Tag Archives: mystery case

In the valley below

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Not a description I would have originally thought of,  but I agree with one reviewer who called it ‘hefty’


Full.  Fresh.  Earthy.  Oh Yeah!


90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Petit Verdot


At the feet of the majestic Andes Mountains, lies the Intriga Estate,  planted with vines that average of 30 years and give us world-class grapes and wine with excellent structure.      

Pairs very well with mature cheeses and red meats, as well as game  birds and more fatty meats such as duck, lamb or goat.


CABERNET SAUVIGNON – MONTGRAS INTRIGA MAIPO 2017

$24.99 regularly $27.99

14% Alcohol

UPC: 07804407002895

Great 2021 Value

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Purchased by Michel Chapoutier in 1999, Bila-Haut is located in the best part of the Languedoc called the Ctes du Roussillon. Historically the site was one of the first areas planted for viticulture by the Greek Mariners and has been continuously a wine region known for making top quality wines. The House of Bila, the translation of the name of the estate, was once a house of refuge for the Knights Templar, which is why their cross is symbolically used on the label. 

“Bila Haut’s entry-level white is a super value. A blend of Grenache Blanc (60%), Roussanne, Macabeu (20%), and then smaller amounts of Marsanne and Vermentino,  the Ctes du Roussillon les Vignes de Bila Haut Blanc is richly textured and extremely refreshing.

The Grenache gives the wine the citrus with hints of lime and adds medium body, a roundness and hint of melon in the mid-palate. The Macabeo supplies the crisp mineral flavors with an almost saline note in the lingering finish. It is WAY better than Sauvignon Blanc and much more unique and rare.


It really shines at the dinner table, as well as just as a refreshing pick me up relaxing with friends.


ROUSSILLON BLANC – CHAPOUTIER BILA HAUT

$16.99 regularly $18.99

12.5% Alcohol

UPC: 03391182410938

A VERY happy Medium

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Definitely a deep breather — give it at least an hour and a half open on the counter before sneaking a sip – and then you’ll be really surprised.


100% Malbec from Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina. The Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec is aged in French oak barrels for 12 months plus another 12 months in bottle before release.


Clean. Medium intensity. Medium(+) acidity. Medium(+) tannins. Medium body. Medium(+) intensity.  Elegant finish.
Medium(+) finish of sage blackberry and tar. Very good.

Great balance and complexity. Elegant finish. A revelation compared to previous vintages that relied way too much on oak. I’d put this at Case worthy. 

MALBEC – TRIVENTO GOLDEN RESERVE LUJAN DE CUYO 2018

$21.99 regularly $24.99

14% alcohol

UPC: 07798039590625

Classic with a Flourish

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Gutsy & Dry.  Classic Chianti – Sangiovese (90%), but there is an added richness which comes from the 10% Merlot in the blend.


The 371 acres of Castello di Gabbiano propriety is composed by 2 different macro area : Gabbiano hill and Branca hill. 


The vintner says that the wines we obtain in Gabbiano hill are for long aging with a lot of character and minerality. Branca hill have a more fresh, deep and rich soil than Gabbiano. This soil are rich in organic matter , the rock are more Alberese than Galestro. Here the roots go deeper thanks to the kind of soil , and this give wines with more acidity , lower pH and with a very fresh aromatic profile. 


Roasted Meats and Baked desserts are ideal to go with it.


 CHIANTI CLASSICO – GABBIANO CAVALIERE D’ORO 2017

$17.99 regularly $19.99

13.5% alcohol

UPC: 00089819502417

Quite Unlike her older Sister

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Elegance with a contemporary soul, the wine is slightly off dry, but with a lush palate.  A Great all-rounder.


The Catalunya climate is fully Mediterranean and continental. Soils are calcareous sedimentary deposits that are poor in organic matter, with silt and clay.

