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| Spirits |
| April 30 Release |
| American Whiskey |
| 605063 BUFFALO TRACE BOURBON $ 34.95 |
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Straight Kentucky Bourbon 750 mL |
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In 2000, Malt Advocate Magazine awarded Buffalo Trace 'Distillery of the Year'.
Tasting note: . With a little water, more subtle flavors are revealed, including toffee, dark fruit, and anise. The whisky finishes long and dry with significant depth.This is a big exciting bourbon, full of character from the distillery previously known as Ancient Age. Score - 90. (Malt Advocate, Spring 2000) |
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| 972216 CORNER CREEK RESERVE BOURBON 8 YEAR OLD $ 39.95 |
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Straight Kentucky Bourbon 750 mL |
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| Tasting note: . Sweet oak, sorghum, and spice nose. Brisk and light on the attack with round medium-bodied palate and charred coconut and oak flavors prominent. Finishes with dry caramel wood spice flavors. Gold Medal [at this tasting]. Exceptional. Score - 90. (Beverage Testing Institute, www.tastings.com, March 8, 2002) |
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| Brandy |
| In-store Discovery |
| 651224 'PUNTO AZUL PRESTIGE' GRAN RESERVA BRANDY $ 219.95 |
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700 mL
(Bodegas Pedro Romero) |
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| Mid-Century Marvel. This is a 50+-year-old brandy to savour slowly after dinner. It's mahogany in colour with a clean, elegant nose with hints of plum and currant. Its exotic flavours are warm, deep and inviting. |
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| Gin |
| New at Vintages |
| 652545 BLACKWOOD'S SUPERIOR VINTAGE DRY GIN $ 33.95 |
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Shetland Islands, Scotland 750 mL |
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| Blackwood Gin is full of flavour. Open the bottle and you'll notilce right away aromas of juniper, angelica root, wild water mint, sea pink flowers, coriander, dried lemon, dried orange, cassia bark, licorice root, nutmeg, cinnamon and orrisroot powder. It's not surprising that his gin won a Gold Medal at the 2004 World Spirit Festival. |
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| Liqueur |
| 922138 FAKRA ARAK $ 42.95 |
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Kfardebian Valley, Lebanon 750 mL |
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| Although Fakra T & I was only established in 1985, the family tradition of distilling anise-flavoured Arak goes back over three centuries. Enjoy it with a splash of water (it will turn cloudy) or try it in this cocktail adapted from Fakra's website, www.chateaufakra.com. |
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Freshness of a Summer’s Evening
1 oz (30 mL) Fakra Arak
Freshly squeezed orange juice
1 slice of lemon
crushed ice
maraschino cherry, for garnish
Fill a tall drink glass halfway with crushed ice. Pour in the Arak.Top up with the orange juice. Decorate with a slice of lemon and a maraschino cherry. |
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| May 14 Release |
| Scotch Whisky |
| 315614 'GLENFARCLAS' 21 YEARS OLD $ 127.95 |
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Highland Single Malt 700 mL
(J. & G. Grant) |
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This 21-year-old is matured entirely in Sherry butts (barrels).
Tasting note: This malt has a straightforwardly clean amontillado sherry aroma, with plummy fruitcake and smoke. Big velvety feel and flavour with spicy fireworks of ginger the most prominent, tying up the initial aromas right into the lengthy finish Score - 91. (Patricia Noonan, Wine Access "First In Line E-Report", Oct. 2003) |
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| Gin |
| Vintages Essentials |
| 650465 BROKER'S PREMIUM LONDON GIN $ 22.95 |
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700 mL |
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New to the Vintages Essentials Collection.
Swinging London! An authentic, classic dry London gin fashioned after the type developed by British distillers in the 19th century. Spectacularly dry and boasting flavours of juniper, citrus and coriander. Sip, smile and enjoy. It will bowl you over!
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| Fruit & Fortified Wine |
| April 30 Release |
| Fruit Wine |
| 651539 RUSH CREEK CASSIS $ 15.95 |
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Ontario (S) 375 mL |
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With beautiful orchards close to Lake Erie's North Shore and a passion for wine, Kim and Wendy Flintoft have fulfilled their dream of creating fine fruit wines with Rush Creek. Their winemaking philosophy has always been to create wines that taste like the fruit they are made from (in this case 100% black currants). This wine is Kosher Quality certified, as is most of their portfolio.
