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Derek's Picks

MollyDooker Blue Eyed Boy Shiraz Australia

Tasting Notes: Black crimson in colour, this wine leaps from the glass with powerful aromatics of blueberries, fresh plum, licorice and nuances of chocolate biscuit. The seamless texture is laced with fresh berry fruit, coffee, vanilla cream and warm spice, giving us a full-bodied Shiraz with an endless depth of flavour and great length. Still quite young and could use at least an hour of decanting. Pairs well with that grilled rack of lamb.

Price: $69.99

Derek's Picks

Matchbook Tinto Rey Tempranillo USA

Tasting Notes: Tinto Rey means Red King. Tempranillo is the king of Spanish red wines, the most important varietal in the Matchbook Vineyard and the foundation of this unique Tempranillo/Syrah blend. Deep, rich aromas of boysenberry, plum and loamy earth. Flavors of mocha, black cherry and blackberry cobbler are layered over spicy notes of leather, truffle and sweet oak. Easily a fave to pair with a simple grilled chicken up to a peppered steak.

Price: $20.49

Derek's Picks

Verso Rosso Salento Italy

Tasting Notes: From the Puglia area in Italy, Verso is a full-bodied wine made with a small percent of appassimento (air-dried) grapes. Made from Negroamaro and Primitivo grapes it appears rich and dark in colour, with vibrant spice and red berry flavours. Lighter in body than most Ripasso’s it paired well with grilled pork and mushroom sauce.

Price: $18.49

Derek's Picks

Tenuta La Fuga Brunello di Montalcino Italy

Tasting Notes: The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino from Tenuta La Fuga is very pretty and sweetly spiced, showing wild strawberries with hints of mint and cedar. It soothes the palate with a mix of ripe cherry and blackberry, laced with orange citrus. Rounded tannins come through toward the close, yet the focus here remains on fruit and balanced sweetness. It’s a very pleasant and somewhat-immediate Brunello for the near term. Paired well with grilled steak and mushroom sauce.

Price: $70.99

Derek's Picks

Nugan Estate Third Generation Chardonnay Australia

Tasting Notes: This is a fresh and fruit driven style of Chardonnay. Aromas of white peach and nectarine with hints of roasted nuts and sweet spices. On the palate, bright citrus and peach fruit with toasted nut cashew undertones. Perfect with chicken and seafood dishes. Went well with lightly grilled lemon shrimp over bocconcini salad.

Price: $16.99

Derek's Picks

Roaming Dog Red Blend USA

Tasting Notes: This blend from Columbia Valley consists of 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Malbec, 31% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc. Tank and barrel aged for 18 months. Rainier cherry and dried herbs on the nose with hints of blackberry, licorice and mocha. Ripe, fruit driven palate with an abundance of cherries, red rope licorice and baking spices leading to a clean, pleasing finish. A great value Bordeaux blend that’s super versatile. Paired well with grilled duck.

Price: $27.99

Derek's Picks

Red Knot McLaren Vale Cabernet by Shingleback Australia

Tasting Notes: Deep burnt cherry in colour. Rose petal and cranberry aromas lift from the glass. The palate is filled with flavours of strawberry, raspberry and mixed peel along with earthy textural elements. The sweet fruit flavours are defined by a lingering natural acidity. Not too strong for pork but best paired with a juicey Angus burger topped with Monterey cheese.

Price: $19.99

Derek's Picks

Hahn California Chardonnay USA

Tasting Notes: Aromas of lemon, orange peel, pineapple, lychee, and a hint of creamy toasty oak. Bright acidity welcomes the palate, leading to a perfect balance of creamy citrus fruit and subtle butter toast flavors that culminate in a lingering, clean finish. This is a great medium bodied Chard for those who like their Chards a little on the lighter side. Went well with grilled chicken and pork.

Price: $22.99

Derek's Picks

d’Arenberg The Stump Jump Red Australia

Tasting Notes: This every day red is a blend of Grenach, Mourvedre and Shiraz. An array of dark, sweet and savoury notes, Plum, dark cherry, game, earth and black pepper. The palate adds mulberry, raspberry with beautiful lifted spice and mineral grit. The ﬁne, powdery, gritty tannins are fruit derived and lively, making for a long ﬁnish. There’s no shortage of ﬂavour here. This is a great go to for large functions or that weekend BBQ with friends.

