WHITE WINES
Chardonnay Pick
2011 Vignerons de Buxy Buissonnier Montagny, Burgundy France $19.95 #382879
I’m a huge fan of white Burgundy and to find one for under $20 is amazing! Montagny is located subregion of Côte Chalonnaise in the southern end of the region. Look for notes of citrus and apple with a hint of spice. Pair with chicken, fish or white pizza.

Calling all Oysters
2013 Chateau de la Bretesche Muscadet Sevre et Maine Sur Lie, Loire Valley, France $12.95 #412163
Let’s break this down…the grape here is Melon de Bourgogne and “sur lie” means that wine is aged on its lees (sediment) to give the wine some yeast characteristics and complexity. Don’t be afraid if it has a little bit of spritz too. Pair with Oysters, crab or shrimp or with Asian cuisine.

Pinot Grigio Pick
2013 Gradis’Ciutta Pinot Grigio, Friuli, Italy $19.95 #404376
I’m a huge fan of Pinot Gris/Grigio but ones that have great fruit, complexity and depth. This one has all three all put together in a funky bottle with a neon green top. With the warmer springs temps that have finally seemed to arrive in Ontario, you’ll find me on my back patio with a glass of this wine in my hand.

Hola Rose!
2014 Muga Rose, Rioja, Spain $13.95 #603795
Nothing says spring in a glass like Rose! This dry rose is great to drink on it’s own or pair with a variety of salads, chicken dishes or grilled salmon. Excellent price point!

RED WINES

Money is no object
My choice is an obvious one with the 2011 Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Paulliac Bordeaux $955.85 #301036. Most of the First Growth Bordeaux’s are sold en Primeur (where you buy while it is still in barrel and you usually have a minimum bottle order) so it’s great to see Vintages bringing in a few bottles for those of us that have a some extra cash saved up…haha! This is definitely a collectors wine and I do not recommend opening for 10yrs plus. Pairs with milestone anniversary and 40th, 50th or 65th birthdays!

Spanish Pick
2010 Condado De Haza Crianza DO, Ribera del Duero, Spain $24.95 #963348
A really easy drinking wine from Ribera del Duero that is 100% Tempranillo. It’s chalked full of ripe black fruit and vanilla spice. Pair with peppercorn steak or BBQ ribs.

Italian Pick
2009 Antinori Badia A Passignano Gran Selezione Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy $44.95 #384552
One of my favourite Chianti Classico’s that delivers black fruits, anise and firm tannins. Great with veal, lamb or grilled rib-eye.

Calling all Caymus Fans!
2012 Caymus “40th Anniversary” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, USA $68.95 #222877
Customers will be lining up to get their hands on a bottle of this big, bold and ripe Cabernet from a great vintage. Special label done in honour of their 40th Anniversary. Make sure to get yours before it’s gone!

Tuesday Night Special
2013 Brigaldara Valpolicella, Veneto, Italy $14.95 #917864
I’m a huge fan of juicy, fruity Valpolicella and this one gives you bang for your buck! This one is a little fuller bodied that some other Valpolicella’s that I’ve tasted but will pair well with pizza, pasta and some Italian sausage!

Bordeaux Pick under $20
2011 Chateau Argadens, Bordeaux Superieur, France $17.95 #681643
This is a great introduction to Bordeaux wines where you won’t be breaking the bank. Pair with steak, lamb or have some fun and pair with burgers!

White Wine

Perfect Easter White
2013 Gehringer Brothers Private Reserve Pinot Gris, Okanagan Valley, BC #347203 $18.95
A lively Pinot Gris from the Okanagan Valley that would pair nicely with ham, turkey or chicken dishes.

Good Value
2013 Montressor Soave Classico, Veneto, Italy #408302 $13.95
The perfect wine to keep in your fridge and enjoy after a busy day at work! Also a must try for Pinot Grigio lovers. Pair with chicken mango salad or a pizza.

A tale of two Cali Chardonnays…
2013 Freemark Abbey Chardonnay, Napa Valley, California #361949 $27.95
This is Chardonnay is the perfect balance of oak and fruit! Enjoy with panko-crusted salmon.

