BIN905
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A Great Beer Debate
Ageing Beer?
People have known for centuries that ageing wine can add complexity, soften tannins, integrate flavors, and generally improve a bottle of wine. In fact, many of the most collectible and sought after wines are so valuable because they are made with the intent of ageing the wine; think of Barolo, Cru Classe Bordeaux, Grand Cru Burgundy, Penfolds Grange, etc. While these wines can be tannic, rough, abrasive and unapproachable in their youth they have the capacity to age for decades, and morph into something magical.
Onto the crux of my article, what about ageing beer?
I’m certainly not going to advocate cellaring that 24 of Canadian your buddy brought over to your Superbowl party. Run of the mill beers are meant to be consumed now, maybe not on the Monday after Superbowl, but within 3-6 months of their production. Just like there is lots of wine produced for immediate consumption most beer is produced for the same purpose. The beers I’m talking about cellaring are the cream of the proverbial beer crop; the special styles, the iconic producers, and the exceptional quality that can make some beers tremendously age worthy.
When thinking of beers to cellar what you should be looking for are Vintage dated beers, Imperial Stouts, Belgian Strong Ales, Lambic beers, and Old Ales. These are the kind of beers made to rigorous standards, often bottled larger formats (750ml and up) and sometimes sealed with a cork. If the idea of ageing beer piques your interest it is these beers that can age beautifully and develop magnificent and beautiful character over time.
My recommendation to you is to buy yourself a few of these beers, multiples of each work best (in case you can’t help but drink a few) then lay the beers down to age and try one every year or so. Head on down to Bin905 for some great advice and some fantastic prices to help get your beer cellar started, you’ll be amazed how rewarding it can be.
Here are a few great possibilities available at Bin905:
Les Trois Mousquetaires, Porter Baltique
Chimay, Pères Trappists, Grande Reserve (Blue Cap)
St. Bernardus, Abt 12, Belgium Strong Ale
Region: worldwide
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BINBAG
February
$100
That’s right folks; it’s that time of the year again.
Time to get some…
With Valentine’s Day nestled mid-month, February definitively is marked by love and affection.
At BIN905 we think that telling people when to love isn’t right; Valentine’s forces couples to spend money on each other while make the singles uncomfortable.
So, for you to get some Romance (or Ho-mance, or Bro-mance) we’re dropping our pants real low and are putting together an offer you can’t pass: get the February BINBAG and save 28%!
You will be drinking:
Liefmans Fruitesse Fruit Beer, Fruit Beer, Belgium ($10)
Costaripa Rosamara, Chiaretto di Monega, Italy ($26)
Le Grand Vausdanière Sparkling Vouvray, France ($24)
Pfeffingen Gewürtzraminer Spätlese, Germany ($28)
Summers Knights Valley Merlot, United States ($27)
Quinta do Infantado Ruby Port, Portugal ($24)
BINBAG February was - $139 is - $100
GET SOME!!!
Region: Heart (Right lobe) in the chest
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2007 Carema
Ferrando
A couple of years ago I was given a copy of Neal Rosenthal’s book, Reflections of a Wine Merchant – a biography of sorts written by one of America’s most dynamic wine importers. Mr. Rosenthal is a big supporter of the concept of terroir and in his book he devotes an entire chapter to the wines of Ferrando, located in Piedmont’s Carema zone about 100 kilometres north of Barolo. This is rugged, mountainous country situated at the base of Valle d’Aosta, a difficult place to grow grapes to be sure but an area where Roberto Ferrando’s family has been making wine since 1900. His production is based primarily on two grapes, Nebbiolo for the red wines and the rare Erbaluce for the whites. After I read the chapter on Ferrando – described by Mr. Rosenthal as his desert island wines - I was intrigued and so I contacted Roberto Ferrando to see if he had any wine to sell. At the time he was sold out but he told me he would let me know when the next vintage was ready and perhaps we could proceed then. In 2011 we were sent an offer along with some samples and we were blown away by what we tasted. The Nebbiolo wines are spectacularly aromatic but unlike their cousins in Barolo they offer a level of finesse and elegance that Barolo offers only after many years in the bottle. The white label Carema drinks beautifully now while the black label is a great candidate for the cellar and will pay handsome dividends in about five years’ time. The white Erbaluce wines offer lots of minerality with notes of white orchard fruits and toasted almonds. We also receievd a lovely sparkling Erbaluce produced in the traditional Champagne method along with some sweet Erbaluce made in the passito style from dried grapes, remarkable stuff. To finish things off we have a beautifully silky grappa produced from Nebbiolo, all in all a phenomenal lineup. See our exclusives section for prices.
Region: Piedmont
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November BinBag
Escapism In A Bottle
It’s the start of a new month and we all know what that means. A brand new BinBag offer from Bin905! Aside from being a steal of a deal the BinBag is a great way to try some new wines and to practice a little escapism at the same time. You can indulge in rich Mediterranean reds while your mind wanders a Spanish beach, or sip on the aromatic whites and reminisce about all the beautiful fall evenings, soon to be just a distant memory.
Here are the 6 wines we selected to help with your escape:
Monregale Montepulciano D’Abruzzo, Italy, 2009
Chateau Fontanche, Saint-Chinian, France 2008
Sogrape, Douro, Portugal, 2008
Wrongo Dongo, Jumilla, Spain, 2009
Pfaffenheim Gewurztraminer, Alsace, France, 2010
Gruen Riesling, Rheingau, Germany, 2009
Was $100, Now $80!
Region: European
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The $20 Below Shelf
Get em’ while there hot!
Old Man Winter is on his way and although you don’t know exactly when he’s arriving you do know he won’t be calling ahead and making sure it’s cool to crash at your place. ‘Twenty below’ is a phrase I expect to hear a few too many times before Mr. Winter finally packs his bags but when I heard someone talking about it already I could feel the shiver running up my spine, at least until I realized they were talking about great deals on wine!
Bin905 is proud to be introducing its brand new $20 below shelf. This new shelf will have 10 different wines all under $20 and all gauranteed to be great values! The wines will rotate as new products come in and current products sell out, but you can rest assured knowing that all the wines are hand picked by the fabulous staff at Bin905 to be the most awesome wines under $20 ever!
So hurry in, check out the selection and take a few bottles home for yourself. Just be quick and get them before the staff manages to drink it all….. Like I said we personally picked them as the most awesome wines under $20 ever!
Region: Valuetown
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Two Buck Beer Bonanza
Various Brands
As a public service the Bin905 beer drinking society is offering a friendly reminder. We have one of the best single beer selections around, and many of them can be had for a mere Toonie!
In our never ending quest to keep the ‘single beer bin’ full (those already in the know manage to empty it on a weekly basis) the beer selection is always changing, but we are overstocked on great deals.
Here’s a list of some of the great deals that can be had today, but you’d better hurry. Once the bottom of the bin starts to show we break down some new six packs and fill the bin with fresh and fun new beers.
Brooklyn Lager – Amber-gold in color with fresh bitterness, firm malts and crisp, floral hops $2
Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc – A smooth, slightly bitter and refreshing wheat beer $2
Amber’s Maple Lager – Special Canadian malts and all natural maple $2
Region: Worldwide
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BIN905 customer appreciation day
The more you spend, the more you save…
- 15% store wide
To thank our customers for their continuous support over the years, BIN905 puts a sale up that will enable you to re-stock the wine cellar for good!
On Saturday October 15th, from 10 AM to 8PM, the whole store will be discounted 15% and specials will be offered on case lots as well (see below).
For those who need to do corporate gifting, we would like to remind you we would gladly wrap your orders free of charge.
We hope to see you then!
Cheers!
LIST OF OUR CASE LOTS DISCOUNTS
12 Ojai Riesling 408 300
12 Ojai Thompson Syrah 600 450
12 Ojai Rose 312 200
12 Summers Petit Syrah 468 325
12 Martinelli Zio Tony Chardonnay 540 400
12 Martinelli Terra Felice Syrah 660 450
12 Betz Clos de Betz 700 500
12 Villa Matilde Fiano di Avelino 373 300
12 Boscarelli De Ferrari 312 240
12 Costaripa Mazane 275 200
6 Villa Caffagio Cabernet Sauvignon 384 300
12 Toni Jost Bacharacher Riesling 348 250
12 Egon Muller Kabinett Riesling 924 700
12 Muller Catoir Musbaccher 504 360
6 Keller Westhofen 990 775
6 Ogier Cote Rotie Lancement 2004 1350 950
6 Ogier Cote Rotie Belle Helene 2004 1139 850
6 Ogier Cote Rotie Belle Helene 2003 1380 1050
12 George Vernay Cote Rotie 2005 1200 1000
12 Georges Vernay Coteau de Vernon 1416 1000
12 Chateau Caronne Ste Gemme 467 350
12 Chateau Leoville Poyferre 1463 1000
6 Chateau Pape Clement 1350 900
12 Domaine Pelle Moroguges Pinot Noir 432 350
6 Francois Raveneau GC Blanchot 1600 1200
12 PYCM Santenay VV PN 780 600
12 PYCM Chassange Morgeot Fairendes 1260 1000
6 PYCM Corton Charlemagne 1350 1000
12 PYCM St Aubin 780 600
6 Vilmart Coeur de Cuvee 2000 809 600
6 Jacques Selosse Initial 1380 995
6 Foreau Vouvray Moelleux 2003 630 500
6 Foreau Vouvray Moelleux 1995 450 350
12 Palacios Corullon 900 600
6 Knoll Riesling 366 250
12 Casa de Mouraz Red 288 200
12 Casa de Mouraz White 288 200
Region:
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04 and 06 Chateau Caronne Ste Gemme
Why pay the Grand Cru price?
$39
Classification Cru Bourgeois Supèrieur of Haut-Médoc in 1932 and Cru Bourgeois Exeptionnel in the 1966 contest.
Geographic Situation In the St Laurent Médoc area and in the direct neighbourhood of the vineyards of Gruaud Larose, Lagrange, Belgrave, Camensac and Lanessan.
The Vineyard is made up of 45 hectares (113 acres) of a single tenant, planted on a mound of first class gravel on a base of iron rich sandstone, a little more sandy to the east, a little more clayey to the west. The vine varieties are of 60% cabernet sauvignon, 3% petit verdot and 37% merlot.
The average age of the vines is 25 years old.
The wine making follows very much the pattern of the “ Grand Cru “ chateaux. The grapes are destalked, then slightly crushed and sent into fermentation vats which are either stainless steel or cement with an epoxy coating and always thermo-regulated. Fermentation is lead at the temperature of 28/30° celsius with light “over the top “ pumping for a soft extraction of the skins. The maceration can last up to three weeks.
The ageing of 12 month months is made exclusively in French barrels of 225 L., of which 25% are renewed each year. The wine is fined with egg whites and finally bottled at the vineyard 20 months after it is harvested.
Region: Haut-Medoc / Bordeaux / France
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Best accompanied with fat dumps and bluebird...
Mikkeller
For the beer lovers, connoisseurs, geeks and heathens, Bin 905 has held on to a select amount of Mikkeller beers to help warm the soul during those chilly autumn and winter months ahead. As summer breaths its final breath over Calgary we are all looking for a hearty beverage that will bring warmth and delight to the senses and the boys from Mikkeller do just that. From the subliminal Koppi (coffee flavored IPA) to the Black Hole (highly hopped stout) there is something that will appeal to all the beer lovers in the Great White North. If you love the current North American IPA trend, but feel that this fails to stand up to the frigid temperatures of a Calgarian winter, then check out the Black Hole. If you love pulling a Homer and drinking your tasty Sus Domestica then jump into a Beer Geek Bacon (WARNING: may not contain traces of “Babe") big, smoky and meaty. Mmmmmmm.....Bacon! While the range focuses on the bigger, heartier beers there will be something here for all beer lovers to enjoy. The only way any of these beers could be better is accompanied with fat dumps and bluebird…
Happy winter beer drinking to all,
From the Bin 905 beer drinking society
Available to stave of winter gloominess;
Beer Geek Bacon: $11.00
Beer Hop Breakfast: $11.00
Beer Geek Breakfast: $16.00
Big Worst Ale: $16.00
Black Cognac Ale: $15.00
Black Hole Stout: $9.00
By George Stout: $7.00
Region: Denmark via the World
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2006 Chateau Pierre Bise
Chateau Pierre Bise Anjou White
$33
Until recently I hadn’t had the pleasure of indulging in some of the delicious offerings from Chateau Pierre Bise (Owned and operated by Claude Papin). Here at Bin905 we carry three of his wines, but it’s his ‘Le Haut De La Garde’ Anjou White which I can’t get out of my head. If you haven’t tried any, or all, of the wines we carry from Chateau Pierre Bise then you are missing out on some of the best wine the Loire Valley has to offer.
There is so much more to know about Claude Papin than I’m able to write here but suffice it to say he makes his wines to express the ‘terroir’ where the grapes are grown rather than the ‘varieté’ from which the wine is made. Chateau Pierre Bise ‘Le Haut De La Garde’ Anjou White is made from 100% Chenin Blanc and is sourced from a north to north-west facing vineyard on the south bank of the Loire with a mixed terroir of schist, sandstone and rhyolite, an igneous rock with high silica content. Botrytis is also a factor in Anjou and a large part of Claude Papin’s wines. The Chenin Blanc grapes are allowed to fully ripen and at that point Claude hopes for a rapid onset of Botrytis to concentrate the flavors and preserve the ‘terroir’ characteristics.
As for the wine itself it pours a rich, almost amber color into the glass, an indication of how concentrated it is. On the nose you will smell rich apple, pear and honey notes all of which are well polished and very attractive. The palate has a big and impressive structure with the characteristic oiliness of Chenin Blanc as well as lots of minerality, despite the aromatic plushness, and lots of acidity to boot. Overall the wine comes together extremely well delivering a rich and complex nose, great balance and mouth feel, then caps everything off with a delicious and lingering finish to complete the experience.
I hope everyone gets the chance you try this wonderful wine. If your experience is anything like mine I know you will be coming back for another bottle soon after finish the first.
Region: Anjou, Loire, France
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2009 CASA de MOURAZ
DÃO WHITE
Casa de Mouraz is a small, family-owned/run estate from the Dão region offering some intriguing, high quality wines that are very reasonably priced. They count among less than a dozen producers in all of Portugal that farm their grapes organically and they go the extra step and employ many biodynamic principles as well. Some would label biodynamic farming as new age mumbo jumbo but the proof is in the puddin’, and this puddin’ is mighty tasty. The white is a blend of indigenous varietals including Malvasia, Encruzado, Bical and Cerceal-Branco. These may not be household names but that only makes the wines more intriguing as far as we are concerned. The end result is a lively white wine with an underlying richness backed by layers of tropical/citrus fruits.
Available today:
Casa de Mouraz White - $24
Region: DÃO / PORTUGAL
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1996 Schloss Schonborn
Riesling Spätlese 1996 in 1000ML
$41
Schloss Schönborn – famous wines with a long tradition. Located in the heart of the Rheingau valley, the Domänenweingut Schloss Schönborn has long stood for premium wine culture.
