This pure, rich, premium sake is wrapped in traditional bamboo leaf making it a wonderful gift as well as conversation piece. Serve it slightly chilled with pan-seared bay scallops or sushi.

Fonseca created this second label in the early 1950s in order to make vintage Ports in undeclared years. Fonseca Guimaraens Vintage Port is produced from the same three quintas (vineyards) which provide the backbone of Fonseca's declared vintage Ports. While Guimaraens Vintage Ports consistently show the classic Fonseca style, they differ in terms of when they are released. These second label wines are aged in the company's lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia and are only released for sale upon reaching maturity, saving you the trouble of cellaring.

60616    (S)            375 mL    $37.95   

If you want to surprise your guests with a real after-dinner treat then pull out this 1990 vintage Colheita Port. The maturing has been done for you here. All you have to do is open and pour, awakening aromas and flavours of chestnut, pear and dried berries that have been lying patiently in wait.

640268    (S)            750 mL    $36.95   

QUINTA DE LA ROSA VINTAGE PORT 2003
Btld. 2005, Estate Btld.  


TASTING NOTE: Balanced, with violets, berries and cherries. Follows through to a medium-bodied palate, with light sweetness and a fresh finish. Needs more punch. Best after 2009. Score - 89. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, April 30, 2006) 

52605    (S)            750 mL    $61.95   

QUINTA DE LA ROSA VINTAGE PORT 2000
Btld. 2002, Estate Btld.  


TASTING NOTE: Really raisiny, yet fresh and floral at the same time. Full-bodied and supersmooth, with fine tannins and a long, medium sweet finish. Sleek young Port. Best Vintage Port ever made here. Best after 2010.
Score - 92. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, 37756) 

741397    (S)            750 mL    $69.95   

Flat Rock Cellars is one of a handful of Niagara wineries that have chosen to focus on select grape varieties with proven track records in the region. Chardonnay is one of Niagara's strongest suits and Flat Rock's estate version is a rich fruit-forward wine featuring tropical fruit and green-apple flavours balanced by a hint of mild oak. An excellent value, try pairing it with rich fish dishes like poached salmon with a creamy herb aioli.

681247    (XD)            750 mL    $16.95     

VINTAGES' number one Icewine! 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 foie gras, apricot tarts or strong cheeses.

551085    (S)            375 mL    $54.95     

559302    (S)            50 mL    $7.95     

John Howard, former owner of Vineland Estates, has opened a new winery, Megalomaniac. The cheeky name refers to the label's Magritte-like image of a man in a bowler hat with his back to the viewer who might be saying, "This is my Sauvignon Blanc, take it or leave it." We take it, most assuredly, because the aromas are classic Savvy, including gooseberry, grass, passion fruit and fresh basil. Dry and crisp and very refreshing, this is an excellent choice for grilled seafood or with an herb-encrusted chicken breast.

67553    (XD)            750 mL    $16.95     

HESS SELECT CHARDONNAY 2004
California  
(The Hess Collection)


TASTING NOTE: The 2004 Hess Select Chardonnay is full-on fleshy and lush. Ripe fruit flavors are layered with spicy, buttery notes from barrel fermentation. With its creamy texture, it's a natural with seafood, such as salmon, lobster or scallops. (Leslie Sbrocco, San Francisco Chronicle, May 18, 2006) 

986778    (D)            750 mL    $18.95   

The talented, Tasmanian-born Susan Doyle cut her teeth on viticulture in Australia's Yarra Valley. She brings her skill and expertise to the creation of this expressive, fruit-forward Pinot Gris. Displaying rich aromas of fig, peach, spicy pear, citrus and tropical fruit, this white will pair beautifully with sautéed scallops.

