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The 2018 growing season, my 41st in Washington, was defined by a very early and very warm and dry spring giving the vines an essential head start. Temperatures moderated and our average heat summations settled in to a pattern which showed us ahead of historical averages by a week to ten days. A gentle spring and early summer evolved into a scorcher of epic proportions later in July and into August. Our fears for an overripe harvest were mitigated, oddly enough, by extensive atmospheric smoke from Northern British Columbia.

This effectively blocked the sun for several weeks and, while the temperatures were hot, the vines lacked sunlight for essential photosynthesis and ripening was shifted into a state of, if you will, suspended animation. Early varieties like Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc were indeed quite early with harvest commencing in late August.

Moderating temperatures and a generally welcome cooling trend delayed reds to a more normal harvest schedule and allowed for proper flavor development and an almost optimal sugar acid balance. Moderate comfortable and dry weather extended without major incident to the end of harvest in late October.

All in all, a season yielding crisp fruit-driven whites and generously balanced reds of large dimension. Appealing for its distinctive cherry, black currant and plum flavors. Subtle vanilla and discreet earthy notes are woven into a dense core of spicy elements. Choose this smooth, approachable Syrah to accompany prime rib or roast pork.

Fresh & Zesty

The Vitas Winery has been in the family since 1937, for four generations. Despite its French origin, Pinot Grigio has been cultivated in Friuli since the 18th century, where it has found an ideal habitat to produce wines of exceptional quality.

This dry-farmed Friulian Pinot Grigio is different in style than its counterpart from Veneto. The wine wears a straw yellow robe with elegant copper-gold overtones. Its bouquet is elegant and intense, with hints of acacia flowers, dry hay, walnut kernel, yellow peach and golden apple, intertwined with fresh and mineral notes. On the palate, it promises a concentrated palate full of fragrant white peaches, tangerines, and a spritzy minerality.

A perfect casual sipper, or to complement antipasti, fried fish or vegetables and light pasta dishes.

A local rosé, unique because it draws on the magic of our lake, adding charm and depth to a fresh. scented and. sensual guise. Excites those who love aperitifs at sunset and on summer days but, above all, it pleases the most demanding palates in all seasons, displaying its suitability for combinations with a whole world of gastronomic opportunities with which it can be enjoyably tasted.

Colour is bright pink peach blossom. The nose bouquet is all about berries, grapefruit and wild flower. The flavour is fresh, fruity hints in balance with elegant mineral notes and a long, persistent finale.

The Chiaretto can be drunk on any occasion, with starters, first courses, and pizzas, summer vegetarian dishes, seafood and shellfish salads, grilled fish and meat, young cheeses.

Fresh & Mineral - The Pinot Grigio Killer

Wines from Soave are made with the local grape Garganega. Cantina Tessari has its vineyards in the volcanic hills above il Castello di Soave, which is the original - or 'Classico' - wine growing area in Soave, the best vines are located here.

Tessari’s golden straw coloured Grisela is the backbone of the vineyard; a delicious entry level wine that is meant to be enjoyed on any occasion. Melba toast, elderflower and chamomile aromatics fill the glass with a notable mineral quality. The taste of crushed seashells dance on your tongue with a fun duo of stone fruit and citrus. The finish is refreshing with balanced acidity.

Grisela is excellent as an aperitif. Perfect with light appetizers, rich Italian seafood, risotto with black squid ink or on its own.

Pedra a Pedra Tinto is an approachable, fruit-driven, structured Douro red, made from a blend of indigenous grape varieties grown on the schist soils of our terraced vineyards. 

In 2018, a wet, cool Spring delayed bud burst by up to three weeks. While August and September temperatures were higher than average, good soil moisture (thanks to the wet Spring), below average yields and the elevation of our vineyards (250 to 500 masl) resulted in us picking our reds at optimum ripeness, with vibrant flavour, good structure and balanced acidity.

Full flavoured, red and blue fruited wine, with good structure, balanced acidity, and a long finish. Pair with steamed chilli mussels, cassoulet, BBQ sirloin steak.

Spicy & Volcanic

Juan Jesús, who is a 4th generation winemaker, founded Viñátigo in 1990 and has worked tirelessly since then identifying, recuperating the native grapes of the Canary Islands.

Listán Negro is a grape that Viñátigo cultivates in the mid-lands, in the north-west of Tenerife. This grape is a native grape variety of the Canary Islands, as it originated from a natural crossing between the grapes Listán Blanco and Negramoll, both brought by Portuguese and Andalusian settlers between the 15th and 18th centuries.The grapes are hand-harvested by mid- September and the wine ages in old barrels for three months. It’s a delightful and juicy red, with aromas of black pepper, dark fruits, and a strong mineral, volcanic character.

