In partnership with WineAlign.com we are pleased to offer an exclusive tutored tasting and reception with Alvaro Palacios, an icon in the world of wine.  Alvaro’s legend has been built on the stunning wines he has crafted from the farthest reaches of Spain, from Priorat to Rioja and now Bierzo.

After studying enology in Bordeaux, and training under Jean-Pierre Moueix at the renowned Chateau Petrus, Alvaro returned to Spain and helped revolutionize Spanish wine.  He credits his experience in Bordeaux for much of his winemaking philosophy.  It showed him the “importance of great wines” and provided him with a key reference point for his own endeavours.  His wines have won him cult status and are highly respected by the wine press.  The Wine Spectator has called Alvaro “Spain’s Most Exciting Winemaker”, in 2003 Wine & Spirits Magazine named him their “Winemaker-of-the-Year” Decanter has called him “Spain’s most talked about winemaker”.

The sit down tutored tasting co-hosted by David Lawrason will include wines from each of Alvaro’s three properties: 

The iconic Alvaro Palacios winery in Priorat.
His historic family estate, Palacios Remondo, in Rioja.
Descendientes de J. Palacios in Bierzo

“I am hugely impressed by the wines of Alvaro Palacios. They have a certain sensitivity that embraces modern styling while preserving the flavours from traditional grape varieties in regions like Rioja, Priorat and most recently Bierzo.  My visit to the latter region last fall to taste the top crus of Descendentes de Jose Palacios was a one of those great moments of revelation. I am looking forward immensely to hosting Alvaro and sharing his entire range” – David Lawrason

Event Details – sold out

Date:  Monday March 19, 2012
Location:
The Spoke Club
600 King Street West, 4th Floor
Toronto, Canada
M5V 1M3
T. 416.368.8448
Format:  Seated tutored tasting followed by a reception with hors d’oeuvres.
Time:
Tasting 6:30 – 7:30
Reception: 7:30 – 8:00pm
Ticket Price: $65

To purchase tickets click here.

One of the best parts of the wine and spirits business is discovering new products and meeting the  people who make them. At Vinexpo 2011, the world’s largest trade show for alcohol beverage (yes, it’s as fun as it sounds), I met Bernard Walsh and tasted his Writers Tears Irish Whiskey for the first time. To say I was impressed is an understatement, so with Saint Patrick’s Day around the corner it is with great pleasure that Writer’s Tears makes its Vintages debut this weekend.

Cheers, 
Jason Woodman

Available at Vintages

 

Writers Tears Pot Still Irish Whiskey

 

$47.95; Vintages No. 271106
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Writers Tears is a salute to the great writers with a style of whiskey that was popular in Joyce’s Dublin. A blend of pure pot still whiskey and malt whiskey it’s deliciously soft, sweet and easy drinking.

James Chatto, a prolific author on food, wine, and restaurants, wrote a fascinating article on Writers Tears combining history, tax policy along with a poetic description. To read James’s article click here.

Sartori Marani Bianco 2009

 

$16.95; Vintages No. 265405
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If you feel like a change from Chardonnay give this rich and flavourful Northern Italian white a try. Considered a “super Soave” it’s made from hand-picked Garganega grapes that are left to dry for 40 days adding both body and richness:

“The bouquet is like sniffing a summer peach perched next to a vase of freshly cut flowers. It’s an intensely fruity, full-bodied, one-of-a-kind white.” The Grid Toronto

Try it with grilled seafood, cream-sauced pastas or even a mildly spiced chicken curry.

Sartori Amarone Corte Brà 2004

$49.95; Vintages No. 225540
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Corte Brà Amarone is the crown jewel in the Sartori family of wines. This limited production single-vineyard Amarone is the perfect complement to hearty cuisine, roasts, steaks, chops and aged cheeses.