47787    (D)            750 mL    $19.95   

RODNEY STRONG CHALK HILL CHARDONNAY 2005
Sonoma County, Estate Vineyards  


TASTING NOTE: ... This is a well-sculpted Chardonnay, with just as subtle muscle and finesse. As the wine relaxes and aerates in the glass, the rich tropical fruit shows through on the palate, braced by minerality, sweet vanillin oak and tannins from the skins. It's got good weight on the palate without hammering it. The nose is full of green apple and pear, and gives you early notice that this is going to be a big wine. It's a great food wine, big enough to handle chicken, veal and pork, and it would be a great foil to sweet shellfish or a good partner to rich salmon. Aging ability? You bet. (Sandra Silfven, The Detroit News, ‘The Wine Report’, May 8, 2007) 

275552    (D)            750 mL    $24.95   

SANFORD CHARDONNAY 2005
Santa Barbara County  

TASTING NOTE: Medium-light golden yellow; attractive, floral, spicy, green apple aroma that developed with airing in the glass; medium-full body; spicy, citrus and green apple flavors; lingering aftertaste. Highly recommended.
Score - 88. (Nicholas Ponomareff, California Grapevine, May 1, 2007) 

956003    (D)            750 mL    $26.95   

A few years ago John Kautz and his family, who founded Ironstone Vineyards, purchased Sonoma Creek Winery. With over 5000 acres (2025 ha) of vineyards to their name, the Kautz's are among the top ten largest family-owned and operated wineries in California. Sonoma Creek specializes in four varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot and this sunny Chardonnay. Expect a soft and smooth wine with toasty vanilla and apple flavours. Enjoy with barbecued chicken or smoked turkey.

684431    (D)            750 mL    $19.95   

Clos du Bois, located in Geyserville, released its first wines in 1974. Erik Olsen, who drew high scores and lots of attention for his work at Chateau Ste. Michelle, took over as winemaker in 2003. This is proto-typical Alexander Valley Cab Sauv: rich, ripe and powerful, packed with fruit and spice. It won a Double Gold at the 2007 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

54080    (XD)            750 mL    $29.95   

This explosively fruity Cab earned Gold Medals at both the 2007 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and the 2006 San Diego International Wine Competition. It's dry, very full-bodied and round with delicious cassis and berry fruit mingling with mocha and cocoa notes. Enjoy with a porterhouse steak or mature cheeses.

54056    (XD)            750 mL    $39.95   

Francis Coppola officially opened the new location for his winery, the former Chateau Souverain, in Geyserville, Sonoma, in May 2007. Coppola winemaker Corey Beck, who has been with the winery for a decade, works closely with California growers to find the best fruit for each vintage. The 2005 version of this Bordeaux blend was sourced from vineyards in Napa, Sonoma, El Dorado and Paso Robles. Expect aromas of dark fruit and coffee and a mouthful of fruit dusted with spice from this star in the making.

521021    (XD)            750 mL    $27.95   

Winemaker Dave Guffy sources the fruit for this Cab mainly from vineyards in the North Coast region. He also includes small amounts of Merlot, Syrah, Petite Syrah and Petit Verdot for added complexity. Full and generous, this wine is packed with black cherry, cassis and cedary oak aromas and flavours with medium tannins balancing out the ripe fruit flavours. Enjoy over the next 2-3 years with grilled beef or lamb dishes.

25080    (XD)            750 mL    $24.95   

Ironstone creates a fruit-forward, crowd-pleasing, superb-value Zinfandel that is an excellent partner for foods such as pasta marinara, beef fajitas or sesame pork ribs.

951889    (D)            750 mL    $16.95   

IRONSTONE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2004
California  


TASTING NOTE: You can count on Ironstone Vineyards to deliver wines that are more luscious and direct than most of its price-point competitors. This boasts masses of ripe fruit that are turned even more toothsome with sweet chocolate and vanilla notes. The palate is attractively ripe and luscious with flavours that are very fresh and youthful. Good Value.
Score - *** ½ (out of 5). (Vines, Sept./Oct. 2007) 

537597    (XD)            750 mL    $17.95   

RODNEY STRONG CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2003
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, Estate Vineyards  


TASTING NOTE: A truly hedonistic display, right from the moment it's poured. Enticingly rich aromas of blueberry, chocolate, earth and cloves open the show, with accompanying floral, fresh mint and wood spice, just to keep things interesting. On the palate, firm tannins get into the act, playing foil to a parade of lush, concentrated dark fruit, including plum and black cherry preserve. Big structure, big show and best of all, able to retain a sense of individuality. Well worth the price of admission.
Score - **** (out of 5). Vines, Sept./Oct. 2007) 

50427    (XD)            750 mL    $33.95   

St. Francis Winery was established in 1971 and is located in the heart of the Sonoma Valley. This rich, full-bodied Cab offers a parade of flavours, including black currant, plum, blueberry and, owing to the 14 months it spends in new American and French oak, spicy oak. Try pairing it with a steak medium rare or rich, meat-sauce pasta dishes.

