Wine

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Elegant & Crisp

Château Haut Grelot is located near the Gironde Estuaire, north of the town of Bordeaux. Haut Grelot has been making wine and taking great care of their vineyards since its establishment in 1920!

This is a classic Bordeaux blend: 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sémillon & 5% Muscadelle. It's a floral, crisp and elegant wine that offers exotic fruit aromas: grapefruit, gooseberry and wild herbs that intermingle with ample citrus fruit on the palate. It has a generous weight, roundness and a perfect balance that let's you savour every drop.

Perfect to drink by itself or pair with seafood, chicken, fresh salads and cheese boards.

Mineral & Exotic

Château de Parnay is the flagship of the Loire Valley. The property is located along the Loire river and classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

This wine is sourced from an entirely walled vineyard, this 100% Chenin Blanc shows subtle and refined scents of lime, lemongrass, apricot, peach and quince. Round and mellow on the palate with notes of preserved lemons and grapefruits with a natural freshness and classic Saumur minerality.

This wine pairs well with foods that have a sweet and sour element: southeast Asian cuisine or pork chops with apples are just a few examples!

Quercioli Lambrusco Reggiano DOC dry is produced from Lambrusco Salamino and Marani grapes. Ideal with lasagna, cappelletti and stuffed pasta. Lambrusco Quercioli Secco opens with a dark ruby color and pink foam that fizzes when the wine is poured into the glass. This is a dry bubbly red wine that shows the perky effervescence and acidity to pair with buttery pasta or cheesy tortellini dishes.

Rated 91, James Suckling, November 7, 2019 "Dried plums and mulberries here, as well as licorice and blackberry pudding. Medium-bodied, quite delicate and silky, the bubbles taking on a bead-like form."

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Bold & Earthy

Unlike many winemakers, Frederic Brouca is largely self-taught and took no formal courses on viticulture or winemaking.  His concept of growing grapes and winemaking focuses on reducing human intervention in the processes, and making it as natural as possible.

This single-vineyard blend of Grenache, Syrah & Carignan offers a perfect combination of balance and power. Rich dark fruit and savoury roasted meat notes pop from the glass. The flavours are vibrant with a rich symphony of red, blue and black fruits along with a peppery spice note and a long, clean finish. 

Pair with hearty winter stews, grilled lamb chops or enjoy on its own in front of a cozy fire after a long day.

Tropical & Mineral

This is by far one of the coolest Sauvignon Blanc wines we have ever tasted. This white wine is made next door to Auxerre, in the region of Chablis. It's kind of a unicorn wine: in Burgundy, Chardonnay and Aligoté are generally the only white varieties allowed to be grown. However, St Bris is the exception! This white Burgundy is made with 100% Sauvignon Blanc. The St Bris has aromas of citrus fruits like grapefruit and mandarin orange that jump out of the glass, this is followed by peach, and crushed blackcurrant leaves with light exotic scents like lychee. This complexity on the nose follows through on the palate which is textured, soft and floral, with a distinct minerality on the finish.

St Bris calls for oysters! It's also a wonderful choice with herb-driven sauces over chicken and fish dishes. We also love pairing it with Vietnamese and Thai meals with lots of lemon-grass, and fresh cheeses.

Mineral & Zesty

From a new family (relatively speaking) in Chablis, the estate belongs to Marie-Noëlle & Laurent Ternynck. This old vines Chardonnay saw 12 months in large oak barrels.  The fruit is gathered from vineyards in Fleys and this area sits at a higher altitude on a windswept plateau, which helps maintain the acidity in the wine.  Fresh, floral and mineral on the nose. There are notes of fresh almond, hazelnut, citrus and white flowers on the palate. It is balanced and has a fresh finish.    

Keep it chilled in the fridge, uncork it at the end of the day and pour yourself a glass! Also pairs well with oysters, all kinds of fish dishes, and roasted chicken.

Bright & Creamy

The Baud estate dates back to 1742, today the 9th generation manages the winery. Siblings Clementine and Bastien, both under 30, are making some of the best value wines in the area. Jura is that narrow valley in the remote hills between Burgundy and Switzerland, which millions of years ago was covered by an Ocean and today still bares many of the fossils from that time.  If you kick a stone in a Jura vineyard, it will probably be a fossil. 

This sparkler, or Crémant, is made in the traditional Champagne style, where the second fermentation happens inside the bottle. This Crémant has rich aromatics of apple fruit with citrus, toasted brioche and a striking minerality. It sparks a great balance between creaminess and vivacity.  If you like Champagne, but not the price tag, then this is the wine of choice for you. 

It is very versatile at the table and you can drink this with almost any dish: try it with all types of classic cuisine or even spicy Asian dishes, caramelized popcorn or fried chicken!

