Aged in American and French oak (one third new) for 14 months, this Merlot displays aromas of ripe black cherry and blackcurrants along with cedar and herbal notes that replay beautifully on the palate and culminate in a long, spicy finish. Enjoy this lovely red with roasted red meats or, better yet, try it with Quebec's famous chèvre noir.

291120    (XD)            750 mL    $29.75     

VQA ON Tour
13^th STREET CABERNET-MERLOT 2004
VQA Niagara Peninsula  


TASTING NOTE: Bordeaux reds aren't the first things you think about when talk turns to Thirteenth Street's impressive portfolio ... But the winemaking partners typically move from strength to strength, producing flavourful and complex wines with whatever grape variety and style they focus on. A wine with a strong savoury personality (think graphite, anise and cedar), this Cabernet-Merlot is nicely balanced and appealingly fragrant. Score - **** (out of 5). Vines Buyers Guide, 2006) 

56598    (D)            750 mL    $20     

Founded in 1973, Chateau St. Jean built its reputation upon its Chardonnays. This Chardonnay was crafted with fruit sourced from its award-winning Robert Young Vineyard and other county vineyards. It displays inviting aromas of pear, lemon and jasmine with a touch of toasty vanilla. Refreshing and balanced with a vibrant acidity, this wine offers pleasing flavours of pear, pineapple and roasted almonds that lead to a clean finish. Enjoy with grilled salmon and fruit salsa.

421644    (D)            750 mL    $19.95   

The name Toasted Head refers to the barrels this wine is aged in. Usually, only the barrel walls are charred, but in this case the heads are toasted too. This adds a richer, toastier character to the wine. There is a good balance of tropical fruit flavours to the obvious toast and vanilla characteristics. Full-bodied with a medium long finish, it's perfect with roast pork with apples or poached salmon.

594341    (D)            750 mL    $17.80   

Glass Mountain is the name of a real, volcanic mountain located in northern California to the east of Yosemite National Park. Enjoy this explosively fruity wine with slow-roasted backribs or grilled steaks.

727511    (D)            750 mL    $12.75   

Ironstone Vineyards consistently crafts this deep and delicious Cab. This solid wine displays loads of ripe black fruit as well as notes of vanilla, cedar and spice. It's dry, medium full-bodied and quite luscious. Enjoy over the next two years with everything from beef stew to medium-rare New York strips. A superb value wine to enjoy any day of the week.

537597    (XD)            750 mL    $17.75   

A terrific value, this bright and fruity Merlot is extremely well-balanced and very food-friendly. It's dry, medium-bodied with a soft texture with clean plum and cherry flavours along with notes of licorice and vanilla. Enjoy with roasted pork, veal chops or a medium-rare steak.

704353    (D)            750 mL    $14.75   

RIDGE GEYSERVILLE 2005
Sonoma County, 40^th Vintage  


TASTING NOTE: (77% zinfandel, 17% carignane and 6% petite sirah) Dark red. Seductively perfumed aromas of raspberry, cherry, lavender and minerals lifted by exotic Asian spices. Seems almost light for zinfandel, with a silky texture and deep, sweet red and dark berry flavors. The tannins are nicely folded into the fruit, creeping gently out on the finish. A very impressive blend, with superb balance and flavor definition. Score - 93. (Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar, Nov./Dec. 2007) 

723072    (XD)            750 mL    $39.75   

RIDGE LYTTON SPRINGS 2005
Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County  


TASTING NOTE: (77% zinfandel, 17% petite sirah and 6% carignane) Deep red. Sweet dark berry and kirsch scents are complicated by musky herbs, dried flowers and minerals, with a suave undercurrent of oak spice contributing sweetness. Powerful cassis and bitter cherry flavors are firmed by youthful tannins, which add grip to the finish. Possesses the focus, balance and concentration to repay a decade or more in the cellar. Score - 92. (Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar, Nov./Dec. 2007) 

982413    (XD)            750 mL    $39.85   

It's not just Sterling's spectacular mountain-top view of the Napa Valley that stirs the soul - this wine's rich aromas of cassis, spicy plum, and hints of chocolate and suede do it too. Bold and flavourful with fine tannins that lead to a long, complex finish, this wine will have your palate dancing. Enjoy with rack of lamb or mushroom risotto.

314575    (D)            750 mL    $29.75   

Rich and jammy with ripe blackberry and sweet cherry aromas. Medium full-bodied with an approachable ripe fruit centre and hints of spice and toasty oak. Long, full-flavoured finish. This Merlot is made for veal chops, shish kebabs or even a Philly cheese steak sandwich. Enjoyable now but can age two to three years.

