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Alison's Picks

Spier 21 Gables Old Vines Chenin Blanc South Africa

Tasting Notes: In keeping with "Dry January", here's a lovely dry white wine you should definitely try! Made with thick-skinned grapes from old vines, the full-bodied Chenin Blanc was fermented and matured (for 14 months) in French oak barrels. It offers ripe, baked apples and apple pie spice on the nose. The rich and complex palate is characterized by yellow fruits opulent caramel, vanilla cream and toasted cashew – all framed by a beautifully balanced acidity and supported by a sumptuously textured mouthfeel. Pair with Pork Belly and Duck, as it has the right amount of acidity to cut through the fat. Also great with a South African dish - Bobotie!

Price: $31.99

Alison's Picks

Frosty's Mint Candy Cane Cream Canada

Tasting Notes: Mmmm! This versatile Christmassy liquor is a great addition to your Holiday Bar! I personally love it in Hot Chocolate. Or try a Peppermint Martini! Made with imported cream from Ireland, this creamy minty liquor adds a zing to your seasonal cocktails.

Price: $19.99

Alison's Picks

R Rose Bandol, France

Tasting Notes: In my opinion, Rosé wines are not confined to just summer sipping. Sure, there is nothing better than sipping a bright juicy Rosé on a summer patio, but with the right dish, it can evoke memories of warmer times even in the cooler fall weather. R Rosé is a unique, blend of grapes that offers the exotic complexity one might find in a Bandol Rose. The intriguing aroma offers notes of citrus blossom, fresh strawberries, and passion fruit. In the mouth, the wine enters with fresh acidity and carries through to a rich, creamy mid-palate and zesty finish. Try it with sushi, or a charcuterie with creamy cheeses and great bread. Regularly $23.99 it is a bargain right now!

Price: $12.99

Alison's Picks

Sortilege Whisky Canada

Tasting Notes: Sortilege follows a traditional recipe that is the perfect balance between the strength of Canadian whisky and the rich, golden flavour of pure maple syrup. The result is a fine liqueur that is truly Canadian. Indulgent with maple, toffee and caramel aromas and flavours; medium sweet and perfect in hot beverages, on ice cream, or paired with Pumpkin or Apple Pie. Truly Canadian and truly delicious!

Price: $38.99

Alison's Picks

Waterbrook Merlot 2015 Washington, USA

Tasting Notes: A little gem! Purple flower aromas are met with bright acid and balanced alcohol, bringing forward fruit flavors of red delicious apple and sweet pomegranate. A subtle finish of mixed fruit and charred cedar rounds out this full-bodied wine. It's drinking very well and is a perfect accompanyment to everything from steak, to chicken, even pasta and appetizers. Regulary $23.99 it's a steal!

Price: $15.99

Alison's Picks

Moraine Estate Riesling Canada

Tasting Notes: Moraine Riesling is entirely Naramata Bench fruit, of which nearly half is estate grown clone 49. It’s all whole bunch pressed and wild fermented in three batches over four weeks, six weeks, and nine weeks at very cool temperatures (under 13C). The result is a juicy, fresh white with a lot of tension pushing off the fruit sugars in one direction and the citrus acidity in the other. It’s a mineral, stony, citrus affair you could serve with a favourite curry.

Price: $18.99

Alison's Picks

Play Estate Vineyards Viognier Canada

Tasting Notes: From a vineyard overlooking Skaha Lake, in Canada's Okanagan Valley, this Viognier is a unique style with complex aromas, lightly toasted. With 4 months in new French oak barrels, this Viognier has a touch of spice and vanilla, finishing with starfruit and peaches creating a rich voluptuous mouth feel. A delicious white that pairs well with chicken, fish, and some spicier Thai and Indian dishes. It's such a great value right now too!

Price: $15.99

Alison's Picks

Paul Mas Viognier Languedoc-Roussilon, France

Tasting Notes: A 100% Viognier from the Nicole Estate in the Pézenas commune of southern France. Floral on the nose with ripe stone fruit, Meyer lemon, honeyed stone-fruit finishing long and spicy with clean mineral notes. An excellent viognier to pair with roast chicken, or spicy foods. Regularly sells for $23.00, it's on sale for an amazing price. Stock up while it lasts. Will be great for summer sipping.

