The 6th release in Truth Malters Lunar Zodiac series: The Year of the Snake, is a cask of Kavalan Solist Fino Sherry Malt Whisky. Drawn from Cask #001, this is Kavalan’s first-ever Fino sherry private cask, and it is 11 years old!

Who is afraid of warm years? Hardly the Port elite. Aromas of tropical woods, black cherry and Assam pepper, allspice, poivre long. Short softness, firm acidity, then a gripping, dry but ripe tannin. With air contact, the port becomes increasingly floral and slate-spicy. (A bottle of this port was also the first Port in Space!)

In 2021, the vines of Cos d’Estournel Blanc yielded a graceful wine that is rich and finely structured, thanks in part to their ongoing ability to delve deeper in the estate’s soils but also thanks to the breezes of the nearby Gironde Estuary and the ongoing efforts of the estate’s teams. The Sauvignon Blanc grapes are concentrated but balanced by the natural vivacity of their terroir, while the Sémillon —whose distinct mineral character derives from the limestone in the vineyard’s soils– are once again used in a larger proportion in the final blend. Extremely complex, Cos d’Estournel Blanc 2021 is a magnificent, harmonious expression of white peach, rose, bergamot, lemon, and flint. Remarkable energy accompanies a rich, precise palette of aromas, resulting in an accomplished, fascinating wine with great cellaring potential.

Fuenteseca Tequila presents the mastery of agave cultivation and tequila distillation using agave cultivated in various soil types, distilled in assorted still types, and rested in an array of vessels, be they of stainless steel or a collection of wooden casks from around the world… harmonizing to create incomparable spirits in a series of limited bottlings.

62% of this expression’s tequila was column-distilled, then aged in European barrels that were previously used to age wine. 38% of the tequila in this lot was distilled in an Alembic pot still, then aged in French Oak barrels. The result is a smooth, rich, and complex flavour profile.

In 1854, Hiram Walker, an American entrepreneur with interests in the flour and grain industry, ventured into whisky production in Detroit. At the time, many grain merchants and millers dabbled in whisky production as a means of utilizing surplus grain and milling by-products. However, with Michigan's burgeoning temperance movement threatening prohibition, Walker relocated his distillery across the Detroit River to Windsor, Ontario in 1858. To differentiate his Canadian-produced whisky from American counterparts and to denote its higher quality, Walker branded his product "Canadian Club." This whisky boasts a nose redolent of vanillans, with subtle notes of crystallized sugar and fresh fruit. On the palate, it reveals a rich complexity, showcasing stone fruits like plum and dried apricot, with oak undertones that are well-balanced despite its aging. The finish is long and harmonious, making it a standout whisky.

One of the original producers that grows Trebbiano Abruzzese, one of the few quality grapes of the Trebbiano group. There is not much of this exported and even fewer bottles of the Montepulciano. Francesco Valentini and his son are the only humans allowed in the cellar as Francesco never wants to introduce foreign microbes or yeasts to interfere with the ageing of the wine. These are some of the most ageable white wines in the world and in fact, could be considered “unicorns” as they are hard to find here in Canada.  Truly collectible.

Trebbiano d'Abruzzo 2019 stands out as an exceptional fine wine, boasting an intense golden yellow hue. Its complex and captivating aroma offers elegant floral tones of white flowers, intertwined with notes of ripe white pulp fruit, officinal herbs, and subtle hints of vanilla, coffee, and minerals. On the palate, it dazzles with a harmonious blend of pulp, freshness, and flavor, delivering an enveloping experience with remarkable length. This rare wine leaves a lasting impression, destined for a prolonged life of enjoyment and appreciation.

This Port from mixed varietal vineyards has aged for decades in the Douro Superior. The intriguing green-glinted amber colour and the complex range of flavours both intense and delicate culminate in a long and satisfying finish. The perfect metaphor for the lives and events you want to celebrate with a glass of this Port.

Maison Louis Jadot is one of the most trusted and revered wine houses in Burgundy’s Côte d’Or. Frédéric Barnier, Jadot’s esteemed winemaker, and his team balance tradition and technology, focusing on the purest expression of each wine’s terroir.  Founded in 1859, the house now owns 528 acres of vineyards, including 280 acres of the Cote d’Or’s most prestigious Premier and Grand Cru plots.

