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Raise the flag
(and a glass!)
this Canada Day
to celebrate
friends, family
and good fortune.
VINTAGES joins
the party with a
basket full of
wines from across
the country.
Summer starts
right here!
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CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES CHARDONNAY MUSQUÉ 2006
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake
TASTING NOTE: Here is a pretty, clean attractively floral version of this aromatic variant of Chardonnay. On the palate it is succulent and full-bodied, showing lots of plump ripe fruit character, intriguing lavender flower notes and very good length. Drink now. Score - 89. (John Szabo M.S., Wine Access 'First In Line E-Report', March 15, 2008)
640516 (D) 750 mL $16.95  |
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VQA Wine of the Month
HENRY OF PELHAM OFF-DRY RESERVE RIESLING 2007
VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Peninsula
Looking for the perfect wine to savour on a crisp summer evening? Look no further than this off-dry treat. Grapes for this rich and vibrant Riesling are left on the vine well into October, allowing them to reach the desired ripeness. The result is an interplay of lush citrus and floral accents with a hint of sweetness balanced by a brilliant seam of acidity. This is a delicious match for pork chops with caramelized apples, or pair with spicy Thai dishes. An amazing value, it will age well for 5-7 years.
557165 (MD) 750 mL $15.95  |
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JACKSON-TRIGGS DELAINE VINEYARD RIESLING 2006
VQA Niagara Peninsula
Named after co-founder Don Triggs and his wife Elaine, Delaine Vineyard is Jackson-Triggs' super-premium vineyard property. This seductive Riesling features pretty aromas of peach, lime and petrol. It's slightly off-dry with amazingly concentrated exotic fruit flavours and a long finish. A great summer sipper to enjoy on its own or pair it with sweet and spicy pork noodles or Thai beef dishes.
017509 (D) 750 mL $19.95 |
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PENINSULA RIDGE A.J. LEPP VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2007
VQA Niagara Lakeshore
Never one to rest on his laurels, Peninsula Ridge's winemaker, Jean-Pierre Colas, has spent many winters working vintages in the southern hemisphere. During one of his stints in New Zealand, he undoubtedly picked up some pointers for crafting expressive Sauvignon Blancs like this single-vineyard version. Bursting with gooseberry, straw and grapefruit aromas, this crisp and vivacious wine has mouth-watering acidity and delectable fruit and mineral flavours.
078543 (XD) 750 mL $19.15 |
 
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HILLEBRAND COLLECTORS' CHOICE CABERNET/MERLOT 2005
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Oak Aged
How's this for Canadiana? Since 1985, Hillebrand's Collectors' Choice wine labels have featured a different painting drawn from the Group of Seven canon. The 2005 Cabernet/Merlot features Little Island by A.J. Casson. This blend of 73% Cabernet Franc, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Merlot spends one year in oak resulting in a medium full-bodied, velvety red with blackcurrant, plum, spicy oak and elegant herbal characteristics. A choice red for your Canada Day barbecue.
297275 (D) 750 mL $16.75 |
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MALIVOIRE GAMAY 2006
VQA Niagara Escarpment
Malivoire consistently crafts exceptional wines using their estate-grown Gamay vines. They make a convincing case for this too-often-overlooked variety. This wine has a generously fragrant nose of ripe cherry and bramble berry fruit, with some interesting spicy notes. It's dry, medium-bodied and well-balanced by ripe tannins and lively acidity. Enjoy over the next 2-3 years with grilled pork loin, blackened chicken or planked salmon.
591313 (D) 750 mL $17.00 |
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MIKE WEIR PINOT NOIR 2006
VQA Niagara Peninsula
Winemaking team Rob Power and Craig MacDonald were named Winemakers of the Year at the 2008 Ontario Wine Awards.
TASTING NOTE: Typical cool climate Pinot Noir from Ontario ... The nose is earthy with cranberry and strawberry fruit ... the taste follows right along with the nose along with good cutting acidity, ripe tannins and a wonderful sour cherry finish ... (Michael Pinkus, www.ontariowinereview.com, March 31, 2008)
000075 (D) 750 mL $22.20 |
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FLAT ROCK CELLARS SWEET REVENGE VIDAL ICEWINE 2006
VQA Short Hills Bench
This wine won a Silver Medal at the 2007 Canadian Wine Awards. It is already in stores.
TASTING NOTE: This is a fleshy sweetie, with tinned peach, candied grapefruit peel and an interesting hint of thyme. The piercing acidity provides balance and leaves a lip-smacking impression on the finish. Drink now through 2013. Score - 89. (Alison Napjus, www.winespectator.com, May 15, 2008)
047803 (S) 375 mL $44.95
Collect 10 Bonus
AIRMILES© reward miles
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| Sparkling Wine |
CAVE SPRING BRUT 2005
VQA Niagara Escarpment, Traditional Method
The previous vintage of this traditionally made fizz won a Gold Medal at the 2007 Cuvée Awards. This enticing sparkler shows fresh apple and pear aromas on the nose. It's dry with crisp apple flavours and toast notes rounding out the finish. A delightful aperitif, it will also match nicely to sushi or seafood tempura.
049981 (D) 750 mL $29.95 |
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MISSION HILL S.L.C. SAUVIGNON BLANC/SEMILLON 2005
VQA Okanagan Valley
TASTING NOTE: White florals, pineapple and faint pungent grassiness on the nose. Intensely fruity on palate with pineapple dominating minerality. High acidity, moderate body with slightly oily texture, moderate + alcohol. Long finish. Palate cleansing acidity makes this an excellent food wine. 79% Sauvignon Blanc, 21% Semillon. 2/3 fermented and aged sur lies for 3 1/2 months in French oak. Score - 4 (out of 5). (Lesley Provost, www.purplelips.ca, Feb, 12, 2008)
068361 (D) 750 mL $29.95 |
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New at VINTAGES
MISSION HILL S.L.C. MERLOT 2004
VQA Okanagan Valley
The ultra-premium Select Lot Collection represents the pinnacle of the winemaking craft at Mission Hill. Carefully selected grapes, which are sourced from select vineyard lots, are barrel-aged in French oak to produce complex, balanced, age-worthy wines.
TASTING NOTE: The S.L.C. is going to be amazing in five years; if you have patience and cash, it's well worth cellaring. For the moment, it remains very closed-in, but the promise is huge. (Jurgen Gothe, www.straight.com, March 27, 2008)
068353 (XD) 750 mL $39.95 |
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| Fruit Wine |
New at VINTAGES
ROSSIGNOL ESTATE ICED LIBERTY BLOSSOM 2006
Prince Edward Island
Think Icewine made from apples. This unique, sweet treat combines McIntosh, Courtland and Red Delicious apples freeze-concentrated to produce a nectar-like fruit wine. A sinfully delicious dessert on its own, or pair with cinnamon pastries or apple dumplings.
069476 (S) 375 mL $22.95 |
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| Cider |
New at VINTAGES
LA FACE CACHÉE DE LA POMME NEIGE ICE CIDER
Quebec
TASTING NOTE: This smells like a barn full of apples, heady and vivid. It tastes even more vivid, with the sweet, concentrated flavor of apple pie and the tang of cider; the smooth gentleness of applesauce and the crisp, malic edge of the just-picked fruit. It's delicious on its own, even better with thick chunks of extra-sharp cheddar. Score - 92. www.wineandspiritsmagazine.com, Oct. 2006)
039305 (MS) 375 mL $29.95 |
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