Botrytis cinera is a fungus that is responsible for many of the world's great dessert wines including Sauternes and Hungarian Tokaji. It shrivels the grapes which concentrates the sugars and acids, as well as adding a distinctly 'wild' quality to the wines. Henry of Pelham reserves a small, low-lying block of Riesling in hopes that once every five years they get the warm days, cool nights and foggy mornings needed to create these unique wines. Enjoy this rich, complex wine with a selection of fine artisan cheeses.

534628    (S)            375 mL    $34.95     

For decades, Inniskillin has led the charge to produce world-class wines in Ontario. Their Vidal Icewine is a proven favourite at home and abroad. The complex aromas of creamy peach, apricot, nectarine, candied citrus peel and honey flavours always deliver. It's quite versatile, pairing nicely with strong cheeses, pumpkin or mincemeat pies.

551085    (S)            375 mL    $54.95     

FLAT ROCK CELLARS GRAVITY PINOT NOIR  2004
VQA Niagara Peninsula  


TASTING NOTE: A lilac and earthy nose introduce this beautifully balanced red. Round and smooth flavours of spiced plums and black cherry fruit abound on the mid palate and it has been carefully complemented with deftly handled oak and well integrated acidity. Enough ripe and smooth tannin to help it cellar until 2010, but why wait? Boeuf bourguignon would be proud to be served alongside. Score - ****1/2 (out of 5). (Vic Harradine, www.winecurrent.com, June 2006) 

1560    (XD)            750 mL    $29.95     

Creekside's Rosé is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and a bit of Shiraz made in the traditional Saignée method. This wine has the structure and complexity to match with grilled salmon, pizza, mussels and grilled vegetable dishes.

48819    (D)            750 mL    $12.95     

Pinot Meunier is one of the three main varietals used in Champagne. It is rare to see it as a single varietal wine. Regardless, its natural fruitiness makes it an ideal choice for rosé. Pleasant aromas of strawberry and light-red fruits are backed up by a fine vein of acidity. This is the perfect wine to pair with some pan-seared Ontario trout.

53470    (D)            750 mL    $14.95     

Happy Canyon Savvy is a vibrant and lively wine that was fermented three different ways: 1/3 in stainless steel for aromatics and zinginess, 1/3 in new French oak barrels to add a touch of toastiness and 1/3 in neutral French oak barrels to add richness on the palate. The resulting wine is complex with flavours of Anjou pear, dried apricots, hints of fresh herbs and vanilla, and has a long creamy finish. Try it with with flaky white fish, served with a citrus-infused beurre blanc.

46359    (D)            750 mL    $31.95   

New at VINTAGES
KALI HART CHARDONNAY  2005
Monterey County  
(Robert Talbott)


TASTING NOTE: Lovely pineapple, lemon curd and peach flavors veer toward ripe and candied, with pretty oak shadings, juicy acidity and a lingering finish. Drink now through 2010. 15,000 cases made. Score - 88. (James Laube, www.winespectator.com, July 31, 2007) 

46417    (D)            750 mL    $19.95   

CAYMUS VINEYARDS CABERNET SAUVIGNON  2004
Napa Valley  


TASTING NOTE: Aromas of herb, currant and cedar are richer and fuller on the palate. Firms up, with dried currant, earth, vanilla bean and herbal sage notes. The tannins are tight. Decant. Drink now through 2011. Score - 92. (James Laube, www.winespectator.com, Feb 28, 2007) 

222877    (D)            750 mL    $83.95   

Carignane (Carignan in France) is one of the most planted grape varieties in the world. When young or not properly pruned, it can create thin, green wines. When green harvested, low-yielding and from old vines, such as this version, it produces blackberry-, cedar- and floral-scented wines. The fruit is well-balanced by a seam of acid and ripe tannins. Enjoy with roast beef with roasted potatoes.

