Hand harvested in January 2007 at a numbing minus 10 degrees Celsius, this delicious Vidal Icewine shows why it's worth the wait and all the hard work. The complex nose displays typical apricot, honey and citrus aromas. The sweet palate is rich and creamy with peach, apricot and butterscotch flavours that are beautifully balanced by a bright seam of acidity. Enjoy over the next 5-7 years and match with crème caramel or mature cheeses.

54999    (S)            375 mL    $39.65     

A Silver Medal winner at the 2007 All Canadian Wine Championships.

TASTING NOTE: ... Rose water or rose petals entice the nose while spicy grapefruit tempt the palate ... zesty and zingy with a medium long lychee fruit finish. Is that G for Gewurztraminer or G for Gee Whiz? Whatever it is, it should be G for good or even great. (Michael Pinkus, www.ontariowinereview.com, Oct. 10, 2007) 

64592    (D)            750 mL    $18.80     

VQA ON Tour
FEATHERSTONE OLD VINES RIESLING 2006
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Estate Btld.  


TASTING NOTE: ... Dave Johnson has created an elegant and finesse-laden Riesling from some of the oldest vines in Niagara, rivaling those from both Vineland and Cave Springs for the title (30 years) ... This racy and minerally driven wine has apple, orange blossom and lime in both the nose and taste. The good acidity keeps the mouth watering and you coming back for more. The best part is the lingering finish. While it sits in the glass it opens up even more on both the taste and the smell, revealing more tropical and further citrus notes. Snap it up, drink it up ... or lie it down, this one should also age beautifully. (Michael Pinkus, www.ontariowinereview.com, Oct. 10, 2007) 

64584    (D)            750 mL    $16.85     

The Speck family has been creating premium Ontario estate wines since 1988. This elegant Riesling Icewine has exotic aromas and flavours including mango, sweet guava, poached pear and candied citrus fruit. Impeccably balanced with racy acidity, this delicious Icewine is a brilliant match for blue-veined cheeses, cheesecake or apple pie with old cheddar.

430561    (S)            375 mL    $54.95     

Kittling Ridge's Vidal Icewine is more than just a pretty face. This rich exotic nectar offers up aromas of honey, mango, graham cracker and ripe melon. Try with hazelnut-coffee cake and other rich desserts.

563247    (S)            375 mL    $43.95     

VQA ON Tour
FEATHERSTONE CABERNET FRANC 2005
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Estate Btld.  


TASTING NOTE: Impressive colour depth and lifted aromatics driven by considerable oak spice. There is ripe sweet sour cherry- pomegranate, floral laced fruit as well, but the clove, oaky notes are strong. Some cab franc tobacco as well. Mid-weight, supple, sweetish and spicy, with a dry, coarse finish. Proportioned but needs some time for oak to integrate. Best 2009 to 2012. (David Lawrason, www.winerytohome.com, March 2007) 

64618    (XD)            750 mL    $18.80    

This Cab more than meets the challenge of international standards in its aromatic display of ripe blackberry and cassis mingled with cedar, mocha and smoke. It has a soft, rich mouth-feel, medium-full body, excellent balance and a long spicy finish. Enjoy now with T-bone steak, or cellar for three to four years.

553321    (XD)            750 mL    $25.15     

Freemark Abbey's big kahuna winemaker, Ted Edwards, added a small amount (4%) of Viognier to the 2004 Chardonnay giving it a slightly floral lift on the nose. Sourced mostly from the Truchard Vineyard in Carneros, this traditional Napa Chardonnay has a wonderful balance of citrus and pear flavours with subtle oaky and mineral notes.

57323    (D)            750 mL    $27.75   

Keltie Brook is the second label for the superstar Chardonnay specialists at Macrostie Winery. These wines offer terrific value and are designed to be ready-to-drink. Bright and fruity with loads of green apple and citrus flavours, this medium full-bodied Chardonnay is well-balanced by a seam of crisp acidity.