“Corte Brà is a layered and sophisticated Amarone with deep layers of black cherry, spice, leather, tobacco, steak sauce and polished black stone. It offers impressive intensity followed by a rich, velvety mouthfeel.” Score – 92. (Monica Larner, Wine Enthusiast, Feb. 2011)

Palacios Remondo ‘La Vendimia’ 2010

 

$14.95; Vintages No. 674564
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A superb New-Style Rioja from the vinous magician Alvaro Palacios. 50/50 Garnacha and Tempranillo and made by whole-bunch fermentation then aged only briefly in oak barrels. This is a distinctly superior every-day drinker.

“There’s a fresh character here, a satiny supple texture and peppery warmth garnishing bright, spiced, red fruit. It finishes with an intriguing combination of freshness and warmth. Pick up a few bottles to enjoy with your favourite barbequed meats.” (Susan Desjardins, Winecurrent.com)

Beronia Reserva 2006

$19.95; Vintages No. 50203
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The big brother to this wine, the 2001 Beronia Gran Reserva, sold out in days so consider stocking up on this.

“A ‘customer favourite’. Nice sandalwood, blackberry, coconut and smoked meat aromas and vanilla bean, smoked sausage and black cherry flavours with just a hint of mocha and coconut bringing up the finish. Food suggestion: Thick lamb chops.” Rating: 90+ (Gord Stimmell, Toronto Star)

Special Offers

Until April 1st save $2 off Bouchard Pere & Fils Pouilly-Fuisse, save $3 off White Owl Whisky and earn Bonus Air Miles on El Dorado rum. For details on these and other limited-time offers click here.

It is always exciting when a new winery makes its Ontario debut. I visited Hall Winery for the first time this past summer and was blown away by their wines, the estate, and the passion that Kathryn & Craig Hall, and all of their team have for Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

Dedicated to producing premium Napa Valley Cab, Hall’s efforts were rewarded when one of their wines was selected as #2 on the Wine Spectator’s Top 100 of 2011. While that particular wine is not available you will definitely be happy if you pick up a bottle or two of the Cab below.

Cheers,
Jason Woodman

Available at Vintages

Hall Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

$59.95
Vintages No. 273391
Available Saturday February 4th

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Each year, Hall hand selects fruit from among the finest blocks of their organically farmed Napa Valley estate vineyards to craft this wine. It’s rich and generous with focused fruit framed by fine-grained tannins. Ideal food pairings included braised pork belly, grilled ribeye, blackened tuna and artisanal Cheddar.

“A dense, full-bodied wine with lots of crème de cassis, charcoal, licorice and forest floor, the wine is opulent and already delicious and powerful. It should continue to drink well for at least 12-15+ years.” Score: 95 points. The Wine Advocate, Robert Parker Jr.

For more details including a video tasting note by the winemaker click here.

Codorníu Selección Raventós Brut Cava

$14.95
Vintages No. 521773
Available Saturday February 4th

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For years Selección Raventós was a special reserve kept exclusively for the enjoyment of the Codorníu / Raventós family, the fruit of a winegrowing tradition that spans 17 generations.

Available now it’s well suited to Sunday brunch or as a Valentine’s Day toast with your sweetheart.

“A lovely, balanced and very good value Cava that might fool one into believing it is Champagne. Elegant floral notes and a touch of yeast enliven the palate. A serious effort with very good length.” Sara d’Amato, Winealign.com

Special Offers

Bouchard Père & Fils Petit Chablis 2010

Was: $19.95
Now: $18.95
Save $1 per bottle until February 26th.
LCBO No. 51466

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Oysters beware! This unoaked Chardonnay is a classic match. Without toast, vanilla, and spice from barrels it relies on flavours of bright green apple, pear and lemon with zippy acidity and a refreshing, somewhat tart finish.

Centennial 10 Year Old Canadian Rye Whisky

$25.75
Earn 30 Bonus Air Miles on each bottle until February 25th.
LCBO No. 387209

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A true Canadian Rye whisky with an interesting twist. 

