747 products
747 products
- White Wine
- Chenin Blanc
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 12.97% alc./vol
About the Winery
Pearce Family Wines
In the early 2000's Nicholas Pearce was exposed to the garagiste movement in Bordeaux and was particularly inspired by négociants like Jean Luc Thunevin (Saint Emilion), James Sichel (Margaux) and Nicolas Potel (Beaune) from Burgundy.
After returning home to Ontario and starting his own wine company, he has had a hand in making 10+ wines in two hemispheres, 3 countries and 5 different appellations since the 2013 vintage.
Pearce Predhomme
Pearce Predhomme is a collaboration of like-minded individuals from around the globe. Founded with a mission to build and import wines from our favourite appellations while offering an unequaled value/quality ratio for the sommeliers & wine buyers in Ontario. This is a project between Toronto Sommelier and entrepreneur Will Predhomme and Ontario wine importer Nicholas Pearce they have partnered with Radford Dale in South Africa and NorthWest Wine Co. in Oregon to create these special cuvées.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
92 points - David Lawrason
This is a firm, dry, mineral-driven chenin with good complexity and definition. It captures essential chenin pear/quince, green banana, some wet stone and subtle herbality. It is mid-weight, firm fairly taut and juicy, but has a sense of substance as well. A bit tart-edged. The length is excellent. Tasted Sept 2022
91 points - Sarah d'Amato
A négociant project by Toronto-based wine agent Nicholas Pearce and sommelier Will Predhomme with Radford Dale winery. Features flavours of honeysuckle, jasmine, lemon and lime with some toasty lees in the mix. A minimal interventionist style made using indigenous yeast and no notable oak spice. Punches above its price class in terms of complexity, character and depth. A great value despite a slight price increase. Tasted September 2022.
90 points - Michael Godel
Hard to imagine this Pearce-Predomme joint venture with Radford Dale in Stellenbosch is already into its eighth (or possibly ninth?) vintage and yet here it is in the high quality chenin blanc flesh and blood. Always the wild ferment, the mad scientist blending of parcels, tanks and barrels, the attention to detail that no wine at this price should be lent and yet winemaker Jacques de Klerk gives his all to this project. That said the price has finally crept up to meet its reality and yes, 2021 does well to deliver the goods to correspond. Nice little shake of tonic in this iteration with acids as sharp as ever and fruit more green apple snappy than cream-centred. Nothing soft here, only great intent and trenchant plausibility. Drink 2022-2025. Tasted September 2022.
Platters Guide
4.5 Stars - 91 points
- White Wine
- Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon
- Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 12.50% alc./vol
About the Winery
Château Haut-Grelot
Château Haut Grelot is located in Saint Ciers Sur Gironde, approximately 50 kms north of Bordeaux, on the right bank of the Gironde Estuary. It was established by the Bonneau family in 1922 and now run but the 4th Generation. Today Château Haut-Grelot comprises 58 hectares of vineyards and is run by Céline and Julien, who was recently awarded the title 'Best Young Talent' in Bordeaux.
The vineyards are made up of sandy-gravel on the hillsides bordering the Gironde Estuary and sand-clay-silt on the hillsides further inland. Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux benefits from an ideal microclimate where there is a high level of sunshine and enough rain to guarantee the perfect environment for grape production. As a result the reds are fruity and concentrated and the whites are fresh, vibrant and delicate.
- Rosé Wine
- Grenache, Syrah
- Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Mas Carlot
Mas Carlot is situated in the south of the Rhône Valley, extending across 76 hectares of pebbly land southeast of Nîmes. Originally a 17th century farm, this beautiful estate was resurrected in the 1960's by the Blanc family—it is currently run Cyril Mares of the neighbouring and equally reputable property, Mas Bressades.
The appellation of Costières de Nîmes used to be considered part of eastern Languedoc but the climate, soil, topography and wine are far closer to those just over the river in the Southern Côtes du Rhône. It is now a region very much on the up and is widely recognized as a great source of excellent value wine.
Press Reviews
Robert Parker
91 points
Mas Carlot's 2021 Costieres de Nimes Rose Generations is a terrific blend of 55% Grenache, 35% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre. Offering up generous aromas of strawberry, watermelon and lime, it's medium-bodied, plump and expansive on the palate. Made in a traditional style, with more color and extraction than the skinnier, more citrusy Provence wannabes, this is a lovely wine, with touches of silk and spice on the finish, not just citrus.
- Sparkling Wine
- Chardonnay
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 12.00% alc./vol
About the Winery
Domaine Baud Père et Fils
The history of Domaine Baud dates back to 1742, and it wasn't until 1950 when René Baud, the 7th generation, rebuilt the vineyard which had suffered from the phylloxera crisis and two World Wars.
Starting with only 4 hectares, the vineyard progressively expanded to 20 hectares with the help of successive generations. Now, managed by siblings Clémentine and Bastien, the 9th generation, the estate continues to flourish and grow, with a strong commitment to sustainable viticulture and preserving the traditions and style that makes the wines of the Jura so unique and incredible.
