RESERVE

 

 

We have assembled a collection of high-quality, limited-edition wines, to enhance your dining experience. Allocations of some of these wines are very low and we may only have a few bottles in our inventory at any time. We apologize if your selection is not available and hope that we can recommend something suitable as an alternative. These wines have all been stored in our restaurant under temperature-controlled conditions, and we will be happy to decant your wine for full enjoyment.

 

 

 

White Wines

Spain                                                                                         

Cava Kripta Gran Reserva 2004                                                                                                         $130

Augusti Torelló Mata, Penedes, Spain

Kripta, created in 1979 by Agustí Torelló Mata, was described by Michel Bettane, an

 influential French wine critic, as “a sparkling wine comparable to the very best Champagnes”,

and awarded it 18/20 points, the highest for that tasting. He also included Kripta in his book

“The Best 100 Wines of the World” along with four other sparkling wines (all Champagne).

The bottle is amphora-shaped and the label was designed by Rafael Bartolozzi.  Made using

indigenous grapes (Macabeo, Xarel-lo, and Parellada), from 60+ year old vines, the second

fermentation took place in the bottle for over four years, resulting in a fine, persistent mousse.

Aromas and flavours reminiscent of brioche, vanilla, hazelnuts, citrus, and ripe fruits – pear

and yellow apple. Very elegant with a delicate finish: match with shellfish and chicken dishes.

New Zealand                                                                                               

Sauvignon Blanc Te Koko 2005                                                                                                         $110

Cloudy Bay, Marlborough, New Zealand

The bay at the eastern end of the Marlborough, named Cloudy Bay by Captain Cook,

was originally known as Te Koko-o-Kupe by the Maori. This wine is a unique expression

of the Sauvignon Blanc grape: full-bodied, intensely aromatic and richly textured.

After a primary fermentation with natural yeasts (and full malolactic fermentation), the wine

is left in French oak barrels for 18 months before bottling, and released 18 months later.

Aromas and flavours of lychee, mango, apricot, and honeysuckle with hints of pistachio,

sage, thyme, and smoky oak. Pair with seafood, particularly shellfish, but also white meats.

France

Chablis Montmains 1er Cru 2002                                                                                                      $110

Etienne Boileau, Burgundy, France

Montmains is one of the 17 Premiers Crus of Chablis, an important white-wine appellation

of Burgundy using 100% Chardonnay grapes. Boileau follows a more traditional production

regime of using older oak barrels for aging and preventing malolactic fermentation from

occurring. The result is more mineral-driven wines with bright acidity and a long finish. The

aromas and flavours are reminiscent of apple, mango, and peach with notes of lychee, white

flowers, and verveine. Mineral on the finish, with a backbone of crisp acidity: a good match for

scallops, oysters, and  lighter fish, but also a refreshing foil for richer dishes like crab.

Red Wines

Italy                                                                                   

Barolo Cascina Nuova DOCG 2005                                                                                      $105

Elvio Cogno, Piedmont, Italy

Located in Ravera, the important Barolo sub-zone of Novello, Elvio Cogno is owned

and operated by Valter Fissore and his wife Nadia Cogno. Made from Lampia and

Michet clones of Nebbiolo; first aged in Allier barrels, then in larger 25hl Slavonian casks

and in bottle before release. Classic Nebbiolo, with dark fruit – dark plum and cherry – aromas

and flavours with spice, truffle, leather, and red licorice notes. Balanced, full-bodied, with firm

tannins and a nice long finish; pair with meat dishes, especially braised meat dishes.

Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2003                                                                                     $105

Castello Tricherchi, Agricoltori del Geografico, Tuscany, Italy

Located in the southwest corner of Tuscany, winemakers in the tiny hilltop town of

Montalcino produce one of Italy’s most famous wines, Brunello, made from 100%

Sangiovese grosso grapes. To the west of the historic town, a fully-functioning modern

winery was built within a castle that was designed for the noble Tricerchi family in the 15^th

century. This wine was awarded 90 points from the prestigious Wine Spectator magazine.

Earthy aromas and flavours of blackberry and plums, with mint and leather notes. Elegant,

medium-bodied, with fine tannins; a good match for pasta dishes, grilled meats, and game.

Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2003                                                                                     $110

La Lecciaia, Tuscany, Italy

La Lecciaia is situated in Vallafrico, and shares a southwest exposure, with some of the

oldest and most prestigious vineyards of Montalcino. The winery is equipped with modern

winemaking technology, yet La Lecciaia still adheres to the traditions of Brunello. This wine

was awarded 91 points from the prestigious Wine Spectator magazine. This wine has complex,

earthy aromas and flavours of dark cherries and plums, with cedar notes. Elegant, medium-

bodied and well structured; a good match for grilled meats, fuller-bodied dishes, including game.