Food match: chocolate mousse, chocolate cheesecake or simply with pieces of rich dark chocolate. |
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| Madeira |
| In-store Discovery |
| 725077 BROADBENT MADEIRA RESERVE 5 YEARS OLD $ 26.95 |
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(S) 750 mL |
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| Fab Five! Tony Aspler awarded this rich and satisfying Madeira *****, praising its fig and orange peel aromas as well as its firm structure . [and] walnut and butterscotch flavours. |
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| Port |
| 587022 HEREDIAS RUBY SPECIAL RESERVE PORT $ 19.95 |
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(S) 750 mL
(Vinhos Senhora do Convento) |
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| Tasting note: One of the finest ruby ports I have ever tasted, this opaque ruby/purple-colored effort displays notes of creosote, blackberries, coffee, grilled meats, and oodles of fruit . it is a stunning offering . Drink it over the next 4-5 years Score - 92. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, June 2003) |
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| 651984 FEIST VINTAGE PORT 1991 $ 45.95 |
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(S) 750 mL
(H. & C. J. Feist) |
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| Although 1991 was not a universally-declared vintage (as was 1997, for example), those who did declare had excellent reasons to do so: the products were superb. Now 14, they are just beginning to approach their early drinking years. Enjoy with aged cheeses. |
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| May 14 Release |
| Sherry |
| 905505 WILLIAMS & HUMBERT DRY SACK FINO $ 12.95 |
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(XD) 750 mL |
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| Tasting note: Grab a bottle and enjoy a brisk chilled fino aperitif on the deck . Very bright, pale colour. Lovely, lifted olive, almond, and damp chalky soil on the nose - no surprise given the limestone rich soils of the region. There's even a kelp-seaweed brine from onshore winds. It's mid-weight, crisp, dry and a bit watery on the finish. Good length. (David Lawrason, Wine Access "First In Line E-Report", July 2003) |
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| Port |
| 956656 'NOVAL LB' PORT $ 22.95 |
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'Finest Reserve', Late Bottled (S) 750 mL
(Quinta do Noval) |
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| Tasting note: The impressive non-vintage Late Bottled port . possesses fabulous fruit, and that wonderful spice and smoky chocolate character found in quality port. Dense, rich, and showy, this is excellent value in high quality port Score - 91. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 31, 1996) |
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| 596619 NIEPOORT 'SECUNDUM' VINTAGE PORT 2001 $ 57.95 |
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Btld. 2003 (MS) 750 mL |
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| Tasting note: This is a very deep vivid purple colour. It has a lovely, assertive, overtly fruity nose with a liquoricey edge. The palate shows lovely fresh fruit and good tannic structure. Very tannic, not terribly sweet and quite 'winey' with all that intense fruit. I like this a lot. Very good/excellent Score - 92. (www.wineanorak.com, March 2004) |
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Wine by country
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April 30 Release
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White Table Wine
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| Ontario |
| 657353 VINELAND ESTATES 'ST. URBAN' RIESLING 2002 $ 14.95 |
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VQA Niagara Peninsula (D) 750 mL
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| Vineland Estates is one of the most beautiful wineries on the Niagara landscape and a must-see when touring wine country. They excel in producing a range of versatile Rieslings. This bone-dry version is sourced from the old vines of the St. Urban vineyard and was until now available only at the winery. |
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| Food match: seafood salad, baked trout, grilled Atlantic salmon. |
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Red Table Wine
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| Canada - British Columbia |
| 553313 MISSION HILL RESERVE MERLOT 2001 $ 19.95 |
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VQA Okanagan Valley (XD) 750 mL
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| Tasting note: Appearance: dense purple-black. Nose: vanilla, cedar, blueberry. Taste: medium-bodied, well extracted fruit, good structure; oak forward at the moment, blueberry and cherry flavours, firm tannic finish Score - **** (out of 5). (Tony Aspler, www.tonyaspler.com, Nov. 2004) |
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| Ontario |
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Rosé Table Wine
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| VINTAGES VQA Discovery |
| 559088 MALIVOIRE LADYBUG ROSÉ 2004 $ 15.00 |
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VQA Niagara Peninsula (D) 750 mL
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| Ann Sperling was honoured as Winemaker of the Year at the 2004 Ontario Wine Awards. Among her many talents, Ann makes serious rosés. Compare this perennial favourite from Malivoire with this month's release of Sperling & Sperling Pinotage rosé which Ann co-created for South Africa's Delheim wines. (655274) |