Fresh & Juicy

The Cortonesi family has owned the La Mannella farm in Montalcino for decades and are devoted to the production of Brunello di Montalcino. This wine, Lèonus, is a humble but mighty Toscana IGT made from grapes that are in fact declassified Brunello grapes, from vineyards in Montalcino.

It is one of the best value wines from the area. ​This Rosso Toscano is juicy and fresh. Full of red cherries and dark berries on the nose, with a delicate astringency on the palate. It has such a great balance and it drinks so well that it's the perfect everyday wine.

This wine pairs brilliantly with dishes prepared with tomato sauce and herbs, such as lasagna or pizza. It's also great with antipasti (olives, cured meats, pecorino cheese), and simply roasted meats or chicken.

Savoury & Classic

Château Côtes de Bellevue is a family property situated in the appellation Côtes de Bourg. Since 1987, the Château belongs to Nelly and Ludovic Neveu.

This red wine is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, that were planted 30 years ago, fermented and aged exclusively in stainless steel tanks. It is a fruity and easy-drinking Bordeaux, with aromas of blackberries and plums on the nose, and a hint of smokiness. On the palate, it is medium bodied, and round with soft tannins.

Enjoy with vast array of dishes like roast chicken or pot au feu.

Bold & Earthy

Casa Los Frailes (“Cals Frares” in  the old local language) takes their name from the Jesuit Friars that used to live in the Estate over two centuries (XVII to XVIII). The Casa Los Frailes estate now belongs to the Velázquez family and has for over 250 years, today the 13th generation runs the winery. Frontrunners in organic agriculture and biodynamics, the estate consists of vineyards, Mediterranean forest, almond and olive trees.

A blend of Monastrell and Syrah, its personality makes it a dark, warm and complex wine. On the nose, it has intense aromas of red fruits, jam, cherries and plums; paired with smoky tones, notes of liquorice and coffee. On the palate, the fruit perfectly blends with the oak, showing sweet tannins followed by a round, rich and deep structure.

This bold wine begs for rich foods, that's why we recommend beef short ribs, lentils, shiitake and portobello mushrooms, lamb, rabbit, soy sauce and black pepper... Adding herbs to your dishes such as thyme, lavender and rosemary will also enhance the floral character of the wine.

Fruity & Juicy

The dream of four French partners in Argentina's Mendoza Province. The Malbec vines grow in the southwest of San Rafael, an oasis surrounded by large canyons and crossed by two rivers. This Malbec opens up with red fruits, black raspberry and tones of fresh leather. It's chewy and sumptuous on the palate, with firm tannins and a very well balanced acidity.

This is the perfect BBQ wine, but it is also capable of so much more! Rich meats, stews and braises are a great match, or try leaner meats with fruity and hearty sauces such as pork tenderloin with prunes and red wine jus. Another favourite, enjoy alongside a prime rib roast!

Bright & Juicy

At the very heart of the Rhône Valley, at the northerly tip of the Southern Rhône, lie the vineyards of Grignan-Les-Adhémar.

Le Devoy checks in as a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Carignan. It has terrific notes of forest floor, cracked pepper, flowers and darker berry fruits as well as medium-bodied richness, an elegant, supple texture and notable purity of fruit. This wine has considerable charm and appeal and makes for a great everyday bottle.

Pair this wine with just about anything!

This pack includes 2 bottles of each wine.

Cortonesi Lèonus IGT Toscana 2019. It is one of the best value wines from the area. ​This Rosso Toscano is juicy and fresh. Full of red cherries and dark berries on the nose, with a delicate astringency on the palate. It has such a great balance and it drinks so well that it's the perfect everyday wine.

André Aubert Le Devoy Grignan-les-Adhémar 2019. Le Devoy checks in as a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Carignan. It has terrific notes of forest floor, cracked pepper, flowers and darker berry fruits as well as medium-bodied richness, an elegant, supple texture and notable purity of fruit. This wine has considerable charm and appeal and makes for a great everyday bottle.

Bodega Marco Zunino Estancia Argentina Malbec 2018. The dream of four French partners in Argentina's Mendoza Province. The Malbec vines grow in the southwest of San Rafael, an oasis surrounded by large canyons and crossed by two rivers. This Malbec opens up with red fruits, black raspberry and tones of fresh leather. It's chewy and sumptuous on the palate, with firm tannins and a very well balanced acidity.

This intense ruby red wine has a fresh, fruity nose showing notes of cherry, strawberry and fruit of the forest. The cherry predominates on the mouth, while the appealing, light almondy finish is typical of the varietal. Dolcetto is a young, fresh and fruity wine.

For Aurelio Settimo's tradition, this is a “everyday wine” - for everyday and for every meal: it is easy to drink and goes very well with all dishes.

This Dolcetto d’Alba, that is produced in the same area of Barolo wine, has good structure and good tannins, which allow us to keep it for 2/3 years after harvest.