Many of the vineyards along the slopes bordering the Rhine river have been part of the Schönborn family estate since 1349, which has been added to continuously since then. Several top sites were acquired in the 17th and 18th centuries, giving the estate a real boost. The estate now covers 50 ha, of which 90% are planted with Riesling. The remaining vineyards feature Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc. The Schloss Schönborn wine estate is one of the founder members of the Association of German Prädikat Wine Estates (VDP) and has for many years been managing its valuable vineyards in tune with nature.
Available today:
Schloss Schönborn Hochheimer Daubhaus Riesling Spatlese 1996 1000ML $41
Region: Germany, Rheingau
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12 years Highland Park
Highland Park Saint Magnus
$127
From the wind swept and desolate landscape, with as much in common with the South Sandwich Islands as the Scottish mainland, we are blessed with a homage to (in my opinion) the second greatest Saint; Magnus of the Orkney’s. Fun fact, the first being Arnold (Arnoul) of Soissons, the Belgian Patron Saint of brewing. Highland Park, still the most Northerly whiskey distiller in Scotland, brings us the second offering in the “Earl Magnus” series, Saint Magnus, another rare treat from the masters of the Orcadian North. The bottle is a throwback to those of the 1870’s aimaing to capture the unique originality, speciality and complexity of the dram. While the packaging is stunningly beautiful the product inside will turn you from the life of pillage and plunder to that of piety. The whiskey shows profound dried fruits, honey and exotic spices on the nose with the intense sweet malt grist and a hint of smokiness on the palate. The latter keeps the 55% ABV in perfect balance becoming as deceptive as a Viking saint. The lingering impression shows how the characteristics of the malt tie to its namesake, truly historic and everlasting.
Slange
Region: Islands
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2009 SPARR SENSUOUS
Riesling & Pinot Gris
$19
The Domaine’s history goes back to 1680 when Jean Sparr created the estate. This winery always had been operated by the family since then, only the 9th generation, René and Charles Sparr, decided to team-up with a cooperative in order to produce a style of wine in higher volumes that would fit the export market needs: a clean, varietaly correct product modernly packaged and sealed with a screw cap.
At BIN905 we carry exclusively the Pinot Gris and the Riesling.
The “EXtrèm Riesling” is a bone dry Riesling with a very crisp acidity, boasts aromas of lime, lemon and green apple. If you like it dry, this is your new summer white!
The “CHArisma Pinot Gris” is amazing! It has a little bit of funk on it, however this slightly off-dry white offers a very seductive nose of honey, almond paste and toasted nuts, marzipan and furry peach.
Guys we have 3 weeks of summer left…it’s time to get sensuous…drink Sparr! (I feel so hot right now…)
Available today:Sparr EXtrèm Riesling 2009 $19
Sparr CHArisma Pinot Gris 2009 $19
Region: France / Alsace
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07/08 Comte de Vogüé
Mixed Pack Offer
The philosophy at de Vogüé is one of trying to blend tradition and modernity. Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé, in the commune of Chambolle-Musigny, is the only domaine that can be spoken of in the same breath as Romanee-Conti. Created in the mid-15th century, its 30 acres surround the original house and outbuildings, which have been lived in by descendants of the same owners since 1528. It is at present under the watchful eye of George’s grand daughters Claire de Causans and Marie de Ladoucette.
The Chambolle Musigny Villages wine comes mainly from a 1.8 hectares plot in the climat of Les Porlottes, close to the woods on the western side of the village, with a typical production of a little over 400 cases. The soil here covers a bed of limestone and contains many small rocks. The vines have an average age of about 30 years. The Domaine also owns small sections totaling 0.34 ha in the Chambolle 1er Crus of Les Baudes (average 54 year-old vines) and Les Fuées whose vines average 45 years. Rather than vinify these separately they effectively declassify the resulting 1er Cru wines by choosing to blend into their single villages cuvée.
Despite owning portions of Les Baudes and Les Fuées in addition to their holding in Amoureuses, there is actually no premier Cru wine in these bottles, only the declassified juice from the young (under 25 years) Musigny vines—Musigny in short trousers as the domaine likes to call it. The first outing for this wine was the 1995 vintage—before this time quite a lot of juice was sold to the negociants. Today, there are about 2.8 hectares of these young vines, producing around 500 cases of Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru per year.
The highest part of the Amoureuses vineyard is separated from Musigny by a small road, it is here that the domaines’ 0.56 ha holding is located. The vines average 31 years-old and produce a mere 160 or so cases per vintage.
Available today:
Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé Six Bottle Mixed Pack
One each of the following:
Chambolle Musigny Villages, 2007 & 2008
Chambolle Musigny Premier Cru, 2007 & 2008
Chambolle Musigny, Premier Cru, Les Amoureuses, 2007 & 2008
Full Retail: $1420 Mixed Case Discount: $1200
No Further Discounts
Region: Burgundy, France
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2010 Costaripa
Costaripa Rosamara
$26
Costaripa’s beautiful 2010 Rosamara ($26) proved to be an ideal choice to cap off a near-perfect summer meal. The wine is produced by Mattia Vezzola, the man responsible for the finest sparkling wine in Italy (and beyond) – Bellavista. In 2008 he was voted winemaker of the year by Gambero Rosso, the Italian wine bible, and he also produces an exceptional range of still wines under the Costaripa label. The Rosamara – from the Lombardy region - is blended from the native Groppello and Marzemino grapes along with some Sangiovese and Barbera. It offers notes of red berries, spice and some intriguing floral notes, absolutely delicious.
If this wine does not sound serious enough you could opt for Costaripa’s 2008 Molmenti ($46), a stunning example of the heights that rosé can climb in the right hands. It is blended from the same varietals as the Rosamara but is vinified in 5 hectolitre barrels and bottle-aged for 5 months prior to release. The end result is akin to the great Tavels from France’s Rhone Valley. It is rich and complex but still offers the restorative properties associated with dry rosé.
Available today:
Costaripa Rosamara Chiaretto del Garda classico D.O.C 2010 $26
Region: Lombardy
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Peter Franus Sauvignon Blanc
Available today $39.00
Peter Franus is a true artist when is comes to making wines. Each varietal he works with receives high ratings from many wine critics, this Sauvignon Blanc isn’t any different. It is a nice treat, choosing to show a richer creamier texture instead of the traditional light bright style. It has lots of tropical fruits with hints of lemon grass, peaches and melon. Great wine to have with Pan Seared Scallops or just sit back and enjoy.
Region: Napa Valley, California USA
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St-Ambroise Framboise
Available today Sinlges $2.00, 4 Packs $11.00
Brewed in Quebec once a year with fresh home grown raspberries. Refreshing and charming with delicate fruity aromas, St-Ambroise Framboise is a perfect for relaxing in the hot summer sun.
Region: Montreal, Quebec Canada
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Clement Premium Canne Rhum
Available today $47.00
Ti-Punch recipe
2 oz white rum
1 oz sugar syrup
1 fresh lime
Wash a lime, remove top and bottom, and thinly slice into half rings. Add lime pieces to glass and crush with the flat end of a bar spoon. Add rum and sugar syrup, top with broken ice, and muddle together. Add a short straw, and serve.
*Because of this drinks size you might think that it is a shot, it is not. Trust me on this I learnt the hard way. :-(*
Region: Matinique, Fench West Indies
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2009 Block Nine
Block Nine Caiden’s Vineyards 2009 Pinot Noir
$25.00
The interest in Pinot Noir in North America exploded after the film Sideways glorified its near-mythical charms and rightly so; it is arguably the noblest of all red grapes. It is also finicky and difficult to grow, even in its native home in Burgundy. As such great Pinot Noir is somewhat of a rarity which in turn translates to high prices for consumers. You can find under $30 Pinot of course but most comes across as thinly veiled substitutes for the real deal.
This is where the Block Nine comes in. On a recent trip to Napa Valley I was presented with this wine, a multi-vineyard blend created by winemaker Larry Levin. If you drink California wine you have undoubtedly tasted Larry’s handiwork. He served as the chief winemaker for Dry Creek Vineyard for seventeen years and was head of winemaking at Icon Estates, a collective that includes Mondavi, Franciscan, Mt Veeder, Ravenswood, Estancia and Quintessa. His goal with Block Nine was to bring an affordable Pinot Noir to the market that would deliver more the usual offerings in this price range, and he has done just that.
The Block Nine Pinot Noir displays intense colour with vibrant aromas of strawberry, violets, black cherry and leather. It hits the palate with big blast of crushed wild strawberries, spice and a touch of minerality. It may not be Grand Cru Burgundy but it is a lovely glass Pinot Noir at a price that is almost unheard of for Pinot of this calibre. It is a perfect summer red that would go well with wild salmon, tuna, grilled pork and – as I just discovered – paella.
Available today:
Block Nine Caiden’s Vineyards 2009, $25
Geoff Last, GM
Region: California
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Clos Naudin
Foreau
Philippe Foreau, third generation of the Foreau family to produce Vouvray, assumed the direction of the domaine since 1983 upon the retirement of his father, Andre. Today the domaine consists of 11 1/2 hectares planted with Chenin Blanc. The vineyards are located in the northeast corner of Vouvray in the Loire Valley, sited mid-hill with 100% south/southeast/southwest exposures. The principal vineyards are known as “Les Perruches” and “Les Ruettes”.
The average age of the vines is approximately 35 years. Yields over the past 10 years have averaged 33 hectoliters per hectare. The vineyards are tended pursuant to organic methods - without the use of herbicides and worked with organic fertilizers.
Production levels are approximately 30,000 bottles per annum of still wine and 25,000 bottles annually of sparkling wine made following the traditional “champagne” method.
Available today:
Foreau Vouvray Sec 2006 $36 Despite being a bone dry white, the wine displays fruity aromas dominated by honey notes, bruised apples, and grape. Chenin shines there, slight mushroom / earth aromas underline its fruit profile.
Foreau Vouvary Demi Sec 2005 $49 Rich for a demi-sec, with layers of mango and papaya driven by notes of ginger, cardamom and bergamot. Hangs together, thanks to deft acidity that keeps the sweet and dry aspects balanced.
Foreau Vouvray Moelleux 1995 $75 Opulent aromas of dried peach and hazelnut give way to full bodied flavors or ripe fruit, toast and spice in this voluptuous wine. Has enough acidity to stay lively.
Foreau Vouvray Moelleux Reserve 2003 $105 Jaw dropping fruit-Guava, quince, mango and persimmon is extremely concentrated and lushly layered. That’s followed by ginger, cream, green almond and smoke notes on a super long finish, which has a nice bit of earthy grip as well.
Region: Loire Valley, France
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2009 Patrick Piuze
Top Chablis hits the shelf!
Quebecois Patrick Piuze has followed a repeatedly-traveled path, having struck out on his own after working as cellarmaster for Brocard (and before that he worked for Olivier Leflaive, followed by Verget).
Piuze follows as well a by now familiar micro-negociant formula that is “micro” in matters of management even if not in terms of total production : he exercises whatever he feels are the necessary controls to insure that the fruit he purchases can fulfill his ideals of style and terroir character, which involve fermentation exclusively in steel or cement vessels and maturation in tank and previously-used, often large-format barrels. Class distinctions here are quite subtle, with a seamless transition from some startlingly fine village-level wines through the crus.
Available today :
Petit Chablis 2009 $27
Chablis « Terroir de Courgis » 2009 $36
Chablis Premier Cru Vaillons « Les Minots » 2009
Chablis Premier Cru « Les Butteaux » 2009
Region: France / Burgundy / Chablis
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2009 Domaine Balland Chapuis
Sancerre “Le Vallon” 2009
$36
Domaine Balland-Chapuis has existed in Sancerre since the 17th Century. Today the Estate is run by the Saget family and they own 36 hA of vines across three different appellations; Sancerre, Pouilly Fume and the Coteaux de Giennois.
This 100% Sauvignon Blanc comes from vines grown on chalky limestone and boasts aromas of lemon, apple and gooseberry.
The Saget family stick to excellent vine growing and wine making principals using older vines, cropping at lower yields and letting nature speak for itself.
Available today:
Balland chapuis Sancerre “Le Vallon” 2009 $36
Region: France / Loire Valley / Central vineyards
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Alley Kat
Loaded Goat Maibock 650ml
$7
AlleyKat Brewing has announced the release of the second beer in their Big Bottle series of limited edition seasonal brews, Loaded Goat Maibock, described by the brewery as follows:
A bold, malty, moderately hopped lager, brewed to be consumed while the snow is melting and the flowers are blooming, the Loaded Goat is lighter in colour than a traditional Maibock but continues with the classic taste of malty accents and a relatively low hop profile. Named for a goat that ate dynamite on the Andy Griffith Show, this bock will surely blow you away!
Available today:
Alley Kat Loaded goat Maibock 650ml $7
Region: Edmonton / Canada
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Château de Fargues Mixed Case
Price:
$1320$1100, no further discounts
The Lur-Saluces dynasty is a strong and noble one, as was no doubt reinforced in 1785 with the marriage of Louis-Amédée de Lur-Saluces to Francoise-Joséphine de Sauvage d’Yquem, bringing them ownership of Yquem. With this acquisition also came Fargues, which was essentially and agricultural estate. Today the estate covers 170 hectares in total, and there are still 25 hectares of fields dedicated to arable crops. But it is of course the vines that interest us most; the 15 hectares mentioned above are situated next to the ruined chateau on sandy soils, over a clay and gravel subsoil complete with ancient field drains. They have an average age of 35 years, are 80% Semillon and 20% Sauvignon Blanc, and are planted at a density of 7000 vines/ha.
One bottle (750mL) of each stated vintage:
1985 / 1990 / 1995 / 1997 / 2000 / 2001
Region:
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2009 DR. CRUSIUS
TRAISER ROTENFELS RIESLING SPATLESE
Just over 430 years ago, the Crusius family moved to the small town of Traiser in the Nahe. Ever since then the family have been growing grapes in this region. Since the mid-twentieth century the estate has gradually been improving the quality of the wines it produces, first under the direction of Hans Crusius, and now his son Peter. The estate’s vineyards centre around the town of Traisen, which lies on the Nahe itself, and include plots in the Bastei and Rotenfels vineyards. This Riesling is made from 100 % Rotenfels vineyard. The resulting wine is off-dry with a fresh and pure minerality, balanced with a ripe apricot, pear and finishes with a lime twist. This wine will pair beautifully with anything from grilled pork with caramelized apples to a grilled cheese sandwich to a green Thai curries. It can be enjoyed with or without a meal and will brighten anyone’s day!
Available today:
Dr. Crusuis, Traiser Rotenfels, Riesling Spatlese, 2009 $49
Region: GERMANY/ NAHE
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MIKKELLER
FUNKY BREWERY
Mikkeller, which started as a brewpub between two mates in Denmark, is famed for its rich and powerful beers (stouts and porters). The new batch highlights why these guys have gained notoriety in the last couple of years. From the Breakfast Geek to The Black Hole, these incredibly rich and intense beers will blow you away and send you to a new level of expectations if dark beers are your tipple of choice.
The Beer Geek Bacon stout is a well-rounded meal in a bottle suitable for that lazy Sunday morning when it is too much effort to sort that Olde English fry up. Smoke, smoke and more smoke on the nose coupled with warm seductive roasted malt barley and coffee. This is not a beer meek and mild but for those that love their meals in liquid form.
