The largest and most important appellation in the southern Rhone, with more than 3,200 hectares of vineyards and over 80 growers, Chateauneuf-du-Pape produces more wine than the whole of the northern Rhone combined. The gloriously rich red wines, redolent of the heat and herbs of the south, are enhanced by the complexity which comes from blending several of the 14 permitted grape varieties. Only two wines are permitted in the appellation – a red and a white wine both composed of a blend of specified varietals. Grenache is the principal varietal in the red wines produced. Grenache contributes warmth and strength and typically displays a wide spectrum of flavours while the other grape varieties like Syrah, Cinsault and Mourvedre add colour, depth, complexity and balance.  Grenache vineyards dominate the vinous landscape in Chateauneuf-du-Pape. They do not look like your typical vineyards with well manicured rows of vines.  Instead, they are old and gnarly “bush vines” standing like lonely sentinels. There are some very old vineyards where the vines can be up to 100 years of age – these vineyards produce small quantities of extaordinarily good fruit. On offer this week is the 2014 Henry de Floret Chateauneuf-du-Pape. The wine is a blend of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Counoise, Picardin, Cinsault, Muscardin and Terret Noir. Grapes were hand-picked and sorted before commencing a 15 day fermentation. The wine was then transferred to barrel for aging before being lightly filtered and bottled. The freshness, minerality and acidity of the wine will pair nicely with a wide range of foods. This wine should be enjoyed now and over the next 3-4 years. The 2014 Henry de Floret Chateauneuf-du-Pape is available for immediate delivery. This is a very reasonably priced Chateauneuf-du-Pape. I quite enjoyed this wine with a Brome Lake duck breast. To order, simply e-mail or call 416-463-4677. 2014 Henry de Floret Chateauneuf-du-Pape $33.95 btl / $203.70 cs (case of 6 x 750ml)Very deep garnet red colour. Red fruit and spice on the nose with delightful floral notes. Rich, round and medium-bodied with a long clean finish.Drink: Now – 2020+ Food Pairing: Game, guinea fowl, osso bucco and flavoursome cheese

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and has a rich vinous history dating back over 2500 years.  The classic Mediterranean climate and soil has resulted in an area not only ideal for winemaking but also olives and citrus fruit which are key exports.  Mount Etna dominates the landscape providing mineral-rich dark soil; vineyards are being planted ever higher up the slope. Historically, the island was more famous for the production of Marsala, however, a major transformation is underway. Sicily is now becoming better known for top quality wines from a range of varietals including Grillo, Cataratto and Nero d’Avola and a handful of international varieties. Rallo’s history dates back to 1860, when Don Diego Rallo established the estate to produce both table wine and Marsala. Marsala suffered a genereal decline in popularity during the 1950s and 1960s and Rallo were instrumental in reviving the quality and popularity of Marsala throughout the island. Their tireless efforts were rewarded and in 1969 Marsala achieved DOC status. After over a century of traditional winemaking, it was bought during the 1990s by the Vesco family, who already owned a winery in DOP Alcamo, and the two estates were combined. Following an ambitious investment project, Rallo evolved into a modern winery and expanded to include three separate estates: Piane Liquide on the western coast in Marsala, Bugeber on the island of Pantelleria and the Patti Picolo Estate situated inland in Alcamo. Today, Rallo is the only winery in Sicily to be certified organic and their outstanding wines represent the most classic varietals of Western Sicily. On offer this week is the 2014 Bianca di Evro Inzolia. Inzolia is an Italian grape variety grown in both Sicily and Tuscany (where it is called Ansonica). While it is traditionally used as a blending grape in the production of Marsala, it is increasingly being made into a crisp dry white wine either as a blend or as a single variety.  Inzolia wines are moderately aromatic and tend to display citrus and almond along with grassy and herbal notes. When grown at low yields, the grape can also have a distinct mineral dimension. The 2014 Bianca di Evro Inzolia is available for immediate delivery.  There are 17 cases available. To order, simply e-mail or telephone 416-463-4677.   2014 Bianco di Evro Inzolia $22.10 btl / $265.20 cs (case of 12 x 750ml)Evro originates from Rallo’s exceptional estate vineyards in Alcamo, in one of Sicily’s premier growing areas.  Pale yellow to straw yellow with light green reflections. The bouquet shows citrusy notes and marked apple aromas.   There is a distinct minerality on the palate – a trademark of Rallo’s wines – with rich mouth-feel and persistent finish. This is a seductive wine. Drink:  Now – 2018 Food Pairing:  Risotto with mushrooms and walnuts; steamed clams with butter

