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March 22, 2023

Boschendal Sommelier Select Chenin Blanc

Western Cape, South Africa

750 ml, $22.99

Boschendal is a historic estate, founded in 1635. Founded by wine lovers, for wine lovers, Boschendal’s Sommelier Selection serves up an intuitive, food-focused range that complements epicureans and kitchens alike. All Boschendal wines are farmed sustainably in harmony with nature.
Grapes are sourced from a selection of cool coastal sites. Specially chosen to give ripeness and complexity with absolute attention to detail throughout the pruning and suckering stages. This provides beautiful balanced fruit at harvest time. Bright green apple and melon flavours, unfolding into layers of citrus and mineral notes, finishing crisp and clean. The younger the wine, the better it will suit fresh salads and grilled seafood. As the wine matures and the spicy and honeyed notes start to develop, it will pair beautifully with spicy Asian cuisine.

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March 15, 2023

Soul Growers Equilibrium GSM

Barossa Valley, Australia

750 ml, $28.99

Soul Growers was formed in 1998 by the experienced winemaker Paul Heinicke with the addition of award-winning winemaker Stuart Bourne, and quickly gathered a strong following in their domestic, Asian and North American markets. Most of their dedicated team members are 5th generation descendants from the first grape-growing families who settled in the Barossa valley. They are fortunate to work with Old Vine, Survivor, Centurion and Ancestor vines, some being over 130 years old, and their goal is to let the unique character of these vineyard sites across the Barossa valley shine through in their wines. Where nature provides, they only guide.

This blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvedre is medium to full bodied with lifted fresh spicy notes and great complexity. Fresh fruit characters of plums, cassis and berries carry onto the palate underpinned by older oak. The finish is soft, fresh and smooth with wonderful, persistent length of fruit and oak flavours. Pairs best with pasta or pizza.

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March 8, 2023

Three Finger Jack Cabernet Sauvignon

Lodi, California

750 ml, $22.99

Three Finger Jack roamed the rugged and lawless wilderness of California Gold Country in the closing days of the Old West, searching relentlessly for riches. The gold may be gone, but this wine, grown in the land where Jack once roved, pays tribute to Jack’s outlaw nature.

Their smooth, intense Cabernet Sauvignon comes from Lodi, California—including vineyards on Lodi’s East Side Ridge, which marks the beginning of the foothills of the Sierra Mountains.

With great concentration and full body, this wine is extra dark in colour and carries aromas that are brimming with black currant and black cherries. The wine is aged for nine months on a blend of American and French oak barrels that provide soft tannins, a smooth mouthfeel and opulent finish. Serve with juicy steaks, lamb chops, rare burgers or aged cheeses.

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March 1, 2023

Le Chablisienne "La Pierrelée" Chablis

Chablis, France

750 ml, $30.99

Chablis vineyards are some of the oldest in France. Over many years, the exceptional reputation of the white wines, produced from Chardonnay grapes, has spread to all four corners of the world. The story of La Chablisienne begins in 1923, when a number of winegrowers joined forces to better withstand the economic difficulties of the period. Together, in the middle of the Chablis vineyards, they created a cooperative winery to market their wines.

The La Pierrelée Chablis has a brilliant golden colour with silver highlights. On opening, the first aroma is mineral with hints of flint. After aeration, the wine opens with more lemony, slightly floral notes. The palate is fresh and well balanced with a nice roundness. Enjoy as an aperitif, or pair with white fish and lemon sauce or goat cheese.

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February 22, 2023

Domaine Sangouard-Guyot: Macon-La Roche Vineuse Clos de la Bressande

Burgundy, France

750 ml, $24.98

It's no question we love Chardonnay around here, and our Wine of the Week is a great value Chardonnay from Burgundy, France! This Mâcon-Villages grows on a plot of 1 ha (2,5 acres) “Le clos de la Bressande” in the village of Hurigny. Thanks to its south/south-east sun exposure, the grapes ripen beautifully to make this a refreshing wine with very present aromas of fruit (peaches) and flowers (hawthorn and acacia) protected by low-temperature maturing. Enjoy this wine while it's young (up to 3 years) to enjoy its natural freshness and fineness.It's perfect as a pre-dinner drink but also easy to match with food like hors d’oeuvres, grilled meat or barbecued fish.