Centennial uses Canadian soft Winter Wheat where most other rye whiskies use corn; the result is a smoother, softer flavour.  Using grains grown exclusively on the Canadian prairies, distilled Alberta, and aged in the severe Western Canadian climate for a minimum of ten years, Centennial is a Rye Whisky unlike any other.

For a complete list of all of our special offers including: $4 off El Dorado 15 Year Old Rum, 20 Bonus Air Miles on Newfoundland’s Screech Rum and more click here.

It is a little early to be declaring our “best of the year” but I’m only half-kidding, with the exceptionally good wines below 2012 really has gotten off to a great start.

If your New Year’s resolution includes being more aware of what you put into your body how about an organic Pinot Grigio? There’s also a little known wine from Spain’s northwest corner that has more critical acclaim than there’s room to print and another Spanish wine that arrived conveniently ”pre-aged” and ready to drink.

I hope you enjoy and please get in touch if I can be of service.

Cheers,
Jason Woodman

Available at Vintages

Mont’albano Pinot Grigio 2010

$16.95
Vintages No. 249532
In Stores Now
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“This is an organically produced Pinot Grigio from the cooler Friuli region, the only part of Italy better known for whites than reds. This has ripe almost sweet nose of apple/pear sauce with a hint of vanilla and clove. It’s mid-weight, smooth and slightly oily, with somewhat oxidative flavours. Not the snappy style many expect from Italian Pinot Grigio, but the creaminess is appealing and the length is very good. For dishes in creamy white/alfredo sauces.” David Lawrason, WineAlign.com

Descendientes de J. Palacios ‘Petalos’ 2009

$22.95
Vintages No. 675207
In Stores Saturday, January 21
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It’s hard to know where to begin with the Petalos; that it was #26 on the Wine Spectator’s Top 100 of 2011? That it’s made from the little known Mencia grape in an even less well known (but up-and-coming) region of Spain called Bierzo? Or that the wine is made biodynamically by Ricardo Perez Palacios and his uncle, Alvaro Palacios, who happens to be one of Spain’s best winemakers?

You can read the full story here or simply pick up a bottle or two and enjoy.

Beronia Gran Reserva 2001, Rioja

$32.95
Vintages No. 940965
In Stores Saturday, January 21
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A lot of people love drinking older wines but the challenge is that you must actually resist drinking your young wines long enough for them to get old, it can be difficult. In this case we can be thankful because Bodegas Beronia has kindly allowed this to age gracefully in their cellars since 2001, removing all temptation, and is now making it available.

“A lovely 2001 for current drinking, this layers bright red cherry flavors over dark spice. It’s clean and a little thick in the middle, with lasting cherry-wood smoke in the end. For a thick-cut pork chop.” 91 points, Wine & Spirits

Special Offers

El Dorado 12 Year Old Rum

Was: $35.60
Now: $33.60

Save $2 per bottle until January 29.

LCBO No. 60608
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El Dorado 12 year old is the best selling deluxe amber rum in Ontario, and for good reason, it’s an elegant multi-award winning rum that typifies the smooth mellow sweetness of Demerara Rums.

There has been a lot happening at WW&S in these first two weeks of November. We are extremely pleased to have been appointed to represent Newfoundland’s Screech Rum and the new Old Sam Dark Rum,  two excellent additions to our growing portfolio and both available at the LCBO. 

The holiday issue of Food & Drink hit the shelf with a terrific review from James Chatto for our
El Dorado 15 year old ”a rum for inhaling from a snifter while you dream of pirates & Spanish gold” click here to see it all.

And finally the estate manager for Jonata was in town for a series of events. It’s hard to know where to begin with Jonata, I could start with their size; small, just 3,200 to 4,000 cases a year. Or their location; 80 acres of vineyards planted to 10 different varieties on almost pure sand in Santa Ynez. Or their talented young winemaker; Matt Dees, who pulls it all together and produces some of the most exciting wines in California that consistently earn stellar critical acclaim.

Have a great weekend.

