Rogers & Company's
Half-Bottle Selection for
Winter 2009
|
Greetings!
When you feel like having a great glass of wine during dinner at home or after dinner while relaxing, half-bottles are a great choice. A half-bottle contains approximately three standard glasses, the perfect amount for two people to share.
Rogers & Company is proud to offer a wide selection of half-bottles, including some of our more collectable wines. So, here are the halves currently in stock, prices are per bottle, pre-GST, all are packed in cases of 12.
To see what's in stock please visit Rogers & Company and download a price list. Two 750ml offerings to keep in mind are the 2005 Produttori del Barbaresco "Barbaresco DOCG" which received 91 points from Wine Advocate and the Othello 2006 by Dominus, which was recently distributed in Vintages and is only available in Ontario and Japan.
Have a great week.
My best regards,
Chris.
|
|
|
Château de Maligny Chablis "Carré de César" 2007 [375ml/12cs] $14.65
 The Carré de César bottling is sourced from a section of vines in the estate's vineyard that are a quality level above all others. Delivering traditional minerality, apple and spice flavours, it finishes clean and long.
As is the tradition in Chablis, barrels are not used in the maturation of this wine, and so it makes for an easy drinking yet complex young wine and also pairs well with a very wide range of foods like quiches, pasta Primavera or baked brie with fresh fruit.
|
|
Kenwood Sonoma Sauvignon Blanc 2008 [375ml/12case] $12.30
 "Does a brilliant job of stimulating the palate and preparing it for spicy fare. The flavours of this sleek, ultra-clean wine are citrus, melons, fresh herbs and spices."
88 points, Wine Enthusiast, December 2009
Kenwood's most popular wine is sourced from five different Sonoma County appellations - Carneros and Russian River Valley are cooler areas that provide the fruit with grassy, herbaceous qualities and to balance these flavours, fruit from Alexander Valley, Dry Creek and Sonoma Valleys provide bright fruit character. The resulting blend is harmonious and food friendly - especially to oysters!
|
|
Altesino Brunello di Montalcino 2004 [375ml/12case] $33.95
Altesino is widely regarded as one of - if not - the best Brunello producers today. Their elevated vineyards are not subjected to the whimsy of vintage conditions and this elevation produces wines with elegance, balance, and longevity.
Altesino made the most of the wonderful 2004 vintage to produce a wonderful wine from its hilltop vineyards in Montalcino.
Wine Enthusiast awarded it 94 points and called it "wonderfully harmonious" and because of its "polished intensity" awarded it #49 in its Top 100 of 2009.
I recommend this as a perfect match for T-Bone steaks brushed with olive oil and herbs or mushroom risotto with pecorino.
|
|
Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2006 [375ml/12case] $19.75
 The "Noble Grape of Montepulciano" is Prugnolo Gentile a.k.a. Sangiovese, but after generations grown here, it has its own qualities and flavours. Traditionally, blending of some indigenous reds is allowed, which brings more complexity and depth to the wine. I find darker more savoury flavours in this wine than in Chianti Classicos of comparable price, but the firm acidity of Sangiovese keep the flavours lively and allow for mid-term aging.
Avignonesi is regarded as the top producer in the region and is very well known for their Merlot "Desiderio" and their Vino Nobile Riserva "Grandi Annate" which is made only in fantastic years.
"Ripe strawberry and blackberry aromas follow through to a full body,
with plenty of rich, luscious fruit, fine tannins and a clean finish.
Mouthwateringly delicious. Drink now. 8,500 cases imported."
90 points, Wine Advocate, October 2009
|
| Chante Perdrix Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2007 [375ml/12cs] $22.95
 Robert Parker said of the 2007 vintage: "Throughout the southern Rhône, 2007 is the greatest vintage I have tasted in my thirty years working in that region."
"Medium red. Alluring aromas of spicy red berries, lavender, minerals and Asian spices. Smells a lot like pinot noir, and tastes like it too. Fresh strawberry and raspberry flavours are given spine by zesty minerals and pick up candied flowers with air. This sexy wine will probably be drinkable on release."
90-93 pts, International Wine Cellar, Jan/Feb 2009
|
|
Duckhorn Napa Valley Merlot 2006 [375ml/12cs] $31.95
 In 2006 Napa Valley icon Duckhorn Vineyards used fruit from its vast Napa Valley vineyard holdings to craft a classic Merlot. Supple and powerful at the same time, its ripe dark fruit flavours are balanced by firm and youthful tannins which will resolve over time. Enjoy this now with an hour's decanting or pair it with glazed pork roast to soften the mouthfeel.