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February 15, 2023

Sparr Gewurztraminer Reserve

Alsace, France

750 ml, $26.99

The origin of the Sparr winemaking family goes back to 1680 when Jean Sparr was born. Under the influence of François Pierre Sparr in 1785 the vineyards were increased. Generations later, Charles Sparr developed the business, increasing the activities on the area of trade and regarding wine ageing. His son Pierre took the succession at the age of 20. During WWII, many of the vineyards were completely destroyed, but with a lot of courage and obstinacy Pierre Sparr rebuilt one of Alsace’s most beautiful and prestigious domains. Nowadays, with the help of the 9th generation, the aim is still to perpetuate tradition, passion and emotion.

Their Reserve Gewurztraminer is an aromatic white wine that's a perfect match for winter and spicy dishes. Its energetic aromas and flavours showcase tropical fruit notes of passionfruit, lychee and mango, along with lemon, rose and stony mineral notes. Mouthfilling with a long finish, available in store now!

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January 25, 2023

Gabbiano Chianti Classico Riserva

Chianti, Italy

750 ml, $23.99

Established in 1480 AD, Castello di Gabbiano is situated in the heart of the famed region of Chianti Classico. Federico has been chief winemaker at the Castello since February 2011, bringing great energy, focus, and a passion for innovation to his portfolio of classic Gabbiano wines.

Their 2016 Chianti Classico Riserva is made from 95% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot and aged 12 months in traditional French oak casks & small barriques – only 10% new oak – followed by 12 months additional bottle maturation prior to release. Aromas of black-skinned berry, cherry, wet earth, leather and cedar. with a bright, balanced palate that features black cherry, licorice and white pepper alongside silky tannins and fresh acidity. Pair with classic Tuscan pastas and meat-based dishes.

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January 18, 2023

Marques de Marialva Colheita Seleccionada Branco

Bairrada DO, Portugal

750 ml, $18.99

D. António Luís de Meneses— commander of the Portuguese troops during the vital restoration wars between 1640-1648— played a vital role in Portugal gaining Independence from Spain. To honour Meneses, the king of Portugal gave him the title ‘Marques de Marialva’, in recognition of his victories in battle. As a way to honor and recognize his important role in Portugal’s History, Adega de Cantanhede decided that their best still and sparkling wines from the Bairrada DOC should carry his name.

This white wine from Bairrada, Portugal is a blend of Bical, Maria Gomes and Arinto grapes from award-winning winemaker Osvaldo Amado. It's a young, fruity wine with predominant notes of white pulp fruit, citrus fruit and tropical nuances. Fruity, fresh & harmonious, it pairs well with pasta, shellfish, grilled fish & soft cheeses.

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January 11, 2023

Marques de Marialva Colheita Seleccionada Red

Bairrada DO, Portugal

750 ml, $18.99

D. António Luís de Meneses— commander of the Portuguese troops during the vital restoration wars between 1640-1648— played a vital role in Portugal gaining Independence from Spain. To honour Meneses, the king of Portugal gave him the title ‘Marques de Marialva’, in recognition of his victories in battle. As a way to honor and recognize his important role in Portugal’s History, Adega de Cantanhede decided that their best still and sparkling wines from the Bairrada DOC should carry his name.

The Marques de Marialva Colheita Seleccionada Red has an intense nose of well-ripened red fruit, jam, cassis and brightness. The mouth reveals soft fruity red notes that are well-structured and with a long finish. Aged 6 months in French oak barrels and a minimum of 2 months in the bottle before release. Pairs well with fish baked in the oven, stewed or grilled meat, game and ripened cheeses.

