Tasting Notes: Known for their wines and history, Carmen was the first Chilean winery established in 1850! Carmen's carmenere has always been a go-to red wine for its rich notes of blueberries, spices, and tobacco. Soft touches of pepper and paprika create complexity. Fermented in steel tanks then matured in French oak for 14 months finishes this wine at 14.0% The wine has persistency and great length! Big and bold wine perfect for the bold, hearty meals this chilly season! Enjoy now or age to 2028-2030.
Price: $19.99
Tasting Notes: Medium amber color, with copper highlights; fragrant, with notes of sweet corn, dried fruit, and spice; burly on the palate, with an initial sweetness that evolves to savory, nutty notes. Oak balances the up-front sweetness, while flavors of sweet corn, salted caramel, and toasted nuts carry through to a long finish.
Price: $101.99
Tasting Notes: Family vintners for over 100 years, the Catenas are recognized for their pioneering role in high-altitude viticulture in Argentina. This blend of Semillon(60%) and Chenin Blanc (40%) is Argentina’s century-old traditional white wine. It's a riff on the traditional Bordeaux pairing of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. The wine is super expressive, with beautiful melon, pear, citrus, gala apple, and mineral on the nose. The palate is medium-light, but follows a good arc: textured and creamy, confirming the layered nose: melon, apple, with a great cauliflower floret back note. A white wine of excellent character! Pairs with pasta (cream sauces), risotto, grilled veggies (any veggies), fish, chicken, veal; would be at home with Christmas turkey! Drink now.
Price: $24.99 750 ml
Tasting Notes: The idea for Two Hands was born in September 1999 when founders Michael Twelftree and Richard Mintz sat at a friend’s engagement party. The 2022 Angel's Share Shiraz is saturated with black cherry, raspberry, licorice. In the mouth, it is all of this: silky and spicy and concentrated but not heavy. The rich and powerful fruits burst out of the gate, setting up the palate. This initial burst creates a wave of juice and long fruits which are slowly reined in by the broad tannins. This wine is a little bit too easy to drink, it announces itself and then gives you a whole hearted effort, the creaminess of the fruit holds the succulent mouthfeel and the tannins have a lovely brightness to the effortless finish. This is a wine that will offer loads of immediate pleasure and will also age for the moderate term under optimal cellaring conditions. Nicely done.
Price: $33.99
Tasting Notes: A tropical, citrus, and fresh Hazy IPA that s soft and has a fluffy bitterness. Prominent tasting notes of grapefruit, tangerine, and subtle sweetness. A perfect beer for the coming month of sweeter weather, fireplaces, and good food.
Price: $20.99
Tasting Notes: Composed of Armagnacs 100% Folle Blanche from the estate's vineyard, located in Bas- Armagnac, this grape variety produces fine and often floral eau-de-vie with great elegance. Rich and nutty nose with dried stone fruit. Hints of marzipan. Delicate but complex with a little oiliness and a hint of dark cocoa. Aged for 20 years in oak. A lovely sipper on a chilly November night.
Price: $114.99
Tasting Notes: This exotic liqueur is a fusion of aged Scotch malt whiskies, spices, cinnamon, tangerines and honey; the result is a distinctive flavourful liqueur. A smooth, easy to drink liqueur with warming hints of cinnamon, tangerines and honey. Perfect for chilly evenings spent in good company, or even relaxing alone.
Price: $43.49
Tasting Notes: Driftwood Brewery in Victoria, BC demonstrate notable expertise with most of their diverse lineup, but Fat Tug is known as their flagship product and has become one of western Canada's most popular IPAs. On the nose, this golden brew emits light fruit and citrus with some piney hops. The taste is crispy and fresh. Plenty of bitterness and hops, but focuses on fruity flavors, including notes of pineapple and green apple.
Price: $4.99
Tasting Notes: Susumaniello is another indigenous grape from Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot. The “Lampu”, from the local dialect which means lightning, heralds the arrival of rain in Puglia, a blessing for the crops. Dense, opaque, ox-blood red with a dark magenta rim, the wine has a complex aroma of sage, bramble, dusty loam, blackberry and tomato paste. The palate is deep and full of dark fruit: plums, dates, black cherries. Ripe tannins, full body, medium long finish. Certified Organic, Vegan Friendly. Deelish! Pair with the usual suspects: roasts, grilled meats, hard cheeses. Drink now- 2028 ish.
Price: $36.49 750 ml.
Tasting Notes: This exceptional single malt whisky was matured for 15 years in two types of specially selected oak casks, American and European, seasoned with dry Oloroso sherry. The result is creamy and smooth, with nuances of fresh and dried fruit, oak, orange zest, dark chocolate, spice, honey and caramel. Enjoy this neat or over ice.
Price: $349.99
Tasting Notes: For the first batch of the brandy casks, this whiskey has collected over four awards- including Gold in the 2020 Canadian Whiskey Awards. Locally owned and operated, Great Plains Craft Spirits are located in Calgary, Alberta. 91.5 % corn and 8.5% rye mash aged for 17 years in bourbon barrels then 12 months in Jerez brandy barrels from Spain. Finished at 54.5% ABV and 109 proof, this whiskey is bold and well-layered with fire, cinnamon spice, and orange peel on the nose with port, tobacco, and dried fruit flavor notes. Pour your way and enjoy.
Price: $124.99
Tasting Notes: Huyghe Brewery produces Delirium Tremens in Melle, Belgium. Delirium Tremens is a medical term that refers to severe symptoms alcoholics can experience during withdrawal such as tremors, confusion, and hallucinations. The beer’s name (and pink elephant logo) is an allusion to these symptoms. ABV: 8.5% According to legend, in an attempt to give the brand new, nameless brew a proper moniker, a Belgian tax collector felt himself gradually slipping into a state of unexpected drunkenness and declared that he would get delirium tremens if he continued drinking the brew. The name stuck. Delirium Tremens recently won Gold at the Frankfurt International Trophy competition in 2021 and captured Gold at the 2020 World Beer Awards held in the United Kingdom. The brewery’s other beers have also won multiple awards. Made using three different types of yeast, aromas include citrus, pear, banana and honey with a big hit of spice and bread. Taste follows the nose with lemon, pear and apricot, coriander, candy sugar, clove and white pepper.
Price: $15.99
Tasting Notes: New fact for me, bourbon does not have to be exclusively from Kentucky and the Smoke Wagon is a great example of one from Las Vegas. Winning gold in both the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Ascot Awards just two years after its release, this bourbon is exactly what you expect of something out of Vegas- big and powerful but also quite smooth and complex. Although its name might say otherwise, it is not very smokey but rather full of the caramel and honey with a long peppercorn and toasted nutty finish curtesy of its high rye mash. 46.25% and 92.5 proof, this award winner is great however you drink your whiskey- it makes its presence well known!
Price: $61.49
Tasting Notes: The magic of the marriage of three different wood casks come to its splendour when our malts are matured in ex-bourbon, ex-french wine and ex-sherry casks. It embellishes our malt with the finest shade of Amber, whiff of caramelized pineapple, vanilla, hints of black tea, raisins & citrus and subtle nuttiness. The smoothness and flavour linger long after the glass has been put aside. Trini, The three wood was conceptualised based on the individual contribution of each wood without overshadowing the original whisky profile which is light fruity with sweet vanilla and spice, a subtle nuttiness to chew on with a medium to reasonably long finish. Nose: Gentle and mellow on the nose. Hints of black tea, caramelised pineapple with a whiff of oak comes forward, followed by vanilla and honey from the bourbon oak and traces of spiced tannins from the European oak, finally topped up with vinous raisin and sweet sherry notes. Palate: Elegant richness, smooth and warm on the sides of the mouth. Gentle spice and woody characteristics. Finish: A subtle and balanced finish, each flavour compliments the other without dominating each other. A smooth and long after taste with sweet fruity flavours coming up from the warmth of the throat, lingering long after
Price: $84.99
Tasting Notes: The Te Muna Road vineyard consists of two distinct soil types — the sauvignon blanc grows on a lower terrace over stony soils sprinkled with limestone, perfect for developing expressive and complex Sauvignon Blanc. Pale straw with light gold tints, on the nose the wine shows passion fruit, salinity, guava, grilled pineapple, minerality. The elegant palate confirms the nose, and adds green apple, papaya, honeydew melon, and lime rind. The balance of acid to fruit is superb. This wine shows impeccable pedigree. Pair with seafood, salads, Asian foods. It really matched a chicken pizza with hoisin sauce and cilantro (home made, on my BBQ grill)! Drink now - 2026.
Price: $27.99 750 ml.
Tasting Notes: Perfect for early fall weather! This is a fruity and fresh Calvados bursting with apple flavours. It is distinguished by a simple continuous distillation in a copper still which allows the apple aromas to be concentrated. They are accentuated by the blending of the fruitiest vintages and aging in century-old oak barrels. Delicious after dinner or sipped in the afternoon with some cheese.
Price: $46.99
Tasting Notes: Inspired by the transportation of whiskey in quarter casks on packhorses. The reduced size means more surface area for the spirit to have contact with the wood, amplifying the natural flavors of whiskey first matured in ex-Bourbon barrels. With hints of coconut, and banana complementing a heavy peat flavor, with a long, sweet and smoky finish.
Price: $97.49
Tasting Notes: Introducing Adictivo Small Batch Whiskey. This is a 100% Single Malt Whiskey, aged in new hand-picked American Oak casks and finished in Adictivo Tequila casks, delivering a natural dark amber color. This comes from the iconic brand known for their amazing tequilas, they have now released their own Whiskey and it's unlike anything you've ever had before. This is the first Whiskey produced by Adictivo, and what makes this Whiskey so special is that it's finished in Adictivo Tequila Casks, giving it a unique and great flavor that other Whiskey's just can't compete with. Nose: Notes of vanilla bean, sweet fruit, and fresh mint. Palate: Pleasantly woody with accents of spice, smoke, and nutmeg. Finish: Long, Sweet, Slightly toasty. Aging: 5 years.
Price: $134.99
Tasting Notes: Following a trip to Summerhill's estates, I discovered that their grüner veltliner is the most interesting white wine I have ever had! Deliciously light and complex at the same time, the grüner veltliner has notes starting with ripe pear and white peach followed by follow blossom and yellow apple. My favorite part of this wine is the pink peppercorn finish that ties the flavor palette up perfectly. This is an easy drinking patio wine while also being a great addition to dinner. Pair with rich and creamy foods like brie, miso dressings, and as Summerhill suggests- sour cream and onion chips! While this grape is primarily grown in Austria, Summerhill planted the vines in their organic vineyard in Kelowna back in 2011. In addition to its organic certification, Summerhill takes pride in their Demeter Biodynamic status which means treating their whole farm as an ecosystem by prioritizing engendered life and diversity in the soil, in the ground cover, and in nature preserves on the farm. Summerhill is a fantastic winery known for their wine and environmental impact which makes supporting their Canadian owned and operated winery all the more important!
Price: $27.49
Tasting Notes: A unfiltered London Dry gin that is fresh and bright. A Juniper Forward profile showcasing a lemon, lime, orange and a perfect complexity of botanicals, for a medium bodied and silk texture. Resulting in a well-balanced and subtle complexity gin perfect for summer.
Price: $58.99
Tasting Notes: Grenache has long been held in esteem by Barossa winegrowers. The 2019 Langmeil Grenache is an elegant expression. The intriguing bouquet pulls you in, with potpourri, woodland floor, plum brandy, and black cherry. The medium full palate expands this, with plum, chokecherry cordial, black plum skin, and bramble notes. Tannins soft and supple. The wine has depth and excellent balance. Pair with roast/grilled fowl, pork, beef. Versatile and graceful, drink now-2027.
Price: $26.99 750 ml
Tasting Notes: If you're looking to expand your white wine repertoire, give Hungarian Furmints a try! This refreshing Tokaji dry white wine has a typical Furmint nose, with zesty aromas of green fruits, especially apples, wet stones, and a touch of lemon. We recently had the pleasure of staying at this family owned estate near Mad, Hungary and enjoyed a fabuous wine paired dinner and excellent accommodations. These zesty white wines are a perfect choice for fish, salad type summer meals and also as aperitif offerings at a gathering.
Price: $19.49
Tasting Notes: In 1965, founder, Rod Strong, was the first to plant Chardonnay in what would later be recognized as the Chalk Hill American Viticultural Area (AVA),established officially in 1983. He recognized the region as distinct from the rest of Russian River Valley, California for its unique volcanically derived, chalky white ash soils, which impart a subtle mineral character to wines grown there. Lemon pie and custard aromas mix with exotic quince and layers of creamy oak in their 2019 Chalk Hill Chardonnay. Bright green apple and a citrusy lemon kick balance out the smooth oak tones. The creamy mouthfeel leads to a bright finish of grapefruit zest and hints of tart apple. Enjoy this now with soft cheeses or simply with good company.
Price: $26.99
Tasting Notes: Crown Royal blended their whisky with the flavor of Georgia peaches and the result is an amazing flavor explosion of peach, vanilla and whisky goodness. It is very versatile, mixing especially well with fruit juice, ice tea or coke. Try a Royal Peach mixing Crown Peach with peach juice and a splash of grenadine or try a Peach Fizz for a nice summer treat mixing Crown Peach with OJ and a splash of prosecco!
Price: $41.49
Tasting Notes: An incredibly complex Bordeaux style wine from Argentina with a precise blend of 50% Malbec, 24% Merlot, 11% Syrah, 7% Cabernet-Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot. As it is Argentinean, the Malbec is truly the star of this wine but the blended grapes really make their presence known with each vintage. The 2019 vintage allows the Cabernet Franc to show off more than the other vintages due to the hotter climate. Winemaker, Michel Rolland, uses the green harvesting method, that is commonly seen in Bordeaux grand cru classé harvesting, as an essential practice alongside their double guyot pruning and drip irrigation practices that allow for the perfect ripening of the grapes. Matured for about 7.5 months in French oak and 3.5 in vats. Fantastic wine with so much information on the making processes available from the winery. This wine is deep purple with vanilla, tobacco, smoked wood, pepper, blackberry, green bell pepper... I could keep going. I enjoy this wine with big foods like steak and burgers. The price of this wine is incredible for its quality- pick one up to impress your dinner guests or even just yourself, you will not be disappointed.
Price: $29.99
Tasting Notes: The brand's creation (2007) came from his son, vintner Joseph Carr, as a gift to honor his father, Josh. Grapes are sourced for this wine from throughout the North Coast AVA, including Sonoma and Lake counties. The wine is elegant, crisp, and well-balanced resulting from the region’s warm, sunny days and cool nights influenced by its close proximity to the Pacific Ocean. The nose of this wine showcases bright citrus, lemon, and peach. On the palate, flavors of lemon zest, peach, and vanilla with a lingering, pleasant finish. The Reserve is a little richer, more unctuous and forward than the Sonoma County Chardonnay, the Reserve Chardonnay is made with a little more new oak and leaps from the glass with flavors of caramelized fruit and apricot combine with vanilla and custard notes. Enjoy this wine with toasted mixed nuts, seafood risotto, roast chicken with butternut squash, or spicy Italian pasta.
Price: $33.49
Tasting Notes: Stellenbosch is a wine region steeped in history; French Huguenots established vines there in the late 1600's. The Kadette Cape Blend is a real South African expression of a Bordeaux blend: Its recipe: 43% Pinotage, 33% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc. Deep red brick in color, it displays aromas of black plums, sage, cola, and toasty oak. On the medium full palate: red currants, smooth texture, blackberry, and medium roast coffee. Tannins are medium grippy. Medium short finish. Very good quality for a very good price. Pair with roasts, grilled meats, stews, casseroles. Drink now- 2028.
Price: $22.99 750 ml
Tasting Notes: Shanky's Whip is a smooth Irish whiskey liqueur. It has delicious flavors of vanilla and caramel mixed with distilled Irish whiskey. It has a sweet rich taste that is great straight, with coke or use it to make an old fashioned.
Price: $$48.99
Tasting Notes: Caribou Crossing holds the distinction of being the world’s first single barrel Canadian whisky. Made from the finest sampling of a master collection of 200,000 barrels of whisky and designed to reinvent the Canadian whisky category. Nose: A bit of leather, white pepper, dusty vanilla, and some airy hints of butterscotch. Very floral at times with wisps of unripe red berries. Palate: Creamy mouthfeel with lemon tart with a walnut crust. Caramel and vanilla at the fore front melding into shortbread cookies. Finish: Short but satisfying finish - tannins drying quickly but leaving hints of cedar behind.
Price: $100.99
Tasting Notes: Tokaji wines are unique and special. The palate on this is well-balanced with a zesty opening, plenty of Clementine, peach and apricot notes. The acidity is very racy (12.5 grams per liter), that neatly balanced the 152 grams per liter residual sugar. Vibrant and very focused, this could be one of the best Aszu wines in what was a difficult vintage. Enjoy with something equally as sweet, or with a foie gras as a decadent appetizer!
Price: $63.99
Tasting Notes: A fresh white wine with notes of crisp apple, citrus qualities like lemon or grapefruit and a subtle earthy taste. A beautiful balance creating a light, crisp, and acidic wine perfect of the summer weather.
Price: $16.99
Tasting Notes: Still Austin’s Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey, day becomes night as “The Musician” plays against a starry sky; the darker colors representing the more intense experience of the limited edition spirit. Nose brandied cherries with fresh muddled mint, old fashioned blackberry cobbler with biscuit crust, and cinnamon toast in brown butter. notes of grilled peaches drizzled with balsamic vinegar, butterscotch pecan pie, and dark brown sugar waves of rye spice, nutmeg, and clove. 59% ABV Mash bill: 70% Corn / 25% Rye / 5% Malted Barley
Price: $107.99
Tasting Notes: Zuccardi Q Chardonnay is a medium-plus-bodied 100% Chard sourced from the Tupungato, Uco Valley in Mendoza. Well-balanced and steely with bright fresh apple, pear, citrus, flinty and mineral flavours on the palate. No malolactic fermentation on this vibrant Chard. Varietal wines, distinct blends from select vineyards, which come from the best parts of Mendoza. Each batch is harvested separately at different times, with the goal of achieving elegance and excellence in the wine. Chardonnay food pairings: lobster tail, prawns in butter sauce, sautéed smoked sea scallops in butter.
Price: $24.99
Tasting Notes: Warm weather equals patio wines! This wine is perfectly balanced for easy sipping on the deck or to unveil its complexity with dinner. A lot of similarity to sauvignon blanc but very unique in its own way. The grillo grape is more often used in the blending of marsala but this wine showcases what the grape can do on its own. Now I am a huge lover of all things lemon and this wine is all that. Lemon and apple on the nose with grass and pineapple on the palette with a long lemon and almond finish. I enjoyed it on its own but paired with acidic Mediterranean meals would elevate this wine incredibly.
Price: $22.99
Tasting Notes: Bodega Argento is dedicated to naturally organic and sustainable wine making. The Malbec was fermented in stainless steel, after which 25% of the wine was aged in oak, the remaining in concrete vats for 10 months. It is very extracted: the glass-staining eye is opaque red/black. Aroma is big and full: ripe fig, plums, dates, black coffee, tar. The palate: full and complex, with dates, plums, black cherry, black coffee confirmed. Tannins medium grippy but not out of place, finish long and warm. This wine has real good "stuffing" (as Jancis Robinson might say)! Vegan Friendly. Pair with burgers, grilled beef, other hearty foods. Drink now, cellar for 2-3 years.
Price: $32.49 750 ml
Tasting Notes: Beautiful twisted bottle with the last shot in the top cap. It has a great cooked agave and vanilla aroma, with a hint of honey. The taste is fantastic with the vanilla in front. It is smooth and sweet without the heat! Perfect for shots, sipping or beverages.
Price: $88.99
Tasting Notes: Although Lodi is in California's Central Valley, its climate is more Mediterranean than the hot, dry semi-arid climate you might expect. This is thanks to the many rivers which run through the AVA and the creeks, estuaries and bays into which they flow. Merlot, an early budding grape, does well here in the reliable warmth. This wine is dense garnet in color. It has a layered aroma of black currant, garrigue, plum, and vanilla. On the palate, good complexity, with black currant, blackberry, espresso with cream, and oregano notes. It has good structure: tannins present but smooth, plush mouth feel but not jammy. A real nice surprise. A perfect match for bison burgers! Drink now-2026.
Price: $19.99 750 ml
Tasting Notes: The sunny weather in April has reinspired my love for chardonnay and this one from Noble Vines does not disappoint. The straw color displays its 5-6 months of time in French and American oak barrels. Grown in a cooler climate within the Monterey region of California, this wine brings vanilla, lychee, and bright citrus to the nose. Creamy and complex flavors starting with vanilla, pineapple, and peach followed by flower blossom, marshmallow and melon to finish. Long finish balanced with slight minerality, this wine has it all. Great value for its price, this is a wine to have on the table or sip on the deck all summer long!
Tasting Notes: Canvas focuses on the generous sweetness of whiskies aged in American oak barrels. However, to complete our composition, we turned to an experimental parcel of single malt re-racked into Spanish orange wine casks for three years. A whisky that is bright, bold and delicious. The gloriously waxy and citrusy nose is followed by forest honey and vanilla shortbread notes on the palate. Flavors of nutmeg, cardamom and chocolate intertwine in the long-lasting finish Limited Edition Bottled June 2021 Release of 5,880 bottles worldwide Lead whisky maker: James Saxon
Price: $173.99
Tasting Notes: Mud House Wine Company is a wine producer based in Marlborough, New Zealand. It is most famous for its Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc wines. Sauvignon Blanc is a white-wine grape from western France, now successfully grown in emerging and established wine regions all over the world. The variety produces lightly colored, aromatic dry white wines with fresh acidity. Synonyms: Fumé Blanc, Sauvignon Bianco, Muskat-Silvaner, Muskat-Sylvaner. The front palate is peppered with notes of melon and citrus, while the crisp grapefruit-like acidity lingers and adds texture.
Price: $21.49
Tasting Notes: Made from the finest Canadian whisky, aged 7 years, and blended with first run pure maple syrup. It is surprisingly a fantastic combination. Maple, toffee and caramel aromas AND flavors! It is medium sweet with a smooth burn. Sip it over ice, add to coffee/tea or shake with vodka for a maple martini!
Price: $51.99
Tasting Notes: This easy going mellow Prosecco is lovely to sip on any time of the day! Fruity with apple, pear and some herbal notes. The palate is off-dry, simple and fruity but not too sweet. The mousse has a nice texture with lots of bubbles. Don't pour it too fast or it will foam up!
Price: $18.99
Tasting Notes: As a West Highlander, this Highland Whisky from Orkney does not disappoint. Nose: Gentle, but quite sweet and fruity with touches of apricot, granulated sugar, orange peels, marmalade and a touch of tobacco. Just a tinge of fennel in the background. The smoke is almost non-existent. Taste: More recognisable as Highland Park now. Subtle, yet refreshing smoke. Green-ish in a way. A hint of white pepper, cereals, oak spices and oranges, as well as a more herbacious side. Mouthfeel is on the thinner side. Finish: Medium length with spicy oak, some ginger and a touch of honey. Soft fruits too.
Price: $94.00
Tasting Notes: I am a big lover of big wines and this monastrell from Tarima Hill does not disappoint. Full of blackberry, blueberry and over-ripe raspberries, with vanilla and minerality on the finish. This wine has incredible complexity that develops with each glass. Smooth to drink on its own but incredible with bold dishes like steaks, aged cheddars, and my favorite- braised short ribs. Incredible value for the price, pick one up soon you will not regret it!
Tasting Notes: The Sichel family renamed this wine (the so-called 'second' wine of the domaine) from La Reserve D'Angludet to better honor the women who have contributed directly or indirectly to the history of the property since the 12th century. Deeply aromatic, it expresses layers of cherry, black currant, black licorice, plums, and violets. Upon first sip, the palate shows a smooth texture, with currant, black olive, dried dates, and truffle . Tannins are supple; the finish is long and complex. It offers the best quality for price in the entire Margaux appellation. This wine can be consumed now and will deliver an exceptional experience, but it can be cellared for a number of years. Pair with all sorts of cuisine: hearty vegetarian casseroles, roasted meats/fowl, chateaubriand.
Price: $51.99 750 ml
Tasting Notes: The Macallan A Night on Earth - the journey is the second release in the Macallan A Night on Earth series. Created in collaboration with acclaimed chinese artist Nini Sum, featuring innovative multi-layeredpackaging inspired by new year, that provides an exceptional unboxing experience. Colour: Sunrise gold. Nose: Toasted oak, a creamy steamed rice and coconut milk pudding, citrus fruits, vanilla and oat biscuits. Palate: A burst of effervescent citrus fruits - lemon and lime with sweet creamy vanilla and toasted coconut. Finish: Medium with sweet, toasted oak and vanilla.
Price: $299.99
Tasting Notes: Soave is an interesting wine, a great alternative to Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. Its minerality and kicking acidity come from the soils of Soave – a small area in Northern Italy constituted of hillside vineyards. Generous, pleasingly fresh and versatile, it is made from the traditional varieties of Garganega and Trebbiano di Soave grown in family-owned vineyards situated in the Soave Classico region. Soave Classico DOC – The original zone of production, mainly covering vineyards planted on slopes and hillsides. The source of many high quality Soave wines. Soave is commonly paired with seafood as it has a smooth oily richness and a palate that is fruity (white peach, lemon, lime and pear) with a hint of salinity. Both Soave made in stainless steel tanks and Soave aged in wooden barrels will work with shellfish pasta dishes.
Tasting Notes: This gin is springtime in a glass! Islay's first dry gin is produced at Bruichladdich from nine classic gin botanicals and enhanced with 22 herbs and flowers that are hand-forged locally by their own botanical scientists. This combination of natural ingredients fill the glass with complex aromas and invigorating flavours, velvety texture ensues with a clean finish. I enjoy drinnking this gin either neat over ice, or with a splash of Perrier water and slice of lemon so I can savour all the delicious botanicals in it.
Tasting Notes: Oban Little Bay is everything that Oban 14 is, and more. A rich, fruity, malty nose showcases dried apricot, dark chocolate, and salt. On the palate, Little Bay explodes with flavor, combining malt with orange, chocolate, and blackberry. Clove and oak spice join the party in the mid-palate, which shows superb balance and integration. A long, slightly dry, citrusy spice finish caps off a stunning whisky.
Price: $115.99
Tasting Notes: Disaronno is an Italian liqueur with a fragrance of cherry and almond, with a distinctive almond flavor. It has a sweet and fruity character that gives a wonderful warming sensation! Try it with soda and lemon for a refreshing low alcohol drink, with cranberry juice for a wonderful summer punch in a glass, or straight/on the rocks. The possibilities are endless!!
Price: $38.99
Tasting Notes: A lovely, rich chardonnay. Floral notes with a hint of orange on the nose that open to ripe stone fruit flavors with a hint of spice on the first sip, then a taste of oak on the finish. This is a wine that would be excellent paired with a creamy, lemony pasta dish or your favorite seafood.
Price: $$45.61
Tasting Notes: As their slogan says, you'll never forget your first sip of Basil Hayden' bourbon whiskey! Signature vanilla and butterscotch notes make it really approachable for someone beginning their journey into the world of whiskeys. However Basil Hayden offers a lot of complexity in their bourbon that make it delightful for the experienced tasters. Drink it neat or mixed, you sure won't forget it!
Price: $67.99
Tasting Notes: Barbera often gets relegated to second status behind the more famous Nebbiolo (which makes Barolo), but this expression is distinctive and full of character. It has a deep barn red color with orange/sepia rim. Aromas of thyme, sage, roasted plum, black licorice, black cherry, and black currant waft out of the glass. The palate is round, showing black currant, dried dates, black olive, and plums, with hints of cinnamon and orange peel on a medium long finish. Tannins have had time to integrate. A big, bold (yes, I said it!) Barbera, it is reaching its full maturity. Buy a few and drink them now-within the next couple years. Pair with all kinds of savory dishes: lasagna with red sauce, casseroles, pizza, pasta.
Price: $27.99 750 ml
Tasting Notes: Great Rum, Three buddies decided to unite their passions and get inspired from Nashville to create a great local product. Produced in Abitibi by Alpha Tango, Moonlight, Spiced rum with aromas of flambéed bananas, local maple syrup, and a hint of vanilla, will enhance your evenings with all your friends, a bottle signed by Matt Lang.
Price: $50.49
Tasting Notes: The 2022 Pinot Gris has a citrus, mandarin orange, blossom nose with rich, dense orange and lemon flavours across the palate with notes of citrus, apple and spice on the finish. The structure of the wine will allow it to age beautifully for 4-6 years.
Tasting Notes: Aromas of cherries, dark chocolate, wafers, earth and baking spices. Medium-bodied with firm, fleshy tannins and fresh acidity. Peppery and spicy with a racy, flavorful finish. Produced by Winemaker Emily Falconer, hence a great choice for International Women's Month of March!
Tasting Notes: I'm a Scottish dog, so don't usually choose an Irish Whiskey! But I like Waterford. Probably because their whiskies are made by a Scot who originated at Bruichladdich on Islay. My Westie nose detected lovely aromas of earthy maltiness & fresh soil, citrus peel, bread crust, clove, white pepper, caramel, milk chocolate, salted popcorn, barnyard, oak green foliage. It's a spice bomb on the palate with cloves, white pepper, salted caramel, liqorice, ginger biscuits, lemon zest, & chilli chocolate. Finish: Dry, but it leaves a lasting oiliness that holds the spiciness for a long time.
Price: $104.99
Tasting Notes: The grape varietal Muller Thurgau, Switzerland born and German raised, has been much maligned because of historical associations with bland, off-dry German white wines, so prevalent in the 1970's under the moniker of Liebfraumilch. However, under the careful watch of Bottega Vinai, and grown in high altitude vineyards on the Brentonico Plateau, this grape takes on verve and character. A very light straw color with green tints, it has aromas of white peach, sage, citrus, and bergamot. The palate is light, with crisp acidity, jicama, lemon zest, and a good mineral line. Quick finish. Drink now. Bring on the raclette, the classic cheese fondue, creamy vegetable soups (cream of celery comes to mind), fish dishes.
Price: $20.99 750 ml
Tasting Notes: 1792 Small Batch Bourbon is sophisticated and complex. A distinctly different bourbon created with precise craftsmanship. Made from signature "high rye" recipe and the marriage of select barrels carefully chosen by Master Distiller. 1792 Bourbon has an expressive and elegant flavor profile. Unmistakable spice mingles with sweet caramel and vanilla to create a bourbon that is incomparably brash and bold, yet smooth and balanced. Elevating whiskey to exceptional new heights, 1792 Bourbon is celebrated by connoisseurs worldwide. These rare and special whiskeys are truly distinct and extraordinary. Released on a limited basis, each offers a rich flavor profile achieved through flawless distillation, unique recipes, patient maturation, and perfect proofing. Seven limited special expressions of 1792 have been bottled thus far, with more new offerings crafted periodically and bottled as Master Distiller determines when each one is ready.
Price: $71.99
Tasting Notes: Furmint grape with a touch of Harslevelu & Yellow Muscat, vinified and matured in stainless steel for 8 months. Aromas of green apple, pear, lime, and quince with hints of white flower, honey, and ginger on the nose. Light to medium body on the palate, refreshing with bright acidity, an orchard fruit core, and a pleasant and floral finish. The dry style wines from Tokaj region of Hungary are a lovely surprise!
Tasting Notes: New Mike’s Hard Freeze tastes like your favorite slushy flavors from back in the day. Try all four refreshing, throwback flavors: Blue, Red, White, and Pink Freeze.
Tasting Notes: The perfect white for this love filled month! This pinot gris, made by Kim Crawford, is not your usual pinot gris. The grapes are picked from Loveblock's organic, family-owned vineyard. 95% is aged in stainless steel barrels with the remaining 5% of the wine spending 3 months in French oak barrels before blending and bottling. Semi-sweet but full with delicate flavors of pear, white peach, and jasmine flower. Perfect for seafood and Asian dishes, as well as the sweet Valentines day treats!
Tasting Notes: Baga is a dark-skinned grape variety used to make red wines in the central coast of Portugal. Notable for the thickness of its grape skin in proportion to the size of the small berries, its name means "berry" or, better, "droplet", although neither of these terms capture the tannic, astringent nature of many wines made from Baga grapes. Because of its nature, it is ideally suited for the production of sparkling wine. Luis Pato, wine maker extraordinaire, has crafted an exceptional spumante from this varietal. A stunning sockeye salmon pink, it expresses cherry, raspberry, and cold cream on the nose. The palate begins with an explosive, dense, and frothy mousse, followed by a persistent and fine bead. Flavors: notes of roasted cherry, orange peel, plum, pear, and brown butter. This is a very elegant alternative to champagne (this wine is fermented in stainless steel before dosage and secondary fermentation in bottle for 9 months). Serve with appies, charcuterie. Drink now.
Tasting Notes: Big wine with a whole lot to offer! This carmenere is aged for minimum five years making it beautifully velvety. With complex notes of black currant, chocolate, vanilla, pepper and tobacco. Delicious with bold cheese, spicy meats, and of course any Chilean cuisine!
Price: $21.99
Tasting Notes: NIO stands for Needs Ice Only. These prepared ready to drink cocktails creatively packaged in what looks like a CD case, are amazingly good! They were a big hit over the holiday season for stocking stuffers and small gift ideas. From Italy, they contain quality ingredients carefully measured into one decent cocktail to which you simply just add ice! Great for short trips to pack in your suitcase, or fun to try if you're not sure you want to invest in all the ingredients to make specific cocktails, you can try before you buy! The come in Negroni (my favourite!) Margarita, Old Fashioned, Cosmopolitan. Experiment and try all 4!
Price: $9.99
Tasting Notes: Part of an annual winter release, made in the highest and coldest working distillery in Scotland. Pouring a bright gold colour it is fragrant with soft heather, peat and light smoke on the nose and palate; medium body and smooth with a light floral finish.
Price: $129.99
Tasting Notes: Honeycrisp apple, scarlet hues. Strawberry mousse, aromas of sweet red berries. red Cherry conserve. Flavor of strawberry jam, with the added depth of red cherries and currants. Fruit sweetness is balanced with the crisp refreshing tang of the bubbles.
Price: $24.49
Tasting Notes: Once you realize that dry January is fruitless, try Punch In The Face Shiraz. Just as the name suggests, this little baby's alcohol content alone (a wopping 14.9%) will set you straight after your alcohol hiatus. Opens with notes of blackberry tart, plum preserves and blueberry compote with underlying Chinese five spice and black pepper. Full-bodied with mouth-filling black fruit, hints of cocoa and spice. Medium level of velvety tannins and lively acid. It finishes with very good length.
Tasting Notes: Crljenak (chirl-yen-ak): doesn't quite trip off the tongue, but let me translate for you: Zinfandel! This venerable variety spent centuries in its home of Croatia before trekking across first to Italy, where it became Primitivo, and then to California, where it became Zinfandel. If you want to surprise your Zinfandel loving relatives with a Christmas gift, then this wine is exactly what you are looking for. The wine expresses its Croatian terroir beautifully: a deep ox blood red with an impenetrable black center, it shows a complex perfume of plums, prunes, tarragon, cherry compote, and toasted oak. The palate starts with dried fruit: dates, sultanas, and prunes, then migrates to tones of roast beef, with butterscotch and caramel wrapping up. Medium to long finish. The tannins are still very present but they help to delineate the wine and prevent jammy notes. It can still get better but it's extremely tasty right now. Pair with roasted foods, hard cheeses. Drink now-2027 ish.