"Black-garnet hue. Lovely mixed aromas of blueberry, raspberry and kirsch. A rush of black cherry fruit on entry laced with flinty mineral accents and fine-grain, youthful tannins. Creamy fruit marks the finish. Taut in structure and cellar-worthy. A prime example of power and finesse: classic Napa fruit, true to its varietal character, crafted into a memorable, prototype Merlot. 31,631 cases"
96 points, The Wine News, Spring 2009
|
Duckhorn Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 [375ml/6case] $38.95
 Duckhorn's prowess doesn't end with Merlot. Their extensive vineyard properties, located in seven sub-appellations of Napa provide them with excellent fruit, and almost limitless blending combinations for this Cabernet. Firm yet juicy when young, I find a savouriness in Duckhorn's Cabs, almost a hint of black olive and fresh herbs. Really great stuff.
"Supple, harmonious, graceful and polished. Shows a pretty flash of toasty oak, with ripe currant and floral berry and pomegranate fruit that maintains its generous fruity profile on the long finish. The tannins are fine-grained."
89-91 points (Barrel tasting), Wine Spectator, web only 2007
|
Frog's Leap Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
[375ml/12case] $32.95
 Frog's Leap has been a leader in organic and sustainable viticulture in Napa for 30 years. Owner, winemaker and "Rutherford Dust Society" co-founder John Williams says "I'm out to make the best wine possible, and organics is a way to do that."
Like ourselves, vines have natural abilities to fight disease and pests, like an immune system. Giving vines nutrients through applications is like giving kids candy for dinner, they have lots of energy for a short period of time and then they crash. This "crash" is when the vines can't produce perfectly ripe grapes, or they fall prey to pests, or they have to be ripped out and replanted because they are not "strong" enough.
As an example of their quality, Frog's Leap's Cabernet vines are on AxR1 root-stock, the non-phylloxera resistant root stock. Although phylloxera is found throughout the Napa Valley, Frog's Leap's vines are so healthy that this soil louse can't penetrate their roots - and so, when all other wineries have had to rip out their vineyards in the 1980's and plant European varieties on American rootstocks, Frog's Leap just kept on making great wine.
If we are seeking a sense of terroir in our wines, doesn't it make sense that winemaking that is respectful of the soil delivers the most? Try any of the Frog's Leap wines and experience true Napa Valley character for yourself.
|
Frog's Leap Napa Valley Zinfandel 2007 [375ml/12case] $21.95
(limited availability)
 Made in a distinctly "1960s" style when Zinfandel was made to drink on a daily basis, this mid-weight, bright Zin is very easy drinking - but that's not to say it's not complex, quite the opposite.
The wine is in perfect balance and the fruit character is pure and clearly defined. Red fruits like sweet raspberries and strawberries give way to gentle baking spice and a lingering, supple finish. This can be aged for a stunning amount of time, as recent tastings of early 1990s Frog's Leap Zins has proved, but good luck keeping your hands off of it!
"This floral zin has a cool, wild blueberry tone edged by red spice. The zesty fruit brightens the tannins' darker earth and mushroom savour. There's tension to the structure, and harmonious balance in the length of flavour. Delicious now to decant for roast quail stuffed with wild mushrooms, this is also suited to age. BEST BUY."
91 points, Wine & Spirits, Oct 2009
|
Kenwood
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2007
[375ml/12case] $14.95
A
staff favourite and great value, especially in 2007, this light and spicy Pinot
charms you with its length and pure rich, fruit character.
"Giant kudos for this lovely
and wholly priceworthy interpretation of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. Medium-full bodied, direct, nicely
fruity and cast in a slightly lighter and racier style than most, it is
appropriately tighter at the back than it is as it begins and will make a fine
mealtime mate with food ranging from pan-sauteed salmon filets to baked chicken
in light gravies to grilled steaks.
And its price and availabilities add to its charms. GOOD VALUE"
Connoisseur's Guide to California Wines, June 2009
"Beautiful aromatics of violet, cherry, and subtle spices, and deep fruit. Perfect balance and it only gets better with aeration."
Wine of the Week.