Price: $17.49

Derek's Picks

Callaway Cellar Selection Chardonnay USA

Tasting Notes: Forward green apple and butterscotch aromas with pineapple, ripe pear and vanilla oak spice flavors. Medium-bodied with crisp acidity and a lovely tropical fruit finish. With a combination of American Oak barrels and stainless steel this wonderful Chard with a touch of Viognier has just the right butteriness to satisfy most chard drinkers. 90 points with a decent price make this a good go to sipper.

Price: $21.50

Derek's Picks

Las Hermanas Blanco Spain

Tasting Notes: Bright straw yellow, star bright. This white blend truly delivers with it’s floral summer fruit aroms and fruity unique flavours delivered by the Macabeo and Sauvingnon Blanc varietals. Soft, aromatic and rich on the palate with good grapefruit acidity. Light toasty and biscuity flavours with hints of cinnamon over grapefruit on the finish It’s great acidity will pair well with many white cheeses or grilled pork in a creamy mushroom sauce.

Price: $14.99

Derek's Picks

Kolonist Odessa Black Ukraine

Tasting Notes: Ukrainian Danube Bessarabia, located in the south of Odesa region, is a region with a rich history, Mediterranean climate and a unique demographic composition of the population. The region is called the interfluve because it is located between the two rivers Danube and the Dniester and is washed by the warm waters of the Black Sea. This red is made from Odessa black (known in Europe as Aliberne) a unique local grape variety that was bred in Ukraine in the second half of the twentieth century, namely in 1957. Alicante Boucher and Cabernet Sauvignon became the parents of the Odessa black variety. This red is multifaceted, spicy with tones of mulberry, black berries and smoky notes. It’s rich with ripe tannins and dried fruit plus a pleasant fruity aftertaste. Odessa black "Colonist" perfectly harmonizes with complex meat dishes, hot salads and smoked meats.

Price: $23.99

Derek's Picks

La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir USA

Tasting Notes: This month we are celebrating female wine makers who are making a name for themselves all over the world. I picked La Crema from California where Jen Walsh produces some of my favourites. Before joining the La Crema team in 2017, Jen was the Associate Winemaker at Benovia Winery in the Russian River Valley, where she worked with myriad heritage Pinot Noir clones from different terroirs to craft distinctive single vineyard wines. Prior to that, she worked for several other wineries throughout Napa and Sonoma. Her passion has always led her to wineries that focus on expressive, cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The black plum, cherry and earth aromas open in this red wine to flavours of raspberry and mineral. Richly textured with juicy, balanced acidity and integrated toasted spice. The smoothness on the palate makes it a wonderful sipper or simply pair with duck confit.

Price: $31.99

Derek's Picks

Barilla Prosecco Rosé Italy

Tasting Notes: This yummy bubbly from the Veneto made of Glera and Pinot Nero shines bright dusky pink in it’s gorgeous etched bottle. The bottle of Brilla is the result of a design project that goes beyond a simple bottle of Prosecco: they chose experimentation, creativity and unconventional forms. They created a texture that is reminiscent of diamonds with a special emphasis on pear shaped diamonds, synonymous with purity and high-end jewelry. Once used to adorn the crowns worn by nobility, today they are forged into a bottle of Prosecco. Brilla! On the nose, a fine fragrance, subtle cherry fruit and raspberries. On the palate, juicy, with crisp acidity and well-integrated mousse, flows well, slight bitter notes on the aftertaste. Great with fish tacos, mushroom based courses or a creamy shrimp cocktail.

Price: $21.99

Derek's Picks

Black Hills Nota Bene Canada

Tasting Notes: The 20th vintage of the Nota Bene is comprised of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc and new this year, 1% of Petit Verdot. This is the first vintage crafted by their winemaker, Master of Wine Ross Wise. On the nose this wine has pronounced aromas of ripe black fruits like mulberries, blackberries and plums. On the palate, the grippy tannins mixed with flavours of blackberries, mocha and dried herbs will pair perfectly with barbequed ribs or a hearty steak. I went out on the deck in -36 degrees celsius to grill some thick tenderloins to go with this yummy Bordeaux blend style red. This wine is deep and complex and can be decanted to enjoy this evening or according to the winery cellared for up to 10 years.

Price: $65.99

Derek's Picks

Monteverro Vermentino Italy

Tasting Notes: Monteverro lies at the foot of the small medieval town of Capalbio on the southern edge of Tuscany in Maremma, a region well-known for its originality and tradition. Vermentino is the white vine variety par excellence of the Tuscan coast, it is used to make fresh, fruity white wines with fine minerality and with the fragrance of summer grasses and blossoms, quince and pear. This Vermentino, aged exclusively in steel, is an expression of Italy’s joie de vivre - a light, delicate white wine, particularly well suited as an apéritif or to accompany seafood. Paired well with a scallop and garden greens salad.

