Greetings!
When the weekends beckon and everyone is hosting barbecues and cottage parties it's always nice to have wines on hand that you can just grab going out the door. So, I thought I would pull together a selection of terrific values that are perfect for the months to come. Of course, as Rogers & Company's resident wine nerd I couldn't help but slip in a few special gems that I think everyone should know about. These are the kind of wines that always impress and over-deliver on value. I've also included one notable Napa Cabernet because, well, sometimes you're grilling a magnificently marbled steak and it screams for a big Cab.
Please visit our website for current all the reviews, tasting notes and catalogues; follow our blog to hear about recent releases and events; and connect with us online.
Our bottle prices include all taxes, just not the $0.20 bottle deposit, and we do offer delivery.
Most sincerely,
Chris.   |
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Château de Maligny Chablis "Carré de César" 2010
$26.50 per bottle, 12 bottles per case
 Chablis is all about clarity and texture. This pure, unoaked expression of Chardonnay is defined by its aromas and flavours of green apple, wet stone, gun flint and minerals. The magic is in the soil - Kimmeridgian clay, which is composed of limestone, clays and fossilized seashells.
Jean Durup, the proprietor of Château de Maligny is the largest landholder in all Chablis and the "Carré de César" bottling highlights a region of the estate's vineyard that has for many years, produced wines that outshine surrounding vines.
This is a lovely, floral Chardonnay unencumbered by oak and ready to sip poolside or to complement a summer salad. |
Grayson Cellars California Chardonnay 2010
$18.95 per bottle, 12 bottles per case
 We've been thrilled with the quality of the Grayson wines since we first introduced the winery in 2010. The wines are made by Larry Levin, one of Napa's most esteemed winemakers, who for nine years before joining Grayson was the head of winemaking for Icon Estates which owns Franciscan Winery, Mt. Veeder Winery, Robert Mondavi, Ravenswood, and Quintessa to name only a few. Fruit from Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino counties contributes to this lovely, gentle Chardonnay.
"Brilliantly ripe showing acidity with notes of Asian pear, green apple and tropical fruit."
Best Buy, Wine Enthusiast, Dec 2011
"Grayson Cellars specializes in sourcing declassified lots of wine from highly respected wineries, putting together attractive blends, and selling them for a song."
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Aug 2009
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Nino Franco Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Non-Vintage
$21.95 per bottle, 12 bottles per case
 Why limit your summer time bubbles to beer? Nino Franco's Prosecco is a fresh and captivating sparkler. Primo Franco, the owner and winemaker extends the lees aging to give it more body and complexity than most Proseccos in the market. This Champagne look-alike pops with fresh green apple, flower and pear notes, and a delicate and dry cascade of sparkles. It's also not so expensive that you couldn't add some OJ and make a mimosa (go ahead, we won't tell).
"The NV Valdobbidene Prosecco Superiore Brut is an attractive entry-level offering. There is plenty of energy and focus to match the wine's supple, approachable personality. This tasty Prosecco makes for an excellent introduction to the wines of Nino Franco. Anticipated maturity: 2012 - 2014." 88 points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Feb 2012
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Grayson Cellars California Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
$18.95 per bottle, 12 bottles per case
The 2010 Grayson Cabernet shows a dark ruby colour with a rich nose of ripe, dark cherries, blackberries and hints of black pepper. This full bodied wine provides a round mouth feel with an intense, lingering finish with hints of toasted French oak.
The 2010 is not yet reviewed, but the 2009 received the following: "Even better is the 30,000-case cuvee of 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon (aged 9 months in stainless steel and neutral French oak). The "real deal," it is a velvety textured, lush, round, crowd-pleasing Cabernet revealing a dark ruby colour as well as lots of black currant and herb notes intermixed with a hint of smoke."
88 points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Dec 2010
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Domaine Brusset Côtes du Rhône "Laurent B." 2010
$17.95 per bottle, 12 bottles per case
Domaine Brusset's wines over-deliver every year. Their entry level wine, this Côtes du Rhône is a fantastic value and has recently become my house wine. Sixty percent Grenache, twenty Syrah, ten Mourvedre and ten Cinsault, fermented for 10 days and aged in 100% neutral oak vats, it is delicious now and has the energy to mature for up to six years. In my opinion, the best part is that with all its flavour, it has only 13% alcohol. This wine is aromatic and complex, medium-bodied and very juicy and fresh with a lovely long, dry finish. The perfect wine for large groups and for sipping while relaxing after dinner on the porch or patio. |
Domaine Brusset Gigondas "Le Grand Montmirail" 2010
$32.95 per bottle, 12 bottles per case
 These dry-farmed Grenache vines, grown in the shadow of Gigondas' Les Dentelles mountains, produce tremendous wines. The fruit flavours are dark and spicy, the palate extremely broad, and the tannins extremely gentle and fine. If you enjoy luxurious Napa Cabernets, modern Châteauneuf-du-Papes or powerful Burgundies, I would highly recommend this wine as a great value alternative. "A superb offering, the 2010 Gigondas "Le Grand Montmirail" reveals a saturated purple colour as well as concentration, definition and precision. It is a refreshing, vibrant, full-bodied wine to drink over the next 12-15 years. " 92-94 points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Oct 2011 |
Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage Rouge "La Guiraude" 2010
$54.95 per bottle, 6 bottles per case
From the flats surrounding the hill of Hermitage in northern Rhone, Alain Graillot has been producing some of the regions most coveted and collectable Syrahs for almost 30 years. His Crozes-Hermitage is a reference point wine for the AOC and his best-barrel selection "La Guiraude" is always in high demand.