Barolo DOCG 2001                                                                                                                               $135

Baroli, Piedmont, Italy

A modern (fruit forward) style of Barolo made by Silvano and Elena Baroli in the recently

renovated La Brunella property in Castigione Faletto. Aromas and flavours of ripe strawberry,

blackberry, with distinctive violet-rose and licorice notes. Smooth tannins: pair with earthier-style

dishes, as well as grilled and braised meat dishes.

Amarone della Valpolicella Bosan DOC 2000                                                                                $145

Cesari, Veneto, Italy

Amarone della Valpolicella is made following the appassimento method of partially air-

drying grapes for approximately four months, until the grapes have lost about a third of their

mass, thus concentrating the flavours and sugars. This is a modern style of Amarone, a blend

of Rondinella and Corvina grapes aged for over three years in a combination of large Slavonian

oak barrels  and smaller French oak barrique. Full-bodied and rich with aromas and flavours of

dried cherries, raisins, cocoa, and sweet oak spices. Match with grilled and braised meat dishes.

 

Montefalco Rosso DOC Reserva 2005                                                                                             $155

Arnaldo Caprai, Umbria, Italy

Arnaldo Caprai is one of the most innovative and influential winemakers in Italy. He has

almost single-handily secured a place on the world stage for the indigenous grape, Sagrantino,

Made only in top vintages, this wine is a blend of 70% Sangiovese, 15% Sagrantino, and 15%

Merlot aged for over 20 months in a combination of large Slavonian (traditional) and small

French-oak barrels. Full-bodied and rich with aromas and flavours of wild berries, ripe plum,

and blackberry, with notes of  mocha and vanilla spice. Match with veal shank and grilled meat

dishes, including lamb and game.

Oracolo IGT 2004                                                                                                                                               $125

Poggio Amorelli, Tuscany, Italy

A rare Super-Tuscan wine from the spectacular 2004 vintage: only 30 bottles were

exported to Canada.  A blend of Sangiovese, Merlot, and Colorino, aged for 14 months

in French oak barrels and six months in bottle before release. Deep, rich, aromas and flavours

of wild berries, ripe cherries, and dark chocolate with pepper spice and vanilla notes. Round

and smooth with a long finish. Pair with grilled and braised meat dishes, including game meats.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Villa Gemma DOC 2003                                                                      $155

Azienda Agricola Masciarelli, Abruzzo, Italy

This wine received the prestigious Tre Bicchieri award from Gambero Rosso magazine in

2006.  This wine was aged for over three years before release; 24 months of which the wine

was in new French-oak barrels. Full-bodied and rich with aromas and flavours of wild fruits

and blackberries, with earthy notes of  chocolate, leather, and sweet vanilla spice. Match with

grilled meat dishes, including lamb and game. Save some wine if we have dark chocolate

desserts on the menu.

Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOC 1995                                                                 $175

Cesari, Veneto, Italy

This wine was part of a special release by Cesari – one the top three Amarone vintages of the

past 15 years (1990, 1993, and 1995). A traditional style of Amarone, a blend of Corvina (75%),

Rondinella (20%), and Molinara (5%) aged predominantly in large Slavonian oak barrels for

three years. Rich, ripe, and smooth, with aromas and flavours of wild cherries, dark berries,

dried plum, cocoa, and vanilla spice. Match with meat dishes and game.

France

Nuits-St.-Georges Les Chaignots 1er Cru 2000                                                                  $110

Domaine Henri Gouges, Burgundy, France

Established by Henri Gouges at the beginning of the 20^th century, the 14.5 Ha estate is now run

by his grandchildren. The .5 Ha Les Chaignots Premiers Cru vineyard is on the northern side

of Nuits, so the Pinot Noir grapes are generally regarded to have the potential to producer a softer,

more finessed style of wine than other Nuits-St.Georges crus. Layered aromas and flavors of  ripe

black fruit (cherry) and notes of mineral and chocolate on the finish. Soft and enveloping, with fine

 tannins and a juicy finish. Will pair well with most meat dishes, particularly beef tenderloin and lamb.

 

Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2002                                                                                                               $120

Domaine Charvin, Rhône Valley, France

This small estate was established in 1851 and is now run by sixth generation owners. A large

part of their wine is sold to négociant, and only the best is bottled under their own name.  Most

of the vines are over 50 years old, and the blend is 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah, and the rest

Mourvèdre and Vaccarèse, depending on the vintage. The wines are aged 18 months in large vats

and bottled unfiltered. The style is more Burgundian than Rhône, with aromas and flavours of

ripe black cherry and blackberry, with notes of spices and smoky oak, and a long, silky finish.