Price: $30.99

Derek's Picks

La Fuga Brunello Italy

Tasting Notes: Tenuta La Fuga Brunello Di Montalcino is a robust, concentrated and spicy Brunello, with dried cherry, dark fruit, earthy mushroom and dark chocolate flavours. This Sangioves Grosso has leather notes on the nose and palate. The wine is full-bodied with high acidity, polished tannins and a long finish. Definitely needs some time in cellar.

Price: $70.99

Derek's Picks

Domaine Lafage Bastide Miraflors France

Tasting Notes: Made with 74% Syrah and 26% Grenache brought up in a combination of concrete tanks (for the Grenache) and one year old demi-muids (for the Syrah), the 2018 Cotes Du Roussillon Bastide Miraflors is a knockout bottle of wine. Demi-muids is a French term for 600-liter capacity oak barrels, typically used in the Rhône Valley. Averaging over 90 points it offers loads of black fruits, roasted herbs, peppered meat, violets and bacon fat as well as full-bodied richness. This red has a round, opulent style, ripe tannins and a linguering finish. Paired extreemly well with duck confit.

Price: $25.99

Derek's Picks

Cline Viognier USA

Tasting Notes: Cline Viognier is golden straw in colour. The wine shows juicy tropical fruit, fresh apricot and notes of mandarin orange and grapefruit. Luscious and full-bodied with a slight crisp acidity. A richly perfumed varietal originally from the Rhone Valley in France. Bursting with pineapple, peach and apricot flavors along with accents of floral and citrus notes. Paired well with grilled peppered chicken and veggie skewers.

Price: $20.99

Derek's Picks

Monte Del Magro - Ca Del Magro Custoza Superiore Italy

Tasting Notes: This is the Italian version of a well known Californian white, Caymus Conundrum where so many grape variatals are blended together. This wine has the varietal(s) 40% Garganega, 20% Trebbiano Toscano, 5% Tocai Friulano, 10% Cortese, 10% Chardonnay-Riesling Italico-Malvasia and 15% Incrocio Manzoni. With so much going on it has been masterly blended to show a very well ballanced white. The fermentation method of Cryomaceration, cooling down the mashed grapes and soft pressing takes more flavours out of the skins. 4-5% of grapes ferment and mature sur lie. The rest ferment on their lees in stainless steel. With all this you get aromas of wild flowers, Golden Delicious apples and exotic fruit. The palate is dry, tangy and full- bodied with a long aftertaste. Great food matches are oysters, sushi, sashimi and all raw fish. It can also be matched with both white and red meats. Excellent with grilled pork rib in a white mushroom cream sauce.

Price: $23.49

Derek's Picks

Hallows & Fentimans Ginger Brew UK

Tasting Notes: The ultimate alcoholic ginger beer from the 1905 recipe that made Fentiman's famous in the U.K. for a century to come. This special recipe was given to John Hollows by Thomas Fentiman as dowry for his daughter's hand in marriage. Hollow proceeded to run one of the Fentiman's brewing halls and the result is this wonderful long lived brand. Using traditional old school fermentation, which involves only the addition of yeast and sugar to the fresh botanical ginger brew, it takes nearly two weeks to ferment and the result is one of the most festive and refreshing ways to drink available. So creamy smooth and not overly spicey. Definitely a new favourite.

Price: $5.99

Derek's Picks

Wakefield Clare Valley Cabernet Australia

Tasting Notes: Deep purple color. Fresh aromas and flavors of blackberry, plum, spearmint, chocolate silk pie, new leather, olives, and licorice with a satiny, vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and an even, interesting, medium-length finish. A palate-pleasing, juicy Cabernet overflowing with fruit and herbaceous style. Exceptional. Best Buy. Ranked as the 2019 World Value Wine Challenge Top 10 Red. A very easy satisfying BBQ wine.

Price: $18.99

Derek's Picks

Chateau Ste Michelle Rose USA

Tasting Notes: This patio sipper from Columbia Valley in Washington is a blend of Syrah and Merlot. Bubblegum aromas are out front, followed by cherry and strawberry notes that also fill the palate. Kiwi flavors persist on the finish. Can be enjoyed alone or paired with charcuterie, a simple garden salad topped with salmon, soft cheeses or lightly spiced chicken. Priced on sale now for a limited time but originally $23.99, this is a bonus buy for summer outings.