It's the perfect 'chatting' wine: gather with friends and uncork this juicy beauty. A good conversation with friends and a charcuterie board is the best pairing. It matches very well with traditional cuisine from the Canaries: fried rabbit marinated in spicy 'mojo rojo' sauce; or beef stew with boiled potatoes.

Mineral & Creamy

“The Farm” is a 10-acre vineyard in Niagara’s Twenty Mile Bench, planted to Pinot Noir. The property is rooted in traditions of gathering family & friends, and where Peter and Dora Neudorf call home.

This wild fermented Chardonnay goes through full malolactic, and is aged in French oak barrels and puncheons, using a combination of second fill and neutral casks. This wine is vibrant with a chalky minerality – the wild ferment delivers layered notes of pear, lemon, honey and stone fruits. The finish is focused and complex. These are serious wines blended from terroirs across the Niagara Peninsula. 

Pair this creamy Chardonnay with any chicken dish, baked, grilled, or fried. It would also pair beautifully with seafood.

Robust & Savoury

Villa Calcinaia is located in the heart of Chianti Classico, near the village of Greve-in-Chianti. This Tuscan estate has been home to the Capponi family since 1524.

Calcinaia's Chianti Classico is very aromatic and savoury, with bright red fruit and hints of roses, violets and dried leaves. On the palate it is supple and dry, with round fruit flavours, refreshing acidity and well integrated tannins. 

Chianti wines pair excellently with fatty dishes and stands up to tomato sauce dishes, such as pizza and pasta! It also pairs terrifically with rich pieces of meat: from cured meat boards to the regional classic bistecca alla Fiorentina.

Textured & Mineral

A rising star in the Etna region, Tornatore is becoming one of the region's biggest and most respected wineries. Their vineyards are located at an altitude of 1,000 meters above sea level on the north side of this active volcano.

This Etna Bianco is made with the indigenous grape Carricante aged in concrete vats. The wine offers pleasant hints of grapefruit, white peach and herbs on the nose. The palate has a lovely texture and freshness complemented by an extraordinary minerality.

It is perfect with young and medium-aged cheeses, poultry and fish.

Spicy & Smooth

“The Farm” is a 10-acre vineyard in Niagara’s Twenty Mile Bench, planted to Pinot Noir. The property is rooted in traditions of gathering family & friends, and where Peter and Dora Neudorf call home.

Although the 2018 growing season was slower to start, it offered warm temperatures in July and August. This latter part of the season is reflected in the wine through bold notes of spice, dark plum, black cherry and great concentration. Approximately 20% new oak was used – providing good structure and medium tannins. These are serious wines blended from terroirs across the Niagara Peninsula. 

Enjoy this Pinot with grilled salmon or other fatty fish. It would also be ideal with duck and other game birds.

Ripe & Fruity

Pardevalles is recognized for being one of the driving forces behind the D.O Tierra de León, betting on the development of the indigenous grape varieties Prieto Picudo and Albarín Blanco.

This 100% Prieto Picudo rosé is intense and fresh on the nose.  Rich and hypnotizing aromas of raspberry, strawberry, herbs, citrus and red rose petals jump out of the glass.  These flavours follow through on the palate, which is both powerful and flavourful, while maintaining great freshness.

Enjoy this one on its own while basking in the sun.

Herbal & Textured

Located in Snežatno in the Goriška Brda zone of Slovenia, near the border of Italy, Štekar winery is known for producing wines in the traditional manner, with extended skin contact and little or no sulphur added.  The hilly rugged terrain is marked with monuments to both world wars.

Rebula, also known as Ribolla Gialla, is a grape native to Friuli in Italy and this little corner of western Slovenia. As the natural fermentation began, the skins remained with the must for 24 days before being removed. The wine remained in giant Acacia wood barrels for eight months before being bottled without filtration. The result is expressive and spectacular; aromatic and inviting on the nose, the Rebula showcases yellow fruit, a firm structure. 

You can pair this wine with a variety of cuisines, from brothy Asian-inspired dishes, to steak and potatoes.

Bold & Earthy

Born and raised in the New World but influenced by his time in Bordeaux, this Columbia Valley Cab represents Nicholas’s story in a bottle - New World terroir meets old world "savoir faire".