Price: $$15.99

Alison's Picks

Negroni Cocktail Italy

Tasting Notes: In honour of Italy, and these challenging times requiring something a little stronger, the Negroni Cocktail is a favourite of mine! Mix equal parts gin, sweet vermouth and Campari together, pour over ice with a slice of orange.

Price: $Varies

Alison's Picks

Attis Albarino Lias Finas 2018 Spain

Tasting Notes: A delightful Albarino, hand harvested and carefully fermented at a controlled temperature between 12-15ºC. The wine is then aged on lees in steel tank for 6 months with “batonnage”. Intense, clean and brilliant yellow in color. It has a complex nose with great depth, harmonious and elegant. Ripe white fruits (apricot, peach), white flowers, mineral and iodized touches. It has great aromatic persistence. A tasty, powerful and round wine, with a wonderful perfectly integrated acidity. A complete wine: elegant and delicious, harmonious and complex. With a long aging potential.

Price: $28.99

Alison's Picks

Alceo Tempranillo Spain

Tasting Notes: The Alceo Tempranillo 2017 definitely over-delivers for it's modest price! It offers intense floral aromas with flavours of raspberry, cherry and notes of sweet spices and thyme on the palate, along with blueberries and plums. A rich and full-bodied Spanish Tempranillo. It has good structure and a generous finish of fruit and spice, with a perfect balance of acidity.

Price: $16.99

Alison's Picks

Moose Milk Canada

Tasting Notes: Once a festive treat exclusive to the Canadian armed forces, with a nod to our fighting men and women, we are proud to bring you the finest Canadian cream liquor...Moose Milk! This locally handcrafted creamy liquor made in Alberta, will add a special new flavour to your coffee, or hot chocolate beverage. Or enjoy it cold,on the rocks like a Canadian winter! Either way, it's a fun new entrant to the cream liqueur scene.

Price: $43.99

Alison's Picks

Shannon Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 California USA

Tasting Notes: Grapes are grown high at altitudes of 2100 -2400 feet above sea level in Lake County, north of Napa. The wild lands are cooled by winds of Clear Lake and higher peaks to the North, allowing the winemaker to practice sustainable vineyard management. A flock of sheep clean the vineyards removing excess canopy and reduce the need for chemicals while providing natural fertilizer. This wine is blackberry and dried cranberries with notes of pepper and allspice. A lengthy finish shows hints of cedar with ripe fruit and toasted oak. Delicious with red meat, good cheddar cheeses, and great company.

Price: $27.99

Alison's Picks

Carmen Gran Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Chile

Tasting Notes: What a bargain! Carmen Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 was among the most relevant Chilean wines of the May 2019 London Wine Competition where more than 16,000 wines were tasted. Receiving an outstanding 97 points and a coveted Platinum Medal, this wine more than over-delivers for it's modest price.. Sourced from the best alluvial terraces in Alto Maipo Region by the Andes Mountains, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is deep and intense ruby-red in color. The nose presents aromas of black currants, blackberries, and licorice with smooth, elegant cedar notes. The palate is very rich and generous yet fresh and vibrant at the same time. The wine has abundant fruit and firm tannins that lend structure and depth.

Price: $19.99

Alison's Picks

Pablo Claro Cabernet Sauvignon Graciano Spain

Tasting Notes: Opening flavours of bright red cherry linger on the palate. Juicier black cherry, black currant, fig and baking spice are found a few sips in. Dried rosemary, oak and peppercorn spice hit the taste buds towards the finish. With a lighter mouthfeel, medium tannins and a medium acidity this red will leave you with a tingle of a cherry cough drop that's delicious till the last sip

Price: $$18.99

Alison's Picks

Mission Hill Limited Edition Reserve Viognier 2017 Canada

Tasting Notes: Some Viogniers are too perfumed for my taste, this one is perfect! Incredibly aromatic with fresh Okanagan peaches, apricots, and pears complimented by hints of ginger and jasmine flowers. A terrific balance of texture and acidity. Farmed from a single vineyard estate in West Osoyoos where the semi-arid climate and desert-like condition provide an ideal environment for grapes with a high skin-to-juice ratio. The result is vibrant flavor and intensity. After a gentle pressing we fermented the Viognier in a mixture of concrete eggs, oak barrels, and stainless steel tanks and barrels.