57364    (XD)            750 mL    $17.80   

Blackstone started out in 1990 producing one of California's most succulent, affordable Merlots. These days, it makes a large range of wines ... but the backbone of its business, and one of its best bottlings, is still talented winemaker Dennis Hill's lightly smoky, plummy merlot.

606327    (XD)            750 mL    $19.80   

Jekel Vineyards founder Bill Jekel is considered one of the winegrowing pioneers in Monterey County. He planted his first vines there in 1972. Fast forward to his lip-smacking 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon. It's dry, full-bodied and loaded with mouth-filling flavours of black cherry and cassis, plus notes of toasty cedar and coffee. Enjoy with steak and frites or other hearty fare.

967893    (XD)            750 mL    $16.85   

This delicious Cab teaches the meaning of value. It's nose is intense with concentrated dark fruit, particularly cherries and plums as well as possessing spicy and savoury notes. It's dry, dense and richly textured, with great balance and firm tannins. For continuing education, enjoy anytime over the next five years with filet mignon.

738823    (XD)            750 mL    $16.95   

This award-winning wine features aromas of dark cherry, cedar and herbs. The winemakers at Rabbit Ridge blend in small amounts of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Petite Sirah to give added complexity to this fruit-packed Cab. The finish is long and slightly smoky. Try it with gourmet hamburgers or Italian sausage pasta sauce.

49759    (XD)            750 mL    $22.75   

RUTHERFORD HILL MERLOT 2003
Napa Valley  


TASTING NOTE: ... This house has long specialized in merlot, fashioning it into a serious, substantial age-worthy style. So expect a deeply coloured, big, complex red with ripe black cherry, chocolate, leather, smoke and tea notes. Full bodied, dense and chewy with a good sense of proportion. Excellent length. Best 2008 to 2011. Score - 91. (David Lawrason, Wine Access, The Lawrason E-Report, March 31, 2007) 

959338    (D)            750 mL    $27.75   

This delicious Chardonnay won a Gold Medal at the 2006 Concours Catad'Or Grand Hyatt Wine Awards. It displays peach, pear and pineapple aromas and flavours, with tasty ginger spice notes leading to a citrus finish touched by a hint of oak. Another fantastic value from the cool Casablanca Valley region.

48439    (XD)            750 mL    $12.95   

Chilensis' San Rafael ranch is located in the heart of Chile, nestled in the foothills between the majestic Andes mountains and the Pacific Ocean. The once-forgotten Bordeaux grape, Carmenère, is thriving in the region and is proving to be as important to Chile as Malbec is to Argentina. Expect a warm, mouthfilling red with aromas and flavours of juicy ripe fruit, pepper and smoke. Enjoy it with a pepper steak.

657981    (XD)            750 mL    $11.85   

Two grapes that are typically supporting players in Bordeaux take the spotlight in Chile with this unique and expressive red. Comprised of 80% Cabernet Franc and 20% Petit Verdot and aged for one year in new French oak, this dry, full-bodied wine is brimming with concentrated flavours of cassis and ripe raspberries with notes of mint and vanilla. Enjoy with rack of lamb or beef stew.

48298    (XD)            750 mL    $13.85   

In 2007, the first competition to determine the world's best Syrah/Shiraz was held at Château d'Ampuis in the Northern Rhône. With 350 competitors, Pérez Cruz Syrah Reserva 2005 surprised many with a top 10 finish!

TASTING NOTE: This is a beautiful Syrah with a texture that's plush and velvety. The concentrated flavours are mainly black cherry and berries, with attractive notes of spice, herbs and mint. Medium bodied and dry, it has a balancing seam of acidity that makes it ideal for food. It's a natural for well-seasoned, grilled red meats-you know, the sort of thing they'd eat with it, where it comes from. Score -**** (out of 5). (Rod Phillips, www.winecurrent.com, Nov. 24, 2007) 

589812    (XD)            750 mL    $24.75   

Chocalán (pronounced Sho-kaw-lann) means yellow blossom and was the ancient aboriginal name for the area where this winery is located in the Maipo Valley. Chilean businessman Guillermo Toro launched his first vintage from this new family winery in 2003. Also known as the Blend Reserve, the 2004 vintage is comprised of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Carmenère, 16% Merlot, with small amounts of Cabernet Franc, and Malbec filling out the balance. Fruit-forward, with a firm structure, this full-bodied wine is an excellent value.

