• Order the following wines by the case for home, restaurant or office delivery in Ontario from VinoLuna wine agency. Contact by website, VinoLuna, Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or in the GTA phone 416 587-6691.

• The following two wines from Domaine Lombard are unique. They’re sourced from AOC Brézème, the only Côtes-du-Rhône sub-region allowed its own AOC. The vineyards are situated between the southern and northern Rhône with Syrah the only red grape allowed. All Domaine Lombard fruit is farmed organic/biodynamic and fermented with indigenous yeast.

  
Domaine Lombard Brézème Blanc 2014
AOC Brézème, Côtes-du-Rhône $41.80 12.5% alcohol
This is a stunning white blend using the northern Rhône holy trinity of white grapes; Marsanne 80%, Roussanne 15%, Viognier 5%. Pour, then let rest in the glass for a few minutes to develop its full potential. It showcases a wonderfully floral nose with underlying aromas of mineral notes and just a touch of oak. This is medium bodied with apple and citrus flavours and just a hint of butter on the palate. An edge of tart lemon peel lingers wonderfully on the finish. (Dave Isaacs)

  
Domaine Lombard Brézème ‘Grand Chêne’ Red 2014
AOC Brézème, Côtes-du-Rhône $32.75 12.5% alcohol
This 100% Syrah is deep cherry in colour with a complex nose of earth, barnyard, coffee and mint. Medium bodied with firm tannins, there are flavours of plum and mint and a fine base of acidity. The balanced finish lingers fading away slowly with wisps of cherry pie. Enjoy now after a three-hour decant with steak tartare or cellar another 5 years allowing it to handsomely reward careful cellaring. (Dave Isaacs)

   
Domain de Maubet Côtes de Gascogne Blanc 2015
AOC Côtes de Gascogne $13.95 11.5% alcohol
This lively blend of Colombard/Ugni Blanc/Gros Manseng/Sauvignon Blanc—predominant grapes of the region—has apple and grassy aromas on the nose. Clean tart flavours of green apple and citrus streak over the palate finishing crisp and refreshing. Enjoy with steamed mussels… heck, use a cup to steam the mussels along with chopped onion, parsley and butter, then dip bread in the resulting broth while sipping this family-produced, value-laden wine. (Dave Isaacs)

• The following wine is from a cooperative that was formed 75-plus years ago and now numbers over 250 local, family vignerons.

  
Vignerons de Florensac Picpoul de Pinet 2015
AOP Picpoul de Pinet, Languedoc $13.95 12.5% alcohol
This light-medium bodied white wine is 100% Picpoul, considered one of the oldest grape varieties found in the Languedoc. The unassuming nose of lemon and rind replays on the palate and lingers as a pleasantly tart, clean, mouth-watering finish. Picpoul is an excellent match for seafood—source recommended recipes here. (Dave Isaacs)

  
Cave de Bissey Crémant de Bourgogne Brut Blanc Non-Vintage
AOC Crémant de Bourgogne $23.80 12.5% alcohol
This sparkler’s produced in the traditional method as in Champagne from a blend of 60% Aligoté/30% Pinot Noir/10% Chardonnay. It shows pale gold in the glass with a profusion of fine-bead bubbles. There are aromas of apple with touches of yeast on the nose while palate flavours are dominated by green apple giving way to a racy, tang-laden citrus finish. (Dave Isaacs)

  
Cave de Bissey Crémant de Bourgogne Rosé Non-Vintage
AOC Crémant de Bourgogne $25.25 12% alcohol
This sparkling Rosé is sourced from an assemblage of 60% Aligoté/30% Pinot Noir/10% Gamay with the 2nd fermentation induced in the bottle you purchase, just as it’s done in Champagne. It has a lovely pale-orange and pink hue with aromas of strawberry and dried fruit. It finishes light on the palate with a slightly sweet, jammy flavour. Pair with filet of oven-baked salmon. (Dave Isaacs)

• The following family-owned, 4th generation Champagne house began with vineyards in the 1920s founded by Octave Haton. A momentous change occurred in the 1970s under Jean-Nöel by adopting the regulated designation of ‘negociant-manipulant’ allowing them to expand production by purchasing grapes. They own 20 hectares and purchase grapes equal to another 75—their wines are ranked in the top percentile of houses and you’ll find that reflected in the reviews below.

  
Jean-Nöel Haton Champagne Brut ‘Réserve’ Non-Vintage
AOC Champagne $47.55 12.5% alcohol
This is pale-yellow hued with an explosion of fine-bead mousse. It greets you with aromas of freshly baked bread and lemon peel. The three major grape varieties of Champagne are found in this age-worthy, refreshing gem—Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay. It’s a well-paced and well-priced ‘Reserve’, dancing lightly over the palate with crisp, refreshing grapefruit flavours and a lingering lemon-zest finish. (Dave Isaacs)

  
Jean-Nöel Haton Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2011
AOC Champagne $57.00 12.5% alcohol
100% Chardonnay, this Vintage Champagne presents very pale gold with a slight-green tinge. It has an interesting nose of fresh bread, apple, and dry leaf aromas. It’s refreshing on the palate with creamy mouthfeel and buttery orange flavours. This high-quality Champagne already has some age; a few more years tucked away in the cellar should further develop secondary aromas and flavours, perhaps vanilla, butterscotch, truffles and/or toasty-nutty notes. (Dave Isaacs)

  
Jean-Nöel Haton Champagne Brut ‘Classic’ Non-Vintage
AOC Champagne $44.85 12.5% alcohol
This is sourced from the two black grapes of the region—Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir. It’s light gold with a subtle orange tinge and showcases mineral and apple aromas interwoven with an underlying layer of Brie. There’s good acidity with a taste reminiscent of green apple. It finishes with tangy lemon notes and an ever-so-slight touch of sweetness. As prices go in this tony neighbourhood, there’s very good value on offer here. (Dave Isaacs)

• The following Vintage Champagne is a dazzling example of well-aged Champagne showcasing secondary aromas and flavours developed from premium fruit, harvested in an outstanding vintage, meticulous blending of wine from dozens of premium sites and careful cellaring. A cursory look at, or a thorough investigation of Vintage Champagne prices, will highlight this as excellent value.

  
Jean-Nöel Haton Champagne Extra Brut 2005
AOC Champagne $66.60 12.5% alcohol 
This stunning Vintage Champagne is a 50/50 split of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. It has a bright golden hue and shows voluminous lines of fine-bead bubbles streaming through the wine. The fascinating nose overflows with butterscotch, custard pudding, white chocolate, and orange aromas. It’s structured and creamy textured tasting wondrously dry while supporting a complex mix of crême caramel and lemon. It lingers lip-smacking good with a racy citrus finish. Serve with hors d'oeuvres, perhaps freshly shucked oysters or scallop ceviche. (Dave Isaacs)