Tasting Notes: All of Ken's Pinot Noir vineyards are located in the Northern Willamette Valley. This wine is one he makes blending grapes from those single vineyards in this area, all certified organic. The yields were low, just under three tons per acre. It was another excellent vintage with dry conditions and expressive Pinot Noir fruit. Aged in both stainless steel and neutral French oak. Ken Wright is a winemaking legend in the Willamette Valley. Ken Wright's accomplishments have been recognized over and over throughout the years. Ken Wright Cellars wine has received 111 scores of 90 and above in the Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast, and they continue to year after year. In 2014, Ken’s 2012 Abbott Claim Vineyard Pinot Noir was ranked the number one wine in the world, per Wine Enthusiast. The best food pairings for Pinot Noir complement the wine’s pretty fruit flavors, bright acidity and elegant style. These qualities make Pinot Noir a perfect partner to lighter red meats like duck and lamb, or white meats like turkey, pork and chicken. Fuller-flavored fish like salmon go well, or using bolder tasting cooking methods on fish as well. Earthy vegetables and herbs like mushrooms and thyme match the wine’s savory flavors, especially when folded into risotto and pasta.
Price: $36.99
Tasting Notes: Full of vanilla and butter, this chardonnay has become my go-to white wine. Rich yellow in color, easy drinking but incredibly complex at the same time. Pairs beautifully with cheddar cheese, creamy lemon and herb chicken, and rich salmon. Incredible wine with consistency in each bottle, I am sure you will be hooked after the first sip!
Tasting Notes: Remarkable single malt with a bright, golden colour and pleasant aromas of orchard fruit, almond and citrus. Exceptional whisky delights the palate with exquisite delicate notes of apple pie crust and caramel. Finishes with lingering fruit and subtle hints of spice
Price: $75.99
Tasting Notes: The fruit for this wine comes from vineyards in the Carneros region owned by the Rombauer family and select growers. The grapes were gently whole-cluster pressed while the fruit was still cool. The juice was pumped to tank to cold-settle overnight before it was racked to barrel for primary and malolactic fermentations. The lees were stirred every two weeks to give the wine rich flavors and a creamy texture. Aromas of ripe yellow peach, melon, and chamomile all framed by freshly baked pie crust. The palate is bright with flavors of nectarine, followed by a subtle spice, and lively acidity.
Price: $63.49
Tasting Notes: Crown Royal Aged 18 years is a rare blend of three of our most exceptional whiskies, handcrafted by our master blender, patiently aged to perfection for no less than eighteen years. The pinnacle of Crown Royal craftsmanship, this collection of rare, mature whiskies are hand-selected by our master blenders and married together in an elegant balance. The complexity of the liquid intensified with the aging process, bringing out richer, more intricate flavors and exquisite smoothness.
Price: $231.98
Tasting Notes: Made of a single-piece vineyard overlooking the superb Osoyoos Lake. The youngest vines of the 32-hectare estate are behind this cuvee. It is a delicious, juicy red blend containing all five Bordeaux varieties. The blocks are kept separate, hand sorted, destemmed, and crushed at the winery. The fermentation is done in stainless steel cone-shaped tanks. Then, over 12 months, each variety is aged separately in two and three-year-old French oak barrels. The density and roundness of the tannins and textures make this wine so exciting for the price.Perfectly balanced, it's one to hold.
Price: $41.99
Tasting Notes: I know I picked The Glenmorangie Nectar D'or last month, but I had to show you this one too! It has flavours that are forbidden to dogs (chocolate, peppermint!) but I've smelled these delicious things in the house and thought what harm can they do if they're nuanced in a whisky? Quinta Ruban is aged 14 years in bourbon casks and Portuguese Port casks. "The finished whisky is a thicket of voluptuous flavour combinations. Walnut and black pepper. Mandarin orange and melted marshmallow. Dark chocolate bar and peppermint. Like stepping into a chocolate-minty-orange unknown, the journey is as delicious as the destination." Yum and woof!
Price: $119.99
Tasting Notes: Bumbu is a tasty, smooth rum enjoyed both neat and mixed. For those just beginning their tasting journeys, this is a great starter for a sweeter, easier drinking rum with its lovely banana and vanilla notes. With its soft spice, its a wonderful middle ground for those looking for a warm, butterscotch candy-like rum and also for those who love to add their own spice. And for the bakers, this would be terrific to use for rum cakes, toffee nut caramels, even a splash into that Christmas fudge! Great rum with plenty of ways to enjoy.
Price: $54.99
Tasting Notes: This smells so amazing. Lots of caramel and vanilla on the nose. The taste is very balanced. Not too spicy so as to over-power it, not too sweet, I could sip this neat all night long. So good!
Price: $62.99
Tasting Notes: Light wheat beer with a healthy addition of locally grown Saskatoon berries. The pinkish, hazy purple colour of this beer will knock your socks off. Grainy, very slight Saskatoon aroma, and a beautiful subtle berry flavors.
Tasting Notes: Colchagua Valley is a fairly new wine-producing region in Chile, as is Montes Wines, which was created in 1987. Most of the region's modern winemaking facilities have been constructed with wine tourism in mind, and as a result, Colchagua Valley is enjoying a growing reputation as Chile's 'Napa Valley'. The Montes Alpha Syrah is consistently of high quality, with its Rhone-like power and intensity. A deep purple/black ink color, it expresses a dense, concentrated nose of roasted plum, toasted cinnamon, currants and blackberries. The palate has a big, extracted mouthfeel with black currants, tar, dark chocolates, and leather notes. Tannins are still chewy. The wine has a great, long finish. An excellent value; you can drink it now but even a few short years of good cellaring will be amply rewarded! Pair with all sorts of roasted, grilled foods.
Price: $27.49 750 ml
Tasting Notes: This petite syrah will remind you of blueberry pie with its complex boysenberry, nutmeg and vanilla notes. Rich and jammy with subtle spice, yet silky and sophisticated tannins after being aged in American oak for 12 months. Enjoy this bold wine pairing with BBQ pork ribs, spicy cheeseburgers with smoked cheese, or simply with some gouda or goat cheeses.
Tasting Notes: This wine is made from the ancient Black Vermentino (Vermentino Nero), grown mainly in Tuscany. It usually is used in the production of full bodied, spicy wines with red and black fruit aromas, but It makes a distinctive Rosé, The color is a brilliant, deep, cherry pink, with blood orange/Grand Marnier tints. The nose: cranberry, strawberry, wet stone, herbal notes of thyme/sage, hints of hibiscus. The palate: clear and fresh, with dragon fruit, wild berries, watermelon, menthol notes, and a nice hit of orange bitters on the back. It holds a great line, with light tannin. Clean quick finish. Drink now, and pair with your Thanksgiving turkey dinner, or whatever you're serving for Thanksgiving!
Price: $25.99 750 ml.
Tasting Notes: The Manoir du Carra Beaujolais Villages is made from Gamay grapes harvested from 70 to 100 year old vines situated at 350 meters above sea level on south facing slopes. Hand picked, the grapes are separated on a vibrating sorting table and fermented with semi-carbonic maceration for 10 to 12 days. Aged in old oak barrels on fine lees for 3 to 4 months, the wine is bottled without filtration. Bright purple red in colour, this wine wafts from the glass with aromas of juicy black currant, raspberry, peach and violet. Although light in body, it is jam packed with flavours of juicy red fruits. It is tart and refreshing. The tannins are light with a slight bitter finish.
Price: $25.99
Tasting Notes: The beer that's bright green and tastes just like it looks. Definitely not for purists, it bursts with the freshest blue raspberries that we can find. It's liquid candy. It's liquid fun.
Price: $5.49
Tasting Notes: My Hoomans were invited to a Glenmorangie Tasting with Brian Simpson, Brand Ambassador this week. Not sure what happened to my invitation! I would have had no trouble understanding his Scottish Brogue! Dark, sweet and luxurious, this is a true delight for the senses. Quinta Ruban is hands-down my favorite of the Glenmorangie core line up and solidifying the 4 year finishing has done nothing but deepen the profile and bring more nuance to the whisky.
Tasting Notes: Glenmorangie's Quinta Ruban 14 Year Old is a fantastic Port cask finished expression, and now the distillery has developed upon the recipe with The Quinta Ruban 14 Year Old! The whisky is initially matured in bourbon casks before being moved over to ruby Port casks, imparting waves of scrumptious fruit and chocolate notes to the spirit. Superb as a postprandial dram.
Tasting Notes: Alkoomi Late Harvest is a selection of late-harvested grapes (predominantly Riesling), which offer a balance between sweet fruit and zesty acidity. There's loads of candied citrus, pineapple and peach, with some honeysuckle and caramel in there as well. Very charming! Pairs well with toasted marshmallows around a bonefire.
Tasting Notes: This is a wine that must be tried with each new vintage. Every year the expression of these 3 grapes are adjusted to optimize for what would be the best bottling for that year. The Merlot (50%), Cabernet Sauvignon (30%), and Sangiovese (20%) grapes were fermented separately in small steel tanks to maintain their varietal characteristics intact. The alcoholic fermentation was followed by malolactic fermentation, again in steel tanks. The wine was then aged for 10 months, partly in barrique used for Ornellaia and partly in cement tanks, to obtain the perfect balance between tannic structure and an expression of fresh fruit.
Price: $33.45
Tasting Notes: A delightful white wine that captivates with its elegant and refreshing character. With its origins rooted in the renowned Rutherford Ranch vineyards, this Chardonnay showcases the best of what the varietal has to offer. Well balanced and fruit forward, with luscious flavours of ripe pear and golden apple dancing on the tongue. These flavours are complemented by subtle notes of vanilla and buttery oak, adding depth and complexity to the wine.
Tasting Notes: Nose: The nose begins with chocolate raisins and sugared mixed peels. Toasted spices, bread and butter pudding and golden syrup complement these aromas, while a note of Angostura bitters lingers beneath. Palate: Sweet, syrupy cinnamon and drying malt lead, before a suggestion of Terry's Chocolate Orange rises. A hint of lime rind is present, as are lychees and dates. The backdrop is filled with tobacco leaves and freshly roasted espresso beans, with a little honey-roasted cashew. Finish: The finish dries and becomes pleasantly rubbery, as a touch of truffle oil emerges. Overall: Utterly superb.
Tasting Notes: Fresh and stewed strawberries, sour cherries, and rich, smoky, toasted oak on the nose. The palate is alive with vibrant red fruits and a backbone of toastiness . The acidity is bright and balanced, and the tannins are firm yet approachable. The wine is a delicately robust example of a Pinot Noir.
Price: $21.00
Tasting Notes: Open to the public since 2015, Monte Creek hopes to transition to full organic certification by this year. Hands Up Red is a blend: predominant Frontenac Noir ( a hybrid that has good success in Canadian climates), with Cabernet Franc and Merlot to round out the edges. This wine would be in the running for the 'best wine you've never heard of' category! Very expressive aromas of violets, plums, cranberry jam, smoked meats, thyme. The palate is equally dense, with a smooth entry, soft tannins, notes of smoked pastrami, roasted red bell pepper, black currant, blueberry reduction, and a hint of roast walnut bringing up the rear. Pair with pasta dishes with red sauce, burgers, grilled meats. Drink now- 2026.
Price: $21.99 750 ml
Tasting Notes: Louis Vallon Crémant de Bordeaux , as required by the appellation, meets strict specifications. The harvest is exclusively manual, and the grapes are conveyed in openwork paloxes. The production method is traditional, following the Champagne method: pressing, first fermentation, taking of foam in the bottle for the second fermentation, aging, riddling, disgorging and drawing. Louis Vallon is aged for at least 12 months on slats so that its aromatic and gustatory qualities develop. Louis Vallon Blanc de Noirs charms us with its intense nose of white peach and almond. Its delicate effervescence reveals aromas of summer fruits and brioche notes that makes it perfect for any celebration. To be enjoyed all summer long !! Grape varieties: Merlot, Cabernet franc.
Tasting Notes: This is a perfect patio sipper for those hot August nights! I could not track down the 2021 recipe, but the 2022 recipe is 60% Vermentino, 40% Chardonnay, so I assume it's going to be close. Fermentation in large French oak barrels for 3 weeks. The wine ages a minimum of three months in steel, with bâttonage of the fine lees once per week, and then at least 45 days in the bottle. Light straw color with green gold tints. Aromas of lime peel, wet stone, Hawthorne, green apple skin, herbs. The clean, bright palate expresses white peach, golden delicious apple, passionfruit, and a mid palate kiwi tone. Good acidity keeps it all in place. Serve chilled, with antipasti, light hors d'oeuvres, vegetable crudites. Drink now. Very refreshing!
Price: $22.49 750 ml
Tasting Notes: Celebrate August's non denominational holiday with this less than ordinary wine. Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec is fresh and fragrant with a nose of lavender, balsamic, plums, thyme, black pepper, and sweet black cherries. Nice crunchy graphite texture, with a lovely core of fruit concentration supported by lively acidity. Smart and delicious.
Price: $27.99
Tasting Notes: I love Petit Sirahs from California and this one does not disappoint. Opaque and purplish, with aromas of juicy blackberries and toasted s'mores. Grilled plums and vanilla and oak round out this well structured wine. Great with late summer BBQ's or into the fall with grilled or roasted meats and vegetables, cheeses etc.
Tasting Notes: Light wheat beer with a healthy addition of locally grown Saskatoon berries. The pinkish, hazy purple colour of this beer will knock your socks off. Grainy, very slight Saskatoon aroma, and a beautiful subtle berry flavor.
Tasting Notes: A 100% blue agave tequila blended with essence of the Damiana flower. Indigenous to the mountains of Jalisco, legend tells of the Damiana's power to stir up passion between admirers. Agavero Original can be enjoyed straight, on the rocks, or in your favorite cocktail. Add a splash for the ultimate margarita. Mix the perfect old-fashioned. Swap it in for sambuca in a rich after-dinner espresso.
Tasting Notes: Callaway Cellars was founded in 1969 by the late Ely Callaway of Callaway Golf fame. Using an uncommon blend of entrepreneurial savvy and Southern charm, Mr. Callaway rose to the top of the textile industry and the wine industry during the first 60 years of his life. But it was Callaway Golf, which he founded in 1982, that made him important to the millions of golfers worldwide who bought and used his products with devotion. In 1968 Mr. Callaway founded Callaway Vineyard and Winery in Temecula, Calif., which earned a reputation for producing fine white wines. In 1976, Callaway's wines were chosen for Queen Elizabeth's bicentennial luncheon at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in Manhattan. The queen had two glasses, causing a major stir in wine circles. This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and Zinfandel was aged 90% in American oak and 10% in French oak for seven months. The resulting wine is lithe, with dark fruit wrapped in notable oak, cloves, cedar and smoke. A wine for grilled beef ribs or steak. A hint of licorice compliments the rich aromas of blackberry and boysenberry. The jammy fruit forward flavors are also apparent on the palate and are balanced nicely with spice, a silky mouth feel and smooth tannin structure. Alcohol/Vol 13% Sugar Content 3 g/L Drink between: 2023 – 2027
Price: $$21.99
Tasting Notes: Most folks identify Chile as a country that produces excellent, value priced wines, mainly Cabernet Sauvignon, or Carmenere. Well, move over, folks, because we can add Pinot Noir to the list. Sourced from grapes grown in one of the driest climates on Earth, Mayu Pinot Noir delivers a true expression of this persnickety grape. It shows a beautiful cranberry/raspberry color, with an exotic perfume of beet root, raspberry reduction, red plum, and violets. The palate shows great depth: raspberry coulis, hints of truffle, stewed prunes. Tannins are fine grained. It's light on its feet, but has sinewy tension as well. Pair with a whole lot of things; it will handle most foods with aplomb. Drink now, cellar for two-four more years.
Price: $23.99 750 ml.
Tasting Notes: This Albariño is of a pale yellow colour with greenish reflections and fruity aromas of peach and balanced with citrus notes. It is fresh and minerally with a marked acidity and a long and rounded aftertaste in mouth. Its ripening time takes place between 3 to 6 months on fine lees in stainless-steel tanks. A perfect wine for summer on a patio, with fresh seafood, salads.
Tasting Notes: Beginning medium gold with glints of amber in the glass. The nose reveals notes of toffee, cinnamon, buckwheat honey and oak toast. The whisky's entry is forceful with notes of toffee, cinnamon stick and earth dominating. The finish is penetrating and slightly hot with lingering spice notes. A dynamic single malt.
Price: $102.99
Tasting Notes: 50% Grenache Noir & 50% Syrah, hailing from Walker Bay, South Africa. This is delicate petticoat-pink, translucent and tempting in the glass. Exquisitely perfumed with the come-hither bouquet of a Madame Meilland rose, blending with the freshness of sun-kissed berries. Profoundly chic yet playful on the palate: lush ripe raspberry laced with evocative hints of dried apple; racy white pepper flirting with the tiniest scoop of honey. All enlivened by the crisp acidity and savoury minerality characteristic of this cool-climate, maritime wine. Regularly $30 now on sale at $17.99 - an absolute must have this summer!
Price: $17.99
Tasting Notes: Every once in a while I come across a wine that is truly a hidden gem. A tasty, inexpensive fruit forward Syrah from South Africa. Named after Cape Town’s False Bay, it’s this large sweeping bay that’s in full view from the famous Waterkloof estate where the wine is made. The grapes for the Old School Syrah are sourced mainly from two sustainably farmed separate vineyards in Stellenbosch in relatively cool spots. The hand harvested Syrah is fermented spontaneously ‘old-school’ with wild yeast (partially whole-bunch) and raised in large wooden casks (or foudre). A fine, spicy style...definitely more Syrah than Shiraz. A great value South African Syrah which pays homage to the savoury and wild Syrahs of the Rhône Valley. 100% Syrah, Full bodied. On the nose: Blackberry, brambleberry, Black currant. The palate: Blackberry, pepper, plum and vanilla. Will pair well with Red meats and spicy dishes. All of their wines are Vegan friendly.
Tasting Notes: A potpourri of herbs, dried flowers, licorice, candied lemon peel, baklava, and furniture polish on the nose. The palate shows some minerality and is a bit bitter, but has prominent blueberry, grape, and boysenberry flavors, along with licorice, coriander seed, mint, and oak spice. It finishes with dark fruit, menthol, licorice, roasted nuts, and plenty of oak. Takes water well. -
Price: $103.99
Tasting Notes: As Spring begins to bloom, I find we spend more and more time around the yard, in the garden and on the deck. A nicely chilled bottle of Domaine Houchart Rosé can be the perfect end to a day of gardening or, the beginning of a bbq and deck time. Back Story: This domaine was bought in 1890 by Aurélien Houchart, and the family estate has been farmed since Roman times. Aurélien Houchart created one of the largest estates in Provence. The Domaine was later divided amongst his five children and Geneviève Quiot inherited 50 hectares of vines from her grandfather. She runs the Domaine today. Located about 25km east of Aix-En-Provence, the vines are old, between 30 and 50 years, and the grape varieties grown are typical to Provence; With 50 hectares under vine, there is a variety of soil types; sandy, chalky, clay and silt which ensures that the vines have proper drainage and produce and grapes that can develop a variety of interesting characteristics. Tasting notes: Houchart Rosé has strawberry and citrus aromas that carry onto the palate and develop into strong, yet delicate flavours of summer berry and orchard fruits. This vegan friendly wine of Provence, France is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah, and is salmon pink in colour. A wine truly to be enjoyed all year long! And, this Rosé pairs amazingly with seafood, chicken dishes, zesty salads, or as an aperitif.
Tasting Notes: Angel's Envy is their masterpiece inspired by Master Distiller Lincoln Henderson's lifetime crafting fine spirits. Pours a deep amber with aromas and flavors of almond, honey, apple, cinnamon, and blueberry compote. It's full-bodied and elegantly smooth with a long-lasting finish. Savour solo after a meal.
Price: $86.99
Tasting Notes: Xavier Vignon is a consultant-oenologist in the Rhône Valley where he also produces wines under his own brand. The recipe for this GSM: 85% Grenache, 10% Shiraz (yes he's from France, but he still calls it Shiraz on his website), 5% Mourvedre, made from parcels of different terroirs and old vines between 45 and 80 years old for the three varieties. It expresses plums, bramble, dusty loam and black currants on the nose. The palate is fruit forward, medium bodied, with chokecherry compote, red plums, tomato paste, cola, and roasted coffee beans. Tannins are medium. Drink now. A good, solid, straightforward wine for the coming BBQ season.
Price: $20.49 750 ml
Tasting Notes: This Spanish sparkling gem is a great way to bring in Springtime, Easter, the Toronto Blue Jays 2023 season, and the NHL Playoffs! There is terrific value in this well-made, toasty and refreshing bubbly from Spain that's a third of the price of Champagne. Segura is one of the most respected producers of Cava, the Spanish name for sparkling wine. Terrific earthy aromas mingle with toasted almond and some green apple. Macabeo is the dominant variety in Reserva Heredad and provides acidity and freshness. It also makes it easier for the wine to age well during the more than 24 months that it will rest in contact with the lees. The Reserva Heredad coupage is made with 9 different wines, each of them vinified in separate tanks. The magic of the blend consists in ensuring that each wine contributes its characteristic touch to the whole. First and second fermentation carried out with their own selected yeasts. These yeasts provide structure, softness on the palate, more complex aromas (honey, nuts, flowers) and an elegant and persistent bubble. Grape varieties; Macabeo 67 %, Parellada 33 % ABV: 12%
Price: $A great value at $36.99
Tasting Notes: The Macallan Sherry Oak 12 Years Old forms part of the Sherry Oak range which features a series of single malt whiskies matured exclusively in hand-picked sherry seasoned oak casks from Jerez for richness and complexity. A matured character, the 12 Years Old delivers rich wood spice and dried fruits and a natural rich gold color. RICH. SPICE. DRIED FRUITS.
Price: $157.99
Tasting Notes: In Rasteau (Southern Rhone Valley), the wines take on a heady, extracted style. This expression from wine maker Jean-Pierre Bertrand is a 50-50 blend: Grenache aged in concrete, and Syrah aged in oak. It displays a deep garnet color with a purple plum interior and a dark sienna rim. A bouquet of violets, plum, cold cream, black cherry, and roasted dates greets you; the palate is full, with black currant compote, fig, plums, black cherries, and a back note of toasted sage and garrigue. The wine has great power, and exceptional balance. It is reaching its maturity, and will retain this plateau for another couple of years in your cellar. Pair with roasted/grilled game, hard cheeses, savory casseroles. A great wine, already aged for you!!
Price: $32.99 750 ml.
Tasting Notes: Alcohol 11.5% Grape Type Pinot Noir. Sweetness Dry. Wine Style Medium and Fruity. Food suggestions: Shellfish, chicken nachos, charcuterie. If you ask what is one of the most enjoyable things in this world, I would say that it is being surprised suddenly and in an extraordinary way! I poured this Rose for a group of friends with a toast about Spring being around the corner and a perfect time for a Rosé. The response following the taste was immediate. Delicious, fruity, sparkly, and a few “wows” thrown in. The Villa Wolf Pinot Noir Rosé is a frizzante loaded with notes of strawberry, watermelon, and raspberry. This dry wine is made with fruit from vineyards farmed expressly for the purpose of producing a true Rosé, called Weissherbst in German. Only perfectly ripe, healthy grapes are selected. Upon harvest the fruit is given a brief maceration to extract a lovely salmon colour from the Pinot Noir grapes. They call this their “Jolly Rancher Rose” as it exudes explosive aromas and flavours of Jolly Rancher Strawberry and Jolly Rancher Watermelon Founded in 1756, the Villa Wolf winery was a successful and highly regarded wine estate for more than two centuries. Ernst Loosen, one of the Pfalz regions most prominent winemakers, took over the winery in 1996, launching a dramatic revival of the estate’s quality and reputation. Since 2011, the estate has been managed by a talented and dedicated young team that previously worked at Dr. Loosen.
Tasting Notes: Another winner from the folks at Small Gully! 100 % Shiraz sourced from 50+ year old vines. Big and bold, it carries a heady bouquet of vanilla, red bell pepper, sarsaparilla, plum, date jam, and forest floor. Very full bodied, with a palate of plums, dried fig, black cherry, and sultana notes. Medium fine integrated tannins, and medium finish. Very delicious! Drink now - 2025 ish. Pair with hearty dishes, good friends, and happy times!
Tasting Notes: Finishing in ex-rum casks for added character and smoothness; the dram pours a shimmering amber color and offers intense aromas of burnt sugar, oatmeal, brown butter, apricot and citrus. The palate is rich and creamy with flavors of tropical fruit, cinnamon, dried fruit and citrus followed by an enduring fruity, finish.
Price: $160.99
Tasting Notes: Snoop Dogg 19 Crimes Cali Red tastes like a nicely balanced red blend, with notes of black cherry, vanilla and candied raspberry. I found the taste to include 2 flavors that occurred in succession. First, black cherry with a slight hint of vanilla. Second, a transition to a lighter, candied raspberry. They are also the first wine brand to have introduced Augmented Reality (AR) experience. If you download their app, the label will talk to you. 😲
Price: $23.99
Tasting Notes: A beautiful depiction of The Grenache grape from Barossa Valley! This is light- bodied, highly aromatic, yet earthy and herbal with bright, sunny cherries! Richly textured and juicy. Great with game meats, like duck, or charcuterie, or even Jambalaya.
Tasting Notes: I know what you're thinking...... I'm a wee white dog choosing a whisky named Yellow Spot! We hounds enjoy sniffing yellow spots - get a lot of information on who's in the neighborhood! But a Scottish dog choosing an Irish Whiskey is even funnier! However, to honour our Irish cousins and recognize they too make lovely whiskies, I've selected this one as it's quite delicious. From County Cork, 46 ABV, single pot still, aged 12 years in ex Bourbon, Sherry & Malaga casks. On the nose - sweet barley, and floral with vanilla, honey and orange blossom. Lavender and apricots, hints of baked pear and my favourite shortbread! It's silky and layered. Slightly dry and tannic, with hints of brown sugar and caramel.
Price: $125.99
Tasting Notes: Sparkling Wine from Veneto, Italy by Andreola. Varietal; 100% Glera. ABV: 11.5 Drinking window: Now through 2024. Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG "Akelum" is a Veneto wine produced by the Andreola winery, which is part of the line of sparkling wines dedicated to the DOCG of Asolo Prosecco Superiore, the area surrounding the ancient village of Asolo, a few dozen kilometres east of Valdobbiadene. Asolo Prosecco DOCG was created in 2009, and also officially known as Colli Asolani until 2014. It is one of a growing raft of DOCG titles to grace the wine portfolio of the Veneto wine region in northeastern Italy. All Spumante (fully sparkling) wines automatically gain the Superiore designation, as long as they reach 11 percent alcohol by volume. They can be made in a range sweetness levels. According to Italian production regulations for Prosecco, Prosecco Spumante and Prosecco Frizzante, these wines must consist of a minimum of 85 percent Glera. The remaining 15 percent can be made up of any combination of Verdiso, Bianchetta Trevigiana, Perera, Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio and/or Pinot Noir (vinified as a white wine). TASTING NOTES: The sip is fresh and fruity and elegant, perfect with aperitifs and appetizers of land and sea. The nose is characterised by aromas of fresh green apple, pear, peach and citrus notes. Crisp acidity, well paced fruit expression and concentration. Very pleasant and easy to drink.
Tasting Notes: If you are looking for a great wine to pair with your Valentine's Day dinner this year, try this beautiful wine. Brilliant gold in color, Sergio Zenato Riserva Lugana offers an intense yet elegant floral bouquet. Beautifully layered on the palate, this wine tantalizes the senses with notes of stone fruit, vanilla and white flowers. Pair this wine with rotisserie chicken, veal scallopini, calamari, and scampi.
Tasting Notes: What a surprise and magical blend of grapes! From The Cote Roannaise which is part of the Loire Valley, it is a delicious blend of Gamay, Syrah and Grenache. Loaded with dark fruit and layers of savory herbal notes. It’s juicy, but not heavy. This light-to-medium-bodied red is superb with a slight chill, or also delicious when served from the cellar. It's a knock out with charcuterie. An unusual and not readily available wine. Would make an excellent Valentine's Day selection!
Tasting Notes: In these cold, frozen snow covered months, I've been dreaming of a good beach to dig my claws into and kick up some sand! This whisky from Islay is reminiscent of just that. Pours a vivid pale gold; the aromas immediately hit your nose with notes of smoke and brine, reminiscent of a seaside bonfire. Digging deeper, one finds integrated aromas of crisp apple, lemon peel, dried heather and honey. On the palate, it is smooth and pleasantly warm, with a lovely marriage of sweet and smoky flavours, from the aging in Bourbon casks. If you can't have a bonfire on the beach, bring one home in your glass!
Price: $85.99
Tasting Notes: Villamagna ( 'large farm' in Latin)has a centuries-old tradition in winegrowing. It has always been considered one of the most suitable regions for Montepulciano grape cultivation. This expression has excellent depth, with a bouquet of plums, violets, acacia, and kirsch. Its color suggests it is well on the way to full maturity: medium opaque dark ruby, with orange tones on the rim. The palate reveals a wine of medium full body, with medium fine tannins, plum, date, and dark berry fruits. It has great depth. Pair with pasta dishes, roast pork, chicken, lamb, and the usual hard cheese suspects ( Pecorino, Parmigiana, for eg.) Should be fine in good cellar conditions for another few years. Drink now - 2026.
Tasting Notes: The all new limited edition Kahlúa Salted Caramel Delight is the ultimate way to stir things up. Blending indulgent salted caramel with the sweet taste of Kahlúa, Salted Caramel is the perfect addition to any special occasion.
Tasting Notes: Tempranillo 90 %, Graciano 10 % “Gran reserva” means that it was aged at least five years, with a minimum of 2 years in oak. In addition, gran reserva wines are typically made in only outstanding vintages. The backbone of some of the best Spanish wines, Tempranillo is a red grape variety grown throughout Spain and Portugal. Generally speaking, Tempranillo produces red wines with red fruit and leather aromas, high tannins, moderate to low acidity, and moderate alcohol. In 2020, Tempranillo was the third most-planted grape variety in the world, with the majority of plantings in the Iberian peninsula. El Coto was founded in 1970 and released its first vintage in 1975. It found success relatively quickly and worked to expand facilities and upgrade equipment. Between 1990 and 1997 the winery doubled in size and became the first Spanish winery to be listed on the national stock exchange. The cellar grew to over 70,000 barrels, with an average age of around three years to meet the various aging requirements of Rioja wines. El Coto now exports its wines to more than 50 countries making it one of the most accessible Spanish wines in the world. El Coto is part of the Baron de Ley group that includes the eponymous Baron de Ley winery. El Coto de Rioja has a small range of wines indicative of the region, including entry-level red, rosé and white wines, as well as Reserva and Gran Reserva wines under the name Coto de Imaz. Tempranillo is the most significant variety here, although Graciano, Grenache, and Carignan all appear frequently in the wines. Winemaker Notes Intense cherry color with garnet edge. Mature and elegant, its aromatic richness is changing and subtle, becoming more apparent as the wine breathes. On the nose, powerful aroma, complex, ripe fruit and fine cocoa. Fleshy on the palate, powerful, velvety, with ripe tannins and good acidity with notes of toast and coconut followed by tertiary aromas (leather, wet earth), and red fruit and dried fruit. Round, silky tannins, persistent and complex aftertaste. A good choice to accompany game, red meat and beef. Drink now through 2030.
Price: $39.99
Tasting Notes: From a legendary Barossa winemaker, this Aussie Shiraz is truly next level. It has an abundant flavour of sweet blackberry, dark chocolate and old fruitcake. Reservation is composed from premium Shiraz batches that have been deliberately held back, to enhance their maturation complexity. This is a classic Northern Barossa Shiraz. Great with BBQ meats, winter stews.
Price: $40.99
Tasting Notes: After the holidays, everyone's bank account can be quite drained. But you don't need to break the bank to buy good wine. Batasiolo Barbera D'alba is a great wine at a great price.This is my go-to for pasta night. Smells like all the fruits rolled in fresh earth. The palate has a light feel to it, but the fruit core is concentrated yet balanced by natural acidity.
Price: $13.99
Tasting Notes: Viña Falernia, Chile's most northerly (i.e. hotter and drier) region, was founded in 1998. They are making some splendid wines, this single vineyard expression no exception. A deep ruby red brick color, it expresses a dense nose of plums, currants, vanilla, and toast. The palate shows great depth with bramble, black currant, subtle oak, coffee and cream tones, smooth tannins, and superb intensity. An excellent wine; it could become your next favorite Carménère! Drink now - 2027. Pair with hearty meat dishes, lasagna, veggie dishes like lentil bourguignon.
Price: $32.99 750 ml
Tasting Notes: The Yoichi distillery (formerly known as the Hokkaido distillery) was the first of Nikka’s distilleries, founded by the great Masataka Taketsuru back in 1934. Following his studies of whisky making techniques in Scotland, Taketsuru built his distillery in the town of Yoichi on the islands of Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan’s main islands, as he thought it most matched the environment of Scotland. “Yoichi (Yo-e-chee) Single Malt is a range of single malt expressions from the Yoichi Distillery which produces their full-bodied, peaty whiskies using their six stills, which are lit by coal fire - a technique that Scottish distilleries have all but stopped practising these days. Yoichi released their first single malt in 1982, and in recent years has greatly influenced the popularity of Japanese whisky around the world. At the 2008 World Whiskies Awards, a 20 year old Yoichi claimed the title of World’s Best Single Malt - an impressive feat. Yoichi malts are described as bold and strong with refined peaty notes and smokiness brought by the traditional direct coal-fired distillation. Sea breeze from the Ishikari Bay delivers a briny hint to the whisky during maturation.” It’s a bright, vibrant, and fruity single malt wrapped in a sheet of peat. A fantastic Christmas gift for the Whisky adventurist.
Price: $95.99
Tasting Notes: We visited Zenato Winery near Lake Garda in Italy several years ago. IT was fascinating seeing the drying racks of grapes for their Ripassas and Amarones. This particular wine is such great value and over delivers for it's price point. It is rich and smooth with ripe dark cherry, dried fruit, dark chocolate, baking spice and savoury herb flavours that fill the mouth. Pairs well with aged cheeses, hearty, beefy meals and even a good lasagna.
Price: $28.49
Tasting Notes: My Master has never taken me to the warm sunny beaches of the Caribbean to run around and chase waves, so I have to be content with playing in the snowbanks here and warming up with a wee dram after my walkies. This has a ripe tropical fruit flavour, with brown sugar and cinnamon and banana flavours, imparted from the aging in Caribbean rum casks. Very enjoyable on a cold December evening! So, if you're not heading to the south seas for the holidays, this dram may be the next best thing! Slainte!