330241    (D)            750 mL    $29.75   

Winemaker Alberto Antonini works with a number of wineries all over the world. Antonini hails from Tuscany and his experience in Italian viticulture includes stints with such illustrious producers as Frescobaldi and Antinori. This rich and meaty Malbec is brimming with plum and espresso flavours. Match it with smoky chorizo sausages or medium-rare roast beef.

63545    (XD)            750 mL    $12.55   

ST. HALLETT SEMILLON/SAUVIGNON BLANC 2007
Barossa, South Australia  


TASTING NOTE: [68% Semillon, 21% Sauvignon Blanc, 11% Riesling] Light yellow. Stony bouquet offers vivid lemon, pink grapefruit and quince, with a dusty citrus pith overlay. Racy and precise, with brisk citrus and green apple flavors and a bracing, persistent finish. Score - 88. (Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar, Sept./Oct. 2007) 

57687    (XD)            750 mL    $14.90   

This single-vineyard Sangiovese is an Aussie take on a Tuscan classic.

TASTING NOTE: Medium-bodied; red cherry and spice fruit; fine, almost powdery tannins. Score - 89. (James Halliday, winecompanion.com.au, Nov. 2006) 

683797    (XD)            750 mL    $20.85   

Legendary golfer Nick Faldo partnered with Katnook Estate to make this popular Shiraz. Faldo works closely with winemaker Wayne Stehbens to select the wine that appeals to his taste and reflects his personal style. Soft and rich, this Shiraz features layers of blackberry, licorice and spicy black pepper along with notes of vanilla and cedar. Perfect with everything from pizza to chili to roasted meats.

590448    (XD)            750 mL    $19.85   

ROSEMOUNT TRADITIONAL CABERNET SAUVIGNON/MERLOT/PETIT VERDOT 2002
South Australia  

TASTING NOTE: Dense colour; powerful, concentrated and compact; ripe but potent overtones; overall savoury and with Bordeaux overtones. Drink [to] 2015.
Score - 93. (James Halliday, winecompanion.com.au, Oct. 2004) 

484097    (XD)            750 mL    $35.20   

ZILZIE SHIRAZ 2006
South Eastern Australia  

TASTING NOTE: Opens meaty, with a touch of charry, chippy oak over dense plum fruit. Becomes more floral/aromatic as it opens. Flavours are rich, fruit forward and bright, with a sweetish edge. It is very approachable though, quite rounded, with minimal tannin and with broad appeal. Nicely priced too - this will win a lot of people over to the Zilzie cause. Drink: 2007-2010. Score - 88. (Grant Dodd, www.thewiningpro.com, Oct. 21, 2007) 

58016    (XD)            750 mL    $16.75   

FAIRVIEW SHIRAZ 2005
WO Coastal Region  
(Charles Back/Fairview)


TASTING NOTE: Has nice focus, with blackberry and dark cherry fruit woven with mineral and vanilla notes. The fine, supple finish fleshes out nicely, with a lovely mouthfeel. Drink now through 2008. Score - 90. (James Molesworth, www.winespectator.com, Aug. 31, 2007) 

626358    (XD)            750 mL    $16.85   

LANDSKROON PAUL DE VILLIERS SHIRAZ 2004
WO Paarl  


TASTING NOTE: 04 aromatically well endowed, as [03], whiffs garrigue [rosemary, sage, lemon verbina], smoke & sweet spice; but more obvious, sweeter [than the 2003]... Score - *** 1/2 (out of 5). (Christine Rudman, John Platter South African Wines, 2007) 

56432    (XD)            750 mL    $18.85   

In 1983, as an affirmation of the Wachau district's commitment to quality, the newly formed Vinea Wachau association established three quality levels for its dry white wines. This wine was given the district's highest quality designation of 'Smaradg'. Dry and crisp, this medium-bodied white exhibits lovely floral aromas with intriguing notes of white pepper, snow peas and lemon. (extrapolated from Jancis Robinson, MW, The Oxford Companion to Wine, 2006)

61127    (XD)            750 mL    $18.45   

This Pinot Gris delivers layers of peach, melon and nut aromas that replay beautifully on the palate. This full-bodied wine shows good intensity and balance and will make a delicious match for pan-seared scallops in garlic and butter.

983395    (D)            750 mL    $18.85   

This 100% Chardonnay is matured a third each in new French oak, seasoned barrels and stainless steel. The wine is allowed to go through acid-softening malolactic fermentation resulting in a rich, fruity, subtly oaked wine that offers good persistence to the finish. A good complement to chicken breast stuffed with brie.