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January 4, 2023

Grandes Vinos — Monasterio de Las Vinas Reserva

Cariñena DO, Spain

750 ml, $17.99

This is a great value red wine from Cariñena DO, Spain - which shares its name with the Cariñena grape, which you might recognize as Carignan! The Grandes Vinos collective that produces this wine is made up of a union of 700 winegrowers and 4500 hectares of vineyards. This wine is a blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha (Grenache) and Carignan that was aged 12 months in oak — 70% American and 30% French. On the nose, ample aromas of strawberries, violets and liquorice, with a fruity, balanced and smooth palate. Pair with grilled chicken, pork ribs and stews.

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December 21, 2022

Mistinguett Brut Reserva Cava

Penedès, Spain

750 ml, $28.99

This is a sparkling wine perfect for celebrating the season! Vallformosa is a 100% family-owned winery, now managed by the fifth generation of the Domènech family, established in 1865 in Vilobí del Penedès. Their Mistinguett Brut Reserva Cava is made in the traditional method — a blend of Macabeo, Xarello and Parellada, and aged in bottle 18 months prior to release. It has aromas of white fruit mixed with subtle notes of pastry. It has a soft entry on the palate with a fine and elegant bubble with notes of ripe fruit, but with a lively acidity that lengthens the aftertaste. Pairs with most foods — serve chilled at 5 to 6 degrees.

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December 14, 2022

Powers Merlot

Columbia Valley, Washington, USA

750 ml, $24.99

One of the pioneering vineyards of Washington State, Powers Winery wines are crafted by long-time winemaker Jose Mendoza to showcase WA State's diverse microclimates and distinctive vineyards. Balanced with Old and New World influences, these wines are sourced using the highest quality fruit to consistently produce compelling wines of uncommon depth and complexity, balance of fruit, floral, spice, and earth.

The Powers Merlot is 95% Merlot and 5% Carmenere, and is a stellar example of Washington's world class Merlot. Diverse layered aromatics of dark cherry, blackberries, and elegant floral notes lead into a touch of lavender and graphite on the nose. With dense flavours of cassis, dark cherry, dark plum and fennel seed that linger on the complex palate, this wine has round and approachable tannins that are balanced by a nice touch of oak and mineral on the finish.

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December 7, 2022

Contraste Douro White

Douro Valley, Portugal

750 ml, $34.99

The Contraste Douro White is a white wine produced with indigenous white grape varieties from Douro, including Rabigato, Codega do Larinho, Codega, and Viosinho. 30% of the wine was aged in French oak barrels with regular bâttonge, the rest, in stain steel tanks. The final blend was cold stabilized, filtered and bottled. The wine has a fresh and friendly feel, with slight tropical nuances around the edges and a touch of herbaceousness in its youth, this has a fruity and lively feel that makes it delicious and zesty. It has nice acidity and a solid grip on the finish.

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November 30, 2022

El Enemigo Semillon

Mendoza, Argentina

750 ml, $39.99

One of Argentina's most acclaimed wineries, El Enemigo has rocketed to superstardom in just a few short vintages. El Enemigo is a joint venture of two big names in Argentine wine — Catena's winemaker Alejandro Vigil and Dr. Catena's younger daughter, Adrianna. These two were drawn together by a passion for creating more approachable and mineral-driven wines that are expressive of the nuances of Mendoza’s special terroirs.

This golden yellow Semillon shows aromas of passionfruit and quince, along with baked pear, orange blossom, and hay. Quince, pear, and apricot abound on the palate of this medium-bodied, complex white. It displays incredible texture and depth without being heavy and is kept fresh by generous and balanced acidity. The finish is long and pure, with plenty of orchard fruit and a hint of white pepper.

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November 23, 2022

Filipa Pato Territorio Vivo Baga

Bairrada DOC, Beiras, Portugal

750 ml, $49.99

Filipa Pato’s family has been producing wine in Beiras since the 18th century. Her grandfather, João, was the first to bottle wine in Bairrada DOC after it was officially demarcated as an appellation, and her father, Luis, is credited with bringing Bairrada back to life as a viable and vibrant wine region.