2013 La Crema Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, California #067231 $39.95
Looking for Chardonnay that has beautiful hints of stone fruit and mineral and very little oak…than this would be the perfect wine for you. Great with lobster and crab.

Red Wine

Crowd Pleaser
2012 Columbia Crest Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, Washington #240093 $17.95
A great value wine from Washington State that is has lovely black fruits and smooth tannins. Drink on it’s own or pair with rigatoni in a red sauce with italian sausage!

Tuesday Night Special
2009 Quinta do Portal Frontaria, Douro, Portugal #324533 $13.95
Look no further than Portugal for affordable reds. This wine would make a great “house red” and would be perfect wine for a big house party!

Bordeaux Pick
2010 Chateau Haut-Selve Reserve, Graves, France #235424 $27.95
This is a really wonderful Bordeaux that will age gracefully. Bring it out in 2025 and you will be rewarded greatly! If you must drink it now, then double decant 4 hours prior to enjoying. Nice to see a Bordeaux of this caliber under $30.

Italian Picks
2009 Collosorbo Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy #408492 $52.95
This is a Brunello to put away for a few years if you can. Very full bodied and would need to be decanted for several hours.

2008 Fuligni Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy #245225 $49.95
A more approachable Brunello than the Collosorbo but slightly lighter in body. Still excellent and will not disappoint. Pair with veal, lamb or rib-eye steak.

Zin-tastic
2013 Seghesio Zinfandel, Sonoma County, California #942151 $31.95
Recently had the opportunity to pour this at wine tasting party and it was well received by the group. Look for red berries, spice on the nose and finish. Great wine with burgers, grilled meats or your favourite movie.

Great Value Pinot Noir
2013 De Bortoli Gulf Station Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley, Victoria #015511 $19.95
This was my go to Pinot last year! Lovely notes of strawberry and cherry combined with mouthwatering acidity. Paired this Pinot many times with cedar plank salmon. Nice to see a delicious Pinot Noir under $20.

For the Wine Geek: 2010 Schloss Schonborn Hattenheimer Pfaffenberg Riesling Kabinett, Rheingau, Germany $18.95
Wine geeks love Riesling and this one from the Rheingau is exceptional.

For the Flirty Gal: Santa Margherita Brut Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore, Italy $17.95
A dry Prosecco that pairs well with oysters or stone crab or just as delicious on its own.

For the Young Professional: 2009 Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington State $19.95
This easy to drink now Cabernet will impress your friends and introduce them to the great wines of Washington State!

For your lover/significant other:
Guy – 1792 Ridgemount Reserve Barrel Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon, USA $49.95
What guy wouldn’t love a bottle of yummy Bourbon!

Girl – Tarlant Rose Brut Champagne $49.95
Most women love Rose and this one has the right amount of fruit and spice.

To pair with the Turkey: 2011 Jacques Depagneux Cote du Py Morgon, Beaujolais, France $18.95
This is no ordinary Beaujolais and would pair delightfully with your holiday dinner…bring on the cranberries!

To pair with the Roast Beef: 2009 Domaine De Vieux Lazaret, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhone, France – $34.95.
Decant this amazing Chateauneuf-du-Pape an hour before dinner and the black fruit and spice will be jumping out of your glass

To pair with the cheese: 2007 Offley Late Bottled Vintage Port, Portugal $19.95
Port and cheese is a match made in heaven!

Fireside Drinking/Party pleasers: – 2010 Famiglia Bianchi Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina $15.95
This crowd pleasing Malbec will be a hit at the ski chalet or just sitting back and watching the snow fall this winter.

Happy Holidays!

White Wine

Ontario Pick

Located on page 30 is the 2011 2027 Falls Vineyard Riesling from Vinemount Ridge in Niagara. If you are looking for notes of lime, white grapefruit and lovely minerality then this is your wine. Very dry finish no residual sugar here! A great wine on it’s own or to pair with appitizers. Price is $18.95 and I give it 9.5 points.