Also from Mikkeller is George. God, this beer is so big and full-on that you will need a whiskey chaser as a palate cleanser. George has profound notes of licorice, dried fruits, chocolate and tobacco. This could possibly be Baphomet’s beer of choice.
Available today:
Beer Geek Bacon Stout, 500mL $11
Beer Geek Breakfast Stout, 500mL $11
Black Hole Stout, 375mL $9
George Stout, 250mL $7
Koppi Coffee, IPA, 375mL, $6
Beer Geek, Bourbon Ale, 500mL $16
Beer Geek, Cognac Ale, 500mL $15
Region: Denmark
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2009 Cave de Saumur
“Les Pouches”
We are pleased to introduce Cave de Saumur as a new exclusive to BIN 905. The town of Saumur is a storied town boasting a fairytale castle. For a thousand years, peasants have dug into the hillsides to create houses from the chalky soil. The same soil which also allows vignerons the luxury of extensive cellars is directly responsible for the quality of the local wines. This 100% Chenin Blanc is made from a favored vineyard of 40 year old vines, which provides low yields and concentrated acidity. The result is a dry white wine with stunning, racy acidity with refreshing apple, lemon peel, floral and fruity notes. This wine pairs beautifully with white fish, mussels, or a crisp salad. Jump into spring early and try a bottle.
Available today:
Cave de Saumur, Les Pouches, 2009 $21
Region: France - Loire Valley - Anjou
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HITACHINO NEST
KIUCHI BREWERY
Among the many suffering through the aftermath of the tsunami in Japan are several artisanal sake and beer makers that have been destroyed. Kiuchi brewery, a brewery in Naka, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, producing beer, sake and Shoshu, is of of them.
Despite their creation in 1823, it’s only in 1996 that the company started producing beers, becoming the first Japanese microbrewery to export beer from Japan. Their flagship beer, at least in international competitions, has been their White Ale, a Belgian-style wheat beer, flavored during the brewing process with coriander, nutmeg, orange juice, and orange peel. This light golden beer has a complex floral nose with notes of apricot, sherry, and coriander. A great drink for the summer.
Their Sweet Lacto-Stout harkens back to an older style. Beers made with the addition of milk sugars first came to light at the turn of the last century in England and continued in popularity until World War II, when their numbers began to dwindle in the face of competition from mass-produced styles. The lactose used in the beer was traditionally a by-product of cheese production, and the wisdom of the day held that this style of beer suited pregnant women because of its lower alcohol and sweeter flavor. Hitachino’s rendition is rich but not overly sweet, with a creamy texture and malty flavors plus elements of walnut and black tea.
An offering that is particularly Japanese, or at least Asian, is the Red Rice Ale. While many rice beer producers now use modern, technologically developed strains, Hitachino has decided to stick with the original. This is a far cry from using rice as an adjunct to stretch out a beer; the flavor of red rice is integral to the product. The brewing process requires polishing and milling of the rice grains just as sake-making does, and red rice is not the sole sugar source; pilsner malt is added after the rice’s starch molecules have been converted into sugars. The beer is actually fermented with both ale and sake yeasts. This complicated process creates a higher alcohol beer with strawberries, raspberries, and a streak of white pepper on both the nose and palate. The sake influence is noticeable but not predominant, making for a very smooth beer with a touch of glycerol on the finish.
Available today:
Hitachino Nest White Ale 330ml $5
Hitachino Nest White Ale 720ml $11
Hitachino Nest Red rice Ale 330ml $5
Hitachino Nest Red rice Ale 720ml $11
Hitachino Nest Espresso Stout 330ml $5
Hitachino Nest Espresso Stout 720ml $12
Hitachino Nest Sweet Stout 330ml $5
Hitachino Nest sweet Stout
Region: JAPAN - IBARAKI
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BIN905 Beer Bin
It is spring cleaning time at BIN905! This means great deals for you, but you have to act quickly. In the front entrance you will find our Beer Barrel stocked full of good deals all priced at $4.
It includes:
The Tin Whistle Chocolate Cherry Porter
De Rake XX Bitter
Chimay White Cap
Fullers ESB
Petrus Oud Brun
St. Bernardus Tripel
Mardesous 10 & 6
Any Many More….
Region: The World
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Weingut Wittmann
There was a time when the Rheinhessen took a back seat to the quality wines of the Rheingau and the Mosel but a handful of producers are changing that. Wittmann, along with Gunderloch, have ably demonstrated that the region is capable of producing world-class Riesling on par with the world’s best. This biodynamic producer sources fruit primarily from the Morstein, Aulerde and Kirchspeil vineyards. These sites are steep, terraced vineyards laden with iron, clay and limestone that lend their wines a backbone of minerality and purity.
Available today:
Silvaner, Trocken, 2009 $27
Weisser Burgunder, Trocken, “S”, 2009 $54
Morstein Riesling, Auslese, 2009, 500mL $49
Region: Rheinhessen, Germany
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Mr. Rheingau - Robert Weil
Weingut Robert Weil has been producing wine in the Rheingau since 1875 and as such they have had a considerable amount of time to get things right. They farm 65 hectares of Riesling from some of the best sites along the steep terraces of the Rhine River. Dry Riesling is their specialty but their off-dry versions are exceptional as well. Weil’s Kiedrich Gräfenberg Erstes Gewächs is a Riesling that could easily age for 20 years or more, coasting on waves of minerality and acidity that lend these wines great power and longevity. This is German Riesling at its finest.
Available today:
Rheingau, Riesling, Kabinett, 2009 $36
Kiedrich Turnberg, Riesling, Troken, 2009 $49
Kiedrich Gräfenberg, Riesling, Auslese, 375mL, 2009 $69
Region: Rheingau, Germany
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New Service at Bin905
Rent a Sommelier
We here at BIN905 know that there is no better way to spend an evening then in the company of friends drinking great wine, whisk(e)y, or whatever. For those looking to take this expierence to the next level, we are here to help. Let us organize a custom tasting for you and your group. The topic is whatever you want to learn about. It can be a basics class or a more in depth technical tasting. Want something even more cool? Have BIN905 invade your home for a tasting event. We bring the glasses, the product, and the knowledge and you provide a group ready to have fun. We can also work hand in hand with your caterer to make the event amazing.
For more information, give Sylvain a call at the store; (403) 261-1600, or reach him by email;
Region:
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Schott Zweisel Stemware
Schott Zwiesel; The brillant, dishwasher safe and break resistant glass.
There are three zones on a piece of stemware that are most prone to breakage: the rim, the junction of the bowl and stem, and the junction of the foot and the stem. Schott Zwiesel technology individually tempers each one of those zones to give added strength to the Tritan composition. The stemware resists chipping and breakage and stands up to daily abuse, use.
Each glass is woven with titanium which allows it to be put though at leaset 1000 dishwasher cycles without scratching, or loss of brilliance.
Finally, a stem that is elegant and practical.
Forté, Bordeaux, $15
Forté, Burgundy, $15
Forté, Red Wine, $15
Forté, White Wine, $15
Forté, Sweet Wine, $15
Forté, Champagne Flute, $15
Vintage Champagne Flute, $20
Clear Spirits Glass, $20
Congresso Flute, $12
Region:
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BINBAG
MARCH BINBAG
Every month here at BIN905 will be offering a themed six pack of wine complete with tasting notes and winery information. In addition we will open all of the BIN BAG wines one Saturday afternoon and let you try before you buy.
March’s theme is “Best of BIN 905” and features some of our best exclusive product: Come and taste them March 12th any time!
Costaripa Pievecroce 2009 $26
Copain Viognier 2009 $32
Summers Zinfandel 2006 $34
Villa Matilde Aglianico 2008 $28
Convento Oreja Crianza 2006 $34
Muller Catoir Riesling Trocken 2007 $29
Total Value $183
All for the bargain price of……..drumroll please……..
In Store price $150
Delivered price $160
Region: BIN905 WORLD
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2009 Ken Wright
2009 vintage pinot noir release
Abbott Claim Vineyard $77
This site is a portion of the original John F. Abbott Donation Land Claim and lies in the middle of Savannah Ridge, a small east-west ridgeline of sedimentary rock just east of Carlton. This is a consistent broad face of land with soil depths of 30 inches to mother rock. Elevation ranges from 400' to 475' and the inclination is S-SE. Soils are mostly Wellsdale with some areas of Willakenzie, Melbourne and Peavine. All of them lie atop mother rock of fractured sandstone and siltstone.
The planted acreage totals 17 acres. Vines are roughly an equal mix of Pommard clone on Riparia Gloire rootstock, 777 on 101-14 and 115 on both 101-14 and 3309. As would be expected from a vineyard in the Yamhill-Carlton District the wine is very darkly colored, dense and lush. Fruits tend to be darker such as plum, cassis and black cherry. Ken and Karen Wright own the vineyard. Mark Gould is the vineyard manager.
McCrone Vineyard
Located in the Yamhill-Carlton District, this is a densely planted vineyard (1 meter x 2 meters). The sedimentary soil, know as Wellsdale, is extremely well drained and promotes early ripening. Elevation is 400' with a south-southwest inclination. Slopes are 5 to 15 degrees. Half of the vineyard was planted in 1992 to the Dijon 115 clone grafted on 3309. The second half was originally planted to Dijon Chardonnay clones but was grafted in 2000 to the Dijon 777 clone of Pinot noir. The wine from this site is powerful, ages very wedense and deeply colored focusing mainly on black fruits. Approximately 700 cases are produced. Don and Carole McCrone are the vineyard owners. Mark Gould and Taylor Varuska are the vineyard managers.
Canary Hill Vineyard $74
Located at the southern end of the Eola Hills and faces east. The original vines were planted in 1983 and 1984. All of the acreage planted to Pinot noir was Pommard clone. Two and a half acres that were originally Chenin Blanc were replanted to Pommard and Dijon 114 clones. Six acres that were planted to Chardonnay were replaced with Dijon 777 clone. The entire 20 acres are now planted to Pinot noir. Elevation is 450' to 550'. The soil is a mix of Jory and Nekia. Both are formed from igneous rock and have a reddish-brown tint. This site, however, has less depth than similar soils in the Dundee Hills. Wine from Canary Hill is typically very forward, with aromas of black cherry and cola. Approximately 625 cases are produced. The vineyard was owned, planted and tended for many years by Dick and Nancy Daniel. It is now owned by Ken and Karen Wright. Mark Gould and Seth Miller manage the vineyard.
Carter Vineyard $74, $158 For Magnum
Located just 1 mile from Canary Hill in the Eola Hills, Carter Vineyard is lower on the hillside yet has a leaner and less fertile soil. It is mainly Nekia soil, which is formed from weathered basic rock. It lies at an elevation of 325’ and was planted in 1983. This bottling is comprised of the Wadenswil, Dijon 777, Dijon 667, Dijon 115, and Pommard clones. The wine is much firmer than Canary Hill in its youth but evolves beautifully after a few years in bottle to show dark fruits and fresh, healthy earth scents. Approximately 650 cases are produced. The vineyard is owned by Jack and Kathleen Carter, and managed by Mark Gould.
Savoya Vineyard $74This is the first vineyard directly owned and developed by Ken Wright Cellars. The vineyard is located in the Yamhill-Carlton District northeast of Carlton. Planting began in 1999 with 4.5 acres of clones 777 and 115 on phylloxera resistant rootstock. Total planted acreage as of spring 2002 is approximately 17 acres. Vine spacing is 6.5' x 4' and the elevations averages 450'. The soil is comprised of marine sediments known as Wellsdale and Willakenzie. These are sandy soils which drain quickly and hasten the ripening process. Our first commercial crop, 2002, has produced a muscular wine that has aromas of dense black fruit, seared meat, cedar and anise. Approximately 240 cases are produced. Ken and Karen Wright are owners. The vineyard is managed by Mark Gould and Taylor Varuska.
Region: Oregon
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BIN 905 BINBAG February
Never let it be said that we don’t listen. Due to overwhelming demand, we are introducing a monthly offering. Every month we here at BIN will be offering a themed mixed six complete with tasting notes and winery information. In addition, we will open all of the BINBAG wines one Saturday afternoon and let you try before you buy.
Our first BINBAG theme is “Top Six Under Twenty”. It includes:
Jovino, Pinot Gris, Oregon, 2009 $19
Château Labrande, Malbec/Merlot, Cahors, France $19
J Moreau & Fils, Fantastique, Chardonnay, Burgundy, France $16
Chariot, Gypsy, Cab Sauv/Petite Sirah/Zinfandel/Sangiovese, California, 2008 $18
Santa Rita, Floresta, Sauvignon Blanc, Leyda Valley, Chile, 2007 $16
Zestos, Tempranillo/Grenache, Madrid, Spain, 2009 $16
All for the bargain price of……..drumroll please……..
$90 In-store, $100 Delivered (Regular Retail $107)
Tasting Day – February 19th
Next Month’s BINBAG; “Best BIN905 Buys”
Region:
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2007 SUMMERS WINERY
Summers Estate wines!
Philosophy: Summers wines are all about creating high quality and distractive wine that showcases their unique volcanic soils.
Who is at the helm? Owners are Jim and Beth Summers. The Summers estate wines all began in 1987 when Jim purchased a 28 acre vineyard in Knights valley in Sonoma County. At the time the vineyard was mostly planted with merlot grapes and some Muscat Canelli. In 1992, Summers Ranch produced their first vintage of merlot. At the time they were able to increase their yields to reach a maximum of 2000 cases, which isn’t back for their first try. In 1996, they expanded their vineyard holdings and purchased another 25 acres in Napa Valley. They choose to name this vineyard site Villa Andriana, after their daughter.
Fun Fact: Summers is extremely dedicated to their signature “unique” wine Charbono. Charbono is thought to be an early Italian immigrant of Charbonneau from France. The vine bears very large berries that are used to make a very dark red wine that, when subjected to extended skin contact during fermentation, is full of fruit flavor and low in tannins. Now there are only 80 acres planted in California, half of which are in Calistoga. Calistoga is a sweet spot for Charbono, and most of the older vineyards are there. Today only 16 wineries produce Charbono; with Summers being at the top of the pack, producing the largest amount annually – about 2000 cases.
Summers Estate Zinfandel 2007 $34
Aging:16 months in 70% American Oak, 30% French Oak
Vines: 40 years old
Vineyard notes: Villa Andriana
Harvest: The 2007 harvest was a nearly perfect growing season which led to a nearly perfect vintage.
Tasting Notes: This wine is dark, rich and full bodied. The wine is extremely fruit forward on the nose as well as the palate. You should experience, spicy oak flavours, with undertones of lush blackberries, raspberry and silky chocolate tones. This wines lingers with a vanilla and spice finish.
Summers Petite Sirah 2007 $39
Aging: 21 months in French oak
Vineyard notes: small lot, hand crafted
Harvest: The 2007 harvest was a nearly perfect growing season which led to a nearly perfect vintage.