671164    (XD)            750 mL    $29.95   

The fruit for this Merlot, the majority of which comes from St. Francis' three estate vineyards in the Sonoma Valley, is hand-picked at the peak of ripeness. The wine's bouquet is reminiscent of spicy herbs and vanilla. The palate delivers plenty of black fruit flavours as well as some chocolate nuances, all of which blend beautifully on a big finish. Why not try pairing it with a seven-vegetable couscous?

422014    (XD)            750 mL    $24.95   

After two decades of making wines for other people, winemaker/owner Rob Stuart and his wife Maria converted an old granary in the heart of downtown McMinnville into their dream winery specializing in Pinot Noir and sparkling wines. Among the company's seven "house rules" posted on their website (www.rstuartandco.com) are: #1, "protect and respect the fruit and its grower"; #3, "a little wood goes a long way"; and #6, "scores, schmores." The Big Fire wines are for everyday imbibing but this juicy, fruit-forward Pinot is anything but ordinary.

54841    (XD)            750 mL    $26.95   

BONNY DOON VIN GRIS DE CIGARE ROSÉ 2006
California  


TASTING NOTE: Made from Rhône-style grapes grown in California, the wine's dusty salmon color offers ripe cherry and floral aromas with lush citrus and berry flavors, crisp acidity and a well-balanced fruity, yet dry finish. Recommended.
(Dave DeSimone, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Aug. 15, 2007) 

707018    (D)            750 mL    $19.95   

CLOS DE LOS SIETE 2005
Mendoza  


TASTING NOTE: Flashy, with lots of mocha and cocoa notes leading the way for the very ripe plum, boysenberry and fig flavors. A slight but firm twinge of toast on the finish, but plenty of flesh. Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Drink now through 2007. Score - 89. (James Molesworth, www.winespectator.com, Nov. 30, 2006) 

622571    (XD)            750 mL    $24.95   

HENSCHKE TILLY'S VINEYARD WHITE 2005
Barossa, South Australia  


TASTING NOTE: The 2005 Tilly's Vineyard, a blend of 55% Semillon, 25% Chardonnay, and 20% Sauvignon Blanc, offers up waxy, honeyed, stony aromas interwoven with melon, passion fruit, and white peaches. Mostly tank-fermented with no malolactic, this beautiful bargain should drink well for 2-3 years.
Score - 91. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2006) 

656264    (XD)            750 mL    $26.95   

New at VINTAGES
SKUTTLEBUTT SAUVIGNON BLANC/SEMILLON 2006
Margaret River, Western Australia   
(Stella Bella Wines)

TASTING NOTE: Clever marketing informed by an impish wit, the financial backing of John Britton and the winemaking wizardry of Janice McDonald have seen Stella Bella flourish. Skuttlebutt is their budget-price label and this one offers excellent value: clearly focused, grassy, green pea flavours, vibrant zesty acidity and, for all that, some restraint, delicacy, even finesse. (Peter Forrestal, The Bulletin, April 20, 2007) 

47621    (XD)            750 mL    $17.95   

ARAMIS VINEYARDS SHIRAZ  2004
McLaren Vale, South Australia  


TASTING NOTE: Deep violet color. Dense blackberry, creme de cassis, cherry preserves, pipe tobacco, vanilla and baking spices on the nose. This has greater elegance than the more expensive Governor, and the fruit speaks more clearly. Sweet dark berry and cherry flavors are lifted by fresh but gentle acids, and the soft tannins harmonize nicely with the fruit. Finishes with an impressively pure blackberry flavor and a tangy, refreshing note of cracked pepper. Sure, there's oak, but it's there as a sweetening element, allowing the bright fruit to shine. A great bargain in newfangled shiraz. Score - 92. (Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar, July/Aug. 2006) 