Cheers,
Jason Woodman

Available at Vintages

Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Gris 2009, Oregon

$18.95; Vintages No. 940528
Available Saturday November 12
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A debut for Willamette Valley Vineyards the quality of their wines is matched by their environmental commitment:

• Their vineyards are certified sustainable through LIVE (Low Input Viticulture and Enology) and Salmon Safe since 1997.
• They were the first winery in the world to use cork certified through the Rainforest Alliance to Forest Stewardship Council standards.
• They offer fifty gallons of biodiesel a month to each employee, at no cost.

A bottle of this delicious Pinot Gris would be a perfect match with a good piece of salmon.

Bouchard Pere & Fils Beaune Clos St. Landry 1er Cru 2008

$51.95; Vintages No. 124561
Available Saturday November 12
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A classic white burgundy that is drinking beautifully now and will age gracefully for another three to five years.

“An elegant version, revealing lemon pie, honey, spice and mineral notes backed by a vibrant structure. This is subtle, with the texture of raw silk and a lemon-candy aftertaste.” Score – 90, Wine Spectator

“… its expressive nose of citrus and acacia blossom aromas that marry into detailed, intense and delicious flavors that are sprinkled with notes of minerality on the balanced and mouth coating finish. This is really quite stylish…” Score – 90, Burghound.com

Jonata Todos 2007

$59.95; Vintages No. 218941
Available Saturday November 12
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When the 2005 and 2006 Todos were released in March they sold out in just one day. If you have a chance don’t hesitate to pick up a bottle of the 2007, you won’t be disappointed.

“A proprietary blend of 45% Syrah, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest small amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Viognier, and Sangiovese. Fragrant aromatics are followed by a wine with excellent ripeness, sweet fruit, velvety tannins, and loads of complexity”. Score – 92 -94, Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

“This highly touted red blend is a dark, massive red with a great nose of ripe black cherry laced with prune, chocolate and leathery/tobacco notes. It’s full bodied, dense and plush… Best 2015 to 2020″. Score – 93, David Lawrason, Wine Align.com

La Tierra de Jonata 2007

$84.95; Vintages No. 221150
In Stores Now
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“The 2007 La Tierra de Jonata (97% Sangiovese and 3% Syrah) blows away virtually every other Sangiovese made in California… Spectacular aromatics and rich, full-bodied flavors. There is not a hard edge to be found… Enjoy it over the next 3-5 years“. Score – 93, Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

“What a hit this is from the star producer Jonata, owned by the same two wealthy partners who control Napa Valley’s Screaming Eagle. Rich and packed with sweet cherry, it keeps serving up layers of exciting flavour, from spice to cedar to a note reminiscent of roast pork. There’s also a light dusting of tannins that suggest it could cellar well for up to a decade”. Score - 93, Beppi Crosariol, The Globe & Mail

• Champagne Henriot Brut Souverain N/V
• 2008 William Fèvre Les Preuses Grand Cru, Domaine
• 2009 Villa Ponciago Fleurie La Réserve
• 2008 Beaune 1er cru Saint-Landry, Bouchard Père & Fils, Monopole
• 2007 Le Corton Grand Cru, Bouchard Père & Fils, Domaine
• 1999 Beaune 1er cru Grèves Vigne Enfant Jésus, Bouchard Père & Fils, Monopole – from magnums

With the skill of Tony and his team at Opus and a small group of like minded connoisseurs this promises to be a fantastic evening. It would be a pleasure to have you join us and reservations can be made by calling Opus at 416.921.3105 with details below.

