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In-store Discoveries


VINTAGES' In-store Discovery program is designed to enhance the product portfolio at select store locations. These products are available in limited quantities. To check availability, simply use our product search engine or contact your local store.


In-store Discoveries (or ISDs) are shipped to stores along with regular retail release products, but they are not tied to a specific release date. They are available for sale as soon as stores receive them.

February 4, 2012—In-store Discoveries

Spirits

Rum

EL DORADO SINGLE BARREL EHP DEMERARA RUM 
Guyana
(Demerara Distillers)

This fine, rich dark-brown rum is distilled from molasses. It is lighter in body than, say, their 15-year-old because it is made from one barrel, as opposed to a blend of several casks, as is the usual technique. As such, each barrel will have a slightly different flavour and aroma profile from each other. EHP stands for Edward Henry Porter, founder of the Enmore sugar factory. The wooden still used to make this rum is from the Enmore facility and is the last of its kind in the world.

66001  750 mL  $99.95 

Sake

Sake

GEKKEIKAN ZIPANG JUNMAI SPARKLING SAKE 
Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

TASTING NOTE: Zipang is a single-serving bottle of naturally carbonated sake with a low alcohol content. Using their original technique developed at their state-of-the-art facility, it is produced to embody a light and sweet flavor with a clean, refreshing finish. It is fantastic with light appetizers and salad as well as tangy fruits like raspberries. Its clean and crisp flavor also makes it a perfect choice for an aperitif. Served it icy cold to enjoy its maximum flavor. (www.chopsticksny.com, Oct. 2010)

125971  (D) 250 mL  $8.15 drink

Fortified Wine

Sherry

ROMATE AMONTILLADO SHERRY 
DO Jerez
(Sanchez Romate)

As with all dry sherries, this Amontillado is ready-to-drink. Made with the Palomino grape, it features aromas and flavours of nuts, apple cores and lime peel. It is simultaneously pungent and delicate. Dry and flavourful. A good choice for aged cheeses, Iberian ham, grilled shrimp, or just to sip around the nut bowl.

264721  750 mL  $14.95 

Champagne & Sparkling Wines

Champagne

AYALA BRUT CHAMPAGNE 1999
AC

TASTING NOTE: Fresh and harmonious, this delightful Champagne offers peach, lemon cake, tobacco and toast notes. Vibrant and elegant, with a lingering, chalky finish. Drink now through 2020.

Score: 93 (Bruce Sanderson, winespectator.com, Dec. 15, 2009)

265108  (XD) 750 mL  $72.95 drinkhold

GOSSET GRAND MILLÉSIME BRUT CHAMPAGNE 2000
AC

TASTING NOTE: Gosset's 2000 Brut Grand Millesime is a large-scaled, exuberant wine bursting with ripe apricots, roasted hazelnuts, smoke and sweet baking spices, with slightly oxidative overtones that add complexity. Extended lees aging has additional volume and breadth to an already finessed mousse. As delicious as the 2000 Brut Grand Millesime is, however, I don't quite find the elegance that is a hallmark of the finest bottles in this vintage, as the wine comes across as overly heavy. The Brut Grand Millesime is 56% Chardonnay and 44% Pinot Noir. This is Lot # L920 1113, disgorged mid-May, 2009. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2016.

Score: 90 (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, Dec. 2009)

596973  (XD) 750 mL  $89.95 drinkhold

Sparkling Wine

COULY-DUTHEIL BRUT DE FRANC ROSÉ 
France, Méthode Traditionnelle

This is a unique sparkling wine because it is made exclusively with Cabernet Franc grapes, all of which are sourced from within the Chinon AC. As the Chinon AC does not permit sparkling wine, it can only be marketed as a VMQ (Quality Sparkling Wine) without geographical designation. Look for aromas of red berries and spring flowers. On the palate, it is soft and ripe with a fine mousse and a long, supple, intriguing finish. An affordable and fascinating alternative to other sparklers.

182584  (XD) 750 mL  $19.95 drink

White Wine

France – Burgundy

ALEX GAMBAL LES MURGERS DES DENTS DE CHIEN SAINT-AUBIN 1ER CRU 2008
AC

TASTING NOTE: A seductively expressive and relatively cool nose blends relatively high-toned floral, pear and green apple notes into precise, minerally and racy flavors that are long, linear and wonderfully vibrant as there is an attractive underlying tension present on the balanced, persistent and bone dry finish. Excellent quality. Outstanding. Top Value. Drink [from] 2013+.