Price: $26.99

Alison's Picks

Castillo de Monseran Rose Spain

Tasting Notes: I love the Red version, now I love the Rose too! Made from Garnacha, this charming wine shows lifted aromas of raspberry, cranberry, grapefruit and Gala apple on the nose, leading to a vibrant palate that is juicy and bright. The wine offers pristine fruit flavours and zesty acidity, finishing long and mouth-watering. Perfect with an aperitif or any starter, Asian food or any spicy fusion food. Chill before serving.

Price: $11.99

Alison's Picks

Alie Rose Italy

Tasting Notes: #roseallday Alìe, or “Halia”, a figure from Greek mythology, a sea nymph and a symbol of sensuality and beauty. Alìe, an elegant rosé with a pale pink hue and subtle ruby highlights, is a stylish, beautifully-balanced blend of Syrah and Vermentino, varieties that express their finest qualities when grown near the sea. Scents of white flowers, wild strawberries and citrus peel combine with a hint of earthy minerality, typical of this growing area. With its delicate structure and lengthy, complex finish, Alìe is both an enchanting aperitif wine, as well as a delicious accompaniment to a meal. From House of Frescobaldi.

Price: $21.99

Alison's Picks

Chinaco Reposado Mexico

Tasting Notes: Chinaco is the only tequila brand distilled in Tamaulipas, on the Gulf of Mexico, something they had to fight the Mexican government to do as it wasn't a designated region for the production of tequila. The Reposado tequila is aged between 8-11 months in oak, some of which previously were used to age Scotch whisky. No caramel coloring, oak extract, glycerin, or sugar is added. The Reposado shows the sweetness from the barrel in vanilla, chocolate, and wood spices. The palate is soft and creamy smooth with gentle baking spices and bitter lime pith. Not many left and it's being discontinued in our market!

Price: $$81.99

Alison's Picks

Spier Old Vines Chenin Blanc 2015 South Africa

Tasting Notes: This 2015 vintage won the inaugural Veritas Vertex Award – defeating 1638 other entries to be crowned the Veritas competition’s champion wine across all varietals. Made with thick-skinned grapes from old vines, the full-bodied Chenin Blanc was fermented and matured for 14 months in French oak barrels. It offers ripe, baked apples and apple pie spice on the nose. The rich and complex palate is characterised by yellow fruits opulent caramel, vanilla cream and toasted cashew – all framed by a beautifully balanced acidity and supported by a sumptuously textured mouthfeel. Subsequent vintages are also winning prestigious awards both in the Chenin category and in best whites. A must try - not a light weight white! Excellent pairing for sweeter and spicier dishes, in particular the South African favourite Bobotie .

Price: $31.99

Alison's Picks

Vasse Felix Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Australia

Tasting Notes: With March 8 International Women's Day, a celebration of a talented wine maker Virginia Willcock, she has celebrated 27 vnitages in Margaret River and won several International Wine Awards. "This wine has classic red fruits and chocolate boysenberry and bright cassis too. Really upbeat and bright, with a little gravel thread. Super refined palate with smooth and fleshy texture. The tannins spread fine and even and there is plenty of red berry fruit and chocolate through the finish. Really fine. Best from 2019. "James Suckling 93 points. Vegan.

Price: $46.99

Alison's Picks

Gran Passione Rosso Italy

Tasting Notes: It's the month of LOVE! This luscious, velvety, red wine is 60% Merlot and 40% Corvina from the Veneto Region of Italy and is perfect for sharing with someone special. Produced in the appasimento method where the grapes are naturally dried on the vine. This causes the grapes to lose about half their weight but it concentrates their flavours naturally. The grapes are pressed and then fermented before being aged in oak casks for 3-4 months. Full-bodied and rich with dark fruit flavours of blackberry and black cherry balanced by a solid structure due to the elevated alcohol, acidity and soft tannins. It's perfect pairing with roasted and grilled meats, stews and other rich dishes. Also excellent with mature firm cheeses.