32177    (XD)            750 mL    $18.95   

Clos du Val is a collaboration between American businessman John Goelet and French winemaker Bernard Portet. After searching the world for a location to start a new winery, in 1972 Portet finally decided on Napa Valley. After measuring temperature fluctuations by driving around with his arm out the window, he determined that the cooler climate of Stags' Leap District was best suited to growing Bordeaux varietals. This wine displays the rich opulence associated with high-quality Merlot. Flavours of black fruit and spices are displayed on a silky texture with ripe, fine-grained tannins. This easy-to-enjoy wine embodies the winemaker's philosophy that wine should be "serious but friendly".

720953    (XD)            750 mL    $29.95   

Frog's Leap does it again with this ripe, deeply concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas of currant, blackberry and spice are picked up immediately. Dried, black fruits, cedar, leather and a touch of olive are featured on the palate. Tannins and oak combine to give the wine a soft mouth-feel and in combination with the acid of the fruit, results in a lengthy finish. Pepper steak or a heartier risotto would pair nicely with this full-flavoured Cabernet Sauvignon.

932400    (D)            750 mL    $53.95   

This wine is rich and highly extracted, but nicely balanced. Greg Norman's Lake County Zinfandel tastes of intense blackberry liqueur, blueberry and ripe raspberry with a subtle jammy component. It is framed by hints of briar and peppery spice, and offers a long, elegant finish. This is the perfect wine to accompany hand-made sausages or other gourmet, casual fare.

38042    (D)            750 mL    $23.95   

The grapes for this wine come from the same vineyards as Phelps' more famous cult wine Insignia. Innisfree Cab is a forward and approachable wine with aromas and flavours of mulled spices, red fruit, coffee and cedar, with a long, concentrated finish that lingers on the palate. Ten months in French and American oak give it a slight smokiness that makes this red a good match for grilled red meats.

38125    (D)            750 mL    $28.95   

Ultra-ripe cherry, currant and cocoa aromas and flavours dominate this vibrant Merlot from Ravenswood. It is rich enough to go with much of the flavour you will whip up around the early autumn barbecue.

505065    (D)            750 mL    $19.95   

Trivento is a producer of quality, value-priced wines. This wine is a juicy, rich Malbec that is bolstered by smaller amounts of Bonarda and Syrah. The aromas and flavours suggest dark plum notes followed by smoke and vanilla. The blend creates a rich, dense wine with a pleasing amount of depth.

37036    (D)            750 mL    $14.95   

Though it is not officially organic, Jean Bousquet employs organic cultivation techniques in its high altitude vineyards (1,200 metres), using no chemical fertilizers or pesticides. This Malbec features aromas of cherry, blackberry, chocolate, vanilla, mineral/earth and hints of smoked meat. The cherry, chocolate and spicy vanilla flavors carry through on the palate. Try it with a Mexican chili made with braised beef, cocoa and oregano.

36988    (D)            750 mL    $12.95   

COUSIÑO-MACUL ANTIGUAS RESERVAS CHARDONNAY  2006
Maipo Valley  


TASTING NOTE: Many Chilean wineries have difficulty with Chardonnay due to problems integrating oak and fruit components. Cousiño-Macul seems to have mastered the production of value-priced Chardonnay. The outstanding 2006 Chardonnay Antiguas Reservas has no such problem. Featuring toasty pear, apple, and tropical fruit aromas and flavors, it has excellent depth and concentration, superior balance, and a lengthy, pure finish. It is a great value in well-made Chardonnay competing with wines twice the price. Kudos to Cousiño-Macul for this significant upgrade to their portfolio. Score - 90. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, June 2007) 

730044    (D)            750 mL    $14.95   

New at VINTAGES
WILLIAM FÈVRE CHARDONNAY GRAN CUVEE  2006
Maipo Valley  


William Fèvre is a well-respected producer of Chablis in Burgundy who has successfully transported his expertise to Chile. The predominant flavours of this well-balanced Chardonnay - apple, pear, toast and butterscotch - are concentrated but not overwhelming. This versatile Chardonnay would go well with pasta in a cream sauce or chicken breasts stuffed with goat cheese.

