Introducing the first delivery (in no particular order)...
| Label | Wine | Tasting notes | Opened |
 | Castellare di Castellina Chianti ITALY 2008 | LCBO.com tasting notes: A mainly sangiovese wine with small percentages of native Tuscan grapes such as canaiolo nero; aged in a combination of large oak and barriques Bright red. Highly perfumed nose of sour red cherry, violet and vanillin oak. Enters bright and juicy, offering hints of red cherry and cardamom along with an iron-like quality. Youthfully chewy but smooth tannins on the back. Score - 89. (Ian D'Agata, International Wine Cellar, July/Aug. 2010) | March 12 Chez Rochester North |
 | Volupte de Malbec Malbec FRANCE 2007 | LCBO.com tasting notes: The 2007 vintage was favourable across southern France, and Cahors enjoyed the benefits too. This Malbec tells its tale of sunny skies with an exceptionally plush, velvety texture and mouthfilling juiciness. Succulent flavours of black cherry, boysenberry and plum mingle with a myriad of spices, culminating in a nice long finish. Enjoy alongside pork roast or duck confit topped with berry compote. (VINTAGES panel, April 2010) | -- |
 | Cathedral Cellar Triptych SOUTH AFRICA 2007 | LCBO.com tasting notes: Imposing, brooding 07 perfumed & fine. Choc, mint, plum & cassis flavours supported by powerful but silky tannins. 61% cabernet with shiraz, petit verdot, cabernet franc. 2 yrs [ageing] in new oak evident, but already knitting well mid-2009. Score - 4 1/2 Stars (out of 5). (Roland Peens, Platter's South African Wine Guide, 2010) | -- |
 | Oyster Bay Merlot NEW ZEALAND 2009 | LCBO.com tasting notes: The Hawkes Bay region on New Zealand's North Island is best known for producing red wines, particularly with classic Bordeaux varieties. The moderate maritime climate, sunny skies and gravelly soils are perfect for growing deeply delicious Merlot like this one. This well-structured wine offers rich fruit flavours with hints of spice. Enjoy with grilled steaks or gourmet sausages. | -- |
 | Ravens Wood Vintners Blend Zynfandel CALIFORNIA 2008 | LCBO.com tasting notes: Ravenswood recognized early on that Zinfandel was an exceptional grape variety for fine wine production. With seductive aromas of spice, black raspberry, and mocha, their Vintners Blend Zin is ready for any occasion. Soft and round with lots of fruit and cocoa flavour, it's terrific with spicy jerk pork, or barbecued beef ribs basted in a homemade sauce. | April 28 QQ West(minster Abbey) |
 | Fat Bastard Merlot FRANCE 2009 | LCBO.com tasting notes: Medium garnet colour; plums, fresh herbs and toasty oak notes on the nose; dry, medium-bodied with a soft plum palate, tight tannins in a medium finish with a touch of spice. Great for sipping or with pot roast. | -- |
 | Open Riesling-Gewurztraminer, NIAGARA PENINSULA YEAR | LCBO.com tasting notes: Clear, pale straw colour; floral, peach and hints of lychee; off-dry fruit flavours with crisp citrus finish. Serve with lightly spiced thai salad. | March 30 QQW |
 | Cloudy Bay Savignon Blanc NEW ZEALAND 2009 | LCBO.com tasting notes: Forget all about typecasting Marlborough sauvignon blanc; this wine, like Greywacke, has outstanding structure, balance, line and length; the variety is almost irrelevant, for this is terroir speaking through the long-practised mouthpiece of the Cloudy Bay winemaking team. Score - 95. (James Halliday, www.winecompanion.com.au, Feb. 14, 2010) | -- |
 | Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio ITALY 2009 | LCBO.com tasting notes: Not only is this our #1 selling wine, it was also voted the most popular Pinot Grigio in Wine & Spirits' 20th Annual Restaurant Poll (April 2009). It sports aromas of fresh green apple, lime and peach that replay beautifully on the palate and cleansing finish. Excellent as an aperitif, or serve it with antipasti. | -- |
 | Christian Moueix Merlot Bordeaux FRANCE 2005 | LCBO tasting notes: No one knows Merlot better than Christian Moueix, owner of the world famous (and Merlot-based) Château Pétrus. Year after year, the Moueix Merlot defines the grape. It's medium bodied with flavours of sour plum and blackberry, and notes of cedar and earth. The fruit is focused and firm, with bright acidity and a medium-long finish. It's pure magic with veal medallions and sautéed mushrooms, or baked pasta. | -- |
 | Ruffino Chianti ITALY 2009 | LCBO.com tasting notes: Purple/red colour; red berry and cherry; spicy medium body, fruit & touch of pepper in flavour round tannin for gently firm finish. Serve with pasta and meat balls with favorite sauce. | -- |
 | Montirius Vacqueyras Garrigues FRANCE 2009 | LCBO.com tasting notes: The 2009 Vacqueyras Les Garrigues (70% Grenache and 30% Syrah) exhibits notes of roasted meats, beef blood, crushed Provencal herbs, lavender, black cherries and black currants. Medium to full-bodied with silky tannins and a plump, succulent mouthfeel, it is a delicious Vacqueyras for drinking over the next 5-7 years. Score - 87-90. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2010) | -- |
We'll see how long this first batch lasts! Any recommendations for food (or event) pairings are welcome.