With vineyard holdings dating back to the 1890s, the Spalletti family has a long history of grape growing and winemaking in Chianti’s Rufina sub-zone. By the middle of the 20th century this included the production of a highly respected brand that was subsequently sold in the 1960s. And though they have continuously produced wine from their traditional holdings, in 1990 Contessa Gabriella Spalletti reinvigorated the family business under the name Colognole. Today, the estate is run by her sons, Mario and Cesare Coda Nunziante. Over the years, they have carefully replanted their vineyards to suitable clones of Sangiovese and Colorino and converted the winery to accommodate modern equipment where it does not conflict with their traditional sensibilities.  They have also developed a terrific agri-tourism business.  Several old buildings have been carefully restored and provide comfortable accommodations with spectacular views of the vineyards stretching below.  There is also a small intimate restaurant that prepares fresh meals daily from their own garden – and has access to older vintages of Colognole!  The perfect accommodation if you are visiting Florence which is less than half an hour away by train. The small sub-zone of Rufina is celebrated for its ability to produce wines of great elegance and longevity.  Situated at elevation in the shadow of the Apennines, Rufina benefits from the cool alpine breezes and has the longest growing cycle of any Chianti sub-zone, allowing the fruit to achieve ripeness slowly and evenly. Colognole produce wine that reflects the cool elegance of Rufina, wine of detail, savoury fragrance and, especially for the Riserva, significant longevity. On offer this week is the 2009 Colognole Collezione.  This wine is only made in vintages deemed superior.  Collezione is what is referred to as a vineyard select wine – premium lots from the le Rogaie vineyard were identified and bottled separately.  These lots show a much higher concentration than the regular, estate-bottled Chianti. The 2009 Colognole Collezione is available for immediate delivery. There were only 235 cases of this wine produced – we were fortunate enough to be allocated 25 cases.  To order, simply e-mail or call 416-463-4677. To your continued good health! 2009 Colognole Collezione $29.65 btl / $355.80 cs (case of 12 x 750ml)A blend of both Sangiovese and Canaiolo Nero.  Reasonably dense, savoury nose of black and red cherries, with classic dry woody herbs and earthy minerality; good balanced acidity and very fine tannins. Classically elegant, showing great regional character that carries through on a structured and savoury finish. Drink:  Now – 2025+ Food Pairing:  Veal, meat based pasta

Bruno Lafon (from Domaine des Comtes Lafon) came to the Languedoc in 1999, leaving his native Burgundy behind, in search of new promising terroirs. He was able to acquire a number of superb vineyards from a large existing operation, and the new Domaine Magellan was born. The stony vineyards that produce the grapes for the classic French blend being offered this week clearly demonstrate why the land he chose is so productive. The rocky soil drains easily thus avoiding water stagnation which helps fight against vine pests and diseases. Moreover, the soil composition stores just the right amount of moisture in the soil to ward off soil dryness.  These are slightly acidic soils and produce very minerally wines with polished tannins.  The following varietals are planted on these soils:  Syrah, Grenache and Cinsault. Adjacent to these vineyards is an area called “Les Caves de Paris”.  These vineyards are true Mediterranean terroir; compact clay which retains water in summer and pebble stones which store and radiate the sun’s heat at night. This area produces very powerful, rich and spicy wines.  Tannins are very present but thanks to the good level of acidity are always fresh.  These varietals are planted on these soils:  Grenache, Carignan and Tempranillo. On offer this week is an excellent example of a thoughtfully blended wine from the Languedoc area of southern France:  the 2013 Domaine Magellan Syrah Grenache Carignan.  This wine had only been bottled for a short time when I first tasted it at the winery last Fall.  It has improved with bottle age and will continue to blossom with short term cellaring…if you can keep your hands off! The 2013 Domaine Magellan Syrah Grenache Carignan is available for immediate delivery. There are only 20 cases available so email or call us at 416-463-4677.  This wine will go with just about anything off the BBQ.  I enjoyed this wine last night with a cheeseburger and ratatouille…PERFECT! To your continued good health! 2013 Syrah Grenache Carignan $20.60 btl / $247.20 cs (case of  12 x 750ml)This is a tasty and well priced Syrah/Grenache combo with plenty of aromatic lift and force on the palate. Expect black cherry, plum, smoked meat and spice with a few creamy nuances. Spicy, meaty and fruity components are joined by some firm tannin on the finish. Beautifully balanced. Drink:  Now – 2020+ Food Pairing:  grilled meats

