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048793 DOMAINE LOUIS BOUILLOT
PERLE D'AURORE BRUT ROSE Crémant de Bourgogne, Burgundy $19.95
If the price of Champagne scares you, this pink Burgundian bubbly is no
slouch and will not disappoint. It has intriguing earthy mushroom
aromas, a touch of raspberry, dark fruit and cake spice. It is made
using the traditional Champagne method. The mouth feel is full and
creamy. Pop this in the Xmas stocking and good things may happen in the
morning. Find this wine
616441 HENRY OF PELHAM CUVEE
CATHARINE SPARKLING BRUT, Niagara Peninsula $29.95
This is quality tough to beat at this price. Pelham’s bubbly has plenty
of mineral character, a nice dose of citrus, peach and pear on the nose.
The palate is elegant, balanced featuring tree fruits and citrus. Find this wine
Next in line is what vintages terms “Niagara's stars”
476192 KONZELMANN VIDAL ICEWINE 2006 Niagara Peninsula 375 ml $65
This Ice Wine is a classic. It is so well balanced, the honeycomb, dried
apricot, tangerine and pastry aromas all combine beautifully. It is
thick and viscous on the palate, lively citrus acidity balances the
sweetness perfectly. Find this wine
 033894
LE CLOS JORDANNE VILLAGE RESERVE PINOT NOIR 2006 Niagara Peninsula
$30.00
One of Niagara’s most talked about wines. Previous vintages have sold
out the day they are released. The 2006 lacks the density of fruit of
previous vintages. It is leaner and has a candy coating mouth feel.
There is red fruit and a little mineral too. The finish has decent
length and carries a layer of tannin. It seems an odd time to increase
the price by $5.00, given the quality of the vintage. Find this wine
319525 CHATEAU DES CHARMES EQUULEUS 2005 St. David's Bench, Niagara
Peninsula, Paul Bosc Estate Vineyard $40.00
A mix of dark fruit, vanilla, blackcurrant, leather and wet horse on the
nose. The palate is spicy, carries good acidity, decent fruit, but it is
so tannic, it will take years to come around. Hopefully the fruit will
outlive the blanket of tannin. Find this wine
085050 FIELDING ESTATE MERITAGE 2005 Niagara Peninsula $35.20
The nose lets out gentle notes of plum, mocha, caramel, blackcurrant,
black raspberry and tar. It is a medium bodied wine, well constructed
and nicely balanced. It delivers a mouthful of dark berry, black
raspberry and spice. It is tannic, but the tannins are ripe and given
time, this will be tasty. Find this wine
395855 HENRY OF PELHAM RESERVE CABERNET/MERLOT 2005 Niagara Peninsula
$29.95
Although a candidate for some short term cellaring, it is already
showing a good concentration of fruit, silky tannin and fine acidity.
The flavour profile is a combination of blackcurrant, red fruit, cherry
and damson.
Find this wine
054809 TAWSE PINOT NOIR 2006 Niagara Peninsula $32.20
This is tasty Pinot and yes it is from the not so legendary 2006
vintage. It sings Pinot from the glass. The redcurrant, rhubarb, and
sweet spice notes are vibrant. The back up brigade sends out notes of
lavender, fennel seed and mineral. It offers a velvety mouth feel with
just a touch of tannin and a long solid finish.