Tasting notes: This wine exhibits beautiful depth and a sparkling plum purple hue. The nose brings forth aromas of black plum, blueberry, blackberry and a hint of tobacco mixed with cedar. On the palate you experience the full robust black cherry, espresso, pepper and dark chocolate intertwined with a softer texture of the tannins. The wine creates incredible balance between its alcohol, acidity, and fruit characteristics.
Summers Andriana’s Cuvee Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 $30
Aging: 20 months in French oak, 50% new
Vineyard notes: Blend of 3 vineyard sites including Villa Andriana
Harvest: The 2007 harvest was a nearly perfect growing season which led to a nearly perfect vintage.
Tasting notes: This wine possesses a dark ruby/ purple hue. The nose expressions aromas of spice box, cedar, blackberry, dark chocolate, mint, dark cherry. From your first sip, you experience layers of black current, thyme, rosemary interlaced with chocolate and vanilla.
Amount produced: 6500 cases
Summers Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 $54
Aging: 21 months in French oak
Vineyard notes: 100% single vineyard, Villa Adriana
Harvest: The 2007 harvest was a nearly perfect growing season which led to a nearly perfect vintage.
Tasting notes: This wine exuded a med rich ruby red hue. On the nose you should experience sweet French vanilla, ripe black cherry, currant, dried cherries and cinnamon. The wine is silky and smooth with flavours of ripe black cherry and cassis, which excites the palate. This wine has beautifully integrated tannins, which help provided an overall well balanced experience.
Region: USA / NAPA / CALISTOGA
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Domaine André et Mireille Tissot
Stéphane Tissot Arbois
This Jura domain was founded in the early 1960s and is now run by Bénédicte et Stéphane Tissot who is making wine using certified bio-dynamic practices. The domain now consists of 32 hectares of vines in the Arbois and Côtes de Jura appellations, with parcels in some of the best sites. Perhaps because of the implementation of biodynamic, work here is labour intensive: there are 15 full time employees. Use of sulfur dioxide is minimized. With very little intervention, native yeasts and less sulfur, his many cuvees express terroir from Jura.
The Jura wine region stretches from around 80km east of Burgundy to the Alps and has a broadly northern continental climate with clay-limestone soils that include outcrops of marl in particular, with plenty of fossils.
There are four regional appellations: Arbois, Côtes du Jura and the smaller Étoile and Château-Chalon, plus two wine style appellations that cover the whole area, Crémant du Jura and Macvin (a Vin de Liqueur). Five grape varieties are used today: for whites, Chardonnay and Savagnin plus Poulsard , Trousseau and Pinot Noir for reds.
The wines produced at the estate are not only delicious, but also incredibly expressive and unique.
Stéphane Tissot Arbois Chardonnay classique 2008 $24
A fruity and elegant wine with aromas of ripe apples with a touch of lemon, marine salty minerality, honey and spice. The soil is worked manually. Grapes are harvested in small baskets, pneumatically pressed, and then fermentation is done in 228 liter barrels for 12 months. There is a light filtration before bottling. 8000 bottles are produced each year.
Stéphane Tissot Arbois Chardonnay “Les Bruyères” 2007 $39A very pure and mineral wine. Aromas of bruised apples, marzipan, lemon zest and spices. Lively mouth with lots of density, very concentrated with some wood notes. Grapes are harvested in small baskets, pneumatically pressed, and then fermentation and ageing take place in 228 liter barrels, of which 20% are new. The wine sees 24 months ageing on the lees before being bottled without filtration. 5400 bottles are produced each year.
Stéphane Tissot Arbois Trousseau “Singulier”2007 $36Purple-red transparent colour. Fruity nose with hints of raspberry, black cherry, smoke and silex. Grapes are harvested in small baskets. After selection of the best bunches, they are de-stemmed and the fermentation lasts 1 month in foudre to extract color and tannins. The wine is aged in 600 liters oak barrels (10% new) over a 12 months period and bottled without filtration.
Region: Jura
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Château Labrande Cahors 2008 /Clos Triguédina Cahors 2005
Now this is a Malbec!
Château Labrande Cahors 2008 $19
The Cahors appellation is located in the department of Lot, sandwiched between the Dordogne and Toulouse, the rolling hills of the area that twist gently along with the River Lot provides the visitor with a fairy tale view around each bend; For the oenophile, Cahors is synonymous with the Malbec grape. Argentina may have brought the varietal fame and fortune, but its origins are in this part of the world and Cahors still delivers some of the finest — and most age-worthy — examples going.
Chateau Labrande is owned by the Baldes family, who have been producing wine since 1830. Jean-Luc Baldès is one of the leading figures in the Cahors wine region, as a wine-grower, he’s recognized as a specialist in the Malbec grape variety. Château Labrande is a softer and more approachable interpretation of Cahors, offering red and black fruits along with notes of garrigue and black licorice. It’s an exceptional bargain that would pair nicely with a steaming bowl of beef Bourguignon and buttery mashed potatoes.
Clos Triguédina Cahors 2005 $36Since 1830 Clos Triguedina has been the cradle of the Baldès family. It is a domain with a rich history: one where the pilgrims of St Jacques de Compostela would often stop to revive themeselves ("me trigo de dina” means “I am longing to dine” in Occitan).
Set in the heart of the Cahors wine region, the estate stretches over nearly 65 hectares (160 acres) between the bends of the River Lot in a lovely green setting near Puy l’Evêque. Its silicious clay or clay-and-limestone soil is ideal for the production of wines of Classed Growth status.
Made solely from vines over 30 years old, Clos Triguédina is made from 3 different grapes: principally Malbec with the addition of Merlot and Tannat. The winemaking process is traditional and lasts between 15 and 20 days. Above all, this is a classic Cahors wine of superb ruby colour with aromas of black and red fruits, with a slight hint of liquorice.
Region: South West
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CHASSEUR
Freshly released!!!
Philosophy: Chasseur Wines are dedicated to small lot, handcrafted wines in the old French tradition with emphasis on single vineyard wines. Their small size (presently about 2,700 cases) allows complete control over the winemaking process; therefore, this enables them to produce the finest wines the fruit has to offer. Their focus is on handcrafting Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the traditional style; producing an unfined and unfiltered style of wine.
Who’s behind helm: Chasseurs’ owner, operator and winemaker is Bill Hunter. In 1987, he was ambitious new graduate from University of California at Davis. After graduating he went to work for Bonny Doon in Santa Cruz and Rombauer winery in St. Helena in the Napa Valley. After getting some experience, he wanted to be able to express his own style. So in 1994, he began making his own wine on the side. In his first year, he produced two barrel of Dutton chardonnay and one barrel of Carneros pinot noir. His wines sold out locally almost overnight. Unfortunately, when he went to brand his wine based on his own name “hunter” it was already used. Ultimately, he chose to use the French word for hunter, Chasseur.
Chasseur Sonoma Chardonnay 2008 $42
Aging: 17months in 50% new oak
Vineyard notes: Blend of Durrell; Lorenzo and Rued vineyard grapes
Harvest: The 2008 vintage was one of superior quality. Mild summer days, cools nights, extended heat from late August to early September, which allowed for excessive ripening.
Tasting notes: A deep green-gold color and impressively ripe aromas introduce this generous Chardonnay. The aromas have focus as well as intensity, and fruit notes of Fuji apple, white peach and lemon curd join scents of nutmeg, vanilla wafer and roasted grain in a rich perfume. The wines fresh apple, lemon cream pie, Tarte Tatin and mineral flavors prove very forthcoming and they fan out through a lingering, never-less-than generous finish.
Chasseur Russian River Chardonnay 2008 $55
Aging: 17months in 50% new oak
Vineyard notes: Blend of Durrell; Lorenzo and Rued vineyard grapes
Harvest: The 2008 vintage was one of superior quality. Mild summer days, cools nights, extended heat from late August to early September, which allowed for excessive ripening.
Tasting notes: The wine has a bright, yet creamy-rich nose redolent of sweet Fuji apples, lemon zest and roasted grain. It proves even more vivid on the palate, where cutting citric notes and mineral elements bring a Chablis-like firmness to flavors of apple, preserved lemon, roasted grain and toasted hazelnut. The finish lingers with fruit tones of apple jam, pear and white peach joining beautifully with rich hazelnut wines. This wine is a great alternative to a Chablis style white Burgundy.
Chasseur Durrell Chardonnay 2007 $62
Aging: 17 months in French oak
Vineyard notes: 100% single vineyard from Durrell vineyard, Sonoma Coast
Fermentation: 100% Malolactic
Harvest: The 2007 harvest was a nearly perfect growing season which led to a nearly perfect vintage.
Tasting notes: This wine provides an in creditably expression of the vineyards terrior. The nose brings forth plush peach, apple skin, baked apple, vanilla cream and toasted coconut scents, in fine harmony. On your first sip, the palate is coated with spiced-apple pie, peach tart, toasted nut, coconut and crème brulee flavors that are balanced both by mineral notes and brisk fruit acidity. This intense flavour lingers on your palate and entices you back for another sip.
Amount producted: 7 Barrels
Chasseur Sonoma Pinot Noir 2008 $55
Aging: 14 months in 50% new oak
Vineyard notes: Blend of Terra de Promissio, Cornerstone, Twin Hill Ranch
Harvest: The 2006 harvest was a very challenging vintage. There was rain in the spring, excessive heat in the summer that created berry damage. This lead to copious amount of crop thinning and harvesters had to do some serious sorting in the field.
Tasting notes: This is a refined pinot noir, with a rich cherry colour. The nose carries scents of sweet red cherry, red raspberry, fresh pomegranate and pink peppercorn. Youthful fruitiness is a bit more obvious on the palate, where you can experience a deeper core of raspberry, pomegranate and peppery spice.
Chasseur Russian River Pinot Noir 2008 $55
Aging: 13 months in 50% new oak
Vineyard notes: Blend of Cleary, Cornerstone, and Holder
Fermentation: 100% Malolactic
Harvest: The 2008 vintage was one of superior quality. Mild summer days, cools nights, extended heat from late August to early September, which allowed for excessive ripening.
Tasting notes: This Pinot has vibrantly fruity aromas that are textbook “Russian River” in character. This wine has intense red raspberry, boysenberry, Black cherry, rose petal, black tea, smoke, bouillon and forest earth scents all clearly present. On the palate you experience the same aromatic profiles along with a bit of gripping tannin, accompanied with a depth of mineral and a hint of sweet tobacco shop spice. The finish lingers with a cherry-raspberry, rose and minerals.
Amount produced: 13 Barrels
Chasseur Sexton Pinot Noir 2008 $69
Aging: 14 months in French oak
Vineyard notes: 100% single vineyard from Sexton vineyard, Russian River
Fermentation: 100% Malolactic
Harvest: The 2008 vintage was one of superior quality. Mild summer days, cools nights, extended heat from late August to early September, which allowed for excessive ripening.
Tasting notes: This wine is luxurious from start to finish. The aromas ripe Bing cherry, sweet red plum and Boysenberry jam scents to others of dark vanilla, sweet tobacconist-shop spice. The wine is just as full and is distinctively round-edged on the palate with layers of cherry, oriental spice and sweet tobacco. This wine has balanced tannins with zesty acidity that gives the wine incredible structure which will allow the wine to age for years.
Chasseur Joyce Pinot Noir 2008 $75
Aging: 14 months in French oak
Vineyard notes: 100% single vineyard from Joyce vineyard, Sonoma Coast
Fermentation: 100% Malolactic
Harvest: The 2008 vintage was one of superior quality. Mild summer days, cools nights, extended heat from late August to early September, which allowed for excessive ripening.
Tasting notes: This wine is very distinctive with a complex and sophisticated nose. The aromas are a blend of raspberry, blueberry, orange zest and spice box scents that include coriander seeds, vanilla, and some black tea leafs. The finish lingers with the sense of tannins mixed with coriander, orange and grain notes.
Region: California - USA
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Clos Saint Jean Châteauneuf du Pape
Collecting good marks
Clos Saint Jean is a family estate founded in 1900 by Edmund Tacussel. Wine has been produced at Clos Saint Jean since 1910. Sons Pascal and Vincent have controlled the vinyeard since 1991 when owner Guy Maurel died. In 2003, Philippe Gambie became involved as a consultant. Cambie has been credited with modernizing Clos Saint Jean and dozens of other Châteauneuf-du-Pape estates by focusing on making wines with riper fruit and using small barrels for aging instead of the traditional large foudres or tanks.
Clos Saint-Jean is one of the largest holders of top vineyards in Chateauneuf du Pape, with 120 acres, including some of the finest sites for old vine Grenache and Mourvedre
The Grenache-dominant wines of Clos Saint Jean are all made from very old vines. They’re opulent, with notes of dark berries and spices. Robert Parker says, “Under the inspired winemaking talent of Rhône oenologist Philippe Cambie in addition to proprietor Vincent Maurel, 2003 marked a breakthrough vintage for Clos Saint-Jean, and that has been followed by some of the finest wines of 2004 and blockbusters again in 2005.”
Readers should keep in mind that Maurel and Cambie have aged the old vine Grenache in old foudres and some 600-liter demi-muids, but the Syrah and Mourvedre components are kept in small barrels.
Available today:
Clos Saint Jean “Tradition” Châteauneuf du Pape 2006 $70
Clos Saint Jean “Tradition” Châteauneuf du Pape 2007 $70
Clos Saint Jean “Tradition” Châteauneuf du Pape 2005 1500ml $136
Clos Saint Jean “Combe des Fous” Châteauneuf du Pape 2006 $200
Clos Saint Jean “Deus ex Machina” Châteauneuf du Pape 2007 $350
Region: France - Southern Rhône
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2004 &2005 Dupont Tisserandot
Corton rognet and Lavaux Saint Jacques
The house of Dupont-Tisserondot is now in its seventh generation of operation and is being run by Marie Francis Guillard, and Patricia Chevaillon, with their husbands Jean-Louis and Didier respectfully. The family has amassed 20 hectares in 20 different AOCs all over Burgundy. It is the house’s style to de-stem and let the wines undergo cold maceration prior to fermentation which uses only wild yeasts.
The Grand Cru vineyard in Corton-Rognet is 32 acres of marl and chalk planted with vines that are now an average of 48 years old. The 2004 most certainly showing more approachability than the 2005, and if opened early enough, would prove to be an excellent dinner companion tonight. The 2005 is more of a buy to hold option. It is showing a lot of its structure right now and would benefit from some more bottle age to sort it’s self out. Both wines however, are very approachable styles of Burgundy. They share lovely pure notes of cherry and spice, with just a hint of earthiness.
Their 98.66 acres of the 1er Cru Lavaux Saint Jacques is comprised of chalk and clay which give the wine a beautiful richness. The average vine age is 35 years old. The wine shows very good regional terroir with notes of spice and dark fruit with just a touch of beef stock and earth.
Available today:
Dupont-Tisserondot, Grand Cru, Corton-Rognet, 2004 $75
Dupont Tisserondot, Grand Cru, Corton-Rognet, 2005 $90
Dupont-Tisserondot, 1er Cru, Lavaux Saint-Jacques, 2004 $65
Region: France - Burgundy
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2010 CHIMAY
Blue label
There is a quiet little Abbey in the south west of Belgium known as the Abbey of Notre-Dame de Scourmont. Since 1862 the monks who call this tranquil setting home have produced some of the finest beer and cheese on this planet. The monks are part of the Cistercian monastic order commonly known as “Trappists”. These trappist monks commit their lives in strict observance of prayer and study. This commitment to perfection can also be found in the products which the monks produce to fund the Abbey and secure resources for the poor.