• When: Tuesday November 29, 2011
• Reception: 6:00pm – Dinner: 6:30
• Location: Opus Restaurant, 37 Prince Arthur Ave – 416.921.3105
• Cost: $279 per person inclusive of taxes and gratuity

We are extremely proud to have been appointed the Agency of Record in Ontario for the Newfoundland & Labrador Liquor Commission. In addition to being a retailer of beverage alcohol, NLC is also a manufacturer responsible for blending and bottling a number of high quality spirits from around the world. NLC blends and bottles rum from Jamaica and Guyana, brandy from France and vodka and gin from Canada. Blended and bottled rums include: Newfoundland Screech, Cabot Tower, Old Sam, London Dock and the new Ragged Rock. In Ontario Newfoundland Screech (LCBO No. 4622) www.screechrum.com is available along with the newly listed Old Sam Demerara Rum (LCBO No. 256180) www.oldsamrum.com

Congratulations to Angels Gate Winery, their 2009 Riesling was chosen as “Alanna’s Pick” this month in Vintages. Its quality is exceptional and should it, or any of the other products highlighted below, make their way to your table this weekend I’m sure you’ll enjoy them.

Have a very happy Thanksgiving and enjoy the long weekend.

Cheers,

Jason Woodman

Angels Gate Riesling VQA $13.95

Vintages No. 160523
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On a recent visit to Angels Gate Aussie winemaker Philip Dowell took great pleasure showing me the limestone rock formations behind their property. Limestone + Riesling is a great match and Philip did an excellent job crafting this wine. Try it with pan seared scallops.

Score: 90 “This starts slightly sweet, but finishes dry. Plentiful jasmine, peach and lime aromas. The delivery is mellow, with delicious golden apple, sweet peach and pear notes. Unbeatable value, too“. Gord Stimmell, The Toronto Star

Beronia Elaboracion Especial Tempranillo 2009 $17.95

Vintages No. 723643
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A personal favourite this always sells out quickly, it is a unique wine that is simply full of flavour. What makes it unique is that it is barrel-fermented in new barrels of American oak with a high degree of toasting where it remains for nine months. While barrel fermentation is common for white wines it is unusual for reds and it gives the wine expressive and exuberant aromas of cocoa and mocha with hints of vanilla and dark fruit nuances.

If you’re in the west end of the city and you haven’t already been sure to check out Barque Smokehouse the brisket is awesome and they’re pouring this Beronia by-the-glass. If you do make it in ask for Jascha and tell him I sent you.

Bouchard Pere & Fils ‘La Vignee’ Pinot Noir $16.95

LCBO No. 605667
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Score: 88 “The warm 2009 vintage has puffed up this basic pinot noir a bit, boosting fruit ripeness into the raspberry realm and putting some flesh on what can be a lean wine. The fruit is also etched with spicy oak, a touch of vanilla and pleasant hay scents. It’s mid-weight, with some sweetness and richness, then a dry, more earthy and tannic finish. A good honest Burgundy… with very good length” David Lawrason, Winealign.com

For a different expression of what burgundy can produce look for the charming Bouchard Pere & Fils Beaune du Chateau Rouge 2008 $36.95 currently at Vintages.

Old Pulteney 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch $79.95

LCBO No. 515346
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Established in 1826 Pulteney Distillery is the most northerly mainland distillery, 3 degrees north of Moscow. Known as the Maritime Malt it’s faintly salty with a hint of sea air.

In one of the most unique reviews of a scotch that I’ve seen Beppi Crosariol of the Globe & Mail compared Old Pulteney to “a young Brooke Shields in those famous Calvin Klein jean ads“. If that doesn’t peak your interest… for the full review see our Accolades page.

With autumn and harvest time upon us I’m pleased to present an offer of 2009 wines from Bouchard Père & Fils. The 2009 vintage in burgundy was outstanding; along with 2005 and 1999 it is considered by many to be one of the best of the last 25 years. A warm vintage it produced delicious chardonnays and seductive Pinot Noirs. “This is a vintage which should be in everyone’s cellar ” (Clive Coates, MW) and because it was a warm vintage quality is high from the entry-level appellations right through to the top grand cru.

Below is a small selection of the wines available including several from Domaine William Fevre in Chablis. For a complete list of all of the wines along with details on the offer please click here. All wines are available in a minimum 6-bottle case and this offer closes October 14th.