Find this wine
And now to a section of the catalogue listed as “The icons”
709717 CAKEBREAD CELLARS CHARDONNAY 2006 Napa Valley $57.95
Lime sorbet, muskmelon, kiwi and white peach combine to produce a nicely
constructed wine backed up with just a subtle hint of oak and the right
amount of acidity. It carries a wonderful texture on the palate, creamy,
but with just enough acidity to balance. I like this wine. Find this wine
001537 NEWTON UNFILTERED CHARDONNAY 2006 Napa County $59.95
Layers of flower petals, white tree fruits, honey, baked pear and
vanilla custard with minimal oak. It is full bodied, the palate is ripe
and creamy, fruit laden and the finish is long. Find this wine
087049 DOMAINE BOUCHARD PERE & FILS MEURSAULT GENEVRIERES, Burgundy
2006 1er Cru $101.95
Citrusy, spicy and alluring, it shows aromas of candied lime, tangerine,
hazelnut caramel and vanilla. It has a palate of kiwi, apple crumble,
wet stone and a touch of vanilla. Find this wine
655464 DOMAINE LOUIS MOREAU CHABLIS GRAND CRU LES CLOS 2006 Grand Cru
$69.95
A nose of daffodil, pear, crushed rock, lemon and pure mineral. The
palate is buttery, has decent fruit and is low in acid. A run of the
mill wine at best, I expected more from it. Find this wine
074617 DOMAINES OTT ROSE 2007 Côtes de Provence $42.95
Having drank Domaine Ott’s wine at the winery, drinking this without
enjoying the beauty of the majestic coast of the Midi, it is not quite
the same. Nonetheless it is one fruit laden and concentrated wine that
expresses its terroir so well. Its nose of hay, mineral, cherry, red
grapefruit, apricot and strawberry is excellent. The palate has fruit
mineral and just enough acidity. Find this wine
 045476
SHAFER ONE POINT FIVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 Stags Leap District, Napa
Valley $77.95
Can’t say I have tasted a wine from Shafer that has disappointed me and
this bottle will not break my run. It sends up notes of underbrush,
earth, dried mint, Thai basil and pure black fruit. There is just the
right amount of creamy oak on the palate; it is elegant and balanced.
Although it is drinking well now, it will hold for a few years and
reward the patient collector well. Find this wine
943472 SILVER OAK CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2003 Alexander Valley, Sonoma
$72.95
Herbal and green notes give way to black cherry and currant fruit aromas
with creamy oak and vanilla. It is tight and viscous on the palate, the
oak is a bit too dominant much for me. Find this wine
539098 FAR NIENTE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 Oakville, Napa Valley
$140.95
This beautifully built Cabernet pummels my sensory buds with layers of
spice, treacle, dried mushroom, dried thyme and cherry. The mouth feel
is sublime, the balance is seamless. Dusty tannins jump up for a ride on
the super long finish. Find this wine
315176 CONCHA Y TORO DON MELCHOR CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 Maipo
Valley, Puente Alto $61.95
Black fruit, Garam Masala, pepper, earthy potato skin, mocha molasses
and tar compete to show best on this inviting nose. The palate is packed
with mocha, dark chocolate, red fruit candy and cassis. The tannin does
not distract from instant gratification, but time will only improve this
tasty wine. Find this wine
981183 D'ARENBERG THE DEAD ARM SHIRAZ 2006 McLaren Vale, South
Australia $55.95
Unusually tight for a Dead Arm, the nose offers just a glimpse of black
licorice, dark chocolate, maple syrup and spiced coffee cake. Mineral
notes surface after a while and run through onto the blackcurrant/black
berry laden palate. It is rich with fruit, sweet, creamy and very tasty.
Find this wine
716142 ELDERTON COMMAND SINGLE VINEYARD SHIRAZ 2004 Barossa, South
Australia $96.95
Appropriate for the season, a nose of Christmas pudding backed by
caramel, mineral, iron and Ribena. It is thick on the palate, so full of
fruit, mineral and tannin. It really is good now, but just wait and see
what will happen a few years down the road. Find this wine
473645 YALUMBA THE MENZIES CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2004 Coonawarra, South
Australia $49.95
Lots of leather, tar, dark chocolate, red fruit, lead pencil and tree
bark. It has impeccable balance, good depth of fruit flavours enhanced
by notes of iron, mocha and Turkish Delight. Find this wine
997874 TORBRECK RUN RIG 2004 Barossa Valley, South Australia $274.95
Torbreck’s flagship wine is a mix of 96.5% Shiraz and 3.5% Viognier. It
pummels with bold aromas of tar, smoke, dried bay leaf, pepper, minted
chocolate and black fruit. It is so solid on the palate, full of super
ripe sweet fruit, black raspberry, caramel and crème de cassis. Not
exactly a stocking stuffer at this price assuming that is Santa doesn’t
pop the cork en route. Find this wine
103317 DOMAINE BALLOT-MILLOT & FILS BEAUNE EPENOTTES 2006 Côte de
Beaune, 1er Cru $61.95
This starts out well featuring aromas of smoked ham, hay, red cherry,
strawberry, lavender and a note of black fruit. Unfortunately the fruit
struggles to show on the palate, tannin is prominent and the finish is
quickly done. Find this wine
072140 CHATEAU CLOS DE SARPE 1998 Saint-Émilion Grand Cru $122.95
Aromas of black wet earth, moss, blackcurrant pie, cedar and cigar box.