The Blue Cap beer from Chimay is widely considered the finest and most complex of the Chimay beers and many believe this particular ale to be finest beer on earth. Rich and full, this brown ale produces the light aromatic head that trappist beer drinker are familiar with. Rich malt is followed by a distinct rose and bitter chocolate finish. Chimay Blue Cap a perfectly balanced high alcohol beer.
At Bin 905 one of our favorite things about the holiday season is enjoying rich Belgian beers. Start your own holiday tradition by coming down and grabbing a Chimay to share with friends. We have Chimay Blue Cap in standard 330ml single serving and 750ml if you like to share. And for the first time Bin 905 has secured three bottles of Chimay Blue Cap in 3L double magnums. These ultra-exclusive bottles are perfect for either aging the beer for five to seven years or cracking open at the Christmas table to share with family and friends.
Available today:
Chimay White label 330ml $6
Chimay Red label 330ml $6
Chimay Blue label 330ml $7
Chimay Blue label 1500ml $31
Chimay Blue label 3000ml $100
Region: Belgium
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Gift Wrapping Service
Liam Sanderson Gangsta-Wrapper
$FREE
We will be very happy to wrap up your Bin905 purchases, and by “we” I mean Liam. He can wrap it up real nice for you, you just need to NOT be in a rush, as Liam functions at snail speed. This service is free of charge and will enhance the value of any gift you’d like to offer from our store.
On busy days, you also can leave the presents behind to be wrapped and we’ll get them ready asap. Happy Holidays!
Region:
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Nikka
From the Barrel
$56
A fantastic new blended whisky has made its way into Bin 905 and has become a favourite among both customer and staff. Nikka distilling co. was founded by Masataka Taketsuru a Japanese chemist whose family owned a large sake brewery, in 1918 Masataka travelled to Scotland to study at the University of Glasgow. After 2 years he returned to Japan to help develop japans first whisky distillery. Finally in 1934 his vision of Nikka distilling came to life and has become one of the most recognized whisky establishments in the world. Made in the Miyagikyo Distillery located in Sendai for its geographical resemblance to Scotland, Nikka “from the barrel” offers an array of tastes and aromas that we can’t recommend this enough.
Available today: Nikka Miyagikyo whiskey 500ml $56
Region: Japan
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2005 Brewer – Clifton
Cargasacchi Pinot Noir
$85
Every so often I have the pleasure of tasting a wine that is not inspired by nor is trying to be anything other than it. It takes a winemaker or winemakers who adore that land they use to let the fruit speak. Steve Clifton and Greg Brewer are two such winemakers.
Their heaven on earth is located in the Santa Rita Hills (between Lompoc and Buelton) running alongside the Pacific coast. It is from this AVA that they craft their expressions of Chardonnay and of Pinot Noir. The duo, a former rocker/surfer boy and an ex French professor respectfully, seem to be the odd couple of winemaking. One, a little more outgoing and laid back, the other more structured and serious. Funny enough, their wines are kind of like that as well. Bold, yet restrained.
The 2005 Cargasacchi Pinot Noir was the first I tried. Straight out of the bottle the wine was quite closed. As an avid Pinot drinker, I was not surprised. Few would tell you all about themselves after waking from a long sleep. After ten minutes of breathing room the nose really became quite expressive. A very pretty nose of ripe cherry, tea, fennel, and beef stock all wrapped around a pure core of raspberry, delish! On the palate, medium weight, ripe fruit, and beautiful spice notes were concluded by a surprisingly lean finish. Bold fruit meets the structure to handle it. This wine is showing just the right amount of maturity. It has had enough time in the bottle to mellow out, but still has a few years left in it. Get it while you can…..
Available today:
2005 Brewer – Clifton Cargasacchi Pinot Noir 85$
Others by Brewer – Clifton:
2006 Brewer – Clifton Cargasacchi Pinot Noir 95$
2006 Brewer – Clifton Mount Carmel Pinot Noir 95$
2005 Brewer – Clifton Mount Carmel Chardonnay 76$
Region: USA - CALIFORNIA
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2009 Müller Catoir 2009 Mussbacher Riesling Kabinett
The best of Pfaltz
Located in the village of Haardt, in the Pfaltz region, Müller Catoir produces wines with inimitable fragrances.
Hyacinth and Persian melon in the nose of Müller Catoir 2009 Mussbacher Riesling Kabinett lead to a sappy, luscious, subtly creamy, refreshing, quite delicate (9% alcohol) palate.It is impeccably balanced and delicious. Amazingly 50 grams of sugar here do not come off as obviously sweet, much less excessive, thanks in large part to the wine’s unusually strong acidity.
Come down to Bin905 and snap some of this very unique Riesling while supplies lasts.
Available today:
Müller Catoir 2009 Mussbacher Riesling Kabinett $42
Region: Germany - Pfaltz
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2008 JOVINO Pinot noir
When affordable meet delicious
Produced by Joe Dobbes out of Oregon, Jovino found a happy place on our shelves. With a retail tag of $29, this Pinot is the perfect answer to our market: an affordable pinot noir that don’t compromise on the quality. It comes with a screw cap closure, offering buyers a constant taste and quality, but also a solid option for your next “party wine”.
This wine opens with sweet, ripe and forward high-toned notes of red and black fruits and barrel spices. The warm, soft mouthfeel unfolds around flavors of red and black currants, blackberries and cherries; all wrapped in well-integrated ripe and rich tannins. A touch of light toast envelops secondary flavors of spicy oak with fresh, mouth-watering acidity. The finish is supple and long on the palate with ripe tannins.
Available today:
Jovino Pinot Noir 2008 $29
Joe Dobbes Pinot Noir (single vineyard) 2008 $32
Joe Dobbes Viognier (single vineyard) 2009 $31
Wine by Joe Rosé 2009 $22
Region: USA - Oregon
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Mcauslan St Amboise Great Pumpkin Ale
Good Grief! Pumpkin Ale!
By now Linus should be of drinking age and if he still hangs out at the patch waiting for “the Great Pumpkin” to arrive he can, at the very least, get a taste of the giant squash in a bottle. One of our favourite domestic breweries –Quebec’s Mcauslan – has released their seasonal Great Pumpkin Ale ($11 per 4-pack). Mcauslan has been brewing beer in Montreal since 1989 and have gone on to win numerous medals in beer competitions all over the world. The tradition of flavouring beer goes back a long way; typical ingredients include fruits, chocolate and coffee and as such pumpkin may sound like a bit an oddity. Both pale and caramel hops are used along with spices that include cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and, naturally, pumpkin. It is done with a subtle touch and the end result is a delicious ale with noticeable pumpkin pie component. Yum.
Region: Quebec
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Chouffe it up!
D’Achouffe La Chouffe 1500ML
$25
What’s better than a 330ml of D’achouffe La Chouufe? Eh?
...A 750ml of d’Achouffe la Chouffe. But what’s better than a 750ml of d’Achouffe la Chouffe...eh?
A magnum of d’Achouffe la Chouffe!!! Nothing says “PARTAY” like a mag of Chouffe.
It is time to get Chouffed-up!
Also available:
D’Achouffe la Chouffe 330ml $5
D’Achouffe Mc Chouffe 330ml $5
D’Achouffe Mc Chouffe 750ml $11
Region: Belgium
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2003 Bruichladdich Organic
Bruichladdich Organic 5yr
84
From the unrelenting powerhouse that is Bruichladdich comes another exciting new product “Bruichladdich Organic”. This new 5 year old expression is the first trial has a floral, orchard fruit, sweet and warm nose while the body is smooth with barley lingering and a warm typical Islay finish. This malt was distilled slower than normal at Bruichladich to retain creaminess on the palate adding to the intensity of the body. This one is one for those who are lovers of the lighter style Islay or medium style Highland whiskies with lower peating levels than Lagavulin or Laphroig but that big intense salt and sweetness style that is reminds us of the wester’ winds of Alba. ‘Slainte’
Available today: Bruichladdich Organic 5 year old $84
Region: Islay
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2005
Colgin Cellars
Exciting times here at Bin 905 with the new arrivals of some of the most world-renowned wines, and Colgin Cellars is the gem among them. Owner Ann Barry Colgin, heralded as one the greatest visionaries in the world of wine has created a legend with her passion and artistic nature. Located north of St. Helena, California overlooking Lake Hennessy, the colgin estate is a perfect reflection of Ann’s lifestyle. The IX estate is the newest of the Vineyards planted in 2000 with 20 acres of cabernet sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Syrah. Tychson Vineyard, a vineyard with rich terroir and history dating back all the way to the late 1800’s, was originally owned by Josephine Tychson who was by many accounts, the very first female winemaker. In 2005 Colgin Winemaker Mark Aubert left Colgin and was replaced by the radiant Allison Tauziet, whose passion has taken Colgin wines in a direction that can only be defined as a “Stairway to Heaven”. Colgin Winery is the clear-cut portrayal as to why California is among the world’s greatest wine growing regions.
Available today:
Colgin Cellars IX Estate Syrah 2005 $300
Colgin Cellars IX Estate Red wine 2005 $600
Colgin Cellars Cariad 2005 $600
Region: USA/Napa
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2007 Coche Dury
Meursault
Jean-Francois Coche-Dury! Described as “One of the greatest winemakers on planet earth”- Robert Parker. If you haven’t heard of this man and his astonishing wines from Burgundy then you are missing the essence of what Burgundy wines are all about, and we here at Bin 905 have just received a limited amount of his 2007 Meursault! Taking over the winery from his father Georges Coche the family estate consists of 9 hectares of vineyards in the Cote D’or. Including Corton Charlemagne, Mersault Perrières, Caillerets, Narvaux and many more especially reds from Pommard and a 1er Cru Volnay which he sells a quarter of his crop to other estates such as Maison Louis Latour and Louis Jadot. Having Coch-Dury’s wines are an experience of their own and trying the 2007 is distinctively mind blowing, exhibiting creamy mineral notes that balance perfectly with the citric, chalky and floral fruit flavours that will continue to diversify in the years that this wine can be followed.
Available today:
Coche Dury Meursault 2007 $285
Region: France/Burgundy
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2009 Costaripa Pievecroce
Bella Italia
$26
Costaripa Pievecroce is a crisp, fresh and intense white from Lombardy showing minerals, apples and pears on the palate and a delicate floral nose. Like all of the things about Italy that we love, Costaripa’s elegance and sophistication take it beyond Italy’s borders. Happy in the company of sushi, hanging out at the English garden party, on a raw bar with fresh oysters, perched on a picnic table at the backyard BBQ or back at home in Italy with carpaccio, fresh fish, figs, pasta and cheese.
A few of the things we love about Italy: Leonardo, Botticelli, Michelangelo, Ferrari, Lambretta, Vespa, Moto Guzzi, Ducati, Prada, Versace, dining al fresco, Buffalo Mozzarella, olive oil, all of their food, wine, romance, et al.
PS- Sophia Loren is synonymous with Italian style but her sunglasses were always made by Cutler and Gross of London.
Region: Lombardy
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2005 Domaine Alain Chavy Puligny-Montrachet
Any Puligny-Montrachet In a Storm
$65
Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru
Last night we had a house shaking, terrifying “was that ever close!” lightening storm accompanied by torrential downpour interspersed with hail. The silver lining was that I was drinking Alain Chavy Puligny-Montrachet. A serious storm needs a serious wine- but not too serious. Alain Chavy’s Puligny-Montrachet was perfect. A French chardonnay that hit all of the right notes: flinty, chalky, rich and complex with ripe fruits and nuanced layers of nuts, cinnamon, honey and butter. It made me feel better about possibly getting hit by lightening as I sat on my couch. In fact after a glass I felt positively brave and stood by the open door, the better to hear the full force of overhead thunderclaps that sounded like the very earth was being ripped in half. Chavy’s Puligny-Montrachet enhanced natures opera and I can’t wait to drink it again.
Region: France, Burgundy
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Rose
Sperino Rose
$27
65% Nebbiola, 20% Vespolina and 15% Croatina = 100% deliciousness.
Proprieta Sperino Italian Rose is stunning. It is the type of wine that great memories are made from. It’s so good that my friend Daphne and I took it with us to walk her dogs. We carried it down an overgrown rain forest path, crossed a ravine on a mossy log, kept a look-out for cougars and wolves with a fistful of leashes in one hand and a glass of Sperino rose in the other. Medium bodied, Sperino is deep reddish pink, the nose an intoxicating mixture of roses and violets. Fresh and rich with a subtle sweetness on the palate, there are enticing notes of cherry, bright red berries and a bit of spice backed up with a subtle mineral characteristic and green herb undertone. Drinking it with a great friend on a secluded beach on Cortes island- priceless.
Region: Piedmont
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2005/2006 Chateau Pierre Bise
Anjou wines for the summer
Chateau Pierre Bise is owned and operated by Claude Papin, a former President of the Technical Institute of the Vine and of Wine.
His wines are what he calls “vins de terroir” (terroir driven wines) rather than “vins de varieté” (varietal driven wines), meaning the place where the grapes are grown matters more than their own type individually.
Papin believes that the development of polyphenols in the wine makes a significant contribution to vinous complexity and the expression of terroir, and that BOTRYTIS has an important role to play.
Anjou region focuses mostly on producing sweet white and rosé wines, and his Anjou Villages red is made like a sweet white wine in some ways, blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon; once the alcoholic fermentation completed, all wines average 14% alc/vol, pretty amazing for a cooler climate wine region.
Available today:
Anjou Villages (red) 2005 $38
Anjou (white) “Le haut de garde” 2006 $33
Coteau du Layon Beaulieu “Les rouannières” 2005 (500ml) $50
Region: France/Loire valley/Anjou
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Dieu du Ciel
Rigor Mortis
Strong brown ale inspired by the beer brewed by Belgian Trappist monks. Very little bitterness, this beer has intense malty and sweet flavours, mixed with the taste of chocolate and caramel. It presents complex red fruit and spice flavours due to the type of yeast that is used during the brewing process. This beer is at its best only after it has aged for six months. The Rigor Mortis are complex beers designed and brewed with patience and care in the tradition of the great Belgian Abbey beers.
Rigor Mortis Abt is brewed only once a year, and is sold in April until stocks last.
Region: Canada/Montreal
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Peak Spirits
Cap Rock dry gin
$58
Peak Spirits in Colorado makes CapRock Organic Gin, amongst other delicious organic spirit made with organic Jonathon and Braeburn apples, all from the ground up. All Peak products are USDA-certified organic made with mouth-watering fruit from 5 certified organic/biodynamic growers within 10 miles of the Peak Spirits distillery.
Peak spirits sources its water from the rock formations known as the “caprock” at 11,000 ft atop Grand Mesa, high mesa lava rock formation 20 miles from the distillery. Their high elevation and basalt composition make them a perfect source of naturally filtered, soft, fresh water.