48272    (XD)            750 mL    $13.85   

FIFTH LEG WHITE SAUVIGNON BLANC/SEMILLON/CHARDONNAY 2005
Western Australia  
(Devil's Lair Vineyard)

TASTING NOTE: [47% Sauvignon Blanc, 41% Semillon, 12% Chardonnay] Firm, clean and fresh; a mix of mineral, grass and melon; good balance and finish.
Score - 89. (James Halliday, winecompanion.com.au, Oct. 2005) 

489062    (D)            750 mL    $19.80   

Sourced from the estate's prized Nindethana vineyards at McLaren Flat, this ready-to-drink bargain is a dry, medium-bodied blend that's ripe and round with juicy citrus fruit flavours. It's a terrific match with grilled chicken.

57265    (D)            750 mL    $14.85   

RICHARD HAMILTON ALMOND GROVE CHARDONNAY 2006
McLaren Vale, South Australia  


TASTING NOTE: A young, perfectly balanced and delicate Chardonnay showing McLaren Vale terroir and the influence of a temperate, marine climate. I love the creamy mouth-feel and the fruit-driven, fruit forward flavours. You can smell citrus (mainly grapefruit) and there's a hint of hot toast with oodles of butter on the palate. This wine is straight up my alley and I love this as much as an aperitif as a wine with a handful of gougères [cheese pastry]. (Franz Scheurer, www.australiangourmetpages.com.au, Feb. 2007) 

741009    (XD)            750 mL    $16.85   

Geelong is one of Australia's oldest wine regions. A force to be reckoned with in the 19th century, the region lost its footing after being devastated by phylloxera. It eventually rebuilt itself and is now home to dozens of smaller, quality-driven producers like the Austin family. The ocean breezes keep the region cool and Pinot Noir is a star with intense, vibrant fruit aromas and rich generous flavours.

684142    (XD)            750 mL    $26.75   

DE BORTOLI GULF STATION PINOT NOIR 2006
Yarra Valley, Victoria  


TASTING NOTE: Light red. High-pitched red berry aromas are complemented by cinnamon, mace and minerals. Brisk and sharply focused, with energetic strawberry and redcurrant flavors offering gentle sweetness. Finishes tangy and firm, with slow-mounting dusty tannins, excellent clarity and persistence, and an impression of Asian spices. An elegant, poised pinot by any measure. Score - 90. (Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar, Sept./Oct. 2007) 

15511    (XD)            750 mL    $19.80   

New at VINTAGES
HEARTLAND DIRECTORS' CUT SHIRAZ 2005
Langhorne Creek/Limestone Coast, South Australia  


TASTING NOTE: Velvety in texture, with bright, juicy plum and blackberry fruit up front, shaded with captivating nuances of mocha, tar and licorice. The finish rolls along without interference from the tannins. Drink now through 2015. Score - 91. (Harvey Steiman, www.winespectator.com, Sept. 30, 2007) 

48496    (XD)            750 mL    $32.70   

PARRI ESTATE SHIRAZ/VIOGNIER 2005
Southern Fleurieu, South Australia, Estate Grown  


TASTING NOTE: Spicy black and red cherry fruit with that lilt of viognier showing in particular on the long finish; ripe, soft and supple tannins. Score - 94. (James Halliday, winecompanion.com.au, March 2007) 

48488    (XD)            750 mL    $17.80   

In 1840, William Colton's family was among the earliest settlers of McLaren Vale. The vineyards used for this wonderful 'GSM' blend are adjacent to the 'Colton Ruins', the site of their original homestead. Consistently a great value, this medium full-bodied wine features up-front raspberry and cherry fruit along with spice and earthy notes.