The palate is quite lively showing dark chocolate, black raspberry,
sweet red licorice all carrying through to the finish. As good as it is
there are still plenty of tannins that need time to resolve. Find this wine
072124 CHATEAU FERRIERE 1995 AC Margaux $129.95
Super earthy aromas blend well with the oceanic tang of seaweed, brine
and black olive. There is fruit, a layer of black fruit, but it dries
out quickly on the palate leaving only the secondary notes of cedar,
smoked meat and coffee grounds. Find this wine
 043257
BOUCHARD PERE & FILS BEAUNE GREVES VIGNE DE L'ENFANT JESUS 2006 1er Cru
$129.95
A complex composite of rose petal, red licorice, lavender, clove, red
currant and pureed strawberry. I love the feel of its silky texture and
the purity of its fruit.
Find this wine
711317 CHATEAU DE BEAUCASTEL CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2006 $90.95
This keeps on developing as it sits in the glass. There are floral notes
with fennel seed, star anise, Szechwan peppercorn, blackberry ripple,
some tar and wild mushrooms. The palate is pure blackberry, complimented
by taste of dark chocolate and sweet spice. It is dense, but harmonious,
the acids do their job and the finish is so tasty. Although I know it
will only get better, I would drink this right now! Find this wine
722470 ORNELLAIA 2005 Bolgheri Superiore $158.95
Showing superb floral aromas with dried fruit, lavender and blackberry
jam. It is a monster that lurks in wait to show its best. The fruit is
powerful, but equally powerful are the tannins. Although silky, they do
have that teeth gripping texture. Find this wine
 921916
POGGIO SALVI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2003 $78.95
A wonderful blend of moss, forest floor, prune, basil, black cherry,
spice and dark fruit. Right now the palate is spicy, a little
disjointed, choc full of fruit, mineral and promise. Find this wine
958595 QUINTARELLI ROSSO CA'DEL
MERLO 2000 Veneto $91.95
I do like the sweet perfume, violet and peppery notes on the nose. The
palate is full of dark dried fruit, the strong layer of acids fine tunes
the richness very efficiently. Find this wine
 734293
PAOLO CONTERNO BAROLO GINESTRA 2004 $62.95
A wine with bold aromas of red fruit, black cherry, cinnamon, sweet
spice and tobacco leaf. Its palate offers dried fruit, a layer of sweet
cherry and some mineral earthy components. The finish is decent, there
are tannins and it will live long. Find this wine
545129 MASI MAZZANO AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2003 $102.95
A concentrated nose, full of black sweet licorice, blackberry ripple,
dusty cinnamon, tar and bitter chocolate. The palate is power packed,
but tight. It releases dried fruit on the palate, plenty of spice and
chocolaty tannin on the finish. It is a long time away from being at its
best. Find this wine
548677 MASI AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO CAMPOLONGO DI TORBE
2003 $93.95
Masi’s Campolongo is a softer more elegant style of Amarone delivering a
perfumed nose of red fruit, sweet balsamic, prune and cardamom. The
palate is so round and fruit forward. Find this wine
156885 SMITH WOODHOUSE VINTAGE PORT 1994 $89.95
This fourteen year old port is a tribute to show how great the 94
vintage was in the Douro Valley. The blanket of red raspberry and dark
chocolate is supported by a touch of salty Dutch licorice and dried fig.
