REDS
barbaresco 2004-batasiolo…..$40
(italy-piedmont) Strawberry and floral aromas follow through to a medium-to-full body, with fine tannins and a fruity finish. Score- 88 (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, August 31, 2006)
cabernet sauvignon 2004-kenwood vineyards…..$39
(u.s.a.-california-sonoma county) Displays an aromatic minty note, with cherry, currant and herb flavors on a medium frame, with good intensity.
Score - 86 (James Laube, www.winespectator.com, November 15, 2007)
cabernet sauvignon/tempranillo “gran coronas” 2003-torres…..$33
(spain-penedès) Aromas of cherries and blackcurrants, green coffee beans, liquorice and the characteristic vanilla and leather notes from ageing. On the palate the wine is full and silky with dense, well-structured tannins.
chianti “natio” 2006-cecchi…..$32
(italy-tuscany) organic wines - are they really tasty? The Natio is. It's a lovely ruby-hue with mint-cherry, sweet beet aromas and raspberry notes. In the mouth it's fresh and juicy with bright berry fruit flavours, leather, tobacco and spice-a truly refreshing, lighter-bodied red. (Daenna Van Mulligan, www.winediva.ca, Sept. 1, 2007)
gamay noir 2005-henry of pelham…$30
(canada-ontario-niagara) Nose suggests black cherry, flint and wood smoke as well as a mellow earthiness. Dry, crisp and medium-bodied.
“goats do roam” 2006 (shiraz/pinotage/mourvedre)-fairview…$31
(south africa) Fresh and open-knit, with red plum and cherry fruit backed by modest toast. A hint of tobacco on the finish. Score - 86 (James Molesworth, www.winespectator.com, September 30, 2007)
malbec 2006-altos las hormigas…..$31
(argentina-mendoza) Light, round and fruity, with good plum and grape flavors backed by a touch of toast on the finish. Score - 84 (James Molesworth, www.winespectator.com, May 15, 2007)
shiraz “card collection” 2004-simon gilbert…..$33
(australia-central ranges) Aromas of black cherries with spice and berry notes on the palate, medium body and a soft finish. Score - 84 (James Molesworth, www.winespectator.com, March 15, 2006)
shiraz/grenache “d’arry’s original” 2004-d’arenberg…..$36
(australia-mclaren vale) dense ruby/purple color in addition to a sweet, peppery nose of kirsch liqueur, black currants, licorice, and earth. This richly fruity, nicely textured, plump, hedonistic red will provide immense pleasure over the next 5-6 years. Score - 90 (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com
syrah 2005-cline cellars…..$33
(u.s.a.-california) Black cherry, beef and roasted herb flavors have solid tannin and fine focus, with generous toasty oak character framing the lingering, tangy finish. A superb value.
Score - 87 (James Laube, www.winespectator.com, August 31, 2006)
tinto “reserva” 2003-porca de murca…..$34
(portugal-douro) there is a juicy vibrancy to this cedary, delicious wine. It is richly fruited with lively tannins providing structure.
zinfandel 2005-rosenblum…..$36
(u.s.a.-california) Rosenblum is the Zinfandel specialist serving up lively aromas of blackberry, raspberry, and mocha. Ripe berry fruit flavours are balanced by cedar tones and ripe tannin. Very nice berry spice finish.
WHITES
chardonnay 2004-cave spring…..$30
(canada-ontario-niagara) Straw colour; soft peach, pear fruit and vanilla aromas and flavours with spicy notes; dry, medium bodied, balanced acidity with soft vanilla and spice on the finish.
chardonnay “wild ferment” 2005-yalumba…..$36
(australia-eden valley) Bright and tangy, with lively lime and fresh anise overtones to the pear and spice flavors, lingering on the juicy finish. Score - 88 (Harvey Steiman, www.winespectator.com, August 31, 2006)
pinot grigio 2005-santa margherita…..$33
(italy-valdadige) Pale straw colour with aromas of fresh green apple, and peach that replay on the crisp, dry palate.
sauvignon blanc 2006-oyster bay…..$36
(new zealand-marlborough) Bright and zingy, a lively mouthful of lime, lime peel, green apple and a whiff of herbs as the tart finish sails on and on. Score - 89 (Harvey Steiman, www.winespectator.com, April 30, 2007)
riesling “reserve” 2005-cave spring…..$30
(canada-ontario-niagara) Mineral and petrol aromas are followed by muted apple and grapefruit in this juicy, dry Riesling. Elegant and firm, with a crisp finish.
Score - 86 (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, December 31, 2006)
viognier/marsanne “the hermit crab” 2006-d’arenberg…..$33
(australia-mclaren vale) Bright, ripe and generous with its pear, apricot and spice flavors, which linger nicely on the silky finish. Score - 87 (Harvey Steiman, www.winespectator.com, April 30, 2007)
SPARKLING WINE
prosecco brut “il vino dei poeti” NV-bottega …..$29
(italy-valdobiadene) Pale straw colour, fine bubbles; fresh & fragrant with delicate apple, pear, citrus and hints of honeysuckle & white fruit on the nose; dry, with barely a hint of sweetness on palate & flavours of green apple and citrus; refreshing finish.
veuve clicquot ponsardin NV…..$83
(france-champagne-reims) You can't lose with this classy wine. The refined apple, grapefruit and dough aromas follow through on the palate. Creamy and lively on the finish.
Score - 91 (www.winespectator.com, December 31, 2006)
November 15, 2007