Price: $21.00

Alison's Picks

Nautilus Chardonnay 2017 New Zealand

Tasting Notes: Love this elegant Chardonnay! It's bright, light golden yellow in colour with good depth, lighter on the rim. The nose is finely balanced with rich, ripe and deep fruit aromas of citrus, tropical fruit and yellow stone fruits entwined with a layer of mealy complexity. With creamy barrel-ferment and nutty oak, and fine, lifted lemon-curd nuances, it has excellent complexity and detail. Medium-full bodied, the palate is rich and sweet with luscious and succulent flavours.

Price: $31.00

Alison's Picks

Peychaud's Aperitivo Italy

Tasting Notes: Hailing from New Orleans in the early 1800's. Antoine Peychaud was a Creole and apothecary, making concoctions of his bitters and brandy that he served to peers and patrons. Peychaud eventually became the lead bartender of the Sazerac Coffeehouse where he continued mixing simple cocktails with his bitters to much acclaim. It is this belief in simplicity and quality that serves as the basis for Peychaud’s Aperitivo. Delightful and refreshing, Peychaud’s Aperitivo is best served over ice or in the Royal Street Fizz, or as I like it, in a Negroni cocktail. Stock this in your bar this holiday season and amaze yourself with the range of cocktails you can make to impress your guests!

Price: $33.49

Alison's Picks

Penny's Hill Cracking Black Shiraz McLaren Vale 2015 Australia

Tasting Notes: Fruit for the Cracking Black Shiraz was cultivated at Malpas Road Vineyard, where the soil is relatively infertile due to its black soil that cracks apart. Hence, the reference to the soil composition as Cracking Black, the inspiration for the name of this innovative range. This juicy Shiraz is dark cherry red in colour. Aromas of bright satsuma plum and dark cherry flow off the nose, combined with a dash of licorice, spice and mocha notes. The palate is dominated by dark plum, while cherry notes linger on and are later joined by flavours of red berry, dark chocolate and savoury spices. Aged in French oak, it shows a great generosity borne from superior structural tannins and a surprising fruit length. Powerful and full-bodied, this wine pairs well with leaner red meats, beef stews, mildly spicy ethnic foods and grilled lambs. Drink now or cellar to 2030.

Price: $35.99

Alison's Picks

Montgras Antu Syrah Chile

Tasting Notes: "Antu" means sun in the Mapuche native language. This Chilean Syrah has fleshy black fruit and spices. The vines are planted at an altitude of 300 metres above sea level in volcanic soils and they face north on steep slopes. Great concentration and depth of flavour. Exotic black and sweet purple plums and dark spices on the finish of this Chilean red wine made from Syrah grapes. Amazing quality for the price. Full-bodied, rich. This full-bodied red wine pairs well with grilled meats.

Price: $19.99

Alison's Picks

Little Engine Silver Chardonnay Naramata Bench, BC Canada

Tasting Notes: Enticing aromatics of stone fruits and poached pear with underlying notes of vanilla and creamy cashews. With only a portion of the pressed juices seeing French oak, the palate is bright with citrus notes and fresh cut pineapple that slowly unveils characteristics of buttered toast with a thin layer of marmalade. This is a beautifully balanced Chardonnay that has encouraged many to re-discover the merits of a well-made Chardonnay.

Price: $44.99

Alison's Picks

Aperol Spritz (cocktail) Italy

Tasting Notes: This month I thought I'd share a favourite summer cocktail. Served widely in Italy, the Aperol Spritz is refreshingly delicous, easy to make and looks pretty in the glass! Aperol is an Italian apéritif made of gentian, rhubarb, and cinchona, among other ingredients, and is 11% ABV. Simply put ice in a large glass, fill 2/3 with Prosecco, another Italian delight, top up with Aperol, add a slice of orange and Voila! Happy Summer Sipping! No price as Prosecco prices vary. Aperol is about $27.00.

Price: $27.00 for the Aperol

Alison's Picks

Luis Pato Vinhas Velhas White Wine 2013 Portugal

Tasting Notes: Just returned from Portugal and enjoyed a wonderful tasting with Luis Pato. He is the leading winemaker in Portugal growing only indigenous grapes in the Beira Atlantico region northwest of Coimbra. With the intense mineral quality of the native Bical and Cercial grapes judiciously married together, he has created an exceptional wine with Old World elegance. This is a rare, age worthy white wine. This 2013 vintage is tasting superbly and will continue to do so.