Why the fuss over water? Since the bottled product is typically around 40% alc the distillate needs to be “cut back” (diluted) before bottling. This means that water can be over half the contents of a bottle of 80 proof (40% alc) spirit. So the water better be tasty!
Available today:
Cap Rock Gin $58
Region: Colorado/USA
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Petite Sirah 2007
Summers
$39
Jim and Beth Summers started the wine adventure with the purchase of a 30-acre vineyard site in Knights Valley, Sonoma County, planted with mostly Merlot. In 1996 they purchased the Summers Estate Wines property, located on Tubbs Lane in Calistoga, and hve been producing award winning wines under the Napa Valley appellation ever since.
Snap a bottle of there small lot, hand-crafted Napa Valley Petite Sirah. Aged in French Oak barrels for 21 months, this wine exhibits a succulent deep, dark ruby color with flavors and appealing sccents of black plum, and hints of tobacco and cedar. It has a full robust finish of black cherry, espresso, pepper and dark chocolate.
Also available from Summers winery:
Charbono 2007 $31
Zinfandel “Four acre Zin” 2007 $34
Andriana’s Cabernet 2006 $30
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 $55
Region: Napa/USA
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2008 Lombardy's jewels
Costaripa
The Garda Classico and Lugana appellations, between the Garda Lake and Brescia, in Italy, form a gently rolling landscape of great charm and tranquillity. Nestled among these hills is the tiny lakeside village of Moniga del Garda.
In the words of Costaripa’s Mattia Vezzola, it is “one of the world’s northernmost territories to have a nearly Mediterranean climate, where lemon trees, citron trees, olive groves, vineyards, cypresses and agave abound.”
With his MAZANE IGT made out of Marzemino, Mattia Vezzola demonstrates one more time that getting out of the beaten wine path always rules! Marzemino is an ancient native red vine yielding small crops of distinct elegance. In youth, Mazane’s silky tannins and lively fragrance make it an extraordinary match with fish when served rather cool (13° Celsius, i.e. 55.4° Fahrenheit). A great summer red.
Their white, PIEVECROCE, is made out of Trebbiano di Lugana solely and shows all the delicate floral grace of its native soil: elegant nose of apples & pears, fresh, flavorful, structured palate and distinct character, minerality and balance.
Available today:
Costaripa (red) Mazane IGT 2008 $23
Costaripa (white) Pievecroce 2009 $26
Region: Garda/Italy
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Weingut
Müller Catoir
The winery located in the village of Haardt, Pfaltz, Germany, was built in the 18th century. Now operated by Philipp David Catoir, the same family has owned the estate since 1744, now in the 9th generation.
The vines cover 20 hectares and are planted primarily with Riesling, some Weißburgunder, Grauburgunder, Spätburgunder.
All wines are made from grapes from the winery’s own vineyards.
Surprisingly flavoursome, full-bodied and very racy, Müller Catoir wines are rich in extract and with a fruity acidity structure. The selective handpicking of very small grape quantities unable the estate to produce juice with a ripe acidity and higher alcohol content, making even small vintages full-bodied and top-class.
Available today:
Riesling trocken 2007 $29
Bürgergarten Riesling Spätlese trocken 2008 $59
Haardt Weißburgunder Kabinett trocken 2007 $39
Herrenletten Weißburgunder Spätlese trocken 2007 $53
Region: Pfaltz/Germany
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2007 Quinta do Dorado
The perfect Alvarinho
Galicia’s Rias Baixas has become synonymous with great Albariño—producing wines of compelling fruit and fragrance from this distinctive grape. Most of the top versions come from vineyards lining the Minho River.
Yet, some of the best and oldest Alvarinho vineyards are actually in Portugal, directly across the river from Spain. It is here that a talented young winemaker from Spain named Marcial Dorado decided to eschew convention and throw a little caution to the wind. So, set out to make the finest Alvarinho of all, he crossed the river.
Overlooking the town of Melgaço, Minho region in Portugal, he had discovered a 70-year-old Albariño vineyard, the likes of which he couldn’t find in Spain. He purchased the vineyard in 1999, naming it Quinta do Dorado.
Marcial also adopted a couple of techniques common to Burgundy’s best white wine specialists: partial malolactic fermentation and extensive stirring of the lees. There is plenty of fresh acidity in Marcial’s fruit, and the malolactic fermentation steals very little of it, while enhancing the wine’s richness and limiting the need to filter or add SO2. Lees stirring provides additional aromatic complexity and a sense of depth on the palate.
The wine displays green apple, tangerine and lime zest notes mix with a vanilla-peach ice cream mouth-feel to it!
Available today:
Quinta do Dorado Alvarinho Superior 2007 $36
Region: Minho/Portugal
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Michel et Stéphane Ogier
The luxury VDP are back in stock
While the Ogier family has a long history of growing grapes on their 6.5-hectare vineyard in the northern Rhone Valley they are relatively new at producing wine, at least by French standards. Michel made his first vintage in 1980 and has built a solid reputation as one of the regions finest producers in a relatively short period of time. These days his talented son Stephane looks after the winemaking duties and his passion for the craft has taken these wines to new heights, placing them on a pedestal along side such luminaries as Clape, Guigal and Rene Rostaing.
Available today:
La Rosine Viognier 2008 $38
La Rosine Syrah 2008 $39
L’Âme soeur “Terres de Viennae” Syrah 375 ml $38
Cote rotie 2004 $75
Cote Rotie “Les embruns” 2003 $85
Cote Rotie “Belle Helene” 2003 $230
Cote Rotie “Belle Helene” 2004 $190
Cote Rotie “Lancement” 2004 $225
Region: FRANCE - Rhône
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2009 HACIENDA DEL CARCHE
BIANCO
Here is one of our latest finds from Spain’s Jumilla region, a deliciously crisp and refreshing white wine that has summer fun written all over it. Try it with shellfish, salads, white fish or as an aperitif.
Grape varieties:
34% Sauvignon Blanc,
33% Airén and 33% Macabeo.
Winemaking:
After a light maceration with the skins over a period of 8-10 hours, the must is drawn off, devatted and introduced into stainless steel tanks and then fermented under controlled temperatures, never over 15-16°C
(59-60.8°F).
Tasting notes:
Beautiful pale yellow colour, with greenish reflections. Presents a great aromatic potential in which the whole spectrum opens up. Tasty in the mouth, well balanced, with a fresh acidity and light palate.
Region: SPAIN - JUMILLA
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TABLAS CREEK
ESPRIT DE BEAUCASTEL
Tablas Creek is a partnership between the illustrious Chateau de Beaucastel and their long time American importer Robert Haas. The Perrin brothers – who own Beaucastel – spent several years searching for the ideal site to grow their beloved Rhone varietals before finally settling on Paso Robles on California’s south Central Coast. The same organic grape growing practices that they employ in France are applied here as well and the wines are among the finest examples of Rhone varietals produced in California. The wine is based on the dark red fruit, earth, spice and mid-palate richness of Mourvedre, with additions of Grenache for forward fruit, approachability and lushness, Syrah for mineral, aromatics, and back-palate tannins, and Counoise for brambly spice and acidity.
Available today:
Tablas Creek Esprit de Beaucastel rouge 2006 $50 93 pts Wine Spectator
Tablas Creek Esprit de Beaucastel white 2003 $42
Region: USA - CALIFORNIA - PASO ROBLES
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2005 PAUL MAS
FAÏSSES
$27
Les Domaines Paul Mas is a group of four family estates covering 100ha (250 acres) of vineyard on the hills bordering the Hérault Valley in Languedoc in the south of France.The château Paul Mas covers 25 acres producing wines under the AOC Coteaux du Languedoc, one of the most significant viticultural regions of the Mediterranean vineyards.
Les Faïsses wine comes from small vineyards located on terraces with a South, South East exposure overlooking the Hérault Valley, useless to say most of the work has to be done by hand. Les « Faïsses » actually means in occitan : terrace.
This unique terroir and the low yield harvested manually gives us a highly concentrated wine, with deep color and intense blacberry and cassis flavors underlined by soft notes of leather and smoke. A steal of a deal !
Available today :
Paul Mas « Les Faïsses » 2005 $27
Region: FRANCE - LANGUEDOC
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2006 DUTTON GOLDFIELD
THE STEINBECK OF WINES
I am, and always will be, a fan of John Steinbeck. The ease with which Steinbeck conveyed the beauty of the California countryside is astounding. Take for example, the opening lines of his legendary novel, East of Eden, which allegorically tracks the history of the Trask family and their successes and failures in post World War I California…
“The Salinas Valley is in Northern California. It is a long, narrow swale between two ranges of mountains and the Salinas River twists up the center until falls at last into Monterey Bay.”
Simple yet elegant, Steinbeck manages to instantly capture the reader while he paints a vivid picture of the countryside in which he not only set his groundbreaking novel, but was also the place in which he lived through his formative years.
In the world of wine, the ability to tell the story of a place simply yet elegantly, and to convey the purest expression of that “place” with ease, is achieved by many of the world’s great producers. And the story of California’s Russian River Valley is wonderfully told by Steve Dutton and Dan Goldfield through the wines of regional producer “Dutton Goldfield”.
Dutton Goldfield began producing wines in 1998, and in a relatively short period of time have become one of the highest regarded California producers. The dual proprietorship have combined their passions for viticulture and attention to detail, and the result is a line-up of wines that are unabashedly Californian, unmistakably Russian River, and undeniably great.
With a heavy focus on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, two grapes that respond well to the cold micro-climate of the region, Dutton Goldfield have managed to produce wines that are true to the earth that they sprung from, yet still offer the pronounced fruit characteristics that makes these Californian mainstays so enjoyable.
Friendly aromas and notable acidity allow for repeated returns to the glass and are a common characteristic of the entire line of wines. It is a invigorating group of wines that offer a refreshing change from the jammy, high alcohol offerings from some of DG’s neighbors in the region.
If at once you find yourself wishing to take a walk through the romantic California countryside but you are confined to your downtown apartment, may I suggest that you pick up a copy of “East of Eden” by John Steinbeck and a bottle of “Dutton Ranch Pinot Noir” from Dutton Goldfield and combine the two. The result will teach you more about “California” then you can possibly imagine.
Available today:
Dutton Goldfield “Dutton ranch” Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2006 $38
Dutton Goldfield “Dutton Ranch” Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2006 $40
Dutton Goldfield Russian River Valley Zinfandel 2006 $35
Region: USA - California
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2005 Didier Dagueneau
SILEX
$140
Didier Dagueneau is a name that is synonymous with Sauvignon Blanc. Think of one and you think of the other. He was widely known as the best producer in Pouilly-Fume. A cult figure. The “wild man” of Saint-Andelain, he single handedly revolutionized viticulture and wine making practices in this region of France forever changing the face and reputation of Pouilly Fume.
He was a crusader for what he called the “authentic” Pouilly Fume. Growing his vines on 11.5 hectares in the tiny town of Saint-Andelain, he tended to every aspect of his business from the vineyard to the cellar. A perfectionist, he was guided by his desire to place the minerality from the soil in every bottle.
This wine comes from vineyards that grace the hills around Saint-Andelain. This Sauvignon is made from 25 to 50 year old vines on silex rich soils which Dagueneau believed makes the most structured and intellectual wines of the Loire. Intensely rocky soils these vineyard parcels are kept at a lower yield than his others. Barrel Fermented and aged in cigar barrels that he created for his wines. A pure expression of fruit, a wine that is regal, intense, and austere when young requiring a few years of age in order to show its true character. The Silex is the ultimate Didier Daguenaeu wine.
When you breath it is one is taken away to images of fresh grass, herbaceous notes, exotic white peaches and smoke. On the palate you can find white flowers, apricot, almonds, peach and a smoky richness that is balanced by a crisp refreshing acidity. The mouth feel is lush and rich and the length of the wine starts to feel permanent in your mouth as it ends its life with a long mineral finish. You can enjoy this wine now, although decanting is necessary, or cellar it up to 2017. This wine is one of the very few Sauvignons that have the potential to age for such a long time and can show justification for it.
Region: France - Loire Valley - Pouilly Fume
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2007 Chasseur
Chasseur
We’ve just received a new batch of wines from our exclusive boutique winery Chasseur. Hailing from in and around the Sonoma Coast region of California, Chasseur focuses on quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay produced with the highest respect for tradition. These wines are mostly un-fined and unfiltered, which may cause a slight haze in the wine but ensures that none of the delicious flavours and aroma’s are lost in the winemaking process. With a total production of under 3,000 cases these wines are a rare treat indeed! These selections all hail from the exceptional 2007 vintage, so be sure to snag them while they last!
The new arrivals:
2007 Lorenzo Vineyard Chardonnay $66 - This vineyard, located in the Russian River Valley, produces a wine of exceptional depth and richness. This is full throttle Chardonnay, both voluptous and refined, driving home notes of fresh apple pie, bees-wax, vanilla and spice. Only 9 barrels produced.
2007 Freestone Station Pinot Noir $59 - This vineyard is owned by the Clearly family and farmed by the famous Dutton family. Consisting of four seperate Pinot Noir clones, located in the Russian River Valley, this vineyard’s miniscule yields produce wines of exceptional concentration and depth. Notes of fresh cherry, strawberry, fresh flowers, peppercorn and vanilla make this a delightful treat for any Pinot Noir lover. 15 Barrels produced.
Region: Sonoma, California
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NORTH COAST BREWERY
OLD RASPUTIN RUSSIAN IMPERIAL STOUT
This beer is the best stout we ever tried, and probably the best stout ever made. This beer hides really well it’s 9% alcool, just flawless. Confort yourself by the chimney this season with a load of chocolate, nuts, mocha and expresso.
Available today:
Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout 4 bottles pack $15
Old Raspution Russian Imperial in single bottle $4
Region: USA - CALIFORNIA
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2006 TABLAS CREEK
ESPRIT DE BEAUCASTEL RED
Tablas Creek is a partnership between the illustrious Chateau de Beaucastel and their long time American importer Robert Haas. The Perrin brothers – who own Beaucastel – spent several years searching for the ideal site to grow their beloved Rhone varietals before finally settling on Paso Robles on California’s south Central Coast. The same organic grape growing practices that they employ in France are applied here as well and the wines are among the finest examples of Rhone varietals produced in California.
Bin905 offering:
Tablas Creek Esprit de Beaucastel rouge 2006 $50
Tablas Creek Esprit de Beaucastel white 2006 $49
Region: USA - CALIFORNIA - PASO ROBLES
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ONE MORE GROWER CHAMPAGNE AT BIN905
CEDRIC BOUCHARD
Cédric Bouchard is one of the fastest rising stars in the firmament of Champagne. Having only started his own label, Roses de Jeanne and begun producing his own wines in 2000, he is very quickly garnering a reputation as Champagne’s most talented new wine producer, and was just awarded the title as Champagne’s finest winemaker for the year 2008 by the Gault Millau.
Monsieur Bouchard’s philosophy borders on the revolutionary in Champagne, as he insists on bottling single vineyard, single varietal (Pinot Noir or Chardonnay), and single vintage cuvees.
