Tag Archives: mystery case

Mislabeled

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Definitely NOT evil flowers as the label indicates.

These belong on the list of The Wines of Summer.


Plunk me down in this chunk of South Western France. and let me wander.  I think we would do just fine weaving our way from vineyard to vineyard enjoying the wines of summer.


A little of this, a bit more of that, and lots of this – mix and match that go with tapas, cheeses, or even roasted poultry. Colombard, Ugni Blanc (known as Trebbiano in Italy), and Gros Manseng, along with international varieties like Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.

Because they are high in acidity and have relatively neutral flavors, Colombard and Ugni Blanc are often distilled to make brandy in South West France.


I suggest that you serve the white a little colder than other whites.

COTES DE GASCOGNE – LES FLEURS DU MAL

$16.99

11.5% alcohol

UPC: 08717545260081


And then we experimented with berry fragrances and a clean, well-balanced finish.


20 to 40 year old vines in the Languedoc / Roussillon region.  


The wine worked really well with grilled pork tenderloin rings (salsa of apple, purple onion, and mushrooms)Great refresher in the heat.


CEVENNES ROSE – LES FLEURS DU MAL

$15.99

13% alcohol

UPC: 03495864011212

A perfect representation

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Just like the friends that brought it – gentle, bright, and well balanced.

From one of the most innovative producers in Burgundy, this chardonnay is easy to drink and disappears quickly. The valley near the Ardeche River with clay and limestone-based soils was chosen as the ideal location to produce a top-quality Chardonnay wine.

ARDECHE CHARDONNAY – LOUIS LATOUR

$18.99

13% alcohol

UPC: 0356692100010

High Anticipation

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A grape we have had only once before by itself. Vermentino.  The colour is bright and a very expressive nose.  The tase is rounded with afruity undertone. 


It’s very refreshing.  Medium bodied and a medium to low sweetness.


Next trip to the government or private dairy will include a look for more of this grape.

PAYS D’OC VERMENTINO – PAUL MAS ALLNATT 2019

$19.99

13% alcohol

UPC: 03760040436159

Nobel and Potent

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This is a potent wine – smooth and well balanced. It is  refreshing and has a luscious finish.


Authentically Douro. Named after the emblematic cedar tree that dominates the terrace of Quinta do Noval, Cedro do Noval is an authentic expression of the Douro. Principally made up of classic Portuguese varieties, it also contains a proportion of Syrah, which rounds out the fruit.


Cedro is typically a blend of several of the noble Portuguese varieties and some experimental plots. The 2017 vintage is composed of 55 % Touriga Nacional, 25 % Syrah, 15 % Touriga Franca, 5 % Tinto Cão.

The wine is vinified through pump overs in stainless steel vats. Aging is in French oak casks (12% new) for approximately 10 months.

Duriense Quinta Noval DURIENSE – QUINTA NOVAL CEDRO DO NOVAL 2016
$25.97  regularly $29.99

13.5 % alcohol

UPC: 05601064000231

And so the story goes

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Stolen Colt celebrates Samuel McWilliam, whose passion and grit led him to over the challenges of the “Bandit Country”, pushing the boundaries to successfully start his own vineyard in regional New South Wales. Horse thieves and notorious gangs and bushrangers.  


The Stolen Colt Shiraz is bold  with dark fruit flavours. The palate is Intense dark berry fruits, toasty oak and fleshy tannins.

What did you feed them back in 1857?

New version of the house Garlic Chicken Pasta.  Used ‘spiral’ homestyle multiflavour German Egg Noodles. Worked really well.  Would use these the next time the great grandkids want spaghetti.

Stolen Colt ShirazSHIRAZ – MCWILLIAMS STOLEN COLT

$12.99 regularly $15.99

14% Alcohol

UPC: 09311769006297

Goddess in the Sun

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Friuli-Venezia Giulia is an autonomous region of Italy, in the far northeast corner, bounded by the borders with Austria and Slovenia to the north and east respectively. The DOC designation which which covers the whole area is known either as Friuli, or by the longer name.


In terms of terroir, the most important influence on Friuli-Venezia Giulia’s vineyards is their position between the Alps and the Adriatic. The mountainous topography in the north and east lifts many vineyards above the low-lying cloud that is sometimes trapped between the hills and the coast.

Consequently, the vines bask in bright sunshine while temperatures are moderated by altitude. This helps the grapes to develop full phenolic ripeness and aromatic depth before their sugar levels peak.


An intense and complex bouquet. Full bodied and almost velvety on the palate. A minerally finish follows a pleasant and sweet taste.


This wine deserves a classier label.

FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA PINOT GRIGIO RAMATO – SUN GODDESS

$23.99 regularly $25.99

12.5% Alcohol

UPC: 00606179209994

Old friends for dinner

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It’s on sale again, and couldn’t resist picking up a couple of bottles of one of our all time favourite whites. Scallops were bought the morning before, and all the other ingredients were on hand: House spiced Couscous and orange grape salada.

Quick grill for the saffron/thyme spiced scallops had them ready at the same time as the couscous.

The only additional terroir ingredient desired would have been no winds out on the deck.

Setubal Jose Maria da Forseca Albis

$9.99 regularly $13.49

Lucked Out

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Remarkable value when at the sale price that is $10 off the regular price.  From the Wairau Valley, Marlborough wine region, Villa Maria Reserve 2019 Sauvignon Blanc is produced from sustainably-grown wine grapes.  From January 2019 onwards, Marlborough experienced a summer of the century, with a spell of long hot dry weather with moderately cool nights providing the perfect environment.


The later ripening due to elevation and cooler night temperatures of the Laugeson Vineyard in the upper Waihoipai Valley once again played a key part in the success story.


Crisp tropical fruit favours all the way through to the finish.  Keeping it cooler than usual for a white seems to enhance the taste.

SAUVIGNON BLANC – VILLA MARIA RESERVE WAIRAU VALLEY

$19.99 Regularly $29.99

13% alcoho

lUPC: 09414416001468

Worthwhile changes

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The estate, with 520 acres of vineyards, practices organic and sustainable agricultural methods and produces up to three million bottles of wine every year. 


By moving towards aging in steel and blocked malo it has resulted in a wine loaded personality. All the elements are beautifully balanced. It’s medium bodied with great concentration.


This wine certainly worked with home made crab cakes.

VERDICCHIO CLASS SUPERIORE – UMANI RONCHI CASAL SERRA 17

$17.99 regularly $19.99

13% Alcohol

UPC: 08032853721124