Price: $15.99

Derek's Picks

Waterloo Craft Lager Canada

Tasting Notes: If you’re Ontario’s first craft brewery, 35 years old, you make a special beer! To brew Waterloo Craft Lager, they use Pacific Northwest legendary hops, predominantly 2-Row Canadian barley malt and just enough roasted malt for a rich colour and distinctive flavour. The resulting golden lager is refreshing and easy to drink, with a great balance of bitter and sweet. One of the best lagers I’ve had in a long time.

Price: $3.49

Derek's Picks

Spier 2007 Frans K Smit South Africa

Tasting Notes: From Spier Wine Farm (Stellenbosch), this 2007 Spier Frans K Smit Red , a red wine that is made of shiraz, pinotage, merlot, malbec, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc comes in with an alcohol content of 14.36%. It’s dark cherry in colour with complex scents of chocolate and toffee. Where the cork came in contact with the wine it was a very deep black. After opening this wine it kept changing and becoming more delicious the longer it was decanted. Paired well with grilled lamb. By far one of the best wines I’ve had in some time.

Price: $81.99

Derek's Picks

Stoneleigh Marlborough Pinot Noir New Zealand

Tasting Notes: Pale ruby colour; bright aromas of violets, cherries and vanilla with beetroot and citrus notes; extra dry, medium-plus bodied, soft tannins, flavours of cherry, vanilla, and oak spice with balanced acidity. Not too dry and slightly earthy. Paired well with trout and roasted veggies.

Price: $20.99

Derek's Picks

Ata Rangi Crimson Pinot Noir New Zealand

Tasting Notes: The Pinot Noir grapes for Crimson are produced from 5-20 year old Martinborough vines in Lismore, Waiora and Walnut Ridge blocks. The 2017 vintage was cooler than average, delivering wines of complexity and vibrant acid structure. This old world, earthy Pinot Noir has an enticing nose of mulberry and bramble fruits complemented by spicy notes of tamarind paste and crushed sumac berry. The palate is long and textural with a thread of fine tannins. Delicate fruit flavours are more expressive the longer this wine is left to breath, at least an hour. Paired very well with duck confit.

Price: $47.49

Derek's Picks

Care Tinto Sobre Lias Spain

Tasting Notes: CARE is a manifestation of the old Roman word for the region of Carinena but also the fact that these are the hand made wines of the bodegas receiving extra special attention and care. This particular wine is a blend of 75% Garnacha and 25% Syrah and is aged for three months in oak barrels. It has a complex nose with fragrant and ripe red and black fruit. On the palate the wine shows powerful fruit which is perfectly balanced, full and intense. Long finish. Pairs well with white meats such as pork and chicken that isn’t overly spiced or simply as a light afternoon sipper with a meat and cheese plate.

Price: $18.99

Derek's Picks

Savian Winemaker Prosecco DOC Italy

Tasting Notes: This is an organic wine that consists of 100% Glera grapes. This Charmat sparkling wine is obtained by a fermentation without the skins. Pale yellow in colour and soft greenish hues, it’s bouquet is fruity, reminescent of green apples and meadow flowers. Well structured in taste, on the palate it’s harmonious and reveals a pleasantly lingering, slightly off dry flavour. One of the best ballanced proseccos I’ve had in awhile. Ideal as an aperitif before your Christmas meal or easily enjoyed throughout the whole affair. Also pairs well with risottos, mussels and shellfish. Ideal for desserts such as jam-tarts, apple pies and strudels.

Price: $23.49

Derek's Picks

Baccolo Rosso Veneto Italy

Tasting Notes: This Venetian blend of merlot and corvina is medium ruby in colour and has inviting aromas of cherry, dark plum and raspberry, with further notes of nutmeg and vanilla. Flavours of cocoa, almonds and dark berries lead to a medium-bodied palate with silky tannins and a smooth finish. This yummy red starts a little drier and earthier than many with the same grapes but opens with more fruity flavours the longer it’s open. Now a longstanding member favourite from Italy, this popular Veneto red's spicy fruit character is achieved by partial natural air-drying of the grapes to add richness. Enjoy with most tomato based meals, mushroom risotto and grilled white meats.