Price: $65.59
Tasting Notes: Tis the season to celebrate with friends and enjoy the festive holiday flavors of our limited edition Captain Morgan Gingerbread Spiced. Distilled with the sweet and warming taste of fresh gingerbread, Captain Morgan Gingerbread Spiced is a deliciously seasonal offering for all the crew to enjoy. Spice up your holiday party by combining Captain Morgan Gingerbread Spiced, honey and hot, fresh apple cider in a mug and garnish with a cinnamon stick for a Captain's Sleigh Ride Cider cocktail. Captain’s Orders!
Tasting Notes: Deep and savory scotch with a soft tasting and aromatically incense-like peat, long finish with dried red fruit notes. This is an excellent winter whiskey for someone that is serious about their Islay region peaty scotches. It is named after a nearby loch on the Kildalton Coast.
Tasting Notes: Picture it: It's a frigid morning after the first snow fall. You barely want to get out from under your warm blankets. You know what this day needs; Bailey's in your coffee. However if you want to break away from tradition, give Bumbu Cream Rum a try. Goes great in your favourite coffee or tea, or try it chilled on its own. With notes chai, coconut, and cinnamon, this cream liqueur is sure to wake you up in the morning. The palate is a perfect combination of sweetness, spice, and cream. It's a great excuse to get out of bed come colder weather ;)
Tasting Notes: Nikka ‘From The Barrel’ is a blended whisky which was released in 1985. The development of this expression started with an aim to deliver full flavors and richness of whisky like "from the barrel", which only blenders can sniff and taste. The secret behind its gorgeous flavor is the unique combination of complex blending, higher ABV 51.4% and "marriage" process. The iconic square bottle reflects its concept "a small block of whisky" and embodies the intense and rich flavors of the whisky inside. Long after its launch, this bottle is still timeless and recognized for its ultimate simplicity. The blend combines both single malt and grain whisky from the Miyagikyo and Yoichi distilleries, which are then married in a huge variety of casks, including bourbon barrels, sherry butts and refill hogsheads. A huge depth of flavour in this stunning Japanese whisky*. I can't recommend this enough. If you have yet to try Japanese Whisky*, let this be your grand introduction! . A real star, winning top prize in its category at the World Whisky Awards in 2007 and 2010. Japanese whisky producer Nikka was founded in 1934 and has become Japan's second largest distiller, producing a large range of single malts and blended whiskies between its two distilleries - Yoichi and Miyagikyo. NOSE Spicy and peppery, but there’s a richness behind it, with spicy oak and soft orange fruitiness, and soft vanilla notes from the bourbon cask. PALATE Grainy sweetness and candied orange peel, quite rich, accompanied by rich cinnamon and clove. FINISH Great balance, very dry finish with some winter spice, a little caramel vanilla and a cocoa smokiness. SUMMARY Tried it as a mizuwari (served with water and ice) and it was gentle, but with a surprisingly complex array of flavours from brioche to cherries to chocolatey smoke. *This product does not meet all the criteria of “Japanese whisky “ defined by the Japan Spirits & Liqueur Makers Association as of April 1, 2021 https://www.vice.com/en/article/xgznpn/japan-whisky-labeling-rules
Price: $64.99
Tasting Notes: Rustic yet elegant, this earth red wine is a perfect wine for a robust beef dish on a chilly November evening. Carignan is often used as a blending grape in France and Spain but on it's own, this black-skinned grape displays fruity goodness of raspberry, cranberry and would you believe... bacon! An interesting variety and a great wine for it's price, which is $5.00 off right now!
Tasting Notes: A full bodied, complex wine, it belies its price. Grape varietals in this blend: Merlot and Sangiovese, although a couple sites insist there is Cabernet Sauvignon in the mix. Regardless, what's in the bottle is downright delicious. It expresses a dense aroma of toast, oak, loam, tarragon, and currants. The palate is round and smooth, with notes of plum, coffee, Saskatoon berry jam, and caramel. Good length on the finish. A great value! Pair with hearty meat dishes, pasta with red sauce. Drink now - 2025.
Price: $21.49 750 ml
Tasting Notes: Tasting Notes: This intense, rich fruit driven zinfandel would make the perfect pairing for Korean BBQ or mild vanilia forward cigar the possibilites are endless. One of the most memorable expressions from the Wagner family. Notes of dark cherries, plum, chocolate and vanilla. Treat yourself or please a crowd.
Price: $57.99 750ml
Tasting Notes: Talk about a comfortable bank saviour, this is $100+ juice in a very price-friendly bottle, smooth like butter in an old fashioned, candidly balances the astringency in a boulevardier, and on its own is delectable. This is a sweet bourbon, mellow and approachable with honey notes and warm spice. This is no sloucher for a gift either. I’m on my second consecutive bottle and might make it to 3.
Tasting Notes: Treat your crew to the new, temptingly delicious Captain Morgan Sliced Apple Spiced Rum, refreshing the spirit that inspires you to gather together and celebrate the passions you rally behind. With the sweet, juicy, and crisp taste of fresh sliced apples, Captain Morgan Sliced Apple flavored spiced rum is perfect for the everyday adventure.
Tasting Notes: Just in time for the holidays! B.C. Granny Smith apples and clover honey come together with organic pie spices to create this warm and spicy cyser. With 31.3g/L residual sugar and 16.4% Alcohol, this little wine makes for a great pairing for ham/turkey dinner or even as a dessert. Best served hot on a chilly Autumn day.
Price: $23.49
Tasting Notes: Rich, ripe and Smooth! Dark amber in color, this intriguing rum offers fig and raisin notes at first, leading to rich, ripe fruit on the palate. This is seasoned by some tropical spice and wrapped in sherry notes, with wisps of smoky oak and a touch of tobacco leaf. The Dos Maderas journey begins with sugar cane, best grown in the tropical climates of Barbados and Guyana. Harvest is between February and June, when the plants are at their best. Each country ages the rum for 5 years, and then they are transported to Jerez, Spain. These unique rums are aged using the region’s criadera and solera system. Through the use of this traditional ageing process, not only do the rums gain the flavors and complexity of Palo Cortado and Pedro Ximénez sherries, but are infused with the rich history of Jerez, and the knowledge passed down over generations of the Medina family. This rum (in my humble opinion) is best appreciated neat, and is beautifully paired with cigars and chocolate.
Price: $66.99
Tasting Notes: An 85/15 blend of Pinot Noir grapes from Casablanca and San Antonio, this impressive Pinot Noir is made with the help of Burgundian consultant Martin Prieur. The wine presents a lifted bouquet with accents of rose petal, damson plum, cinnamon, and dried cherries. It is subtle, soft, and silky on the palate with integrated tannins, plum notes, raspberry coulis, and a hint of truffle. A beautiful statement of elegance! Drink window: now - 2028 ish. Pair with lots of foods: fowl, pork, cheese dishes, roasted beef. Hint Hint: Try it with your Thanksgiving dinner; whatever you prepare!
Price: $29.99 750 ml
Tasting Notes: Ahh! the leaves are starting to turn, and fall, the air is crisper, and as a wee white dog with a double coat of fur, I like the nip in the air and the smells on my autumn walks! It reminds me of my ancestral highland home..... It also is a good time to pull the cork on a new whisky to try after an invigoration walk on the river trails. This one, Highand Queen has a rich and mature nose, with notes of dry fruit, chocolate and spices and a hint of shortbread cookies (my favourite!). To taste, it is sweet, full and exceptionally well rounded. The flavour is initially of toffee and barley sugar, with a hint of smoke and pear flavours. This is an easy going dram, and perfect for New Scotch Drinkers. Slainte!
Price: $79.99
Tasting Notes: As the leaves turn, and the crispness in the air begin, I look for some juicy reds to enjoy the earlier sunsets and nippy air that October brings. A good choice is a Zinfandel, and this one is a great choice. Big rich aromas of blackberry and currants with nuances of spice and soft vanilla. Complex and concentrated flavours of ripe plum, black currant and blackberry balanced with daring pepper spice and a lingering finish. Aged 10 months in American oak barrels. Perfect with a Meat dominant pizza, BBQ burgers and steak, or just a big chunk of cheddar cheese by the firepit. Happy October!
Tasting Notes: This is a blended whiskey with 60% corn/36% rye/4% barley mash from Lexington, KY that I've used for stirred cocktails like the boulevardier and old fashioned. It has a nice intensity from being 50% ABV and opens with honey biscuit notes, then vanilla, rye spice, and a bit of brown sugar. Luckily this whiskey has enough bite on the base to ensure your cocktails maintain their spine and complexity. The old fashioned I made with this had our Fee Brothers' Aztec Chocolate Bitters, 2 starlino cherries, star anise simple syrup, light crushed sea salt, 2oz James E Pepper 1776 whiskey, and a twisted orange peel for garnish.
Price: $68.99
Tasting Notes: Selected from the best hillside blocks from our vineyards, the Pinot Noir fruit that is destined for red wine is handled with the upmost care consistent with premium Pinot Noir production around the globe. Volumes are low to keep quality high. A light and vibrant expression of coastal Pinot Noir with a depth of flavour and complexity that impresses the most discerning of drinker. Aromas of cherry, dried strawberry with notes of dried leaves and subtle spice are complimented by flavours of dark cherry hallmark to Vancouver Island Pinot Noir. Bright cherry, violet, and baking spices on the nose give way to a palate full of wild berries and earthy, forest floor notes. Food Pairing: Beautiful on its own or paired with salmon, duck, pork, and mushroom dishes. Unsworth Pinot Noir also proves perfect with the cow's milk Gouda style,
Tasting Notes: KILCHOMAN (kil –cHO–man) Founded in 2005, Kilchoman is not only the first distillery to be built on the Isle of Islay in 124 years, but it is also one of the few to handle the entire whisky production process in-house. Sanaig (saah-NIG) Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky Distillery Bottling ABV: 46% CASK TYPE: Bourbon & Sherry ( 30/70%) PEATING LEVEL: 50 Parts per Million Non Age Statement (NAS) Non-Chilled Filtered and Natural Color 100% ISLAY 11TH EDITION RELEASE The 100% Islay 11th Edition was distilled from our 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2011 barley harvests before being matured in 26 bourbon barrels and 7 oloroso sherry butts for a minimum of 9 years. The intense floral sweetness gives way to layers of rich spices, plums, dates and leather then grilled fruit, malt and vanilla with waves of clean fresh peat smoke and citrus sweetness on the finish. The Barley comes from the mainland to Diageo’s Port Ellen Maltings where it is malted then peated. It is then sent to the Kilchoman Distillery. Named after an inlet on Islay’s rugged Atlantic coast, Sanaig is a vatting of both sherry and bourbon casks. The high proportion of Oloroso sherry influence adding a balance of dried fruits and spices to classic Kilchoman citrus sweetness and peat smoke character. A fantastic balance of peat smoke, fruit and sweetness.
Tasting Notes: This is one of the Argentine projects of the world-renowned Michel Rolland, influential wine maker and consultant stationed in Bordeaux. Consistently excellent over the years, it is a Malbec based Bordeaux style blend. 2018 recipe : 55% Malbec, 19% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Syrah, 2% Petit Verdot , 2% Cabernet Franc. Eye: black purple, opaque. Nose: blueberry, marionberry, blackberry, violets. Palate: Plenty of berry fruits, chocolate, black coffee, leather, medium grippy tannins. Intense, extracted, with a long finish. Pair with the usual suspects: beef, lamb, hard cheeses. Drink now-around 2027.
Tasting Notes: If you want a gorgeous wine to compliment your favourite fall dishes this season, definitely check out this wine. This bottle won over my guests last weekend as we dined on creamy spinach and artichoke stuffed chicken, mushroom risotto, and sautéed zucchini. Aromas of tropical fruit and honeysuckle lead the nose. On the tangy palate, vibrant acidity accompanies pineapple, grapefruit and a hint of bitter almond.
Tasting Notes: Beaujolais is underrated here! But so worth tasting and a number to choose from. This one is fairly new on the shelf from Made from Gamay grapes harvested from 70 to 100 year old vines situated at 350 meters above sea level on south facing slopes. The domaine stretches over 24 hectars in the Cru Classe Villages in Beaujolais. Hand picked, the grapes are separated on a vibrating sorting table and fermented with semi-carbonic maceration for 10 to 12 days. Aged in old oak barrels on fine lees for 3 to 4 months, the wine is bottled without filtration. Light in body but jam packed with flavours of black currants, raspberry, peach and violets. Tannins are also light with a slight bitter finish. Enjoy with charcuterie, cheeses, or a tasty beef bourguignon.
Tasting Notes: I chose this wine (instead of a whisky this month) because it's describes as sweet and energetic. Just like me! It's pays homage to another dog who also likes to chase squirrels, but hey, with a paw print on the label and bright, juicy citrus aromas of pear, jasmine and honey I couldn't resist. It’s a classic example of a Columbia Valley Riesling and incredibly versatile. Try it with chicken or pork or just sipping with a cheese appetizer after an afternoon walk. Who says you can't drink white after Labour Day?
Tasting Notes: A light, smooth spirit with hints of vanilla and oak. The reposado would pair well with grilled salmon or chicken. Enjoy sipping during a sunny afternoon or an al fresco meal.
Price: $91.99
Tasting Notes: A perfect Caesar in a can Rimmed and ready to go.
Price: $5.19
Tasting Notes: La Reserve is Chateau Angludet's second label. The wine comes from the same vines that make up Angludet's vineyard. There are no main differences in the way the vines are cultivated and the vinification methods between Angludet and Reserve d'Angludet. The distinction between the two wines is only done after the harvest. What does this all mean? In this case it means great value and excellent quality. 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot. Eye: deep ruby red, brick magenta rim. Almost opaque. Nose: Dense, with black currant, black cherry, cold cream, subtle oak, tarragon. Palate: supple, silky, with fine grained tannins, currants, dates, toast, dark coffee. Medium long finish. Drink now, but will stay in good cellaring for at least another 3 years. Pair with your beef steaks, yes, but because of its versatility, pair with grilled pork, lamb, chicken with Herbs de Provence. A show case wine for relatively small financial outlay!
Tasting Notes: Clean, fresh and fruity. This Pinot Gris shows classic hints of spice and the delicate aromas of pears and peaches. The underlying minerality is very typical of Pinot Gris grown on the Naramata Bench.
Tasting Notes: A delightful, fresh, dry Rose for summer sipping. 100% Gamay made from grapes from Gauthier's younger vines in Morgon and Chiroubles, highly aromatic and full of fresh and fruity flavors; on the palate, the wine is decidedly dry, vibrant, and fresh with flavors of snappy red fruits, flowers, and lemony acidity.
Tasting Notes: As a wee white Scottish Dug, I generally prefer to select whiskies from my homeland. But, as I've adopted Canada as my home, I'm choosing a lovely Canadian Whisky this month. The ultimate expression of Canadian Rye Whisky, Lot 40 is 100% rye grain that is made the old-fashioned way – distilled in a traditional copper pot still one batch at a time to preserve the notes that truly define rye whisky. This is a completely delicious rye that manages to capture the herbal, fruity, and spicy notes of the grain all at once. Lot No. 40 combines a rich, full flavor with a very soft mouth feel and understated alcohol, making it approachable yet satisfying. Very good in cocktails such as Manhattan, Old Fashioned and Apple of My Rye. Slainte! Cheers!
Price: $45.99
Tasting Notes: 60 % Bobal and 40 % Monastrell. The vineyards are located at an altitude of 1050 meters and have an Eastern exposition. The vineyards are 25 years old and yields are low. Salmon pink in colour. Aromas are complex with exotic fruit and citrus at the beginning, followed by mango and apricot scents. The finish continues in a long lasting full bodied taste that is very fruity.
Tasting Notes: With summer here its time to break out your favourite cocktails! Today I bring you my favourite Summer Sangria recipe. Here's what you will need: 1 Punch Bowl, 750ml of Jacob's Creek White Moscato, 375ml of Phillips Peach Schnapps, 100ml of Grand Marnier, and 1.89L of Ocean Spray White Cranberry Juice. If you wanna make it extra fun, soak some peaches in vodka over night and add them to the mix. This sangria is sure to liven up any party this summer! Average pricing of ingredients averages to about $45
Price: $45.00
Tasting Notes: If things went way south (OK apocalyptic), and we were not able to import wines, what would we do? Honey wine of course. Alberta produces honey, a lot of it, and we are blessed with mead producers, Grey Owl being one of several, making superb wines. Haskap berries are native to Alberta and Canada, and can be found everywhere if you know where to look. Eye: deep cranberry, orange rim. Nose: floral, cherry tones. Palate: a beautiful balance of fresh cranberry compote, strawberry reduction, and (because I had no idea what a Haskap berry tasted like before this), haskap! Tannins completely integrated. Acid in perfect harmony. This is so agreeable! It's like the body has a deep memory of 1,00's of years of mead drinking. There is no better way to celebrate Canada Day (month) than to try a bottle of mead. Highly recommended. Pair with about anything, drink now. Chill slightly to tighten things up.
Tasting Notes: This month, I am choosing Prosecco. Any kind, as there's so many good ones out there and well priced too. Prosecco is the summer dress that goes with everything! Plain, and understated in a pretty glass, it glams up any occasion with light bubbles that tickle your nose. Add some Aperol, splash of soda and slice of orange and The Aperol Spritz is an Italian summer favourite. With Elderflower liqueur, or limoncello, or strawberry gin, even ice wine, you can experiment to your heart's content by adding an ounce or two of something to Prosecco. Keep it light and bubbly this summer with Prosecco!
Price: $20.00
Tasting Notes: I'm exercising my "It's a Dog's Life' motto and taking the month off. Too hot for me to sip wee drams. Prefer my long walks on the trails, sniffing new friends at the dog park and relaxing in the cool grass under a tree. Cool, clean water for me this month, oh and the occasional lick of vanilla ice cream with my humans. Enjoy your Dog Days of Summer too! Woof!
Price: $0.00
Tasting Notes: 5G = Cinco Garnachas. 5G represents five generations seeking the perfect Garnacha. Sourced from 5 special parcels of the Campo de Borja region. Brilliant ruby red color. Exquisite aromas of strawberry and redcurrant with delicate vegetative nuances of grapevine shoots. Exceptionally silky and fresh on the palate. Very well balanced. Pair with meat stews, roasts, hearty mountain style rice dishes and slow-cooked recipes with Mediterranean spices.
Price: $12.99
Tasting Notes: Evolution Pinot Noir is so delicious that it will knock your socks off. Dangerously juicy and fruit-driven with a sophisticated silk. This bottle of pinot makes enjoying the young wine so easy to drink and share. 100% pinot noir. 100% Willamette Valley. 100% made from Oregon with love.
Tasting Notes: Bodegas Ordóñez, founded in 2004, is a group of five estates wineries producing fine wines in six of Spain’s oldest Denominaciones de Origen. The appellations where Bodegas Ordóñez works are regions that have a centuries old history of winemaking. 100% Tinta de Toro (Tempranillo). Eye: Inky purplish black with deep magenta rim. Nose: Complex with blueberry, black cherry, caramel, leather. Palate: Layered, full bodied, with fine grain tannins, notes of plum, dates, dried black cherries, dark roast black coffee, tobacco. Very very nice. Pair with grilled beef, game, bison steaks, hard cheeses. Drink now - 2025. Your new upscale BBQ wine!
Price: $28.99 750 ml
Tasting Notes: Pink Port you say? Don't knock it if you haven't tried it! Original, unique and delicious with vibrant flavours of raspberry and cherries. Nuances of honey and grapefruit. Dry finish, very refreshing and so versatile! Sip on the rocks with a slice of lemon, Pour over ice and add a splash of tonic and or soda, sprig of mint and slice of lemon. Feeling festive? Splash some in a pretty flute and top with your favourite Prosecco for a bubbly, fun drink. #thinkpinkport
Tasting Notes: Celebrate Pride this year with Crystal Head Skull Vodka Pride Edition. This bottle is covered head to toe in a rainbow ombre colouring. Great for parties or collectors or unique bottles!
Price: $59.99
Tasting Notes: As a wee white, short Scottish dog, I'm in awe of taller creatures. The giraffe has long been this single malt’s spirit animal. After all, every drop of the Glenmorangie’s delicious whisky is created in stills as tall as these majestic creatures. But although the giraffe is loved at the Highland Distillery and across the globe, few people are aware of the threats it faces in the wild. Numbers have fallen by 30% in just 30 years – and some types of giraffe are now critically endangered. Glenmorangie has forged a ground-breaking partnership with the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, the world’s leading charity dedicated to conserving the animal in the wild. Furthermore, by showcasing three of its most-loved whiskies The Original, The Lasanta or The Quinta Ruban in giraffe-print gift tins, Glenmorangie invites whisky fans old and new to join in raising a glass to the giraffe. Your second sip, raise a glass to me!
Tasting Notes: Clear color. Aromas and flavors of berry snow cone and yogurt, hint of horse hair, dried pineapple, and metal and mica with a supple, tangy, off-dry medium body and a breezy finish imparting notes of citrusy fruit punch powder, diet cranberry drink mix, and lemon verbena. A fun and crushable berry bubbly drink for punchy parties. I personally find this cooler very enjoyable for drinking on a hot day or in general. I enjoy how it is a gin cooler and it isn't overwhelming. It's not too sweet, but its got a nice lemon-lime flavor kick with hints of cranberry.
Price: $3.99
Tasting Notes: The Veneto region is home to a huge assortment of amazing Italian wines that could happily find their way into anybody’s collection. But amongst them all, Valpolicella may stand at the top of the mountain. This gorgeous red wine may be the most representative of the region’s terroir, leading to it becoming one of the most popular Italian wines both domestically and abroad. A dry and full-bodied wine, the Riondo Valpolicella Ripasso stands out from its peers thanks to its complexity. Riondo has dedicated itself to producing a product that is truly representative of the Corvina, Rondinella, and Corvinone grapes used to make it, leading to a wine that encourages exploration at every turn. The bouquet offers notes of cherry and other red fruits, with various spices present both to complement and temper the sweeter flavours. The wine itself is made using a carefully selected batch of grapes, with only the best from the Collis collective finding their way into the bottle. Upon tasting, you’ll find your senses awash in this glorious collection of flavours. This is not a wine to take lightly. Instead, true appreciation for the perfect harmony within only comes from taking your time and allowing your tongue to explore it. And as a wine with an ageing potential of up to 15 years, the Riondo Valpolicella Ripasso can provide even more joy to those who are willing to wait a little longer before exploring its full potential.
Tasting Notes: A deep, alluring red, this wine is strikingly soft on both the nose and palate. Not your usual restrained style Pinot Noir, this one has a rich fruit character of lush cherries. There's some warm spice and vanilla indicating nice, lightly present wood. The palate is bright and fruit-driven, and the nose is intense. Texture is silky smooth, leading into a finish that evokes the taste and feel of milk chocolate. Good with a steak or chicken and pork.
Tasting Notes: This 100% Viura wine shows excellent character and depth. The grapes are "only grown in the highest and poorest soils of our vineyards" (according to the family), and are used exclusively to make this cask fermented and aged white wine. Eye: very pale straw with a clear rim. Nose: cold cream, green bean, gala apple, pear. Palate: dragon fruit, canola oil, toasted Brazil nut, washed stones. A really beautiful line of salinity running through. Bright, fresh, and rich all at the same time. Nice!! Pair with grilled seafood, chicken, tapas. Drink now - 2026. Vegan Friendly.
Tasting Notes: "Je Ne Sais Quoi" - A California Rose with a French attitude! Refreshing and balanced, this Rosé Cru comes in an elegant collectible wine bottle with a signature rose stopper. A beautiful blend of 52% Grenache (whole cluster pressed), 21% Pinot Gris, 20% Syrah, 7% Viognier , this is summer in a glass no matter what time of year! Great for gift giving in it's unique signature collector bottle.
Price: $$46.99
Tasting Notes: The colour of sunlight and amber honey in your glass, tasting of pears and vanilla and soft spices, aged 12 years in American oak ex-Bourbon casks. Refreshing nectarine and tropical fruit, with subtle roasted coffee, clove, and ginger. A memorable finish of sultanas and black toffee. Named after a small village in Aberdeenshire, at the foot of the Grampian range perfect for robust walks in the crisp highland air, just the way we Westies like it! Slainte!
Tasting Notes: Gloria Ferrer winery was the first sparkling wine producer in Carneros, and the Sonoma Brut is perhaps their most well known bubbly. The predominance of Pinot Noir gives a rounded, fruit forward expression. Recipe: 88% Pinot Noir, 12% Chardonnay. Color of 15 karat gold, with green lime hints. A superb mousse, with a persistent, lengthy, and fine bead, and beautiful perlage. Classic nose of brioche toast, apples, lemon/lime. Palate is full and round, with peaches, dried apricots, preserved lemons. Very well done! Pair with many foods, especially breakfast or brunch, seafood, or appies.
Tasting Notes: In celebration of Women's History month, I've chosen a wine from the portfolio of Susana Balbo wines. Susana Balbo is a pioneer: in 1981, she received her degree in enology, and became the first woman in Argentina to do so. Over the decades she has become an icon. In 2012, Susana Balbo was recognized as one of the "Most influental women wine-makers" by The Drink Business magazine. Later, in 2015, she was awarded by the same magazine as "Woman of the year". In 2018, the magazine recognized her again by including her in the list of "The 10 most influental women in the wine world". The Ben Marco line is all about minimal intervention, aiming for pure varietal expression. Eye: deep purple/black, vivid deep magenta rim. Nose: layered, with loam, black licorice, plum, black coffee, tar, black currants, vanilla. Very extracted. Palate: medium/full body, medium grain tannins, black currants, dates, black plums, black cherries, dark chocolate. Long finish. A wine with sinewy, pliable depth, and a great symmetry. The wine is unfined and unfiltered. Pair with grilled meats, hard cheeses. Vegan Friendly.
Price: $27.49 750 ml.
Tasting Notes: A delicious style of Chardonnay, a grape I personally enjoy. In celebration of Women Winemakers for International Women's Day this month, I've chosen the Australian Gem. On the nose, a delicate perfume of lemon cheesecake, panna cotta, a touch of pawpaw, light herbal coriander and lemon verbena notes, is supported by the underlying aroma of limestone and hazelnuts. On the palate light yet fleshy with lovely bright acidity, the palate carries to a crunchy, chalky finish with hints of green pawpaw, white peach and custard tart. About Virginia Willcock, Chief Wine Maker at Vasse Felix ... “There are two types of winemakers – technical and intuitive,” says Virginia. “I’m the latter – I enjoy that beautiful process of learning and understanding what the fruit wants to do.”It’s an approach that has seen Virginia become one of the most awarded winemakers in Australia, but she modestly attributes much of her acclaim to the Margaret River region’s unique location, surrounded by towering karri forest and the powerful Indian Ocean.
Tasting Notes: A rich, medium-bodied blended malt Scotch whisky, OAK CROSS combines vanilla characters from American oak and spicy, clove-like characters from French oak. Sourced from three single malt distilleries; one for its ethereal fruity character, one for its enchanting perfume and one that lends a complex and substantial structure to the blend. As a female Westie, and it's International Women's Day in March, I have chosen a distillery that has Lady Whisky Makers, a rarity in a male dominated industry! We girls are forces to be reckoned with, I know I'm an independent miss, I like to bark my mind, and I'll be the one to ask for cuddles and tummy rubs when I want them!
Price: $$74.99
Tasting Notes: “As winemakers, we interpret the character of places. I believe in a respectful management of the vineyard and low intervention winemaking. In terms of styles I always try to think about who is going to actually, drink the wine” - Emily Faulconer, Carmen’s Chief Winemaker since mid-2017. For International Women's Day, I am celebrating Emily! A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Grande Vidure, 20% Petite Syrah and 10% Merlot, it is as if you can clearly account for each varietal's contribution. Ripe cassis, cherry, plum, and spice flavors are buttressed by well-integrated oak. Beautifully balanced, it has good acidity and mature tannins, and closes with a long, satisfying finish. Great wine for tonight's grilled T-bone, and worthy of mid-term cellaring.
Tasting Notes: celebrate women wine makers in March . Alìe is characterized by its delicate rose colour and vibrant peach notes and subtle scents of rose. Enveloping and well rounded on the palate, with citrus notes of pink grapefruit and a tangy undertone that elegantly leads to a whirlwind of flavour sensations.
Tasting Notes: Tenuta Ornellaia is among the original Super-Tuscan producers who challenged the status quo of the Italian wine industry in the 1980s and never looked back. Although Le Volte could be considered as an 'entry level' wine, the moniker doesn't nearly do the wine justice. A Bordeaux blend with an Italian twist, the 2018 recipe is 67% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Sangiovese. Eye: very dark blood, black cherry, almost completely opaque. Nose: coffee, plum, black currant, black licorice. Palate: dense, with sultana, plum, truffle oil, dark chocolate ganache, black olive. A snap of roast walnuts on the back palate. Medium grain tannins. Good symmetry; no element out of place. Delicious; can I say thoughtful? I just did. Versatile: pair with muffaletta sandwiches, grilled and roasted meats and veggies, hard cheeses. Drink window now-2026.
Price: $33.49 750 ml.
Tasting Notes: Pale lemon; delicate floral, citrus, herbal and mineral aromas; extra dry and creamy on the palate, with flavours of ripe citrus, herbs and green apple; the finish is clean and lingering. Fresh floral aromas, refreshing acidity make this a crowd favourite and great with Greek appetizers.
Price: $17.49
Tasting Notes: These incredible monsters of the whisky world are set to wreak flavor wherever they go! The threesome of 200 mls includes the 10 Year Old Original Giant, then An Oa - in this wee bottle, discover a sweet and subtle smoke that scuttles all over the palate. Then the Wee Beastie - It is said to be a feisty young creature, untamed by age. Witnesses have spoken of its distinctive nose and formidable bite. Intensely raw and mightily smoky, it’s the youngest of its kind ever to stalk the whisky world. Almost sounds like it's describing me, the Wee White Dug! Woof!
Tasting Notes: Assyrtiko or Asyrtiko is a white Greek wine grape indigenous to the island of Santorini. Assyrtiko is widely planted in the arid volcanic-ash-rich soil of Santorini and other Aegean islands, such as Paros. It is also found on other scattered regions of Greece such as Chalkidiki. Assyrtiko is also being grown in Clare Valley, South Australia, and at the Abbey of New Clairvaux in Northern California since 2011. The original Assyrtiko cuttings were imported in the USA in 1948 by Harold Olmo, grape breeder at the University of California, Davis, where they were stored until the abbey of New Clairvaux took interest in the early 2000s. Assyrtiko is also being grown at Kefi Winery in Monroe, North Carolina by a first generation Greek family. On Santorini, many old vine plantations (over 70 years of age) of Assyrtiko exist, of which many are non-grafted. These plantations have shown resistance to Phylloxera. As the only European grape vine known to be resistant to wine blight, there is speculation that the actual source of this resistance may arise from the volcanic ash in which the vines grow, and not from the vine itself. This particular brand has an intriguing and herbaceous nose married with bright fruit and mineral flavors giving this wine balance and versatility. Easy-drinking and fresh.
Tasting Notes: Mix up your next gathering with the unexpected yet delicious taste of Captain Morgan Cherry Vanilla Rum. With the sweet and fruity combination of black cherry and vanilla, Captain Morgan Cherry Vanilla Rum offers up a delicious glass of nostalgia with its classic taste. Simply enjoy it with cola, ginger, or as a group, serve as a slushie mixed in a blender with ice. Drink responsibly, Captain’s Orders!
Price: $35.99
Tasting Notes: From a winery with a history tracing back to the mid-19th century, this is an excellent expression of quality Merlot. The 2016 blend: 85% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petite Syrah, and 1% Cabernet Franc. Eye: bronze/red, black tea. Nose: coffee, toffee, black cherries, licorice, plums, cinnamon. Palate: expressive, with plums, dates, dark chocolate, pencil lead, clove and cinnamon tones. Round and full, smooth and layered, medium grip tannins. ready to drink, but could be kept another 2-3 years. versatile: it's a perfect mate to a cheeseburger, or go upscale: elevate a crown rack of lamb!
Price: $35.99 750 ml.
Tasting Notes: The essence of Napa Zinfandel, this fruit forward wine boasts bright aromas of black cherry and plum layered on the palate with red and dark berry flavors and a slightly spicy finish.
Price: $57.99
Tasting Notes: My Christmas gift from Aligra this year was Zenato Amarone. Zesty, vibrant and exotic, the 2016 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico makes a serious impression with its unique bouquet of dried roses, lime zest, cherry sauce, plums and a dusting of crushed violet candies. It’s silky and pliant in texture, motivated by juicy acids, with a mix of ripe strawberry, pomegranate and cranberry sauce, as balsamic spices and hints of almond come forward toward the close. There is so much going on here, as the 2016 resonates on wild berry fruit and sweet inner florals. This may be a more opulent expression of the vintage, but it’s built to last.
Tasting Notes: From a small producer, the Vallet family have been the guardians of Château de Montifaud Cognac for six generations and are today responsible for 125 hectares of vineyards across the Fine Champagne regions. This beautiful Cognac is a blended cognac which is from some of their oldest stock; eaux de vie that was distilled between 1956 and 1963. Dried apricots and walnuts are on the nose and palate. 80% Ugni Blanc also Colombard and Folle Blanche On the nose this is a rich, intense and decadent Cognac, with old cigar boxes appearing immediately, followed by nuts and spices. Very round and mellow with good rancio. The palate keeps the oak light, instead bringing forth an almond sweetness. The finish is exceptionally long. A beautiful Cognac. A special birthday or anniversary gift for sure!
Price: $239.99
Tasting Notes: It's Scotland's Poet Laureate Birthday this month so I'm raising a toast with The Robert Burns Single Malt! It's light, aromatic, can be enjoyed before or with a meal. It's a very versatile dram, like me the Wee White Dug, as can be sipped straight, with a bit of water, over ice or in a Scotch cocktail. Slainte!
Tasting Notes: With a final average age of more than 30 years, this stunning Vinum Optimum Rare Signatum PX (Pedro Ximenez, the grape varietal) Sherry is an incredible way to finish your Christmas feast. It will take on anything you care to match it with including decadent Christmas cake, butter tarts, ice cream, or whatever sugary temptation you could imagine. Eye: Arresting. Unlike almost any other wine you've ever seen: molasses, black coffee, date juice rim. Nose: heady with sultanas, dates, dried figs, Christmas spices, rum and raisin ice cream. Palate: sensationally smooth, with a wallop of demerara sugar, dried figs, sultanas, candied nuts, and an amazing acidity that somehow balances the overwhelming density. Packs a 'wow' factor like almost nothing else. If you've never tried PX sherry, this is the one to completely spoil you forever!
Price: $39.99 350 ml
Tasting Notes: Happy Nondenominational Winter Holiday everyone! Last year the critics raved about this wine, saying it “shows balance, but juicy.” The 2019 vintage is even better. It shows a round juicy palate with loads of dark fruit and texture. The balance comes from its fruit-driven aromas, outstanding mouthfeel, and a touch of tannin for good measure. Pair this easily with steak Frites or just a large glass.
