R. DUMONT & FILS BRUT CHAMPAGNE 2004
Champagne, France $54.95 Product # 246702 Release Date: December 10th

Tasting Note:
(Translated from the French) The Dumont family, which traces its origins
in Champignol-lez-Mondeville (Côte des Bar) back two centuries, has established
a 23-hectare vineyard here - an extensive holding for the Champagne region. This
year, cellar master Bernard Dumont has created a blend that setshim apart like no
other: a vintage that, blended with pinot noir (60%) - the most commonly grown
grape in the Aube region - leaves ample room for the chardonnay. The intensely
floral bouquet of this Champagne, embellished with notes of verbena and linden,
proved thoroughly alluring to the jury. Rounding out this range of flavours are
citrus and touches of white fruits, which evolve into a rare, exquisite balance
and great finesse on the palate. This remarkable offering, a sublime expression
of the vintage, can be served as an apéritif or with scallops (coquilles Saint-Jacques)
or sea bass supreme. Coup de Coeur [a jury favourite]. Score - 2 Stars (out of 3).
(Guide Hachette, 2011)

L. TRAMIER & FILS SANTENAY 1er CRU 2009 AC-Red
Burgundy, France $29.00 Product #0240366
Online Exclusive available at lcbo.com (link above)

Tasting Note:
Santenay is situated in the Southern-most reach of the Côte de Beaune and
is renowned for the ageability of its reds. This lovely version offers a complex
nose of red berries and spice. The palate is exceptionally well balanced, with
more red fruit and spice notes, a vibrant acidity and a delicious sweet spot
mid-palate. A great long finish. This solid Pinot will only get better with age.
Enjoy with goat cheese, or grilled tuna steaks.
(VINTAGES panel, Jan. 2011)

L. TRAMIER & FILS BEAUNE 1er CRU 2009
AC, Tramier Collection - Red
Burgundy, France $38.95 Product # 240341 Release Date: September 17th
Online Exclusive available at lcbo.com (link above)

Gold Medal winner at the 2010 Concours des Féminalise in Beaune.

Tasting Note:
Fine 2009 with aromas of plum, berry, woodsmoke and spice cupboard.
Dry, fresh and fruity with a smoky/fruity mid-palate.Tannins and spice come
on late to beautifully fulfill the structure. Medium bodied with a medium-long
finish. Cellar 3-5 years, or enjoy tonight with rare roast beef and root vegetables.
(David Churchill, VINTAGES, July 2011)

ALAIN GEOFFROY DOMAINE LE VERGER
CHABLIS 2009 - White
Burgundy, France $18.95 LCBO # 181289 Release Date: August 20th

Tasting Note:
This offers a very attractive nose of citrus fruit, pear, mineral and white
lowers. The palate follows suit and is equally pleasing, dry, and very
balanced with a good weight. Refreshing with lovely replays from the nose
and very well-priced, this Chablis will pair deliciously with grilled chicken.
(VINTAGES panel, Jan. 2011)

ARGYLE RESERVE SERIES NUTHOUSE
CHARDONNAY 2008 - White
Oregon, USA $39.95 LCBO # 232777 Release Date: July 23

Tasting Note:
One white wine, the 2008 Nut House Chardonnay was presented. Medium
straw-colored, it offers up aromas of buttered popcorn, mineral, pear, apple
and hazel nuts. Round and mouth-filling on the palate with lively acidity to
balance the fruit, this nicely balanced offering may well evolve for 1-2 years
and drink well through 2015. Score: 95 (Jay Miller, Oct. 2010)

FRANCO MOLINO BAROLO 2006 - Red
Piedmont, Italy $29.95 LCBO # 212464 Release Date: July 23

Tasting Note:
An exciting wine for Barolo fans new and old. Layered and wonderfully
complex on the nose with very pleasing sweet tea, tamarind spice, plum
and leather notes. The palate is medium bodied with firm tannins but with
enough fruit to keep things balanced. Dried cherry, spice and a sweet fruit
core make this a delicious wine. An excellent value, this will pair with braised
beef dishes and aged hard cheeses. (VINTAGES panel, July 2010)