41202    (D)            750 mL    $20.95   

New at VINTAGES
CORIOLE THE SOLOIST SINGLE VINEYARD SHIRAZ 2004
McLaren Vale, South Australia  


TASTING NOTE: Lithe, sleek and juicy with blackberry and mint flavors, a jazzy red with licorice and coffee notes adding interest to the lively fine-grained finish. Best from 2008 through 2019. Score - 92. (Harvey Steiman, www.winespectator.com, Sept. 30, 2006) 

47613    (XD)            750 mL    $26.95   

D'ARENBERG THE FOOTBOLT SHIRAZ 2005
McLaren Vale, South Australia  


TASTING NOTE: Bright purple. Impressively perfumed aromas of powerful dark berries and musky herbs. Fresh, spicy blackberry and cassis flavors are enlivened by tangy minerals and sweetened by a suggestion of floral pastille. Takes a slightly bitter turn on the chewy finish, leaving an impression of licorice. Serve this with something smoky. Score - 89. (Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar, July/Aug. 2007) 

984021    (XD)            750 mL    $21.95   

GRANT BURGE THE HOLY TRINITY GRENACHE/SHIRAZ/MOURVÈDRE 2002
Barossa Valley, South Australia  

TASTING NOTE: Bright, clear red; fragrant and fresh; elegant, spicy red fruits; fine tannins. Score - 94. (James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion, 2007) 

726802    (XD)            750 mL    $37.95   

In his 2007 Australian Wine Companion, James Halliday awarded his highest winery rating of ***** to Kilikanoon. This outstanding winery received well-deserved international notice when it won five of the six trophies awarded at the 2002 Clare Valley Wine Show. The Medley is a delicious Rhône-style blend of Grenache, Shiraz (Syrah) and Mourvèdre. This rich, finely balanced G.S.M. blend displays sweet cherry, spicy plum and subtle charred oak flavours which blend harmoniously on the palate. An ideal food wine that will be a wonderful complement to game and dishes that feature Provençal herbs.

675256    (XD)            750 mL    $24.95   

Wine of the Month
MITOLO JESTER CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006
McLaren Vale, South Australia  


TASTING NOTE: The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon "Jester" includes 20% dried grapes in the style of Amarone. Purple-colored, it has a fragrant bouquet of black fruits, tar, and violets. This leads to a smooth-textured, layered, dense wine with enough structure to evolve for 4-6 years. It has a long, pure finish and can be enjoyed over the next 15-20 years. It is a superb value in Cabernet Sauvignon. Score - 92. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2007) 

43224    (XD)            750 mL    $22.95   

PENFOLDS BIN 389 CABERNET/SHIRAZ 2004
South Australia  


TASTING NOTE: Velvety in texture, with refined tannins surrounding a plush core of currant, huckleberry and peppery spice flavors that linger effortlessly on the finish. Best from 2008 through 2016.Score - 90. (Harvey Steiman, www.winespectator.com, June 30, 2007) 

309625    (XD)            750 mL    $34.95   

Aged for 12 months in French oak, this impressively structured, classic Barossa shiraz exhibits delicious dark fruit and chocolate aromas with hints of mixed spice. The fruit's intensity and depth is brought into balance by firm tannins and beautifully integrated oak. Makes for excellent drinking now especially when paired with braised lamb shanks or richly flavoured casseroles. It can be cellared up to 10 years.

606780    (D)            750 mL    $31.95   

ROSEMOUNT GSM GRENACHE/SYRAH/MOURVÈDRE 2003
McLaren Vale, South Australia  


TASTING NOTE: Bright, focused and impressively long and detailed. Offers blueberry, cream and subtle spice aromas and flavors on a frame that's fleshed out with fine tannins, which let the finish open up gracefully. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Best from 2008 through 2013. Score - 91. (Harvey Steiman, www.winespectator.com, May 31, 2007) 

583146    (XD)            750 mL    $34.95   

The Gold Label series from Wolf Blass matches grape varieties to the specific regions within Australia where they perform best. For example, the Adelaide Hills region was selected for this wine because its cooler-than-usual climate is ideal for growing Pinot Noir. This dry, velvety, medium full-bodied wine shows supple cherry, raspberry and spice notes. Enjoy it with spiced duck.