46714    (XD)            750 mL    $27.45   

This expressive Sauvignon Blanc is filled with classic aromas of gooseberry, mineral, grass and citrus. Fresh on the start and fleshy on the finish, this wine is a good choice for grilled fish with lemon/dill sauce.

61358    (XD)            750 mL    $19.95   

From the spectacular 2005 vintage comes this stellar, early-drinking wine from Château Lamothe de Haux. Filled with cassis and other black fruit aromas, this aromatic, soft and round wine is drinking wonderfully now, especially with a roast beef dinner, or age it for 2-4 years to further deepen its complexity.

641555    (XD)            750 mL    $16.85   

From the vintage critics have been hailing as the best ever comes this red Burgundy. In a vintage such as 2005, all strata of Burgundy's wines have shown shades of brilliance, and this cherry-, raspberry- and underbrush-scented marvel is no exception. It is fruit forward with soft acids and tannins to add balance. Enjoy this tonight with grilled veal, pork or salmon steaks.

727966    (XD)            750 mL    $21.75   

Costières de Nîmes is located in the far eastern section of Languedoc. In fact, it is also very close to the Southern Rhône so, stylistically, the wines tend to have the ripe fruit of the Midi and the structure one typically finds in the Rhône. This wine is a blend of, principally, Syrah and Grenache. It shows ripe fruit tones with a cedary structure for ageing. Enjoy it now with grilled steak and onions or age it up to 3 years.

61275    (XD)            750 mL    $13.75   

DOMAINE DE LA COLLINE SAINT-JEAN VACQUEYRAS 2004
AC  
(Alazard Père & Fils)


TASTING NOTE: A sleeper of the vintage, this blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah is the most impressive wine I have tasted from Proprietor Alazard. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by sumptuous aromas of flowers, cherries, raspberries, black currants, pepper, and licorice. A silky, opulent texture and a huge finish suggest this blockbuster Vacqueyras will last for 4-5 years. … Score - 90-92. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2006) 

38661    (XD)            750 mL    $23.45   

Domaine Cros de Romet's Cairanne is a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah. It is matured exclusively in stainless steel in order to retain its characteristic bright fruitiness. The 2006 is filled with blackberry, sour cherry and plum flavours with a hint of pepper appearing on the finish to balance it off nicely. Enjoy with a braised beef dish or roast leg of lamb.

42986    (XD)            750 mL    $17.85   

Château Bouscassé is the second property of Alain Brumont, owner of Madiran's finest winery, Château Montus.

TASTING NOTE: Big, rich and powerful, with an intense core of dark plum and dark chocolate flavors that are joined up by plenty of espresso and mincemeat notes, followed by cocoa powder on the finish. Decant. Score - 90. (Kim Marcus, www.winespectator.com, Sept. 30, 2007) 

743385    (XD)            750 mL    $18.55   

Here is an excellent opportunity to discover the Rieslings of Nahe. The first mention of this acclaimed winery was in the year 1200! It has remained in the Salm family's hands to this day, making it the oldest, continuously family-owned estate in Germany. The estate produces vibrant Rieslings with lovely aromas of lime, tangerine and mineral tones. Terrific with pan-seared sea scallops.

993766    (MD)            750 mL    $21.75   

Falanghina is a very aromatic, ancient variety that may have been the basis for the popular ancient Roman wine by the name of Falernian. It is a pretty wine that displays aromas of peach, pear and spring flowers. Match this flavourful wine with mildly spiced fish or seafood dishes.

51698    (D)            750 mL    $15.95   

One of Jancis Robinson's 'best buy' whites of the 2007 holiday season.

TASTING NOTE: Admirable concentration of fruit - miles better than most Pinot Grigios. Score - . (Jancis Robinson M.W., www.jancisrobinson.com, Dec. 10, 2007) 

66415    (D)            750 mL    $14.95   

This Primitivo (a.k.a. Zinfandel) is rich with aromas and flavours of dried fruit, blackcurrants and cherry. It is very concentrated, complex and nicely balanced by very soft tannins. The added intensity is achieved by the process called Doppio Passo, or double step. After the wine has been made, the winemakers add bunches of grapes that were left to dry to a raisin-like state on the vine. The resulting wine has increased richness and intensity. Match it to grilled steak or gourmet hamburgers.