Tasting Notes: Bottega White Gold is a Venezia DOC wine obtained from the vinification of Glera, Chardonnay and Pinot grapes. With its great character, this Brut sparkling wine is fresh and elegant, representing an expression of the territory where grapes are grown, among the provinces of Treviso and Venice. Elegant and refined, it is characterized by fruity hints (mainly apple and peach), delicate floral aromas (hawthorn above all), with a finish of honey notes and a special aromaticity reminding of dried fruit. Soft and captivating, on the palate it creates a perfect balance between the freshness of Glera grape, the body of Chardonnay grape and the acidity of Pinot grape.
Price: $34.99
Tasting Notes: Bubbles! T'is the season! (although I believe it's always a good time for bubbles!) A blend of Chardonnay (40%), Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier (60%) wines from over 35 different vineyards and vintages matured to perfection. This high proportion of Chardonnay, unique among fine non- vintage champagnes, and a minimum ageing of three years in the cellars, where it reaches the peak of aromatic maturity, makes Taittinger Brut Réserve a delicately balanced champagne, known for its consistently excellent quality all over the world. The bubbles are fine, while the foam is discreet yet lingering. The nose, very open and expressive, delivers aromas of fruit and brioche. it also gives off the fragrance of peach, white flowers (hawthorn, acacia) and vanilla pod.The entry onto the palate is lively, fresh and in total harmony. This is a delicate wine with flavours of fresh fruit and honey. Sante!
Tasting Notes: Natural colour and non-chill filtered, matured exclusively in ex-bourbon casks, Tobermory has a vibrant, fruity and spicy character with a subtle, salty edge. This Hebridean single malt has sweet, honeyed aromas of vanilla, ripe oranges and delicate flowers. The palate offers notes of fresh citrus, apples and tropical fruits, followed by creamy toffee, floral honey and a subtly, salty undercurrent. It's perfect for chilly December nights curled up in front of the fire after a snowy romp on the trails!
Price: $82.99
Tasting Notes: This is a barrel fermented and aged Torrontés made with grapes sourced from Altamira, in Uco Valley. It is quite aromatic, with peach, melon and floral notes; and gives the impression of sweetness. On the palette however, it is bone dry. I noticed more peach and melon, as well as some grassiness and was reminded of what I would expect from a Sauvignon Blanc. Going into the holiday season, I would pair this with sushi, or Manchego and charcuterie.
Tasting Notes: Tarima Hill is made from old vine Mourvedre grown at a high elevation of 2,000-2,500 feet. Aged 20 months in French oak, its sensational inky/purple color is followed by a sweet bouquet of acacia flowers, blueberry liqueur, blackberries and graphite, and a full-bodied, rich mouthfeel. This sensational red wine could easily sell for three to five times the price with no complaints. It should age easily for another 5-6 years. This 2017 vintage receiving 92 point from Wine Spectator provides bold red features. A thick, rich texture, with ripe, heady flavors of currant and blackberry preserves, backed by cocoa, espresso and loamy earth notes. Muscular tannins are well-integrated, with enough orange peel acidity to keep this lively.
Tasting Notes: This wine is a great example of Pinot Noir in an Old World Style, but made with New World fruit. The wine has a delicate aroma of black cherry, raspberry and strawberry, with well integrated French oak. Medium bodied wine with elegant and silky tannins on the palate.
Price: $20.49
Tasting Notes: A "Classically minty Coonawarra Red wine". Vibrant deep ruby red with a crimson hue. Fresh mint, eucalyptus and spice make up the lifted nose. The palate is soft and well balanced, with blackberries and cassis flavours and supple soft tannins. A perfect pairing of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Perfect for cooler, longer nights and slow cooked beef dinners. Put on your favourite music and enjoy the simple pleasures in life!
Tasting Notes: If you're looking for a good everyday wee dram of whisky, this is it! Definitely over delivers for it's modest Scottish price. The Whisky is a light golden colour, has a well-balanced flavour with hints of spice and vanilla. It's bright ,spicy malty sweet tones with a warm aftertaste. Perfect after a good walk in the autumn leaves and brisk air!
Tasting Notes: Puglia, located on the far south east part of the 'boot' of Italy, is a region bountiful in native varieties. Two of them are prominent in the recipe here: Nero/Uva Di Troia (70%), and Montepulciano (30%). Eye: deep ruby red, orange tones, pink rim. Nose: grilled beef, plums, cola, leather. Palate: good, full body, medium integrated tannins, cranberry cordial, dried strawberries, roasted walnut, long finish. Good finesse, good structure, elegant! Pair with chicken parmigiana, veal, other light to medium savory foods. Drink now - 2025.
Price: $28.99 750 ml.
Tasting Notes: Road Apples Hard Cider is a collaboration between The Tragically Hip and Thornbury Craft Cider & Beer. With short days and cold temperatures ahead, this cider is an excellent reminder of summer days past. Made with fresh-pressed, local apple juice, it is light bodied and smooth, with a crisp apple finish that is not too sweet. I recommend not waiting until patio season rolls around to give this a try.
Price: $4.69
Tasting Notes: This intense, rich fruit driven zinfandel would make the perfect pairing for Korean BBQ or mild vanilia forward cigar the possibilites are endless. One of the most memorable expressions from the Wagner family. Notes of dark cherries, plum, chocolate and vanilla. Treat yourself or please a crowd.
Price: $$57.99
Tasting Notes: Black currents: an under rated fruit that pairs SO well with turkey dinner. Instead of cranberries, try your hand at this mead with accompanying black current chutney recipe to spice up your thanksgiving. Grey Owl Black Current is a lovely blend of black currents and summer honey to make a wonderful semi-sweet Melomel. Recipe: 300g blackcurrants, 1 fresh red chilli, 1 red onion, 1 tart apple, 4 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar, 2 oranges, juiced, 200g light brown soft sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon yellow mustard seeds, 1 dried chilli (optional). 1. Wash and dry the blackcurrants. Cut the chilli in half and remove the seeds. Mince the chilli and onion. Peel, core and coarsely grate the apple. 2. Place all ingredients in a heavy pot and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook in the open pot till the liquid has evaporated and the chutney has thickened, about 1 hour. Stir once in a while to make sure it does not stick to the bottom of the pot. 3. Pour the piping hot chutney into sterilised jars and put the lids on immediately.
Price: $25.49
Tasting Notes: Yes! It's perfectly fine to drink whites after Labour Day! But with the change of seasons and temperatures, choose a white with some oomph! Viogniers, Chardonnays are perfect choices for fall foods when we tend to roast more meats and enjoy a variety of hearty harvest vegetables. One of my all time favourites is this Rombauer Chardonnay. It's buttery richness, luscious spiced apple tart and baked pear flavours fill your mouth with joy. Ground nutmeg lingers into the broad, plush finish with powerful toasty notes.
Tasting Notes: The recipe for the 2015 vintage: Grenache 59%, Shiraz 35%, Mourvedre 6%. Depending on the vagaries of climate year to year, the percentages will fluctuate. Kasler Vineyards have been around for a while; the grapes for this excellent value wine come from vines at least 40 years old. Eye: deep brick red, orange/auburn tones. Nose: plums, pomegranate reduction, violets, red bell pepper. Palate: nice entry, full body with blackberry, blueberry, black currants, brambly notes. Medium grained integrated tannins. Very approachable right now (as befits a wine almost 7 years old). Drink now, will probably be good for another two years in good cellaring conditions. Pair with red meats, hard cheeses, burgers, pasta with red sauces.
Price: $21.99 750 ml.
Tasting Notes: Light to medium-bodied, Oregon Pinot is more finely boned than California Pinot, and displays a wide, aromatic range of flavors including strawberry, raspberry, delicate floral notes, and earthier notes like mushroom and truffle.
Price: $32.49
Tasting Notes: Grab it while you can, crisp clean and refreshing. Notes of orchard fruit, citrus and honeyed finish. Great bottle to cellar.
Tasting Notes: It's back to school time! Teachers, what do you have to look forward to? The laughter of children, the pitter patter of foot steps in the halls, lesson plans, sticky fingers.... gum in your hair.... the oncoming dread of Covid cases rising... oh no. Ok ok you have a lot going on and I'm sure you can already use a break! How about you pair marking assignments with a nice glass of Liberty School Chardonnay? Fresh aromas of lemon peel and pear are accented by notes of caramel that add a touch of richness with this Californian chardonnay. Bright stone fruit flavors of apricot and nectarine are balanced with a splash of citrus and creamy vanilla undertones. Let this wine take the "Liberty" of reducing at least SOME of your stress this school year.
Tasting Notes: The Klinker Brick Old Vine Zinfandel 2016 is an excellent, classy Zinfandel. The color is a barely see-thru, concentrated black cherry red. The nose is extracted red berries, toasted vanilla, baking spice, chocolate milk, orange zest, raspberry, and pomegranate. This is a Zinfandel with a soft mouthfeel and a mix of rounded and edgy flavors. It starts with rounded black cherry, black pepper, dark chocolate, slightly sharp spice, and plum. The mid-palate adds licorice, cold coffee, and cherry. The tannins are soft and sweet and the acidity allows the flavors to unfold. The finish is large and long. This is a delicious Zinfandel that was produced with all the production techniques the winemaker deemed necessary, no shortcuts, nothing to speed up the process. Just old-school Lodi Zinfandel.
Price: $28.99
Tasting Notes: Known as Zinfandel in North America, Primativo from Italy - Salento to be exact where these vines grown robustly in the perfect warm climate. This wine is intense, yet not overpowering. Dark ruby red, elegant and soft on the palate, full of fruit and acidity with a distinct raspberry taste as well as blackberries and pepper. This wine has a broad appeal and is great with barbeque meats and stews.
Tasting Notes: On the nose ripe fruits, think as plums and raisins with pleasant notes of spices and vanilla present themselves. The palate is rich and bold with very ripe, red fruit flavours. A solid structure and beautiful balance between soft tannins and lifted acidity. An excellent wine for roasts, red meats and hard cheeses.
Price: $15.23
Tasting Notes: Bodegas Volver was founded in 2004. The philosophy of the bodega is based on recovering old indigenous vineyards which, either through low production or lack of generational succession, had been lost. The Monastrell vines used for this wine were planted between 1935 - 1970. Eye: deep garnet/black coffee with heavy dark magenta rim. Nose: loam, plums, black licorice, black currant. Palate: medium full body with plum, baked fig, blackberry. Fine integrated tannins. Good length on a finish that carries an espresso note. Drink now - 2024. Pair grilled meats, hard cheese, Panini.
Price: $22.99 750 ml.
Tasting Notes: I tried this wine blind a couple weeks back, and was asked "what country?". I knew this was a loaded question. I guessed Northern Portugal, so at least I kind of got the latitude. Morocco has a long history of wine making, punctuated by various occupancies (Roman, Muslim, French). Domaine Ouled Thaleb is named after the tribe that owns the vineyards’ land and works at the winery. Ouled Thaleb led the renewal of the Moroccan wine industry in the 1990’s. With its high mountains (Atlas) and maritime influence, Morocco is a great area for growing grapes. As they say, location (up), location (near a cool ocean) location (shielded from the Sahara by the mountains). 100% Chenin Blanc. Eye: light gold, lime tints, clear rim. Aroma: lemon verbena, washed stones, pear, green snap pea. Palate: clean, bright, with citrus, jicama, green apple, good balance of acid and fruit, medium length finish. A very attractive summer sipper. Pair with fish, soft cheeses, light poultry dishes, vegetarian casseroles.
Price: $$23.99 750 ml.
Tasting Notes: On the nose sweet butterscotch with lots of lemon, citrus. Light notes of ginger, honey, and Fuji apple pervade. Palate: Caramel-forward, candy-like but with the obvious bite and heat of a rye. Young wood (sawdust) and gently roasted almonds dance alongside specks of Meyer lemon. The body is medium-thin, lingering slightly but not blasting your palate. The overall mix is good, but it does have a sharp, alcoholic bite at the end. While caramel notes and a smooth mouth-feel certainly come to mind, bold and brash (as 1792’s source materials credit) may be a little far. This is not the sort of bourbon that would get into a bar fight. Instead, it’s perfect for sipping on a warm summer day as the sun sets, or mixing into a low-sugar (potentially high-citrus) cocktail. 1792’s versatility is impressive. Like an ambitious, well-aged wine, 1792 knows it is delicious without needing to show off. Just a little more follow-through – less of a sharp end note – would be the perfect cap to a great drink.
Price: $99.99
Tasting Notes: Smoky Bay is an expressive, flavorful wine straight from the Australian heartland. Distinct varietal aromas of pear and passion fruit with delicate floral perfumes. This is a refreshing white wine featuring delightful flavors of ripe pear and green apple.
Tasting Notes: A refined, aromatic and elegant Chardonnay that is aged in tank and in neutral French barrels. Made from 100% Chardonnay aged on Viognier lees, this wine reveals a medium gold color as well a rich, textured style. Honeysuckle, white peach, brioche, and spice notes all flow to a rounded, textured, layered beauty that's well worth the going rate. Brought up mostly in stainless steel, with 15% in new French oak. Grapes are grown from vineyards just a stone’s throw from the beach and within view of the historic Mont Canigou, where Roussillon meets the Pyrenees at the Mediterranean.
Tasting Notes: It's summer time and I thought I'd experiment with a seasonal twist on Scotch! The classic scotch sour is little more than an upgrade to scotch on the rocks. It's also a brilliant way to enhance some of the softer aspects of a great whisky. The mix is as simple as adding a touch of fresh lemon juice and shaking the two ingredients. Every scotch is going to require a different amount of citrus, and finding your preferences is half the fun. It's perfect after a run in the park chasing my ball!
Price: $Depends on the Scotch
Tasting Notes: These little guys pack a punch. You wanna soup up a sangria? Crank up a cocktail? Well these little guys don't kid around. At 99 proof (49.5% ABV) these flavoured liqueurs are sure to liven up any party. Comes in Black Cherry, Peach, Root Beer, and Whipped.
Price: $2.99
Tasting Notes: With it being Canada's birth month, I'm choosing a favourite Canadian whisky of mine. If you've been hesitant to try Canadian whiskies, this one is definitely sure to win you over. Gooderham & Worts has an inspiring story on the back of the bottle about William Gooderham adopting 11 children whose parents died during a migrating voyage. This delicious bottle is a tribute to those families and has been finished in 11 different barrels. The abv sits at 49%. It's got beautiful colour and flavour making it a perfect little Canadian to bring to your celebrations. Cheers!
Price: $110.99
Tasting Notes: This Cabernet Sauvignon from Lodi is loaded with notable blackcurrant and black berry overtones. Aged for 9 months in a combination French oak and American barrels this delightful wine pairs oh so nice with grilled burgers, steak......Summertime and the livings easy! Scored a 92 in Wine Spectator.
Price: $24.76
Tasting Notes: The trademark of Small Gully wines is intensity of fruit and big, bold flavors. This 100% Shiraz is a blend of fruit from vines over 60 years old in Zippy’s Block in the Barossa Valley and Robert’s Vineyard in the Adelaide Plains. Eye: black cherry, ruby red rim. Aroma: rich and heady, with black currant, kirsch, black licorice, and vanilla tones. Palate: great depth, with blackberry compote, currants, mulberry, tar, medium grippy tannins, and good acidity in balance. A delicious glug. Drink now - 2023. Pair with steaks, burgers, hard cheeses. A perfect warm weather, outdoor BBQ party wine!
Price: $18.99 750 ml.
Tasting Notes: The ideal style of Rosé for any occasion - this is the perfect pairing with friends. Whether an aperitif by the water or with food, this fresh wine is quite versatile. Great matches to this rosé include a variety of fresh, meatier fish and shellfish, summer salads from the garden and the classic French roasted chicken.
Tasting Notes: This is a delightfully different white wine to add to your summer menus! A fascinating blend of Italian grapes - 40% Garganega, 20% Trebbiano Toscano, 10% Tocai Friulano, 20% Cortese and 10% Chardonnay- Riesling Italico- Malvasia - combined to creat a dry, tangy and well-balanced wine. This lightly aromatic dry white wine is fruity with straw yellow and pale green highlights. Great mouthfeel, acidity and immensely satisfying. Try as an aperitif, or with fish and shellfish dishes, rice and pasta.
Tasting Notes: Mount Vernon Sauvignon Blanc at its best. Perfectly balanced between its zesty, crisp, tropical notes and its herbaceousness. Beautifully aromatic.
Tasting Notes: Fleurs de Prairie is a pale salmon color, with delicate flavors of red fruit and lemon, and a subtle note of tropical fruits on the finish. Its bright, refreshing acidity makes it a perfect companion with a meal or as an aperitif. Pair this light-bodied wine with lighter dishes, use the fruit flavors to pair with summer fruits and vegetables, or enjoy with fresh fish or lighter proteins roasted with fresh herbs.
Tasting Notes: I love Bubbles! This Italian gem from Giusti vineyards is a delightful sparkler - not exactly a Prosecco as it's made with the Glera grapes and a touch of Muscat. It's lively, bright, refreshing with citrus and notes of peach and passionfruit. At the prices we're offering right now, it's one to keep by the case this summer!
Price: $$13.99
Tasting Notes: A vibrant gold colour, with enticing and forward butterscotch candy aromatics, supported by notes of white grapefruit, hay and smoke. On the palate it is easy-drinking and mellow, with light smoke flavours and honeyed sweetness. The finish is clean and gentle, with lingering citrus pith and vanilla spice. I know this will be a winner at the firepit with my Hoomans! Woof!
Price: $$79.99
Tasting Notes: With magic you create your wildest dreams, set your goals and then toast on them when you achieve them. MAVAM Magic is a soft, sweet wine with hints of mint and balsamic vinegar for the true connoisseur.
Tasting Notes: from the Yarra Valley, this wonderful chardonnay is a "new age" crisp citrus with excellent texture and finesse. excellent accompaniment with seafood, chicken or pasta salads Great on its own as a patio sipper.
Price: $20.95
Tasting Notes: Fresh enticing aromas of apple, white pear and summer fruits are supported by gentle floral notes that invite you in for more. The palate is clean and refreshing, with succulent flavours of white peach and kiwi fruit vying for dominance. Crispy apple, pear and nectarine flavours are also present and beautifully balanced with a firm, fresh acidity which lingers seamlessly in a long finish..
Tasting Notes: Qwam Qwmnt (kw-em kw-empt) translates to ‘achieving excellence’. This estate wine is produced in very limited quantities and is definitely worthy of this distinctive title. It is sourced primarily from the finest grapes grown on the 40 year old Nk'Mip (Inkameep) Vineyards. Color: opaque, dense, black cherry, deep magenta rim. Nose: heady aromas of mulberry, black cherry, black licorice, garrigue, black coffee. Palate: strapping and lithe at the same time, with black cherry, blackberry,black pepper, bitter chocolate, graphite, fennel, integrated fine grain tannins. A fantastic Syrah! Celebrate National Indigenous Month with a bottle of this Syrah, and some grilled bison, roast venison, or some roasted vegetables (this wine is vegan friendly)!!
Price: $36.99 750 ml.
Tasting Notes: Beautiful light salmon pink in colour, this Rose carries flavours of strawberry and yellow apple. The finish is crisp and fruity. The wine pairs beautifully with seafood salad, avocado, or smoked salmon. Made with a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. Spier is one of the oldest wineries in South Africa. Had the pleasure of visiting in 2016. One of my favourite wineries!
Tasting Notes: Toki Japanese Whisky by Suntory sits at 43% abv. It's a a delicious introductory if you're looking to expand your whisky prowess into the Japanese style. Very soft and easy to drink. In Japan, soda cocktails are gaining in popularity and this one would be a perfect mix.
Price: $65.99
Tasting Notes: while considered a lower end bourbon, don't be fooled by price. Sourced from Heaven Hills, this bourbon works mighty fine. On the nose, it's oak, dark fruit, caramel,nuts,spice and some herbal and cocoa notes. On the palate, nutty and oak with touches of leather and vanilla Medium finish with decent balance.
Price: $32.99
Tasting Notes: Opening with a sun-kissed nose of bright juicy blood orange, tangy fresh-squeezed citrus taste with hints of lime zest, culminating in a silky-smooth finish
Tasting Notes: A perennial value for well over 40 years, La Vielle Ferme has a proven record of delivering excellent quality. It's been one of my 'go to' wines over the decades. Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah. Eye: ruby red with vibrant pink rim. Nose: forest floor, black cherries, currants, vanilla, dried sage. Palate: chokecherry reduction, damson plum, black cherries confirmed, garrige, currants, medium grippy tannins, medium long finish. Very good structure. Pair with grilled meats, hard cheeses, charcuterie. Drink now - 2025. By the way, we also carry this wine in the convenient 3 litre box! Perfect for a picnic with the extended family!
Price: $14.99 750 ml., 49.99 3 litre box (2018 vintage)
Tasting Notes: A perfect wine to enjoy this spring from one of my all time favourite wineries! Aromas of lemon rind, golden apple, pear, and a tiny hint of caramel. Medium bodied, lucious and smooth on the palate, with medium, balancing acidity. Lots of ripe apple, pear, and lemon flavours on the palate, and a slight hint of white pepper on the lengthy finish.
Tasting Notes: Have I mentioned how much I like Canadian whisky? It's innovative, creative and adaptable. Pike Creek is a great example and sits at 42% abv. This one has been aged in rum barrels for 10 years making it sweet enough to sip neat but also great in an old fashioned.
Tasting Notes: An attractive, fruity blend of Antão Vaz and Arinto, this is crisp, full of apple and lime fruitiness and bright acidity. The aftertaste leaves a bright, tangy freshness. A great Portuguese white wine, enjoy as "sipper" or with sea foods.
Price: $18.95
Tasting Notes: A new product, perfect for those who love creams with an intense aroma: the distinctive taste of the most popular Italian liqueur in the world takes on unexpected nuances. Incredibly smooth, Disaronno Velvet masterfully and harmoniously mixes the distinctive imprinting of classic Disaronno, which has won over generations, leaving its mark with velvety notes.
Tasting Notes: Personally, I'm not a huge Malbec fan, but this wine was quite delicious! From Uco Valley Mendoza, it's a medium ruby with aromas of ripe plums, cherries and blackberries complemented by a hint of tobacco. A balanced and complex wine with flavours of red currants, black cherries and cinnamon with a long lasting finish marked by notes of leather, tobacco and vanilla. Well-matched with barbecued meats, robust pasta entrees, baked ham, pork chops and sharp cheeses. Hint: Join our Aligra Wine Club and you'll receive great wines like this one that over deliver for their price points!
Tasting Notes: Pauline Lhote grew up Champagne, France, and she knew she wanted to make bubbly from a young age. Before coming to Domaine Chandon in Napa Valley in 2006, she worked at Moet & Chandon and Nicolas Feuillatte, and has a special talent for crafting gorgeous sparkling rosés. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.Eye: pink salmon, transparent rim. Nose: classic notes of bread dough, pear, apples, raspberry. Palate: Crisp, fresh, with a plump mousse. Raspberries, pomegranate, good acidity, tight bead and delicate pearl. Affordable elegance! Pair with just about anything you fancy.
Price: $33.99 750 ml.
Tasting Notes: Have you smelled what The Rock is cooking lately? Taramana is some pretty wicked stuff! With notes and aromas of citrus, vanilla, pepper spice, and earthiness, this tequilla is sure to give you a smack down!
Price: $54.49
Tasting Notes: This "vin de pays" results from vines planted on the most beautifully managed soils close to the area of the Loire castle, Touraine. "Attitude" has a beautiful freshness in mouth, a delicate green and lemon flavours, citrus fruits, green apple and kiwi aromas. The minerality gives a long finish to the wine, giving a smoothness and elegance. Very pleasant with or without food,in particular with seafood, asparagus, roasted fish and goat's milk cheese.
Price: $23.80
Tasting Notes: The grapes used in the Pinot Gris were selected from vineyards in the northern Okanagan Valley. The grapes were picked at over 22 Brix. The wine did not undergo malolactic fermentation in order to retain maximum freshness. The wine was fermented in stainless steel tanks. John Schreiner says, "The wine shows a delicate bronze blush in the glass. It has aromas of fine herbs, citrus and citrus peel. On the palate, the wine has a luscious texture with flavours of pear, apple and white peach. The wine is well balanced, with the residual sweetness plumping up the fruit in the classic Gray Monk style. 90 points." Whether we are heading into Spring or "fools" Spring, one thing is for sure. I'm ready to sit on the deck in my shorts and flip flops with a nice chilled white wine.
Tasting Notes: Nero Di Troia (Uva Di Troia) is an ancient, little known grape variety grown in Puglia (heel of Italy’s boot) and almost nowhere else. Traditionally a blending grape used to give a bit of oomph to wines made from grapes such as Montepulciano and Sangiovese, it is now more and more being vinified on its own. Eye: deep ruby red with violet magenta rim. Nose: red plums, Amarilla cherries, raspberries, notes of dry sage, wintergreen. Palate: medium full body, with good depth. Plums, dried dates, cherries confirmed, dark chocolate on the back. Fine tannins, medium length finish. Pair with pork, roast fowl, ham and pineapple pizza (I don't care what you say: it works!), hard cheeses, caccio e pepe. Drink now or within the next 2 years. A great value!!
Price: $$19.49 750 ml.
Tasting Notes: Rombauer Vineyards was founded in 1982 by Koerner and Joan Rombauer. If the name sounds familiar it should: Great Aunt Irma wrote The Joy Of Cooking. This Zinfandel is sourced mainly from their El Dorado parcel, along with others. Eye: semi-opaque scarlet, with magenta pink rim. Nose: black currant jelly, blueberries, black cherry, vanilla, hint of tarragon. Palate: full, with ripe plums, dates, cherry cordial, dark chocolate. Tannins soft and integrated Discreetly powerful, it's as close to Port as you can get without it being Port. Pairs with ribs, teriyaki steaks, hard cheeses, and is an excellent match with dark chocolate ( the good stuff: 60-85% cacao). If you want a treat this Valentine's Day, grill the steaks and enjoy the wine but save the last glass for the dark chocolate. Perfect!
Price: $57.99 750 ml.
Tasting Notes: A delicious blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Carmenere, 25% Syrah from the Elqui Valley in Chile. 100% Hand harvested from vines growing at 1070 ft above sea level 18 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Beautifully balanced, rich and intense. Deep ruby color, clear nose of red berries, vanilla and chocolate. Full bodied on the palate, good red fruit character, a blend of pepper, white chocolate and vanilla. Enjoy with a juicy steak or mature cheeses. Perfect for Valentine's Day!
Tasting Notes: As I'm considered The Queen in our household, I love all things Royal! This is the first distillery to be allowed to use the 'Royal' title, and in 2015 saw it get its own range of single malts. Part of the Last Great Malts series, the 16 Year Old is finished in first-fill oloroso sherry casks and is sweet and spicy, with a hint of smoke in the mix, too. It was a real hit at our Robbie Burns Whisky Tasting last week! Full fruity notes of dry sherry without being overly sweet. Quite dry. Malty cereal grains and dried fruits. Bit of prune and baked fig. Coats the inside of the mouth like a fine amaretto. Dryness carries over into the finish. Cocoa nibs arriving late. Burn of medium to light intensity, but lasts a fairly decent amount of time. 40% ABV. Great after a day walking in the snow!
Price: $139.99
Tasting Notes: Wondering what to get your honey for Valentine's Day? I'm thinking this sweet honey liqueur is the perfect sweet for your sweet and lasts much longer than flowers. JD Honey sits at 35% abv and is great over ice and even better in a delicious hot toddy. Boil 3/4 cups water, add 2oz of JD, 2 tsp lemon. Garnish with a cinnamon stick. If a sweet little Tennessee hug doesn't win over your Valentine...add more whiskey. Cheers!
Tasting Notes: In the Veneto dialect, the word "scaia" means a chip of stone, chalk, limestone: it is a tribute to the soil where their wines are produced. This 100% Rondinella varietal is found in the north-east of Verona. This timeless libation is sourced from vines between 10 and 154 years old! Talk about aging well. Expect bright raspberry, tea, orange citrus, and crisp mineral flavours. Plays well with roast chicken.
Tasting Notes: this 100% Texas yellow corn based bourbon is full flavoured with warm caramel and vanilla overtones. with huge temperature swings experienced in Houston, "Angels share of 15% per year" gives the bourbon unique characteristics. A true "sipper" on a cold winter night!
Price: $83.80
Tasting Notes: Mike's Hard Purple Freeze throws it back to the flavors of your past. Full flavors reminiscent of grape soda or grape freezes, this vodka based cooler is a sweet treat of the present.
Tasting Notes: Cabernet Sauvignon meets the undead Touriga and resurrected Petit Verdot – a blend of unspeakable horror… A wine of nightmarish proportions has been created, a once dead variety has now risen… The Return of the Living Red promises to be thicker than blood, hold more body than a city morgue and more tannin than a mouthful of fish hooks. Horror theme aside, this wine blew my mind! This blend gives a bold, full mouth feel - with notes of black cherry jam, raspberry jam, licorice, sweet baking spices, white pepper, and a slight minerality. Definitely a horror to behold.
Tasting Notes: It's Robbie Burns month so of course I had to pick a scotch bearing my favourite exciseman's name. This single malt from the Isle of Arran sits at 43% abv. It's light and fruity with notes of vanilla. Not overly complicated if you're a beginner scotch drinker but complex enough if you have a more versed palate. This one is a definite must have for January 25! Cheers
Price: $53.99
Tasting Notes: In keeping with "Dry January", here's a lovely dry white wine you should definitely try! Made with thick-skinned grapes from old vines, the full-bodied Chenin Blanc was fermented and matured (for 14 months) in French oak barrels. It offers ripe, baked apples and apple pie spice on the nose. The rich and complex palate is characterized by yellow fruits opulent caramel, vanilla cream and toasted cashew – all framed by a beautifully balanced acidity and supported by a sumptuously textured mouthfeel. Pair with Pork Belly and Duck, as it has the right amount of acidity to cut through the fat. Also great with a South African dish - Bobotie!
Price: $31.99
Tasting Notes: Two 200ml size bottles of exquiste whisky to enjoy this dreary January! For me, I"ve been enjoying all the walkies I get as my humans are around more thanks to the nasty Pandemic. After my walks, I enjoy a nice wee dram. This month, I'm trying two new ones from Islay. Machir Bay is a lovely expression from Islay's farm distillery. Matured in ex-bourbon barrels and Oloroso Sherry butts, resulting in a well-balanced flavour profile, with highlights of vanilla biscuits, light fruit and wafts of warm peat smoke. In Sanaig’s case, it’s an extra 10 months of aging in oloroso sherry casks, with the remainder being ex-bourbon. For younger whiskies they are excellent, and come in this handy two pack to try both!
Price: $78.99
Tasting Notes: On the palate, the wine shows a juicy intensity of berries (strawberry, raspberry, red currant) rounded out by the fleshiness and firmness of peach and the freshness of a subtle note of mint.
Tasting Notes: The Zenato Lugana San Benedetto is made from a selection of the best Trebbiano grapes from the estate. The vineyards are some of the appellation’s most historic and are considered to be among its best. Rich in personality and with great depth, this wine delivers a wide spectrum of fresh and complex aromas on the nose. It’s full-bodied and full-flavored in the mouth, with notes that shift from dried apple and pineapple to pear and vanilla. Its long, brilliant finish lingers with delicious results.
Tasting Notes: The Rheingau is one of Germany's most important regions. At 50°N latitude it is right at the northern edge of Europe's 'wine belt'. Hattenheim is the town, Schutzenhaus is the vineyard (equivalent to a French Premier Cru). The south-southwest sloping vineyard is around 150 meters in altitude, and fortunately protected (in German, "schützen") from cold easterly winds. Eye: straw, lime hints, clear rim. Nose: white peach, lemon verbena, classic Rheingau 'steel'. Palate: round, full, peaches, apricots, slate, beeswax, hints of almond, and a good brace of acidity under all the deliciousness. Great character. Pair with roast fowl, pork, veal, pungent cheeses, or go out of the box and pair with tacos, enchiladas, empanadas, Thai dishes, and Indian curries Drink now, or up to 2027.
Tasting Notes: A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, plus Syrah, Carmenere, Cabernet Franc and drops of Petit Verdot, this is a fine example of an Alto Cachapoal red. Generous in ripe red fruits, with a voluptuous yet firm structure of tannins.Pairs well with barbecued ribs, pork tenderloin, bison burgers, or fig, goat cheese and caramelized onion pizza.
Tasting Notes: Mmmm! This versatile Christmassy liquor is a great addition to your Holiday Bar! I personally love it in Hot Chocolate. Or try a Peppermint Martini! Made with imported cream from Ireland, this creamy minty liquor adds a zing to your seasonal cocktails.
Tasting Notes: Seriously tasty stuff. Labeled as The Original, this flagship offering from Glenmorangie shows just how good a baseline offering can be when you take your time to craft a quality product. It's light, fruity, malty and has depth of flavor that is hard to beat at its age and for its price. Love a wee dram to warm me up after a frolic at the Dog Park!
Price: $74.99
Tasting Notes: Nobilo Icon Sauvignon Blanc is from the Awatare valley of Marlborough. The style of wine is focused on bright fruit intensity and balance. Tasting notes withcComplex aromatics ranging from citrus zest and ripe, tropical fruit to flinty minerality. Citrus zest and mineral notes lead to a mid-palate filled with intense passion fruit and white flower flavour. This concentration carries through to a strong finish. FOOD PAIRING A fantastic complement to seafood dishes such as freshly prepared oysters, prawn and lemon skewers, steamed mussels, or pan-seared monkfish with fresh asparagus.
Price: $24.28
Tasting Notes: This lovely wine is fermented using the naturally occurring yeasts found on the skins. It bridges New World and Old World styles effortlessly. Eye: transparent, gold with wheat kernel tones. Nose: grassy, floral, peach, light virgin olive oil, pear reduction. Palate: round, with a beautiful oily richness, notes of roasted apples sprinkled with cardamom, pears confirmed. Slightly off dry. Drink now or cellar for another 2 - 3 years.This wine would make a great complement to your Christmas turkey, or ham, or pudding. Hell, you could even pair it with your Christmas roast beast! Here's hoping you and loved ones are all safe and well. Merry Christmas!
Tasting Notes: MAVAM is a coined word that means delicate, fine, and glamor. At first, it's just sparkling wine, but by turning the bottle, it turns into glittering sparkling wine! Birthdays, Christmas, parties, girls-only gatherings, barbecues, and moments with your dear partner. The taste and aroma of Blackberry. When you turn the bottle, the base light purple changes to silvery purple. There is no doubt that it will be exciting at summer beaches and outdoor parties. This product is perfect for the coming season.
Tasting Notes: This wine comes with a promotional jewelry box with the purchase of two bottles! While supplies last. Light nice Italian pinot grigio. Dry to off dry, with nice acidity. Lemon, citrus, green apple, even grapefruit in finish. Very nice wine.
Tasting Notes: Not only are Blanton's Mini bourbons the cutest little stocking stuffer for your whiskey lover but they fit perfectly in that stocking's toe! Wishing you the merriest Christmas despite this year's trials and tribulations. Cheers
Tasting Notes: 2019 Pinot Gris is a deliciously fruity and refreshing wine. Starting off with notes of ripe pear, and golden delicious apple, developing into lemon meringue and lime zest with a touch of minerality. And.......Organic! Pair with smoked salmon, seafood, creamy pastas .