Many of the best made wines in the world come from the northern Rhône Valley of France, particularly from appellations like Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage and Cornas. The finest of these wines are produced from vineyards that are precariously perched on cliffs overlooking the Rhône River below. These vineyards are very labour intensive which partly accounts for their elevated prices. More importantly perhaps is the fact that these wines are made in minute quantities, making them rare and expensive.  Furthermore, these wines generally demand that you be patient; bottle aging, sometimes for decades is de rigeur. The wine consumer can be thankful then for the existence of St. Joseph, a northern Rhône appellation that beautifully captures the essence of these iconic wines but in a more open and approachable (and affordable) manner. As an added bonus, the wines of St. Joseph don’t require as much aging before they can be fully appreciated. The Saint-Joseph vineyards sit upon the 45th parallel, planted on steep hillsides that have been carved into terraces since ancient times.   Today, the appellation is known for its red wines made using Syrah grapes.  These wines are both strong flavoured and refined, expressing notes of pepper and spices, often accompanied by notes of violet mixed with minerals. It is the Syrah grapes that give Saint-Joseph wines their fine, darkly aromatic personality. On offer this week is the 2013 Vidal Fleury St. Joseph.  Vidal-Fleury is the Rhône Valley’s oldest continuosly-operating winery, established in 1781. One of their first customers was noted oenophile, Thomas Jefferson, third President of the United States. Today, head winemaker Guy Sarton du Jonchay oversees production of all wines in a modern state-of-the-art winery located in Ampuis. Last October I was privileged to spend an entire day with Guy, walking the vineyards in Côte Rôtie, touring the winery and tasting the entire Vidal-Fleury range of wines. A most enjoyable experience! The 2013 Vidal Fleury St. Joseph is available for immediate delivery. There are only 15 cases available.   This is another rare gem that is sure to please with a Fall dinner. To order, simply e-mail or telephone 416-463-4677.   2013 Vidal-Fleury St. Joseph $39.75 btl / $238.50 cs  (case of 6 x 750ml)Aromas of blackcurrant, nutmeg and pepper dominate with subtle earthy tones. The palate has fine grained tannin and fresh acidity with soft bramble and plum fruit flavours and a rounded, winter spice finish. Sublime.Drink:  Now – 2018 Food Pairing:  roasted meats; hearty stews; game Accolades: Like the 2012, the 2013 St Joseph has lots of Northern Rhône character in its olive, peppery black fruits and herbal aromatics. Medium-bodied, with fine tannin and juicy acidity, it should a good to very good Saint Joseph and be ideal for drinking in its first 3-5 years or life.  The Wine Advocate, December 2014   86-89 points

Costers del Segre is located in the province of Lleida, just west of Barcelona. The area is diverse with varying geological and climatic characteristics.  The climate is continental (hot summers and cold winters) influenced by the proximity of the Pyrenees.  Low rainfall, extreme temperatures, hail and spring frosts are regular risks for the vineyards. Despite its somewhat inconvenient location (in terms of trade routes), winemaking has flourished in Costers del Segre for many centuries.  It continued uninterupted until the devastating phylloxera epidemic of the late 19th century wiped out the vineyards.  Many traditional winegrowing regions were not replanted; they were given over to olive cultivation instead.  The region has once again risen to prominence thanks largely to the efforts of a single estate, Raimat,.  Raimat is Spain’s largest privately owned winery and one of its most innovative and is credited for putting Costers del Segre on the world wine map. On offer this week is the 2015 Raimat Albarino.  The fashionable Albarino grape variety does not always have to come from the Rías Baixas region!  In the high altitude vineyards of Costers del Segre it also does well – particularly in vintages like 2015.   Near perfect growing conditions have resulted in a wine of extraordinary structure, ripeness and richness. The 2015 Raimat Albarino is available for immediate delivery. There are only 25 cases available.  This wine is tremendously under-valued (so please keep it a secret!)  To order, simply e-mail or telephone 416-463-4677. 2015 Raimat Albarino $16.80 btl / $201.60 cs (case of 12 x 750ml)Light gold in colour with green reflections.  Shows delicate aromas of citrus, dried flowers and spice with a hint of sweet vanilla and dried fruit; the palate is well-rounded and the finish citrusy and refreshing. Mouthfilling and delicious! Drink:  Now – 2018 Food Pairing:  Rice dishes, white meats, seafood, asian cuisine. Accolades: A light and fresh wine with saline lime and green apples on the nose and hints of peach. There is crisp apple, lime freshness and bite on the attractive palate, bright acidity and good length. Decanter World Wine Awards, June 2016, 90 points

