[ 2015 Clos Figueras “Serras del Priorat” ] PRODUCER PROFILE | Clos Figueras PRIVATE IMPORT | ORDER ONLINE — [ Why We Love It: ] The playful label adorning this bottle belies the impressive nectar you’ll discover after pulling the cork. Produced by the Cannan  … Read More

Espectacle is a 100% Garnacha red grown in the Montsant DO of Spain – adjacent to the celebrated wines of Priorat – and is owned by Réné and Isabelle Barbier (Owners of Clos Mogador in Priorat), Fernando and Marta Zamora (Oenologists and teachers at University of Tarragona), and Charlotte and Christopher Cannan (Owners of Clos Figueras in Priorat). Here, on the highest elevation site in the appellation, we find the source for what has become a true “nectar of the gods”.

“Every time new sherry (not the Canadian cream variety – get your mind out of the gutter) hits the LCBO, it’s like Christmas for bartenders and Spain-ophiles. This amber amontillado begins life as a fino and is elegantly oxidized as the flor, the protective blanket of yeast that sits on the surface of biologically aged sherry, dies off over the years. Bright and nutty (not to mention a total steal), Los Arcos is made for nibbles like nuts and dried fruit, cheese and cured meats. Serve cool and store in the fridge for up to two weeks.” (Now Magazine – Sarah Parniak)

Our two cents? These are amongst the best BBQ wines made anywhere on the planet. The density of fruit and richness of these wines gives them the stuffing to match up well with boldly flavoured grilled meats as well as the strong flavours often found in the spices and sauces adorning them.

[ 2009 Cosme Palacio Rioja Reserva ] PRODUCER PROFILE | Cosme Palacio SHOP NOW | Store Locator — [ Why We Love It: ] This is a smooth, rich and velvety red from the Rioja Alavesa district of the Rioja. Through the 1980s, we saw the introduction  … Read More

Well for starters, we love this because Lustau is the platinum standard in the production of fine dry Sheries. This is a reference point for what dry Oloroso Sherry is supposed to taste like – rich aged flavours and aromas of hazelnut, brown butter, caramelized apple, raisin, wood smoke and more.

[ 2010 Montecastro Ribera del Duero “Alconte” ] PRODUCER PROFILE | Bodegas Montecastro SHOP NOW | Store Locator — [ Why We Love It: ] Bodegas Monetecastro does a magnificent job of marrying the best of old and new. Production is carried out under the watchful eye of  … Read More

If you’ve been following our newsletters for any period of time, you’ll know that I’ve got a bit of a thing for old vines – and the impact they can have on wine quality: low yields, stunning complexity and breathtaking concentration.

This style of Sherry can’t be created on-demand, but rather occurs in a small percentage of the wines that begin their life destined to become Fino Sherry, but along the way, the naturally occurring layer of yeast – which grows on top of Fino and protects it from oxidizing – dies and leaves the Sherry suddenly exposed to the open air.

This wine is produced employing methods meant to mimic the style of 17th century wines that faced transatlantic voyages to reach various Spanish colonies. During these long journeys, casks of Sherry would be used as ballast in the ships. Demand for these Sherries grew as wine drinkers around the world discovered that this process imparted distinct complexity and smoothness in the wines. Today, Lustau celebrates and acknowledges this important piece of Sherry heritage through the production of their East India Solera.

The 2009 Excelsus was awarded a rating of 93 points and was ranked #39 on the Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2013. This is a winery to watch. This blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha is sourced from vineyards planted at altitudes of 700 metres on the foothills of the low-lying Sierra de Yerga mountains. Viña Herminia is emerging as a real leader in the Rioja, and the value and quality of their wines have attracted increased international acclaim.

93/100 Points: “Red fruits dominate the palate, underpinned by richer black fruits, a touch of blackberry and black cherry. There is a lot happening on the finish – juniper, some walnut and lots of black and red cherry.” (Derek Smedley, MW – International Wine Challenge)