Price: $14.99

Derek's Picks

Blasted Church Syrah Canada

Tasting Notes: This Syrah features a bouquet of blackberry, blueberry and plum. The palate is similiar to the nose with blue fruit supported by a rich mouthfeel through to the mid-palate where a savoury wave takes over and rides the supple tannin through to the elegant finish. Old world meets new world style makes for an enjoyable drinking experience. Pairs well with duck confit, grilled chicken or hard, aged cheeses. It also was a perfect pairing with grilled lamb chops spiced with herbs de provence.

Price: $33.49

Derek's Picks

Seven Falls Cellars USA

Tasting Notes: The Wahluke Slope is one of the warmest and driest areas in Washington with conditions ideal for producing robust and ripe reds with exceptional varietal purity. This Cabernet is approachable and appealing with generous dark fruit, cherry, cassis, dried herbs, vanilla and chocolate. Silky and rich with caressing tannins. It’s perfect for lamb, steak or grilled ribs.

Price: $24.99

Derek's Picks

Grand Marnia Cuvee Louis Alexandre France

Tasting Notes: Created as an homage to Grand Marnier's founder, this reincarnation of Cuvée Louis Alexandre is a blend of 82% VSOP Cognac and 18% bitter, aromatic bigaradia orange liqueur. Rich and smooth, the palate offers notes of candied orange, vanilla and zesty citrus, before a finish of caramel, bergamot and rich oak notes. To bring it up a notch just add ice and a 1/2 ounce of XO Cognac with a twist of orange.

Price: $83.49

Derek's Picks

Play Applause Canada

Tasting Notes: This bold wine with breakbeats of berries, heavy bass lines of dark chocolate and high notes of tobacco is sure to get a standing ovation. An experienced trio of Cab Sav, Merlot and Cab Franc deliver on the structure, colour and taste of a classic bordeaux style blend. Pair with strong cheeses, beef short ribs, meatballs in hearty tomato sauce, Portabello mushroom burgers, and rare sirloin steak.

Price: $19.99

Derek's Picks

Veuve du Vernay Brut Rose France

Tasting Notes: Nice rose color with a persisitent mousse followed by numerous fine bubbles. On the nose there’s red fruit scents combined with citrus fruit aromas. Well-balanced and fleshy, this beautiful rose shows on the palate the same fruity flavors as the nose. Some pungent notes on the finish give it a pleasant freshness. It's a good candidate to pair with a fruit dessert or to serve as an apéritif.

Price: $18.99

Derek's Picks

Game Of Thrones Chardonnay USA

Tasting Notes: This robust Californian white wine is a blend of 90% Chardonnay and 10% Riesling from the Central Coast region. The wine underwent a partial malolactic and barrel fermentation. Aromas of toasty oak and golden apples. Pair with roast chicken and family entanglements. As the back label reads for this marketing-driven wine branded with the HBO series "Game of Thrones": From the arid climate of Dorne to the lush vineyards of The Reach, the topography of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros is as diverse as the wine we produce. Against the backdrop of the ever evolving struggle for the Iron Throne and amidst the howling winds of winter, nobles raise their glasses and toast to luck in the wars to come. This was priced at $30.99 but with an amazing discount from the company representing it here in Alberta we can offer it at $15.99. Wow!

Price: $$15.99

Derek's Picks

Gran Emotivo Rosso Italy

Tasting Notes: This is an everyday kind of wine with a blend of merlot and corvina grapes. Flavours of ripe fruits, such as plums and raisins with pleasant notes of spices and vanilla. Rich and bold palate with very ripe, red fruit flavours. A solid structure and beautiful balance between soft tannins and lifted acidity. This is a great wine for roasts, red meats and hard cheeses. This wine will improve over the next four years with further bottle ageing.

Price: $21.99

Derek's Picks

Quevedo Rose Port Portugal

Tasting Notes: To make this delicious rose port grapes are crushed, and within a few hours, the juice is decanted to limit contact with the skin to avoid too much color extraction; it fermented at a cold temperature for 10 days. The grapes used are Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Sousão. Quevedo's pink port shows a modest but fresh - floral nose. On the palate, spicy, fresh , integrated notes and round finish. A pleasure to drink.

Price: $24.99

Derek's Picks

Three Finger Jack OV Zinfandel USA

Tasting Notes: A great BBQ wine from the Lodi area of California. This is a luscious full-bodied red wine that combines ripe berry notes and pronounced jammy flavours. On the palate there’s notes of cherry jam mixed with dark plum and fig. On the nose there’s dark berries with hints of chocolate and a touch of vanilla. Ripe tannins add the necessary structure for pairing with food such as BBQ-marinated pork ribs, beef and vegetable skewers or T bone steaks. It would be good to chill this wine a little before serving.