Price: $21.99

Alison's Picks

The Botanist Gin Scotland

Tasting Notes: I love this Gin! The Botanist is an artisanal Islay gin made by Bruichladdich Distillery. It is the only gin made on Islay and is distinctive for its augmentation of the nine classical gin aromatics with a further 22 locally picked wild Islay botanicals. It's delicious sipped over ice, with a splash of sparkling water and slice of lemon or lime, as a G & T or my favourite a Basil Martini! (Check out the recipe on Pg 3 of Latest News on this website!)

Price: $56.99

Alison's Picks

Adorada Rosé California USA

Tasting Notes: This Rosé opens with spice and ginger on the nose, balanced by fragrant aromas of red fruit and antique red rose. The palate is succulent and lightly sweet, with juicy watermelon and honeycomb flavors, framed by a zesty hint of white pepper. It is sleek and sexy with a drape of black wax over the top and one shoulder of the bottle which complements the fresh, light honeysuckle pink colour of the wine.

Price: $19.99

Alison's Picks

Toricella Chardonnaydi Toscana IGT Italy

Tasting Notes: Stunning. Unusual. 70% Chardonnay 30% Sauvignon Blanc aged 8 months in barrel. With it’s amazing minerality, this is an age worthy white wine that should be considered in anyone’s cellar. But I'm drinking some this weekend!

Price: $34.99

Alison's Picks

Pewsey Vale The Contours Riesling Museum Reserve Vintage 2011 Australia

Tasting Notes: A Riesling for True Riesling Lovers and Appreciators! Pale straw in colour with green hues. Enticing aromas of freshly squeezed lemon with a hint of white flowers. Bottle aged characters of toast, clove oil and lemon grass have started to emerge. The palate shows great length and depth with concentrated power, pristine fresh lime juice overlaid with toasted brioche, sage oil and lemon grass. The wine finishes with a fresh natural acidity which balances the flavour intensity. Released in 2016 after 5 years of bottle age, this wine will gracefully continue to age for many years for those who appreciate bottle aged Riesling.Try with Foie Gras or duck breast with five spice glaze or fresh gnocchi with olive oil and shaved truffles. Vegan and Vegetarian Friendly

Price: $39.90

Alison's Picks

Fontanafredda Briccotondo Piedmonte Barbera Italy

Tasting Notes: A perfect choice for chilly winter February evenings and comfort food! Plums and cherries reign on the palate, with fine acidity, but not with that over-the-top tartness. The black pepper and fruit spiced with bits of cardamom are perfect flavours for Spaghetti Bolognese or mushroom risotto. Saluti!

Price: $18.99

Alison's Picks

Niepoort Tawny Dee Port Portugal

Tasting Notes: Brick red/tawny in colour, with delicate nutty aromas and a hint of dried fruits. On the palate, very well balanced with a youthful fruity, luscious character, which integrates well with a long spirity finish. In the 375 ml bottle, this is a delight to sip by a fire on a January night, with or without the last piece of Christmas cake.

Price: $17.99 (375ml)

Alison's Picks

Bottega Gianduia Italy

Tasting Notes: Perfect for the holidays! A chocolate and hazelnut (think traditional Italian Nutella-like spread from Turin) liqueur made with Bottega's grappa. It's creamy, oh so chocolaty and delicious over ice, or ice cream!

Price: $36.00

Alison's Picks

Luc Belaire Sparkling Rose France

Tasting Notes: It's sparkling and it's beautiful in the glass! A dramatically beautiful sparkling rose: a rich, vibrant pink color. A rich red fruit bouquet precedes an elegant palate of strawberry and black currant, resulting in a perfect harmony of aroma, taste, body,and finish: refreshing but not too sweet. A delicious, delicate blend of three of France's most famous rose grapes: Syrah, Cinsault, and Grenache, aged for the perfect effervescence and blended with a 100% Syrah dosage. We have half sizes, 750 mls and 1.5 litres which are on sale!

Price: $$29.99

Alison's Picks

Lyric Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County, California USA

Tasting Notes: Hailing from Etude's California's Central Coast Santa Barbara region, Lyric Pinot Noir is elegant with silky tannins and bright acidity. It is rich in ripe cherry, red raspberry and strawberry notes. Youthful yet complex with delicious hints of cinnamon, cardamon, sandalwood and cola on the palate. This versatile wine can be enjoyed with a variety of different foods. A winner with Thanksgiving Dinner!

