Here's power and finesse at an incredible value. d'Arenberg's popular Shiraz/Grenache blend is packed with vibrant blackberry, cherry and cassis flavours balanced by fine tannins and focused acidity. This big bottle is perfect for the holiday party or the holiday feast. The popular 750 mL size is always available in our Essentials Collection (942904, $19.95).

661595    (XD)            1500 mL    $39.95   

Looking for an icon? d'Arenberg's flagship Shiraz sets the benchmark year after year for the entire McLaren Vale region. A consistent favourite of Robert Parker's, the 2004 vintage scored a whopping 95 points for its "... glorious perfume of creosote/melted road tar, blackberry and cassis liqueur, pepper, and spice ... it is the finest Dead Arm since the 2001". (www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2006)

37283    (XD)            1500 mL    $119.95   

Year after year, this hearty Cab offers excellent value. Rich purple in colour it offers ripe cherry and black currant aromas. Dry, medium full-bodied, with medium tannins and a lengthy finish, this tasty Cab is an excellent match for roast beef or lamb. Bring out this big gun for a big gathering. We are also featuring the 750 mL bottle, a wine from our VINTAGES Essentials Collection, in this release (656561).

16915    (XD)            1500 mL    $39.95   

Joseph Phelps is one of Napa Valley's most highly regarded wineries. Robert Parker Jr. awarded this quintessential Napa Cab a score of 90, commenting: "possesses loads of up-front fruit, soft tannins". (www.erobertparker.com, Dec. 2006) This big boy is a great wine to serve with a robust roast beef or lamb dinner over the holidays. We also have the half-bottle size (036939).

36921    (XD)            1500 mL    $179.95   

Antonio Galloni, the Italian wine expert for Robert Parker Jr.'s Wine Advocate (Dec. 2006) awarded 90 points to this Tuscan treasure for its "...attractive suggestions of earthiness, dark fruit, chocolate and new oak..." It's just coming into its own now but will age well for another decade or more. The 750 mL size is also available in this release (922054).

This ripping Ripasso would make an impressive centrepiece at the family feast. It's loaded with plentiful red and black fruit upfront, with intriguing elements of tar, chocolate, licorice and coffee. Full-bodied and rich, this Ripasso would go well with grilled steak. The 750 mL size is always available through our Essentials Collection (479766, $22.95)

43554    (D)            3000 mL    $127.95   

Interlaced with aromas and flavours of chocolate, this petite-sized bottle of Wolfie Shiraz is a must have for those nights when you and your mate have a mad craving for a feast of backribs. The 750 mL size bottle is always available from VINTAGES Essentials Collection (348540, $ 24.95).

662122    (XD)            375 mL    $12.95   

Robert Parker Jr. gave this classic Cali Cab from one of Napa Valley's most esteemed wineries a score of 90, commenting "possesses loads of up-front fruit, soft tannins". (www.erobertparker.com, Dec. 2006) This petite version is a great to enjoy with someone who appreciates the finer things in life. When it's a question of 'the more the merrier', we also have the magnum size (036921).

36939    (XD)            375 mL    $39.95          

This revered wine from the Southern Rhône is a favourite of wine guru Robert Parker Jr. This latest vintage scored 93-95 points for its "... sweet nose of blackberry, licorice, pepper, Chinese black tea, and considerable spice box and truffle". (www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2007) Perfect for the collector, it will continue to evolve over the next 15-20 years. The 750 mL bottle is also available in this release (711317)

968750    (XD)            375 mL    $47.95   

Antinori's legendary 'Tig' would make a terrific gift for the wine enthusiast in your life. Antonio Galloni, the Italian wine expert for Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (June 2007) awarded the 2004 vintage 93 points. He described it as "...deeply expressive, it reveals black cherries, licorice, tar and sweet toasted oak on a linear, silky-textured frame of great class and elegance ...". The 750 mL is always available in our Essentials Collection (986786, $ 89.95).

677336    (XD)            375 mL    $56.95   

This "is a very serious Chianti ...it exhibits a nuanced personality, with notes of dark cherries, licorice and minerals that open up in the glass". Antonio Galloni, the Italian wine expert for Robert Parker Jr.'s Wine Advocate awarded it 90 points (June 2007). Enjoy with a Moroccan spiced lamb dish. If you need more, we also have the 750 mL bottle in this release (039768)

39750    (XD)            375 mL    $26.95   

The half-bottle size of this Ripasso is perfect for two. It's loaded with plentiful red and black fruit upfront, with intriguing elements of tar, chocolate, licorice and coffee serve with grilled steak or venison. The 750 mL size is always available through our Essentials Collection (479766, $22.95) and for larger affairs we have the double magnum in this release (43554).

43547    (D)            375 mL    $13.95   

This half-bottle from the Sonoma sub-appellation of Knights Valley is a perfect example of how Beringer excels with Cab. Robert Parker Jr. hailed this as "outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon" awarding it a score of 90 points for its "...outstanding purity, depth, and ripeness in an open- knit, fruit-driven but deep style..." (www.erobertparker.com, Dec. 2005)

595652    (XD)            375 mL    $22.95   

This petite variety pack of Inniskillin's three outstanding Icewines is a great way to sample and compare varietal styles of Canada's gift to the wine world. Which is your favourite? The intense peach and spice flavours of the Vidal, the luscious raspberry and strawberry flavours of the full-bodied Cabernet Franc or the ripe, tropical fruit and honey notes of the deftly balanced Riesling. It also makes a great stocking stuffer for the wine-loving sweetie in your life.

661157    (S)            3 x 50 mL    $29.95     

From an outstanding vintage, this scrumptious, exotic Tokaji (pronounced Toe-Kai) delights with aromas of fresh marmalade and candied citrus along with a hint of minerality. The sweetness is perfectly balanced by a fine seam of acidity. It's the ideal match for duck foie gras or well-aged cheeses.

972836    (S)            250 mL    $19.95   

This hip-flask bottle of Poli Sarpa's Grappa is a unique gift idea for spirit lovers. Above and beyond the attractive packaging, this traditional grappa is known for its grapey aromas, ripe, fruity palate, with a touch of sweetness and warm, refined finish.

54924    100 mL    $15.95  

What's more romantic than a dinner for two with Champagne? Quite lively and complex, this food-friendly fizz has layered aromas and flavours of freshly baked bread, nuts, honey and crisp green apples all leading to a lingering finish. We also have the 750 mL size in this release (919464)

919456    (XD)            375 mL    $19.95   

You don't need a gold card to enjoy this half-bottle of Drappier Carte d'Or Brut. Refined with a delicate floral nose, this beautifully textured fizz has terrific structure and would match nicely with oysters, sushi or sashimi. Who you share it with is up to you.

40576    (XD)            375 mL    $21.95   

Sunday Brunch for two? This delightfully light and effervescent Moscato with its wonderful grapey aromas and delicate touch of sweetness is perfect with biscotti or fresh fruit. Now that's amore!

650440    (MS)            375 mL    $12.95   

This splendid bubbly is similar to Pol Roger's traditional Brut Reserve, except it's given a sweeter dosage. The touch of sweetness is balanced by a refreshing streak of acidity making it an excellent match for spicy dishes as well as the perfect toasting fizz.

739904    (MD)            375 mL    $33.95   

This delicious bubbly comes from one of California's leading producers of sparkling wine. Wine Spectator (Dec. 15, 2006) awarded it 90 points, praising it as "... smooth, rich and creamy, revealing layers of black cherry, vanilla and ginger, with a hint of lemon drop ..." Perfect for toasting that special someone.

53504    (D)            375 mL    $11.95