 Our most distinctive and unique creations have been selected to carry the Showcase Collection banner. Many of our wine kits stand apart from our other offerings and have been deemed worthy of Showcase designation. Their distinction may come from breakthrough technology, such as our exclusive Crushed Grape Packs or our unique two-stage oaking system; best of the vintage Limited Release status; unique regional wines, usually vineyard-designated, reflecting distinctive character or simply any wine which we believe reflects a new level of excellence or discovery for the wine hobbyist.The demanding criteria for a Showcase wine means that they may be in limited supply or isolated to a specific vintage. The level of excellence may require extra processing steps and, while designed to be bottle-ready in as little as 6 weeks, may require lengthier processing and cellaring time to show at their peak.With vineyard-specific sourcing, our Showcase wines will reflect subtle, and not so subtle differences from vintage to vintage. Vintage variations are after-all part of the intrigue and charm of small lot, estate wines.
All Showcase wines are proudly presented as being wines which we believe the most ardent wine enthusiast would be rewarded in discovering.
Pricing from $130.95-$155.95*
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Amarone is a legendary, assertive wine of the Valpolicella area in Italy. Unique and distinctive character comes from the addition of dried grapes during fermentation. The resulting depth is likened to Port or Late Harvest wines but without the sweetness. The wine has a foundation of Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara grapes from the Veneto region. The must is fermented on crushed varietal grapes from over 10 pounds of virgin fruit plus 4 pounds of whole red wine grapes which have been sun-dried to concentrated perfection. A double dose of un-toasted oak is used to balance the wine and, with aging, tame the natural tannins. The wine is full-bodied, deep garnet colour and richly dry. Notes of plum, sour cherry, raspberry and vanilla gradually marry with anise, bitter chocolate, coffee, tobacco, leather and fig tones that develop with age. Long, lingering finish and alcohol that should exceed 15%. Try to give this wine at least 1 year of aging to enjoy the truly remarkable Amarone experience.
Barbera has been the most popular grape in the Piedmont region in Northwest Italy for centuries. In recent years, as growers and winemakers have been adopting more modern techniques, Barbera has undergone a remarkable transformation. With new vineyard care, especially around Alba and Asti, it has emerged as a top-ranked wine which readily withstands comparison to noble Nebbiolo (Barolo) but does not require the extended ageing that Nebbiolo demands. Deep ruby, medium-bodied, and fruity in its youth, it ages to impressive depth and elegance. The fruit in our 2 year old samples remains as fresh and inviting as it was at 6 months. The oak and tannins have mellowed to a soft and well-rounded impression that lifts the fruit to a most attractive level. We are beginning to better understand why the wines of today's Piedmont Barbera can retail up to $100.00.
The Walla Walla appellation is very special. Its outstanding reds were what first put Washington on the world wine map. The wines are now grouped with world standard reds from Bordeaux, Napa and Sonoma. Walla Walla Cabernets and Merlots consistently rank in top 10 lists of the finest from the Americas. Our Bare Ridge offering is the classic Bordeaux blend of Cabernet and Merlot but typifies the unique Walla Walla profile of intense fruit and spice flavours and aromatics. Notes of currant, cherry and plum are backed by hints of black pepper, anise and coffee. Two-stage French and Hungarian oaking nicely mellows the tannins and adds a suggestion of toastiness.
Red Mountain officially received AVA (American Viticulture Area) status in 2001. AVA status recognizes the area's unique soil and climate conditions creating a taste profile in its red wine that is truly distinct to the region. The vineyards have high calcium carbonate content in their soil. This imparts a distinctive chalkiness which combines with the powerful dark fruit qualities of the grape to create the big, chewy mouth-feel that is a clear signature of Red Mountain Cabernet. Another distinction is a hint of orange peel or Grand Marnier-like aromatics and flavours. Together these two traits make Red Mountain Cabernet immediately recognizable, highly prized, and much sought after. The grapes enjoyed excellent growing conditions in 2007 and were harvested at 24 Brix, 3.5 pH, and 6.0 g/l total acidity, and with fully developed flavours. Age the wine at least 1 year; then save some to enjoy after 2, 3, or 4 years in the bottle. A wine for your best cuts of beef or lamb and luckiest friends
Yakima Cabernet and Syrah (Shiraz) are often compared to the great wines of Australia, but they are also recognized as having their own, perhaps more sophisticated charm. We agree and suggest that if you enjoy the big fruity reds from down-under, you will want to discover why there is so much buzz about the powerhouse reds grown in Yakima. A blockbuster with a rush of blackberry, plum, cherry and candied orange fragrances. Followed by flavours of currant, fig, cedar and spice intertwined with a beautiful balance of toasted oaks. Rich, elegant finish. Powerful flavours of fruit start to come together after 2-3 months aging. After 6-12 months the tannins soften and the wine's elegant charm really starts to reveal itself. Can be cellared for more than 2 years.
Multi-flavoured Carmenère from Colchagua shows best when processed with extended oak contact. Again we utilize our break-through, two-stage oaking system. Hungarian oak shavings are introduced at the start of fermentation; then lightly toasted Hungarian oak cubes are used for further extraction during the post-fermentation stage. The oaks together add surprisingly soft tannins, subtle toast, and vanilla which provide a terrific backdrop to the aromas and flavours of blackberry, black cherry, tropical fruit, and spice from the grapes. With age, notes of coffee, mocha, and tobacco can be expected along with a mineral tang that forms as part of the lengthy finish. The wine is medium - to full-bodied with bright ruby colour. Its charm will begin to show after 6 months of cellaring, and it should continue to develop for at least 2 years.