Bold and full-bodied, with balance and complexity. Showing aromas of black and red fruits, toasted herbs, graphite and leather. A mouthful of ripe dark fruit consisting of blackberry and black currant combined with notes of spice and dark chocolate. A fruit-forward finish offering a balanced and integrated tannin structure. This Cab is a blend of two different vineyards, one in Wahluke Slope AVA; the other in Horse Heaven Hills AVA. 2018 is likely the best Cabernet Sauvignon vintage in Washington since 2007 or 2012.

Rue Naujac is the street Nicholas lived on while studying/working in France and Bordeaux is the country's 33rd department, both of which gave the inspiration for the name and lot #! He would always make reference to the "33" as a slang name for the city of Bordeaux (like THE6IX), always to the amusement of his French entourage.

Pair with BBQ meats, rich stews or steak.

Floral & Bold

Punset is an innovator when it comes to organic wine. Inheriting the estate in 1982, Marina Marcarino is a fifth generation winemaker.

Bright and balanced, this Barbaresco has an intriguing balsamic fragrance of menthol and eucalyptus layered with black cherry, leather and sandalwood. The fresh, delineated palate offers wild cherry, crushed raspberry, white pepper, mint and balsamic notes alongside supple tannins that give a smooth texture.

Enjoy this with beef and or game such as beefsteak, lamb, veal, rabbit and wild boar. Classic pairing with truffles!

Tropical & Mineral

Pardevalles is recognized for being one of the driving forces behind the D.O Tierra de León, betting on the development of the indigenous grape varieties Prieto Picudo and Albarín Blanco. The Albarín grape is an indigenous variety from the south of the province of León. This grape variety had almost disappeared until Pardevalles recovered it. 

This expressive Albarín Blanco shows fresh aromas of herbs and citrus, notes of white fruit and some earthy and mineral qualities.  Lively and crisp, this wine is quite original. Good acidity, with flavours of herbs and citrus on the palate and a smooth finish.  

This Spanish white goes perfectly with pasta dishes, seafood and fish. If you are feeling adventurous in the kitchen, make a paella with some mussels and shrimps!

Fruity & Spicy

Matthias Hager's winery has about 13ha of vineyards in and around the small wine-growing village of Mollands. All of his vineyards are cultivated biodynamically according to Demeter. The strength of this family business is its diversity. Loess, clay and different kinds of primary rock (mica shist, gneiss, etc.) can be found in the northern part of Kamptal.

This Gruner Veltliner has fruity aromas on the nose. These aromas combine with a soft spiciness and a mineral quality on the palate. It has a medium body and a nice long saline finish.

This a typical Gruner Veltliner of the Kamptal region and a very food-friendly wine. It's a great match with cold starters and typical Austrian home cooking: roast pork, schnitzel, meat dumplings...

Earthy & Floral

Situated in a very fresh zone of Languedoc, in Argelliers and Murles, Mas des Agrunelles cultivate organic and biodynamic vines. The estate was founded by Frédéric Porro and his wife, Stéphanie Ponson, who met in 1999 while studying oenology in Montpellier. It all began with experimentation, trial and error- but they quickly moved from organic vines to a fully functioning biodynamique vineyard and winery. They are proud to produce natural wines of high quality.

L'Indigene is a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan. On the nose it is fleshy with notes of ripe dark berries and briar patch. There is a distinct meatiness that makes you think of salami with garrigue herbs and cracked pepper. On the palate, it is full bodied, textured and robust, with solid acidity and smooth tannins. Fruit notes of blackberry, raspberry and black cherry are concentrated and juicy without being over-ripe. The earthy notes from the nose continue and blend with the savoury notes of lavender, rosemary and white pepper. 

Go bold with rich flavour and hearty protein. A venison or elk steak with red wine sauce, or rustic lamb ragú.

Bright & Creamy

Arguably one of our best values in bubbly. This cava is made from Macabeo, Xarel-lo, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Mas Codina is a 40 hectare estate in the Alt Penedès which dates back to 1681. This Cava Brut Nature Reserva was hand-harvested from 20 to 30-year-old vines and estate bottled. Farming is 100% organic on the estate. Though it does not say it on the label, the wine is 100% single vintage and is aged on its lees for a minimum of two years before release.

This Cava has a lovely, fruity nose with ripe yellow pear, a hint of vanilla and soft biscotti notes. It is light to mid weight, slightly creamy yet firm and dry on the finish.

Cava is fantastic with fresh salads, crudités, raw oysters and summer dishes like Spanish Gazpacho. It's creaminess makes it a perfect pairing for roast chicken and all kinds of fish.

Juicy & Fresh

Lighthall Vineyards is a small, proud, low volume and high quality winery located in enchanting Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada. All their wines are produced in a non-interventionist manner and fuelled by passion as hearty as our vines. They also make cheese, designed to pair with their wines.