Score: 90 (Allen Meadows, burghound.com, June 1, 2010)

270546  (XD) 750 mL  $47.95 drinkhold

JEAN-MARC BROCARD MONT DE MILLIEU CHABLIS 1ER CRU 2009
AC

TASTING NOTE: (50% foudre and 50% tank) Bright, pale yellow-green. High-pitched aromas of lemon icing, anise, fresh herbs and minerals. Lush on entry, then tight in the middle, even youthfully compact, showing less early sweetness of fruit than the Extreme. Best today on the lingering finish, which is tactile and classically dry, exuding a mineral perfume. This is from 80-year-old vines that Julien Brocard said were picked on the early side in 2009.

Score: 90-92 (Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, July/Aug. 2010)

265348  (XD) 750 mL  $34.95 drinkhold

Italy – Marche

VECCHIE VIGNE VERDICCHIO DEI CASTELLI DI JESI CASAL DI SERRA CLASSICO SUPERIORE 2008
DOC
(Umani Ronchi)

TASTING NOTE: The Bernetti family estate has an international business. Present in most developed markets, its technically perfect wines have great personality and deep roots, driving trends but never following them ... These two wines are multiple top award winners. Casal di Serra Vecchie Vigne '08 is sourced from a vineyard between 35 and 40-years old. Aniseed, citrussy freshness and minerality explode in elegant, overflowing savouriness.

Score: 3 Glasses (out of 3) (Gambero Rosso Italian Wines, 2011)

98111  (D) 750 mL  $26.95 drinkhold

Red Wine

USA – California

CAYMUS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008
Napa Valley

TASTING NOTE: Openly fruity, rich, lush and layered, serving up a complex mix of plum, blackberry, black licorice and spices. Full-bodied and supple-textured, ending with a long, persistent finish that keeps repeating the core flavor themes. Collectible. Drink now through 2018.

Score: 93 (James Laube, winespectator.com, Dec. 15, 2010)

155150  (XD) 1500 mL  $159.95 drinkhold

CAYMUS SPECIAL SELECTION CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008
Napa Valley

James Laube of the Wine Spectator also gave this wine a score of 94 points.

TASTING NOTE: The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection is the first example of this cuvee to include Merlot (about 14%) in the blend. The Merlot component has given the wine a cocoa/chocolate nuance to its black currant, licorice-infused fruit. The tannins are velvety soft and the wine is beautifully textured and full-bodied. It is ideal for drinking now and over the next 15 years.

Score: 94 (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Dec. 2010)

155374  (D) 3000 mL  $541.95 drinkhold

France – Burgundy

DOMAINE CHEVILLON-CHEZEAUX LES BOUSSELOTS NUITS-SAINT-GEORGES 1ER CRU 2009
AC

TASTING NOTE: Alluring for its luscious strawberry and raspberry notes, this red is juicy and vibrant. Tightens up on the finish, where the tannins intertwine with sweet fruit and spice flavors. Best from 2014 through 2022.

Score: 90 (Bruce Sanderson, winespectator.com, Dec. 15, 2011)

264978  (XD) 750 mL  $59.95 drinkhold

France – Midi

MARIUS 2008
Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes

As director and winemaker at Château Latour, Frédéric Engerer is in exclusive company at the top of the wine world. His family's property in Languedoc-Roussillon is called Marius. Made with Cabernet Sauvignon cuttings Engerer acquired from the Latour nursery, this wine is beautifully structured and very elegantly made. The 2005 is only its second vintage, but this interesting wine, from a fantastic vintage, already has an air of warm-climate Pauillac sophistication to it. Don't be misled by the Vin de Pays designation; since the producer chooses to use an alternative grape variety, it is not eligible for AC status in the region.

100586  (D) 750 mL  $66.95 drinkhold

Italy – Piedmont

CORDERO DI MONTEZEMOLO FUNTANÌ BARBERA D'ALBA SUPERIORE 2008
DOCG

TASTING NOTE: The 2008 Barbera d'Alba Superiore Funtani is a gorgeous, mineral-laced wine graced with crushed red raspberries, flowers, subtle spices and new leather. In 2008 the Funtani is remarkably elegant and poised, with terrific focus and fabulous overall balance. The subtle, nuanced finish leaves a lasting impression. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2018.

Score: 92 (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, Feb. 2011)

264614  (XD) 750 mL  $37.95 drinkhold

January 21, 2012—In-store Discoveries

Fortified Wine

Sherry

EMILIO LUSTAU LA INA FINO SHERRY 
DO Jerez
(Henri Gualco, Récolt.)