Dan Berger, www.pressdemocrat.com, June 17, 2009
|
Kenwood
"Jack London Vineyard" Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
[375ml/12case] $19.95
An
ancient eruption of Sonoma Mountain millions of years ago laid down the 300 meter deep volcanic soils that
produces this particularly herbal, minerally, dark Cabernet. Each vintage, this one-of-a-kind Cab is
praised by critics, and in 2006 it is one of Decanter magazine's highest
scoring California Cabernets.
"Opulent
blackcurrant nose, rich, vibrant and pure. Sumptuous and full-bodied, yet spicy and vigorous,
beautifully balanced. from 2010."
5
of 5 stars, Decanter, Jan 2009
|
Ridge
"Geyserville" 2007
[375ml/12case] $25.95
The
"Geyserville" vineyard in the town of the same name was planted by Italian
immigrants in the late 1800s, and some vines are still in production
today. This is a singular wine and
a snapshot of the vintage through lens of this famous spot. Geyserville is easily the most
recognizable single-vineyard Zin in California and for good reason, impressing
the critics and cult-followers alike.
"Ripe,
exotic, and loaded with personality. Aromas of ripe blackberry, underbrush and
licorice lead to concentrated huckleberry and cracked-pepper beef flavours that
finish with lively tannins. Zinfandel, Carignane, Petite Sirah and Mataro. Best
from 2010 through 2015. 11,000 cases made."
91
points, Wine Spectator, Oct 2009
"58%
Zinfandel; 22% Carignane; 18% Petite Sirah; 2% Mataro. An intriguing note of
cranberry-like fruit sets this offering off on a track of its own while
complexing elements of sweet oak, anise, dark chocolate and tar contribute
further distinction. Somewhat tighter than most past Geyserville bottlings, it
is a solidly structured effort whose ample richness is met by lots of vitality,
and, if a bit angular at this point, it promises to blossom with a few years of
age and reward those with patience."
91
points, Connoisseur's Guide to California Wines, April 2009
|
|
Shafer
Napa Valley Merlot 2006
[375ml/12case] $35.95
Lurking
in the shadow of Shafer's more famous Cabernet bottlings, Shafer's Merlot is regarded
as one of the best in Napa every year and the 2006 is par for the course. A wonderfully elegant style, it unfolds
slowly in the glass, and captivates you with its gently spicy, rich fruit nose. Filet Mignon would be a perfect
partner, as would sautéed wild mushrooms
or an elegant cheese plate.
"One
of California's most popular luxury priced Merlots is also one of the state's
best."
Richard Nalley, Forbes
"17% Cab Sauv, 7% Cab
Franc. Heavily extracted aromas of
black cherries, dark soils, hints of licorice and scads of rich oak announce
this wine's serious intentions, and it continues in the mouth with deep, ripe,
layered flavours whose slight tilt towards ripeness is nothing more than we
have seen in virtually all Shafer's releases. The key, of course, is that Shafer wines have historically
shown their ability to carry the style off to perfection, and, given this
bottling's depth of fruit and underlying solidity, it joins the exhalted ranks
of its predecessors."
92
points, Connoisseur's Guide to California Wines, March 2009
"Inky garnet hue with a
fuchsia rim. Heady blueberry and plum aromas with a secondary mineral nuance.
Supple, mouth-filling black fruit laced with dusty, graphite accents. Dry,
charred oak and an herbal spiciness cap the finish."
92
points, The Wine News, Spring 2009
|
|
Shafer
"One Point Five" Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 [375ml/12case] $48.95
Shafer's
wines define the Stags Leap District's "steel fist in a velvet glove"
style. As creamy on the palate as
half and half, with firm structure, this wine has quite a life ahead of
it. Deep dark fruit flavours shows
the connection to the Hillside
Select at a fraction of the price of that legendary Cab.
"The texture, that signal
aspect of Stags Leap District fruit, is layered and rich as French roast
coffee, with an underlying tension that keeps the wine focused on high-toned
red fruit, dark earth and violet scents.
It's powerful and guarded when first poured, growing sleek and classical
with a day of air. This should
drink increasingly well over the next ten years."
94
points, Wine & Spirits, August 2009
"Slightly less intense than
Shafer's Hillside Select, yet similar in style, with well ripened black and
blue fruit, earth and leather notes, and attractive barrel spice. Tannins are firm, the mouthfeel
sumptuous. Has the acidity and
structure to cellar. from 2010."
4
of 5 stars "Highly Recommended", Decanter September 2009
|
|
|
|
Chris McLean
416 961 2294 x 29
chris@rogcowines.com
|
|
|
|
|