Monsieur Bouchard began his career in 2000 by taking a portion of his family’s vineyards to begin working on his own, and started out with only 1.37 hectares of vines in the village of Celles-sur-Ource in the Côte des Bar region of Champagne.
Cédric Bouchard has augmented his tiny initial holdings by now working 1.47 hectares of vines owned by his father as well, which he farms with the same meticulous care as his own parcels. From these he has introduced a new Blanc de Noirs cuvée, which hails from the Val Vilaine vineyard and which he sells under the Champagne Inflorescence label, rather than labeled as Roses de Jeanne.
Again, like the wines from his own vineyard parcels, the wine is made entirely from one variety, in this case pinot noir.
The wines are available in miniscule quantities, so it is highly, highly recommended to snap them up immediately now they became available.
Bin905 offerings:
INFLORESCENCE “Val Vilaine” Blanc de Noirs $80
INFLORESCENCE “La Parcelle” Blanc de Noirs $125
Region: FRANCE - CHAMPAGNE
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LAGUIOLE
Treat yourself with some real corkscrew!
Bin 905 has some of the best accessories that you will ever find. Beautiful corkscrews from Forge de Laguiole will give you a lifetime of satisfaction. Handmade in France by master craftsmen, they are an elite brand that is famous for their high quality knives and drills. Forge de Laguiole stand behind their product, offering a lifetime warranty. The memories if a knife are in the handle, so if the blade were to break the knife or corkscrew can be returned and they will fix it but leave the handle. There are inexpensive knives that are being manufactured under the name Laguiole, but they are not the ones from France and aren’t of the same quality. Go for the best, request Forge de Laguiole.
Our goal is to make Xmas shopping as easy as possible for you. We can make gift baskets that reflect your individual flare in a variety of price points and themes. They can include bottles, accessories, glasses, your imagination is the limit.
Some ideas:
Desert Island,
It’s Friday!
Happy Holidays
In-Laws
New Baby
First Xmas in the New House/Condo
Teen-agers Have Moved Out
Employees
Boss
We can offer a discount for bulk purchases and we can have your packages delivered. There is free delivery on orders over $2000.
Region:
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CONVENTO OREJA
HOT NEW WINES FROM SPAIN
$23 and $35
The Ribera del Duero is one of Spain’s most renowned red wine producing regions, home to such stars as Vega Sicilia, Pingus and Aalto, and wines from this area have a reputation for being intense, long-lived and very expensive. I was in search of a reputable producer whose wines are still reasonably priced and found just the ticket with Convento Oreja, a relative newcomer that - so far – has not given into the temptation to charge an arm and a leg for their wines, despite some very good press in a major wine publication. We have two wines from this producer, the basic 2007 Roble ($23) and the 2006 Crianza ($35). The Roble is all about soft, chewy plum/cherry fruit with just a touch of new oak while the Crianza is a substantial red offering notes of black cherry, leather, spice and mocha with firm, ripe tannins. They are produced entirely from the local clone of Tempranillo, Tinto del Pais.
Region: Ribera del Duero
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TAVS
Less quantity…more quality…
$24
Jumilla is a region in the southeast of Spain that was once known primarily as a producer of bulk wine but the last decade or so has seen the area transition from quantity to quality, a path forged by such noted producers as Juan Gil and Hacienda del Carche. The latter is a Bin 905 find, a super-juicy red wine from Hacienda del Carche called Tavs ($24) a blend of Monastrell (80%, also known as Mourvedre) and Syrah that is all about dark cherry fruit and spice. There is no oak on this wine, just pure fruit and soft silky tannins, a great match with casual fare such as burgers, grilled pork and pizza.
Region: Jumilla
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VINA MEIN
As fresh as it gets!
$26 and $28
Viña Mein heralds from the Ribeiro zone of Galacia in northwest Spain, an area dedicated primarily to white wines. The white wines of Galacia – most notably those produced from the Albarino grape – have become quite popular in North America over the last few years, especially in seafood restaurants where the grape partners extremely well with fish and bi-valves. But Albarino is not the only star varietal in Galacia, and I was bent on finding a top tier producer that was focusing on those other grapes, the ones we rarely see on these shores. Enter Viña Mein, a highly regarded, small production estate focusing on grapes that include Treixadura (70%), Godello and Loureira with small amounts of Albarino and Torrontes included in the blend. The end result is a pair of beautiful white wines (the only two wines this producer makes), one that is aged in barrel ($28), and the other entirely in stainless steel tanks (it sells for $26). These wines offer enticing white peach and melon fruit notes with a substantial mineral/acid backbone.
Region: GALACIA
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2007 Jovino Pinot Noir
Joe’s Vino AKA JOVINO!!!
Best known for his Successful brand Wine by Joe, Joe Dobbes has released the 3rd vintage of Jovino Pinot Noir and its here Exclusive at Bin 905! Founding the Dobbes Family Estates in 2003 quickly followed by the infamous Wine By Joe, Joe Dobbes is one of the most celebrated visionaries of the Oregon wine region. In 2006 Joe created Jovino, first released to limited high-end restaurants and now released to the open market. The Jovino Pinot Noir expresses elegance and characteristics that shows the diversity Oregon Pinot Noir’s have to offer.
Price: $29.00
Cheers,
The Bin 905 Team
Region: Oregon
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2008 Chateau Paradis Terre des Anges
Paradis Paradise
A new Rose has graced our store shelves here at Bin 905! Chateau Paradis brings us the Terre des Anges Rose.
Predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) Grenache (30%) Sauvignon Blanc (10%) Offers intensely fresh and floral layers of complex fruit sensations, minerals and expressive aromas that make this to be one of the best rose’s this summer has revealed.
Located in Mount Sainte Victoire the vineyard consists of 40 year old vines spreading across 30 hectares. Owned by Philippe and Juliette Deschamps they truly have created a little piece of paradise.
Price: $31.00
Cheers,
The Bin 905 Team
Region: Provence
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2006 Chateau Rayas
Chateau Rayas
In the world of wine there are those names who’s mere mention commands awe and respect. The region of Chateauneuf-du-Pape is especially ripe just those kinds of names; Beaucastel, Bonneau, Clos du Papes, Pegau and possibly above all...Rayas.
Jacques Reynaud was the driving force that put Rayas on the map. Legendarily eccentric and hard headed, Reynaud shunned rules, regulations and the media. The wines of Rayas rose to fame strictly on the merits of their outstanding quality, without glitzy marketing campaigns or press. In his book Rhone Renaissance, Remington Norman speaks to this fact saying that “What matters is that his wines are supreme, outstripping almost everything else in Chateauneuf, vintage after vintage. That is the reality.”
Jacques nephew Emmanual now runs the estate and has continued his Uncles legacy. Chateau Rayas continues to defy convention in Chateauneuf, using 100% Grenache for the Chateuneuf-du-Pape’s. The vineyards are North facing, bucking the conventional wisdom that a South facing site is ideal. The vineyards are also devoid the famous “Gallet”, large stones that are a feature in many Chateanuef vineyards.
At the end of the day these wines speak for themselves. The “less prestigous” Cotes du Rhone Chateau de Fonsalette commands a higher price than most Chateaneufs (and would tromp many of them in a blind tasting), while both the second Chateauneuf “Pignan” and the top Chateauneuf Rayas are almost always among the top of the pile both in price and quality.
Come find out for yourself what all the hype is about as these legends are sure to move fast.
Wines:
2006 Chateau de Fonsalette Cotes-du-Rhone
This property was acquired in 1945 and the wine is a blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah. The unusually high proportion of Cinsault adds wild, meaty, herbal and peppery characteristics while the Grenache provides it’s signature velvety mouthfeel and pure dark fruit characteristics. This is a beautiful wine that is extremely enjoyable now.
Price: $82.00
2006 Pignan Chateauneuf-du-Pape
As with their top Chateauneuf, the Pignan is produced from 100% Grenache. Robert Parker says that this wine “...reveals classic kirsch liqueur, lavender, and licorice scents. It is medium-bodied, silky, soft, and delicious.”
Price: $111.00
2006 Chateau Rayas Chateaneuf-du-Pape
This is the top dog and it does not dissapoint. The complexity of this wine almost defies description. When first opened this wine sings with pure red and black fruits and on the palate is sexy, silky and oh so smooth. With a little time in the decanter the wine really blossoms showing notes of white pepper, kirsch, raspberry, provencial herbs, lavender and more. The finish goes on for a full minute and the wine is truly seamless with unreal acidity and an underlying power that hints at it’s aging potential. Truly an outstanding wine.
Price: $175.00
Cheers,
The Bin 905 Team
Region: Chateauneuf-du-Pape
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CHATEAU MONTUS
MONTUS for you, for me, for everybody
The beautiful beast from the South West of France is back on our shelves. We are extremely excited about that, and you should be too!
Chateau Montus placed the A.O.C of Madiran on the map and there is a reason why. Often thrown in blind tastings next to Grand Cru Bordeaux, this wine pleases everybody and stands up to those wines that benefit from a 150 year old classification, and sweep off their feet the majority of people (still standing) when revealed…it costs under $50.
Another wine not to be missed is the Chateau Montus white. Produced under the A.O.C Pacherenc du Vic Bihl from 100% Petit Courbu, this wine surprises by its creamy mouthfeel, floral aromas and minerality. Its ageability is undeniable and to support this theory some 2000’s will be soon available on our shelves…make sure to snap some up when it arrives.
Montus white, despite being dry, pairs beautifully with Foie Gras, it’s all about the texture!
Put your hands up for Montus!
Bin905 offerings:
Chateau Montus red 2005 (80% Tannat - 20% Cabernet Sauvignon) $42
Chateau Montus white 2007 (100% Petit Courbu) $50
Chateau Bouscassé Vieilles Vignes 2001 (100% Tannat) $54
Alain Brumont VDP Gros Manseng-Sauvignon Blanc $18
Alain Brumont VDP Tannat-Merlot $18
Region: SOUTH WEST FRANCE
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Dieu du Ciel
Dieu du Ciel “Corne du Diable”
$15.00
Get Horny!
“Corne du Diable” (Horn of the Devil) is one of the finest micro brews Canada has to offer. The producer of this quality ale is a highly respected Quebec microbrewery known as Dieu du Ciel. These artisan brewers have been producing top quality beers of all styles for more then 15 years, and the “Corne du Diable” represents the very best of what this producer is capable of.
Strong floral and citrus aromas and caramel characteristics and a distinctly bitter finish are what define this India Pale Ale. The quality of this beer also extends past its flavour profile to its uniquely creamy head and fine bubbles that dance on the tongue as the beer washes over your palette.
If you are an India Pale Ale fan then this is a must try. It is like someone took a bottle of Alexander Keiths, kicked it in the ass and said, “Grow up and be a man’s beer, where is your self respect? Show your true self, and people will love you for it!”
Region: The rolling hills of Quebec
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2006 Tawse The Quarry Road Chardonnay
Tawse Delivers!
Quality is an essential belief at Tawse Winery, a value that has made this winery to be noticed for its top-notch winemaking. Owned by Moray Tawse a passionate and committed director of the Ontario wine producers association has created an impressive team of wine experts. The team consists of experts such as Pascal Marchand an internationally renowned winemaker from burgundy, and Paul Pender a Graduate from Niagara College’s Winery & Viticulture program. Together they have been crafting desirable wines with there own unique characteristics which give it that “wow” factor!
In that determination Tawse Quarry Road Chardonnay displays its distinctive qualities beautifully. We here at Bin905 cracked open a bottle of this and to simply put it “It Delivers”.
The Quarry road is Tawse winery’s first single vineyard bottling offering a lively mouthful of tropical fruit and citrus flavors, lingering spice/toast, and a refreshingly soft finish. With Canada day just around the corner this Ontario winery brings out the pride of Canadian wine in its most succulent form.
Bin 905’s offerings:
Tawse Quarry Road Chardonnay 2006 in 375ML $24
Tawse Quarry Road Chardonnay 2006 in 750ML $39
Tawse Quarry Road Chardonnay 2006 in 1.5L $83
Region: Ontario
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2008 Joie Farms
3rd release!
Joie is back on our shelves, and for the release of their 3rd vintage, the winery’s name changed to Joie Farms, reflecting the fact that they now have their own production facility and vineyards but still purchase grapes from about 20 growers from the area.
Joie’s manifesto is sweet and simple: “Our main focus is aromatic white and rosé wines, with an emphasis on the blending of lots and varietals to achieve natural balance and complexity.” That focus is reinforced by an appreciation of Alsatian styles and grapes, and a love for selected German, Italian, and Burgundian directions, too.
Bin905’s offerings:
Joie rosé $35
Joie riesling $36
Joie Noble Blend $37
Region: Naramata Bench, British Colombia
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Emmanuel Rouget
ENFIN!
Emmanuel Rouget, a tractor engineer by training, was given a job by his uncle, the legendary Henri Jayer, in 1976. Uncle Henri instilled an unbridled enthusiasm and knowledge of winemaking in his young nephew and in 1985 Emmanuel set up on his own operating out of cellars in Flagey. He took on vines from Henri’s brother, Lucien, in Echézeaux and Vosne-Romanée on a share cropping basis, which in effect meant that Emmanuel worked the vines and vinified the wine, and then gave half the wine to Uncle Lucien, while keeping the other half for himself.
By 1996 Emmanuel was producing wines from the vineyards of three of his uncles - Henri, Lucien and Georges, as well as from the vineyards of the Michelin star chef, Jean Crottet. By and large, Emmanuel has remained faithful to the techniques employed by Henri Jayer - namely an insistence on ultra low yields, a pre-fermentation cold maceration and the maturation of the wines in 100% new oak barrels. His wines are now very highly rated and keenly sought-after by connoisseurs worldwide.
Bin905’s offerings:
Rouget Aligoté 2006 $33
Rouget Passetoutgrain 2005 $33
Rouget Bourgogne rouge 2006 $52
Rouget Vosne Romanée 2004 $110
Rouget Vosne Romanée 1er Cru “Les Beaumonts” 2006 $202
Rouget Vosne Romanée 1er Cru “Cros Parentoux” 2006 $488
Rouget Echezeaux Grand Cru 2006 $250
Region: Burgundy
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2006 Copain
Copain Pinot Noir Monument Tree
$55
Yet another delicious BIn 905 exclusive, the Copain Monument Tree Pinot Noir hails from the region of Anderson Valley, California.
Wells Guthrie, winemaker at Copain, follows a minimilist style of winemaking letting the quality of the grapes sing through. This single vineyard Pinot, named for it’s landmark Redwood tree in the vineyard, is a perfect example showing an elegant, pure style with notes of fresh cherry, strawberry, herbs and spice. The Monument Tree Pinot strikes a beautiful balance between refreshing acidity and lifted fruit notes.
Region: Anderson Valley, California
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2007 Herb Lamb Vineyards
Herb Lamb Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc
$53.00
Only 10 cases of this hidden gem were made available for the entire Canadian market and Bin 905 got all 10 cases...not that we like to brag or anything.
The Herb Lamb Vineyards wines are very small production, artisan wines from the Napa Valley. The Lamb family purchased their small estate Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard in 1987 and the name became famous after Ann Colgin of the famed Colgin Vineyard started producing a very high scoring and highly acclaimed Colgin Herb Lamb Vineyard Cabernet.