Cheers,

Jason Woodman

2009 White Burgundy

2009 Saint Aubin 1er Cru $38/bottle

It may not be as well known as its illustrious neighbours Chassagne-Montrachet and Puligny-Montrachet but Saint- Aubin should not be overlooked; it too is one of the great white Burgundies and always terrific value.

Intense aromas of ripe citrus, fresh peach and hints of minerals are followed by a subtle hazelnut quality. The palate is ample and well balanced and will match perfectly with seafood in a light cream sauce.

2009 Beaune 1er Cru Clos Saint Landry – Monopole $53/bottle

Bouchard Père owns the entire Clos Saint Landry vineyard of 1.98 ha. It is in this remarkable vineyard, one full of white chalky stones, that the oldest traces of the Chardonnay variety are to be found in Beaune.

Score: 89 – 91 “Highly perfumed aroma of pineapple, lime and stone, with metallic and peppery nuances. Then fresh and intense in the mouth, with suggestions of dried fruits, crème brulee, pepper and banana. The sound balancing acidity here is not typical of 2009″. Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar

2009 Meursault 1er cru Genevrières – Domaine $84/bottle

The 1er cru Genevrières vineyard in Meursault tends to produce opulent, even exotic wines and yet in 2009 Bouchard Père still managed to retain a liveliness and elegance.

Score: 90 – 92 “(from an incredible 2.7 ha parcel which would make Bouchard the largest owner, surpassing the 2.5 ha of Latour-Giraud). Mild reduction knocks down the fruit but does not completely mask the natural spice of the appellation. The rich and relatively full-bodied mineral-inflected flavors possess excellent intensity as well as outstanding concentration that culminate in a mouth coating, balanced and impressively lingering finish. This should age well over the medium-term. 2015+” Allen Meadows, Burghound.com

2009 Red Burgundy

2009 Monthélie 1er cru les Duresses – Domaine $38/bottle

An excellent value this is plump and pleasing with the fruit nicely complemented by well-judged oak and unobtrusive tannins.

Score: 88-91 “A cassis and black cherry nose that also displays some Porto notes in the best sense of the descriptor
as there is no excess ripeness associated with it. The rich, full-bodied and serious medium-bodied flavors that display good underlying tension and fine length on the finish where again, the tannins are very firm. 2017+” Allen Meadows, Burghound.com

2009 Beaune 1er cru Clos de la Mousse – Monopole $53/bottle

Another vineyard that Bouchard Père & Fils owns entirely Clos de la Mousse can be traced back to 1220 and is remarkable  for being both full-bodied and refined.

Score: 89 – 92 “This is also quite ripe with aromas of spiced cassis and plum that lead to fleshy and generous medium-bodied flavors that possess good richness and a seductively textured midpalate, all wrapped in a mouth coating finish that delivers fine length. There is a subtle touch of minerality and the very firm tannins are clearly phenolically ripe plus with the wine’s solid balance, this should be capable of aging well. 2021+” Allen Meadows, Burghound.com

2009 Beaune 1er cru Grèves Vigne Enfant Jésus – Monopole $108/bottle

A group of Carmelite nuns who owned the vineyard before the Bouchard family purchased it in 1791 named it Vigne de L’Enfant Jesus because they thought the wines were as smooth and velvety as the robes on the baby Jesus. A cool vineyard site it did exceptionally well in 2009.

Score: 91-94 “Moderate wood sets off very ripe aromas of black cherry, plum and wet stone that also characterizes the extremely rich yet beautifully detailed flavors that possess superb intensity as well as fine complexity on the tension-filled and wonderfully persistent finish. Terrific. 2024+” Allen Meadows, Burghound.com

2009 Chablis

2009 William Fevre Vaillons 1er Cru – Domaine $46/bottle

Score: 93 “The 2009 Chablis Vaillons is strikingly beautiful. The aromatics alone are compelling, with layers of crushed rocks, oyster shells, white flowers and peaches that meld seamlessly into the palate. Smoke, ash and wet stones arrive later, adding further complexity, as the wine opens up on the finish. This is a superbly pedigreed wine of exceptional quality. The wine’s balance and overall sense of harmony are remarkable. Along with Vaudesir, Vaillons is among the first parcels to be harvested here, and was the first plot to be converted to biodynamic farming. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024.” Antonio Galloni, eRobertParker.com

