Vintages Release: June 22, 2019

• The following signature wine of Domaine Carneros ‘by Taittinger’ is their vintage-dated Brut 2013 Méthode Traditionnelle sparkling wine with a blend of 58% chardonnay/42% pinot noir.

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Domaine Carneros ‘by Taittinger’ Brut 2013
Carneros, California $41.95 (301655) 12.0% alcohol
Aromas of baking brioche, nutty notes, honeysuckle and citrus rise from the fine-bead frothy mousse in the glass. Palate flavours—baked apple pie, lemon curd and minerality—ride on excellent tang and acidity. Persistent purity of fruit and palate flavours infuse the lingering balanced and beautiful finish and aftertaste. Extremely versatile at the table, pour with appetizers or mains—sea food, sushi, poultry, pork or soft cheese like brie or camembert. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2018 Quinta de Curvos Loureiro Vinho Verde hails from the northwest corner of Portugal utilizing the acclaimed grape variety in the Vinho Verde wine region, ‘Loureiro’.

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Quinta de Curvos Loureiro Vinho Verde 2018
Vinho Verde, Portugal $12.95 (471284) 12.0% alcohol 
This wafts easily from the glass with aromas of floral and herbal notes galore. It glides over the palate smooth and light on its feet showcasing satin-smooth mouthfeel, deft balance and a wonderful array of delicious flavours—yellow peach, ripe pear and lemon curd. It finishes dry and delicious with mouth-watering tang and a wisp of minerality. Pour with grilled sardines or pan-seared calamari under a generous squeeze of fresh lemon. (Vic Harradine)

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Gérard Bertrand ‘Hampton Water’ Rosé 2018
AOP Languedoc, France $29.95 (667337) 13.0% 
This is predominantly grenache noir blended with cinsault and mourvèdre that was matured a short time in French oak barrels. Lifted aromas of floral notes, spice and fresh strawberry leap from the glass. Palate flavours of ruby red grapefruit, flinty minerality and tangy red currant form a laser-like stream of crunchy flavour persisting through the dry, lip-smacking finish. Pour with grilled or pan-seared salmon or pasta in tomato sauce. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release July 20, 2019

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Oyster Bay Cuvée Brut Sparkling Non-Vintage
Hawke’s Bay $22.95 (163634) 12.5% alcohol
This Charmat method sparkling is made of 100% chardonnay kept in contact with the lees in a portion of the maturation process. It fills the air with aromas of fresh citrus, lactic notes, bread crumbs and mineral character. A nice froth expands on the palate expressing flavours of pink grapefruit, white peach, crispy crackers and a lingering minerality note turning saline in the medium-long finish. This is medium-bodied with great acidity, pleasant mouthfeel and weight and a no-brainer partner to sea salt chips. (Louise Boutin)

• The following 2016 Gérard Bertrand Minervois Syrah/Carignan was hand harvested with each varietal grape kept separate. After malolactic conversion and both undergoing partial carbonic maceration, they were blended and matured eight months in 225L French oak barrel followed by further bottle maturation before release.

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Gérard Bertrand Minervois Syrah/Carignan 2016
AOP Minervois, France $15.95 (952804) 13.5% alcohol
Lively, fresh aromas of dark cherry and black currant set the table for a smorgasbord of palate flavours with red cherry blueberry, mocha and sweet bramble berry to the fore. This is medium weight with good texture, balance and tang. It dishes up more of the same with palate replays on the finish and aftertaste. It sips well on its own and pours exceptionally well with grilled red meats, gourmet sausages or beef stroganoff. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: August 3, 2019

• The following 2017 Closson Chase ‘Vineyard’ Chardonnay was hand harvested from two estate low-yielding vineyards—75% South Clos and 25% Churchside—then 100% barrel fermented in French oak with under 10% new.

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Closson Chase ‘Vineyard’ Chardonnay 2017
VQA Prince Edward County $29.95 (148866) 13.3% alcohol
This offers a price-quality balance tipped wildly in your favour. Aromas of apple, pear and baking spice abound on the nose of this fabulous chardonnay. It treats the palate to a balanced and beautiful, fruit-filled river of flavour with ginger root-infused apple along with wisps of sweet vanilla and Meyer lemon. It’s medium-plus bodied with generous mouthfeel accompanied by a monumentally long, delectable finish. Pour on its own after removing from refrigeration for 20 minutes or with roast chicken, turkey, pork or smoked duck breasts. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: October 2019

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Sacred Hill Pinot Noir 2018
Marlborough $19.95 13.5% alcohol
A nice melange of raspberry, red cherry, potpourri and dry savoury herb aromas charms the nose. You’ll find flavours of tart cherry, dry cranberry, dry sage on the palate and a toasty note persisting in the tart savoury finish. This medium-bodied pinot has up to five years of cellaring potential but is delicious now alongside salmon on the grill with roasted asparagus. (Louise Boutin)