A blend of Moscatel de Alejandría and Gewürztraminer Catalunya. The Moscatel de Alejandría grapes are harvested in early September and the Gewürztraminer grapes are harvested in mid-September. The grapes undergo fermentation in stainless steel under controlled temperature for 14 days. Brilliant straw yellow. Very fragrant, with delicate floral (rose) and fruit (lychee) notes. Soft and seductive on the palate with a luscious (acacia honey) finish.


They also do a rose, (Granacha) which I would like to try.


She went very well with quiches on the first night and was in great form for baked cod with Mediterranean style crust the second night.


If we were listening to this Esmeralda, she’s be one of the chorus for Giannis and Mikis. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cE_RDYh9Mo

If we were drinking down at her older sister’s place  (Rising Sun), we’d want a big fat Red. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfh5QOb1adE

CATALUNYA – TORRES VINA ESMERALDA

$14.49  regularly $17.49

11% Alcohol

UPC: 08410113001122

Talkin ’bout OUR Gurlz

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The Reviews are in:

Brazen!

Unabashed!

Wild!

Ravishing!

Complex but not complicated!

Of course they are!

Oh … are we supposed to be talking about wine?  


This VQA Rosé is dry-to-off-dry, medium bodied with medium acidity and just a touch of drying tannins. Smooth palate and a uncomplicated finish.


50% Merlot, 29% Syrah and 21% Pinot Noir.


It will work with just about anything (so will our Gurlz).  

Better bring more than a couple of bottles because it’s perfect for sitting on the patio listening to Gurlz adventures.

GROW WILD – RAVISHING ROSE 2020

$16.99

12% Alcohol

UPC: 00776545600776

Running and Galloping

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A little person present at dinner made concentrating on the wine a little difficult.  Besides, she didn’t want any.  She just couldn’t understand the concept of Running Ducks down on the Galloping Goose Trail.  Just doesn’t make any sense to a 6 year old. (Doesn’t to her 73 year old Great Grandpa either).


Deep in colour, medium weight but still fresh, given it’s 14% alcohol content.  Nicely rounded finish.


A red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (70%) and Pinotage (30%), produced from organic grapes in a vegan friendly and fair trade way.


South Africa’s Western Cape Province, Stellar Winery is a producer of organic, fair trade wines. Farm and winery employees own 26% of the enterprise through shares in the Stellar Winery Empowerment Trust. In addition, the Stellar Foundation is in its first phase of “Getting Off The Grid” renewable energy initiative. The focus of the pilot project is to develop sustainable electricity solutions, as well as to help farms/wineries save money on electricity.


First time was with a homemade meaty spaghetti (one of Little Person’s favourites). Next time?  A lamb tangine maybe. (another of Little Person’s favourites).

CAB SAUV PINOTAGE – STELLAR ORGANICS RESERVE FAIR TRADE

$14.49 regularly $17.99

14% alcohol

UPC: 6009679895959

Unveiling Number 11

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The Goddess of Wine has selected another dozen mystery wines for us and this is the unveiling of the first of the case.

It is the most sold Portuguese White Wine in the world.  You’ll find it in more than 70 countries and the brand had stayed relevant through innovation. There’s lots of citrusy fruit flavours. Tangy too.

You can’t miss the brightly coloured label – it certainly stands out.


Serve it really cold … put the glasses in the fridge for half an hour before too. It’s young, very light, and fresh. Simple.


VINHO VERDE – AVELEDA CASAL GARCIA

10% alcohol

$11.49  regularly $12.49

UPC: 05601096208308

For days like these

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Made from Barbera, Syrah and Muscat Blac to give a slight salmony colour.  

Some might say jammy in flavour. It has a similar complexity to Pomegranate Molasses. One side of your head says slightly sweet, and the other says tart.


It is a great wine for sitting on the deck or patio with friends and sipping away the sunset. If you are going to add food – what about a light chicken salad or a cheese plate?


CALIFORNIA ROSE – JOSH CELLARS 2019

$19.99

12.5% Alcohol

UPC: 00031259001043