Lighthall's famous sparkling Pinot Noir, re-fermented using the Charmat method. A slight change in production method saw a little less skin contact and more whole cluster pressing, presenting a wine packed full of strawberry flavour and hibiscus aroma. Very crisp and fruity while still refreshingly dry, this wine matches exceptionally with spicy rosé sauce, sweet red bell peppers and cheese boards.

Floral & Juicy

Husband and wife duo Ilya and Nadia started Leaning Post winery in Niagara over 10 years ago. Initially a virtual set up, the winery now located on Highway 8, has become a reference producer in Niagara.

This rosé is a blend of Pinot Noir (70%) and Cabernet Franc. Leaning Post makes this wine in the style that they love to enjoy.  The nose has vibrant red fruits such as, sour cherry, raspberry, watermelon with complimentary savoury notes with hints of floral orange blossom. The palate supports the nose with rich texture and a delicate finish. This bright, refreshing Rose was built for warm summer days and good company!

Zesty & Mineral

Cantina Bolzano, based in the town of Bolzano, traces its roots to two of Alto Adige’s most historic cooperatives: Santa Magdalena, est. 1930 and Cantina Gries, est. 1908. After deciding to merge in 2001, Cantina Bolzano was created.

The village of Bolzano is located in the middle of a valley basin surrounded by hilly vineyards that grow from 200 meters above sea level up to 1000. This elegant wine comes from selected vineyards around Bolzano and really delivers with fresh, floral aromas and a nice acidity. Expect golden delicious apples, pear; and a light scent of peaches and pineapples on the nose and palate.

A wine like Pinot Blanc is best suited to foods with more subtle flavoring. It will match up well with soft cheeses, salads with cream dressings and flaky fish.

Juicy & Fresh

Keint-He Winery & Vineyards is a boutique winery located in Prince Edward County. The winery has a strong focus on varietals that are typically grown in Burgundy, specifically Pinot Noir and Chardonnay; through which they truly express the best of the County with wonderful individual expressions. Keint-He’s approach to winemaking is as down-to-earth as it gets and their quality is second to none.

Made from 100% estate Pinot Noir. With a little bit of French funk on the nose, this is a dry wine that still manages to be juicy. Intense flavours of strawberry and cotton candy. Food and patio friendly - enjoy with summer salads, grilled chicken and salmon.

Fresh & Crisp

Located on the hills that rise from the Adriatic Sea and neighbouring the coastal town of Vasto in Abruzzo, the Jasci family has been growing grapes and producing wine for three generations.

This vegan-certified wine made from Pecorino grapes is elegant and delicate, and shows aromas of grapefruit, apricots and nectarines. On the palate is pleasant, fresh and light-bodied. This Pecorino wine has a special saltiness and an aftertaste of bitter almonds.

Wines made from Pecorino pair extremely well with Pecorino cheeses drizzled with a bit of honey as well as vegetables, fish and white meats.

Bold & Floral

Located on the hills that rise from the Adriatic Sea and neighbouring the coastal town of Vasto in Abruzzo, the Jasci family has been growing grapes and producing wine for three generations. In 1980, the family decided to convert the farm to organic, becoming one of the first ten wineries in all of Italy to be certified.

This vegan-certified wine is made from hand-picked Montepulciano grapes cultivated at 250 meters in the sunny hills of Abruzzo. The healthy grapes macerate on the skins for 15 days and age in concrete tanks. Expect intense floral aromas of violet on the nose that intermingle with fruity notes of strawberry and black currant, backed with fragrant hints of cinnamon and vanilla. On the palate is full-bodied, round and with a long fruity aftertaste.

This bold Montepulciano d'Abruzzo pairs well with flavourful dishes, such as hoisin and balsamic glazed lamb chops or seared mushrooms with garlic and thyme.

Juicy & Round

Elios was born from the passion of two young Sicilian friends who, in love with their land, decided to take over their families' farms and focus on producing natural wines and other products such as olive oil and honey.

Katamacerato is Elios' orange wine made from Catarratto grapes. The grapes are cultivated in their estate in Alcamo, and harvested by hand. Once at the winery, the Catarratto grapes macerate on their skins for a whole week, fermenting spontaneously. The wine has a deep orange colour and great aging potential. Both on the nose and on the palate, it is intense and structured, with beautifully integrated tannins and notes of thyme, rosemary, and ripe fruit. These notes come together creating a fresh and very drinkable Sicilian orange. Pure Mediterranean essence!