It is the palate that tells the story; it is pure and rich, but the
chalky silky tannins are still in control. A few more years tucked away
and this will show well. Find this wine
500249 HIGHLAND PARK 25 YEARS OLD ORKNEY SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY
$254.95
Full of malt and peat aromas with tangerine, balsa, a nut, orange
marmalade, caramel and marzipan. It does not have the burning intensity
I often find with scotch, powerful yes, but it has a mellowing
voluptuous mouth feel that is most pleasing. A great Scotch yes,
according to a colleague of mine who knows much more than I do. He also
mentioned to me that one can find the exact same bottle in New
Brunswick’s Provincial retail system only at $100.00 less. Even better,
Ontario dollar’s are on par with those of the East Coast! Taken from the
N.B Liquor control web site: “5010314066901 Highland Park 25 Highland
Distillers 510 - Scotch Whiskies-Single Malts 25 $154.78”
And so a few wines from the regular section of the release.
542522 MALIVOIRE GEWURZTRAMINER 2006 Beamsville Bench, Niagara
Peninsula $26.00
Exotic aromas of rose petal, canned mandarin and tropical fruit lead to
a dry styled palate that is round and full of lychee and baked pear
flavours highlighted by beautiful crisp acidity. Find this wine
78535 PENINSULA RIDGE BEAL VINEYARDS RESERVE CHARDONNAY 2004
Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula $25.15
There is a funky note behind the aromas of dried banana, lanolin and
crab apple. It is a viscous wine, with good acidity, plenty of chewy
pear and ripe flavours, just not sure about that funk. Find this wine
718452 CHATEAU MONTELENA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 Napa Valley $51.95
Leathery and earthy mineral notes, a bit of dusty cocoa, black cherry,
licorice and thyme. It is in tune on the palate. Acids make the fruit
dance around, the tannin is there, but subdued. Find this wine
14217 CLIFF LEDE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 Stags Leap District, Napa
Valley $56.95
From the same district as Shafer’s One Point Cabernet, this too is a
well structures wine, perhaps without same degree of depth as its
neighbor, but it is loaded with black fruit, pepper and plum with a
touch of mocha and black tea. The palate is full, somewhat disjointed
and the finish carries a touch of heat. Nonetheless, it is one tasty
wine. Find this wine
83212 FESS PARKER THE BIG EASY SYRAH 2004 Santa Barbara County $40.95
Big and easy indeed! Big, its aromas of black fruit, earth, mineral,
licorice, mint and black pepper are reminiscent of a Northern Rhone Cru.
Easy, to drink; the meaty fleshy texture and pure ripe dark fruit puree
flavours blend well. Find this wine
652875 RIDGE THREE VALLEYS 2006 Sonoma County $29.95
Ridge’s entry level Zinfandel has increased in price by five bucks over
the 2005 that was released in Vintages this time last year. Despite the
increase it is still worth trying, the red licorice candy is aided with
notes of black toffee, a touch of mocha, dried cranberry and black
cherry. The palate needs a little time to settle down and round out, but
it is full and deftly balanced. Find this wine
50427 RODNEY STRONG CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2004 Alexander Valley, Sonoma
County, Estate Vineyards $33.95
Great concentration of fruit featuring plum and blackcurrant with sweet
spice, earthy mineral, thyme and black pepper. The palate is rich, ripe
and pure. It is a very good wine at this price. Find this wine
111880 SILVERADO VINEYARDS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2004 Napa Valley $50.95
Dusty sweet aromas of coffee, cake spice and red and black raspberry.
