Vitovska is a native grape only found in the Friuli Venezia-Giulia region in northeast Italy. And within the region, it is only grown in Friuli Carso where it loves the iron rich soils which produce wines of incredible minerality.

Born in Prepotto, Benjamin Zidarich's Zidarich winery fully represents the love for the Carso. The result is his wines, strongly based on the characteristics of the vine and the territory. Zidarich pay the utmost attention to the balance of the development of the vines, with maximum respect for naturalness as well as its natural wines. Vitovska is a white grape indigenous to Carso and grows nowhere else in Italy. This could be considered an "orange wine" due to skin contact during fermentation. This is a white wine with tannins and has a "grip" of oranges, rose petal and crushed rock. Lovely structure with a saline tang on the finish. A rare, unique wine indeed.

The Bisci vineyards were purchased in 1972, of the 25ha, 18ha of which are planted to Verdicchio, Marche's signature grape variety. The winery was then built in 1980 and the company has been certified organic since 2016. The grapes for this wine also come from the Vegneto Foglia vineyard, then further bunches selected, but it's only produced in the best vintages. the resulting wine is concentrated and rich with full bodied aromas and flavours of yellow fruits, aniseed and almond. Ageable.

LOUIS XIII unveils RARE CASK 42.1, a true Wonder of Time and Nature, offering an ultimate expression of LOUIS XIII Cognac.

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. This is a wine of delicacy and finesse, with notes of berries, earth and oak in a silken texture.

"This perfumed wine shines with black fruits. Against this, the wine's tannins are solid and firm, promising long-term aging. The wine's structure—black fruits against tannins—is a classic for this estate. Drink from 2024. Roger Voss" - 96/100, Wine Enthusiast

The 2019 Château Haut-Brion Blanc is a more Sauvignon Blanc-dominated white that includes 36% Semillon. Its light gold hue is followed by a bright, racy Sauvignon nose of crushed limes, caramelized grapefruit, white flowers, and subtle minerality. It's incredibly pure, vibrant, and crystalline on the nose.

Composed of 48.6% Merlot, 43.2% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8.2% Cabernet Franc, harvested from 7th to 29th September, the 2020 La Mission Haut-Brion has an alcohol of 14.7%. It needs considerable swirling and coaxing to reveal slowly emerging scents of freshly crushed blackcurrants, Morello cherries, wild blueberries and forest floor, leading to suggestions of violets, baker's chocolate and cardamom with wafts of dusty soil and oolong tea. The medium to full-bodied palate bursts with impactful, fresh red, black and blue fruit layers, supported by impressive freshness and fantastically ripe, fine-grained tannins, finishing very long and fragrant. A stunning expression of this vintage!

A blend of 71.4% Sauvignon Blanc and 28.6% Semillon, harvested 20th to 27th August and with an alcohol of 13.9%, the 2020 Haut Brion Blanc slowly unfurls to reveal notes of fresh pears, spiced apple slices, orange zest and lemongrass, plus touches of wet pebbles, dillseed and baking bread. The medium-bodied palate wears its lightly spicy apple and pear layers with grace and sophistication, supported by a racy backbone and subtly creamy texture, finishing long and mineral-laced. It will need time, but there's no doubting it's a knock-out.

The 2020 La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc is a blend of 54.7% Sauvignon Blanc and 45.3% Semillon, harvested from 19th to 28th August, with an estimated alcohol of 13.8%. The nose tingles with electric notes of lemon zest, orange blossoms, pink grapefruit, hints of fresh ginger, elderflowers, crushed rocks, and a waft of lime leaves. The medium-bodied palate quivers with intense, tightly wound citrus fruit layers, backed up by a racy backbone and finishing long and steely.

Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc (Pessac-Leognan) - a blend of 72% Semillon and 18% Sauvignon Blanc. The Semillon provides richness and acidity with the Sauvignon adding an array of citrus and stone fruits. White wine luxury - who says white wines can't age? Drink now to 2030.