TASTING NOTE: The Solera for the La Ina was founded in 1919, but only came under the control of Emilio Lustau in 2008. Lustau sought out historic and iconic La Ina, Botaina, Río Viejo and Viña 25 brands, their aim being to bring these products back to the fore for Sherry enthusiasts. The La Ina offers floral aromas along with citrus, roasted nuts, bread dough and grilled pineapple. The palate is quite elegant and long with lovely replays. (VINTAGES panel, June 2011)

264697  (D) 750 mL  $18.95 drink

Dessert Wine

CHÂTEAU SOUCHERIE CHAUME 2007
AC

TASTING NOTE: ... evokes mint and eucalyptus in the nose and offers a penetrating, refreshing palate impression mingling honeydew melon and orange liqueur; fresh lime; herbal lozenges; and the honey of botrytis. It reminds me of tasting Sauvignon and Muscadelle components of Sauternes or Monbazillac, minus the new wood that would entail. Despite its viscosity and sappy intensity, this evokes a sense of lift and refreshment in its long, both soothing and stimulating finish. This is so well-balanced it can be relished today, but should be well worth following for a decade or more.

Score: 91 (David Schildknecht, erobertparker.com, Aug. 2010)

164913  (S) 750 mL  $32.95 drinkhold

Champagne & Sparkling Wines

Champagne

BILLECART-SALMON BRUT ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE 
AC

Though not from the same lot as referenced by Antonio Galloni, Billecart-Salmon's house style will ensure that the taste profile of this bottling will be consistent with his notes.

TASTING NOTE: The NV Brut Rose emerges from the glass with the essence of freshly cut flowers, berries and minerals in a mid-weight, gracious style. It shows gorgeous inner perfume, along with persistent notes of chalkiness that frame the long, sublime finish. Year in, year out, this estate's NV Brut Rose is one of the most consistently outstanding wines in the region. This is Lot 337014 -3671A. Disgorged June 30, 2010. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2015.

Score: 90 (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, Dec. 2010)

924670  (XD) 375 mL  $49.95 drinkhold

TARLANT ZERO BRUT NATURE CHAMPAGNE 
AC

TASTING NOTE: The NV Brut Nature Zero shows remarkable tension, as suggestions of jasmine, white peaches and minerals vie for center stage with the wine's structural components. This shows tons of energy yet seems to be holding quite a bit back in reserve as well. The Brut Nature Zero is a fabulous wine, but it, too, needs to be enjoyed at the table. The Brut Nature Zero is equal parts Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, based on 2006, with the addition of reserve wines ... Anticipated maturity: 2011-2015.

Score: 92 (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, Dec. 2010)

996264  (XD) 750 mL  $42.95 drinkhold

Icewine

Icewine

CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES RIESLING ICEWINE 2009
Paul Bosc Estate Vineyard, VQA Niagara Peninsula

TASTING NOTE: A sweet treat to end the tasting, and, wow, what a beautiful icewine. The nose is killer with sweet wild honey, apricot, peach and quince that comes at you in waves. It's thick, unctuous on the palate with sweet, concentrated fruits, honey goodness and balancing acidity.

Score: 94 (Rick VanSickle, winesinniagara.com, Aug. 2011)

413724  (S) 375 mL  $59.95 drinkhold

White Wine

USA – California

MER SOLEIL BARREL FERMENTED CHARDONNAY 2008
Santa Lucia Highlands

TASTING NOTE: Complex roasted pecans, lanolin, creamy apple and lemon tart charm.

Score: 92 (Gordon Stimmell, winealign.com, Dec. 6, 2010)

271551  (XD) 1500 mL  $69.95 drink

France – Burgundy

DOMAINE SEGUIN-MANUEL VIEILLES VIGNES MEURSAULT 2009
AC

TASTING NOTE: Aromas of coconut, pear, apple and mineral with an evocative buttered-croissant note. The palate is dry with a ribbon of bright acidity. Quite lithe and light on its feet for Meursault, without losing any of the flavour intensity that characterizes the style. A wonderfully focused, elegant wine with superb balance and poise. The finish is long, tangy, and delicious. Great now, especially with buttery crab legs or buttermilk-marinated chicken, it will only get better with 3+ years in the cellar. (VINTAGES panel, Dec. 2011)

265082  (XD) 750 mL  $56.95 drinkhold

Red Wine

USA - New York

OSPREY'S DOMINION RESERVE MERLOT 2007
North Fork of Long Island, New York

TASTING NOTE: This red is balanced and dense, with ripe plum and black cherry framed by smoke and mineral notes and supported by firm, well-integrated tannins. Sleek, focused and expressive. Drink now through 2014.