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| California |
| In-store Discovery |
| 585752 BRANDER SAUVIGNON BLANC 'AU NATUREL' 2002 $ 39.95 |
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Santa Ynez (XD) 750 mL
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| The Natural. Hit one out of the park with this complex and food-friendly white. Wine Enthusiast scored it a 91, praising its . array of grapefruit, spice, melon, lemon, herb, grass and mineral flavours. |
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| In-store Discovery |
| 966036 FROG'S LEAP SAUVIGNON BLANC 2003 $ 29.95 |
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Rutherford, Napa Valley (XD) 750 mL
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| Frog Prince. A lovely, medium-bodied white with very good depth and concentration to fig, melon, grass and green apple flavours (Wine Spectator). Think summer garden luncheon. |
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| In-store Discovery |
| 989855 CAKEBREAD CELLARS CHARDONNAY RESERVE 2002 $ 84.95 |
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Carneros, Napa Valley (D) 750 mL
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| Reserve Judgement. A Double-Gold winner at The San Francisco Journal's Wine Competition, this classy Californian is complex and refined, full-bodied with generous, deep flavours. |
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| 958975 MER SOLEIL CHARDONNAY 2002 $ 49.95 |
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Barrel Fermented, Central Coast (D) 750 mL
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| Mer Soleil specializes in rich and intense Chardonnays that year after year receives raves from critics and consumers alike. Although reviews for the 2002 vintage were not yet available at press time, Chuck Wagner and his son Charlie Wagner II (of Caymus fame) described the vintage as picture perfect. |
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| 909796 LEAPING HORSE CHARDONNAY 2003 $ 12.95 |
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Lodi (XD) 750 mL
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| Tasting note: This is a bright, pleasant, easy-drinking Chardonnay with plenty of fruity aromas. Green apple emphasis on the palate with some flinty mineral notes in the background and a clean medium-long finish. Giddy-up! (VINTAGES Panel, Nov. 2004) |
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| 297499 CLOS DU VAL CHARDONNAY 2001 $ 27.95 |
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Carneros, Napa Valley (XD) 750 mL
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| Tasting note: This very well-crafted Chardonnay does a fine job of combining a fair degree of ripeness with a firm, balanced underbelly. It is wonderfully fruity and quietly but sweetly oaky in its aromas, and it repeats its classically varietal character in flavors that start off in an open, rich direction before picking up a bright, brisk note at the end Score - 89. (Connoisseurs Guide to California Wine, March 2003) |
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| Food match: shrimp sautéed in butter. |
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| California |
| 325779 CLOS DU VAL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2000 $ 38.95 |
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Napa Valley (XD) 750 mL
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| Tasting note: . a cellarworthy wine that's the opposite of today's flamboyant, drink-me-now style. Possesses elegance and finesse with its curranty flavors and dry, subtle tannins. Drink after 2006 Score - 89. (Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast, Aug. 2003) |
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| In-store Discovery |
| 924159 CAKEBREAD CELLARS MERLOT 2002 $ 89.95 |
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Napa Valley (XD) 750 mL
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| Paint it black. From a great red vintage in Napa, expect complex aromas of ripe cherry blended with cedar and toasted oak. Rich, black fruit flavours on the palate and a long, lingering finish. |
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| 983577 KENWOOD ZINFANDEL 2002 $ 25.95 |
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Sonoma County (XD) 750 mL
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| Tasting note: Shows real Zinny character with its brambly berry fruit, which tastes of the sun in every ripe taste. Lots of spicy notes, with an edge of espresso. This dry wine is soft in acids and tannins. (Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast, Feb. 2005) |
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| Food match: grilled steak, pork roast, grilled herbed chicken, gourmet sausage. |
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| 909812 LEAPING HORSE MERLOT 2002 $ 12.95 |
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Lodi (XD) 750 mL
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| Tasting note: Medium purple hue with fresh berry, and cherry aromas and flavours. A pleasant, easy drinking wine ideal for lighter fare or warm spring sunset sipping. (VINTAGES panel, Nov. 2004 |
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| 660597 FESS PARKER PINOT NOIR 2002 $ 24.95 |
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Santa Barbara County (D) 750 mL
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| Tasting note: The 2002 Pinot Noir is a beautiful [and] authentic Score - 88. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Aug. 2004) |
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| 709618 SANFORD PINOT NOIR 2001 $ 32.95 |
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Santa Barbara County (D) 750 mL
