THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE

FALL 2014

We are not sure where summer went, or if we even had one at all for that matter, and here we are into October. Hopefully we will enjoy a long Indian Summer. We want to let you know about our Fall Features and 2015 Passport Series and 2015 Restricted Quantities Releases.

Our Cheeky Monkey Limited Release is all sold out! The Early Bird catches the worm (or in this case, the wine). I’d rather have a glass of wine over worms any day.

I’m so excited to tell all of you about the new limited release 2015 wines. I went to a tasting in London, and I will share my tasting notes with all of you. They have a new name and label. I’m very proud to introduce:

PASSPORT

SERIES 2015

These wines must be PRE-ORDERED BY November 15, 2014. Payment is not due until wines are started. SAVE $14.95 on each batch of wine….when your buy 4 or more wines!! Stop by and pick up a brochure.

· PETIT VERDOT Yakima Valley, Washington

· Alc./vol:13.5% Body: Full Sweetness: Dry

· Release date: December 2014

THE WINE

Traditionally used in Bordeaux blends to give colour and aromatics, Petit Verdot produces a bold wine on its own. Expect intense colour and aromas of vanilla, cedar and smoke, followed by ripe cherry and blackberry flavours. This full bodied wine has warm undertones of mocha, and firm tannins, and a rich and robust finish.

THE FOOD

Great with lamb chops, ribs, duck, good steak and other rich meats, also pairs well with hearty casseroles and mature hard cheeses.

MY TASTING NOTES

This wine was amazing; I never had Petit Verdot by itself before. It is a BIG RED WINE!! It is rich and full bodied and stands up to oak. It will require some aging, so be patient. Make it in December, but don’t drink it for 6 to 9 months at least. I did not find the tannins too aggressive. I sampled this wine with lamb, but I think you can drink it on its own or with a nice Asiago cheese.

· PINOT GRIS Willamette Valley, Oregon

· Alc./vol: 12.5% Body: Medium Sweetness: Off dry

· Release Date: January 2015

THE WINE

Look for aromatics of citrus and green apple, with flavours of pear, mango and tropical fruit. Medium body with pale straw colour, Oregon’s Pinot Gris boasts zesty acidity balanced by a slight sweetness and lingering finish.

THE FOOD

It is great paired with fish, chicken and salad can be enjoyed on its own.

MY TASTING NOTES

I tasted melon, peach and pear more than citrus, this is a main difference Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio. Also it is less acidic than Pinot Grigio. Serve this wine a little warmer than lighter white wine and you will find a fuller rounder body. It has a little spice to the finish. I found the Pinot Gris to be a delightfully dry white, with light to medium body. If you like your white wine with little acidity, you will enjoy this wine soon after bottling.

· BRUNELLO Montalcino, Italy

· Alc./vol: 13.5% Body: Full Sweetness: Dry

Release Date: January 2015

THE WINE

An elegant wine made from Sangiovese grapes with a deep garnet hue, full body and velvety texture. Aromas of leather, cranberries and cherries with a hint of earthiness make this a classic Italian wine. Smooth tannins and ripe fruit are characteristics that make a well balanced and silky finish.

THE FOOD

Enjoy this Brunello with a rich beef ragout over pasta; also excellent with cured meats and hard cheeses.

MY TASTING NOTES

Delicious! Great with pizza, tomato based pasta dishes, or all on its own. I found this wine to be medium to full bodied, not too big, and not very heavy on oak. I also think this wine requires less aging….so all you anxious wine lovers can sip it in the spring!

· PINOT NOIR Sonoma Valley, California

· Alc./vol: 13% Body: Light Sweetness: Dry

· Release Date: February 2015

THE WINE

Light bodied with soft aromas of cherry, vanilla and earthy undertones. On the palate bold flavours of red and black cherry and strawberry are balanced by a touch of mellow spice. This fruity and bright wine is ruby in colour with a smooth, satisfying finish.

THE FOOD

Light enough to pair with salmon but complex enough to pair with poultry. Enjoy with pizza, and any mushroom based dishes.

MY TASTING NOTES

Loved it! I did not find it too light in body, I found it to be medium bodied. It is a perfect “Go to” wine and pairs well with many foods. You will enjoy this wine young.

· VOLCANIC RED Curico Valley, Chile

· Alc./vol: 14% Body: Full Sweetness: Dry

· Release Date: March 2015

THE WINE

Three classic Chilean Varietals Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere and Merlot make this bold, full bodies blend erupting with sweet fruit flavours from the Cabernet Sauvignon, spicy and earthy notes from the Carmenere, rounded out with soft fruit and chocolate notes from the Merlot. This wine is deep red, smooth and balanced, with a lingering finish.

THE FOOD

Serve with roasted or braised meats, such as lamb, beef even chicken. Cheeses like Blue or other hard cheeses such as Asiago pair well with this wine.

MY TASTING NOTES

This is another BIG RED WINE! I found it very complex on my palate; I tasted berries, plums, a little spice and a little chocolate. It will require some cellaring before enjoying….but I suggest trying a bottle after 2 to 3 months of aging, because this wine would be fantastic with steaks on the grill in the summer. I tried the Volcanic with Chicken Marsala; but I preferred it with lamb, and it will match perfectly with any hard cheese. This will be a gem in anyone’s cellar, especially for all my Cabernet/Merlot enthusiasts.

Fall Features

SAVE $10.00 on all levels of:

· Merlot

· Cabernet Sauvignon

· Pinot Grigio

· Sauvignon Blanc

This is a busy time of year at Grape Expectations, and to ensure quality wines for the Holiday Season, we are asking our loyal customers to start their wines soon. We do not wish to rush our customers, but we do not want to rush your wines either, and it allows for bottling time when your wines are ready. Bottle your wine in November and stay out of the long and expensive lines at the LCBO in December!!

ORDERING DEADLINES

· 6 WEEK WINE (October 31, 2014)

1. Showcase

2. Cellar Classic Winery Series

3. Cellar Classic

4. Ice wine and Port

· 5 WEEK WINE ( November 10, 2014)

1. Sterling (GSM)

2. Grand Cru International (Most of you)

· 4 WEEK WINE ( November 20, 2014)

1. Grand Cru (Pinot Grigio fans)

2. Vino del Vida

3. Orchard Breezin (Fruit Wine)

The RQ series also looks great! We have 2 December 2014 releases and 2 April 2015 releases; (1 Red and 1 White) in each of those months. Order 3 or more and save $10.00 each. We have plenty of brochures…I will taste these wines next week! Yummy!

· DECEMBER CABERNET MERLOT (CHILE)

SAUVIGNON BLANC (SOUTH AFRICA)

· APRIL AGLIANICO (ITALY)

VINO BLANCO (SPAIN)

Well that’s enough information for one newsletter. We will send another email in November. Hurry in soon! Happy Thanksgiving!

Cheers: Pat, Lisa, Linda and Ryan

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