Score: 90 (Tim Matthews, winespectator.com, July 31, 2010)

271692  (XD) 750 mL  $39.95 drinkhold

 

Australia

ALKOOMI JARRAH SHIRAZ 2007
Frankland River, Western Australia

TASTING NOTE: The 2007 Jarrah Shiraz gives a deep garnet-purple color with earthy aromas of damp loam, truffles and forest floor that give way to black currant, cigar boxes and cinnamon stick. The palate has a modest, easy-drinking medium body while the medium to high acidity and a medium to firm level of very fine tannins provide just enough support. Drink this now to 2018+.

Score: 91 (Lisa Perrotti-Brown, MW, erobertparker.com, Oct. 2010)

686634  (XD) 750 mL  $39.95 drinkhold

LOAN SHIRAZ 2005
Barossa Valley, South Australia
(Tanunda Creek Vineyards)

Free sulphur: < 6 mg/L.

TASTING NOTE: Loan's 2005 Shiraz was barrel-fermented and spent 30 months in new American oak. A saturated purple color, it exhibits an expressive perfume of smoke, Asian spices, bacon, blueberry, and blackberry liqueur. Still tightly wound on the palate, it has a tannic finish that will ultimately need to be resolved. It has plenty of fruit but whether it will come into balance remains to be seen.

Score: 90+ (Jay Miller, erobertparker.com, Dec. 2009)

104661  (XD) 750 mL  $44.95 drinkhold

France – Burgundy

DOMAINE CHARLES AUDOIN AU CHAMP SALOMON MARSANNAY 2009
AC, Unfined, Unfiltered

TASTING NOTE: A densely fruited nose of black cherry, raspberry and violets gives way to rich, generous and solidly structured middle weight flavors that possess a supple mid-palate but firm up rapidly on the dusty, serious and beautifully complex finish that delivers very impressive length. Outstanding. Top Value. Drink 2017+.

Score: 90-93 (Allen Meadows, burghound.com, Jan. 01, 2011)

259861  (XD) 750 mL  $39.95 drinkhold

France – Rhône

CHÂTEAU-FORTIA CUVÉE DU BARON CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2009
AC

TASTING NOTE: Dark and winey, with an authoritative profile, as blackberry, linzer torte and pastis notes cruise along, backed by hints of spice cake, shiso leaf and violet on the finish. Carries some weight, but shows grace in the end, with a flash of savory herb. Best from 2012 through 2022.

Score: 91 (James Molesworth, winespectator.com, Sept. 30, 2011)

640482  (XD) 375 mL  $18.95 drinkhold

CUVÉE CASIMIR BALTHAZAR CORNAS 2009
AC
(Franck Balthazar, Vitic.)

TASTING NOTE: Still tightly wound, with a snappy edge to the pomegranate, red currant and red licorice flavors that have a taut chalky spine cutting through the middle. There's lots of briary, spice-filled grip on the finish. Best from 2013 through 2020.

Score: 93 (James Molesworth, winespectator.com, Oct. 15, 2011)

271544  (XD) 750 mL  $38.95 drinkhold

DOMAINE DE LA CHARBONNIÈRE LES HAUTES BRUSQUIÈRES CUVÉE SPÉCIALE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2009
AC
(Michel Maret et Fils)

TASTING NOTE: ... (a blend of 60% Grenache and a whopping 40% Syrah, with the Grenache aged in foudres and the Syrah in small oak) has a full-bodied mouthfeel with loads of glycerin ... This wine, displaying notes of black cherries intermixed with black currants, licorice and forest floor as well as hints of incense and camphor, is very well made. Luscious and expansive, it is ideal for drinking over the next 10-15 years.

Score: 93 (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Oct. 2011)

579581  (XD) 750 mL  $57.95 drinkhold

Italy – Piedmont

ROCCA GIOVANNI BRICCO RAVERA BAROLO 2006
DOCG

TASTING NOTE: This red is stained with licorice, black cherry and tar notes, all wrapped in a rich texture. A steely structure underneath melds with the sweet fruit on the long finish. Best from 2013 through 2029.

Score: 94 (Bruce Sanderson, winespectator.com, April 30, 2011)

268961  (XD) 750 mL  $48.95 drinkhold

All bottles are 750 mL unless otherwise noted.
Stock may be transferred between stores one full month after release.
VINTAGES In-store Discovery products are available for sale as soon as stores receive them.
They are not tied to a specific release date as are regular release products.
For availability, please check with your respective store that carries In-store Discovery products.
All prices include applicable container deposit and HST as of July 1, 2010.