Producer tasting notes: "The wine is a superb, deep purple-red color. The first nose is at once intense and subtle. It has a ripe fruitiness, and swirling brings out its aromatic complexity. The first expression is incredibly smooth and delicate, muscles". The tannins are precise but not aggressive, and subtly enchanting. The finish is long and fragrant. Once again, Haut-Brion surprises for its ability to enhance the complementarity of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. This Haut-Brion 2019 vintage is one of the most successful vintages produced after a hot and dry summer. This fine wine has the structure of a 2005, with the freshness of a 2010. A modern, richer version of the 1990 vintage." - Chateau Haut-Brion

The captivates your focus with its showy display of flowers, crushed rocks, black, red and blue fruit, espresso and thyme. It takes a bit of coaxing and patience, but there is an incredible level of depth, purity, refinement, and vibrancy at play here on the palate as the wine gently coats your palate with its layers of salt infused, black and dark red fruits. The deep seamless finish crosses the 60-second mark and keeps on going as it continues showing off its essence of minerals of fresh berries. This could be the longest-lived wine of the vintage.

Blend: 65% Cabernet Franc, 35% Merlot

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Unwinding in the glass with deep aromas of wild berries, vine smoke, orange rind, exotic spices and violets, framed by a deft application of classy new oak, the 2019 Ausone is full-bodied, rich and concentrated, with beautiful purity of fruit, lively acids and ripe but abundant structuring tannins. Deep, layered and vibrant, it's full of potential and will likely emerge as one of the most long-lived 2019s. This is another magical wine from what many consider to be Saint-Émilion's greatest terroir, and it will demand and richly reward patience.

1 Bottle Each of the following wines:
Ausone 100 JS / 99 VM / 98+ WA
Cheval Blanc 100 WA / 100 JS / 100 VM 
Haut-Brion 100 JS / 98+ JD / 98 VM / 98 WA
Lafite Rothschild 100 WA / 100 JS / 98 JA 
Margaux 100 WA / 100 JS / 100 JA 
La Mission Haut-Brion 100 JD / 99 WA / 99 JA
Mouton Rothschild 99 JS / 99 AG / 98+ WA 
Petrus 100 JD / 98 VM / 98 JA / 98 DE 
Yquem 98 VM / 97+ WI / 97 JA / 97 DE

Glenfarclas 16 Year Old 2006 Family Casks Release S23 #2528 is a remarkable single malt whisky that embodies the rich heritage and unwavering dedication to quality of the Glenfarclas distillery. Distilled in 2006 and aged for 16 years in a sherry butt, this expression represents a harmonious marriage of time, expertise, and tradition. Crafted with meticulous care and attention to detail, each bottle is a testament to the distillery’s commitment to excellence. This release is a true reflection of the Grant family’s legacy, showcasing their passion for producing exceptional whisky. Limited to 600 bottles.

This Glenfarclas Single Cask Single Malt from the Family Casks Summer Release 2023 was distilled in 2005. It spent its entire maturation time in a 4th fill butt with the number 3034 before being bottled on July 19, 2023, at cask strength with 59.6% vol.

The Glenfarclas Family Casks whiskies are renowned for their excellence, representing vintage single cask single malts. Each vintage is represented by only a single barrel, with each barrel boasting its own unique story and complexity of flavors. True to Glenfarclas tradition, the bottlings in the Family Cask series are exclusively matured in sherry casks.

Glenfarclas 19 Year Old 2004 Family Casks Release S23 #1106 is a captivating single malt whisky that epitomizes the rich tradition and exceptional craftsmanship of the Glenfarclas distillery. Distilled in 2004 and aged for 19 years in a refill port pipe, this expression showcases a harmonious balance of time, expertise, and natural elements. Crafted with meticulous care and attention to detail, each bottle of Glenfarclas 19 Year Old Family Casks Release S23 #1106 reflects the distillery’s unwavering commitment to quality and tradition. This release is a true testament to the Grant family’s legacy, highlighting their dedication to producing exceptional whisky. Limited to 457 bottles.