Price: $20.37
Tasting Notes: In my opinion, Rosé wines are not confined to just summer sipping. Sure, there is nothing better than sipping a bright juicy Rosé on a summer patio, but with the right dish, it can evoke memories of warmer times even in the cooler fall weather. R Rosé is a unique, blend of grapes that offers the exotic complexity one might find in a Bandol Rose. The intriguing aroma offers notes of citrus blossom, fresh strawberries, and passion fruit. In the mouth, the wine enters with fresh acidity and carries through to a rich, creamy mid-palate and zesty finish. Try it with sushi, or a charcuterie with creamy cheeses and great bread. Regularly $23.99 it is a bargain right now!
Tasting Notes: I'm sure most whisky lovers have heard Jim Murray's Whisky Bible has recommended Alberta Premium's Cask Strength Whisky. I'm picking Alberta Premium's 20 Year Edition because I think this makes more sense for the average whisky drinker. This bottle is just as special as the Cask Strength Edition as it's been aged for a whopping 20 years. It also has a more palatable 42% abv for the average whisky drinker compared to the Cask Strength Edition which is 65.1% abv. The best part about the Alberta Premium 20 Year Edition...it's actually still available at Aligra! Cheers
Tasting Notes: At present, Vina Falernia is Chile's northernmost wine estate. With its semi-arid climate and soils composed of gravel from the Andes, it is an excellent location to craft wines. Eye: bronze/red/orange, with roast coffee-ish tones. Nose: plums, loam, cinnamon, tobacco, beet root, black cherry. Palate: Medium full body with rich plum/prune, slight truffle, vanilla paste, chokecherry preserve. Definitely Old World style. Pair with stews, roasted fowl/game birds, veal, lamb. Tasted twice with consistent notes.
Price: $20.49 750 ml.
Tasting Notes: A Canadian Military Tradition, Moose Milk is in fact, not made from moose. So what is it? Although it’s hard to trace the actual origins and “correct” recipe, the lore goes something like this: Some claim it was the Royal Canadian Navy who created it, others claim it was the Royal Canadian Air Force, but everyone agrees it is a Canadian Military creation. Vanilla and citrus notes, finishing with a satisfying earthy cinnamon heat.
Price: $43.99
Tasting Notes: The colour is dark, bright red. The aromas show ripe black cherry, cola, white pepper, and the lovely scent of walking through the forest in fall. The palate is fresh, alive and of light to medium weight. The texture is soft which allows the aromas to express themselves as flavours on the palate. The finish is juicy, somewhat silky, but totally delicious.
Tasting Notes: Sortilege follows a traditional recipe that is the perfect balance between the strength of Canadian whisky and the rich, golden flavour of pure maple syrup. The result is a fine liqueur that is truly Canadian. Indulgent with maple, toffee and caramel aromas and flavours; medium sweet and perfect in hot beverages, on ice cream, or paired with Pumpkin or Apple Pie. Truly Canadian and truly delicious!
Tasting Notes: In spite of me not being asked to weigh in on this......... 20 of the whisky industry’s most exceptional minds came together to create this truly unique, pioneering single malt expression. With its deep golden hue, Project XX embodies the warm, fruity character of a classic Glenfiddich whisky with hints of apple blossom, summer fruits and ripe pear. But its multiple personalities are revealed with hints of sweet candyfloss, cinnamon spice, almonds and rich port tannins with the odd whisper of liquorice. Deep and mellow, the finish is long lasting with a lingering sweet oakiness. Goes with my various traits and characters and perfect for the encroaching fall weather! Woof!
Price: $108.99
Tasting Notes: The 2018 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc displays lifted passionfruit, lychee and pink grapefruit aromas with herbal and zesty citrus notes. A pure and vibrant wine with layers of delicious tropical citrus fruits and gooseberry flavors. Pure, fresh and vibrant fruit flavors and crisp acidity combine to deliver a long and refreshing finish. A quintessential Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, it’s sure to impress. Try with grilled fish and herb butter or a crisp Caesar salad.
Price: $19.04
Tasting Notes: If pumpkin is your thing, this cider is a delicious treat. So sweet & tastes like pumpkin pie in a glass. It's sitting at 5% abv and has a nice orange colour to it. It isn't filling...so you'll still have room for eating all that Thanksgiving pumpkin pie! Cheers
Price: $4.29
Tasting Notes: Literally a dessert in a glass. Serve ice cold. With notes of cream, caramel and almond, this smooth and thick liquor is just the cherry on top for your turkey dinner this year. After the holidays, you can even add it to your morning coffee through those long Zoom meetings...
Tasting Notes: I tried the new Jagermeister Cold Brew recently and it was way better than I initially expected! It has that original Jagermeister taste, with a nice kick of coffee and the best part was the smooth chocolate my finish. I had it straight up out of my freezer as a shot and also mixed it with lemonade. So good.
Price: $37.49
Tasting Notes: This 100% Malbec is sourced from high trellis vines located over 3,000 feet above sea level, and the resulting wine is concentrated and layered. Eye; deep sanguine, brick rim. Nose: plums, fig, dried sage, ground coffee, black pepper, vanilla. Palate: supple and full, with blackberry jam, currants, dried fig. Soft tannins. Medium lingering finish. A great value for the money! Drink now- 2022. Pairs with lamb, grilled meats, casseroles.
Price: $14.49 750 ml.
Tasting Notes: A little gem! Purple flower aromas are met with bright acid and balanced alcohol, bringing forward fruit flavors of red delicious apple and sweet pomegranate. A subtle finish of mixed fruit and charred cedar rounds out this full-bodied wine. It's drinking very well and is a perfect accompanyment to everything from steak, to chicken, even pasta and appetizers. Regulary $23.99 it's a steal!
Tasting Notes: The 2018 Viognier is produced from grapes grown on 3 different Naramata vineyard locations. Harvesting, fermentation and aging of each lot of grapes was completed individually to capture the unique distinctive attributes of each site before being blended to create this delicious cuvee. Tasting notes: This is a rich, textural wine with classic Viognier notes of white peach and grilled apricots. Food pairing: Simple herb roasted poultry dish or vegetarian moussaka.
Tasting Notes: It's my birthday month and these are definitely my favourite roses. Four Roses is a low priced bourbon that is perfect all neat and delicious in an old fashioned cocktail. I read a review describing it as "the little black dress" of bourbon in that you can dress it up or just throw it on. You really can't go wrong with this choice. Cheers
Price: $44.99
Tasting Notes: Fall is just around the corner and pumpkin spiced everything is all around us. So I won't bore you with yet another pumpkin spiced liqueur. Instead we are going straight into spooky scary deliciousness. Deadhead rum is the perfect sipper for fall. What? It's too soon for Halloween you say? To that I say BALONEY! With notes of coffee, chocolate, allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg, Deadhead rum is sure to keep you warm as the nights get darker... colder... spookier... >_>
Price: $87.49
Tasting Notes: Fresh citrus flavours of blood orange tune perfectly with the classic notes of juniper and citrus of Beefeater Gin. The result is a bold finely balanced contemporary London gin with zesty notes of blood orange. Enjoy over ice with tonic, and garnish with a wedge of fresh blood orange.
Tasting Notes: Veneto, though not the largest wine growing region in Italy, makes more wine than some of the bigger regions. Bardolino is a staple, along with Valpolicella, Amarone, and Prosecco. It is a blend of Corvina, Molinara, and Rondinella, although Rondinella is being replaced with Corvinone. Eye: Medium opque, dark cherry with bronze tint. Nose: Vanilla, cherry cordial, fig, date, cinnamon. Palate: Good depth, soft integrated tannins, cranberry reduction, dark chocolate, plums, kirsch. Medium length smooth finish. This happy wine will pair with pasta, pizza, charcuterie, panini sandwiches, hard cheeses. Drink now; if you buy a bunch save a few up to 2023 or so.
Price: $16.99 750 ml
Tasting Notes: Dutchman Derrick Neleman studied to become a biodynamic farmer. After his training he ended up on vineyards in Spain and realised this is where he wanted to make his own wine. He settled in Valencia and focusses on making wines which reflect the terroir. All Neleman wines are made without the use of pesticides or additives and are certified vegan. They also plant trees to compensate their CO2 emissions and are carbon proof certified. The chardonnay in this wine was late picked to achieve an advanced point of ripeness, the muscat was harvested early to retain crisp acidity levels and subtle floral notes. Fresh floral aromas on the nose follow through to the palate with notes of white peach and citrus. Well balanced with a fresh finish. Bottled with a helix cork which acts as a `cork screw cap`.
Price: $18.09
Tasting Notes: I definitely wouldn’t ever order a gin and soda drink at a restaurant, just not my thing. This Tempo Gin Smash has definitely made me re-think gin and soda. These are actually so refreshing and tasty! They’re basically a gin and flavored soda drink (not sweet or sugary, think of flavored sparkling water like bubly but mixed with gin). There’s four flavors, strawberry lemon, lime, lemon mint and grapefruit. I like strawberry lemon best, second is the grapefruit, third is the lemon mint and my least favorite was the lime. They’re all light, bubbly crisp and they also don’t have a ton of alcohol but the gin itself seems to be quite high quality (very smooth).
Price: $3.49
Tasting Notes: The Wolftrap is a perennially consistent best buy. This Rhone style varietal blend changes percentages vintage to vintage: in 2018 the breakdown is 82% Syrah, 16% Mourvedre, 2% Viognier. Never pretentious, it simply delivers standout quality every time. Eye: dark scarlet, semi-opaque with magenta pink rim. Nose: floral, black cherry, vanilla, Dr. Pepper. Palate: Youthful, fresh, ripe, lifted, with raspberry jam, plum, blackberry, red licorice. Good body, medium firm tannins, medium length finish. Now - 2023. Pairs with grilled, roasted meats, hard cheeses, casseroles. A great every day, any occasion quaffer.
Price: $15.99 750 ml
Tasting Notes: Cotes du Rhone Villages Les Coteaux has elegant berry-fruit aromas and a hint of cedar and spice, soft supple tannins blending with the cherry-fruit flavours result in a wine that is rich and smooth on the palate. Brambly fruit underpinned by subtle oaky nuances, lovely sweet spice; warm star anise with a touch of cinnamon. Mostly unoaked, a small proportion (15%) is part aged for 22 months in a few new but mostly older oak barrels to bring depth and subtle notes of complexity.A delicious accompaniment to grilled meats, heart-warming casseroles or a classic shepherd’s pie.
Tasting Notes: Chenin Blanc is a versatile white-wine grape variety that has been cultivated in France for nearly 1300 years. However, it has found a new home in the vineyards of South Africa. This country has surpassed France to become the largest grower and producer of Chenin, and it remains the most-planted variety there. This barrel fermented Chenin Blanc is created from vineyards that are over 40-years-old. Eye: lemon lime gold. Nose: honeysuckle, pear, gala apple, lemon olive oil, mango. Palate: very balanced, full bodied, complex, with pear, preserved lemon, tart apple sauce, beeswax, whisper of oak, shredded coconut, pineapple. delicious right now but will continue to develop until about 2024 and maybe longer in good cellar conditions. Pair with grilled fish, chicken, duck, pork, soft creamy cheeses, salads. Vegan Friendly, Fair Trade Accredited. A steal at $32, multiple award winner.
Price: $ 31.99 750ml
Tasting Notes: I know I'm choosing another premixed old fashioned but I just tried this one and WOWZA it packs a punch. It's sitting at 40% ABV and has delicious baking spices, cherry, citrus and vanilla flavours. The bottle claims to serve 3 cocktails and it sure does. This is the perfect little bottle if you're going to social distance in a friend's backyard. Cheers!
Tasting Notes: Moraine Riesling is entirely Naramata Bench fruit, of which nearly half is estate grown clone 49. It’s all whole bunch pressed and wild fermented in three batches over four weeks, six weeks, and nine weeks at very cool temperatures (under 13C). The result is a juicy, fresh white with a lot of tension pushing off the fruit sugars in one direction and the citrus acidity in the other. It’s a mineral, stony, citrus affair you could serve with a favourite curry.
Tasting Notes: Gorgeous nose, pungent and complex with layers of aromas that transfer into the palate. Notes of gooseberry, key lime and herbs and jalapeno pepper hints give way to grapefruit and more tropical fruit richness, followed up with a touch of minerality. The palate gushes with pink grapefruit, gauava and a sweet, tart interplay that is fresh and vibrant. This has exceptional length and for the price this is a screamer. It is reported that Casa de Bosque makes one of Casablanca’s best Sauvignon Blanc (actually Chile’s best) and supplies Sauvignon Blanc grapes to some well known wineries with big names who know this to be true. Exceptional value, this wine has great purity and vibrancy that gushes with crisp fruit, with a finish you could keep time with.
Tasting Notes: Pink Whitney starts with the Original New Amsterdam Vodka base made from the finest grains, distilled five times, and filtered three times. Lemonade flavors and certified colors are blended before bottling at 60 proof. It pours to a cloudy pink lemonade color. The aroma is sweet lemonade with an ethanol backing. The intensely sweet entry is part lemonade part lemon Pixie Stix. The flavor builds to a lemon peel and yellow Sour Patch Kids peak. It fades with tart sugar dipped whole lemon flavor, and finishes candy sweet with lemon peel, and grain vodka taste.
Tasting Notes: By far one of the best roses in the province, the Dirty Laundry "Hush" has an exquisite nose of salmonberry and raspberry, followed by an equally impressive palate of fresh, ripe field berries with a lingering, slightly off-dry finish. This wine would be a perfect partner with fresh spinach, strawberry and goat cheese salad, grilled chicken, salmon, or simply as a patio sipper all on it's own! Definately a must buy for the summer season!
Tasting Notes: This month's pick is JP Wisers Old Fashioned. I love an old fashioned and I think this one is the best premix I've tasted so far. It has fantastic orange notes and is great simply served over ice. Inexpensive and an easy crowd pleaser.
Tasting Notes: From a vineyard overlooking Skaha Lake, in Canada's Okanagan Valley, this Viognier is a unique style with complex aromas, lightly toasted. With 4 months in new French oak barrels, this Viognier has a touch of spice and vanilla, finishing with starfruit and peaches creating a rich voluptuous mouth feel. A delicious white that pairs well with chicken, fish, and some spicier Thai and Indian dishes. It's such a great value right now too!
Tasting Notes: Throughout her career, acclaimed winemaker Susana Balbo has had the opportunity of working internationally. She was the first Argentinean woman hired as a consultant to wineries worldwide: Spain, Chile, Italy, Brazil, Australia, and California. Crios ('offsring') is her cutting edge line of products. Eye: vermillion, purple, garnet edge. Nose: big ripe fruit, with black cherry and black currant up front. Palate: full, with black currant, vanilla, cocoa powder. Medium grippy tannins show youthful muscles. Good pedigree. pairs with red meats on the grill ( Argentina, pampas, beef, si si), aged hard cheeses. Drink now - 4 or 5 years after vintage date.
Tasting Notes: Since I've had my paws walked off these past few months while my Humans have been home more, I'm taking the month off! But, if you're looking for some good whisky suggestions for Dad, take a look at my previous month's picks. Depending on his style, you can't go wrong with any of these! My Dad will likely want me to take him for a long walk on Father's Day, and I'll be only too happy to oblige! Woof! Woof!
Price: $50-$300
Tasting Notes: Distinctly Marlborough, this Sauvignon Blanc exudes vibrant ripe citrus notes, crunchy greens and hints of tropical guava on the nose On the palate it is refined, and elegant with natural fruit weight, vibrant citrus pith and slight chalky finish. Pair with oysters, mussels or just as a "patio deck " sipper!
Price: $18.57
Tasting Notes: A 100% Viognier from the Nicole Estate in the Pézenas commune of southern France. Floral on the nose with ripe stone fruit, Meyer lemon, honeyed stone-fruit finishing long and spicy with clean mineral notes. An excellent viognier to pair with roast chicken, or spicy foods. Regularly sells for $23.00, it's on sale for an amazing price. Stock up while it lasts. Will be great for summer sipping.
Price: $$15.99
Tasting Notes: A GREAT deal right now. Originally 18.99, on special for 12.99. Pairs well with red meats, making stews, and self isolation! Medium violet/ruby colour; currants, cherries, oak and spice and lavendar on the nose; dry, medium-full-bodied with a ripe fruit centre, supple tannins and good length on the finish.
Tasting Notes: Cabernet Sauvignon & Shiraz give the wine a rich, savory character and great structure. Dolcetto lends brightness and lift, and contributes spice, tannins and a fresh, crisp acidity to the plate. A bright full bodied wine perfect for pairing with beef, lamb, pork, spicy food, mature and hard cheese, poultry, mushrooms and mild and soft cheeses.
Tasting Notes: Just as it’s important to support small business, it’s also important to support Canadian made products. This isn’t your usual Alberta Premium as it’s not only cask strength but also a limited release. It sits at 65.1% abv and isn’t for the beginner whisky drinker. It has delicious notes of spicy oranges, oak and caramel. Cheers
Tasting Notes: In honour of Italy, and these challenging times requiring something a little stronger, the Negroni Cocktail is a favourite of mine! Mix equal parts gin, sweet vermouth and Campari together, pour over ice with a slice of orange.
Price: $Varies
Tasting Notes: The 2017 Limited Edition Reserve Viognier was farmed from a single vineyard estate in West Osoyoos where the semi-arid climate and desert-like condition provide an ideal environment for grapes with a high skin-to-juice ratio. The result is vibrant flavor and intensity. After a gentle pressing we fermented the Viognier in a mixture of concrete eggs, oak barrels, and stainless steel tanks. The concrete eggs have given the wine incredible texture and weight, the oak barrels have added more texture and a little spice, and the stainless tanks have kept all that amazing apricot and melon fruit. This delightful Limited Edition Viognier has intense aromatic notes of jasmine and dried apricots. A full-bodied white wine with flavours of warm summer peaches and hints of candied ginger, it is a wine that stimulates all the senses!
Price: $27.00
Tasting Notes: Maison Louis Latour is one of the most innovative producers in Burgundy. In 1979, with a view to expanding the business the valley of the Ardèche river with its clay and limestone-based soils was chosen as the ideal location to produce top-quality Chardonnay wines. The Grand Ardèche comes from the best vineyards, carefully selected every year when harvesting begins. The grapes are pressed and the must is placed immediately in oak barrels made by the cooperage at Latour,20% new barrels, where the wine will age for approximately 10 months, like the great wines of Burgundy. Of a pretty pale yellow colour with golden tints, the Grand Ardèche 2015 reveals gourmet notes of pastry, vanilla and apricot on the nose. Ample and round in the mouth, it offers aromas of brioche bread and toasted hazelnut. Food pairing special with shellfish and fish.
Tasting Notes: Want the luck of the Irish? Writers Tears Single Malt is a tasty choice that won't leave you feeling unlucky. This Irish whiskey is named for the Irish writers and playwrights of the 19th century who used to seek solace at their local watering holes. This expression sits at 46% abv, is triple distilled and matured in oloroso sherry casks. It has a beautiful red colour which attributes to its name - Red Head. The tasting notes are raisin, pineapple and creamy melted chocolate. Although it packs a little bit of heat, the notes are subtle. Slainte
Price: $80.99
Tasting Notes: A delightful Albarino, hand harvested and carefully fermented at a controlled temperature between 12-15ºC. The wine is then aged on lees in steel tank for 6 months with “batonnage”. Intense, clean and brilliant yellow in color. It has a complex nose with great depth, harmonious and elegant. Ripe white fruits (apricot, peach), white flowers, mineral and iodized touches. It has great aromatic persistence. A tasty, powerful and round wine, with a wonderful perfectly integrated acidity. A complete wine: elegant and delicious, harmonious and complex. With a long aging potential.
Tasting Notes: Winter isn't quite over yet, so after my dashes through the snow, which I absolutely love, I like to come home and enjoy something that will warm me up and satisfy my fussy palate. Ledaig is medium gold in colour; aromas of peat, fresh smoke and dried pear; rich sweet flavours with a smoky, peaty, spicy palate; long finish. 46.3% ABV. From the Tobermory distillery on Mull, a Gold Medal winner at the 2008 International Wine and Spirits Competition. I know it's March and St Patrick's Day and all, but as a wee white dog from Scotland, I prefer my Scottish malts!
Tasting Notes: Vouvray: even if you know little about wine you are likely to recognize this name. It is the proprietary name given to the many different styles of wine made in this region from the Chenin Blanc grape. Demi-Sec indicates an off dry style: not fully sweet like a dessert wine, but not bone dry. Eye: 15 karat gold, lime tints. Nose: dried peach, apple cider, washed stones, chalk, with time opens to clover and creamed honey. Palate: Smooth, round, full, dried apricot, peach, canned pears in syrup, good depth, medium length finish. Firm acid holds the fruit together. Drink now, although this wine will age for a period of time. Pairing: extremely versatile. It can handle spicy foods like enchiladas, and will also match roasted pork, fowl (Easter ham, Easter Turkey). It will pair with your macarons or biscotti for dessert, and will complement you showcase cheese board.
Price: $23.99 750 ml
Tasting Notes: Islay Storm captures the essence of the unique and mysterious energy that surrounds the famous island of Islay. Situated off the west coast of Scotland, Islay is at the mercy of the mighty Atlantic Ocean, whose treacherous storms have been shaping the landscape for thousands of years. Raging seas, ferocious currents and hidden rocks have sent hundreds of ships to their destiny. Then they give way to calm sunny days, white sandy beaches and lochs full of peaty spring water. Islay malts are unlike any other malt whiskies – they are robust, smoky and peaty, with hints of the sea and spicy sweetness – combining the torrents and tranquility of this magical island. ISLAY STORM WON A “SILVER – OUTSTANDING” AWARD IN THE 2017 IWSC INTERNATIONAL WINES AND SPIRITS COMPETITION. THIS IS AWARDED TO WHISKIES WHICH SCORE BETWEEN 86 AND 89.9 POINTS IN A BLIND TASTING.THE IWSC IS RECOGNISED AS ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS IN THE WINES AND SPIRITS INDUSTRY. Tasting Notes: Nose: Pungent peaty smoke. Phenolic with a little coastal breeze. Palate: Lovely sweet peatiness. Some iodine and sea salt balance with vanilla notes and some spice. Finish: Waves of smoke. Fantastic length.
Tasting Notes: Made at the Caffo distillery in Italy to an old family recipe, the Vecchio Amaro Del Capo is a richly aromatic liqueur featuring 29 different Calabrian herbs and roots. This finely-tuned blend results in a liqueur full of earthy, wonderfully bitter flavours (part of which comes from the quinine in the recipe). The recommended serving temperature of this liqueur is -20°C, so enjoy it chilled after dinner to make the most of this classic amaro.
Tasting Notes: The nose presents evident plum and pepper spice and is complimented with the essence of black olives and subtle hints of toasted oak. The palate has complex cassis and dark chocolate notes exquisitely balanced with fine tannins to provide great length and a smooth finish. Pairs well with slow cooked pork shoulder with fennel, rosemary, and roasted vegetables.
Tasting Notes: Marechal Foch is a hybrid varietal that does very well in continental climates. It is one of only a handful of wine grapes in which the flesh (as well as the skins) is deep red. The wine cannot be called 'Port' because it is not made in Portugal. Eye: molasses, dark coffee rim. Nose: rum raisin ice cream, black cherry jam, figs. Palate: viscous and unctuous, but not cloying, dried currants, dark raisins, plum reduction, bittersweet chocolate, vanilla extract. Pairs well with Valentine's Day dark chocolate, dried fruits (figs, dried cherries), blue cheese, cigars, contemplation in your favorite leather chair. Drink now, but will age for another 2-3 years and perhaps longer.
Price: $26.99 375 ml.
Tasting Notes: This is my first staff pick and, since it's the also the month of February, I thought I would choose a whiskey that made me fall in love with bourbon. Eagle Rare is made by the Buffalo Trace distillery and aged for 10 years. It delivers nice, feisty peppery notes. Great served neat and a special treat in an old fashioned cocktail.
Price: $70.99
Tasting Notes: The Alceo Tempranillo 2017 definitely over-delivers for it's modest price! It offers intense floral aromas with flavours of raspberry, cherry and notes of sweet spices and thyme on the palate, along with blueberries and plums. A rich and full-bodied Spanish Tempranillo. It has good structure and a generous finish of fruit and spice, with a perfect balance of acidity.
Tasting Notes: Probably one of the BEST red wines I have ever tasted. Smooth, deep red with balanced acidity and intense flavours. Notes of chocolate, sour cherry, dark berries, plum and smoke. Great with italian food, tomato based sauces, charcuterie, or steak.
Tasting Notes: The Ode to Lorraine is a blend of the finest barrels of each of the Elderton Nuriootpa vineyard varietals. Each year, through meticulous work on the tasting bench, we select a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot which best reflects the nuances of each variety. The 2014 vintage is a blend of parcels, fermented in concrete open fermenters, with selected barrel ferments and press cuts, giving warm and generous fruit characters, spiciness and generous length, whilst still being a Cabernet Sauvignon dominant blend. Style Rich and sophisticated Colour Dark ruby Aroma Plum, dark fruits of the forest and chocolate Palate Warm and generous fruit characters, spiciness and generous length Drink Drink now or cellar confidently for 10+ years
Price: $49.99
Tasting Notes: Bring the spirit of Ireland to any celebration with Baileys Espresso Crème Irish Cream Liqueur. Our 34 proof liqueur offers the taste of fresh ground espresso beans on top of Irish cream and chocolate that ends in a smooth, classic Bailey's finish. The blend of spirits and whiskey uniquely preserves the classic taste of the Irish cream and is perfect in coffee or in a hot chocolate. Simply pour over ice cream for an indulgent dessert
Tasting Notes: Carmenere, the grape that was once a staple in French Bordeaux vineyards, has found a new home in Chile, where the climate and geography provide almost ideal conditions for this late ripening sun lover. Eye: semi-opaque, black plum, crimson rim. Nose: cocoa, plum, dried dates, black cherry, black licorice, kirsch. Palate: plums confirmed, dark chocolate, black currants, vanilla, chewy tannins, but not unbalanced. This wine belies the price: lots of stuffing here. Drink now. Probably ageworthy for another 2 - 3 years in good conditions. Pair grilled meats, hard cheeses, sturdy pasta dishes with red sauce, burgers in the summer.
Price: $19.99 750 ml.
Tasting Notes: One of the newest additions to their brand, the Ciroc White Grape Vodka doubles down on the brand’s grape-based expression by combining their famous vodka with the crisp and lush flavors of French white grapes. Each batch of this vodka begins with "snap frost" grape varietals namely Mauzac Blanc from the Gaillac region of France and Ugni Blanc from the Cognac region which are distilled five times to create a clean, clear, and exceptionally smooth spirit. This spirit is then infused with the flavors of French white grapes and other natural flavors before being cut with pure water and finally bottled.On the nose, the vodka yields a pleasing aroma of lemon, buttered pastry, and hints of medicinal notes, paving the way for a crisp palate consisting of licorice, citrus, grapey notes, and herbal undertones before wrapping up with a silky and satisfying finish.
Tasting Notes: This Malbec is made from grapes grown in the Andes Mountains, shipped chilled to Napa Valley and produced with the same techniques as famous Caymus Cabernet. Falling outside standard labeling rules, it does not include a vintage date but is known by the voyage from which it travelled (Voyage 7 is the 2017 vintage). Offering scents of ripe plums and cherries, this wine is powerful and supple, with flavours of French oak and soft tannins. enjoy now or cellar for years ahead.
Price: $69.99
Tasting Notes: Gewurztraminer roughly translates to 'spicy traminer'; it's a famously aromatic variety, and Quails' Gate has crafted a text book example with the 2018 expression. Eye: pale gold, green hints. Nose: a fruit salad of lychee, white peach, gala apple, and rose petal. Palate: honeysuckle, pear, orange-ginger marmalade, Turkish delight. Enough acidity to hold the fruit accountable. The wine is an excellent foil for Christmas turkey; it can accommodate both white and dark meat, and will handle the tricky sides including cranberry sauce! Drink now. Oh and for those who need to know it's vegan friendly. If you want to know more about vegan friendly wines, read my article on our website. Merry Christmas to you and all your loved ones!
Price: $23.49 750 ml.
Tasting Notes: Once a festive treat exclusive to the Canadian armed forces, with a nod to our fighting men and women, we are proud to bring you the finest Canadian cream liquor...Moose Milk! This locally handcrafted creamy liquor made in Alberta, will add a special new flavour to your coffee, or hot chocolate beverage. Or enjoy it cold,on the rocks like a Canadian winter! Either way, it's a fun new entrant to the cream liqueur scene.
Tasting Notes: A blend of rye, corn, and malted barley. This bad boy has incredible flavour for its price! Nose: is much bolder than the barrel select. You get the Forty Creek's signature toasted oak coming through, alongside port, ginger, cinnamon, vanilla, and raisins. Taste: Fairly smooth citrus entry with some good nice oakiness (lots of toasted oak!). Spicy rye builds up followed by a vanilla fade followed by warming dry rye once again. The whole whisky has a bit of a port wine feel to it also. The whisky also can seem to change as you drink it, as if you are drinking a different one every time. Toasted oak, cloves, honey, and a bit of nuttiness also feature. There’s some good underlying sweetness throughout as well, and pretty nice mouthfeel as well…quite brilliant. Finish: A long dry lingering spicy rye finish, with some nuttiness and a touch of grape juice. Eventually the spice dies down to vanilla, particularly if one drinks some water after. After some time there is even some black olive coming through…which to me is a manifestation and development of some of the earthiness found in the nose.
Price: $36.49
Tasting Notes: This little guy won bronze at the International Wine Challenge in 2018 and at the Decanter World Wine Awards in 2017. With a nose of white peach, this wine comes with complimentary notes of green apple, stone fruit, and light citrus. Light with a touch of acidity.
Tasting Notes: A rich royal purple color and the nose has a sweet earthy aroma with citrus and pear and apple notes. On the palate, the fruity profile changes ever so slightly featuring plums and cherries and a touch of citrus. It tends to want to wander in the direction of the sweetness but is pulled gently back by a bit of tartness that balances the palate nicely.You could even add some fresh fruit to spice this baby up a bit more, and adding a few ice cubes wouldn’t hurt it either.
Price: $8.99
Tasting Notes: Grapes are grown high at altitudes of 2100 -2400 feet above sea level in Lake County, north of Napa. The wild lands are cooled by winds of Clear Lake and higher peaks to the North, allowing the winemaker to practice sustainable vineyard management. A flock of sheep clean the vineyards removing excess canopy and reduce the need for chemicals while providing natural fertilizer. This wine is blackberry and dried cranberries with notes of pepper and allspice. A lengthy finish shows hints of cedar with ripe fruit and toasted oak. Delicious with red meat, good cheddar cheeses, and great company.
Tasting Notes: " A good blended scotch for the masses" was the distiller's objective. Containing 50% Lowland grain whisky aged in first fill American Oak barrels, the rest is malt, around 7% from Speyside and rest from 2 Highland distilleries. Aged in combinations of 10% first fill sherry butts, 27.7% oak barrels with new charred French Oak heads and the rest in first fill American ex bourbon barrels. OK, that's the technical stuff, but how doe it taste?? This very pale whisky starts off citrusy and apricots, with dry hay on the nose. Creamy like a creamsicle with waves of vanilla pudding, apricot preserves, marzipan in the mouth. With a medium finish, a little bitterness but wows with the vanilla and marzipan. A wee bit of green apple skins at the end. With a few drops of water, it brings the grass to the nose making the grains sharper, on the palate some smoke is revealed offering meaty peat and charcoal. It's a perfect dram for a chilly November night!
Tasting Notes: Beautiful blend, 75% Chardonnay, 25% Sauvignon Blanc, aged in wood 9 months and stainless 9 months respectively. Straw yellow in color. To the nose its shows intense aromas of yellow pulp fruit, citrus notes with delicate vanilla scents. The mouth is round, velvety, fresh and long lasting. Complex wine with distinct personality and keen mineral notes that can be savored after many years in the bottle.
Tasting Notes: Pinot Noir from Germany...say whaaa? And yet here we have a great expression from Andreas Bender, whose reputation is based on meticulous attention to details and a dedication to modern sustainable viticulture and old world vinification. Eye: deep amber, red plum, dark tea. Nose: plums, cinnamon, loam, rose petal, orange rind. Palate: medium body with light grained tannin, red plum, strawberry compote, hints of clove and currant. Fragrant, balanced, with a satisfying depth. If you like Old World Pinot Noir but might not like Old World prices, give this wine a go! Drink now - 2021
Tasting Notes: Founded in 1850 Vina Carmen is Chile's oldest winery, well known ever since for its contemporary style. Its Grand Reserve range underlines the purity and intensity of each variety grown in a specific terroir, and hows Chile's great diversity. Origin: The grapes were sources and handpicked in our 'El Pacifico' Vineyard located in the coldest part of the prestigious Leyda Valley, only 8 kilometers from the Pacific Ocean. Style: Pinot Noir, of intense red color, was aged for 10 months in oak barrels. With aromas of red and black fruits as well as mild floral notes, the wine shows a good structure on the palate, dominated by its fresh fruit and soft tannin's that contribute to its long and persistent finish. Of medium volume, it will develop an attractive bouquet and evolve well in the bottle preserving the terroir character.
Tasting Notes: What a bargain! Carmen Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 was among the most relevant Chilean wines of the May 2019 London Wine Competition where more than 16,000 wines were tasted. Receiving an outstanding 97 points and a coveted Platinum Medal, this wine more than over-delivers for it's modest price.. Sourced from the best alluvial terraces in Alto Maipo Region by the Andes Mountains, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is deep and intense ruby-red in color. The nose presents aromas of black currants, blackberries, and licorice with smooth, elegant cedar notes. The palate is very rich and generous yet fresh and vibrant at the same time. The wine has abundant fruit and firm tannins that lend structure and depth.
Tasting Notes: Monte Xanic has been producing wine in the Valle de Guadalupe since the late 1980s, making them one of the older wineries in this now-booming region. Monte Xanic wines have been witness to history in Mexico - their Chardonnay was the wine used to toast the signing of NAFTA in 1992, and Gran Ricardo was served at a dinner in Mexico to honor Pope John Paul II. With meticulous winemaking practices and an attitude of continuous improvement, the Monte Xanic wines are some of the most awarded and well known in the Valle. This Cabernet Sauvignon has a balance of rustic structure and fruit that makes it great with food. Blackberry and cassis mingle with sweet tobacco and leafy earthiness. Some new French oak adds spice and weight. Pairings: Goes best with hard, aged cheeses, steak,hamburgers, lamb. Available in 375 ML only, here is a chance to experience a great Mexican wine from the Baja!
Tasting Notes: The nose is an attractive mix of florals and dark fruit with a touch of licorice. The mouth feel is silky smooth suggesting an almost hypnotic balance throughout the wine. On the palate, the fruit is fresh and peppery with bits of anise, blueberries, tobacco, dark blueberry. Fine value and a wine made for beef.