Price: $24.99

Derek's Picks

Giusti Rosalia Prosecco D.O.C. Italy

Tasting Notes: This sparkling shows appropriately evanescent, with fine and lingering perlage. The colour is pale straw yellow with greenish glints. The nose is intense, fruity, with hints of Golden apple and lemon; prevailing floral notes of wisteria and acacia. Flavours are fresh, well structured, pleasant and harmonious on the palate. Excellent both as an aperitif and throughout the meal; always suitable for important occasions. I enjoyed this with east coast oysters.

Price: $16.99

Derek's Picks

Ogio Zinfandel Rose Italy

Tasting Notes: Ogio Zinfandel Rosé is a very refreshing wine with delicious strawberry and raspberry flavours and a slight sweet finish. Specially selected grapes were grown in south east Italy. Ideal with spicy food, fresh fruit desserts or simply on it’s own. At this time, by far one of my faves.

Price: $14.00

Derek's Picks

Alvear Criadera “A” Spain

Tasting Notes: Alvear Criadera A is a “Fino que va para Amontillado”, a very old fino made with Pedro Ximénez grapes with more than 12 years of biological ageing that has already started the oxidative ageing. It keeps the strength and energy of the “flor”, a “flor” that resists to die and that perfectly reflect the character and minerality of the “albariza” soils from the “Sierra de Montilla”. The nose is intense, clean and deep, with emerging hints of a young amontillado (dry fruits) over a classic fino structure (almonds, veil yeast…). The palate is very dry, expressive and powerful, with salinity notes, coming from the concentration of its long ageing process, and a silky finish. Due to it’s being very dry and high in salinity this would pair well with young to medium cheddars, ham, almonds and tapenade.

Price: $30.99

Derek's Picks

Wines That Rock The Police Synchronicity USA

Tasting Notes: A blend of Carignane, Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Grenache and Viognier. Aromas of fresh rose petals and wild berries. Flavors of juicy strawberry, bright raspberry, with a lush lingering finish. Pair with grilled steak, lamb, burgers and brats, lemon garlic angel hair pasta, blue and goat cheeses. And top off with some luscious dark chocolate or black forest cake.

Price: $21.99

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Bender Weissburgunder & Grauburgunder Germany

Tasting Notes: A complex, harmonious blend of Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris, grown on steep hillside vineyards with grey and blue slate. After the spontanious fermentation with natural yeasts is complete, the wine is aged for 12 months in neutral oak. Dry, well balanced with depth and typical Mosel minerality.

Price: $23.99

Derek's Picks

Whitley Neill Rhubarb & Ginger Gin England

Tasting Notes: Whitley Neill, originating from 1762 is made from a 100% grain spirit that is steeped with botanicals prior to being distilled in a beautiful antique copper pot still called ‘Constance’ who is over 100 years old. A handcrafted gin of exceptional quality inspired by the glory of the English Country Garden. The essence of Rhubarb adds a tart crisp edge, to the smooth English gin base, whilst the real ginger extract warms the palette for a full bodied complex finish.

Price: $49.99

Derek's Picks

Cedar Creek Pinot Gris Canada

Tasting Notes: 2018 was a strong year for Pinot Gris in the Okanagan. This wine saw a small amount of barrel aging and the majority in stainless steel. Excellent fruit and spice with pears, apples, and figs. A hint of struck match quality which tightens the nose up a little. Generous and with lovely ripe fruit on the palate with a round finish. This versatile wine goes with everything, or nothing at all. Try it with seafood, pork, lemon chicken, or hot wings, or sip it on its own.

Price: $21.99

Derek's Picks

Laphroaig Quarter Cask United Kingdom - Scotland

Tasting Notes: Laphroaig Quarter Cask offers an irresistible doubling of flavour, due to the double maturation in two barrels made of American oak. Still-maturing whisky from the standard ex-bourbon barrels is transferred to quarter casks and left to rest at the warehouse just a stone's throw from the Atlantic shore. This process represents Laphroaig breathing new life into a once-defunct tradition: the use of the smaller cask size, which ensures increased contact with the oak, creating a soft and velvety edge to complement Laphroaig's distinctive peatiness. On the nose the sensation is toffee and caramel, caused by the vanillas and tannins of the American oak, plus a dryness from the wood oil. The finish is long and alternates between this sweetness and smoke. Great for someone just starting to try out smokey scotches.

