. Its low alcohol (5.5% alc./vol.) means that you can be a very responsible host. It is also enjoyable with a variety of cheeses, spicy Asian food and fruit-based desserts.

746479    (MS)            750 mL    $16.95   

MACULAN PINOT GRIGIO  2006
  


TASTING NOTE: A reliable and fresh pinot grigio that grabs your attention with some fruity freshness and a hint of mineral complexity. Combination of apple, pear and flinty/mineral lift. Dry with citrusy fruit streaked with mineral and just a hint of dried herbs. Clean and fresh with good acidity and some fruit depth for the money. Good match for seafood pasta. Score - 86. (Jeff Davis, Wine Access ' Lawrason E-Report ', May 26, 2007) 

734921    (XD)            750 mL    $14.95   

A crisp and delicious wine that is ideal for simply prepared foods, such as fried rice, grilled fish, pan-fried chicken breast, fresh or semi-mature cheese, vegetable flans and omelettes.

51631    (XD)            750 mL    $15.95   

Brothers Carlo and Adriano Spinelli produced their premiere version of Tatone, their first wood-aged wine, in 1997. Tatone, a word from the local dialect, means grandfather. The name reflects the strength and authority the brothers feel are characteristic of this complex, powerful wine. Match it to rich beef- or lamb-based stews.

994616    (D)            750 mL    $15.95   

The Drei Donà family's Sangiovese Riserva has been awarded Gambero Rosso's coveted 'Tre Bicchiere' (Three Glasses) several times. The wine's pedigree literally wafts out of the glass offering an exquisite bouquet of forest berry and cherry and toasted wood notes. Delicious with meat ravioli.

667394    (XD)            750 mL    $37.95   

Michele Chiarlo's Barbera d'Asti Le Orme is made in a fruit-forward style. The aromas suggest blueberry, cherry, underbrush and a hint of oak. This is a ripe and generous wine from one of Piedmont's best producers. Serve it with veal tenderloin and wild rice risotto.

917518    (XD)            750 mL    $17.95   

Altesino Rosso  2004
IGT Toscana  
(Cantine di Palazzo Altesi da Altesino)


TASTING NOTE: An exceptional bargain, this tank-aged blend of 80% Sangiovese and the rest Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon comes across like the "poor person's" Brunello di Montalcino. It exhibits a pronounced nose of sweet berries, forest floor, fresh mushrooms, and spice. Wonderful fruit, medium to full body, surprising opulence and flesh, and a long, heady finish suggest it will last for 3-4 years. Score - 90. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, June 2006) 

658369    (XD)            750 mL    $18.95   

Il Borro Rosso  2004
IGT Toscana  


TASTING NOTE: The Ferragamo family has owned this property, located outside Arezzo, since 1993. Winemaking is overseen by consulting oenologist Niccolo d'Afflitto. The estate's medium-bodied 2004 Il Borro presents an elegant nose followed by fragrant notes of black cherries, licorice and sweet toasted oak. Warm and ample on the palate, its layers of flavor gradually open, revealing outstanding length, fine tannins and a refined, resonating finish. This blend of 50% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah and 5% Petit Verdot spent 18 months in French oak. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2019. Score - 91. (Antonio Galloni, www.erobertparker.com, June 2007) 


661769    (XD)            750 mL    $53.95   

Though there were no reviews available at press time, this big Brunello is accustomed to receiving scores in the 90s from Wine Spectator. Released after three years of oak cask ageing and at least six months in bottle, this full-bodied red delivers lovely aromas of currants and berries with notes of vanilla. Enjoy now with meat-based pastas or give it room to grow with 3-5 years in the cellar.

650432    (XD)            750 mL    $53.95   

On the Back Cover
FARINA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO  2003
DOC  


TASTING NOTE: A ripe, jammy, forcefully flavourful Amarone with aromas of raspberry, cocoa, plum and blackberry. Dry, plump and generous. Full-bodied and long finishing wine that would match well with lamb with a rich wine sauce.
( VINTAGES panel, March 2007) 

995910    (XD)            750 mL    $38.95   

In his Wine Lover's Diary entry for February 23, 2007, Tony Aspler discussed a wine and food pairing event he attended at the chi-chi North 44 restaurant in Toronto featuring the wines of Marchesi Armando Fumanelli. One of the wines served, which was paired with braised oxtail risotto with shaved truffles and chives, was the 2000 vintage of the Valpol Squarano. He commented "A wonderful meal with beautifully balanced wines". (Tony Aspler, www.tonyaspler.com)

28944    (D)            750 mL    $26.95   

The Versato Merlot has a full and persistent nose of morello cherries and plum, tinged with vanilla and violet flowers. These aromas and its fresh, dry and harmonious palate will charm your dinner guests. Terrific with flavourful pastas or aged cheeses.