Tasting Notes: Torrontes has quickly risen to become Argentina's signature white wine grape. Susana Balbo, famous for her expressive wines, has crafted a version with some serious breeding; unlike most Torrontes, this one has been barrel fermented. She takes it a notch up: classic aromas, then bam! Mineral, edgy palate. Eye: very pale lemon lime, clear edge. Nose: heady: lychee, lemon verbena, gardenia, vanilla. Palate: lithe, firm, roasted plantain, traces of toasted brioche, lime rind. A distinctive wine of good structure. Drink now - 5 years after vintage date. Pair with seafood, poached fowl, soft cheeses.
Tasting Notes: Whether we want to believe it or not, Autumn is coming, and Shelter Point Sunshine Liqueur is all you will need this fall to stay happy. This stuff literally tastes like spice cake! Drink it cold, drink it hot, add it to your pumpkin spice latte, hell you can even add it to your pancakes! What ever your fancy, Sunshine will compliment. Strong notes of orange, maple, and allspice.
Tasting Notes: This dry purplish red coloured wine features medium woody, spicy, fruity and vegetal scents and offers a broad texture as well as firm tannins. Pairs" oh so well" with beef or lamb! Drink now or keep 5 years following the vintage.
Tasting Notes: This is a stunningly great price for this Chilean red wine made from old vine hand-picked Pinot Grapes. Aromas of sweet cherry and berry with some smoke. Pair with veal and roast chicken.
Tasting Notes: The Zenato family makes a range of wines to accommodate a variety of palates and price points. Based in traditional Valpolicella territory ( Veneto), they are known for quality right across their portfolio. The Veneto Rosso is made from grapes that have been partially dried, then fermented Amarone style. The result is a wonderful wine ready to drink but tasting like it's been sitting around for a while. Eye: dark scarlet, magenta rim, burnt sienna tones. Nose: black currant, blackberry, red licorice, black cherries, vanilla. Palate: medium body, cherry reduction, dates, plum skin, dark chocolate, medium fine tannins. An excellent expression!! A perfect pizza/pasta wine; would not be lost against a rich lasagna. Drink now, but if you want to cellar it, buy a case (You get a 10 % case lot discount hint hint) Keep them for about another 2 - 4 years after vintage date. Impress your friends!
Price: $18.99 750 ml
Tasting Notes: Opening flavours of bright red cherry linger on the palate. Juicier black cherry, black currant, fig and baking spice are found a few sips in. Dried rosemary, oak and peppercorn spice hit the taste buds towards the finish. With a lighter mouthfeel, medium tannins and a medium acidity this red will leave you with a tingle of a cherry cough drop that's delicious till the last sip
Price: $$18.99
Tasting Notes: Some Viogniers are too perfumed for my taste, this one is perfect! Incredibly aromatic with fresh Okanagan peaches, apricots, and pears complimented by hints of ginger and jasmine flowers. A terrific balance of texture and acidity. Farmed from a single vineyard estate in West Osoyoos where the semi-arid climate and desert-like condition provide an ideal environment for grapes with a high skin-to-juice ratio. The result is vibrant flavor and intensity. After a gentle pressing we fermented the Viognier in a mixture of concrete eggs, oak barrels, and stainless steel tanks and barrels.
Tasting Notes: I know it's summer, but the rains in Edmonton haven't allowed me to explore the trails as much this year as I apparently get a wee bit too dirty and muddy. I don't mind, it's the baths afterwards I'm not to keen on! So, to get through the wet summer days, I'm enjoying a few wee drams of this Highland whisky. A favourite expression in the Dalmore stable, this 15-year-old is elegant and smooth, with lipsmacking texture and the flawless balance one would expect from blending maestro Richard Paterson. Matured in Matusalem, Apostoles and Amoroso Sherry casks, it proffers all those winter spice, orange zest and chocolate notes characteristic of Dalmore. Slàinte!
Price: $$129.99
Tasting Notes: Gemma di Luna Pinot Grigio reveals everything that is so loved in Veneto Pinot Grigio - fresh, fruity, light and crisp with plenty of acidity. Aroma for this wine include white peach and mango taffy with a taste of sweet yogurt, lime zest, and underripe strawberry
Tasting Notes: TH..."Terroir Hunter" This wine's roasted, savory bouquet contains blackberry, cinnamon, olive, earth and oak aromas. It hails from Pirque, one of Chile's hotbeds for traditional Cabernet Sauvignon. The palate is chewy and deep, with spicy black-fruit flavors and oak-derived notes of cinnamon and nutmeg. Dark fruit and herbal touches flood the finish. Drink now–2023.
Tasting Notes: Located deep within the mountains in the Yamaguchi Prefecture is Asahi Shuzō brewery, and this is their premium sake which jump-started a failing sake brewery to world renowned status in as little as two years. The care which goes into crafting this sake shows immediately upon opening, with a balanced and delectable aroma of flower petals and lawn clippings, complimenting the palate which tastes primarily of melon and a creamy semi-sweetness imparted by the remaining unfermented rice husks which add both body and a balanced acidity to this premium sake.
Tasting Notes: Goes well with smoked meats, aged cheese and beef. This new traditional mead is made with an aromatic Alberta honey with an earthy, toasted caramel essence, a lingering smokey finish, and light honey mouth feel. it's medium amber colour hints to the richness of it's flavour.
Tasting Notes: This classic Bordeaux blend of Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon is a good example of the effect of short term ageing. It is now almost three years old, and the two varietals have knit together nicely. The 2016 recipe: 75% Sauvignon Blanc, 25% Semillon. This recipe changes year to year, depending on climate conditions. Eye: medium straw, bright green tints, lime edge. Nose: pear, gala apple, cut lawn, grapefruit. Palate: crisp, with washed stone, jicama, green bean, lime cordial, a good brace of juicy acidity to hold it up. Drink now. Pair with goat's cheese based appetizers, chicken salads, a good friend on a summer patio!!
Price: $27.51 750 ml
Tasting Notes: The whiskey-drinking world stood to attention when Beam Suntory announced earlier this month the release of a new whiskey called Legent, “a unique bourbon that brings together the best of the East and West in a way no other whiskey producer can.” The whiskey pronounced “lee-jent” , starts as standard recipe Beam family straight bourbon, which is then “aged in red wine and sherry casks before being blended with more Kentucky Straight Bourbon.” The fuss isn’t just over how it’s made, but by whom. Fred Noe( Beam family) did the distillation, and our friend Shinji Fukuyo, the Chief Blender of Suntory, completed the blend. You catch the sherry and wine influence right away. The nose is rich and seductive, with notes of citrus, stone fruits, and chocolate, all in a delightful little slurry. There’s a hint of floral here — perhaps cherry blossoms that carries over into the palate, where a wonderful fruitiness washes over the tongue. Notes of sandalwood, almond butter, and some butterscotch provide a chewy nuttiness to the whiskey, one which melds nicely with the fruitier attack. The finish sees a bit of barrel char and some beef jerky notes, and the fruit all but vanishes as the more savoury components really start to strut their stuff. It never drinks hot — I would never have guessed this was 94 proof.Also, at $61.99, this is a steal!
Price: $61.99
Tasting Notes: This Washington State Merlot is deep purple, almost inky, so we expected it to be vigorous. But it’s remarkably restrained, lightly scented of violets and red earth. It’s a bit thin on the palate, offering only a hint of the dark back-story we expect of Merlot. Overall, this wine is well made. Note: Although the Powers label is owned by the same organic producer that makes Badger Mountain, this wine is not organic. We do applaud the efforts of this grower to produce wine that’s grown sustainably, without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or fertilizer. We hope the Powers line will come into the fold soon, too.
Tasting Notes: This gin is clear, with a distinctly sweet candied lemon peel fragrance. The soft palate finishes with mild violet jazzed up by white pepper and a hint of coriander. Tailor-made for an Aviation.
Price: $50.99
Tasting Notes: I love the Red version, now I love the Rose too! Made from Garnacha, this charming wine shows lifted aromas of raspberry, cranberry, grapefruit and Gala apple on the nose, leading to a vibrant palate that is juicy and bright. The wine offers pristine fruit flavours and zesty acidity, finishing long and mouth-watering. Perfect with an aperitif or any starter, Asian food or any spicy fusion food. Chill before serving.
Price: $11.99
Tasting Notes: Whisky in July you say! Aye I say! This is the third in the Legend Series and it's a winner. Nose: Creamy and luxurious vanilla. A hint of virgin oak intensity and desiccated coconut. Palate: Chocolatey as it opens, before diving into clotted cream and honey. Finish: Cherry ice cream topped with almonds. A subtle touch of fresh kumquat
Price: $$87.99
Tasting Notes: This Cabernet Sauvignon expresses aromas of mocha, ripe berries, violets, and blackcurrant with layers of subtle black pepper, toasted oak and rich vanilla. This beautifully crafted Cabernet Sauvignon enters the palate with layers of ripe blackberry and chocolate covered cherries. The round and luscious mouthfeel is accented by soft tannins and a hint of spice that weaves into a smooth, lingering finish. Great with red meats( think steaks!) in time for BBQ season!
Tasting Notes: This nonvintage wine is another dellcious new idea from Ernst Loosen. It is made in a style that is true to the Pinot Noir grape, which produces the most elegant and delightful sparkling wines in the world. A very enjoyable and invigorating rosé Sekt. The perfect drink to welcome friends or to enjoy outside on the patio.
Tasting Notes: 55% Garganega 45% Chardonnay. Aromas of white flowers of acacia, jasmine, bouquet of citrus such as pineapple, grapefruit and orange, apple, pear and mango and light note of bananas. The palette is fresh and pleasant thanks to its sustained acidity. Great wine to beat the heat with!
Tasting Notes: #roseallday Alìe, or “Halia”, a figure from Greek mythology, a sea nymph and a symbol of sensuality and beauty. Alìe, an elegant rosé with a pale pink hue and subtle ruby highlights, is a stylish, beautifully-balanced blend of Syrah and Vermentino, varieties that express their finest qualities when grown near the sea. Scents of white flowers, wild strawberries and citrus peel combine with a hint of earthy minerality, typical of this growing area. With its delicate structure and lengthy, complex finish, Alìe is both an enchanting aperitif wine, as well as a delicious accompaniment to a meal. From House of Frescobaldi.
Tasting Notes: Nomad is a unique whisky, ( like Me!). A collaboration between sherry producer González Byass and Whyte & Mackay master blender Richard Paterson. A blended Scotch whisky aged for more than five years in sherry butts is shipped to Jerez for further year's ageing in PX casks. It is imbued with the characteristics of the wild, open space of the Scottish Highlands. A new concept that takes the Whisky itself on a journey from its birthplace to the warm and humid plains of Jerez.
Tasting Notes: Garganega (Gar-ga-nay-ga) is the queen of white Veronese grape varieties, and is most well known for being the principle grape varietal in the famous Soave (So-ah-vay). Also, it is one of Italy’s most widely planted varieties, and it is one of the oldest. The northern Italian élite have been praising Soave wines (and thus Garganega) since at least the 6th Century. Eye: pale straw, green tints. Nose: Pear, grapefruit pith, golden delicious apple, steamed green bean, chalk. Palate: refreshing and clean, with apple flesh, washed stone, lemon curd, cantaloupe, parsley leaf. Medium short finish. A very tasty wine, good as an aperitif with vegetable crudités, poached fish, chicken salad. Drink now.
Price: $14.99 750 ml
Tasting Notes: It’s origins are set in a once-small fishing port of Vilanova i la Geltrú. Gin Mare is pot distilled in an old chapel. Though the signature botanical is the local Arbequina olive, it’s the citrus element of Gin Mare that is the most extraordinary. The peels of both bitter and sweet orange and regionally grown lemons are macerated for a year in neutral spirit before distillation. The other botanicals are macerated and distilled separately and all of the aforementioned are blended to produce the final Gin Mare product. With a strong forward aroma of rosemary followed by more gentle hints of juniper, this gin displays its unique qualities immediately. The taste is herbal and aromatic and not overpowering or unbalanced in any sense, and the added citrus becomes more present. The unique character of this gin ensures it tastes at home whether on its own or in a simple G&T or Negroni.
Price: $47.99
Tasting Notes: An excellent vintage from the region of Cariñena, this is a dark, dense blend of Garnacha, Tempranillo and Carignan. Aged for two years in half American & half French oak, then another three years in bottle before release, it conveys a powerful elegance and style. A delicious bottle worth much more than the sticker price!
Tasting Notes: Launched in February 2019, Crown Royal Peach Flavored Whisky is a limited edition release. The brand's signature whisky is blended with "the sweet and flavorful taste of juicy Georgia peaches." Recommended serving on the rocks or with iced tea. Bottled at 70 proof. TASTING NOTES "The aroma of this flavored whisky is filled with ripe peaches including the skins. Some barrel spices make it through, but the nose is all about the peach. The whisky is not entirely overwhelmed on the palate, but it's close. There's a little heat from the proof and the finish is more sweet-bitter than bittersweet. Make sure to adjust for sweetness in mixed drinks. Try adding to an Arnold Palmer on a sunny afternoon.
Tasting Notes: From Jost Vineyards! Just in time for the spring and summer months ahead on the patio! The delicate effervescence of this refreshing white wine heightens the aromas of flower scents and stone fruits. This wine plays on the tip of your tongue then captures your taste buds with a combination of mild sweetness and stone fruit flavours balanced on the palate with crisp mouthfeel from acidity and effervescence. An off dry wine, Selkie is the perfect aperitif enjoyed on its own. Serve well chilled!
Tasting Notes: Chinaco is the only tequila brand distilled in Tamaulipas, on the Gulf of Mexico, something they had to fight the Mexican government to do as it wasn't a designated region for the production of tequila. The Reposado tequila is aged between 8-11 months in oak, some of which previously were used to age Scotch whisky. No caramel coloring, oak extract, glycerin, or sugar is added. The Reposado shows the sweetness from the barrel in vanilla, chocolate, and wood spices. The palate is soft and creamy smooth with gentle baking spices and bitter lime pith. Not many left and it's being discontinued in our market!
Price: $$81.99
Tasting Notes: Game of Thrones Fans! Enjoy a dram or two of this while watching your favourite series! House Tully forged strong alliances and built a history of honour, family and duty. Built along the banks of the River Fiddich, Glendullan Distillery originally relied on the waters it lay beside, using a water wheel to power the entire distillery. Like the Tullys themselves, this single malt can benefit from a splash of water, opening up flavours of green apple, honey and sweet vanilla. Aged in ex-bourbon casks, this single malt has a light straw shimmer and a heady opening of Madagascan vanilla on the nose, followed by hints of clove spice. On the palate the initial drive is fresh green apples, then the clove flavour from the nose is there, but accompanied by warm cinnamon notes. The finish slips into a red berry flavour with vanilla and a hint of cherry bakewell.
Price: $$71.99
Tasting Notes: Primitivo (aka Zinfandel thanks to DNA analysis which confirmed it is the same varietal) has a a storied history, dating way back to its roots in Croatia. The name roughly translates to "early one", referring to its early ripening. Its modern day home is Italy, especially Puglia, although it is famous across the ocean in California where under the Zinfandel moniker it acquired the title of the American 'National Grape'. Eye: medium opaque, deep sanguine, brick rim. Nose: black cherry, black licorice, tobacco leaf, sage, white pepper. Palate: soft entry, espresso, black plum skin, dark chocolate, roasted walnut. Soft tannins, good balance, long finish. Pair with pasta and rich tomato sauces, hard cheeses, lasagna. Drink now - 2021, 2022
Tasting Notes: The nose is light and well-balanced. There are notes of malted barley and honey, a touch of spice and fresh fruit salad. The palate is of medium-body with notes of calvados and barley, a touch of honey and mixed peels and notes of oak. The finish is quite long with oak and caramel. Limited stock available
Tasting Notes: This 2015 vintage won the inaugural Veritas Vertex Award – defeating 1638 other entries to be crowned the Veritas competition’s champion wine across all varietals. Made with thick-skinned grapes from old vines, the full-bodied Chenin Blanc was fermented and matured for 14 months in French oak barrels. It offers ripe, baked apples and apple pie spice on the nose. The rich and complex palate is characterised by yellow fruits opulent caramel, vanilla cream and toasted cashew – all framed by a beautifully balanced acidity and supported by a sumptuously textured mouthfeel. Subsequent vintages are also winning prestigious awards both in the Chenin category and in best whites. A must try - not a light weight white! Excellent pairing for sweeter and spicier dishes, in particular the South African favourite Bobotie .
Tasting Notes: Spring is still good to enjoy a wee dram, especially after brisk walks in the windy, muddy parks which are full of great smells as the snows melt! And, like me (Mum says I'm sigle minded at times!) this Douglas Laing's Single Minded series is a range of Small Batch Single Malts from across a variety of Scotch Whisky regions. This expression, a Bunnahabhain 8 Years Old, has been matured in a refill hogshead. The nose is sweetly scented, gently maritime, distinctly spiced and gristy. On the palate detect lots of rich juicy barley, with a soft oily twist and late burnt fruit. The finish comes with a hint of salt, subtle spices, more cereal and even more spice. Slàinte!
Price: $83.50
Tasting Notes: Bochet is a type of mead that is made from honey that has been caramelized. It yields a dark, clear mead with a complex flavour. It is a 14th century recipe using toasted honey and spices Tastes of roasted marshmallows , carmel a great after dinner treat, enjoy with your deserts!
Price: $26.49
Tasting Notes: Corbieres is an important sub-region of Languedoc-Roussillon in the Southwest corner of France. Its forte is herb/spice scented red wines made from the predominant trio of Grenache, Mourvedre, and Syrah. This one, made by reknowned winemaker Gerard Bertrand, is a textbook example. Eye: medium roast coffee, amber tones, black cherry core. Nose: Thyme, red plum, caramelized onion, red peppercorn. Very 'savory'. Palate: extremely smooth, textured, and balanced. Pomegranate reduction, blueberry skin, notes of grilled pork patty. Excellent knitting!! A really good food friendly wine, which will match many cuisines from cheesy casseroles to grilled beef or game. And the price is hard to beat. Drink now, can be cellared 2 - 3 years in good conditions (7 - 8 years after vintage date).
Price: $21.00 750 ml.
Tasting Notes: Ciroc vodka is distilled from grapes using fruit from both the Mauzac Blanc and Ugni Blanc wine grapes. It was one of the first grape-based vodkas on the market causing no small amount of controversy in the spirits world. The vodka is distilled to minimum specifications of alcohol levels to maximize the grape aromatics and flavors.
Tasting Notes: Ruby red, intense and very deep in color. Full Bouquet, with aromas of blackberries, plum, lemon rind and blackcurrant aromas. Complimented by licorice, black olives, pope tobacco notes. Full-bodied with supple tannins.
Price: $30.99
Tasting Notes: With March 8 International Women's Day, a celebration of a talented wine maker Virginia Willcock, she has celebrated 27 vnitages in Margaret River and won several International Wine Awards. "This wine has classic red fruits and chocolate boysenberry and bright cassis too. Really upbeat and bright, with a little gravel thread. Super refined palate with smooth and fleshy texture. The tannins spread fine and even and there is plenty of red berry fruit and chocolate through the finish. Really fine. Best from 2019. "James Suckling 93 points. Vegan.
Tasting Notes: The much anticipated core range of the GlenAllachie distillery from Speyside was finally launched in July 2018. This 12 Year expression features whisky matured in Pedro Ximénez sherry, oloroso sherry, and virgin oak casks. It opens up with a pronounced butterscotch accompanied by lots of candied banana and honey, as well as pencil shavings and malt.(I know because I ate a pencil once!) The palate is soft and gentle but a tad spicier than how it smells on the nose. The texture is lovely creamy and mouth-coating. A perfect dram after a brisk walk in the late winter snows!
Price: $93.99
Tasting Notes: A small batch, quadruple distilled gin crafted by Simon Buley, using only the finest pure grain spirit, natural Scottish water and 11 botanical ingredients. The bill consists of five locally forged and six traditional botanicals. Made in a London Dry still with a dry and crisp aromatic taste accompanied by a long dry finish. The aroma is fresh, floral, citrus with a slight spice. The flavour is clean, crisp with a hint of sweetness balanced by the full body of the gin.
Tasting Notes: Blanc de Noirs is characteristically marked by cherry, currant and strawberry aromas and flavors. These red fruit flavors build in the mid-palate and finish with a soft, lingering creamy texture.
Tasting Notes: Offers a rounded profile, filled with cherry, raspberry and spice flavors. This is driven as much by the vivid acidity as the refined tannins, ending with elements of fruit, spice and mineral. Drink now through 2022. Rated as "Smart Buys", Wine Spectator ,Score - 92.
Tasting Notes: The Loire Valley is a home to many varieties of wine grape, but one of the most typical is Chenin Blanc, which makes up this wine. Vouvray comes in two styles: dry, or slightly sweet (douce). This one is lovely. Eye: light lemon tints, apple flesh. Nose: Quince, white peach, apricot, honeysuckle, mineral. Palate: Round and soft, with peaches, rose petal, apple sauce, Turkish Delight; washed gravel, minerality, and medium acidity pull it all together. Very nice indeed!
Tasting Notes: A beautiful coupling of international and indigenous varietals! This wine was chosen to celebrate the passion of Valentine's Day and the month of February. Ruby red in color, aromas of red berries and Marostica cherries are underscored by notes of blackberries and mint. On the palate, it is full-bodied with fresh acidity and sweet tannins. Pair this wine with grilled ribeye steaks, champignon sauces, duck-confit risotto, or traditional Venetian cavallo dishes.
Tasting Notes: If I could make this my staff pick every month of the year I would. Deep ruby red wine with amaranthic undertones. The nose expresses eye-catching fragrances of cherry jam and dates, in addition to vanilla and licorice aromas. The palate is marked by hints of red fruits and soft shades of wood. Warm, good fragrance, with vigorous yet delicate tannins, this wine has a persistent finish. This wine will forever stay in my top 5 for best wines.
Tasting Notes: The second release in their experimental series, made by 20 malt masters gathered on site. 20 chosen casks from the warehouse later, to create this fantastic single malt. Classic fruitiness with hints of apple blossom and plump pear. Perfect balance of rich vanilla oak with golden sugar and touch of liquorice. On the palate deep and mellow complemented by toasted almonds and cinnamon. Finishes long with a savoured sweet oak finish.
Tasting Notes: It's the month of LOVE! This luscious, velvety, red wine is 60% Merlot and 40% Corvina from the Veneto Region of Italy and is perfect for sharing with someone special. Produced in the appasimento method where the grapes are naturally dried on the vine. This causes the grapes to lose about half their weight but it concentrates their flavours naturally. The grapes are pressed and then fermented before being aged in oak casks for 3-4 months. Full-bodied and rich with dark fruit flavours of blackberry and black cherry balanced by a solid structure due to the elevated alcohol, acidity and soft tannins. It's perfect pairing with roasted and grilled meats, stews and other rich dishes. Also excellent with mature firm cheeses.
Tasting Notes: The only coffee flavored rum sold in the US. Blended with natural Brazilian coffee. Notes of butterscotch, toasted marshmallow, toffee.
Price: $47.49
Tasting Notes: Just in time for Valentine's Day, this rosé is a blend of Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon and will hit the right note of romance. For those that don't know, the winery is located on the site of a former laundry, which was actually the front for a brothel located on the second floor. Eye: salmon, oeil de Perdrix. Nose: Strawberry, rhubarb, rose petal, gala apple. Palate: clean and crisp, just a touch off dry, dried cranberries, raspberry coulis, quince, washed stone, medium length finish. A little naughty, and a whole lot nice. Drink now.
Tasting Notes: Mint, honeysuckle, and pepper fill out the nose, with more mint, fresh cut grass and some spicy rye in the palate. The finish is long and spicy, with more honeysuckle, rye and barrel coming through. The rye will be most notable for its' spice balanced by its' richness on the palate. Cheers and Happy New Year!
Price: $87.99
Tasting Notes: Let's start off the new year with a bit of bubbly! Like its rose counterpart, the wine is soft and fruity. With attractive apple fruits and bright lemon to give freshness, it's a rounded wine that has perfumed white fruits and a ripe, always fresh aftertaste.
Tasting Notes: The palate is full-bodied in texture, showing bountiful notes of raspberry jam, baked strawberries and a hint of cherry cola atop cocoa flavors and powdered tannins. The mid-palate shows layer upon layer of cranberry, dried rose petal and vanilla, carrying to the finish.
Tasting Notes: Formerly known as Yellow Label, this is a very popular bourbon, aged a minimum of five years in oak barrels for extra smoothness and carefully blended for a consistently smooth, creamy flavour. On the nose, pear and light fruitiness, floral, spice and honey. Crisp and smooth hints of apple, finishes soft. Hard to find in Canada. Beauty at this price point!
Tasting Notes: Love this elegant Chardonnay! It's bright, light golden yellow in colour with good depth, lighter on the rim. The nose is finely balanced with rich, ripe and deep fruit aromas of citrus, tropical fruit and yellow stone fruits entwined with a layer of mealy complexity. With creamy barrel-ferment and nutty oak, and fine, lifted lemon-curd nuances, it has excellent complexity and detail. Medium-full bodied, the palate is rich and sweet with luscious and succulent flavours.
Price: $31.00
Tasting Notes: A perfect dram to warm you after a playful romp in the snows of January! Adorned with golden detailing, Tullibardine Sovereign is a delicious creamy single malt which was aged in first-fill bourbon barrels before bottling. Expect plenty of vanilla and spice from this Highland beauty.
Price: $81.99
Tasting Notes: This graceful Reserva is the perfect panacea to the post-Christmas "I don't have much money in the bank account" blues. A blend of Tempranillo and Graciano, it is sourced from old vineyards with very low production settled on poor soils of Ebro’s terraces (these are all very good things!!) in the area of San Vicente de la Sonsierra (La Rioja). Eye: medium garnet with sienna brick rim. Nose: ripe, full, with black cherry, black licorice, dark coffee notes, and a truffle edge. Palate: Good tannin integration and nice balance. Plums, fig paste, dried dates, plump mid palate and a dry close. Drink now.Pair with a variety of foods: try it with a hearty risotto that has some chorizo in it!!
Price: $18.49 750 ml.
Tasting Notes: This flavored vodka extension from the French vodka brand infuses black raspberry and other natural flavors with their flagship grape-based vodka. Cîroc Black Raspberry is a limited edition released fall 2018, in time for the holiday season.
Tasting Notes: A fantastic and very unique offering from El Dorado. This is a perfectly blended rum cream with the spice balancing out the richness of the liqueur. Great on its' own, in coffee or as an addition to treats such as over vanilla ice cream, it is a perfect addition to the bar anytime and especially over the winter/Christmas season. Cheers!
Price: $$26.99
Tasting Notes: THIS IS A VERY SPECIAL WINE AT A PRICE POINT THAT ONLY SPAIN SEEMS TO BE ABLE TO HIT FOR A WINE LIKE THIS! With state-of-the-art winemaking and vineyards located between 450 and 700 meters altitude, the wine is made from grapes of low yielding vines of at least 25 years of age. 100% Tempranillo, the selection of grapes is carried out with the help of Vistalys, the latest optical selection table , which carries out a strict control so that only perfect berries go through. The stalks are removed from the grapes without squeezing them. Grapes are maintained in controlled conditions, with long macerations at low temperatures in oak casks The pressing is carried out using a pneumatic vertical press and the malolactic fermentation then takes place in brand new American oak barrels. Cold-hot rooms are used at specific times to help the malolactic fermentation process The wine is aged for a total of 10 months in new American oak barrels. TASTING NOTES Colour: This is a highly-concentrated, dark cherry-red wine. Nose: A lively, delicate nose with liquorice and fresh fruit aromas of the Tempranillo variety, with spicy hints. It keeps the essential aromas of compote fruit. Palate: It is ample and fleshy and has elegance, complexity and power. On the palate, it shows soft tannins and liquorice, a velvety structure and a long, delicious and persistent finish. Food matches: Red meats, stews, game, cured cheeses.
Tasting Notes: Hailing from New Orleans in the early 1800's. Antoine Peychaud was a Creole and apothecary, making concoctions of his bitters and brandy that he served to peers and patrons. Peychaud eventually became the lead bartender of the Sazerac Coffeehouse where he continued mixing simple cocktails with his bitters to much acclaim. It is this belief in simplicity and quality that serves as the basis for Peychaud’s Aperitivo. Delightful and refreshing, Peychaud’s Aperitivo is best served over ice or in the Royal Street Fizz, or as I like it, in a Negroni cocktail. Stock this in your bar this holiday season and amaze yourself with the range of cocktails you can make to impress your guests!
Tasting Notes: Original Cask Strength (61.2% APV) Meaning 'the original' in Gaelic, A'bunadh is made in homage to Aberlour's founder, James Fleming and has achieved a cult following among malt lovers. Deep rich amber colour with copper highlights; heady aromas of toffee, smoky brine and peach compote; creamy, sweet and laden with warm toffee and baked fruit notes. Delicious sipping in front of a roaring fire during the wintery Christmas season, my favourite spot!
Tasting Notes: Rated at 94 points by Wine Spectator Milla Cala is rich and refined, delivering unctuous dark fruit and spice flavors that offer a creamy svelteness. Slate and mineral accents linger on the complex finish, with dark chocolate and olive notes. Consists of Cab, Carmenere, Cab Franc, Syrah, and Merlot.
Price: $56.99
Tasting Notes: "From the wunder down under - Ben Glatetzer"! This is Heartland's flagship wine. The precise balance is the calling card of the 2015 vintage. The aromas are surprisingly diverse for such a young wine. Dark fruits envelope spice and herb characters that evolve in the glass. Directors’ Cut Shiraz is enhanced by judicious oak that gives a framework to the generous fruit. The lingering finish is typical of this wine and predicts a long and distinguished future. Pairs well with BIG red meat!
Tasting Notes: Priorat is a small, dynamic wine region in Catalonia, north-eastern Spain, whose intense, full-bodied red wines have shot to fame in the past few decades. Priorat wine is made from old-vine Garnacha and Cariñena. The 2014 is a classic amongst classics! Eye: dense, deep violet/black, ox blood. Nose: an explosion of violets, jasmine, sandalwood, nutmeg, plums, black currants, black licorice, black cherries. Palate: big and ripe already, with currants, plums, espresso, vanilla, cassis, truffle. Tannins firm and present, but great integration. This wine is the Torres Family 'vin du guard' and will stand prolonged time in good cellaring. Think Christmas gifts for that someone special, but buy one or two for yourself. At the price, it's a steal. Critically acclaimed, world class value. Tasted twice with consistent notes.
Price: $60.99 750 ml.
Tasting Notes: This great scotch is matured in sherry casks, making for a wonderful "fall in the air" dram between the classic Islay peat intensity and lip-smacking wine-like sweetness. On the nose, Cinnamon-dusted banana, maple syrup, a whiff of bonfire smoke. On the palate,Peaches in syrup and fresh raspberries, earthy peat and a touch of tobacco. Finishing in rum-soaked raisins and prunes. ginger root, clove and marmalade .
Price: $$125.99
Tasting Notes: Spicy, citrusy , and lightly sweet - full of orange and spices - clove and a big kick of cinnamon. Light oak, vanilla, and light Canadian whisky spices hold the whisky together between the vibrant orange and the tingling spices. The finish is a battle between cinnamon and orange. Really nice on a hot day . This fits really well alongside in your beer cooler during a BBQ. I can't help but compare. The BarChef project produced a cocktail which you could serve in a high end cocktail bar, but this is more your standard bar old fashioned (and it's better than many I've had in bars!).
Tasting Notes: A Douglas Laing Single Minded bottling of 8 year old single malt from Islay's Bunnahabhain distillery, drawn from a single hogshead. The nose - robustly coastal, with a core of vanilla-rich barley. The palate - lightly oaked, still packed with sea salt and malt, and finishes with coriander, menthol and earthy smoke.
Price: $83.49
Tasting Notes: Fruit for the Cracking Black Shiraz was cultivated at Malpas Road Vineyard, where the soil is relatively infertile due to its black soil that cracks apart. Hence, the reference to the soil composition as Cracking Black, the inspiration for the name of this innovative range. This juicy Shiraz is dark cherry red in colour. Aromas of bright satsuma plum and dark cherry flow off the nose, combined with a dash of licorice, spice and mocha notes. The palate is dominated by dark plum, while cherry notes linger on and are later joined by flavours of red berry, dark chocolate and savoury spices. Aged in French oak, it shows a great generosity borne from superior structural tannins and a surprising fruit length. Powerful and full-bodied, this wine pairs well with leaner red meats, beef stews, mildly spicy ethnic foods and grilled lambs. Drink now or cellar to 2030.
Tasting Notes: Ahh! History and Whiskey & Royalty! Established in 1812, the Royal Brackla Distillery was granted a Royal Warrant by King William IV in 1833, and therefore bears the name “Royal” on their label as legal designation within the British monarchy. This distinction is shared only by the still currently active Royal Lochnagar and the former Glenury Royal distilleries. Of these three, Royal Brackla was the first to be granted. Amber gold, medium legs. Nose: Strong sherry, malt, oak, light alcohol burn, Palate: Dry sherry, sweet vanilla, almond, spice; specifically distinct ground black pepper notes, lightly oily mouth feel.Finish: Strong pepper notes, fruit and honey aftertaste, very light burn.
Price: $109.99
Tasting Notes: Sémillon is one of the wine world's unsung heroes. Although the gold-skinned grape is more known for producing France's most famous and revered sweet wines, Sauternes, it is capable of producing excellent dry wines as well. Eye: medium burnished gold, apple juice, straw rim. Nose: layered with apple butter, preserved lemon, snap pea, quince, washed gravel, dragonfruit, and honey notes. Palate: full, round, notes of roasted green beans, jicama, golden delicious apple, extra virgin olive oil. Clean, smooth, and tasty! Drink now: best at 50 -55 F ( 5 - 8 C). Could probably mature for another couple of years. Pair with poached chicken in cream sauce, seared fish, steamed green veggies.
Tasting Notes: A beautiful Guyanese rum perfect for the changing weather heading into winter. The nose exhibits a bouquet of dark brown sugar, toffee, stewed stone fruits, prunes and molasses. The palate has a beautiful rounded mouthfeel complimented by flavours of sweet, warming spices, dark brown sugar, toffee and prunes while maintaining balance with notes of a golden syrup known as Treacle.
Price: $59
Tasting Notes: Foris was one of the first vineyards to plant the now ubiquitous “Dijon Clones” 113, 115 and 375. Starting with just twenty five buds of each, the winery patiently tended and propagated the vines until they had enough plant material to start supplying nurseries in California. Quickly word spread about the quality of these new clones. Today, many of California and Oregon’s most famous Pinot vineyards can trace their parentage directly back the original clone field on Foris’s flagship Maple Ranch Vineyard. Although the vineyard determines the ultimate quality of a wine, there are many choices that both the grower and wine maker have in shaping its overall style. One of the most important decisions is harvest dates. We have long felt that while ripe is good, over ripe is not better. We also walk lightly in our use of oak, preferring to incorporate a percentage of once-filled French oak barrels each year instead of the more heavy handed new wood. Overall, it’s a very minimal approach to wine making that respects the integrity of our wonderful fruit. 2014 was a big vintage for the Foris Pinot Noir. An early, warm vintage produced wines that are darker and more robust than is typical for Foris Pinot Noir. A little more of everything; color, concentration, tannin, depth of fruit, and a little more contribution of French oak to balance the more full bodied style. The dark hue telegraphs the big flavors of plum, blackberry, black cherry and brown spices that complement it all. While big, rich and concentrated, the plush texture brings the wine into balance and flows into a long, smooth finish. A thanksgiving suggestion, you will not be disappointed!