Price: $90.99

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McQueen and the Velvet Fog Gin Brazil

Tasting Notes: The “revolutionary” small batch gin, called McQueen and the Violet Fog is made in the hills of Jundiaí, Brazil and contains 21 botanicals including lemongrass, pomelo and jasmine. Along with classic gin notes of juniper, citrus and flower, the gin’s six unique ingredients include handpicked basil leaves from India, Portuguese rosemary, Mediterranean fennel seed, calamansi from the South Pacific, star anise native to Vietnam, and acai locally grown in Brazil. This distinctive gin reveals something new with every sip: heat, spice, juniper, herbal, citrus and floral notes, all the touchstones of gin, balanced perfectly. Best served in a martini glass over smashed ice and possibly an olive or two.

Price: $50.99

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Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao France

Tasting Notes: Classic cocktails demand classic liqueurs and no liqueur is more classical than the Pierre Ferrand Dry Orange Curaçao. Crafted in consultation with cocktail historian David Wondrich and based on a 19th century recipe, it is a traditional French “triple sec” – thee separate distillations of spices and the “sec” or bitter, peels of Curacao oranges blended with brandy and Ferrand Cognac. The result is a rich, complex and balanced liqueur that will bring new sophistication to your Punches, Slings, Fizzes and, of course Cocktails. It is also delicious straight up or on ice.

Price: $43.99

Derek's Picks

Floris Ninkeberry Belgium

Tasting Notes: Savouring this beer is quite complex, because of the use of various fruit concentrates such as mango, apricot, peach and passionfruit. The predominant taste is peach and apricot. Golden yellow, cloudy because of the wheat beer. A very persistent lacing head. Nice and easy drinking, not too sweet and low in alcohol at 3.6%.

Price: $4.99

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Beringer Bourbon Barrel Aged Chardonnay USA

Tasting Notes: Beringer Bros. Chardonnay is picked at the peak of flavor development from top sites across California and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with 25% malolactic fermentation. 20% of the wine is aged for 60 days in second-pass charred American Oak barriques which previously held Bourbon. This wine has a bouquet of ripe apricot, vanilla beam, and slightly burnt buttered toast. Creamy and mouth-coating, the palate evokes apple pie and vanilla ice cream with caramel coming through on the lingering finish. One would think with the bourbon aging it may come across as a heavier style chardonnay but it's actually lighter in body than some others that have seen oak. Pair with grilled scallops, lobster tail or chicken topped with mushroom sauce.

Price: $16.49

Derek's Picks

2015 Napa Valley Marilyn Merlot USA

Tasting Notes: Milton Greene photographed Marilyn in his New York studio on March 28, 1955 for LOOK magazine. The shoot included Marilyn flowing in her black robe snuggling with a Pekinese dog. This is the label for the 31st Vintage of this remarkable Napa Valley Merlot. This Merlot is a rich ruby wine with purple hues. The aromas exhibit good intensity with a complexity of cassis, blueberries and hints of spice and earthy characteristics. This Merlot is a deep rich scarlet wine with purple hues. Flavours of tart cherries, vanilla and a bright lingering finish. Very enjoyable now but will age well for 4-7 years. A double gold winner that will make almost any meal better —from steaks to pizza.

Price: $49.99

Derek's Picks

Rocca delle Macie Sasyr Italy

Tasting Notes: Rocca delle Macìe has become one of Tuscany's leading wine estates. Sasyr, as its name suggests, is a singular and sublime blend of Sangiovese and Syrah grapes from the Tuscan vineyards of Rocca delle Macìe. Carefully selected ripe grapes are harvested by hand. The two varieties are fermented separately at carefully controlled temperatures to preserve color and freshness of fruit flavors. 15% of the Sangiovese is aged in French oak barriques for six months. Intense red fruit aromas of ripe cherry, blackberry and raspberry. A succulent, supple well-structured palate with a silky smooth finish that gets better if you can make it last. Very versatile; will complement red meats, hearty, robust vegetarian dishes, pastas and risottos with flavorful sauces.

Price: $19.99

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Ogio Rosso Italy

Tasting Notes: The grapes were carefully selected and handpicked early October to get maximum ripeness. They were then dried on the stalks for about 15 days, making them lose 50% of their weight. This method, called “Appassimento”, gives the wine its richness, complexity and characteristic notes of ripe fruits. Ideal with roasted meats or mature and savoury hard cheeses or on its own with friends and family. Could use some decanting.