Glenfarclas 22 Year Old 2000 Family Casks Release S23 #6226 is a remarkable expression from one of Scotland’s most esteemed distilleries. Crafted with meticulous care and aged to perfection, this single malt whisky embodies the rich heritage and tradition of the Grant family, showcasing their unwavering commitment to excellence. Distilled in 2000 and matured for 22 years in refill sherry hogshead, this exceptional release represents a harmonious balance of time, craftsmanship, and natural elements. Each sip invites you to experience the depth and complexity that can only be achieved through patient maturation. Limited to 268 bottles.

Distilled in 1991 and matured in a sherry butt, this single cask Highland single malt whisky showcases the rich and complex profile that Glenfarclas is renowned for, particularly when it comes to their sherry-cask matured expressions. The bottling in July 2022 with an outturn of 567 bottles makes it a limited release, adding to the desirability for collectors and whisky enthusiasts alike.

The Glenfarclas Family Casks series is a unique collection of the best single casks from the distillery's extensive and historic warehouses. Initiated in 2007, the collection spans every year from 1952 to recent years, making it a fascinating journey through the distillery's history with each bottle.

Given its single cask nature, this particular 1991 vintage would express a distinct character influenced by its specific sherry butt. Typically, such maturation imparts rich notes of dried fruits, spices, chocolate, and a deep, complex sweetness to the whisky, complemented by the distillery's characteristic robust and malty profile.

Glenfarclas 37 Year Old 1985 Family Casks Release S23 #2606 is a true embodiment of excellence crafted by one of Scotland's most esteemed distilleries. This exquisite single malt whisky represents a culmination of tradition, expertise, and unparalleled craftsmanship, proudly bearing the rich legacy of the Grant family. Nurtured within the hallowed walls of Glenfarclas Distillery, this expression is a testament to the passage of time, having matured gracefully for 37 years in carefully selected refill sherry hogsheads. Distilled in 1985, this particular release unveils a distinctive character and depth that can only be achieved through decades of patient aging. Limited to 192 bottles.

Friuli-Venezia Giulia is one of the smallest regions in Italy, yet also one of the mightiest. With a plethora of indigenous grape varieties not grown outside of the region, and even fewer producers that are embracing them, Zidarich is truly one of the best.

There are many “malvasia” named grapes within Italy, with some more quality than others. One of the best Malvasia grapes is Istriana, grown in the Friuli region as well as neighbouring Slovenia. Benjamin Zidarich practices biodynamic viticulture, picking grapes and bottling wine according to the phases of the moon. He will tell you that the grapes are grown by the sun and the earth, and the wine is grown by the moon.  The nose has notes of white peaches, oriental mixed spices, mineral, and stony notes. Maceration on the skins will give the wine slight tannins that overlay crunchy stone fruits, savoury herbs, and crushed stony minerality. 

The Prulke is a white wine that is a blend of 60% Sauvignon, 20% Vitovska, 20% Malvasia Istriana, the last two native grapes of the region. The name Prulke refers to the land where the grapes are grown; directly below Prepotto, the town where Zidarich was born and the location of the winery.

Benjamin Zidarich was born and raised in the Carso area of Friuli Venezia-Giulia. The land is in his blood and his great passion for his home translates into making wines that reflect the terroir. The Prulke is a white wine that is a blend of 60% Sauvignon, 20% Vitovska, 20% Malvasia Istriana, the last two native grapes of the region. The name Prulke refers to the land where the grapes are grown; directly below Prepotto, the town where Zidarich was born and the location of the winery.  The wine is a medium-bodied light orange wine with saltiness and minerality, but also with a bit of oily, silky texture and more expressed citrus and herbal aromas.

Terrano is one of the few red grapes of the Carso region, and much rarer than its Tazzelenghe or Schioppettino counterparts. Yet, the quality is unmistakable as the grape expresses the terroir very well. In fact, the grape name means “red earth” due to the soil it’s grown in. There is a certain Barbera-like quality to the crunchy, earth-tinged red fruits and the bright, zingy acidity of the wine, yet there is more finesse and purity. Fresh herbs and red licorice on the palate add complexity, and the concentration is surprising given its exceedingly modest alcohol level, typically never exceeding 12.5% alcohol. A unique wine, but well suited to the North American palate. 