599787    (D)            750 mL    $29.95   

WOLF BLASS GOLD LABEL SHIRAZ 2005
Barossa Valley, South Australia  

TASTING NOTE: Polished, round and generous with its creamy blackberry, currant and cedar flavors, lingering on the focused, harmonious finish. Best from 2008 through 2015. Score - 91. (Harvey Steiman, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 15, 2007) 

590273    (XD)            750 mL    $29.95   

This Pinot was sourced from the Clearvue Vineyard, located at northern end of Rise and Shine Creek. Kim Crawford use small amounts of the highest quality grapes in their Small Parcel wines such as in this rich, dark-fruited, well-balanced Pinot, which will last up to five years in cellar. Perfect with rack of lamb or venison.

35337    (XD)            750 mL    $34.95   

A triptych is a work of art displayed on three panels. Here it refers to the Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Shiraz wines that were aged separately in new French oak before being blended together to make one wine. Brimming with ripe red fruit and nicely integrated oak, this popular red makes a terrific match for sirloin steak or ripe brie.

53124    (XD)            750 mL    $16.95   

DOMAINE DE LA VOUGERAIE LES PIERRES BLANCHES CÔTE DE BEAUNE 2004
AC  


TASTING NOTE: High tones mix with faint reduction. Forward acidity on the palate but with sweet fruit to match. The tannins are less svelte than the [previously reviewed] 2005's and show just a little bitterness in the finish. On the plus side there is good density of flavour here. At its level this is quite good.
(Bill Nanson, www.burgundy-report.com, Spring 2007) 

50492    (XD)            750 mL    $39.95   

Mommessin has invested heavily in upgrading this estate and it shows in the wine. This intense Gamay has loads of black currant, raspberry and blueberry characteristics. A Beaujolais that's not to be taken lightly, it's rich and velvety with considerable depth and remarkable balance. Enjoy with roast chicken, stuffed turkey, or grilled pork loin.

5496    (XD)            750 mL    $19.95   

GRAND VIN DU CHÂTEAU BERNADOTTE 2003
AC Haut-Médoc  
(Château Le Fournas, Prop.)


TASTING NOTE: Aromas of blackberries, licorice and toasted oak follow through to a full-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a long finish. Very subtle. Best after 2008. Score - 90. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, March 31, 2006) 

46722    (XD)            750 mL    $37.95   

Chateau Coucheroy's history can be traced back many centuries, and its name is derived from a phrase meaning "the king slept here." This cuvée is a 50/50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and is aged for one year in oak barrels. Medium full-bodied, it has classic flavours of currant, plum, and licorice accented by oak and mineral notes. Enjoy over the next 2-5 years with hearty stews, roasted meats, and rich cheeses.

944983    (XD)            750 mL    $19.95   

CHÂTEAU HAUT GRAVET 2003
AC St-Émilion Grand Cru  
(Alain Aubert, Prop.-Récolt.)


TASTING NOTE: A potential sleeper of the vintage, this is a strong effort from Haut Gravet. Deep ruby/purple-colored with a full-bodied style, low acidity, cherry cough syrup-like flavors, a plump, fleshy mid-palate, and a sexy finish, it does not yet reveal much complexity, but it is mouthfilling and substantial. Drink it over the next 12-14 years. Score - (88-90). (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, April 2004) 

46573    (D)            750 mL    $34.95   

Lacoste-Borie is the superb second wine of Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste, one of the leading estates of Pauillac. Made in a classic style, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc is redolent with blackberry, cassis, vanilla oak and spice flavours and aromas. This wine is designed to be enjoyed at a younger age than the grand vin and should pair well now with roast lamb or venison.

43760    (XD)            750 mL    $36.95   

This sleek and sexy wine shows that Burgundy produces stunning Pinot Noir for all budgets. This elegant wine is medium-bodied with classic aromas and flavours of ripe cherry, spices, vanilla and a mineral note. Perfectly structured, it boasts a lingering sour cherry finish that lasts and lasts. Enjoy this wine with grilled tuna steaks or roasted duck breasts.