Price: $16.99

Derek's Picks

Godet Peardise Reserve France

Tasting Notes: A unique blend of Pear liqueur with old cognac giving birth to a drink balancing the sweetness of the liqueur and the character and strength of the cognac. At first, a golden colour announcing a unique richness, then a surprisingly fresh nose, opening on fruit mingled with delicate elder flower fragrant and to finish, a well rounded, mouth-watering palate, expressing the fine and youthful pear aromas evolving toward a sharp, fresh and expresssive finish, characteristic of cognac. Versatile enough to be drunk as an after dinner digestif, on its own or poured on crushed ice.

Price: $43.49

Derek's Picks

The Franc Cabernet Franc Lodi USA

Tasting Notes: Deep crimson in color with sweet and spicy notes of fresh herbs and cloves on the nose. On the palate, intense flavors of fruit with hints of black pepper on the palate. Ends with great structure and long finish. Super versatile when it comes to pairing with food but try with duck confit and experience a bit of heaven.

Price: $23.49

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Valserrano Rioja Blanco Spain

Tasting Notes: Toasty melon and peach aromas are oaky but elegant, sort of like nice Burgundy. A round balanced palate definitely suggests quality Chardonnay, but this is 95% Viura and the rest Malvasia. Oak and spice flavors render white-fruit notes secondary, and the finish is more of the same. Stands up on it’s own but try with lobster bisque or oysters in shell.

Price: $23.99

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Emiliana Coyam Chile

Tasting Notes: It’s name means “Chilean Oak” for Mapuche, the original inhabitants of central and southern Chile. Oaks surround the vineyard where this wine is born. Organic and biodynamic agriculture is the best way to obtain more balanced, healthy and productive vineyards, resulting in a better quality of grapes and, therefore, better wines. This is Emiliana’s philosophy when it comes to vineyard management. This brilliant six-variety blend of mostly Syrah and Carmenère with lesser amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvèdre, Malbec and Petit Verdot is one of Chile's greatest reds. Smooth, subtle and savoury, it's much more than the sum of its parts, with Asian spices, red and dark berry fruit and fine tannins. This is a complex wine that will take your BBQ experience to a higher more flavourful level.

Price: $28.99

Derek's Picks

Novellum Chardonnay France

Tasting Notes: From the Roussillon area of France where Jean-Marc and Eliane Lafage have some Chardonnay planted near the Mediterranean, they have developed a remarkably complex and mineral version of the variety. There is no botrytis here so as a result, they resort to aging a small percentage in barrel – usually less than 30%. The remainder of the wine is aged in tank on the lees of Viognier. One of my favourites, this chard delivers soft elegance and creamy butteryness without overpowering your palate. Break out the oysters.

Price: $22.99

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Dirty Laundry Hush Rose Canada

Tasting Notes: A blend of Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cab Franc gives this Okanagan rose great structure. It’s bold flavours of fresh picked strawberries, red currant & watermelon satisfies big time when the temperatures start rising. It’s definitely meant for the patio to enjoy on it’s own or paired with spicey foods like a chorizo pizza.

Price: $27.99

Derek's Picks

Gin Mare Spain

Tasting Notes: Mare is a Mediterranean gin flavoured with four principal botanicals: basil, thyme, rosemary and, most unusual of all, the Arbequina olive. Alongside juniper, cardamom and citrus, these different botanicals create a strangely satisfying gin. Possibly one of the most smooth and delightful gins I’ve tasted.

Price: $47.99

Derek's Picks

Klinker Brick Old Vine Zinfandel USA

Tasting Notes: The 2014 Old Vine Zinfandel is a blend of 16 different vineyard blocks of old vine zinfandel vineyards with an average age of 86 years. With berries and spice on the nose, dark, sweet fruit fills the palate with just a hint of black pepper. This wine has a long, lingering finish. Whether you pair with a burger, ribs, barbecue or a roaring fire, this wine is sure to please. It goes down easy so a second bottle may be handy.

Price: $28.99

Derek's Picks

Las Rocas Garnacha Spain

Tasting Notes: Las Rocas Garnacha offers vibrant aromas and flavors of dark cherry and blackberry. Well-integrated nuances of oak and round tannins underscore these decadent fruit flavors to create a rich, well-structured wine. Having first tasted this wine at a tapas bar in Canmore, Alberta, I couldn’t get enough. It paired well with the charcuterie and chorizo meatballs. If you don’t mind BBQing in -20C, this wine will go great with most grilled offerings. Great value!

Price: $20.99

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Derek's Picks

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