In the style of fine wines of the southern Rhône Valley. This wine derives its complex character from Syrah, Carignan and Grenache grapes. Fermented on Syrah and Grenache crushed grapes. Rich flavours suggestive of cherry, raspberry, blackberry and plum combine with notes of pepper and chocolate. The finish shows a subtle herbaceous note and a suggestion of cedar and violets. Enjoyable after 3 months but does show its harmonious best after 9 months.
The definitive star of Argentina. Robert Parker Jr., the world's foremost wine guru has stated "(....Argentinean Malbec's) place in the pantheon of Noble wines will be guaranteed". Our Malbec is distinguished by its dark, dense structure; full-rounded mouth-feel; prominent, lush flavours of ripe cherry, black currant and black berry; subtle notes of clove, vanilla and caramel with background suggestions of earthiness. The bright, vibrant edge is beautifully counter balanced by our 2 stage Hungarian oak process.
Bold, yet elegant. This Yakima Valley Merlot is big and full with up-front waves of raspberry, blackberry and plum. Subtle notes of cedar and mocha follow the fruit. Over time, the flavours harmonize while the select oak contributes a tempering vanilla note and establishes a sumptuous combination of textures and well defined structure. Dark, rich and intense, it is a wine worthy of aging;will continue to improve for at least 2 years in the bottle.
Pinotage is a cross of Burgundy's delicate Pinot Noir and Rhone's robust Cinsault. It has become the trademark grape of South Africa. The Du Plessis vineyard is situated on the slopes of the Keeromsberg Mountains at 6,800 feet above sea level, where it enjoys a combination of hot days and cool nights - ideal conditions for fine Pinotage. The vineyard is certified as being fully organic. The finished wine is a remarkable example of the complex and distinctive character of South Africa's unique red wine. It releases aromatics of black pepper, red currant, vanilla, spice, cedar, toasted hazelnuts, cherry and trademark notes of banana. Slight earthiness. The flavours are complex with dominant currant, cherry, banana, blackberry, vanilla and toastiness. Beautifully balanced. Great colour. Medium, soft tannins. Long, clean finish. The mature character should be revealed in 6 months and further refinement is expected for up to 2 years.
Our original "Crushed Grape Pack" wine. Super-Tuscan styled wine
The wine shows a deep crimson colour with purple undertones. The up-front aromatics reflect
Multiple MedalWinner* Our outstanding, award winning 2007 Limited Release is back as part of
Wine & Spirits magazine recently described Yakima Syrah as: "...easily in a league with those from the northern Rhône and southern Australia...bold, rich and lively, seductively perfumed and heroically structured with a kiss of elegance". Expect an aromatic rush of red and black fruit; hints of chocolate, coffee and licorice followed by the spiciness of black pepper in the Rattlesnake Valley Syrah. Our 2-stage oaking keeps the fruit in check and adds great structure. The deep-purple hued wine shows well after a minimum of 3 months but definitely benefits from extended aging. 1 or 2 years in the cellar will allow the wine to grow to its full, unbelievable potential.
Tempranillo has long been the star grape of Spain and is grown in several areas, producing many styles. La Mancha Tempranillo is characterized by a juicy, fruity quality with bright aromas and flavours of ripe cherries followed by hints of cocoa and spice. It shows a racy texture and is medium-bodied. The style will appeal to those who enjoy modern, approachable style Chianti, Beaujolais, of Valpolicella. As a plus, we believe you will find that our unique oak treatment adds extra complexity and depth, making our Tempranillo more versatile with food pairings. Our oak process yields soft tannins and contributes warm vanilla to the nose as a perfect balance to the dominant cherry aromas and background suggestions of black currant and spice. Flavours echo the aroma with layers of vanilla, currant, coffee, and black pepper that linger through the attractive finish. While young, the wine profiles its powerful fruit character. After 4-6 months in the bottle, the fruit begins to integrate with the oak and develop a more lush, balanced complexity. Will continue to develop for at least a year.
Direct from the vineyard in Lodi where sandy, clay loam soil, hot days, cool nights and 35 year old vines combine to produce unique grapes bursting with complex, concentrated flavours. Exhibits silken layers of multidimensional delight. It starts with an up-front core of blackberry and dark cherry aromas, followed by suggestions of blueberry, raspberry, cranberry and dried plum. Undertones are of chocolate, almond and exotic spice. Ends with an unmistakable black pepper sensation. Enjoy your first bottles after 2-3 months when the powerful fruit flavours dominate. However, do cellar some for months, or years, to experience a more refined balance and the vast array of characteristics which time integrates into harmonized waves of complexity.
Austria's most widely planted red is a cross between St. Laurent and Blaufrankisch. It has gained favour because of its appealing fruit and spice character, likened to a Cotes-Du-Rhône. It is also cold hardy and early ripening - important traits in the cool Austrian vineyards. Our Zweigelt comes from the Huber family estate which is now being farmed by the 9th generation. Dark cherry in colour. An opulent bouquet of red fruit, including raspberry, cherry and currant, stands against a background of vanilla, black pepper and a hint of licorice. There is also a certain earthiness on the nose that provides a compelling counter-balance to the lively fruit and spice. The flavours echo the cherry, currant and earthy aromatics. The initially rustic tannins quickly mellow into a nicely structured state and contribute to a nice, long finish. This Zweigelt is a great food wine. It is the wine of choice for Austrian favorites like garlicy pork, cabbage and apples and braised shanks or ribs. A spicy, fruit-driven wine with moderate tannins that is a welcome alternative to universally produced Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah. A wine that you will want to discover.