60780    (D)            750 mL    $14.45   

MORGANTE NERO D'AVOLA  2005
IGT Sicilia  


TASTING NOTE: The Sicilian estate of Morgante employs the brilliant Umbrian winemaking consultant, Riccardo Cotarella, to fashion this cuvee from the indigenous Nero d'Avola grape. Aged four months in French oak, it boasts a beautiful dense ruby/purple hue as well as aromas of scorched earth, black cherries, blackberries, charcoal, and graphite, full-bodied, powerful, pure flavors, and a long, heady finish. This substantial beauty should be enjoyed over the next 1-2 years. Drink 2006-2008. Score - 90. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, June 2006) 

40816    (XD)            750 mL    $15.25   

ANTINORI PÈPPOLI CHIANTI CLASSICO 2005
DOCG  

TASTING NOTE: Intense, vibrant and young, offering damson, cedar and floral character, with mineral notes. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a clean, lightly spicy finish. Drink now. Score - 88. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 31, 2007) 

677328    (XD)            375 mL    $12.85   
606541    (XD)            750 mL    $19.95   

This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese is a critically acclaimed consumer favourite. Its ripe, impactful nose serves up aromas of bold blackberry and toasty oak. Full-bodied, flavourful and nicely balanced out by ripe tannins, this would make an exquisite match for lamb chops and mint sauce.

New at VINTAGES
FATTORIA DI BASCIANO CHIANTI RUFINA 2005
DOCG  

TASTING NOTE: An intense, full-bodied red, with black fruit and coffee bean character, fine tannins and a flavorful finish. Delicious. Always a good value. Drink now. Score - 88. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 31, 2007) 

68163    (XD)            750 mL    $13.45   

This blend of 90% Sangioveto, 10% Merlot and Syrah is fresh and aromatic with raspberry and strawberry dominating. A delicious Chianti that is ideal for enjoyment over the next half decade. Delicious with grilled lamb chops.

953828    (XD)            750 mL    $22.45   

Foja Tonda is a near-extinct Italian grape variety that was saved by the enthusiasm of one producer, namely Albino Armani. In Armani's capable hands, it produces a deeply coloured, delicately aromatic wine with fine extract and a good layer of tannin. Enjoy with grilled meats, such as lamb, beef or game.

660977    (D)            750 mL    $21.75   

SA' SOLIN RIPASSO DELLA VALPOLICELLA 2004
DOC  

TASTING NOTE: If you haven't tried an Italian red recently, this will show you the way back. It has lovely sweet fruit (cherry, berries) with moderate complexity that's forward but complex. It's very well balanced, medium bodied, and lightly tannic, and it goes nicely with anything from pizza to burgers, from veal to lamb.
Score - **** 1/2 (out of 5). (Rod Phillips, www.winecurrent.com, Aug. 18, 2007) 

650713    (D)            750 mL    $16.75   

To intensify the flavours of this wine, the grapes are picked fully ripe then allowed to dry on mats for about one month prior to pressing. This apassimento process results in wines that are more flavourful and richer than the standard Valpolicella. Enjoy with duck, goose or braised lamb dishes.

Tommasi's Ripasso is the unique result of refermenting its Valpolicella Classico Superiore wines on the warm dried grape skins from which their Amarone is pressed. This process imparts a heightened richness of character and intensity of flavour to the finished product. Expect rich plum fruit surrounded by sweet herbs and a hint of dark chocolate. This flavourful wine is an excellent match for braised ox tails, rich stews or pasta with meat sauce.

A blend of Alfrocheiro, Tinta Roriz (a.k.a. Tempranillo) and Touriga Nacional, Quinta da Falorca Vinho Tinto is the perfect personification of the Portuguese style: forward fruit backed up by a good core of acid and moderate tannins. Age it 3-5 years, or enjoy it tonight with braised beef dishes.

67512    (XD)            750 mL    $16.55   

VALE DO BOMFIM RESERVA  2005
DOC Douro  
(Dow/Symington Family Estates)


TASTING NOTE: Concentrated and well-structured, this oozes with luscious flavors of raspberry, blueberry, dark cherry and spice. There's cherry pie on the finish, with cocoa powder and hints of hazelnut. Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Nacional and Tinta Barroca. Drink now through 2011. Score - 89. (Kim Marcus, www.winespectator.com, June 15, 2007) 

66944    (D)            750 mL    $14.85   

Beronia adds 5 and 6%, respectively, of the aromatic Graciano and the structure-providing Mazuelo (a.k.a. Carignan) to their Tempranillo to give it a rich fruitiness and added balance. The resulting wine shows aromas of red cherry, vanilla, berries and hints of spice. It is quite fruity and is ready-to-drink with roast beef and root vegetables, but will also reward a further 1-2 years in a cellar.

50203    (XD)            750 mL    $17.55