Tasting Notes: "Antu" means sun in the Mapuche native language. This Chilean Syrah has fleshy black fruit and spices. The vines are planted at an altitude of 300 metres above sea level in volcanic soils and they face north on steep slopes. Great concentration and depth of flavour. Exotic black and sweet purple plums and dark spices on the finish of this Chilean red wine made from Syrah grapes. Amazing quality for the price. Full-bodied, rich. This full-bodied red wine pairs well with grilled meats.
Tasting Notes: I know... few have ever heard of the grape, Pais - but it is considered the oldest grape in Chile and has just recently being rediscovered. This is a beautiful and polished expression. Red current fruit with an earthy tobacco and spice laden palate. Fine and firm tannins, graphite minerality. Excellent value and Fairtrade!
Tasting Notes: This wine is an unmistakable Coonawara Cabernet/Shiraz blend. It gives you the menthol and licorice typical of this blend from Australia. Also on the palate are lovely, deep, ripe berry flavours. It is light on the oak and ready to drink now but could be cellared 3-5 years. The Musician delivers silky tannins with a long elegant finish. I think it is a perfect wine for a cool, fall evening by a warm, cozy fire.
Tasting Notes: Rum Chata is a combination of five-times distilled Caribbean rum and the freshest real dairy cream with a touch of Madagascar vanilla, cinnamon, and other secret spices from around the world. Uniquely flavourful, light & creamy.
Tasting Notes: The McLaren Vale is a versatile wine region: a wide array of grape varieties can be grown successfully.Shiraz leads the way, and with Grenache and Mourvedre, the trio makes a tasty GSM. Eye: Ox blood, purple/scarlet, brick edge, semi-transparent. Nose: Sage, leather, dried cherry, nutmeg, black olive, red plum. Palate: medium body, soft entry, fine tannins, dried cherry confirmed, black licorice, medium roast coffee notes, tomato paste. The wine is entering its prime and should maintain for another couple of years. Very ready to drink now! pair burgers, grilled sausage, ribs.
Tasting Notes: The name of the winery plays with the old roman name of Cariñena "Care" that evolved from the meaning the "antigua llanura" (the old plains) this is also a play on words to the English word "to care" using in the same vein, the most traditional methods of production that were once used in the winery. This vintage has rated higher than any other for this wine. Nose: A strong aroma with a predominance of white fruits. Combination of floral, vegetable, and mineral notes. Taste: Intense and pleasant. Passing to fresh and unctuous taste. Flavours of some very expressive white fruit. Long finish with hints of herb.
Tasting Notes: Woof! Now that the temperatures are dropping and even I'm wearing a colourful sweater on my walks, I love this Scotch when I come home from the trails! Deep amber with copper highlights,vinous and fruity on the nose, with additional notes of caramel and burnt sugar; medium-full body, with a light sweetness and a gentle warmth, the texture is full, round and mouthcoating, delivering flavours of caramel, citrus and sweet vanilla. Mum laughs when I lick my lips! ooh! and it comes in a gorgeous red box too!
Price: $145.99
Tasting Notes: This Original Wheated Bourbon Whiskey features an exceptionally smooth taste, substituting wheat for rye grain. Bottled at 90 proof, this bourbon stands out with its burnt orange color. Its softer flavor notes make this bourbon great for sipping or making cocktails. A sweet nose with a presence of caramel. Tasting notes of honey, butterscotch, and a soft woodiness. It's smooth, delicate and calm. Features a smooth finish with a sweet honeysuckle flair "Replacing the rye grain in our recipe with wheat provides for an exceptionally smooth taste. W. L. Weller is a truly outstanding buy." -Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Scored a 93 by Jim Murray Whisky Bible in 2018! A "steal of a deal"!
Price: $199.99
Tasting Notes: "A cocktail as quintessentially Albertan as an Oil Derrick and equally as revered by King Ralph himself" I couldn't have put it better myself. By far one of the most delicious tasting products out there for caesars. It's spicy pickled pepper brine lends a bold dimension to the classic cocktail. Not a caesar fan? Marinate chicken, put it in a sauce. The recipes I've been inspired to do with this product are mind blowing. 10/10
Tasting Notes: Lots of light floral notes on the nose with hints of herbal aromas. A developing bitterness on the palate, but rather fresh with some fruit and herb flavours coming through. Creates a long lingering finish. Ice 1 ounce Campari 2 ounces orange juice (no pulp) 1 ounce sparkling water
Tasting Notes: This is a blended whisky made with malt whiskies from the Yamasaki and Hakushu distilleries plus grain whisky from the Chita distillery. It has beautiful aromas of honey, orange and light oak. In the mouth you can taste black pepper, cinnamon, orange and apricot. The bottle is a lovely display piece with 24 facets representing the Japanese seasons. This is a lovely whisky to share with good friends. Kampai!
Price: $119
Tasting Notes: A clear, dark amber colour with the strong legs expected of a fortified wine with 17% alcohol. The nose is predominantly caramel with a bit of apricot and hints of butterscotch and banana. On the palate, this wine is smooth and rich, with the full body of a fortified wine. This is an outstanding expression of the Muscat grape, which is so often used for simple, sweet sipping wines, or to add floral notes and softness to white blends. It is highly recommended as a dessert wine, or for general sipping. It's a great alternative to Port, being a bit fresher and fruitier than most Ports. The wine can be enjoyed chilled, but that does lock in a bit of the complexity, especially on the nose.
Price: $30.37
Tasting Notes: Enticing aromatics of stone fruits and poached pear with underlying notes of vanilla and creamy cashews. With only a portion of the pressed juices seeing French oak, the palate is bright with citrus notes and fresh cut pineapple that slowly unveils characteristics of buttered toast with a thin layer of marmalade. This is a beautifully balanced Chardonnay that has encouraged many to re-discover the merits of a well-made Chardonnay.
Tasting Notes: Hailing from Islay, this is one "Groovy" Whisky! Part of the whisky that makes up Grooves was matured in red wine casks that were very well-charred, resulting in heavy grooves in the surface of the wood. A mellow though flavoursome dram. Vanilla fudge, toffee popcorn and tarred orchard fruits rise through a big, salty opening. Savoury BBQ notes of cured Italian meats are percolated by paprika, green chilli and scorched herbs. Antique leather and damp oak form an interesting backdrop.
Price: $149.99
Tasting Notes: The Russian River Valley is one of California's coolest and foggiest AVAs and its cool growing season and long, slow ripening period promotes complexity and balance in the wines, especially Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Eye: light gold, green tints, Nose: a deep layered nose with brioche, gala apple, pear, coconut oil, toasted oak and a whiff of aged white cheddar. Palate: Full, round, generous: challah French toast, white peach, pear confirmed, pineapple, medium long finish. Balanced and supple. Drink now - 2021.
Tasting Notes: This month I thought I'd share a favourite summer cocktail. Served widely in Italy, the Aperol Spritz is refreshingly delicous, easy to make and looks pretty in the glass! Aperol is an Italian apéritif made of gentian, rhubarb, and cinchona, among other ingredients, and is 11% ABV. Simply put ice in a large glass, fill 2/3 with Prosecco, another Italian delight, top up with Aperol, add a slice of orange and Voila! Happy Summer Sipping! No price as Prosecco prices vary. Aperol is about $27.00.
Price: $27.00 for the Aperol
Tasting Notes: After chasing my ball around the dog park, I get pretty thirsty! So in summer, I like to sip a Scotch cocktail instead of my usual neat Scotch. Here's my favourite! To make muddle 1/4 cup of raspberries, 1/2 tsp. sugar, 1oz favourite scotch whisky, 1 oz of guava nectar (exotic!) and a splash of raspberry liqueur. Place all in a shaker with ice and shake well. Strain into a doggie dish....oops I mean a glass! Top with a bit of Club Soda, and garnish with a few raspberries and mint! I can lap these up all afternoon! Woof!
Price: $$30.00 - $75.00 depending on the Scotch
Tasting Notes: Bonarda is a red Argentine grape with a reputation for making soft, bland wines that are usually used for blending with Malbec to soften the hard tannins and big body of the Malbec. It's unusual to see Bonarda varietal wine, but this one is a great indication of what Bonarda can really achieve. It's a dark red wine with distinctly purple edges, indicating a young wine, but certainly ready to drink right now. The nose is rich and spicy, with cloves and nutmeg in evidence. On the palate, the wine is soft, slightly tannic, and reminiscent of the flavour of Cabernet sauvignon. It's noticeably fruitier than Cabernet, though, with plum and just a hint of chocolate. This wine is very enjoyable by itself, or would be perfect with medium bodied cheeses or charcuterie.
Tasting Notes: I love this gin. It's very smooth, almost a little sweet. Great flavor. Smooth enough to sip straight, un-chilled but makes a very tasty martini too. it has berries, juniper, blueberry and blackberry flavor notes.
Tasting Notes: This Godello and Dona Blanco wine from northwest Spain is absolutely delicious. On the nose you will find pear, peach,apple,lemon and white flowers. It has a wonderful balance of acidity and alcohol. It will pair very well with paella, scallops, grilled fish, camembert or a creamy havarti.
Tasting Notes: The 2016 wine from Paso Robles area in California utilizes small lots of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, along with Petit Verdot to produce a rich, delicious and easy drinking Bordeaux-inspired red. Enticing berry, plum and vanilla notes highlight the dark fruit and spice aromas. Layers of similar berry fruit and baking spice stack the palate, balanced with waves of tannin on a long, dry finish. Think BBQ red meats!
Tasting Notes: Try the famous Taylor Fladgate White Port Cocktail: 1/3 Taylor Fladgate White Port 2/3 Tonic Water some leaves of mint or slice of lemon ice Made from white grapes grown mainly on the upper slopes of the Douro Valley. The grapes used include the Arinto, Boal, Codega, Esgana, Cao, Folgasao, Gouveio, Viosinho, and Rabigato Varieties. It has a rich fragrant nose with aromas of mellow fruit and hints of honey and oak. Full body; velvety palate and long flavourful finish.
Tasting Notes: Malvasia is actually the name given to an ancient family of grape varieties capable of making wine in any feasible color or style. Well travelled, it has good adaptability to various environments. Eye: medium gold, straw. Nose: intensely aromatic with floral (lavender, gardenia) notes, apricot, lychee, cold cream, Turkish delight. Palate: white peach, jicama, steamed green beans, washed stones, medium - low acid. This is a great thirst quencher on a hot day, and is at its best well chilled. It would pair nicely with a creamy risotto, poached fish, or salads. Drink now.
Price: $20.99 750 ml.
Tasting Notes: Lots of berries but not sweet. 60% Syrah & 40% cabernet . Nice and smooth with a long finish. Great flavor, best to age for another couple of years (if you have the self control).
Price: $52.99
Tasting Notes: I don't get a kick from cocaine. But it's safe to say you will get a kick out of Cocalero. It's a herbal spirit made with the South American coca leaf and 16 other botanicals including guarana, juniper and ginseng. This can be enjoyed ice-cold from the freezer, or in a variety of cocktails.
Tasting Notes: Korenwijn (grain wine) is an older style of genever dating from the 18th century; it's usually aged in oak casks. The recipe for this Korenwijn: 1/3 corn, 1/3 rye and 1/3 malted barley. Botanicals: Juniper, Licorice, Aniseed. Cask type: 200 litre New American Oak. Nose: Sweet honey, pine needle, vanilla, wax, Red River cereal. Palate: Smooth and soft. Notes of toffee, cream of wheat with liquid honey. Try it as a stand alone 'sipper'!
Price: $88.99 1,000 ml.
Tasting Notes: Long Island Spirits named their whiskeys after the First United States Volunteer Cavalry - the "Rough Riders" - originally organized by Long Island's own Teddy Roosevelt in 1898 to fight in the Spanish-American War. The whisky is a mash bill of 60% corn, 35% rye and 5% malted barley. After initial aging in new charred oak, It is finished in merlot and chardonnay casks from local wineries. The wine casks themselves are washed in local brandy before the bourbon goes in for final aging. "This tastes like a PB & J! Rich, sweet cereal and vanilla flavors with a distinct peanut characteristic in the finish. Adding this to casks influenced by wine and brandy makes it grapey. The rye gives it a zing of clove, pepper and allspice to round it out. It's the tastes of childhood comfort in a grown up glass!"
Tasting Notes: Just returned from Portugal and enjoyed a wonderful tasting with Luis Pato. He is the leading winemaker in Portugal growing only indigenous grapes in the Beira Atlantico region northwest of Coimbra. With the intense mineral quality of the native Bical and Cercial grapes judiciously married together, he has created an exceptional wine with Old World elegance. This is a rare, age worthy white wine. This 2013 vintage is tasting superbly and will continue to do so.
Tasting Notes: Referenced as having the most complex aromatics in Speyside this dram pours a golden amber colour and offers a sweet, peaty, caramel nose that is layered with herbal, citrus, cocoa and floral aromas; medium bodied and malty with hints of sweet wood smoke and sandalwood on a medium length finish. Love getting my little paws on this one!
Price: $91.00
Tasting Notes: Authentically brewed with locally grown ginger, considered to be the finest in the world. This beer has a crisp, refreshing, full bodied ginger taste. This beer is perfect for your summer patio and will pair deliciously with Chinese, Thai, Indian and of course Jamaican dishes! Cheers!
Tasting Notes: Dark red with the purple edges of a young wine. The tannins are already fairly soft, and the wine is very drinkable now, but should age well for another 5 years. The nose and palate are rich, classic Cabernet Sauvignon. The intense nose has bell peppers, blackberry, and dark chocolate. The palate has black currant and plum. There's a lovely lingering finish, which is just a little puckerish from the tannins. Serve this wine with roast beef or strong cheeses, but it is soft enough to enjoy on its own.
Price: $26.56
Tasting Notes: I love this Gin! The Botanist is an artisanal Islay gin made by Bruichladdich Distillery. It is the only gin made on Islay and is distinctive for its augmentation of the nine classical gin aromatics with a further 22 locally picked wild Islay botanicals. It's delicious sipped over ice, with a splash of sparkling water and slice of lemon or lime, as a G & T or my favourite a Basil Martini! (Check out the recipe on Pg 3 of Latest News on this website!)
Tasting Notes: This blended white wine from Dao Region, is made of 30% Encruzado, 20% Cerceal Branco , 20% Malvasia, 15% Bical, and 15% Arinto. Manually harvested in 15kg boxes. Spontaneous fermentation with ambient native yeasts in closed stainless steel tank for 10-12 days until dry. Temperature controlled with water from natural sources in the vineyard. Naturally no malolactic fermentation because of high acid. Beautiful, nutty and pear-like aromas. Tactile mouthfeel with a clean finish. 12.9% alcohol.
Tasting Notes: La Pinta has a surprisingly fresh and complete taste profile and can quite literally be chilled and poured straight into the glass as a perfect cocktail. The ultimate smoothness of Clase Azul silver tequila blended with pure and rich pomegranate flavors combine into the most delicious spirit… Appropriate for a sipping martini, rocks cocktail and even a chilled, neat shot.
Tasting Notes: My pick this is in celebration of Pride Month. Souvenir (Pride) Vodka is quadruple distilled rye vodka from Ukraine's heartland. It's softness, clarity and pureness are only rivaled by some of the most expensive vodkas on the market. Enjoy it with friends and celebrate equality. HAPPY PRIDE EVERYONE!
Tasting Notes: Sèvre et Maine is the most significant region producing Muscadet wine in the Pays Nantes. Sur Lie indicates that the vinified wine has rested for a time on the spent yeast cells and other solids that are by products of fermentation, which sink to the bottom of the fermentation vessel. This gives extra depth and richness. Eye: very pale straw with lime tinges. Nose: pears, white peach, washed stones, snap pea, flint. Palate: light and brisk, with lemon verbena, honeydew melon, green apple, tart and juicy acid in good balance with the fruit. Very clean and fresh. Drink now. Would do nicely with some seared scallops, or escargots in garlic butter. Gets the taste buds going!!
Tasting Notes: Beautiful ruby colour with aromas of chocolate, vanilla and butterscotch. Blueberry and blackberry on the palate, full bodied like a Cab with the softness of a Carmenere. It will pair well with a spaghetti bolognese, pizza, ribs and lamb stew.
Tasting Notes: From South Australia, a single variety red wine made from Petit Verdot, a relatively unknown minor variety used in red Bordeaux wines. The wine is very dark, with purple edges and noticeable tannins, indicating a youthful wine. The nose has blackberry and anise, and the palate is full of berry fruit. This wine is well balanced, with distinct acidity that makes it ideal for Alberta's BBQ season. An inexpensive wine that will go well with BBQ'ed burgers and steaks, and could be set aside for a few years if you have the patience to let it develop.
Price: $16.56
Tasting Notes: After being walked off my feet these past few months while my Humans have been home more thanks to Covid 19, I'm taking the month off. But, as it is Father's Day coming up soon, I was reviewing my favourites over the last year or so and think there's a lot of good choices there. So if you're wanting to buy Old Pops a whisky for his special day on June 21, have a browse through them! YOu can't go wrong. If you still can't decide, talk to one of the Aligra staff and they'll help you select a perfect bottle. As the saying goes "let sleeping dogs lie". I'll be the wee white dog relaxing on the cool grass. Woof!
Tasting Notes: A sangria on a hot sunny day is incredibly refreshing. Whether you serve up carafes with this goodness at your next party or add a recipe tag and resent it as a gift, there’s many ways to celebrate this refreshing summer beverage.
Price: $14.49
Tasting Notes: 70% Corvina, 20% Rondinella, and 10% Molinara The grapes are hand picked, crushed, and fermented, thus, preserving its fresh and young character. The grapes then undergo a cold pre-fermentation for approximately five days; total contact with the skins is maintained for about 20 days. By the time the skins are drawn off, the highly aromatic wine has obtained excellent color and structure. It is placed in cold storage for four months before undergoing the "ripasso" process, which entails fermenting the wine on Amarone must for a period of 20 days, resulting in increased color, aroma, body, and fruit flavor. Once the wine is prepared for aging, it matures for 18 months in casks and barrels, which adds complexity, structure and refinement. Afterwards it undergoes an additional month in the bottle before release. Intense ruby brightened by purple reflections Ample and remarkably complex with vinous tones; well-defined scents of cherries, mature plum, fig with notes of violet and dried tobacco against a tenuous background of dark chocolate Dry on the palate with a fine and harmonious balance, great strength, and a sturdy body; reveals stewed wild berries, smoking tobacco, and exotic spices, leads to plush and moderate tannins; demonstrates persistence and complexity on the palate Suggest decanting 1 to 2 hours Perfect match for roasted meats and pasta with garlic sauce
Tasting Notes: This Rosé opens with spice and ginger on the nose, balanced by fragrant aromas of red fruit and antique red rose. The palate is succulent and lightly sweet, with juicy watermelon and honeycomb flavors, framed by a zesty hint of white pepper. It is sleek and sexy with a drape of black wax over the top and one shoulder of the bottle which complements the fresh, light honeysuckle pink colour of the wine.
Tasting Notes: The Isle of Jura is nestled off the West Coast of Scotland - where I come from! It’s only 60 miles from Glasgow as the crow flies, but 60 miles has never felt so far away. With only one road, one pub, one distillery and one big whirlpool, Jura is as beautiful as it is remote. Which explains why the deer outnumber the 200-strong population by a country mile! I love chasing them too! George Orwell even went so far as to name it ‘the most un-get-at-able place’ while he wrote his classic novel 1984 here. The original distillery has stood in its spot since 1810 but fell into ruin. In 1963, the folks at Jura decided to resurrect it and with it, helped to revive the local community. Jura Origin signifies the rebirth of the Jura distillery and rebuilding of the community; each bottle carries the ancient Celtic symbol for beginnings. Distiller’s Notes: Colour: Warming golden glow. Nose: Soft nuances of American white oak with a smooth, sweet aroma of honey. Taste: A refined, smooth and clean tasting liquid with gentle oak flavours, followed by highlights of caramel and soft liquorice. The warmth of roasted coffee beans lingers long in the mouth. Cheers and Woof!
Tasting Notes: 56% Merlot 38%Cabernet Sauvignon 6% Petit Verdot This Bordeaux is aged 12 months in French oak. The nose has black pepper, blackberry, spicy herbs and bell peppers. The palate is on the lightish side with raspberry, blackberry and sweet strawberry on the finish. Pairs well with beef,lamb and poultry. A light but still robust Bordeaux.
Tasting Notes: "Duas Quntas" translates to "Two Farms'. Quinta de Ervamoira is hot, dry, and low altitude. Quinta dos Bons Ares is cooler, windier, and high altitude. The result: a big, complex, structured red wine. Grapes varieties: Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional. Eye: inky magenta, indigo violet. Nose: black plum, black licorice, vanilla, black olive, hint of truffle oil. Palate: full, round, ripe black currant, pencil lead, espresso, bitter chocolate, truffle confirmed, medium full tannins, good grip. Medium long finish. This wine needs a bit of airing out before consumption, or give it 6 - 8 years cellaring after vintage date. Delicious!!
Tasting Notes: Just as the name suggest, this product is definitely something else! Light and refreshing with a taste of mandarin and grapefruit. Add some tequila for a tasty paloma. Definitely a great choice for summer this year!
Tasting Notes: White wine from Lugana is a rarity here; it's a relatively small area in northern Italy, divided between Lombardy and the Veneto, with the wines made from the Trebbiano grape, which is called Turbiana locally. The colour is pale straw. The nose is mineral with a hint of apple, and as the wine warms in the glass and opens up, there is a hint of caramel. The minerality of the nose is evident on the palate, too, which is well balanced, with strong acidity. As the wine opens, the palate becomes fruitier, with notes of apple, peach and citrus. This will be a refreshing summer patio wine, but it also has the structure to go well with seafood, pasta, or chicken dinners. Excellent value for the price!
Price: $18.47
Tasting Notes: Stunning. Unusual. 70% Chardonnay 30% Sauvignon Blanc aged 8 months in barrel. With it’s amazing minerality, this is an age worthy white wine that should be considered in anyone’s cellar. But I'm drinking some this weekend!
Tasting Notes: Awarded 92 points in Jim Murray's Whisky Bible, I'm sharing this with my Grand Dog Father this weekend. It's a rounded, smooth blend,with a slightly sweet finish that has a mellowness one expects from a well balanced whisky. Each whisky in the blend has been aged minimum 12 years and selected to combine the strengths and subtleties of Scotch whisky at its best. Woof & Cheers!
Tasting Notes: The Uco Valley is home to several of Argentina's top producers. The valley is noted for vineyard altitude: 1300 metres (4,300 ft) above sea level for this particular expression. Eye: cranberry, deep violet, magenta rim. Nose: kirsch, vanilla, red bell pepper, sweet tobacco. Palate: plums, black cherry reduction, black licorice, full, round mouth feel, medium grain tannins, medium length finish. Good value! Some depth and short term ageing potential; drink now, or hold up to four years after vintage date. Think burgers, ribs.
Tasting Notes: Deep red wine with strong legs and a purple, youthful rim. Black cherry on the nose, with a hint of smoke. The palate is predominantly cherry with a bit of citrus. The wine is noticeably acidic, and will stand up well to pasta with a tomato-based sauce. The tannins are quite soft, making the wine very approachable now. This is a relatively straightforward Chianti, a bit more fruit forward than the usual Classico style. It's easy to enjoy and excellent value for the price.
Price: $20.50
Tasting Notes: The Empress 1908 gin was created by Victoria Distillers in collaboration with the Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria British Columbia. This beautiful gin is comparable to a London Dry and is delicious in many classic cocktails. The indigo colour comes from butterfly pea flowers and will change colour when mixed with anything acidic. You will taste notes of juniper, grapefruit, ginger, cinnamon and rose.
Tasting Notes: ROSSO NOBILE al Cioccolata is a noble red wine with finest chocolate aromas. The intensive flavor of dark berries and the soft vanilla notes of red wine are carefully blended with finest chocolate aromas to create an irresistible taste experience. Be seduced twice by ROSSO NOBILE a Cioccolata – casual evenings and romantic hours will turn into moments of true pleasure.
Tasting Notes: This unique grape makes a wine that shows hints of forest fruits and cedar. It's very well assembled in mouth, with the complexity of rustic and purity of the vineyards of "foot franc" (Pie Fanco). It has been aged 11 months in French oak. 94 points. This wine hit me on a personal note. The aromas bring me back to a time when I lived in rural North Carolina. Backyard bonfires at night, the smell of burning cedar wood. A very nostalgic experience.
Tasting Notes: The Ned is classic New Zealand-style sauvignon blanc. Clear pale lemon in colour; pronounced aromas of green pepper, citrus, passion fruit and gooseberry; on the palate, extra-dry, with medium acidity and medium body; flavours of white grapefruit, tropical fruit and lime.
Price: $19.00
Tasting Notes: This bold and fruity rum is made in Guatemala and aged for 23 years. On the nose it opens with brown sugar and toffee and finishes with toasted marshmallow and dark honey. The palate begins with burnt sugar and cocoa and finishes earthy and nutty. Enjoy this delicious rum with dessert or all on its own, it is a real treat!
Tasting Notes: A Riesling for True Riesling Lovers and Appreciators! Pale straw in colour with green hues. Enticing aromas of freshly squeezed lemon with a hint of white flowers. Bottle aged characters of toast, clove oil and lemon grass have started to emerge. The palate shows great length and depth with concentrated power, pristine fresh lime juice overlaid with toasted brioche, sage oil and lemon grass. The wine finishes with a fresh natural acidity which balances the flavour intensity. Released in 2016 after 5 years of bottle age, this wine will gracefully continue to age for many years for those who appreciate bottle aged Riesling.Try with Foie Gras or duck breast with five spice glaze or fresh gnocchi with olive oil and shaved truffles. Vegan and Vegetarian Friendly
Price: $39.90
Tasting Notes: I know I'm a Scottish Dog! But as a friendly salute to my Irish friends and a toast to St Patrick's Day, I've selected an Irish Whisky this month! Redbreast is a beautifully balanced single pot still Irish whiskey, with a warm, generous texture, rich, sweet flavours and a spicy kick. In the view of many connoisseurs, the finest Irish whiskey available. Besides, it sounds like it's describing me! Woof!
Tasting Notes: this "crazy named" pinot noir is bursting with ripe cherry,coffee & chocolate on the nose. On the palate, silky, bursts of red berry fruits, and French oak spice. (aged in Oak 10 months)
Tasting Notes: Babich Black Label Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc was first produced in 2005 and for a time was exclusive to restaurants and bars. A small portion of juice was fermented in old oak barriques to contribute to the weight and complexity of the wine. Eye: light straw, lemongrass, light green tints. Nose: green apple, gooseberry, papaya, white peach. Palate: Clean, soft, washed gravel, gooseberry, lime rind, dried pineapple, cantaloupe, kiwi fruit. Juicy and invigorating. A very good Sauvignon Blanc with a nice balance. Drink now, but with a proviso: this wine will develop over two or three years in good cellaring conditions, and morph intentionally to the pineapple and kiwi fruit notes. very interesting....
Tasting Notes: It is a light sparkling wine with an elegant azure blue tonality. Balanced in its acidity, supplemented with its light sweet taste.The nose has tropical to citrus notes with subtle hints of grass. It is an innovative new generation wine to pair well with desserts. This wine will add a fun twist to any party that will sure catch people's eye!
Tasting Notes: This is a flavoured sake with a lovely herbal nose, noticeable coconut and a hint of lemon. The palate is well balanced but with refreshing acidity and a noticeable flavour of coconut. In the glass, this sake has the typical Nigori cloudy, milky appearance, with a slight yellow tinge. Like other Nigoris, it needs to be shaken well before serving, and should be served well chilled. (You'll find it in the cooler at our store, already chilled.) With its noticeable acidity, this sake would stand up well to sushi and fish dishes, but the coconut infusion makes it a great stand-alone drink, as well.
Price: $19.99 / 330 mL
Tasting Notes: This is a delicious whisky when I'm feeling like some spicy tasting Scottish marmalade, but with a good nip to it! O my nose I smell lime and orange peel, coconut and sultanas, with spice and rich dried-fruit notes. On my palate, Spice up front, with ginger and nutmeg leading to toasted almonds and lemon. Finish: Sweet vanilla and lemon zest fading to white chocolate and spice.
Price: $105.99
Tasting Notes: A perfect choice for chilly winter February evenings and comfort food! Plums and cherries reign on the palate, with fine acidity, but not with that over-the-top tartness. The black pepper and fruit spiced with bits of cardamom are perfect flavours for Spaghetti Bolognese or mushroom risotto. Saluti!
Tasting Notes: Also known as Korean vodka. It has a very smooth taste and is lower in calories and in proof than vodka. It is delicious mixed with fruit juices such as watermelon, kiwi and lemon in cocktails. Enjoy a Korean Soju while watching the Olympics in Seoul!
Price: $10.99
Tasting Notes: a very fine French 2015 Muscadet from the Loire Valley Dry,sappy,and fresh on palate, with hints of white flowers Ideal with seafood, but pairs well with other dishes
Price: $$23.99
Tasting Notes: Grenache is a grape varietal that does extremely well in Barossa's warm, dry climate. The vines are trained free standing, close to the ground; those used in this wine are between 35 - 80 years old. Color: Cranberry, burnt Sienna, magenta rim. Nose: Violets, bramble, black cherry, red currant, sandalwood. Palate: Soft, smooth entry, fine grain tannin, cranberry reduction, red currant, dried plum, clove notes. very much a 'drink now', but has the added advantage of medium term cellaring potential (3 - 5 years after vintage date). Great with Panini sandwiches, roast vegetables, roast chicken. Suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets.
Tasting Notes: Intense deep purple colour . Elegant nose showing red fruits, cassis and graphite. fresh palate,great texture, soft yet vibrant tannins. Pairs well with risottos or game meats
Tasting Notes: This blended Irish whiskey is exceptionally smooth, with added richness from partial finishing in Sherry casks, and the luscious buttery flavour that is typical of Irish whiskeys. Excellent value for the price.
Price: $39.99 / 750 mL
Tasting Notes: This Chardonnay is in the top 25 picks of Italian white wines in 2017! Fresh, bright, green apple and peaches, stone fruits. Nice mineralogy , reminds of new world sauvignon blanc. Enjoy chilled with seafoods, or just alone as a "sipper"
Tasting Notes: A dark, juicy, concentrated red wine. Black cherry, violet, mint, dark chocolate and vanilla oak on the nose and palate. A wonderful full, smooth, round red for a steak dinner or just for drinking with good friends.
Tasting Notes: Nose: Chocolate and some nutmeg off the bat before the smoke develops, balanced by dried apricot, plum and, increasingly, zesty orange too. Palate: Plump dried fruits are complimented by vanilla, dried apple and waves of smoke and wood spice. Finish: Liquorice and more fruit too, plus a return of some chocolatey notes. Overall: More pronounced smoke than you’d find in a regular Highland Park, as you'd expected, but it never threatens to dominate proceedings – this is no chimney of a dram, far from it. The smoke is always balanced.
Tasting Notes: Brick red/tawny in colour, with delicate nutty aromas and a hint of dried fruits. On the palate, very well balanced with a youthful fruity, luscious character, which integrates well with a long spirity finish. In the 375 ml bottle, this is a delight to sip by a fire on a January night, with or without the last piece of Christmas cake.
Price: $17.99 (375ml)
Tasting Notes: Robbie Burns, Poet Laureate of Scotland! This single malt is endorsed by the world Robert Burns Federation as an official Arran Single Malt. It's light, aromatic and very versatile. You can sip it on it's own, as a cocktail or paired with a meal. It looks like golden sunshine, smells sweet and cramy, like honey, toffee and pecans, summer fruits. Tastes of the sweetness of apples and citrus. Like the Bard himself, this is Poetry in a Glass!
Tasting Notes: A modern, fruit-driven Douro red that is soft, round and silky with lots of ripe red and black cherry fruit in a medium-bodied frame Exceptional value!
Tasting Notes: Kamptal, named for the river Kamp that traverses it, is a wine growing region centered in the town of Langenlois. The DAC ( Districtus Austria Controllatus) is the official appellation for Kamptal Grüner Veltliner, and was established in 2008. The varietal has gained popularity and for a time was the darling of the wine community: restaurants carried (and still carry) Gru-v, a common contraction of the proper name. Eye: straw gold, lemon grass tints. Nose: Bosque pear, honeysuckle, golden delicious apple, snap pea. Palate: Clean and brisk. Washed stone, pear skin, dragon fruit, kiwi, cantaloupe. Smooth entry, nice balance between juicy fruit and tangy acidity. Medium finish. A solid effort, food friendly. Try with turkey salad, other salads, poached chicken, light pork dishes, grilled fish, soft cheeses.
Price: $$22.49 750 ml.
Tasting Notes: Perfect for the holidays! A chocolate and hazelnut (think traditional Italian Nutella-like spread from Turin) liqueur made with Bottega's grappa. It's creamy, oh so chocolaty and delicious over ice, or ice cream!
Price: $36.00
Tasting Notes: 3 year old rum from Zuidam distillery in the Netherlands. Very dark amber in the glass, reminiscent of a certain Tennessee whiskey. Nose reveals a great deal of cherry, brown sugar and a touch of sherry notes. Palate enters with a touch of heat and spice, cherries return and give way to honey sweetness. Finish lingers but doesn't drag.
Tasting Notes: This wine from the 2015 vintage with a medium to light lemon colour has aromas of stone and citrus fruit, rounded out by tropical fruit framed by light spicy notes from the barrel aging. These flavours continue on the palate with a complex minerality framed by a full round mid palate and a refreshing crisp finish. This wine can be consumed in the near term or aged for 5 to 8 years. Perfect food wine for white wine lovers at your holiday table!
Tasting Notes: Aged in bourbon barrels, this rich California red has notes of cassis, black cherry, vanilla and oak. It makes a great gift for the barbecue-and-bourbon fan. Big hit at a recent tasting in our store!
Tasting Notes: David Swift Phinney is the creator of this wine which became an instant cult classic. It's inspired by the "mixed blacks" first made by the Italian immigrants who settled in the Napa Valley. Although the label has changed hands, David still remains behind the scene. Zinfandel base, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Syrah, and Charbono supporting. Nose: big, with vanilla, marionberry, black cherry, and plum. Palate: concentrated, dark fruit pie, stewed blueberry and black cherry, hints of cocoa, tannins present and firming up the massive fruit. This is a luscious wine that would be a great Christmas gift; better yet, buy two: one for you, one for that lucky someone.
Price: $$67.99 750 ml
Tasting Notes: A true gift of Christmas. The ancient spices of Frankincense and myrrh in a traditional London style gin. It leaves with a mouth feel of balsamic and lemon. A great gift for your favourite gin lover or the adventurous friend looking for something new.