DOMAINE DE LA GRANGE VIEILLES VIGNES
MUSCADET SÈVRE & MAINE 2009 - White
Loire, France $13.95 LCBO # 682625 Release Date: May 28

Tasting Note:
Sourced from old vines, which provide more concentrated flavours to
the resulting wine, this offers lovely citrus, mineral and lees on the nose.
Medium bodied and crisp with concentrated fruit tones, minerality, lemon
zest and a very enjoyable, crisp finish. Pair this Muscadet with oysters for
a classic and astonishing match. (VINTAGES panel, Sept. 2010)

DOMAINE CORDAILLAT REUILLY 2009 - White
Loire, France $17.95 LCBO # 202432 Release Date: April 16

Tasting Note:
Pale platinum-yellow colour leads to an expressive nose of grass,
Asian pear, melon, mineral, asparagus and artichoke. Dry, fresh,
fruity and vibrant. Stylistically it embraces both the Loire and
New Zealand schools. Zippy acids really bring zest to this fairly
long-finishing wine. A great palate-refresher, or try it tonight with
grilled prawns or white fish. For a nice contrast match, think salmon
teriyaki.

CHÂTEAU MOULIN DE CLOTTE 2005 - Red
Bordeaux, France $17.95 LCBO # 199067 Release Date: April 2

Tasting Note:
(Translated from the French) The millstone standing in front of the chateau
recalls the former milling activities of this estate. The 'clotte' in the name
refers to a water source in the local dialect. This 2005 is a good example
of the wines produced here now: dark colour, intense aromas of preserved
fruits, leather and spices. With its smooth and fat substance on top of ripe
tannins, this wine can be enjoyed without further aging.
Score - 1 Stars (out of 3). (Guide Hachette, 2009)

ALAN GEOFFROY BEAUROY CHABLIS
1ER CRU 2008 - White
Arrive in Style Suggestion
Burgundy, France $24.95 LCBO # 733501 Release Date: April 2

Tasting Note:
Brilliant pale lemon with youthful green highlights. Aromas of pear, apple,
mineral, and citrus. On the palate, green apple and citrus are primary with
lemon curd and pastry flavours in support. This beautifully vibrant and
well-structured wine is a great value for a 1er Cru Chablis. Cellarable 3-5
years or enjoy it tonight with oysters, mussels, crab legs, or essentially
any shellfish or seafood dishes. (VINTAGES panel, July 2010)

DOMAINE DES BALLANDORS QUINCY 2008
Loire, France $18.95 – LCBO # 202390 Release Date: Feb 19

Tasting Note:
Yet again proving the quality of the Quincy appellation, this boasts real
precision and drive. The nose is just lovely, with charming rhubarb, citrus
peel and herbal aromas. In the mouth it follows more mineral lines, yet
still blessed with crunchy grapefruit and lemons. Very uplifting.

FRANÇOISE MONAY BRUT CHAMPAGNE
Champagne, France $38.95 – LCBO # 191304 Release Date: Feb 5

Tasting Note:
This sparkler exudes an elegant combination of apple, hazelnut, almonds,
citrus and biscuits, with a lovely structure and length. Aside from raising a
glass with your friends, you can try this scintillating Brut with seafood dishes,
or risotto with mushrooms. (VINTAGES panel, March 2010)

TERRES BLANCHES SEC MUSCAT 2009 - White
Midi, France $13.95 – LCBO # 653188

Tasting Note:
Some theorize that Muscat is the oldest domesticated grape variety, having been
traced back thousands of years. This Muscat has aromas of ripe peach and floral,
foreshadowing the palate-pleasing notes of apricot, honey, citrus, apple, and
tangerine. Beautifully structured, this medium-bodied white ends in a dry, balanced
finish. A first-rate accompaniment to a Swiss cheese quiche, or butternut
squash risotto. (VINTAGES panel, April 2010)