The palate is full of plum, damson and currant, plenty of chewy tannin
and toasty vanilla. Find this wine
675223 KILIKANOON KILLERMAN'S RUN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 South
Australia $20.95
Packed with black fruit, tar and vanilla, the palate has a thick sweet
texture, heaps of blackcurrant and sweet spice. Neither complex nor
elegant, it is tasty nonetheless. Find this wine
 501205
CHATEAU D'AIGUILHE 2005 Côtes de Castillon $47.95
A stunning wine offering marvelous floral aromas that combines
beautifully with the notes of blackcurrant, slate, mineral, black berry,
vanilla, coffee bean, pink peppercorn and nasturtium leaf. The palate is
sweet and creamy, has wonderful concentration of fruit, mineral and
earthy flavours. Find this wine
732115 CHATEAU RAMAGE LA BATISSE 2000 Haut-Médoc $41.95
The milk chocolate, cocoa, black raspberry and plum aromas are
captivating, but there is so much tannin, it is impossible right now to
taste the fruit. Find this wine
 87734
MOULIN D'ANGLUDET 2004 Margaux $38.95
Very powerful, this 2nd Wine of Château d'Angludet bursts with new world
aromas of toasty oak, blackcurrant and a touch of lead pencil and cedar.
It shows great balance on the palate, the fruit is in command assisted
by mocha, earthy and mineral flavours. At the moment the tannins are
lingering long, a year or two more rest and it should be quite lovely. Find this wine
700187 LOUIS JADOT CHATEAU DES JACQUES MOULIN-A-VENT 2005 $33.95
Faint notes of lavender, fresh cut flowers, and blackberry fruit. The
high levels of acidity over power the flavours of plum and raspberry. It
is surprisingly tannic for Gamay. Find this wine
 993279
CLOS DE L'ORATOIRE DES PAPES CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2006 $39.95
Sweet Moroccan spices give way to a layer of damson, thyme and
blackberry coulis. Rich on the palate; there is beautiful fruit, enough
acidity and iron and mineral notes on the finish. Not a typical C.N.,
nonetheless very good. Find this wine
 101535
GIGONDAS LA CAVE LA REFERENCE GIGONDAS 2006 $21.95
Possibly one of the best deals of the release, it starts by showing
underbrush, bay leaf, thyme and white pepper, dark fruit, plum and
earthy terroir. The medium bodied palate has high acidity, red berry
fruit and plenty of zesty spice. It is the type of wine one should to
drink on any day that ends with Y.Find this wine
 998716
ORTAS RASTEAU TRADITION 2007 Côtes du Rhône-Villages $16.95
Clean and simple, plenty of sweet spice, lavender and blackberry fruit
and the price is right. Find this wine
96800 SEGHESIO BAROLO VIGNETO LA VILLA 2004 $64.95
Sweet oak, dark fruit, lots of chocolate shavings and blackcurrant. The
tannins are still raw, there is plum and blackberry on the palate, but
do give this much time before opening. Find this wine
 86165
TENUTA VIGLIONE PRIMITIVO 2003 Gioia del Colle $19.95
Dark and inky, full of smoked bacon, cedar, sage, bitter chocolate,
burnt match and balsa. There is a little on the palate, but it is hot,
spicy and out of sync.
Find this wine
656538 COLLAZZI 2005 Toscana $46.95
A bold New World styled wine with lots of sweet dark fruit, a touch of
leafy under brush and vanilla. Great fruit flavours on the palate,
decent acidity and creamy notes on the finish. Find this wine
560094 ALLEGRINI VALPOLICELLA 2007 $17.95
The best QPR of the release has a medicinal quality, plenty of red fruit
aromas, cherry cola, caramel and thyme. The palate is so clean; there is
a touch of sweetness, a streak of red fruit coulis and good silky
finish.
Find this wine
 651554
MONTE ZOVO AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA RISERVA 2003 $53.95
A great combination of tobacco, cigar and leafy notes, with layers of
blackcurrant, creamy cappuccino, sweet spice, molasses and chocolate.
The palate has wonderful mix of bitter chocolate, sweet red dark fruit
and zingy acidity and a gentle touch of prune. Find this wine
Happy hols
CZ
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