Fen Chiew 30 Year Limited is a premium, aged Chinese baijiu (light aroma) from Shanxi province, matured for 30 years in clay pots. It is characterized by a 53% ABV (or 48% depending on market), a 850ml bottle, and complex tasting notes of plum, almond, soy sauce, and delicate floral hints with a smooth, lingering finish.

Winemaker and owner Chris Phelps has an impressive pedigree: training at the infamous Chateau Petrus of Bordeaux's right bankc and then 12 years at Dominus in Napa Valley, owned by Jean-Pierre Moueix of Chateau des Laurets. Phelps's winemaking experiences in both Napa and Bordeaux led him to create what he calls "New World wines with an Old World sensibility". Phelps has been producing Ad Vivum since 2007. Grapes for the wines are sourced from the Sleeping Lady Vineyard in Yountville, CA. This 100% Cabernet is dense with aromas of cassis, violets and spicy oak with a rich, full body, silky tannins and a well-balanced exceptionally long finish. This wine will surely age for 20 years or more.

A field of violets in the background. Very fine spices, among which clove and freshly ground black pepper stand out. Subtle notes of cocoa and liquorice. An aromatic harmony that defines the great Cirsion.

Rich and dramatic, the 2019 Valandraud bursts with aromas of berry fruit, plums and licorice, framed by a lavish but far from exaggerated application of creamy new oak. Full-bodied, fleshy and sensual, it's broad and enveloping, its lavish core of fruit framed by ripe, polished tannins and succulent balancing acids.

Contention as one of the top vintages produced here, the wine is strong on its floral characteristics. Once past the opening bouquet of white flowers and dried roses, you find plums, black cherries, black raspberries, mint and cigar wrapper nuances. The palate provides a lush, opulent, vibrant, energetic backdrop for its wealth of deep red fruits and oceanic influences. The finish has a touch of salty chalk that adds complexity to its wealth of silky, ripe, red fruits.

The 2020 Pichon-Longueville Baron is a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon and 24% Merlot aging for an estimated 18 months in French oak barrels, 70% new. The production of the grand vin represents 48% of the harvest this year. Opaque purple-black in colour, it comes bounding out of the glass with exuberant notions of blackberry pie, preserved plums and crème de cassis, plus suggestions of Chinese five spice, chocolate mint, graphite and cedar chest with a touch of violets. The medium-bodied palate is built like a brick house, featuring firm, ripe, grainy tannins and bold freshness to support the taut, muscular black fruits, finishing long and spicy.

from the famed Valdicava winery, this single vineyard wine is only produced in the most excellent vintages. 2007 was a stellar year with perfect conditions for ripening of the Sangiovese grape. Beautifully knit together, this wine has deep, concentrated notes of blueberries and blackberries, leather, and tobacco. Deeply textured, yet with smooth tannins, and layers and layers of flavour. This will undoubtedly just get better in the bottle. If drinking now, decant or hold until 2030-2035.

Inchgower distillery is located in the village of Buckie on the Moray Firth coast and is known for producing a full-bodied and robust style of whisky. The distillery uses locally-sourced water from the nearby Burn of Inchgower to produce its whiskies.
In general, single malt whiskies from the Inchgower distillery are known for their rich and complex flavor profile, with notes of dried fruits, honey, and a hint of smoke.

Nose: Creamy, aromatic nose with hints of hay, malted barley, oak and mixed peels. Palate: Soft smoke and gingerbread, oodles of toasty spices, Demerara sugar and boiled sweets.

The Les Rugiens vineyard is one of the most prized vineyards in the Pommard appellation and considered worthy to be named a Grand Cru. The wines here are ageable and muscular due to the iron content in the soil. The aspect is southeast and receives ample sunshine during the day which results in the grapes coming to full phenolic ripeness. This 100% Pinot noir hasclassy black fruit aromas and a spicy, peppery background. Dense, fleshy, and harmonious, the tannins are rich, and the finish is lengthy. This will age for years, so put it away for a few years to mellow.

Hiding in a small valley east of the picturesque town of Pitlochry, Edradour is a small operation producing fruity un-peated distillate under the Edradour name, and a meaty and peaty version named Ballechin. This release from Equilibrium (aka Whisky Sponge) is a vatting of a cask of each, both matured in refill ex-sherry casks.