Tasting Notes: The Hardy Pineau Blanc Le Coq d'Or is a delightful way to enjoy the 'little brother of Cognac'. A classic Pineau, created with all the passion and knowledge that Hardy Cognac are famed for, this is a drink to be enjoyed in many ways. Enjoy over ice or with a mixer, or it's especially good as a component in a cocktail. Black Le Coq d'Or also pairs exceptionally well with desserts - try it with a Tarte Tatin or a Red Berry Pie.
Tasting Notes: opens with dark notes of coffee and cocoa, then transcends into black fruits, cherry, plum, with hints of mint, herb,spice aged in French Oak and American oak Elegant finish filled with notes of nut and spices Great price point!
Price: $$23.70
Tasting Notes: A Blend created by 12 bartenders from five countries were brought together to create The Bartender's Blend, using whiskies spanning five decades Nose: Dried apricot, milk chocolate, honey and green tobacco leaf. Palate: Delicate cherry blossom and buttery brioche, undercut by zesty notes of ginger, resulting in an edgy and expanding whisky. Finish: Longlasting warmth.
Price: $72.99
Tasting Notes: Pale gold blended whisky from Suntory, comprised of Chita grain, and Hakushu and Yamazaki malts. Nose is banana and caramel with the faintest hint of smoke. On the palate, a silky mouth feel enhances the fruit notes providing lychee, more banana and vanilla. Finish is a bit short, giving corn and mild smoke. A very well balanced blend.
Tasting Notes: For centuries, Alentejano`s main link to the wine world was in the production of cork. Thanks to ambitious privately owned estates, however, by 2010 the region commanded a large share of the domestic wine market and an expanding export share. The wines are charming and fruit forward, and this is no exception. A blend of Syrah, Touriga Nacionale, Aragones, and Alivcante Bouchet. Eye: medium dense ox-blood, magenta rim, black coffee notes. Nose: herbal: sage, thyme, plum skin, red licorice, black cherry. Palate: nice balance. Good mouthfeel, medium grain tannins, plum, currant, chokecherry, compote, pomegranate. Drink now. Had it with a deli meat pizza and it fit right in! 13.5% abv.
Price: $$18.99 750 ml
Tasting Notes: It's sparkling and it's beautiful in the glass! A dramatically beautiful sparkling rose: a rich, vibrant pink color. A rich red fruit bouquet precedes an elegant palate of strawberry and black currant, resulting in a perfect harmony of aroma, taste, body,and finish: refreshing but not too sweet. A delicious, delicate blend of three of France's most famous rose grapes: Syrah, Cinsault, and Grenache, aged for the perfect effervescence and blended with a 100% Syrah dosage. We have half sizes, 750 mls and 1.5 litres which are on sale!
Price: $$29.99
Tasting Notes: A passionate expression of a great Lodi Pinot Noir. This wine creates a lasting impression with substantial flavors and aromas, yet has a delicate palate. Perfectly balanced, medium bodied flavors of black currant accented with a hint of spiciness. Deliciously smooth, rich, and velevety for a sensational finish. This wine is wonderful straight out of the bottle, but has complexity to improve over several years. Pairs well with grilled salmon, roast beef, chicken cooked in red wine, or any dish that features mushrooms as the main flavor element. Some additional food that match well as Pinot Noir are roasted and braised preparations of lamb, pheasant, and duck, as well as grilled, meaty fish such as salmon, shark and swordfish.
Tasting Notes: A sparkling Burgundy! Creamy,salmon coloured Cremant with cherry, strawberry, fresh bread and juicy red grapefruit. Dry and crisp and perfect for toasting special occasions or just sipping before dinner.
Tasting Notes: This scrumptious malbec has an intense violet colour with black/blue shades. Ripe black fruit aromas (blackberries, ripe cherries & plums) with floral hints of violets and some spicy notes. Barrel aged in French oak for 18 monnths.
Tasting Notes: On the nose, lemon, grilled pineapple and oyster shell. On the palate, peach, papaya and crisp tangerine notes are complemented by a touch of spice, brioche and complex minerality. Balanced acidity lingers on a long ¬finish.Wonderful addition to the thanksgiving table!
Tasting Notes: "This isn’t another celebrity whisky. Instead, it’s a Canadian whisky with a patriotic flavor profile. The palate is amped up by a raw spicy edge that’s implied on the nose of caramel and rye bread spices. If other whiskies are described as spice bombs, then this whisky in TNT. After the fuse has been lit, it doesn’t waste time transitioning to sweet vanilla and young rye grains. Ol’ Dirty cleans up on the backend gliding politely into timeless citrus pith."
Tasting Notes: Dark amber in the glass, but still brilliantly clear. The nose pushes honey and cinnamon sugar at you with mild, barely noticeable smoke. On the palate, the honey remains at centre stage, backed by oak and evergreen notes while the smoke becomes stronger. Finish is quite warm, of medium length and very pleasant. Bottled at 43%.
Price: $89.99
Tasting Notes: This luscious fruity wine can be paired nicely with ham or turkey or some spicy Thai food. It displays notes of apricot, gooseberry, citrus, peach and cantaloupe. This wine can also be enjoyed as a sipper with friends.
Tasting Notes: Greeted with sun-ripened raspberries and freshly ground white peppercorns on the nose, this Zinfandel is saturated with flavors of red berries and cranberries. Laced with a hint of savory herb in the background, the traditional tones of juniper lead to a full and ripe finish, while 12 months of aging in two year old barrels wraps the wine in spicy oak and a touch of vanilla wafer.
Tasting Notes: Characterful and fashionable, Verdejo is Rueda's pride and joy. Its distinctive blue-green bloom presumably inspired its name. Eye: pale straw, gold/green tinges. Nose: Layered: peach, apricot, snap pea, washed gravel, golden delicious apple. Palate: Grilled pineapple, quince, lemon curd, grapefruit pith. Clean, medium full body, good balance between acid and fruit. Juicy, medium lengthy finish. By all accounts, can be aged, but is delicious right now. 13% abv.
Price: $$20.49 750 ml.
Tasting Notes: Hailing from Etude's California's Central Coast Santa Barbara region, Lyric Pinot Noir is elegant with silky tannins and bright acidity. It is rich in ripe cherry, red raspberry and strawberry notes. Youthful yet complex with delicious hints of cinnamon, cardamon, sandalwood and cola on the palate. This versatile wine can be enjoyed with a variety of different foods. A winner with Thanksgiving Dinner!
Tasting Notes: A great "little gem" from Spain, and priced so well! From the La Mancha region in Spain, a fine little blend, Tempranillo (95%) and Petit Verdot (5%) Lighter translucent blood red, blackberry on the nose. Slightly sweet tannins, not over ripe, with red currant and other red fruit flavours. Gentle acidity, a fine young wine! Think antipasto platters, although will pair with beef, pasta, and poultry .
Price: $$14.99
Tasting Notes: Amalaya translates to “hope for a miracle” in the indigenous language of the now extinct tribe – the Calchaqui. Intense gold in colour with tints of green. On the nose this wine is intense and complex with aromas of citrus and grapefruit typical of Torrontes. Delicate and silky on the palate with great freshness and crisp acidity on the distinctly mineral finish. 95 pts Decanter Magazine
Tasting Notes: As ripe as it is fruity, but sufficiently fixed on blackberries to stay on the varietal track, this broad, slightly viscous, full-bodied Zin fits the district style perfectly. From Lodi, California. A great pairing with barbecue and I like just sipping on this one!. At at this special price, it's a little gem that really over-delivers!
Tasting Notes: Fairview is one of the most innovative wine farms in South Africa, making consistently good to excellent wines. The 2015 expression, a word play on Cotes Du Rhone, is comprised of Viognier 61%, Roussane 20%, and Grenache Blanc 19%. Eye: Golden Delicious apple skin, marigold/lime. Nose: A melange of white peach, apricot, honeydew melon, snap pea, washed stone. Palate; clean, good balance of acid and fruit, medium full body, Pink Lady apple, quince, melon. juicy and very approachable. This wine delivers good complexity for a fair (and Fair Trade!) price. Drink now, cellar up to 3-5 years after vintage date. Check it out!!
Price: $$15.99 750 ml.
Tasting Notes: Nose: Quite thick and full. There is a beautiful sweetness with notes of toasty oak, toffee, spicy stewed fruits, a touch of resin and a lovely crème anglaise character. Palate: Full and sublimely smooth with notes of stewed Bramley apples, malmsey, a touch of aniseed and a hint of spice. Finish: Good length with toasty oak notes and a creamy sweetness.
Tasting Notes: Clear mezcal espadin with tight, lingering pearls and very light body. Nose is smokey, beyond that it reveals very distinct agave, citrus and herbaceous notes with a touch of sea salt. As it enters the palate it becomes deceptively sweet while retaining the smoke; citrus becomes more pronounced and bruised mint nudges the agave out of the spotlight before sliding down with amazing softness. Finish lasts and lasts, with a drying effect that makes you want more. Bottled at 90 proof
Tasting Notes: An innovative approach to "twice barrelled" bourbon creates the rich and colourful flavour. First matured in charred oak barrel, then a second barrel deeply toasted. Deep amber in colour, rich notes of dark fruit, caramel,honey,chocolate,marzipan, and toasted oak. Tastes full bodied with mix of vanilla, dark Carmel, hazelnut, apple, fruit and spices. Long and creamy finish with hint of honeyed apple.
Price: $$73.89
Tasting Notes: A very complex, beautifully balanced blend of Malbec, Cab Franc & Cab Sauv with vibrant red – and blackcurrants combined with dark plums and a lean, mineral finish. The fruit character is extremely rich but is also bright and bouncy, exuding freshness. Refined and with lovely purity, this has great sweetness on the finish and a lifted hint of violets. Grown-up and very well done. 96 pts Wine Decanter – Top 10 Exciting wines for 2016
Tasting Notes: Very intense red colour with aromas of fresh red and black fruits and a hint of eucalyptus. It's oak aging brings out notes of chocolate, coffee and vanilla. It has soft tannins and the palate is balanced.
Tasting Notes: Col Solare is a partnership between Tuscany's Marchesi Antinori and Washington State's Chateau Ste. Michelle. Shining Hill is the English translation of “col solare”. Red Mountain, one of the Columbia Valley's most celebrated sub-appellations, is an ideal spot for growing Cabernet Sauvignon. It is named for the red-hued native grass that grows on its slopes. 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, 8% Merlot. Eye: Opaque Indigo/purple. Nose: layered with plum, black cherry, menthol, espresso, graphite, vanilla, espresso. Palate: sinewy, muscular, and extracted, with medium full tannins, plum skin, black currant, blackberry, bitter chocolate. Good length to the finish. Drink now, better to wait: 7 - 12 years after vintage date.
Price: $$58.99
Tasting Notes: An organic red wine from Italy where the grapes are left to dry on the vine before the vinification process begins. Aromas of black pepper and ripe fruit. Smooth mouthfeel, with blackberry and dark plum, along with some herbal notes. Medium finish. A great summer BBQ wine!
Tasting Notes: Layered aromatics of dark fruit, nutmeg, dark chocolate, with a touch of black pepper and a hint of vanilla on the nose. A complex wine with slight earthy tones and long finish, reminds me of a good Hermitage. Try with roasted leg of lamb with garlic, shallot and herb demi glaze.
Tasting Notes: Limited release, non chill filtered, slightly peated single malt from Tomatin. Dark gold colour, bordering on amber. Nose is citrus forward, lime and lemon, with lots of vanilla and fleeting herbal notes. Very soft entry on the palate, it hits the tongue with next to no heat. Dark roast coffee, milk chocolate and nutty notes are the stars here with just enough smoke to notice. Finish is short, sweet and smoky. Bottled at 46%.
Tasting Notes: An amazing, affordable single vineyard wine from Barossa, Australia's premier wine growing region. This Cabernet Sauvignon is earthy, with nose of cassis, blackcurrant and mint. It's ripe and the dark fruit characteristics dominate on the palate while the fine tannins give structure to the wine without overpowering it. A great BBQ wine for the summer!
Tasting Notes: Derived from rocky limestone this wine is rather deceptive. It begins with bright fruit then evolves into a complex Pinot Noir. There is an absence of oak but a terrific mineral saltiness
Tasting Notes: Though modeled after horchata, a Mexican drink made with ground almonds, rice and cinnamon, this liqueur is made with rum and cream. It has an opaque, milky appearance, almondy notes and a spiced aroma. Thick, velvety and tongue-coating, this liqueur-like rum evokes egg nog and goes down easy.Serve over ice, with coffee or enjoy alone. This delicious liqueur will not let you down.
Tasting Notes: 2015 - 91 pt.s Wine Decanter Magazine A cool climate chardonnay that has spent time on the lees to give it extra complexity and dimension – resulting in richly textured and intense buttery characters and ripe apple and citrus fruit. An inexpensive yet great alternative to Burgundy!
Tasting Notes: The first thing you notice about this spirit is the bottle. It's a heavy glass decanter-style bottle with a sturdy stopper. A very nice presentation. Upon opening, the scent of toasted nuts is immediately apparent. It's a very pleasant aroma, like roasting chestnuts at Christmas time. Its Very smooth and buttery, with a prominent flavor of sweet nuts and a hint of vanilla. It has a silky texture that makes it go down very easily, despite an alcohol content of 26.5% (53 proof). Creamy Crispy Crunch 1 oz. Trader Vic's Macadamia Nut 1 oz. Trader Vic's Coconut Rum 1 oz. Irish cream Coffee Mix liquors and add coffee. Top with whipped cream. sweet, nutty and delicious.
Price: $37.99
Tasting Notes: Subtly effervescent and off dry with perfect, refreshing balance. Sip on its own in the summer or enjoy with aromatic Southeast Asian cuisine featuring ingredients such as cilantro, lime and lemongrass.
Tasting Notes: American rye whiskey from the company of the same name. Very deep amber colour bordering on fresh motor oil and sticks readily to the glass. Nose is amazingly rich with candied ginger, orange zest, faint caramel and a touch of peach. Ginger forward on the palate giving way to exceptional rye spiciness and vanilla. Finish stays for what seems like days with a noticeable heat. Water takes away a bit of the edge while retaining all the flavour. Bottled at 90 proof.
Tasting Notes: this delightful gin is aged and matured in 200 litre oak casks, after windmills help grind the various grains, keeping an old school feel start to finish. It is then bottled at 44% proof notes of Carmel,vanilla,coming through alongside crisp herbal juniper notes make this a natural for a gin and tonic on the deck. Oh those lazy hazy days of summer!!
Tasting Notes: A fresh white wine made from Verdejo white grape varietal that is native to Spain. This wine is a fine example of the wonderful Verdejo wines from the Rueda wine region. With an intense nose and aromas of tropical fruit, like pineapple, it is a very fresh wine with a fruity, long finish. Great pairings with cheeses, starters, salads and seafood. A great summer wine. Serve at 6-8 degrees celcius.
Tasting Notes: The Dundee Hills lie on the Western edge of the broad Willamette Valley, and are noted for their ruddy colored clay-like Jory loam soils. Typically, wines made here are soft, smooth, and readily drinkable, yet retain cellaring potential.This 2012 expression is a beauty. Appearance: semi-opaque, cranberry, pomegranate. Nose: violet, raspberry coulis, red plum, blueberry. Palate: supple and graceful, soft entry with medium acidity and smooth tannins reaching mid-palate. Notes of strawberry reduction, prune, red currant, loam, truffle. The palate promises further concentration of these elements with cellaring. Drink now, or defer gratification for up to 8 - 10 years after vintage date. Pair with seared tuna, beef bourgignon, pork tenderloin.
Price: $$42.99
Tasting Notes: Nose: Deliciously fragrant with orange blossom, roasted lemon and a touch of thyme. Hints of brown sugar sweetness. Palate: More lemon notes develop on the palate paired with pine. Cardamom spiciness. Maybe even a touch of Fino sherry? Finish: Waxy fruit and another kick of cardamom.
Price: $109.90
Tasting Notes: Herbaceous notes on the nose like green pepper and black pepper. Good structure and great acidity that gives a lot of freshness. Soft tannins with raspberries and ripe black currant. Barnyard and earthy wine! 95 pt. Decanter Magazine
Tasting Notes: It's summer! Time for Roses! I am really enjoying this fresh, lively Rose wine from Cote du Rhone. It's named for the latitude which runs 2 kms from Domaines cellars at Tain L'hermitage. Sourced from 2 farms on the property from vines over 20 years old and sustainably managed, this fresh, minerally rose with floral notes of wild berries, pepper and cherries. 50% Grenache 40% Cinsault and 10% Syrah, it's a classic Provencal style Rose. Enjoy for sipping, with appetizers, salmon, shrimp, pork or chicken dishes on the barbeque. Sante!
Tasting Notes: Floral, honeydew, petrol, and lemon notes chased with green apple, citrus, slate and nectarine flavours describe this Riesling. It’s smooth, crisp and balanced with bright acidity and a spicy finish making it a sublime food wine. Enjoy it with Dungeness crab, barbecue and mild cheeses.
Price: $19.89
Tasting Notes: The exact recipe is a secret but we do know Amaro Montenegro contains 40 herbs and botanicals. On the nose it is very floral with rose, lavender,coriander,black pepper, licorice abd saffron. On the palate it is floral and not too sweet with a light mouth feel. It is a bitter and and finishes with a subtle earthy spice. Enjoy on the rocks, neat or in a cocktail.
Tasting Notes: The purple-colored Corral de Campanas is 100% Tinta de Toro, 50% aged in tank with batonnage and 50% in French and American oak, half new. It gives up a fragrant perfume of cedar, scorched earth, espresso, cherry, and cassis. Forward, smooth-textured, and sweetly-fruited, this easy-going, pleasure-bent wine will drink well for another six years.
Tasting Notes: Mead is a venerable brew made from honey; its history stretches back thousands of years. Alberta is Canada's largest producer of honey, and the most productive honey province. Alberta’s commercial beekeepers produce an average of 144 pounds of honey per hive each year – twice the world average. So it's a no brainer to be in the mead making business. This Bochet (beau-shay) is a 'burnt honey' mead. Color: deep bronze/golden. Nose: hints of caramel, buerre brulee. Palate: smooth, lovely, with depth. Hints of rancio, roasted apricot, toasted almond. It's similar to an Olorosso, but with some sweetness. Pair with butternut squash soup, cheese platters, Spanish style tapas. Drink now.
Tasting Notes: A lighter coloured, medium to full bodied blended whisky from Suntory. On the nose, a prominent green apple scent with undertones of ripe pear and faint vanilla. As it enters the palate, it warms the mouth gently with more developed vanilla and smokey back leading to a pleasant but fleeting finish.
Tasting Notes: A delicious liqueur made from pomegranate juice, tequila and vodka. The taste starts tart and sweet then launches into a tart tequila flavor. It is easy to drink and complements a variety of drinks. This is a great additive to champagne, or to just enjoy on the patio with some ice and cranberry juice.
Price: $42..00
Tasting Notes: Fruity raspberry, & semi-sweet on the palate - this slightly frizante rose, made from a combination of Cabernet and Tempranillo, grapes is the perfect for summer. A perfect companion for spicey foods, salads or even on its own with some fresh berries!
Tasting Notes: A handcrafted vodka created from the spicy Viognier grape, with interesting tropical notes on the nose and a smooth finish with a substantive aftertaste. This vodka mixes fantastically with a wide selection of citrus juices or can be enjoyed alone.
Tasting Notes: Smooth aged rum with natural vanilla,caramel and tropical fruit notes great for rum punch poolside or sipping it straight.
Price: $$36.00
Tasting Notes: Vanilla, allspice and maple syrup tones on the nose become wood and cocoa on the palate. The finish has roasted orange peel and a subtle heat. Enjoy with nuts and hard cheeses.
Tasting Notes: Rose wines are a delightful "sipper" on the deck this summer again! "The Ned"has a classic bouquet of rose tinged summer berry fruits and cream, and combines with a neatly rounded fleshy palate balanced by a bright, crisp acidity and dusting of ultra fine Pinot Noir tannin. Serve chilled.
Price: $$19.99
Tasting Notes: From 100% Trebbiano grapes from the oldest vines in the Poderi Massimo vineyard near Lake Garda Italy, this is one of my all time favourite white wines. Luscious and intense flavours of stone fruit, vanilla and white flowers are beautifully layered on the palate. It is a brillant gold colour with a magnificent floral bouquet. Enjoyed solo, or pair it with Rotisseri Chicken, veal scallopini, calamari or scampi. It's a treat you should not miss!
Tasting Notes: A blend hearkening back to mid-late 19th Century Bordeaux, when Malbec was more an ingredient in the recipes. 60% Malbec, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Petite Verdot. Eye: deep violet/black, with burnished magenta rim. A 'glass-coater'. Nose: good depth with blueberry reduction, black cherry, vanilla, mint leaf. Palate: Cherry confirms nose, bramble, mocha, plush, full body, soft tannins, nice balance. Drink now; cellar potential possibly 5 years from vintage date. Pair with hamburgers, ribs, lamb chops, cheddar cheese, mild gouda. You could even try squeezing some 60-70% dark chocolate in there.
Tasting Notes: On the nose the 'Great King St. Artists Blend' is a gentle, slightly sweet, & creamy whiskey with light, elegant notes of citrus fruits and a touch of vanilla. Carrying flavors of soft grain, apple crumble, vanilla & cream, without excess alcohol burn, this whiskey is a beautiful and silky sipping whiskey. Neat or on the rocks, its great fresh whiskey for the upcoming summer.
Tasting Notes: a beautiful plush cabernet from California. tones of raspberry, plums with notes of earth and smoke on the nose. round tannins provide structure without any rough edge. Ideal choice for slow simmered stews, roasts. Drink now or will age nicely.
Tasting Notes: Carmenere was very important in the Medoc and Graves before the twin scourges of oidium and phylloxera in the late 19th century. It found a new home in Chile and has become a signature varietal. This wine is opaque, almost black, with a vibrant magenta rim. Nose: black licorice, date, plum, tobacco, hint of eucalyptus. Palate: full body, medium firm and fine grained tannins, plum echoes the nose, currants, mocha. long silky finish. Drink now, suitable for short to mid term cellaring. Think baby back ribs, marinated rib eye steaks. BBQ season is a`comin...
Tasting Notes: Made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes in a white wine style this wine is best served nicely chilled as an aperitif or summertime sipper. On the nose it is very aromatic with citrus blossom, green pear and biscuit characteristics. The palate is full and fruity with pear, baked apple, peaches and nectarine. This wine finishes with an exoctic spice and tropical flavour.
Tasting Notes: Most of Luis Pato’s wines are built for the long haul, and the Vinhas Velhas white, made from three indigenous Portuguese grapes, Bical, Cercial (or Cerceal), and Sercialinho, is no exception. With bracing acidity reminiscent of a dry-grown Australian Riesling that will cut through the fattiest of foods, this is a perfect complement to Easter dinner, and can be cellared for some years under good conditions.
Tasting Notes: Love this Chardonnay! It's a creamy-textured, charming style that’s easy to drink yet is deceptively complex and layered, with a mix of vanilla-scented oak and vibrant peach, nectarine, honeydew and apricot flavors. Long on the finish. Wine Spectator Gives it 93 points. Try it with my favourite pairing- chunk of French bread spread with roasted garlic and a slice of Cambozola cheese! Heaven!
Price: $$53.99
Tasting Notes: Toscana IGT 92 pts – Wine Decanter The youngest and third wine of the great Tenuta dell'Ornellaia, Le Volte A is a blend of Sangovese, Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon. Half done in oak and half in concrete. Easy drinking, fresh and fruity. Medium to light body, Drink now. Great with pizza, steak florintina
Tasting Notes: A subtle, yet memorably zesty citrus twist that makes it ideal for a classic martini, a highball, or an invigorating short on the rocks.The Rangpur lime, which smooths out the gin, is actually a hybrid fruit between a lemon and a mandarin orange.
Tasting Notes: A generous full bodied red wine full of inky forest fruits, layered with blackcurrant pastilles and dark chocolate characters. The combination of the dense fruit characters and supple tannins linger through to a persistent Cabernet finish. A smooth sipper, enjoy with red meats (think BBQ steak) or on its own!
Price: $$27.88
Tasting Notes: A bright, juicy, spicy Pinot that slides down easily.Red cherry/raspberry rhubarb fruit with soft edges. Very drinkable and ready to go with grilled duck, pork or chicken or sipping slightly chilled. Solid northern BC pinot style.
Price: $$31.99
Tasting Notes: A magical Gran Reserva from Rioja. This Tempranillo with a touch of Garnacha is aged for 36 months in oak and rested for 6 years. It is a very elegant wine with a complex nose and a lingering aftertaste. Wonderful in a glass, phenomenal with beef.
Tasting Notes: Finished in ex-Cabernet Sauvignon casks from California, which impart some bright fruit notes to the nose, this is clearly a corn-heavy grain whiskey both on the nose and on the palate, with Christmas spice giving way to red fruit and the tannins from the wine casks ensuring the sweetness mid-palate doesn’t dominate.
Tasting Notes: Zesty lime and grapefruit aromas on the nose. The palate is fresh and focused with ripe citrus, stone fruit, fennel and mineral notes on a nice, long finish.
Tasting Notes: This vintage of Napa Cabs is arguably one of the best. This wine has aromas of plum, cherry, and cassis; highlighted with cedar, tobacco and vanilla. The mouth is layered with jammy flavors of raspberry, red currants, and black cherry. Ripe tannins focus the palate and provide a lengthy finish of spice and red fruit.
Price: $34.99 ($31.99 Wine Club)
Tasting Notes: Siegerrebe (zee-guh-RAY-buh) (your'e welcome) is a cross between Savagnin Rose and Madeleine Angevine and has been known to achieve robust, to say the least, levels of sugar when fully ripe. (Sieger, in German, = 'champion'.) This, potentially, can lead to almost dessert wine sweetness, but in the hands of Gray Monk, the grapes are subdued. Eye: soft, light gold, with straw bale notes. Nose: lychee, honeysuckle, apricot, white peach, washed stones. Palate: clean, mineral, McIntosh Apple, peach, orange marmalade. Low acid. Medium short finish. Drink now. Drink chilled. Great with moderately spicy dishes; think enchiladas, burritos, mild curries. Also excellent with fruit salad, or light mousses, aged cheeses. Buy a few and be ready for the patio!!
Price: $$22.99
Tasting Notes: A Winter Harvest Rye vodka from Lithuania. 5 times distilled provides an elemental softness and purity with a presentation that is spectacular.
Tasting Notes: A wonderfully smooth vodka with a delicious chocolate flavor. Its a 35% abv. vodka that you would never know was there. Perfect mix for a black Russian, white Russian or a vodka martini, hot chocolate or to enjoy on its own.
Tasting Notes: I describe this wine as my "go to". Easy drinking, fruit driven wine with herbal overtones, bursting ripe berry and plum fruit of the Garnacha. Soft and round on the palate, this wine has limited extraction and tannin to enhance youthful consumption. Year after year it's consistent and certainly doesn't break the bank! Goes great with tomato based pasta dishes, cold cuts, mixed tapas or just because you want a glass of wine!
Price: $$11.99
Tasting Notes: Clear garnet-ruby in colour with violet, cherry and blackberry on the nose. It has a beautiful light spicy finish with smooth tannins and good acidity. It would pair well with placed salmon, glazed ham, pork or to begin with appies.
Tasting Notes: This bold structured red wine is a blend of Malbec (85%) and Merlot (15%) Aged in oak for 14 months, this deep purple wine has notes of black and red fruits, with vanilla and spice. Enjoy with beef and cheeses. This lovely wine deliveries without breaking the bank!
Price: $$17.44
Tasting Notes: A limited release of 6 000 bottles, this whisky was aged entirely in ex-Sauternes casks. The unctuousness, intense sweetness, and density imparted by the Sauternes brings out some of the sweetness of the malt, emphasising its underlying citrusy, maritime character, and integrates marvellously with the heavily peated spirit. Bottled at 50% abv rather than 46%, the higher alcohol content lightens the flavour profile on the palate.
Tasting Notes: Elegant. Color: deep sanguine, brick magenta on rim. Nose expresses layers: dark chocolate, black licorice, blackberry, tomato paste, sandalwood, kirsch. Palate: round and full, with fine grain integrated tannins, notes of black currant, cranberry reduction, dried dates, black olive brine, and a pleasant chokecherry compote note on the medium length smooth finish. Drinks very well now; will continue to gain for 2 - 3 years (and possibly more) in good cellar conditions. Pairs with a range: braised beef, pasta and marinara sauce, roast lamb or pork, hard cheeses. This wine is food friendly!
Price: $$38.99
Tasting Notes: 96 pts. Decanter Awards This delicious blend is comprised of Malbec (60%), Cabernet Sauvignon(25%) and Petit Verdot (15%), it is silky-smooth and complex - with a nose of dark spiced dark fruit, and a palate of plum, blackberry and vanilla. Aged 6 months.
Tasting Notes: Arguably one of the best California vintages ever, this special 50th anniversary bottling by the iconic California producer, who was instrumental in putting Napa on the world wine map. It is a very approachable Bordeaux-style blend of 59% Merlot, 25% Cab Franc - with Cab Sauv, Petit Verdot and Malbec taking up the rest. Plums, black berries, dark chocolate, oak spices on the nose and the palate. Full bodied, savoury texture with ripe acidity and polished tannins.
Price: $ $73.99
Tasting Notes: Hailing from "the red wine bowl" of South Africa, the syrah vines were imported from France before the turn of the century. Named after the buzzards that circle and play in the thermals above the vineyard, these vines have been planted in the coolest and least sun exposed slopes in Rustenberg. The result is a consistent and full bodied Syrah. Deep purple and inky, initially strong and meaty developing complex aromas of cinnamon, violets and cloves. Concentrated and gratifying length. Decant first. Ages 8-12 years.
Price: $$35.99
Tasting Notes: A rum blend aged for 4 years in American whiskey and bourbon barrels. It is blended as a mixing rum but, is smooth enough to be enjoyed over ice. A great winter warmer!
Tasting Notes: often referred to as "poor man's Chatauneuf du Pape", this French blend of Grenache (62%) and Syrah (38%)Is dense and bright, full nose of black olives and spicy plum. On the palate, lively freshness and firm structure. Finish is long with medium tannins.
Tasting Notes: Deep aromas of dark cherry and strawberry that lead to soft notes of cedar, mocha and leather. A medium bodied, yet balanced wine with a leong finish.
Tasting Notes: Fruit forward with ripe plum, dried Morello cherry and dried cranberry leading the way; supple fine grain tannins mid palate give a firm but smooth structure. Plush mouth feel.This wine is drinking nicely at the moment but does portent short to medium cellaring. Could pair with charcuterie, roast lamb or pork, hard cheeses
Price: $$27.49
Tasting Notes: Huge value here in a maturing, complex and quite rich traditional Rioja. Aromas of cured meat, leather, peppery spice... A delightful blend of Tempranillo, Graciana and Grenache.
Tasting Notes: I love anything Ginger! Originally commissioned in 1903 by the Royal Physician to stimulate and revivify His Majesty King Edward VII when he was exposed to the elements on morning rides in his new horseless carriage. Made in the Netherlands by Berry Bros. & Rudd, it is made from macerated ginger in high end spirit and lemon oil is added for an uplifting citrus note. 41%alcohol. Great paired with chocolate or added to whisky, mulled wine or hot apple cider for a lovely winter warmer.
Tasting Notes: Fresh and crisp Sauvignon Blanc. Citrus and straw aromas, slight minerality. Clean acidity, smooth finish, with hint of lemon.
Price: $16.09
Tasting Notes: An incredibly versatile liqueur. A family recipe of 43 different Mediterranean citrus fruits and botanicals.
Tasting Notes: The flavor is light and doesn't taste artificial nor is it too aggressive. The flavor is sweet and rounded out by real whiskey flavors. It is a great sipping whiskey but will be a standout for interesting and unique cocktails.
Tasting Notes: Managed by Champagne Salon (along with Champagne Krug, one of the two pre-eminent Champagne houses) and Laurent-Perrier, the Delamotte Champagnes represent exceptional value for money. There is a cultural image of Champagne – light, fizzy, frothy. Many Champagnes defy that image; the Delamotte Blancs de Blancs, from the greatest Grand Cru Champagne village for Chardonnay-based Champagnes, however, doesn’t: with considerable elegance and finesse, it brilliantly fulfils them.
Tasting Notes: This Tempranillo has robust black-fruit aromas of berry and cassis that come with a mild animal note and leathery scents. This is jammy and big in terms of mouthfeel, while flavours of raisin, berry and chocolate finish meaty and loamy.
Tasting Notes: In honour of our September trip to South Africa – This is a 5 blend red: Pinotage: 40% Shiraz: 24% Merlot: 23% Grenache: 7% Mourvedre: 6% A bright fruit packed, full-bodied spicy blend with good balance and a long finish.
Tasting Notes: Five grape blend. 47% Merlot, 35% Petite Sirah, 9% Charbono, 8% Cab Sauv, 1% Petit Verdot. One of Napa’s finest winemaker’s, Bob Foley makes deep, fruity, “heady” wines. The Griffin boasts straight-forward blueberry, black raspberry, black cherry liqueur flavors along with black licorice, black tea and black pepper sensations. It’s rich, juicy, full-flavored and smooth.
Tasting Notes: “Incredibly perfumed for a Cabernet Franc, as the nose is very floral and made me think of a Malbec rather than a Cabernet Franc. The spiciness of all these Eggo wines comes from the grapes and the fermentation and aging in cement, as none of the wines see any oak. And I tell you one thing, you do not miss the oak or the complexity or anything, it’s all here.” – 94 pts Robert Parker
Tasting Notes: Smooth aged rum with notes of caramel, natural vanilla and tropical fruits, great on its own or try it in a rum punch poolside!
Price: $$74.99 regular price this rum is now on sale for $36.00
Tasting Notes: 100% Trebbiano grapes, from the oldest vineyard on the Poderi Massoni Vineyard near Lake Garda, Italy, this is one of my all time favourite white wines. It is elegant, sophisticated and bursting with an intense floral bouquet, with flavours of stone fruit, vanilla and white flowers. Luscious and layered, it can be enjoyed solo, or paired with Rotisserie Chicken, Veal Scallopini, Calamari or Scampi.
Tasting Notes: Elegant. Color deep sanguine with brick magenta on the rim. Nose expresses layers: dark chocolate, black licorice, blackberry, tomato paste, sandalwood, kirsch. The palate is full, round, with integrated fine tannins, juicy black currant, cranberry reduction, dried dates, black olive brine, and a pleasant chokecherry compote note on the smooth, medium length finish. Drinks exceptionally well now; will continue to improve in good cellaring conditions for 2 - 3 years, and perhaps longer. Pair with many foods; pasta with marinara sauce, veal scaloppini, roast lamb, hard cheeses. This wine is food friendly!
Tasting Notes: Intense deep deep purple colour. Elegant nose showing red fruits, cassis and graphite. Fresh palate, great texture, soft yet vibrant tannins. Pairs well with risottos or game meats.
Tasting Notes: Deep aromas of dark cherry and strawberry with subtle notes of cedar spice, mocha, and leather. Rich and red fruit flavors that lead to medium body and tannins. A concentrated but balanced wine with a nice long finish.