This single malt whisky, distilled at Milton, now known as Strathisla, holds the distinction of being the oldest distillery in Speyside. Distilled in 1949, this remarkable expression spent an astounding 72 years maturing in a first fill sherry puncheon before being meticulously bottled by Gordon & MacPhail in 2022 at a dignified 48.6% ABV. Upon nosing, the whisky unveils a captivating array of aromas, including baked forest fruits, fresh vanilla, and a rich influence of sherry, setting the stage for an enticing palate experience. Upon tasting, one is greeted with flavors reminiscent of apple pie, vibrant citrus notes, and indulgent caramel. The finish lingers gracefully, leaving impressions of toffee apple and a subtle hint of smoke, further enhancing the whisky's complexity and depth.

Fragrant mandarin peel and rich Sherry aromas intertwine, followed by notes of salted almonds, raspberry compote, and a hint of malted biscuit. Roasted coffee beans transition into walnuts and stewed raisins, while blackcurrant jam harmonizes with Seville orange peel and red apple. The palate concludes with a long finish marked by lingering hazelnuts and cocoa powder.

Glenburgie is emerging as one of my preferred Speyside distilleries due to its consistent delivery of tropical fruit notes, a characteristic that particularly appeals to my palate. The 21 years of maturation in this distillery-label bottling from Gordon & MacPhail are expected to enhance these flavors. At 46% ABV and aged for at least 21 years, this expression promises to showcase the distinctive Glenburgie profile. Despite initial impressions of stale sulfur and mustiness on the nose, accompanied by earthy and grassy undertones, familiar Glenburgie characteristics of apples, peaches, tropical fruit, and honey emerge. The palate reveals a medium texture with flavors of honey, peaches, lemongrass, and elderflower, leading to an intriguing development of fragrant oak, ripe mango, and subtle sulfurous notes. The finish, medium in length, offers layers of sweetness with caramel, honey, chocolate, and fruity accents, complemented by floral hints. While hints of earthy sulfur persist throughout, the overall experience presents a rich and flavorful exploration of Glenburgie's renowned profile.

Glen Mhor, often overshadowed by its more celebrated peers like Brora and Port Ellen, holds a distinct allure in the realm of lost distilleries. While it may lack the romanticism of its counterparts, its significance cannot be understated, particularly as one of the components used to recreate the legendary Mackinlay's Rare Old Highland Malt. Now, four decades removed from its last spirit run, Glen Mhor releases are increasingly scarce and highly coveted, exemplified by offerings like this one. Bottled from Refill Sherry Hogshead #72, yielding a mere 174 bottles, this expression has garnered an impressive 93 points on Whiskyfun, a testament to its exceptional quality. With its natural color, non-chill filtration, and robust 50.8% ABV, this bottling embodies the essence of Glen Mhor's legacy, destined to be cherished by whisky enthusiasts fortunate enough to acquire it.

The Private Collection by Gordon & MacPhail stands as a testament to the distilleries that have fallen silent over the years, offering whisky enthusiasts a rare glimpse into their storied past. This exclusive collection presents exceptionally rare and aged malts, carefully curated by members of the Urquhart family, who have steered Gordon & MacPhail for four generations. Among these treasures are releases from iconic distilleries like Dallas Dhu and Longmorn, each hand-selected to showcase the pinnacle of quality and craftsmanship. Stephen Rankin, Director of Prestige at Gordon & MacPhail, emphasizes the legacy of his grandfather, George Urquhart, who pioneered the art of matching new make spirit with select casks, ensuring each whisky reached its peak before bottling. The latest addition to this illustrious lineup is a Gordon & MacPhail Dallas Dhu from a single refill American hogshead, yielding just 134 bottles after 38 years of ageing at a bold 60.1% ABV, offering a glimpse into the extraordinary legacy of this iconic Speyside distillery.