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| A Pinot Noir from the winery prominently featured in the movie Sideways. Miles would approve of this wine. |
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| In-store Discovery |
| 655506 SEBASTIANI CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2002 $ 37.95 |
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Alexander Valley (XD) 750 mL
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| Decanting Decadence. Don't wait for the obligatory high scores, this big Cab is richly aromatic with blackberry and chocolate, full-bodied and amazing now yet with enough tannin to age well. |
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| In-store Discovery |
| 655860 QUPÉ SYRAH BIEN NACIDO 2001 $ 58.95 |
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Estate Bottled, Bien Nacido Hillside Estate, Santa Maria Valley (D) 750 mL
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| Qupé Doll. 91 points (Wine & Spirits): thoroughly delicious . a supple and generous textural pleasure that is fragrant as fresh berries . [with] flavour that lasts. |
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| 651174 CRANEFORD SEMILLON 2002 $ 14.95 |
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Barossa Valley, South Australia (D) 750 mL
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| Craneford really took off when renowned winemaker John Zilm and his wife Bev purchased the winery in 1998 and moved it to the town of Truro. The winery - an old, restored fire station - is loaded with atmosphere and is a must-see for visitors to the Barossa Valley. A versatile food wine, enjoy this fabulous white wine with a stir-fry or Thai-style fish. |
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| Food match: caesar salad, freshwater fish, or roast chicken. |
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| In-store Discovery |
| 585802 DAVID TRAEGER VERDELHO 2003 $ 17.95 |
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Victoria (XD) 750 mL
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| Off the beaten track. This wine has been making waves for a few years now. The dry and savoury 2003 displays lemon, lime and tropical aromas with a touch of white peach. |
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| 927541 TORBRECK WOODCUTTER'S SEMILLON 2003 $ 21.95 |
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Barossa Valley, South Australia (D) 750 mL
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| Tasting note: . a gorgeously aromatic white offering wonderful honeyed citrus, almond, and flower aromas. Exuberant, medium-bodied, and richly fruity, it is as pretty as Semillon can get, and will drink beautifully with many different cuisines. While it will undoubtedly age well, I would opt for drinking it over the next 1-2 years. I may have underrated this offering given its marvelous personality. Score - 89. (Robert Parker Jr., Wine Advocate, Oct. 2004) |
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| 961433 CRANEFORD QUARTET 2001 $ 25.95 |
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Barossa Valley, South Australia (XD) 750 mL
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| This Quartet's 'members' include 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Petit Verdot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Shiraz. |
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| Tasting note: . the 2001 Quartet [is] ripe, rich, medium to full-bodied, and surprisingly elegant as well as measured on the palate, with a long, persistent, tannic finish, it should drink well for 10-12 years. Score - 91. (Robert Parker Jr., The Wine Advocate, Aug. 2003) |
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| From VINTAGES Essentials Collection |
| 942904 D'ARENBERG 'D'ARRY'S ORIGINAL' (V) $ 19.95 |
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McLaren Vale, South Australia (D) 750 mL
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| This Grenache/Shiraz blend has aromas and flavours of blackberry, black cherry, cinnamon, roses and menthol with coffee and caramel in the background. The wine lands softly on the palate, and finishes long and smooth. Delicious with beef. |
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| 585794 DOMINIQUE PORTET CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2001 $ 33.95 |
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Yarra Valley, Victoria (XD) 750 mL
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| Tasting note: Supple and ripe, a seductive mouthful of currant, blackberry and vanilla flavors shaped into a polished package that keeps singing effortlessly on the long finish. Drink now through 2009. Score - 91. (Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator, June 2004) |
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| 595371 GEOFF MERRILL SHIRAZ/GRENACHE/MÔURVEDRE 2001 $ 18.95 |
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South Australia (XD) 750 mL
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| The mega-mustachioed Geoff Merrill has been making great wines for over thirty years for some big names including Chateau Reynella and Hardy's. His namesake winery is a 'big name' in its own right having won more than a thousand awards since launching in 1980. Geoff's SGM blend is a complex, well-balanced wine with red berry flavours and peppery characteristics that are sure to delight. |
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| 595389 ELDERTON 'FRIENDS' CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2002 $ 22.95 |
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Vineyard Series, Barossa Valley, South Australia (XD) 750 mL