954628    (XD)            750 mL    $18.80   

Stellenzicht Farm's Hill & Dale range comes by its name honestly as the vineyard's altitude varies from 100 to 400 metres above sea level. This full-throttled blend is typically 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Shiraz and offers terrific value with rich blackberry and cherry fruit flavour, vanilla, smoke and peppery notes. Enjoy with hearty winter stews or roast beef.

595702    (XD)            750 mL    $14.85   

This blend is comprised of 61% Shiraz, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot and 8% Roobernet. Roobernet is a new grape variety developed in South Africa. It's a cross of a rare grape known as Pontac and Cabernet Sauvignon. Centuries ago, Pontac was grown widely in South Africa until phylloxera attacked vineyards in the late 19th century. Pontac itself is practically extinct and Roobernet is an attempt to revive the variety, giving Cape wine growers a link to their distant past. This cool, fresh, fruity and spicy wine is an excellent choice for grilled steak.

56499    (XD)            750 mL    $12.85   

Winemaking has been ongoing in Tunisia since the time of the Phoenicians. After the French occupation ended in 1956, the wine regions went into decline. With the influx of European investment beginning in the 1990s, wine production is on the upswing again. Tunisia's AOC is modelled on the French system. This bright, smoky, berry-fruity wine is round and soft. It is an excellent companion for lamb kebabs or chops.

8946    (XD)            750 mL    $13.85   

Ever since the arrival of dynamo Fritz Miesbauer's winemaking team in 2003, this 550-year-old property has been given a new lease on life. Miesbauer's impact is palpable: this Grüner was awarded a score of 90 by The Ultimate Austrian Wine Guide, 2007/2008.

64949    (D)            750 mL    $19.80   

Although Siegendorf Winery is known for using the traditional Bordeaux and Burgundian grapes, Pinot Noir is still rare in Austria. It makes up only 0.7% of vineyard acreage. Roger Voss remarks on a trend in the Oct. 15, 2007 issue of Wine Enthusiast: 'Austria is about to surprise us again ... its top producers are turning their attention to red wines. And increasingly, these are revealing the same excellence and attention to detail as the white wines.'

40550    (D)            750 mL    $15.85   

The Schoenheitz's centuries-old vineyards, located on the steep slopes of the Munster Valley, were nearly destroyed by the two World Wars. The family's dedication to restoring their vineyards over the years has only been rivalled by their commitment to producing elegant, high quality wines. Try this classic dry Riesling with grilled salmon.

62315    (D)            750 mL    $16.85   

Winner of a Gold Medal at the Concours des Grands Vins de France in 2007. Muscadet, made with the Melon de Bourgogne grape, is perfect when paired with steamed mussels in the company of close friends.

608893    (XD)            750 mL    $11.85   

Take a trio of almost extinct grapes (i.e., Arrufiac, Petit Courbu, and Manseng), bring them to full ripeness, hand them over to a talented winemaker and voilà - you've got yourself a rich and aromatic wine that is like no other on the market. Plus, in one fell swoop, you can add three more names to your list of tasted grape varieties Delicious with spicy seafood fare.

525451    (XD)            750 mL    $14.85   

CHÂTEAU BELLEGRAVE 2004
AC Pomerol  


TASTING NOTE: Aromas of berries, meat and mineral follow through to a full-bodied palate, with a solid core of fruit and chewy tannins. Slightly one-dimensional, but shows impressive concentration for this wine and this vintage. Best after 2010. Score - 89. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, March 31, 2007) 

663823    (XD)            750 mL    $44.65   

CHÂTEAU BELLE-VUE 2004
AC Haut-Médoc  


TASTING NOTE: Belle-Vue, situated near the large Margaux estate of Giscours, is a blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, a whopping 25% Petit Verdot, and 1% Carmenere. Pretty black currant and cherry fruit intermixed with subtle herb and flower notes emerge from this elegant, savory, medium-bodied, supple-textured effort. With impressive concentration, a seamless integration of acidity and tannin, and a pleasant finish, it can be consumed over the next 5-6 years. An excellent value. Drink 2007-2013. Score - 88. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, June 2007) 

35592    (XD)            750 mL    $31.70   

These two products (670919 and 671370) are the same wines, size and vintage, but we acquired them from two different négociants. Your store may carry them under either number.