45146    (D)            750 mL    $18.95   

This single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is made by New Zealander Brett Jackson from hand-picked grapes. Jackson's influence is one of the primary reasons that Valdivieso has picked up many awards at international wine competitions of late. With its dark red colour and its ripe, juicy flavour, this wine is an excellent example of a Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon. It would pair well with grilled or roast beef.

32110    (D)            750 mL    $17.95   

Chile has embraced the Bordeaux variety Carménère, and Viña Maipo has done it great justice in this vintage. The Rapel Valley presents exceptional terroir for the grape with loam, clay and sandy soils. Expect a rich, medium full-bodied red with leather, black fruit, mint and earth notes. Enjoy this wine with rare steak or pasta in a meat sauce.

663047    (D)            750 mL    $13.95   

PENMARA RESERVE SAUVIGNON BLANC  2006
Five Families/One Vision, Orange, New South Wales  


Orange is a cool climate winegrowing region in New South Wales. The vineyards for this Savvy are 950 metres above sea level, creating wines that are racy fresh with classic asparagus, peapod and passion fruit aromas and flavours. Enjoy with seafood salads.

34835    (D)            750 mL    $16.95   

YALUMBA VIOGNIER  2006
Eden Valley, South Australia  


TASTING NOTE: Viognier can sometimes be a bit oily and bland - no such problems here though. It has rich peach, pear and apricot flavours, is clean and crisp and finishes with a hint of spice. If only all viogniers were like this.
(Rick Allen, Ciao Cuisine, May 2007) 

954644    (D)            750 mL    $22.95   

Elderton 'Friends' Cabernet Sauvignon got its name because the grapes are sourced from vineyards adjacent to Elderton Estates in the Barossa Valley. It is always good to have well-connected friends. The wine is aromatic with blackcurrant, blackberry, aniseed, mint and vanilla on the nose. It is medium- to full-bodied with black fruit, dark chocolate, soft elegant tannins and a long oaky finish. A great wine to drink with friends, it will also go well with braised ribs.

595389    (D)            750 mL    $19.95   

Arrive in Style
KILIKANOON KILLERMAN'S RUN SHIRAZ  2005
South Australia  


TASTING NOTE: The 2005 Shiraz Killerman's Run, which had just been bottled (in October 2006), is unbelievably good. It possesses a deep ruby/purple color, terrific blackberry and cassis fruit, hints of charcoal, licorice, and earth, and an opulent, voluptuous personality. Enjoy this super-sexy Shiraz over the next 3-4 years.
Score - 92. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2006) 

925453    (D)            750 mL    $19.95   

On the Back Cover
LANGMEIL THREE GARDENS SHIRAZ/GRENACHE/MOURVÈDRE  2005
Barossa Valley, South Australia  


TASTING NOTE: An excellent value, the 2005 Three Gardens is a combination of 46% Shiraz, 44% Grenache, and 10% Mourvèdre from 15- to 130-year-old vineyards. This elegant blend exhibits notes of anise, wood smoke, blackberries, cherries, pepper, and earth. Surprisingly fruity and rich with wonderful intensity as well as layers of flavor, it is a southern Rhone-like effort that will provide a lovely mouthful of wine over the next 3-4 years. Score - 90. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2006) 

644047    (D)            750 mL    $19.95   

This wine exhibits classic Cabernet aromas of red and blackcurrant, cherry and cigar box with sweet vanilla and floral incense notes. A chewy medium-bodied wine with tangy red berry and cherry flavours giving way to darker plum on the back of the palate. It has good concentration and structure, making it an excellent choice for 2-5 years in the cellar. Decanting is recommended if drinking now, and it would be an excellent match with prime rib roast.