Part of Gordon & MacPhail's esteemed Private Collection, this Speyside single malt hails from the shuttered Convalmore distillery in Dufftown. Distilled in 1975, it spent 46 years maturing in a refill American oak hogshead, yielding just 138 bottles at 47.8% ABV. On the nose, expect fragrant Turkish delight, zestful lemon, and candied orange peel. The palate offers a floral character accompanied by nuances of lemon curd and orange rind. Finishing smoothly, it unveils hints of Madagascan vanilla and lingering citrus notes.

This 39-year-old Private Collection Benromach, aged initially in a Sherry Cask for 19 years before a further 20-year finish in a Burgundy Hogshead, boasts a robust 60.2% ABV. Remarkably rare, independent bottlings of Benromach are scarce, with fewer than a dozen in the last two decades, many of which were by Gordon & MacPhail, the distillery's owner. The decision to release these Burgundy-finished expressions under Gordon & MacPhail's label likely stems from their deviation from the distillery's usual style, ensuring clarity between these and Benromach's recent 40-year-old releases, which adhere to a more traditional profile.

What those of us know in Alberta as the gateway to the Rockies, Banff is well known here. In Scotland though, the Banff Distillery, built in 1824 established itself in the Highlands until a fire destroyed all the maltings and the warehouses. Further calamities from World War II bombers ignited many casks of whisky and leaked the precious liquid all over the countryside where legend has that this caused the drunkenness of local farm animals. The distillery closed permanently in 1983 but left a legacy: a few remaining casks filled with a whisky of deep rich flavour and long lingering spice notes.

The third edition of the Mr. George Legacy Collection has arrived, featuring a 63-year-old single malt aged in First Fill Sherry casks and bottled at a bold 56.5% ABV. Named after George Urquhart, affectionately known as ‘Mr. George,’ this collection pays homage to his pivotal role in championing single malt whisky. Distilled on October 15th, 1959, and aged exclusively in cask no. 3665, a first-fill Sherry butt, this edition represents Gordon & MacPhail’s final cask from 1959. Bottled on November 2nd, 2022, this exceptional whisky captures the essence of Mr. George’s vision and legacy, making it a prized addition to any collection.

From the Glen Grant Distillery, the whisky was laid down in a Sherry cask in November of 1969. The Sherry cask invokes aromas of rich fruits and woody spices combining traces of wood polish and old leather. On the palate, find dried figs, and spice with an abundance of wood flavours and even sweet fudge nuances, and hints of bitter oak tannins. The finish is long and lingering with drying notes of cinnamon, clove and walnuts.

The second batch of the 2022-release Benromach 40 Year Old has been carefully matured in sherry casks, resulting in a captivating array of aromas. Scents of cinnamon, ginger, Seville orange, roasted hazelnut, and stewed red berries entice the senses. On the palate, flavors of Morello cherries, baked apple, liquorice, dark chocolate, fruit cake, and black pepper emerge, with hints of dark berries and rich oak lingering in the finish.

The 2022-release of Benromach 40 Year Old has been meticulously matured in sherry casks, resulting in a complex array of aromas. Scents of cinnamon, ginger, Seville orange, roasted hazelnut, and stewed red berries captivate the senses. On the palate, flavors of Morello cherries, baked apple, liquorice, dark chocolate, fruit cake, and black pepper unfold, with hints of dark berries and rich oak lingering in the finish.

The Remy Martin Louis XIII Dragon Coffret, designed by Chinese artist Liu Li Hong, it is a limited edition coffret designed for 2024 Lunar New Year. In a special celebration edition for the Lunar New Year, Year of the Dragon, the Louis XIII cognac, starts life aged in individual cellars in centuries-old barrels, which helps to give it its rich, full flavour.

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. Brisk deep purple, this is a solid multi-textured wine with depth of flavour and a certain darkness to it but it remains superbly balanced in tannins and acidity. An extremely perfumed and exotic wine.