TASTING NOTE: This property, run by Stefan von Neipperg, has produced a sleeper of the vintage. The deep ruby/purple-tinged 2004 exhibits a sweet nose of creme de cassis, charcoal smoke, and burning embers, abundant cassis fruit, medium body, silky tannin, and a long, heady finish. Drink it over the next 7-8 years. Score - 89. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, June 2007) 

671370    (XD)            750 mL    $38.70   

670919    (XD)            750 mL    $38.70   

CHÂTEAU DUCLA 2003
AC Bordeaux Supérieur  
(Domaines Mau)


TASTING NOTE: Toast, oak and smoke greet the fortunate taster of this extremely well-priced Bordeaux red. It offers a well-balanced and well-structured experience with its cherry and red berry flavours that are not jammy, in spite of the blistering heat of the 2003 vintage. Expect ripe fruit flavours to the fore, with enough tannin, deftly handled oak and zest to provide excellent drinking over the medium term - now to 2012. Good value here. Score - **** (out of 5). (Vic Harradine, www.winecurrent.com, Jan. 6, 2007) 

162461    (XD)            750 mL    $15.85   

Château Suau was built in the 15th century as a hunting lodge for the Duke d'Épernon. Today the only thing that is 'hunted' on this property are their well-respected wines. This is made with equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Try it with roast beef au jus.

943555    (XD)            750 mL    $19.80   

Demarcated in 1938, Juliénas is one of ten Beaujolais crus. The locals claim it derives its name from Julius Caesar, and wine was certainly made in the region during the Roman occupation. Juliénas wines are vibrant, fruity reds made from Gamay with a complex floral, berry and peach nose. They are drinkable now but attain more body and poise after a couple of years in the cellar. This would go very well with rare roast beef.

6601    (D)            750 mL    $16.85   

Château de Gourgazaud has a very simple philosophy summed up best in a quote from owner Roger Piquet: "You wouldn't eat underripe fruit, why would you drink wine from underripe grapes?" The 70 ha of vineyards, of which 40 ha are under the AC, and the rest, Vin de Pays d'Oc, are some of the most beautiful in the wine world. The plateau where the majority of the AC grapes grow seems to stretch off until it meets the horizon. And true to the philosophy, the wines, especially the reds, are perfectly ripe, but never overripe.

986083    (XD)            750 mL    $16.85   

Who says ageable wines have to be expensive? Here's one from Cahors (a blend of 75% Malbec, 20% Merlot and 5% Tannat) that will reward some extended cellaring (3-6+ years) without damaging the bank account. If you would like to try it tonight, enjoy it with a rare steak or lamb.

303529    (XD)            750 mL    $14.85   

The hot 2003 vintage helped create flavourful, round and ripe wines, especially in the southern Rhône. This Grenache-dominated wine is a prime example of that heat. Intense aromas of plum, blackberry and pepper dominate this crowd-pleasing wine. Enjoy it on pizza or pasta night.

34116    (D)            750 mL    $17.80   

Bernkasteler Badstube is considered one of the finest terroirs in the whole of the Mosel region. According to Jancis Robinson's The Oxford Companion to Wine (2005), Bernkastel Rieslings are known for their aromas and flavours of orchard fruit, vanilla, nut oils and a characteristic note of black cherry. Enjoy this delicious wine with spiced prawn dishes or a flavourful fish dish.

33407    (MD)            750 mL    $21.80  

KRUGER-RUMPF RIESLING KABINETT 2004
QmP, Münsterer Rheinberg, Estate Btld.  


