Info Cellar

The Aussies turned Chardonnay into a full-on party!

Richard Godin Weekly offerings Leave a comment December 6, 2019May 23, 2018

2017 Kingston Estate Chardonnay $17.90 btl / $214.80 cs (case of 12 x 750ml) Leave it to the Aussies to take the noble French grape and turn it into the wine equivalent of a full-on party. Diversity in both terroir and wine making particularly in Australia’s cool-climate regions is resulting in an exciting spectrum of premium Chardonnays. Chardonnay first came to Australia in the 1920s but didn’t find popularity until the 1970s. It is planted in virtually every region and …

Kicking off Rosé Season with this New Spanish Pink

Richard Godin Weekly offerings Leave a comment January 13, 2023May 17, 2018

2017 Raimat Rosada $16.80 btl / $201.60 cs (case of 12 x 750ml) Rosé is supposed to be an uncomplicated, hot-weather pleasure that is easy and simple to understand and enjoy. We’ve added this new Spanish rosé to the portfolio because it is simply delicious. The 2017 Raimat Rosada is a Cabernet/Tempranillo blend, brilliant pale pink with supple aromas of elegant strawberry and cherry, flowers and hints of grapefruit. On the palate, it’s fresh and long-lasting with a touch of red berries …

Luigi Righetti’s Stellar Ripasso from a Great Vintage

Richard Godin Weekly offerings Leave a comment January 13, 2023May 9, 2018

2015 Luigi Righetti Campolieti Valpolicella $20.80 btl / $249.60 cs (case of 12 x 750ml) Located in Valgatara, in the heart of Valpolicella Classico, the Luigi Righetti estate is a small to mid-sized family run winey once led by Angelo Righetti who first earned a reputation as an outstanding winemaker in 1909. The family has always focused on producing quality wines offering extremely good value, and is now run by Gianni, Angelo’s grandson. It was my first time there a few weeks back when we …

Organic Pinot Noir Perfect for the Spring Season

Richard Godin Weekly offerings Leave a comment January 13, 2023May 1, 2018

2016 Te Mania Pinot Noir $22.95 btl / $275.40 cs (case of 12 x 750ml) An elegant red perfect for the transitioning season. The 2016 Te Mania Pinot Noir is certified organic, vegan friendly (no animal-derived fining agents used), and can certainly be enjoyed young but will benefit from a little cellaring allowing it to develop more complexity. Lovely lifted nose with red fruit and mocha notes combined with savoury and spicy aromas. The palate is full of red cherries and raspberries along with savoury, gamey flavours with hints of leather balanced with elegant tannins which …

Great-Value Tempranillo — 90 pts from Wine Spectator

Richard Godin Weekly offerings Leave a comment January 13, 2023April 26, 2018

2014 Viña Pomal Crianza $18.55 btl / $111.30 cs (case of 6 x 750ml) Richer than the classic Rioja with opulent color, generous fruit and lush on the palate, Viña Pomal wines represent exceptional value. Now offered in a 6 pack, the 2014 Viña Pomal Crianza shows its ability to make an excellent younger wine with a balance between the classical Rioja character and a more noteworthy presence of fruit flavors. The wine is ruby with violet hues, with an intense nose, dominated by floral …

The Best Primitivo We’ve Ever Tasted

Richard Godin Weekly offerings 3 Comments November 21, 2019April 11, 2018

2016 Schola Sarmenti Primitivo Critera $20.60 btl / $247.20 cs (case of 12 x 750ml) This week, our team is in Verona at Vinitaly, which is an opportunity for us to connect with our Italian wineries, taste the current vintages and scour the show floor in search of new gems to bring back to Ontario. These international wine shows are massive, with over 3,000 exhibitors and up to 50,000 industry professionals attending from all corners of the globe. 4 days …

World-Class Cabernet Sauvignon at Superb Value from Coonawarra, Australia

Richard Godin Weekly offerings Leave a comment August 13, 2021April 4, 2018

2016 Kingston Estate Cabernet Sauvignon $17.90 btl / $214.80 cs (case of 12 x 750ml) Kingston Estate is quickly becoming one of our top selling estates, not only because the wines are delicious, but because they offer exceptional value. The new 2016 vintage of the Cabernet Sauvignon embodies accessible luxury that can be enjoyed at any occasion. For full-bodied red wine drinkers this is one we recommend having on hand for everyday enjoyment. This single varietal wine is made from …

Next Level Spanish Wine from Oldest Winery in Priorat

Richard Godin Weekly offerings Leave a comment January 13, 2023March 27, 2018

2016 Scala Dei Garnatxa $26.90 btl / $322.80 cs (case of 12 x 750ml) Many of us have had a glass or has heard of Rioja. Wines from Rioja are typically made in a subtle, elegant style with maturation in American Oak. Priorat, on the other hand, offers those who wish to take the next step in Spanish wine, to something a little more complex. Located just south of Barcelona, this tiny mountainous and remote region is known for producing …

New Wine from Luigi Righetti Worth Checking Out!

Richard Godin Weekly offerings Leave a comment January 13, 2023March 21, 2018

2016 Luigi Righetti Campo Tordi IGT $15.65 btl / $187.80 cs (case of 12 x 750ml) Luigi Righetti is an important winery for us, not only because it was the first winery that The Small Winemakers Collection represented 26 years ago, but because the family has continued to focus on producing quality wines offering extremely good value. Operating for over 100 years, located in the heart of Valpolicella Classico, the Luigi Righetti estate is small to mid-sized, family run winery …

Chianti from a Hidden Treasure at Brilliant Value

Richard Godin Weekly offerings Leave a comment September 19, 2022March 8, 2018

2016 Sinopie Chianti DOCG $16.30 btl / $195.60 cs (case of 12 x 750ml) Rufina is a Tuscan town 30 kilometers northeast of Florence and is one of the smallest of the Chianti sub-zones. There are just 25 wineries in Rufina, and although produces much less than other regions in Tuscany such as Classico and Colli Senesi, it is a mighty force making some of Tuscany’s finest wines. On offer this week is an excellent example of a fresh, young …