This is only the third vintage of this exceptional Sauvignon Blanc produced from two different clones of Sauvignon Blanc as well as Sauvignon Musque (a close cousin of Sauv. Blanc).There were only 300 cases produced of this lively white which shows notes of flinty green apple, tropical fruit and a distinct mandarin orange note. Enjoy this on it’s own or with a nice chunk of grilled halibut.
This wine is exclusive to Bin 905.
Region: Napa Valley
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2004 Guigal
E. Guigal Cote Rotie
$425.00
Marcel Guigal, son of founder Etienne Guigal is almost single handedly responsible for re-vitilizing the area of Cote Rotie. We have just received a trio of Cote-Rotie’s from this famed estate which are considered by many to be the most sought after and collectible wines in the world. These three outstanding wines, La Turque, La Mouline and La Landonne are all from the 2004 vintage.
La Mouline is sourced from 1 hectare on the Cote Blonde and is generally considered to be the most elegant of the three including up to 11% Viognier.
La Turque is the most recent acquisition of the three parcels and is sourced from 1 hectare on the Cote Brune. This may well be the most sought after and famous of the three sites.
La Landonne is sourced from 2 hectares on the Cote Brune and is generally considered to be the most tannic and austere of the three wines in it’s youth, needing greater time to open up and show it’s true potential.
These wines receive an astonishing 42 months in new french oak and are capable of aging two decades or more.
Our offerings:
2004 Guigal Cote-Rotie La Mouline
Its dark plum/ruby color is accompanied by sweet aromas of licorice, charcoal, graphite, lychee nuts, and red and black fruits. This soft, round Cote Rotie can be drunk now or cellared for 12-15 years.
2004 Guigal Cote-Rotie La Turque
Shows an ample core of hoisin sauce, licorice, black currant preserve and espresso. There’s great length and lovely texture through the finish, which is filled with dark plum, cocoa and iron. Hold on to this beauty for a few years and will drink well for 20+
2004 Guigal Cote-Rotie La Landonne
A gorgeous nose of crushed plum and Turkish coffee gives way to a plush-textured palate of warm fig, mocha, fruitcake and mesquite. Still a touch taut, but pure on the finish, with fine-grained tannins and mouthwatering minerality. Robert Parker calls this a “Tour de Force” and it shows outstanding aging potential.
Region: Cote Rotie
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COMTES LAFON
From Cote d’Or and Macon
Domaine des Comtes Lafon is the leading producer in Meursault. “You have to have the courage to do nothing” once said Rene Lafon, the father of the current managing director, Dominic Lafon. In order to do this, Lafon has slowly converted all of the domain vineyards to organic, and then to biodynamic cultivation, this decision being taken to give the wines more energy, density, and purity.
Lafon purchased 10Ha of vines at Milly in the Maconnais in 1999. Because it has been over fertilized in the past, it will take few years before he can achieve the low yields and high quality he is sure the site can provide.
There is less red wine available, but they are first class as well!
BIN905 offering
Heritiers des Comtes Lafon Macon Mily Lamartine 2005 $51
Forward, flowers, hazelnuts, lively acidity and a bit of sweetness.
Heritiers des Comtes Lafon Macon-Chardonnay “Clos de la Crochette”2005 $51
Much tighter, nutter, more power and with slight bitter/nutty tinge.
Comtes Lafon Volnay 2002 $196
Reveals fresh red cherry aromas and a lovely, medium-bodied personality. Fleshy, intense, and with resiny cherry flavors, it displays admirable depth of fruit, a lush texture, and a long finish.
Comtes Lafon Volnay 2005 $196
With scents of lavender and fresh black cherry, this wine boasts refined tannins and lingering spices.
Region: Burgundy
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2005 Domaine Meo-Camuzet
Domaine Meo-Camuzet
Based out of the commune of Vosne-Romanee Meo-Camuzet produces wines with uncompromising attention to detail. These are wines that are elegant and expressive in their youth while also possesing outstanding aging potential.
In Burgundy it’s all about the land and Meo-Camuzet holds vineyards in some of the very best plots of the Cote-d’Or including vineyards in the Grand Cru’s of Richebourg, Clos de Vougeot and Corton. Many of these vineyards contain vines that are in excess of 60 years of age giving the Domaine plenty of concentrated, mature fruit to choose from.
The style of the house is all about balance, with wines that are exctracted and rich while maintaining amazing acidity and freshness.
New additions:
2008 Bourgogne Rouge $54
Although this wine carries only the greater “Bourgogne” designation it is a perfect example of what a great Burgundy should be.
2008 Fixin $68
Another great buy from a more obscure commune. This fixin is a treat for any serious Burgundy lover displaying roasted meats, spice and tart black cherry. Enjoy this outstanding wine with some Duck Breast and close friends.
2007/2008 Vosne-Romanee 1er Cru Les Chaumes $203
Lay this baby down for 5-10 and you will be greatly rewarded.
2007 Clos de Vougeot $285
The oldest vines from this famed Grand Cru were planted in the 1920’s. This is a wine of unreal depth and complexity that need 8-10 years of bottle age to reach its true potential.
Drop by Bin to see for yourself what all the hype is about!
Region: Burgundy
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VILMART
FIRST TIME IN ALBERTA!
Champagne Vilmart was founded by Desire Vilmart in 1872 in the village of Rilly in the Montagne de Reims. Since 1990, the estate is run by Laurent Champs, the fifth generation; he introduced the practice of new oak ageing for their top cuvees and brought champagne Vilmart to the attention of the international press. It’s in the heart of la Grande Montagne de Reims that Champagne Vilmart established its vineyards in 1890.
Today Vilmart own and organically work 11 hectares of prime Premier Cru in and around the village of Rilly. The vineyards are planted with 60% Chardonnay, 37% Pinot Noir and 3% Pinot Meunier. Dosage averages 8-12 g/l.
Bin 905 offering:
- Grande reserve Brut premier cru NV $64
Blend of 70% Pinot noir and 30% Chardonnay: rich, with toasty aromas of vanilla and red fruit, full bodied yet delicate, with a long, lively finish.
- Grand Cellier d’Or 2001 $88
Blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir: citrusy nose with some yeasts and tropical fruit. Creamy palate with loads of tropical fruit, green apples, baked dough, hazelnut and sweet honey.
- Coeur de Cuvee 2000 $140
Blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir: made from free run juice, from a selection of the oldest vines from the finest vineyards, fermented and aged in new oak barriques: sourdough bread, dried apricots and a hint of honeysuckle. Fine bubbles with a bright hint of lemon, grapefruit and flowers.
- Coeur de Cuvee 1993 $274 (in Magnum only)
same blend as in 2000.
Region: Champagne
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2007 DOMAINE JOBLOT
BARGAIN FROM COTE CHALONNAISE
Jean Marc Joblot is, like Jean Michel Deiss in Alsace or Claude Papin in the Loire, one of those winegrowers who you feel could easily hold down a professorship at the Sorbonne, so articulate are they in describing their work, so profound and broad-horizoned is their knowledge of their vineyard environment.
The Domaine Joblot, in the center of town, is the village’s leading source of Givry. The wines are quite oaky, but not excessively so. Joblot’s Clos de la Servoisine is surprisingly rich, profound and multidimensional. It does not lack class either
- Givry Pied de Chaume 2007 white $49
Displays a floral nose with notes of grapefruit and melon that serve as a pretty introduction to the rich, intense and moderately wooded texture, mineral-infused finish.
- Givry Pied de Chaume 2007 red $49
Displays an alluring nose of lightly-cooked plum, black raspberry, nutmeg and cinnamon.
This wine is very vibrant, fruity, and is built to last, despite its bargain price…
Region: BURGUNDY
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2005 ROULOT
CATCH ME IF YOU CAN
Run today by Jean-Marc Roulot, this is one of the most hallowed domaines in the region. Jean-Marc practices organic farming; in the cellar he uses 15% new oak, mainly from the Allier forest, which integrates seamlessly into the wines’ silken, perfectly harmonious structures.
The style here is just as we like it- pure, precise, energetic and mineral with incredible finesse and elegance. This estate is known for producing light, limpid, uncluttered wines in which fresh fruit and soil are very much to the fore.
BIN 905’s offerings:
- Auxey-Duresses Premier cru 2005 $75
Wild fruit, a lovely freshness and firm, though ripe tannins. Very pure, fine and elegant.
- Meursault les Tessons, Clos de mon plaisir 2005 $195
Genuinely complex, exuding notes of exotic spices and eastern promise. The extra weight and intensity is evident here, with a substantial sense of presence.
Region: BURGUNDY
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BEERS! BEERS! BEERS!
Augustijn Grand Cru
Augustijn Grand Cru is a ‘living’ abbey beer with 9 % alcohol by volume that had been brewed by the Augustinian fathers of Ghent since 1295. In 1982, the recipe and distribution of the beer was taken over by brewery Van Steenberge at which time the flavor was also adjusted.
Augustijn has a hoppy flavor with a malty background. It hides really well its 9 % alcohol content behind a pale body and dry finish.
Due to the fact that Augustijn, just like the other heavy Van Steenberge beers, undergoes secondary fermentation in the bottle or in the keg, the taste becomes more full-bodied and mature the longer the beer evolves.
The Grand Cru version is somewhat less well-known, but according to beer enthusiasts without a doubt the best and finest beer made by brewery Van Steenberge.
Region: BELGIUM
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2006 New vintage
TOR KENWARD’S WINES ROCK!
Tor Kenward and his winemaker, Jeff Ames, have produced some breakthrough efforts in 2005 and 2006. A longtime executive at Beringer as well as a meticulous wine connoisseur who knows great wine as well as anybody, Kenward is carving out a superb reputation for wine quality. His total production is just under 2,500 cases
ROCK wines pay homage to the wines to the Rhone Valley, and sure taste a lot alike…beautiful acidity, spicy nose and gamy aromas…hummm…delicious!
Bin905’s offering:
2006 Tor Kenward Rock Hudson vineyard Syrah $76
Exhibits notes of chocolate, espresso roast, grilled meats, black fruits, spice ground black pepper. It’s a dense, rich, loaded Syrah just the way we love it!
2006 Tor Kenward Judge family vineyard Syrah $66
Black pepper, roasted meats and charcoal smoke are found on the nose of this Syrah.
On the palate there is full weight with tremendous density and length across the entire palate. Along with the richness and density are the acids from the cool climate vineyard site. The best part is that we bought 2 out of the only 8 barrels produced!
2005 Tor Kenward Mast-Cimarossa Cabernet ($75)
It mixes the floral tones from Mast, which offers finesse, while Cimarossa gives rougher tannins with a fiery, spicy Howell Mountain character.
Huge perfume of toast and violets, cassis and plum, with high acidity. Bellissima!
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Region: Napa
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ELIAS MORA AND JOSE PARIENTE are...
THE TWO VICTORIAS
THE TWO VICTORIAS
Victoria Pariente(a chemist) and Victoria Benavides(an agriculturist) are behind an unusual project in the Rueda and Toro Denominations. They decided to set up a small winery in RUEDA, JOSE PARIENTE, producing one of Spain’s best white wine made from the local Verdejo variety, and named after the first Victoria’s father.
After their success in Rueda, they decided to make red wines within the TORO DO, under the Elias Mora label. This wine is based on a native variety, Tinta de Toro, and is a powerful, fleshy drink with good tannins and excellent fruitiness.
Come on down to our store and taste those shining stars:
$36 JOSE PARIENTE Barrel fermented Rueda 2006: Elaborated with 100% Verdejo variety, this wine recalls smoky, toasted and vanilla scents with well combined aromas of matured fruit and wood.
$26 ELIAS MORA VINAS 2007 made exclusively from Tinta de Toro, was aged for 6 months in American oak and bottled without filtration. It has an attractive nose of cedar, spice box, red berry fruit, violet and licorice.
$36 ELIAS MORA CRIANZA 2005 made exclusively from Tinta de Toro. Wine drinkers looking for oak, structure, and tannin should check out this dense black cherry tinged TORO wine, which spends 12 months in American and French oak. Highly scented with notes of oak, black cherry, black currant and graphite, this wine has enough tannin to evolve for 3-5 years.
Region: RUEDA AND TORO
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2007 Wittmann
New Releases
The wines from Weingut Wittmann are impeccably made with the virtues of each varietal being clearly and precisely expressed. The estate is farmed with biodynamic principles ushering the delicacies of the chalk dominated soils into the best sites, making Wittmann’s wines at once Chablis like and yet purely Rheingau. We are please to showcase a very round line up from the estate, offering a range from everyday Silvaner to very special occasion Rieslings....please enjoy.
By the by, Divino will be pouring the Gruner Silvaner by the glass while stocks last....which won’ be very long.....
2007 Wittmann Gruner Silvaner Trocken $23
2007 Wittmann Weisser Burgunder Trocken $25
2007 Wittmann Weisser Burgunder Trocken “S” $54
2007 Wittmann Riesling Trocken $24
2007 Wittmann Riesling Morstein Grosse Gewachs $66
Region: Rheinhessen
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Robert Weil
Riesling
Weingut Robert Weil was founded in 1875 amidst fortuitous circumstances. The founder, Dr. Robert Weil, was a professor of German at the Sorbonne but was forced to leave Paris because of the pending Franco-Prussian War (1870-71). His decision to work as a journalist in Wiesbaden, not far from the Rheingau, was doubtlessly influenced by the fact that his brother August was the minister and choir director of the parish church in Kiedrich. Dr. Weil purchased his first vineyards in Kiedrich, and he moved there in 1875. Dr. Robert Weil decided to expand his small vineyard holdings into a wine estate. A man of vision, he built up the estate by purchasing the property of two local wine estates and additional -vineyards from the Count of Fürstenberg. Today the estate is managed with the same spirit of enterprise by the fourth generation of the founding family.
Weil as a domaine is rich in texture offering the power of the Rheingau and the finesse of finely tuned Riesling. We are happy to offer the following wines from one of Germany’s most sought after estates.
2007 Robert Weil Riesling Trocken $30
2007 Robert Weil Riesling $30
2007 Robert Weil Riesling Kiedrich Grafenberg Kabinet Trocken $75
2005 Robert Weil Riesling Kiedrich Grafenberg Spatlese $75
Region: Rheingau
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2006 Comte Georges de Vogüé
2006 released
We have just received our latest release from the formidable Comte Georges de Vogüé. The 2006 vintage in Burgundy is a very open knit, sexy vintage with the reds offering supple structures with an ease about them that makes one think the wines may not shut down early in their lives. Lots of aromatics, sweet red fruits and soft overtones of minerals blend in seamlessly. We receive very little of these wines, so if you’re a fan, or just curious about the estate, speak up now or forever wonder why you don’t buy sexy things that make you feel good.
2006 Comte Georges de Vogüé Chambolle-Musigny $120
2006 Comte Georges de Vogüé Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru $197
2006 Comte Georges de Vogüé Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru $416
2006 Comte Georges de Vogüé Le Musigny Grand Cru $502
Region: Chambolle-Musigny, Burgundy