933333    (D)            750 mL    $16.95   

The Dionysos-Mereni Winery dates back to 1959. When it was privatized in 1995, the focus shifted from old-fashioned, oxidative wines to the more modern, fruit-forward style, such as this wine demonstrates. A terrific match for pan-fried chicken breast with spicy paprika.

905638    (D)            750 mL    $11.95   

Exclusively made with Alvarinho (known as Albariño in Spain), the grape's thick skin allows it to stand up to the cool, damp climate of Vinho Verde to create snapping fresh wines that are excellent palate refreshers or a fine dinner companion for a variety of shellfish dishes.

40642    (XD)            750 mL    $18.95   

Touriga Franca is considered one of the finest grapes used in Port production. As a dry table wine, it produces wines that are medium deep in colour with aromas of wild flowers, cherry, raspberry and plum. Medium full-bodied, it is forcefully fruity with a good acid and tannin core for structure. Match it to pot roast with root vegetables and garlic potatoes.

40022    (D)            750 mL    $21.95   

Sogrape's Callabriga is produced from mostly Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo) with Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional in a supporting role. The wine is designed to demonstrate New World winemaking styles using the grapes and vineyards that reflect the best of Portugal. Enjoy it with grilled backribs.

682591    (XD)            750 mL    $18.95   

BODEGAS CASTAÑO HÉCULA  2004
DO Yecla  


TASTING NOTE: The 2004 Hecula is a single vineyard selection of 100% Monastrell, 50% tank aged and 50% aged in French oak. It is slightly less ebullient but more serious than its younger sibling. Exhibiting aromas of toasty black fruits with milk chocolate in the background, this is a super-rich effort with terrific depth and concentration for its humble price. It is a remarkable value for drinking over the next few years. Score - 91. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2007) 

718999    (XD)            750 mL    $15.95   

The Borsao Borja co-operative has revolutionized the region with its young, intensely fruity reds that have won a large following in export markets and shown the way to the future for the [Campo de Borja] DO. (Jancis Robinson and Victor de la Serna, The Oxford Companion to Wine, 3rd Edition, 2006). This Crianza is a blend of Garnacha, Tempranillo and Merlot. Match it to rich cuts of beef.

40782    (D)            750 mL    $19.95   

Marques de Valcarlos Tempranillo/Cabernet Reserva  1999
DO Navarra  


TASTING NOTE: Medium ruby/garnet colour with a very attractive nose of cassis, dried roses and sweet spice. Dry with very ripe fruit surrounded by fine tannins. Medium full-bodied with a very long, structured finish. Enjoy it with rare roast beef or age it 4+ years. ( VINTAGES panel, June 2007) 

928853    (D)            750 mL    $16.95   

Arrive in Style
MarquÉs de Vitoria Reserva  1998
DOCa Rioja  


TASTING NOTE: Clean, delicate fruit on the nose. Lovely ripe fruit, beautifully balanced with tannins and acidity. Delicious finish. Drink up to 2008. Score - **** (out of 5). (www.decanter.com)


40428    (XD)            750 mL    $23.95   

This great valued Ribera del Duero has plenty of ripe black fruit flavours with hints of black pepper and vanilla. It is medium- to full-bodied with soft tannins and a long, even finish. A great all-purpose wine that would be equally at home at dinner parties with good friends or romantic meals with loved ones.

674465    (XD)            750 mL    $16.95   

VIÑA SALCEDA RESERVA  2001
DOCa Rioja  


TASTING NOTE: This solid red delivers ripe cherry, plum and raisin flavors, with notes of tobacco and smoke over firm tannins. Harmonious and still fresh, with a juicy finish. Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuelo. Drink now through 2012.
Score - 88. (Thomas Matthews, www.winespectator.com, Nov. 15, 2006) 

944801    (XD)            750 mL    $26.95