Chablis/Chardonnay Pick

Check it out on page 41 which is the 2010 Domaine Séguinot-Bordet Chablis from France. To find a Chablis under $20 is tough and this one really delivers. Nice citrus notes along with some tree fruits but lead to a mineral rich driven finish. Only $19.95 and it gets 9.5 points.

Sauvignon Blanc Selection

On page 42 is the 2011 Roland Tissier & Fils Sancerre. If you love a wine that is very herbaceous then this wine is for you. Loads of fresh dill and grass on the nose; fresh and clean on the palate. Very classic Sancerre Sauvignon Blanc and would be great with white fish. Great price at $20.95 and I give the wine 9.5 points

Sushi Night

Look no further then then the 2011 Pfaffenheim Cuvée Rabelais Pinot Gris on page 41. This lovely Alsatian wine is off dry in style with notes of ginger, pear and apple on the nose and finish. I really enjoyed the lingering, spicy finish. Price is $19.95 and the wine gets 9 points.

Red Wine

Burger Night Wine

On page 32 is the 2010 Featherstone Cabernet Franc from Niagara. I was really blown away this wine, it is just spectacular. Look for red cherry and black currents, spice and a hint of pepper on the nose. Tannins were well balanced with some grip. Amazing value at $16.95 and it gets 9 points.

Crowd Pleaser/Tuesday Night Special

I’m going out on limb here and picking something old world. It is on page 42 and it is the 2009 Château Haut Chatain from Bordeaux, France. This wine has a beautiful Bordeaux like nose complete with red currents, pencil shavings, dark chocolate and tobacco leaf. It is truly outstanding and would be delicious with steak. Decant tonight or age another 3 – 5 years. Amazing at $16.95 and it gets 9.5 points.

Cellar Pick

This week I’m going with a Pinot Noir. On page 36 is the 2008 Cristom Sommers Reserve from the Willamette Valley, Oregon. Having just gotten back from Oregon, perhaps I’m being slightly biased here but this wine really had the “wow” factor. Notes of black cherry and anise are intertwined with cedar and mushroom. Tannins are still nice and firm which tell you this wine can age at least another 10 years. Great structure. Price is $44.95 and it gets 9.5 points.

Big and Bold

This pick is on page 44 and it is the 2009 La Font Des Grières Gigondas from Southern Rhone. Look for red fruits, dark chocolate and pepper but it’s the big finish that will keep you coming back. Bring on the Bison Rib-Eye. I give this wine a solid 9 points and the price is $19.95.

Shiraz Pick

Is on Page 30 which is the 2009 Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shriaz from South Australia. Look for red fruits, spice and some sun-dried tomato that leads to a dry lingering finish. It’s great to see this style of Shiraz from South Australia coming back. It is priced at $34.95 and I give the wine 9 points. Decant tonight or cellar for another 5 years.

Usual Suspects

This week’s usual suspect is on page 34 and it’s the 2009 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley. Yes, it’s load with black fruits, vanilla, mocha but the tannins are quite irresistible. Yes, it is that good! I think it’s only going to get better in 3 – 4 years time if you can hold on to it that long. I give the wine 9.2 points and the price is $79.95. Great news – half bottle price is $45.95!

Italian Pick

On page 47 is my Italian Pick which is the 2007 Ruffino Ducale Oro Chianti Classico Reserva from Tuscany. This wine can be enjoyed tonight or cellared. Lots going on here – cedar, spice, anise, black cherry. Well integrated tannins that are starting to soften and a finish that really lingers on the palate. Yummy with game meats. Price is $43.95 and I score this wine 9.5 points!

For after dinner

If you’ve always wanted to try grappa, I highly recommend the Sibona Liquore Alla Camomilla in Grappa Finissima from Italy on page 28. The camomile really shines through in this liqueur as well some notes of dried peach and apricot, hazelnuts and spice. Serve chilled and enjoy on it’s own. A nice introduction to Grappa. $35.95 and I give this liqueur 9 points.

Till the next release on September 30…

Unfortunately this month I did not have the opportunity to taste all the wines I’m going to recommend to you today, however, some of the wines I have tasted in the restaurants where I work and with others I have had previous vintages and can give you my Sommelier guarantee that this vintage will be equally as delicious.