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| No, it's not a wine commemorating the glory days of Must-See-TV. The 'Friends' in this case are the small growers in the Barossa that Elderton has called upon to create this superb yet casual Cabernet. This is a wine even Joey would understand. |
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| Food match: pasta in tomato sauce, pizza or reruns. |
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| In-store Discovery |
| 585810 GARRY CRITTENDEN 'i' SANGIOVESE 2003 $ 21.95 |
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(D) 750 mL
Dromana Estate |
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| Great "I"-dea! This savoury wine is yet another quality leap forward for Sangiovese Down Under. An excellent match for pastas and meaty Mediterranean dishes. |
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| From VINTAGES Essentials Collection |
| 552075 GREG NORMAN CABERNET/MERLOT (V) $ 23.95 |
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Limestone Coast, South Australia (XD) 750 mL
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| Aromas of black currants, vanilla and cedar lead to berry, berry lovely flavours and a hint of mint. Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water, Greg 'The Shark' Norman offers up this superb wine. Serve it with char-grilled meat. |
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| From VINTAGES Essentials Collection |
| 575092 GREG NORMAN SHIRAZ (V) $ 23.95 |
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Limestone Coast, South Australia (XD) 750 mL
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| Rich and vibrant, with aromas of blackberry, plum, strawberry preserves dark chocolate and a hint of spice. Sweet plum flavour and gentle tannins blend in harmony leading to a long elegant finish. The Shark's Shiraz is the perfect match to roast beef with all the trimmings. |
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| From VINTAGES Essentials Collection |
| 436022 HARDY'S 'BANKSIDE' SHIRAZ (V) $ 16.95 |
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South Australia (D) 750 mL
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| A fitting tribute to Thomas Hardy's first cellar, which was located on the bank of the Torrens River, this wine shows typical Shiraz characteristics of berries, plum, vanilla, and pepper aromas, generous fruit flavours, excellent structure. You can bank on its quality. |
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| In-store Discovery |
| 926816 KILLIKANOON 'ORACLE' SHIRAZ 2002 $ 39.95 |
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Clare Valley, South Australia (XD) 750 mL
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| Listen Up. 96 points (Robert Parker Jr.): unctuously-textured, seamlessly built, massive Shiraz. A great value that's delicious now but built to last another dozen or so years. |
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| 926790 KILIKANOON 'BLOCKS ROAD' CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2002 $ 31.95 |
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Clare Valley, South Australia (XD) 750 mL
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| Tasting note: . boasts a dense purple color in addition to a big, sweet nose of graphite, creme de cassis, blueberries, and cedar. It is medium to full-bodied, with good acidity, and a long, naturally textured, full-bodied finish with sweet tannin. Primary and young yet accessible, it should evolve for 10-15+ years. Score - 91. (Robert Parker Jr., Wine Advocate, Oct. 2004) |
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| 925453 KILIKANOON 'KILLERMANS RUN' SHIRAZ 2002 $ 18.95 |
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South Australia (XD) 750 mL
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| Tasting note: . It is a dense, full-throttle, big, chewy, peppery, black fruit-dominated Shiraz offering sweet tannin, an attractive plushness, and an up-front style designed for consumption over the next 2-4 years. Score - 90. (Robert Parker Jr., Wine Advocate, Oct. 2004) |
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| 677138 MEEREA PARK SHIRAZ VIOGNIER 2002 $ 19.95 |
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Hunter Valley, New South Wales (XD) 750 mL
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| Meerea Park was the first Hunter Valley winery to release a wine made with Viognier. The varietal is proving to be well suited to the region. With this particular wine, Meera Park pays tribute to the northern Rhône's Côte Rotie appellation where a little white Viognier is traditionally blended into Shiraz for added fragrance. |
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| From VINTAGES Essentials Collection |
| 611210 PENFOLDS 'THOMAS HYLAND' SHIRAZ (V) $ 19.95 |
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South Australia (D) 750 mL
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| Thomas Hyland helped shape Penfolds into Australia's most famous name in wine. The Shiraz that bears his name has robust aromas of ripe berries, raspberry, red currant, chocolate and spicy oak. Ripe plum and berry on the tongue mingle with silky tannins leading to a long, ripe and fruity finish. |
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| 912782 PENMARA RESERVE SHIRAZ 2002 $ 18.95 |
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Australia (XD) 750 mL
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| Tasting note: Rich, concentrated shiraz with a ripe, vibrant, briary fruit bouquet . Elegant strawberry fruit palate perfectly in balance. Should age very well. Score - ***** (out of 5). (Winestate, Special Edition 2004, Vol. 27 Issue 7)) |