Will open up nicely in the decanter – pair with grilled meats, particularly game.

Hermitage 2001                                                                                                                                      $140

Domaine Belle Père et Fils, Rhône Valley, France

Classic Rhône-style red wine, made from 100% Syrah grapes. This estate is one of the shining

stars of the region and a highly consistent producer. The Hermitage appellation is on a south-

facing slope, overlooking the historic town of Tain. Yields are kept low and the wine was

aged for 18 months in oak barrels, 20-25% of which were new. Ripe aromas and flavours of

red cherry, plum, and blackcurrant, with notes of herbs, violets, dark chocolate, licorice and

sweet spices. Deep and concentrated, with firm tannins, and a long finish. Pair with grilled meats.

Margaux 3er Cru 2000                                                                                                                          $165

Château Cantenac-Brown, Bordeaux, France

Cantenac-Brown is located in the heart of the Margaux appellation, mostly situated in the

commune of Cantenac, in the southern part of the appellation. The vineyard covers 50

hectares (42 hectares are entitled to the name of Margaux, and 8 hectares to Bordeaux),

and the soil is mostly gravelly, planted to Cabernet-Sauvignon (68%), Merlot (26%), and

Cabernet-Franc (6%).  Full-bodied, layered, and concentrated, with aromas and flavors of

black currants, cherry, tobacco, plum, and minerals, with game and mocha notes. Moderately

high, but sweet tannins, means this will pair well with grilled meat dishes, particularly lamb.

Château Corton Grancey Grand Cru 2003                                                                           $170

Louis Latour, Burgundy, France

The winery of Corton-Grancey dates back to 1832, and has been a cuverie for Domaine Louis

Latour since 1891. Produced only in years when the Pinot Noir grapes reach perfect maturity,

Wine Spectator magazine awarded this wine 92pts. The source Pinot Noir vineyards combine

Les Bressandes, Les Chaumes, Les Pougets, Les Perrieres, and Les Greves planted with vines

with an average age of over 40 years. After being aged for 18 months, each cask is meticulously

tasted and appraised and only the finest are blended to make the final wine of Château Corton-

Grancey. Aromas and flavours of cherry compote, black fruits, and underbrush, with hints of bitter

chocolate and spices. Pair with meat dishes, including game and lamb.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée des Cadettes 2004                                                              $175

Château La Nerthe, Rhône Valley, France

This wine is only made in exceptional years.  Robert Parker Jr. awarded it an impressive 93pts.

Cuvée des Cadettes is the name given to a small parcel of land where the 100 year old Grenache

vines are grown that make up the biggest part of the blend. Mourvedre (33%) and Syrah (23%)

make up the rest, and they are co-fermented and aged together for 18 months in new French oak

barrels. This is a powerful wine, and will take some time in the decanter to open up. Rich aromas

and flavours of raspberry, baked cherry, licorice, and menthol, with cinnamon spice and

garrigue notes. Pair with grilled meats, particularly game.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape 1993                                                                                                              $195

Domaine de la Janesse, Rhône Valley, France

In relative terms this is a young estate, established in 1967, yet it adheres closely to the

traditions of the appellation.  The blend is 75% Grenache, 15% Syrah, and 10% Mourvedre,

aged for approximately 18 months in combination of large vats (Foudres) – 80% -- and small

French-oak barrels, of which about a third are new. The final wine is assembled only a week

or so before bottling to preserve the freshness of the wine and to ensure a more precise blend.  

This is a fully-mature wine with complex aromas and flavours of raspberry, black cherry,

underbrush, licorice, leather, Provençal herbs, and pepper spice. Pair with filet mignon, game,

and lamb.

Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 1988                                                                                              $210

Château Cap de Mourlin, Bordeaux, France

The Capdemourlin family have lived in Saint-Émilion since 1580, and this is the oldest winery

in the appellation. The estate was classified Grand Cru Classé during the original classification

of 1958, and has retained the status ever since. The vineyard covers 14 hectares planted to Merlot

(65%), Cabernet Franc (25%), and Cabernet Sauvignon (10%).  Half the wine is aged in new

French-oak barrels, and the rest in 1-yr-old barrels. This is a fully-mature wine from a cooler vintage,

with aromas and flavors of black currants, cherry, herbs, and minerals, with plum compote notes.  

The tannins and fruit have mellowed, so the wine will show best paired with filet mignon or lamb,

or an assortment of cheese at the end of the meal.

St. Julien 2er Cru 2001                                                                                                                         $220

Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, Bordeaux, France