White Wine

Chardonnay Pick

Located on page 31 is the 2009 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Karia from Napa Valley. Look for citrus, apple and honey on the nose and finish. Oak is well integrated and not to heavy. Great with Easter Sunday dinner. Price is $37.95 and I give it 8.5 points.

Easter Brunch Pick

Check it out on page 23 which is the 2011 Featherstone Black Sheep Riesling from Niagara. You won’t be considered the “black sheep” of the family when you show up with this mouthwatering, juicy, off-dry Riesling that shows notes of pear and apple. Beautiful minerality on the finish. Great value at $16.95 and it gets 9 points.

Cheap and Cheerful

If you love Pinot Grigio then you must try the 2010 Velenosi Villa Angela Pecorino from the La Marche region in Italy. This lovely Pecorino shows notes of stone fruits and spice that leads to a dry finish. Enjoy with shellfish or great on its own. Price is $13.95 and I give it 8.5 points.

Rose Pick

With the weather warming up why not have a Rose this Easter. If you do, pick the 2011 Tawse Sketches of Niagara Rose. Look for strawberry and cranberry on the nose and finish. A great match ham or turkey. Price is $15.95 and it gets 8.5 points.

Red Wine

Usual Suspects

Head to page 18 (and to your local store VERY early) for the 2009 Two Hands Bella’s Garden Shiraz from the Barossa Valley, S. Australia. The Two Hands wines always do well here in Ontario and this one is no exception. Look for black plum, pepper and baking spices with smooth tannins. Drink now or age for another 3 – 4 years. I give it 9 points and the price is 64.95. Great with a nice juicy steak or just on its own.

Pinot Pick/Crowd Pleaser

Is on page 13 and it is the 2009 A to Z Pinot Noir, from Oregon. I’ve been serving this wine for guests for many years and it always gets a two thumbs up. It is a lighter bodied Pinot that has nice red fruits such as strawberry and tart cherries with a nice earthy finish. Enjoy on its own or with Black Grouper. Can age another 3 years max. I give this wine 8.5 points and the price is $23.95.

Steak Night

On page 34 is the 2010 Achaval Ferrer Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina. Look for red and black fruits, violets, spice and dark chocolate on the nose and finish. Tannins were nicely integrated on the long, lingering finish. Enjoy tonight or cellar for another 5 – 8 years. Price is $23.95 and it gets 8.5 points.

Tuesday Night Special

Page 44 is the 2010 Velenosi Querci’Antica Lacrima di Morro D’Alba from the Le Marche region in Italy. Located just east of Tuscany this wine is made from Lacrima grapes from the commune of Morro D’Alba. Look for blueberry, spice and floral notes on the nose with soft tannins and well balanced acidity on the finish. A drink now wine. Would pair great with pasta in a meat sauce or pan fried turbot. Outstanding value at $13.95 and it gets 8 points.

Great value Bordeaux Pick

Is on page 40, the 2004 Chateau Larrivet Haut-Brion from the Pessac-Leognan region in Bordeaux. It’s great to find a drink now Bordeaux and this wine is very well made. Look for red currents, dark chocolate, baking spices and tobacco leaf. Big tannins on the finish that need a nice marbeled piece of red meat. Remember to decant for a good 30 min or age another 5 years. Price is $48.95 and it gets 9 points.

Cellar Pick

On page 45 is the 2007 Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva from Tuscany. This wine can age so don’t be afraid to lay this wine down for another 5 – 10 years if you can. When it’s ready it will have notes of beautiful dried cherries, casis and cedar. This wine truly is your classic Chianti! Price is $29.95 and it gets 9.5 points.

Crowd Pleaser

Head to page 47 for something Sexy which is the 2010 Fita Preta Sexy Tinto from Portugal. An easy drinking red from Portugal that delivers up red fruits and hint of spice. Look for soft tannins and vibrant acidity on the finish. Great food wine. Price is only $17.95 and it gets 8.5 points.