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| 595272 PIKES CABERNET/MERLOT 2001 $ 17.95 |
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Clare Valley, South Australia (XD) 750 mL
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| Clare Valley is known for producing big-bodied, strapping wines. Considering how hot that region is, careful handling in the vineyards has helped wineries such as Pikes create flavourful and beautifully balanced Cabernet/Merlots. |
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| Food match: spicy Middle Eastern fare. |
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| 927533 TORBRECK WOODCUTTER'S SHIRAZ 2003 $ 26.95 |
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Barossa Valley, South Australia (XD) 750 mL
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| Tasting note: . While meant to be consumed early in life, it does not sacrifice any flavor intensity or power. With a deep ruby/purple color, gorgeous plum, black cherry, raspberry, and cassis-scented aromas as well as flavors, low acidity, medium to full body, good opulence, and no hard edges, it is about as sexy a Shiraz as one can buy . Drink it over the next 2-3 years. Score - 92. (Robert Parker Jr., Wine Advocate, Oct. 2004) |
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| 906941 WARBURN PREMIUM RESERVE SHIRAZ 2002 $ 21.95 |
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Riverina, New South Wales (XD) 750 mL
Riverina Estate |
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| Family-owned Riverina Estate is responsible for 20% of all wine produced in New South Wales. This rich and food-friendly Shiraz was sourced from their own premium vineyards as well as selected growers in the Riverina region. Enjoy it with roast beef or lamb dishes. |
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| Food match: roast beef, lamb dishes. |
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| From VINTAGES Essentials Collection |
| 321927 WOLF BLASS CABERNET SAUVIGNON (V) $ 24.95 |
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'Premium Selection', South Australia (D) 750 mL
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| Wolf Blass has taken the world by storm by consistently producing high quality wines like this full-bodied Cab with aromas of blackcurrant, eucalyptus, and dark chocolate. Dry and fruity, it has a medium long finish. |
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| From VINTAGES Essentials Collection |
| 348540 WOLF BLASS SHIRAZ (V) $ 24.95 |
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'Premium Selection', South Australia (XD) 750 mL
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| From one of the most recognized names in the world of wine today comes a Shiraz with pizzazz! Lovely aromas of mint, blackberry, cassis, vanilla and black pepper lead to rich concentrated fruit flavours, exotic spice nuances, and a long toasty fruity finish. A perfect pairing for smoked meats. |
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Rosé Table Wine
| 655183 JACOB'S CREEK SHIRAZ ROSÉ 2004 $ 12.95 |
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South Eastern Australia (D) 750 mL
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| This is Jacob's Creek's first foray into the world of rosé. More and more wineries are thinking pink as rosés have rapidly regained popularity. This 100% Shiraz is a serious effort from one of Australia's largest producers. Expect rich fruit flavours and some spice. Serve lightly chilled and enjoy on the patio or up at the cottage over the Victoria Day weekend. |
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Sparkling Wine
| 967497 E & E SPARKLING SHIRAZ 1999 $ 64.95 |
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Barossa Valley, South Australia (MD) 750 mL
Barossa Valley Estate |
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| Each year a small parcel of the famous E & E Black Pepper Shiraz is set aside for second fermentation in order to make this unique premium sparkling wine. For neophytes, sparkling red wine may seem odd, but one taste and you will see what all the fuss is about. |
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| 593061 PENLEY SPARKLING PINOT NOIR/CHARDONNAY 1997 $ 29.95 |
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Traditional Method, Coonwarra, South Australia (D) 750 mL
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| This full-flavoured classic won both the consumer and winemaker trophies for the 2004 Hyatt Sparkling Wine of the Year. Penley produces this in limited quantities only in select years. The blend is 85% Pinot Noir and 15% Chardonnay and it is made using the same traditional 'méthode' as champagne. |
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| On the Back Cover |
| 967398 TALTARNI BRUT TACHÉ 2002 $ 19.95 |
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'30th Anniversary', Pyrenees, Victoria (XD) 750 mL
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| Taché is the French word for stained. The 'stain' here is provided by a dash of red wine as the dosage in this traditional blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. The result is a lovely golden/pink colour - perfect for celebratory toasts and feasts with meat, fish or poultry. |
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NEW ZEALAND Sauvignon Blanc
New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc tastes like no other wine on the planet and that is the secret of its success. Explosive aromas and flavours of gooseberry, fresh cut grass, passion fruit, citrus and asparagus are the hallmarks, and at the moment nobody does it better.