Price: $28.99

Alison's Picks

OZV Zinfandel Lodi, California, USA

Tasting Notes: As ripe as it is fruity, but sufficiently fixed on blackberries to stay on the varietal track, this broad, slightly viscous, full-bodied Zin fits the district style perfectly. From Lodi, California. A great pairing with barbecue and I like just sipping on this one!. At at this special price, it's a little gem that really over-delivers!

Price: $15.99

Alison's Picks

Round Two - Barossa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Australia

Tasting Notes: An amazing, affordable single vineyard wine from Barossa, Australia's premier wine growing region. This Cabernet Sauvignon is earthy, with nose of cassis, blackcurrant and mint. It's ripe and the dark fruit characteristics dominate on the palate while the fine tannins give structure to the wine without overpowering it. A great BBQ wine for the summer!

Price: $23.99

Alison's Picks

Tardencuba Verdejo Spain

Tasting Notes: A fresh white wine made from Verdejo white grape varietal that is native to Spain. This wine is a fine example of the wonderful Verdejo wines from the Rueda wine region. With an intense nose and aromas of tropical fruit, like pineapple, it is a very fresh wine with a fruity, long finish. Great pairings with cheeses, starters, salads and seafood. A great summer wine. Serve at 6-8 degrees celcius.

Price: $21.99

Alison's Picks

Jaboulet Parallel 45 Rose France

Tasting Notes: It's summer! Time for Roses! I am really enjoying this fresh, lively Rose wine from Cote du Rhone. It's named for the latitude which runs 2 kms from Domaines cellars at Tain L'hermitage. Sourced from 2 farms on the property from vines over 20 years old and sustainably managed, this fresh, minerally rose with floral notes of wild berries, pepper and cherries. 50% Grenache 40% Cinsault and 10% Syrah, it's a classic Provencal style Rose. Enjoy for sipping, with appetizers, salmon, shrimp, pork or chicken dishes on the barbeque. Sante!

Price: $18.99

Alison's Picks

Zenato Riserva Lugana Italy

Tasting Notes: From 100% Trebbiano grapes from the oldest vines in the Poderi Massimo vineyard near Lake Garda Italy, this is one of my all time favourite white wines. Luscious and intense flavours of stone fruit, vanilla and white flowers are beautifully layered on the palate. It is a brillant gold colour with a magnificent floral bouquet. Enjoyed solo, or pair it with Rotisseri Chicken, veal scallopini, calamari or scampi. It's a treat you should not miss!

Price: $38.99

Alison's Picks

Rombauer Chardonnay Carneros, California

Tasting Notes: Love this Chardonnay! It's a creamy-textured, charming style that’s easy to drink yet is deceptively complex and layered, with a mix of vanilla-scented oak and vibrant peach, nectarine, honeydew and apricot flavors. Long on the finish. Wine Spectator Gives it 93 points. Try it with my favourite pairing- chunk of French bread spread with roasted garlic and a slice of Cambozola cheese! Heaven!

Price: $$53.99

Alison's Picks

50th Parallel Estate Pinot Noir 2014 Canada

Tasting Notes: A bright, juicy, spicy Pinot that slides down easily.Red cherry/raspberry rhubarb fruit with soft edges. Very drinkable and ready to go with grilled duck, pork or chicken or sipping slightly chilled. Solid northern BC pinot style.

Price: $$31.99

Alison's Picks

Castillo de Monseran Spain

Tasting Notes: I describe this wine as my "go to". Easy drinking, fruit driven wine with herbal overtones, bursting ripe berry and plum fruit of the Garnacha. Soft and round on the palate, this wine has limited extraction and tannin to enhance youthful consumption. Year after year it's consistent and certainly doesn't break the bank! Goes great with tomato based pasta dishes, cold cuts, mixed tapas or just because you want a glass of wine!

Price: $$11.99

Alison's Picks

Rustenberg Buzzard Kloof 2013 Syrah South Africa

Tasting Notes: Hailing from "the red wine bowl" of South Africa, the syrah vines were imported from France before the turn of the century. Named after the buzzards that circle and play in the thermals above the vineyard, these vines have been planted in the coolest and least sun exposed slopes in Rustenberg. The result is a consistent and full bodied Syrah. Deep purple and inky, initially strong and meaty developing complex aromas of cinnamon, violets and cloves. Concentrated and gratifying length. Decant first. Ages 8-12 years.