Wine and Cheese Pick

Another great Amarone pick for you and it is also at a great price point is on page 46. The wine is the 2006 Antolini Moropio Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico from Veneto, Italy. I have been a big fan of Antolini wines for years and this Amarone would be great with dinner or with cheese. Full bodied with dried fruit and spice. The price is only $34.95 and I give it 8.5 points.

Happy Easter and Till the next release on April 13…

Sparkling

Sunday Brunch

Let’s head to page 31 to have a look at the Graham Beck Brut Sparkling Wine from South Africa. This delightful wine is copper gold in colour with notes of bread dough and passion fruit on the nose. Creamy and fruity on the palate that leads to a dry finish. A blend of Pinot Noir (54%) and Chardonnay (46%) Great length. Price is $18.95 and I give it 9 points.

White Wine

Chardonnay Pick

Located on page 41 is the 2009 Domaine Chanson Savigny-Les-Beaune Hauts Maconnets 1er Cru from Burgundy, France. Look for flint, smoke, matchstick and apple on the nose. The oak is well integrated into the long, creamy finish. Would be delicious with chicken, pork or fish. Very impressive. Price is $32.95 and I give it 9 points.

Interesting Pick

Check it out on page 44, the 2010 Elio Filippino Arneis from Piedmont, Italy. This 100% Arneis wine is quite dry with notes of white grapefruit, pear and apple and a hint of jasmine. Enjoy with seafood, shellfish or on it’s own while making dinner. Great value at $15.95 and it gets 9 points.

Funky Pick

If you love Riesling then you must try the 2010 Burgerspital Trocken Silvaner from Franken, Germany on page 44. A dry wine that shows beautiful notes of green apple, floral and fresh minerality on the nose and palate. Finish was quite elegant and lingering. Enjoy with pan-seared tuna on a bed of arugula. Price is $16.95 and I give it 8.5 points.

Red Wine

Crowd Pleaser / Usual Suspects

Head to page 36 (and to your local store VERY early) for the 2009 Columbia Crest H3 Cabernet Sauvignon from Horse Heaven Hills, Washington. Wines from Washington state are really coming into their own and are still great value. This is well made, drink now wine has notes of black current, vanilla, dark chocolate on the nose and finish. I give it 9 points and the price is 19.95. Great with any grilled red meats or just on its own.

Pinot Pick

Is on page 36 and it is the 2008 Amity Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir, from Willamette Valley, Oregon. I visited this winery in the summer of 2009 and had the opportunity to taste this wine in barrel with head winemaker, Darcy Pendergrass and was blown away with ripe red berry fruits and subtle earthiness on the nose and finish. 2008 was a great vintage for Oregon Pinot Noir’s and this one is no exception. Has the power to age for another 5+ years or let breath for an hour and enjoy with cedar-plank salmon. I give this wine 9.5 points and the price is $44.95.

Lamb Night

On page 39 is the 2009 St. Hallet Blackwell Shiraz from the Barossa Valley, Australia. Look for black fruits, pepper, mocha and dark chocolate on the nose and finish. Finish was very well balanced and the tannins were nicely integrated. Enjoy tonight or cellar for a few more years. Price is $29.95 and it gets 8.5 points.

Old World Pick

On page 45 is the 2007 Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva from Tuscany, Italy. Made mostly with Sangiovese grapes there is a drop of Cabernet Sauvignon in this wine which adds a whole new complexity to this wine. Loved the lingering finish of ripe cherry and spice. Can be drank now with an hour (or two) of decanting or can age 5 – 7 more years in bottle. A great steak night wine that sells for a reasonable $29.95 and it gets 9 points.

The “WOW” Factor

Look on page 13 for the 2001 Baron De Ley Gran Reserva from Rioja, Spain. This wine is predominately Tempranillo and was aged in both American and French Oak for 30 months. Very elegant wine that shows notes of smoked meat and bacon with dark fruits that leads you to a long, lingering finish. Perfect with steak or venison. Could age nicely in cellar for another 5 – 7 years. Only $29.95 and it gets 9.5 points.