2009 William Fevre Les Preuses Grand Cru – Domaine $94/bottle

Score: 94 “The 2009 Chablis Les Preuses is one of the most complete wines in this lineup. It possesses striking delineation
of aromas and flavors, with nuance after nuance that emerge in the glass. It is another of the weightless wines here in that it is full of flavor but never heavy. Intense notes of minerality and smokiness grace the textured, sublime finish. This is a fabulous effort from Fevre and Didier Seguier. The Preuses is made from two parcels; the first an east-facing steep slope, the second a flatter parcel richer in clay with a southwest exposure.
Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019.” Antonio Galloni, eRobertParker.com

Have a good weekend and stay cool.
Cheers,

Jason Woodman

Available at the LCBO

Bouchard Père & Fils Macon Lugny St. Pierre 2010

 $14.50 – LCBO # 51573 

From the southern most part of Burgundy the Mâconnais area marks the transition between the north and south of France. 100% chardonnay this is unoaked with a fresh nose offering a lovely bouquet of wildflowers. It’s clean and crisp with hints of juicy pear and citrus.

Available at Vintages

Bongiovanni Langhe Arneis 2009

$16.95 – Vintages No. 216465

When thinking white wine Piedmonte isn’t the first region to jump to mind but  the Arneis grape produces delicate wines with aromas of pears, almonds and apricot.

Arneis (literally: little rascal, in Piedmontese) is so called because it’s regarded as a somewhat difficult variety to grow. Try it with prosciutto wrapped melon or grilled fish (white, flaky) with a mango salsa. Salty snacks will work wonders as well.

Pedro Escudero Fuente Elvira Verdejo 2009

$13.95 – Vintages No. 218313

If you like Sauvignon Blanc give this aromatic Spanish white wine a try.

“Intriguing, heady aromas of white peach, green tea, pear, nectarine, spices and minerals. Dense and powerful, but the flavors of nectarine and dried flowers are kept fresh by lemony acidity and a stony element. The finish stains the palate with intense spice and mineral flavors. This would be superb with raw shellfish. Score – 91. (Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar, Sept./Oct. 2010) 

Bouchard Père & Fils Côtes de Beaune Villages

$24.95 – Vintages No. 714998

When choosing a red wine to drink in the summer think drinkability and refreshment. Lighter-bodied Pinot’s with lower tannins and higher acidity are a good choice and serve them chilled.

“If the lift and tension of this modest pinot is any indication it will indeed provide some excitement. The colour is pale garnet; the nose is penetrating with classic strawberry/cherry fruit, loads of spice and some meaty character. Fairly supple and smooth up front with some tannic grit and earthiness on the finish. Very good to excellent length“. David Lawrason, WineAlign.com

Also look for Bouchard Père’s ‘La Vignee Bourgogne Pinot Noir #605667 at the LCBO, until August 14th it’s just $15.45, $1.50 the regular price.

Available at the LCBO

Broker’s Premium London Dry Gin

$24.80  – LCBO  No. 605162

Broker’s is the best gin around and it’s not just us saying that, it won the “Ultimate Spirits Challenge”. A favourite drink with Broker’s and one of the easiest and most refreshing is the classic Gin Gimlet:

4 oz Broker’s Premium London Dry Gin
1/2 oz Rose’s lime juice
1/2 oz fresh lime juice
Pour the gin and lime juice into a mixing glass half-filled with ice cubes. Stir well. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with the lime wedge.

To see the other gin’s Broker’s beat in the Ultimate Spirits Challenge along with more drink recipes please click here. Until August 13th earn 6 Bonus Air Miles on each bottle of Broker’s.