This 100% Baga is a delicate 100% Baga, reflective of the true term of Living Terroir. Old vines are handpicked from different vineyards currently under conversion to organics / biodynamics in Bairrada. It's an elegant, structured and refined wine with a deep intense cherry colour. Pair with a fillet of veal or other delicate, meat-based dishes.

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November 16, 2022

Barbacàn Rosso

Valtellina, Lombardy, Italy

750 ml, $49.99

Our wine of the week is the Barbacán Rosso from Lombardy, Italy. Based primarily on Chiavennesca, this juicy, vibrant and complex wine also includes a host of rare indigenous varieties. Spontaneous fermentation and traditional vinification with roughly twenty days of maceration, followed by nine months’ aging in old 3000L oak botte. This wine presents as fresh as the Alpine air it’s born in. Vibrant cherry and red fruit nose with a delicate pepper spice and minty freshness and a somehow fresh yet dusty granite-like minerality. This wine is both complex and instantly pleasurable, blossoming in the glass with every swirl.

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November 9, 2022

Coto de Imaz Rioja Reserva

Rioja, Spain

750 ml, $26.99

It's World Tempranillo Day, so our wine of the week is a Tempranillo from its most prominent region, Rioja! The Coto de Imaz Rioja Reserva is 100% Tempranillo from estate vineyards in Rioja Alta. Representing the classic Rioja marriage of red fruit and wood, this wine was aged 18 months in new and old American oak, followed by 24 months aging in bottle prior to release. Aromas of ripe fruit, toasted oak, coffee and cocoa. On the palate, it has a round, velvety mouthfeel with ripe tannins, medium body and good acidity. Pairs well with grilled lamb and red meat dishes.

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November 2, 2022

Jermann Blau & Blau

Friuli-Venezia, Italy

750 ml, $45.99

The Jermann Blau & Blau is made from Franconio (Blaufrankisch) and a small part of Pinot Nero. Blaufränkisch is a historic variety (also known as Franconia del Collio and documented for the past two hundred years), cultivated by the Jermanns ever since the 1800s. It is dedicated to Sylvia Tunina, Silvio Jermann’s latest born. Rather intense ruby red color; vinous, well balanced nose, with herbaceous notes and nuances of berry fruit and underbrush. Dry on the palate, elegant, medium to full body, well balanced. Ideal with Friulian cuisine — pair with “kren and vegetable compote”, a traditional recipe from Gorizia and Trieste, which enhances this wine’s characteristics and is in turn enhanced by the wine.

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October 26, 2022

Kritz Kupelweiser Pinot Noir

Alto Adige, Italy

750 ml, $35.99

The Kritz Kupelweiser Pinot Noir is a wine with Germanic precision but Italian soul. This Pinot Noir flourishes in the beautiful vineyards of the ‘Lowlands’ of Alto Adige. These hills, a conglomerate of particular soils of loam, chalk, and porphyry, and the very well-suited climate, form the ideal basis for producing a Pinot Noir of international stature. This Pinot Noir is a harmonious style, with wonderful red berries and black cherry character on top of a velvety structure. Delicate and soft with a slight juicy edge, spicy strawberry and cranberry shine through with a hint of mushroom and salami.

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October 19, 2022

Chum Churum Original Soju

Seoul, South Korea

360 ml, $9.99

Soju is a liquor made with alkaline water, & since 80% of Soju is water, the minerals in the alkaline water play an important part in the drink's flavour. Soju is a clear, colourless and starch-based alcohol made from rice distillation.The Chum Churum Soju is one of the trendiest brands in Korea at the moment - this Original Flavour is slightly sweet, crisp and clean tasting with a smooth finish. Serve chilled on its own or as a cocktail ingredient.

Wine of the Week

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