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

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Tasting Notes: From a winery with a history tracing back to the mid-19th century, this is an excellent expression of quality Merlot. The 2016 blend: 85% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petite Syrah, and 1% Cabernet Franc. Eye: bronze/red, black tea. Nose: coffee, toffee, black cherries, licorice, plums, cinnamon. Palate: expressive, with plums, dates, dark chocolate, pencil lead, clove and cinnamon tones. Round and full, smooth and layered, medium grip tannins. ready to drink, but could be kept another 2-3 years. versatile: it's a perfect mate to a cheeseburger, or go upscale: elevate a crown rack of lamb!

Price: $35.99 750 ml.

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Tasting Notes: The essence of Napa Zinfandel, this fruit forward wine boasts bright aromas of black cherry and plum layered on the palate with red and dark berry flavors and a slightly spicy finish.

Price: $57.99

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Tasting Notes: My Christmas gift from Aligra this year was Zenato Amarone. Zesty, vibrant and exotic, the 2016 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico makes a serious impression with its unique bouquet of dried roses, lime zest, cherry sauce, plums and a dusting of crushed violet candies. It’s silky and pliant in texture, motivated by juicy acids, with a mix of ripe strawberry, pomegranate and cranberry sauce, as balsamic spices and hints of almond come forward toward the close. There is so much going on here, as the 2016 resonates on wild berry fruit and sweet inner florals. This may be a more opulent expression of the vintage, but it’s built to last.

Price: $54.99

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Tasting Notes: From a small producer, the Vallet family have been the guardians of Château de Montifaud Cognac for six generations and are today responsible for 125 hectares of vineyards across the Fine Champagne regions. This beautiful Cognac is a blended cognac which is from some of their oldest stock; eaux de vie that was distilled between 1956 and 1963. Dried apricots and walnuts are on the nose and palate. 80% Ugni Blanc also Colombard and Folle Blanche On the nose this is a rich, intense and decadent Cognac, with old cigar boxes appearing immediately, followed by nuts and spices. Very round and mellow with good rancio. The palate keeps the oak light, instead bringing forth an almond sweetness. The finish is exceptionally long. A beautiful Cognac. A special birthday or anniversary gift for sure!

Price: $239.99

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