Tuesday Night Special

Page 17 is the 2009 Olivares Altos De La Hoya Monastrell from Jumilla, Spain. Made from 90% Monastrell old vines and hint of Garnacha (Grenache). Look for blueberry, brambleberry on the nose with soft tannins and well balanced acidity on the finish. A drink now wine. Would pair great with tacos to spanish tapas. Outstanding value at $13.95 and it gets 8 points.

Cellar Pick

On page 43 is the 2009 Chateau Beaucastel Chateauneuf Du Pape from Southern Rhone, France. This wine has great structure and complexity, look for dark fruits, smoke, and spice on the nose and finish. Due to the warm vintage of 2009, this wine is drinkable now with decanting or see if you can wait another 15 – 20 years and see this wine evolve. Price is $89.95 and it is a solid 9.5 points.

Dessert Wine

Everyone should taste a Sauternes in their lifetime, and on page 41 is the 2005 Le Dauphin De Guiraud (2nd wine of Ch. Guiraud). This amazing sauternes has notes of toffee, honey, peach and a hint of caramel on the nose. Mouthwatering acidity on the finish has you coming back for more. Great with Foie Gras or with a cheese course. Sweet price point at $24.95 and I give it 9.5 points.

Till the next release on March 30…

From my perspective as a professional Sommelier, here are a few things you should know to evaluate a restaurant’s wine service.

1. Is there a Sommelier in the house? If so, did they come over to your table, recommended a wine, chat with you about wine and then open the bottle for you?

2. Were you given proper glassware? For example, if you ordered a Pinot Noir, was it served in the proper Burgundy glass or if you ordered a high end Cabernet Sauvignon, did you have large, Bordeaux style glasses? There is nothing worse than ordering a beautiful Cabernet and having it poured into a tiny wine glass.

3. Was the glassware clean and odour-free? Was it free of fingerprints and any residual detergent on the bowl of the glass as well as the base? Always smell the inside of your glass before your server pours your wine into it. If it smells musty, chances are the cloth used to clean the inside of your glass was used long past its prime. Ask for a new one.

4. Was your wine decanted? For me as a Sommelier, an essential part of service is to decant every bottle of red wine (sometimes white), giving a young wine some much need air to open up, but more importantly, chat to my guests about the wine, learn about their wine experiences and be able to share my wine knowledge.

5. A good restaurant will not question you if you say a wine is corked or faulted. They will simply bring you another bottle. I once had a guest order a $500 bottle of Burgundy that was faulted and replaced it without hesitation. Yes, it hurts the restaurant’s bottom line, but it’s not right that a guest drinks a bottle of faulted wine, whether it costs $20 or $2,000.

If your wine service hits these marks, then you’re getting precisely what you’re paying for. Sommeliers, proper glassware, decanters, training, etcetera, are things things that cost real money and should be considered in the price of wine.

What do you do if your favourite restaurant isn’t following these simple steps? You can always ask to bring your own wine (perhaps your own glassware, too) and pay the restaurant’s corkage fee. Otherwise, a restaurant can consult with a professional sommelier to learn more about wine service.

The hotel is in a great location in downtown Seattle with Pacific Place Mall a block away.  Great restaurants such as Palace Kitchen,  cool wine bars, Top Pot Doughnuts and especially for the ladies check out Swink Style Bar located directly across the street.

Everything you would expect at a first class hotel, great service, hospitality and room that gave me a great reason to get back to Seattle and the Hotel Max, tout suite!

The Sommelier had a request for a bottle of  2007 Gruner Veltliner and brought it over to the table.  He presented the bottle to the guest and then poured a taste.  The guest then told him that it need some “air” because he thought it was still a bit tight.  The Sommelier suggested decanting into one of their beautiful white wine decanters, which he declined.  Then he suggested pouring a few ounces in each guest’s glass because he knew it would also open up quickly that way. 

But that was not a reasonable solution for this guest and he told the Sommelier to put the screw cap back on and pass him the bottle.  As soon as he handed it to him, he immediately stood up and shook that bottle like there was no tomorrow.  The other guests were simply looking on like this was a normal scene in their world.  When he was done, he said, “It’s ready now,” and handed the Sommelier the bottle to pour out to all the guests. 

Then the Sommelier went into the kitchen and burst out laughing…