441501    (D)            750 mL    $29.95   

MITOLO JESTER SHIRAZ  2005
McLaren Vale, South Australia  


TASTING NOTE: The 2005 Shiraz Jester exhibits an opaque purple color along with sweet aromas of blackberries, charcoal, white chocolate, and espresso roast. Rich, full-bodied, heady, and long, it explodes on the back of the palate (always a good sign). Drink it over the next 5-7 years. Score - 92. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2006) 

659607    (D)            750 mL    $27.95   

TWO HANDS ANGELS SHARE SHIRAZ  2006
McLaren Vale, South Australia  


TASTING NOTE: Intensely perfumed nose offers vibrant dark berry and candied plum aromas, with an exotic twist of floral oils and baking spices. Broad and sweet in the mouth, with juicy blackberry and cassis flavors perked up by slow-building cinnamon and clove spiciness. Finishes with excellent precision and persistence.
Score - 90. (Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar, July/Aug. 2007) 

9480    (D)            750 mL    $29.95   

This wine took the Bronze trophy at the 2006 Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show in Cape Town, South Africa. Made with 80% Shiraz and 20% Pinotage, it features the peppery spice and dark plum notes of Shiraz with a bit of oakiness and vanilla on the finish. Serve this wine with spicy stews or a lamb curry.

743526    (D)            750 mL    $12.95   

The team at Rozier Bay selects the highest quality grapes from their Western Cape vineyards for this wine. Full-bodied with rich, red berry and smoke flavours, this smooth and warming red wine is delicious with or without food.

37341    (D)            750 mL    $17.95   

An international panel of judges awarded this Cabernet/Merlot blend a Gold Medal at the 2006 Michelangelo Wine Competition. Aromas of dark chocolate and blackberry lead to a palate that is concentrated and rich, with a long oaky finish and fine-grained tannins. Try this with some grilled buffalo burgers.

37465    (D)            750 mL    $19.95   

2005 is being heralded as an outstanding vintage in Burgundy, perhaps the best since 1990. The mark of a truly outstanding vintage is consistent quality through all price ranges. This village Santenay shows the ripe cherry fruit and firm structure that you expect from a good Burgundy. Currently, it seems a little tight, and will benefit from 1-3 years in the cellar.

47811    (XD)            750 mL    $37.95   

Côte de Beaune-Villages applies exclusively to the red-wine vineyards of 16 communes in the Côte de Beaune. Maison Latour not only carefully selects wines that present all the qualities of a basic Burgundy, but they also look for greater character and intensity of flavour in the finished wine. The wine is elegant, supple, light-bodied with a nose of fresh strawberry. Enjoy it tonight with a pork tenderloin or grilled salmon steaks.

43299    (XD)            750 mL    $32.95   

For years Königschaffhausen has been Baden's leading cooperative. Low yields, an ultra modern winery and the desire to produce quality wines has resulted in fantastic reliability, even with difficult grapes like Pinot Noir. The wine has a deep garnet colour, with dried berry fruits and a hint of barnyard on the nose. On the palate silky tannins, good fruit replays and balanced acids come to the fore. Serve it with Sauerbraten (pot roast with dumplings), spaetzle and red cabbage - WUNDERBAR!

460410    (D)            750 mL    $18.95   

The fruit for this Chardonnay is sourced from Dereskos's own vineyards. The juice is fermented and matured in new French barriques. The resulting wine is fruity/smoky/oaky with a good crisp acidity for balance. This is a great partner for chicken gyros, marinated octopus, shrimp stir-fry or lemon/garlic roasted potatoes.

642454    (XD)            750 mL    $13.95   

PATERNOSTER SYNTHESI AGLIANICO DEL VULTURE  2004
DOC  


TASTING NOTE: Aglianico is definitely one of Italy's unsung noble grapes. Few others share Aglianico's concentration and vibrancy, a nod to the volcanic soils in which its vines thrive. It produces a firm, medium-body wine with red fruit and mineral character. The intense palate is supported by tannins that are typical of the variety. It is an excellent match for rare red meats or cellar it 4+ years.