TASTING NOTE: Spice- and mineral-laden, full of lime, peach and orange notes, with fine clarity and intensity. It's all in balance, with a stone aftertaste. Drink now through 2015. Score - 88. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, Feb. 28, 2006) 

991745    (MD)            750 mL    $16.85   

Szamorodni means "the way it was grown". Since the botrytis-affected grapes are not separated from the bunches during the late-autumn harvest, the resulting wine will be either dry or sweet depending on the proportion of Aszú berries. When there are fewer Aszú grapes, the result is a dry Szamorodni as in the 1997 vintage. It's an ideal choice for rich seafood or herbed chicken.

48058    (D)            500 mL    $13.85   

BOLLINI PINOT GRIGIO 2005
DOC  
(Empson & Co.)


TASTING NOTE: Fresh, crisp mineral tones greet the nose, followed by floral notes and lush exotic fruit. The mineral tones are almost brackish in their intensity, which underlines this wine's excellent food pairing potential. Try with stir-fry. Score - 88. (Monica Larner, Wine Enthusiast, June 1, 2006) 

951319    (D)            750 mL    $16.85   

A grillo parlante is a talking cricket in Italian, a character introduced to the world in Carlo Collodi's beloved Pinocchio and made famous by Disney's charismatic Jiminy Cricket. Grillo is also a Sicilian grape that is used to create crisp, fresh, and food-friendly whites.

TASTING NOTE: The wines submitted were classy and good value. Grillo Parlante '05, from grillo, is fresh and fruity with underlying aromatic herbs. Score - (out of 3). (Gambero Rosso Italian Wines, 2007) 

52407    (XD)            750 mL    $14.85   

Vermentino, an attractive, aromatic white grape grown mostly in Sardinia, is extremely rare in Tuscany. In Sardinia, they tend to pick it early to maintain the acid levels. In Tuscany, however, they aim for fuller aromatic intensity rather than crisp acidity. In this style, it is an excellent partner for spicy shrimp dishes, vindaloo chicken or sushi.

65219    (D)            750 mL    $13.85   

CASTELLO DI NEIVE BARBARESCO 2004
DOCG  
(Az. Agricola Di Italo Stupino)


TASTING NOTE: The 2004 Barbaresco is textbook Nebbiolo. It is a small-scaled wine, but everything is in the right place. Made in a delicate, feminine style, it offers floral, spiced aromatics and pure, clean fruit, with excellent balance and well-integrated tannins. I can't ask for anything more from a wine at this level. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2014. Score - 89. (Antonio Galloni, www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2007) 

674044    (XD)            750 mL    $21.80   

This single-vineyard Barbera has very attractive aromas of raspberry, cherry and cranberry. It is dry and fruity with classic Barbera racy crispness. This wine is a good match for hot hors d'oeuvres, mildly spicy gourmet sausages or veal parmigiano.

744714    (XD)            750 mL    $16.85   

TAURINO SALICE SALENTINO ROSSO RISERVA 2003
DOC  

TASTING NOTE: ... We liked the '03 Salice Salentino Rosso Riserva with its mature garnet-ruby hue, its leather, walnutskin and generally nutty aromas, and its cohesive, soft, forward, attractive palate. Score - (out of 3). (Gambero Rosso Italian Wines, 2007) 

411892    (XD)            750 mL    $15.85   

Chianti Montalbano is one of seven subzones in the Chianti appellation. Chianti Montalbano wines are traditionally designed as fruit-forward, crowd-pleasing wines that are best enjoyed three to four years after a vintage. Match this one to a fine Tuscan meal.

57638    (D)            750 mL    $14.85   

Brogal Vini is a multi-layered undertaking that spans both of Umbria's leading traditional wine zones, Torgiano and Montefalco. They possess around 80 ha of vineyard in total, which are managed from the headquarters at Bastia Umbria, where cellaring and sales also take place. The company's top line, sold to wine shops and restaurants, is called Antigniano. (Gambero Rosso Italian Wines 2006) Enjoy this blackberry- and cedar- scented and flavoured Sangiovese-based wine with grilled game meats, bison steaks or leg of lamb.

51755    (XD)            750 mL    $14.85