"Harmonious, inviting bouquet. Dark and penetrating - a gradual evolver. Drink 2015-2030"
5/5 stars, Decanter magazine, April 2012
The 2009 vintage of La Guiraude was named #9 in Wine Spectator's "Top 100 Wines of the Year", but this is not the only time that Alain Graillot has made the top 100. In 2007 his 2005 Crozes-Hermitage was named #43 and in 2005 his 2003 Crozes-Hermitage was named #68.
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Duckhorn "Migration" Pinot Noir Anderson Valley 2009
$38.95 per bottle, 12 bottles per case
 Migration was created in 2001 not as a "second" wine, but rather a "sister" label to Goldeneye, Duckhorn Wine Company's ultra-premium Pinot Noir venture.
The name was chosen to reflect change and movement, and offers winemaker Neil Bernardi greater creativity and flexibility as he blends 23 separate lots, comprising 22 different clones grown on five estate vineyards and other top vineyards in the Anderson Valley to produce Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays of uncompromising quality. Each lot is hand harvested, then vinified in steel and barrel-aged for 18 months in new French oak, before the blend is finalized.
This is a complex, red fruit-driven Pinot Noir with a rich entry, balanced acidity, good length and substantial structure. In both the aromatics and on the palate, enticing notes of cranberry and strawberry take center stage supported by layers of cola and spice, as well as savoury elements of leather, tomato leaf and bacon fat. |
Ridge "Geyserville"
750 ml - (2010) $49.95 per bottle, 6 bottles per case 375 ml - (2009) $25.95 per bottle, 12 bottles per case
There are few wineries in the world that produce wines at the quality level of Ridge and even fewer devoted to the continued production and protection of California's old vineyards. Geyserville is farmed at the Whitton Ranch in Alexander Valley which was first planted in 1882. The core of Geyserville is this "Old Patch" Heritage Zinfandel block, complemented by the second oldest part of the vineyard which was planted in 1891. Ridge has made wine from these old blocks each year since 1966.
So much more then a typical Zinfandel, Geyserville's high proportion of Carignane makes this one of Ridge's most aromatic wines. Also, the alcohol is a modest 14.3% which makes Geyserville one of the most finessed and drinkable "Zinfandels" and contributes to its ability age well beyond 10 years.
2010
"The 2010 Geyserville impresses for its sensual perfume, bright red cherries, rose petals and stone fruit. The Carignane plays an important role in the personality of the 2010. The blend is 62% Zinfandel, 22% Carignane and 14% Petite Sirah. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2030. " (91-93) points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Aug 2011 2009 "The 2009 Geyserville is a gorgeous wine. It shows expressive inner perfume, sweet black cherries, menthol and minerals. This is an understated, exceptionally elegant red endowed with considerable finesse and fabulous overall balance. A round, sensual finish makes it impossible to resist a second taste. In 2009 the blend is 74% Zinfandel, 17% Carignane, 6% Petite Sirah, 2% Alicante Bouschet and 1% Mourvedre. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2029." 94 points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Aug 2011 |
Altamura Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
$117.95 per bottle, 12 bottles per case
 And now the the big Napa Cab. Wooden Valley is a small, almost round valley, approximately two miles wide and located nine miles northeast of the town of Napa within the Napa Valley appellation. Here Frank Altamura farms 65 acres of vineyards on his 400 acre property, including a rarely seen grape in Napa, Nebbiolo. We have the ability to source you this rare wine, from the beautiful 2005 vintage. If you're interested, please let me know. Altamura's Cabernet has wowed the critics each year and 94 points seems par for the course. These wines are structured and powerful in the classic Napa Valley style. We think that the 2008 is just as good as the 2007, which received 96 points from Wine Spectator and 95 from Wine Advocate. Comparatively the 2007 vintage in Napa for Cabernet Sauvignon was awarded 97 points by Wine Spectator and 2008 awarded 96. Their note on the 2008 vintage was "Frost year lowered yields but not quality. Rivals 2007; unique for its depth and concentration". "Combines very ripe, spicy dark berry fruit that's even a touch racy, with a firm backbone and a well-structured mix of acidity and tannins. The fruit is potent and concentrated, yet also shows a suppleness and measure of grace. Should only get better. Drink now through 2024. 3,000 cases made." 94 points, Wine Spectator, Dec 2011 |
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| Chris McLean
416 961 2294
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