51672    (XD)            750 mL    $17.95   

This 100% Nebbiolo is made from estate-owned vineyards. After fermentation, the wines are aged in large oak barrels for two years. The resulting product has a nose full of red fruits, dried roses and violets. After a little swirling, truffle and tar come through. Prunotto's Barolo is dry, full-bodied and elegant with an ideal balance of extract, alcohol, acidity and tannin. Give it 5+ years in a cellar.

928721    (XD)            750 mL    $48.95   

'Tradizione del Nonno' means the "tradition of the grandfather". The Pichierri family vineyards are located in the region of Puglia. Here, the red soil is dotted by white limestone, ideal for growing the Primitivo grape, Zinfandel's Italian twin brother. For the Tradizione del Nonno, the grapes are allowed to over-mature slightly on the vine to increase the flavour, alcohol and, ultimately, add a layer of sweetness to the wine. This is a huge, robust and fruity wine with a velvety smooth finish - a perfect complement to pastas, roasts, game and sharp cheeses.

718130    (MD)            750 mL    $23.95   

Perfect for those Indian Summer barbecues, Banfi's 'Centine' is designed as a crowd-pleasing quaffer. This wine is a pleasing blend of 60% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot. You will experience hints of licorice, cherries and plums and a terrific spicy nuance.

947440    (D)            750 mL    $16.95   

Light ruby in colour, this refreshing Chianti has a lovely strawberry-dominated nose, good structure and balance with red currant, strawberry and fresh cherry flavours. Silky smooth tannins make this red extremely quaffable. Try with a selection of Italian cured meats and nothing goes better alongside pasta in a red tomato sauce.

677328    (XD)            375 mL    $12.95   

606541    (XD)            750 mL    $19.95   

Impressed by this Chianti Classico's complexity and structure, the 2005 Gambero Rosso Italian Wines guide awarded it Two Glasses out of three. Sourced exclusively from Rocca delle Macìe's Fizzano vineyard, this full-bodied, wild berry-flavoured wine is matured in French oak barrels for over two years and in bottle for an additional year before release. Enjoy it with roasts or game.

699454    (XD)            750 mL    $29.95   

To intensify the flavour profile of this wine, the grapes are picked fully ripe then allowed to dry on mats for about one month prior to pressing. The resulting wine is smooth and silky with ripe berry fruit, light spice and earth aromas and flavours. A well-priced, classic Italian table wine that will benefit a hearty pasta or any tomato-based dish.

984997    (D)            750 mL    $16.95   

The deep dark red colour of this Recioto leads to an intense nose of dried plums, cocoa and rose petals. The palate features a viscous backbone of baked plums and chocolate. The grapes underwent five months of 'apassimento' or drying before fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. The wine is then aged in Slavonic oak barrels for one year prior to bottling. Enjoy this moderately sweet version of Amarone at the end of a meal with biscotti, or some panettone.

36236    (MS)            375 mL    $26.95   

The rolling hills north of Lisbon are home to some small and mighty Quintas. One of the more successful producers is Quinta da Boavista, owners of Casa Santos Lima. Their consulting oenologist, Jose Nieve Correira, has championed the native grape varieties Periquita and Touriga Nacional over international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon. The soft touch of oak provides balance to a wine that possesses rich fruit and moderate acidity. This flexible wine is a good choice for quiet nights by the fire, when having dinner delivered seems to be the best course of action.

912667    (D)            750 mL    $17.95   

Condrieu, a tiny appellation situated on cliffs along the Rhône River south of Côte Rotie, is the birth place of and planted exclusively to Viognier. Strong winds from the north, the capricious nature of old clones and steep slopes have always made viticulture here an economic challenge. In fact, plantings of Viognier had decreased to a mere 10 hectares in the 1960's. Today, with the spotlight back on Viognier, plantings in Condrieu are at about 100 ha. Due to the limited acreage, however, it will unlikely ever be larger than this. Immensely aromatic with notes of honeysuckle and white peach, the wine, which is rich and mouth-filling, is a great food match for Szechuan cuisine or even broiled trout with a spice rub.