Price: $$35.99

Alison's Picks

The King's Ginger Liqueur Netherlands

Tasting Notes: I love anything Ginger! Originally commissioned in 1903 by the Royal Physician to stimulate and revivify His Majesty King Edward VII when he was exposed to the elements on morning rides in his new horseless carriage. Made in the Netherlands by Berry Bros. & Rudd, it is made from macerated ginger in high end spirit and lemon oil is added for an uplifting citrus note. 41%alcohol. Great paired with chocolate or added to whisky, mulled wine or hot apple cider for a lovely winter warmer.

Price: $51.99

Alison's Picks

Painted Wolf Cape Hunting Red 2009 South Africa

Tasting Notes: In honour of our September trip to South Africa – This is a 5 blend red: Pinotage: 40% Shiraz: 24% Merlot: 23% Grenache: 7% Mourvedre: 6% A bright fruit packed, full-bodied spicy blend with good balance and a long finish.

Price: $33.99

Alison's Picks

Zenato Riserva Lugana Italy

Tasting Notes: 100% Trebbiano grapes, from the oldest vineyard on the Poderi Massoni Vineyard near Lake Garda, Italy, this is one of my all time favourite white wines. It is elegant, sophisticated and bursting with an intense floral bouquet, with flavours of stone fruit, vanilla and white flowers. Luscious and layered, it can be enjoyed solo, or paired with Rotisserie Chicken, Veal Scallopini, Calamari or Scampi.

Price: $38.99

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Alison's Picks

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Spier 21 Gables Old Vines Chenin Blanc South Africa

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Frosty's Mint Candy Cane Cream Canada

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R Rose Bandol, France

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Sortilege Whisky Canada

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Waterbrook Merlot 2015 Washington, USA

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Moraine Estate Riesling Canada

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Play Estate Vineyards Viognier Canada

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Paul Mas Viognier Languedoc-Roussilon, France

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Negroni Cocktail Italy

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Attis Albarino Lias Finas 2018 Spain

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Alceo Tempranillo Spain

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Moose Milk Canada

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Shannon Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 California USA

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Carmen Gran Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Chile

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Pablo Claro Cabernet Sauvignon Graciano Spain

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Mission Hill Limited Edition Reserve Viognier 2017 Canada

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Castillo de Monseran Rose Spain

Alison's Picks

var mymonth = '2019-06-June'; document.write(mymonth.substring(8) + ' ' + mymonth.substring(0,4));

Alie Rose Italy

Alison's Picks

var mymonth = '2019-05-May'; document.write(mymonth.substring(8) + ' ' + mymonth.substring(0,4));

Chinaco Reposado Mexico

Alison's Picks

var mymonth = '2019-04-April'; document.write(mymonth.substring(8) + ' ' + mymonth.substring(0,4));

Spier Old Vines Chenin Blanc 2015 South Africa

Alison's Picks

var mymonth = '2019-03-March'; document.write(mymonth.substring(8) + ' ' + mymonth.substring(0,4));

Vasse Felix Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Australia

Alison's Picks

var mymonth = '2019-02-February'; document.write(mymonth.substring(8) + ' ' + mymonth.substring(0,4));

Gran Passione Rosso Italy

Alison's Picks

var mymonth = '2019-01-January'; document.write(mymonth.substring(8) + ' ' + mymonth.substring(0,4));

Nautilus Chardonnay 2017 New Zealand

Alison's Picks

var mymonth = '2018-12-December'; document.write(mymonth.substring(8) + ' ' + mymonth.substring(0,4));

Peychaud's Aperitivo Italy

Alison's Picks

var mymonth = '2018-11-November'; document.write(mymonth.substring(8) + ' ' + mymonth.substring(0,4));

Penny's Hill Cracking Black Shiraz McLaren Vale 2015 Australia

Alison's Picks

var mymonth = '2018-10-October'; document.write(mymonth.substring(8) + ' ' + mymonth.substring(0,4));

Montgras Antu Syrah Chile