The McLaren Vale wine region, in the north-west of Fleurieu Peninsula, is located approximately 35km south of Adelaide. It is by far the most important wine-producing area in the Fleurieu zone and is also regarded very highly throughout Australia and the world.  Grapes have been grown in this region since the arrival of the first settlers.  Pioneers such as Thomas Hardy and John Reynella, both iconic names in the Australian wine industry, are credited with  having realized the region’s potential in the early 19th century when the first vines were planted.   McLaren Vale has come a long way since then and is home to some of Australia’s most highly regarded wine producers, including Dowie Doole. The climate in the McLaren Vale is Mediterranean with hot dry summers and mild winters.  The Gulf Saint Vincent lies just west of the vineyards.  The fresh sea breezes coming off this large body of water help to moderate temperatures during the growing season.  Chilly winds from the hills also cool the grapes on specific sites, helping to retain acidity and structure. The summers and most of the autumn season are dry, which keeps vine diseases at bay.  McLaren Vale also boasts a wide range of soil types, with localized specialties. The climatic and geographical diversity of McLaren Vale is reflected in the wide array of grape varieties which can be successfully grown here.  The best wines come from very old vines, some planted more than 100 years ago.  These are prized for producing low yields of extremely concentrated fruit.  Shiraz leads the region’s list of award-winning wines, making McLaren Vale a favourite place to grow this grape. On offer this week is a very special wine:  the 2013 Dowie Doole Shiraz Reserve.  Fruit for this wine was sourced from Norm Doole’s California Road Vineyard from the 74 Block.  This small block was the first to be replanted in this vineyard in 1974 and produces fruit of unique concentration and complexity.  In the past this fruit has been sold to Penfolds to be blended into the iconic wine Grange, as well as to Rosemount Estate as part of their flagship Shiraz called Balmoral.  I have walked through this vineyard many times encountering a variety of wildlife – kangaroos, brown snakes, magpies and the scourge of the vineyard, the starling! The 2013 Dowie Doole Shiraz Reserve is available for immediate delivery. There are only 30 cases available.  This wine is only made in vintages deemed worthy.  To order, please e-mail or telephone 416-463-4677.  Don’t miss this one…it is a real stunner!   2013 Dowie Doole Shiraz Reserve $72.95 btl / $437.70 cs (case of  6 x 750ml)Deep purple in colour.  A complex nose of dark fruits, leather, spices and dark chocolate. The full bodied palate is rich and generous and follows on from the bouquet with blackberry, plums,  spices and dark chocolate.  A  complex wine with excellent tannin structure, length and weight. Extraordinary! Drink:  Now – 2035+ Food Pairing:  Braised lamb shanks, whole beef fillet, hard cheeses, beef bourguignon.

Sauvignon Blanc is a widely planted, prolific, aromatic, white wine variety grown in many regions of the world.  It is thought to have originated in Bordeaux where it is usually blended with Semillion.  The Loire Valley in France, home to Sancerre, is probably the most well-known region for the grape in France.  In Italy, the best examples of Sauvignon Blanc are found in the Friuli-Venezia-Giulia region in the northeast part of the country, particularly in Collio and Grave.  In the new-world, it has found a home on the South Island of New Zealand, as well as in Chile, California, Australia and South Africa.  Ontario is also meeting with some success, but severe winter frosts in recent years have damaged plantings resulting in shortages. While most areas of the world call it Sauvignon Blanc, in Friuli, the grape is simply known by its variety name “Sauvignon”.  What distinguishes the grape in northeast Italy is that it lacks those aggressive green aromas you sometimes find elsewhere.  In areas like Collio and Grave, the grape showcases the softer aromas of passionfruit, sage and mint. On offer this week is the 2015 Venica & Venica Ronco del Cero Sauvignon. This is a stunning example, from one of the best producers in the region, of the heights that Sauvignon Blanc can attain in this esteemed growing region, (particularly in an excellent vintage).  The grapes for this wine are sourced from 7 different vineyards.  Each vineyard is picked by hand over a period of three to four weeks.  As a result, the different levels of ripeness add structure, complexity and depth to the wine. The 2015 Venica & Venica Ronco del Cero Sauvignon is available for immediate delivery. There are only 20 cases available.  To order, please e-mail or telephone 416-463-4677.  A rare opportunity to taste an extraordinary Sauvignon Blanc!   2015 Venica & Venica Sauvignon $44.95 btl / $269.70 cs (case of  6 x 750ml)Wow!  This wine is from the fantastic 2015 vintage.  Light gold in colour.  On the nose look for layers of ripe passionfruit, pineapple and white grapefruit;  floral notes of honeysuckle and jasmine as well as spicy aromas of boxwood, sage and anisette.  The wine is wonderfully textured – soft, round and viscous – with a core of steely acidity.  Delicious! Drink:  Now – 2020 Food Pairing:  Pasta with clams, salami, grilled prawns, truffle on scrambled eggs