304469 CLOUDY BAY
SAUVIGNON BLANC 2004 $ 31.95 |
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Marlborough, South Island (XD) 750 mL
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| The legend returns. This is the wine that put New Zealand on the map. It remains the country's most sought after wine. |
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| Score - ***** (out of 5). (Michael Cooper, Buyer's Guide to New Zealand Wines 2005) |
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| New at VINTAGES |
| 651752 ALANA SAUVIGNON BLANC 2004 $ 20.95 |
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Marlborough, South Island (XD) 750 mL
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| Alana Estate is showing very strong, commercially and critically, right out of the gate thanks to winemaker, Rod Easthope. Before arriving at Alana, he had extensive training in Australia, Italy, Southern France, Burgundy and South Africa. In fact, he is credited with turning around the fortunes of the then-moribund South African winery Rustenberg and making it into one of the country's finest producers. |
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| Wine of the Month |
| 735043 SERESIN SAUVIGNON BLANC 2004 $ 19.95 |
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Marlborough, South Island (XD) 750 mL
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| Seresin say they use the imprint of a hand as their logo because, the hand is a symbol of strength, gateway to the heart, tiller of the soil, the mark of the artisan. Michael Cooper, one of New Zealand's foremost wine critics, confirms the 'mark of the artisan' on this wine calling it one of [Marlborough's] most sophisticated, subtle and satisfying Sauvignons. (Buyer's Guide to New Zealand Wines 2005 |
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| 309591 SHINGLE PEAK SAUVIGNON BLANC 2004 $ 16.95 |
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Marlborough, South Island (XD) 750 mL
Matua Valley Wines |
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| Matua Valley only uses the 'Shingle Peak' designation for their Marlborough line of wines. |
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| Tasting note: . Showing good weight, depth and roundness, it's an instantly attractive, dry wine, with an array of tropical-fruit and herbaceous flavours, fresh, vibrant and strong Score - **** (out of 5). (Michael Cooper, Buyer's Guide to New Zealand Wines, 2005) |
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| New at VINTAGES |
| 651869 GUNN ESTATE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2004 $ 15.95 |
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Hawkes Bay, North Island (XD) 750 mL
Gunn Estate Winery |
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| Gunn Estate has proven that not all the best New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs come from the South Island. This flavourful, Hawkes Bay number has good intensity, balance and finesse. Kiwi winewriter, Sue Courtney, best sums it up: Wow. A water pale wine, richly pungent on the nose, almost luscious in its vibrant scent of freshly cut grass, gooseberry and tropical fruit. |
| (Sue Courtney, www.wineoftheweek.com, July 25, 2004) |
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| Food match: roast chicken with sweet potato and a leek and fennel stir-fry (Sue Courtney). |
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| From the VINTAGES Essentials Collection |
| 316570 OYSTER BAY SAUVIGNON BLANC (V) $ 17.95 |
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Marlborough, South Island (XD) 750 mL
Delegat's |
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| This perennial classic New Zealand Sauvignon | | |