"The 2016 Durfort-Vivens is gorgeous. Cabernet Sauvignon aromatics and structure play off the natural intensity of the year beautifully. Blackberry, grilled herbs, licorice, leather and crème de cassis are all vividly sketched in this layered, expressive Margaux. (AG) " --- Vinous (1/2019)

96 points - James Suckling

Chateau Quintus (St. Emilion) - With a good dollop of Cabernet Franc in the blend it gives it a dense, perfumed structured character. There is beautiful rich blackberry, violet, cassis, new leather and toasted spices on the nose and palate. The Chateau has made a considerable stride with this vintage. Drink now through 2026

For six generations, Domaine Noellat has been farming their 20ha of land. With entreprenurial spirit, the family was always looking to adapt to new technologies, while respecting the traditions handed down from one generation to another. The cellar was built in 1980 while in 2007 an ultra modern winery was erected with state of the art stainless tanks and a dedicated tasting space in the cellar. Cousins Sebastien and Sophie work closely together making strategic decisions based on the nature of each harvest. The Premier cru of Les Suchots is 1.8ha with 70 years average age of the vines. This 100% Pinot Noir has a delicate nose with notes of cherry, violet and hints of pepper. The palate is full bodied, yet balanced with a touch of floral sweetness. Try in 5 years or keep for the next 5-15 years.

This Port Gift Set from Quevedo includes four 375ml bottles of the following:

1x Quevedo 10 Year Tawny Port
1x Quevedo 20 Year Tawny Port
1x Quevedo 30 Year White Port
1x Quevedo Quinta Vale D'Agodinho 2013 Vintage Port

375ml

Its straw-yellow colour is accompanied by a fine persistent mousse crowning the disc with a delicate and harmonious cord. On the nose, the first aromas are very complex and awaken the senses. After a few moments, with much delicacy, subtle notes of flowers and fresh fruit are married with more subtle lemony flavours. The nose is elegant and powerful, indicating a wine of great complexity and beautiful harmony. Once in your mouth, aromas of butter, crème brûlée and spices blossom awaken taste buds. It is a gourmand and generous wine with exceptional freshness. After several minutes of tasting, this wine’s complexity and scarcity give an explosion of flavours in the mouth, with a dominant citrus fruit and some salinity on the finish, a natural aromatic symphony.

Pairs well with: Lobster

Beautiful copper colour rose. Strong nose of strawberries and raspberries. Full body for a rose and very sweet with nice acidity. It's simple, fruity and feminine. Good wine for a great price

Scherrer Vineyards Chardonnay (Alexander Valley) is a, rich, complex, and "non-malolactic" style, known for balancing intense, oily textures with high-acid tension. Typical tasting notes feature d'Anjou pear, golden apple, lime zest, and mineral/saline notes, often showing brioche or hazelnut after 16–24 months of barrel aging.

A limited-edition premium rum blend celebrating the heritage of naval rum. Carefully selected aged rums deliver layers of tropical fruit, molasses, dark chocolate, spice, and oak with exceptional richness and complexity.

The Kavalan Peatist Oloroso Sherry Cask Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky is an award-winning Taiwanese single malt with a deep mahogany dusk color, balancing smoky peat with tropical fruit and rich sherry.

Tasting Notes

Aroma (Nose): Smoky peat mixed with pineapple, mango, buttery toffee, charcoal-roasted plums, ripe raisins, and figs.

Taste (Palate): Citrus and buttery toffee layered with dried pineapple, mango, black dates, candied plums, wood, cinnamon, and cloves.

Finish: A lingering, complex finish of dark chocolate, coffee, and nuts.

Blend: Pinot Noir 100%

The 2022 Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru 'Les Rouges' from Bruno Desaunay-Bissey is a stunning expression of Burgundy’s premier cru finesse. The nose offers aromas of red cherry, raspberry, floral hints, and subtle spice. On the palate, it reveals concentrated red fruit, silky tannins, and a nuanced minerality, finishing long and beautifully balanced.

A wine of elegance and aging potential, perfect with game, roast poultry, or fine mushroom dishes.

A testament to its prestigious terroir, Chateau Troplong Mondot 2020 offers rich aromas of ripe berries, dark cherries, and delicate floral hints —an exceptional wine that captures the soul of its vineyard with every sip.