Syrah grown on the steep cliffs of Hermitage is capable of producing some very distinctive wines. Seigneur des Coteaux aims for elegance and richness in the finished wines, rather than weight and intensity. That way they preserve the individual characteristics of the vineyards. This red has classic aromas of blackberry, violets, pepper, a hint of dried meat and a touch of toasty oak. The balanced acidity and tannins adds elegance to this exquisitely made wine. Enjoy it with roast beef au jus or cellar it 5+ years.

Domaine Mathieu produces only 300 cases of this fine wine. White Châteauneufs are still relatively rare in our market, so enjoy this one with its lovely aromas of citrus, papaya and fresh flowers. It is beautifully balanced with a rich mouth-feel and crisp acidity. The finish shows layers of luscious fruit that makes this a rare treasure. A glorious and almost decadent wine, it will work well as an aperitif, or alongside grilled chicken with a tropical fruit salsa.

This wine is a blend of all the top white grapes of the region: (mostly) Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne, Clairette, Bourboulenc and Grenache Blanc. The colour is pale yellow with an initially delicate nose, then honeysuckle, nettle and peach skin come forward. This is a real crowd-pleaser and goes with everything. Try serving it at your next gathering with a selection of hors d'oeuvres.

Though Coudoulet de Beaucastel carries the Côtes du Rhône designation, the estate-owned vineyard is actually adjacent to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and the wine regularly achieves the quality expected of a good Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Five generations of Perrin winemaking culminate here. Aromas of candied cherries, plum, spice, and earthy tones abound. There's also volumes of juicy cherry flavours surrounded by good ripe tannins on the medium-bodied palate. Gourmets can savour it with chicken or lamb tajine.

363457    (D)            750 mL    $14.95   

Cairanne was one of the original four villages permitted to use the Côtes du Rhône-Villages appellation and is commonly regarded as the next in line to receive its own AC status. Domaine Grosset uses a blend of 50% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 25% Mourvèdre to make a wine that shows red and dark berry fruit with a good dose of pepper and medium tannins. It is an excellent choice to go with grilled veal chops coated with a Provençal herb rub.

The vineyards in the commune of Sablet are situated alongside the Gigondas AC. This classic Southern Rhône wine is a blend of 70% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre. It has rich red berry flavours with a hint of roasted herbs and a soft, round texture. A straight forward and approachable Côtes du Rhône-Villages, this is a great crowd-pleasing wine, soft enough to drink on its own and tasty enough to enjoy with casual fare.

Though Lirac is best known for rosé, Château Le Devoy Martine has proven that through low yields and precise winemaking practices, it can produce some of the best red wines in the Southern Rhône. This wine is made with a high portion of Syrah and Mourvèdre plus small amounts of Grenache and Cinsault. It exhibits black fruit with floral hints and medium firm tannins. Try it with grilled pork tenderloin skewered with a spear of fresh rosemary.

33803    (XD)            750 mL    $17.95   

The wines of Gabriel Liogier are now made by his daughter Marie-Pierre. Their Vacqueyras is made up of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. It has a deep purple colour, with primary aromas of blackberries and kirsch with a hint of black pepper. Though the tannins are ripe and approachable, this young wine would greatly benefit from 2-4 years of further ageing.

The soils of Gigondas closely resemble those of illustrious neighbour Châteauneuf-du-Pape, allowing it to produce wines similar in style and quality but at a more affordable price. This wine has a big, rich mouth-feel with flavours of red and dark berries, and medium-firm tannins. This is serious enough to go with a rare steak, or put it away for 2-5 years in your cellar.

Jean Pierre, François and Pierre Perrin created Les Sinards as an homage to their late grandfather. With some of the grapes sourced from their famous Château de Beaucastel estate, this is a classic Châteauneuf with cocoa, blackcurrant, cherry and leather aromas. It's dry, medium- to full-bodied and packed with rich fruit flavours, as well as earth and smoke notes. With such great structure, this big wine needs char-grilled steaks or rack of lamb.