One of the reasons Chardonnay is grown so widely around the world is its versatility. When grown in a cool climate with no oak aging, the resulting wine is crisp and light, with aromas of green apple and white flowers. On the other hand, growing Chardonnay in a warm climate and aging in oak gives a full-bodied, rich texture with spices and tropical fruit aromas and flavours. Depending on where it is grown and how it is handled in the winery, there is a huge array of styles that Chardonnay can make. It can make a wine to suit virtually any palate. The Casale Marchese winery is located in Lazio, in the hills overlooking Rome. Like the rest of the region, they produce Frascati wine from indigenous grape varieties, but also grow international grapes such as Chardonnay. The winery dates back to the late 1700’s and is one of the few in the region to focus on producing quality wines — most of the others preferring to sell their grapes to the local cooperative. It is owned by the Carletti family which boasts two papal cardinals among its recent ancestors. On offer this week is the 2013 Casale Marchese Clemens, which is named after one of the cardinals, Clemente Micara. This is a delicious Italian take on Chardonnay. There’s no oak aging, but it undergoes full malolactic fermentation (a natural process converting the harsh malic acid to softer and creamier lactic acid), which gives this wine an incredibly creamy, almost buttery mouthfeel. Ultra ripe Chardonnay grapes and Malvasia del Lazio grapes are blended to produce a wine with a hedonistic tropical fruit profile. The 2013 Casale Marchese Clemens is available for immediate delivery, but there are only 25 cases of 6 available. To order, please e-mail or call 416-463-4683. 2013 Casale Marchese Clemens $26.95 btl / $161.70 cs (case of  6 x 750ml) Deep gold colour with honey, apricot, cake spices and clotted cream aromas. Palate is full, rich and creamy with some nice fresh acid which keeps it lighter and drinkable. Flavours of melon, pineapple and passionfruit abound and linger on the long finish. Drink:  Now – 2020 Food Pairing:   Try with seafood chowder, white meat, spit-roast suckling pork, fish baked with potatoes.

The western coast of Australia boasts that they make 2% of Australia’s wine, but win 90% of the medals in competition. It’s not hard to see why this is. While South Eastern Australia has a hot dry climate that makes it easy to ripen grapes year in and year out, winemakers know that the best wine is not just made from ripe grapes. The best wines generally comes from more moderate climates, where the temperatures fluctuate throughout the day. These “diurnal” temperature variations as they are called, build complexity and acidity in a wine that cannot be matched by shear ripeness. This is what Western Australia offers. The climate is cool-temperate and strongly influenced by the proximity of the Southern Ocean. Rainfall is plentiful and even during the hottest Australian summer, daytime temperatures are moderated by cooling evening sea breezes. The warm days and cool nights allow maximum retention of the varietal flavours and aromas required for complex wines. On offer this week is the 2013 Plantagenet Omrah Shiraz.  This is a classic West Australian wine that has more in common with a French Syrah than a typical Aussie Shiraz. It is elegant, well-structured with great acidity and some lovely tannins that can stand up to grilled bbq meats.. The 2013 Plantagenet Omrah Shiraz is available for immediate delivery. To order, please reply to this e-mail or telephone us at 416-463-4683. 2013 Plantagenet Omrah Shiraz $22.40 btl / $268.80 cs (case of  12 x 750ml) This shiraz shows complex flavours from a moderate climate. It has an aroma of blueberries with red currant and raspberry and notes of cinnamon. On the palate, the wine is juicy and moderately full-bodied with a long finish. Drink:  Now – 2023 Food Pairing:  Goes perfectly with rich hearty dishes. Beef stews, roasted vegetables, spicy sausages and peppered steak