The estate achieved the Terra Vitis certification in 2014 for its eco-friendly work and environmental preservation.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
92 points - David Lawrason
This is a very tasty, rich, golden hued, well aged chardonnay-based sparkler with an involved nose of cashew, baked apple, nougat and honey. It is almost creamy in texture with fine mousse and very good acidity providing counterpoint. There is pleasant nutty bitterness on the finish; length is excellent.
91 points - Michael Godel
Varietal chardonnay that sees a year of lees aging with a dosage to reach the desired Brut. A richness and also dried herbal notes plus fennel that is offset by a creamy sweetness melting and melded through the pictorial texture of a wine so sharp and yet so soft. One imagines the Baud family being led by such humans and when a wine acts as an expression of they, well isn’t that the point in a wine like this? Drink 2022-2024. Tasted July 2022.
Baud’s Crémant is made in true Blanc de Blancs style, from 100 per cent chardonnay and though faintly if beautifully oxidative, the cuvée pulses with great energy. The scents of fraying ginger batons, scraped orange skin and baking almond cookies are all a treat for the olfactory. Just enough but not too much sweetness fleshes the the body to get down to density in mouthfeel but never abandons its airy character. A terrific Champagne alternative that was disgorged in October of 2017. Drink 2018-2022. Tasted April 2018.
Treve Ring
91 points
This family estate dates back to 1742, but it wasn't until 1950 when René Baud, 7th generation, rebuilt the vineyards, expanding from 4 hectares into 20 hectares over the years. Today the estate is managed by siblings Clémentine and Bastien, 9th generation. This sustainably farmed chardonnay is rooted in the Jura's marl and limestone soils and was fermented in stainless before a year on lees before disgorgement and release. Green apple, white florals, oyster shells, meadow herbs, meringue run the bright, sleek palate, with a bed of creamy lees. There's a lovely streaming anise note that leads to a lengthy finish. Drinking beautifully now, but will hold over the next couple years easy.
- Red Wine
- Nerello Cappuccio, Nerello Mascalese
- Sustainable, Volcanic
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Azienda Agricola Tornatore
Out of a Sicilian family heritage that traces back to the 17th century, the Tornatore’s Mount Etna wine ventures began in 1865. Today the family’s operations are headed by Giuseppe Tornatore, a businessman whose expertise led to the acquisition of some of the region’s finest north-facing vineyards in the early 2000’s. That heritage and the Tornatore’s profound respect and understanding of the land is showcased in wines that capture the essence of Etna, deftly balancing concentrated flavors, complexity, freshness and refinement.
The company lies in the northern side of Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. The soils have volcanic origin and were created through the disintegration of lava, ash and stones from previous volcanic eruptions. The climate on the northern side of the Etna is characterized by mild temperatures, and more rain fall reflecting the influence of the Volcano. The combination of soil, climate and the skill of the winemakers, have made the northern slope of Etna an ideal area for the production of high-quality wines. “Our vineyards and our winery are only a few kilometers from our family home. Our entire family is rooted there. We have the greatest respect for this region, and we believe we have a responsibility to be stewards of Etna and to reflect its distinct character in our wines.” - Giuseppe Tornatore
Press Reviews
Wine Enthusiast
93 points - Editor's Choice (2017)
Aromas of red berry, rose, thyme and a whiff of camphor shape the fragrant nose. Sleek and graceful, the lithe, savory palate delivers juicy strawberry, crushed raspberry, Mediterranean herbs and white pepper framed in glossy tannins and fresh acidity. A mineral note evoking smoky flint lingers on the finish.
James Suckling
92 points (2017)
Lots of red plums here with glazed cherries and lemons. Medium body, fine and silky tannins and a refined finish. Drink now.
Vinous
91 points (2017)
Luminous red. Pretty floral and mineral notes complement pure sour red cherry, flinty herbs and spicy blueberry aromas and flavors. Bright and juicy, with a light to medium-weight frame, with a clean, crisp presence on the long fresh finish. A lovely red that goes down like water.
- White Wine
- Carricante
- Sustainable, Volcanic
- Dry
- 750ml
- 12.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Azienda Agricola Tornatore
Out of a Sicilian family heritage that traces back to the 17th century, the Tornatore’s Mount Etna wine ventures began in 1865. Today the family’s operations are headed by Giuseppe Tornatore, a businessman whose expertise led to the acquisition of some of the region’s finest north-facing vineyards in the early 2000’s. That heritage and the Tornatore’s profound respect and understanding of the land is showcased in wines that capture the essence of Etna, deftly balancing concentrated flavors, complexity, freshness and refinement.
The company lies in the northern side of Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. The soils have volcanic origin and were created through the disintegration of lava, ash and stones from previous volcanic eruptions. The climate on the northern side of the Etna is characterized by mild temperatures, and more rain fall reflecting the influence of the Volcano. The combination of soil, climate and the skill of the winemakers, have made the northern slope of Etna an ideal area for the production of high-quality wines. “Our vineyards and our winery are only a few kilometers from our family home. Our entire family is rooted there. We have the greatest respect for this region, and we believe we have a responsibility to be stewards of Etna and to reflect its distinct character in our wines.” - Giuseppe Tornatore
Press Reviews
Wine Align
92 points - Megha Jandhyala
Cast in a compelling golden hue, this is a riveting Etna Bianco, made with grapes grown at an elevation of 650m on the northern slope of Mount Etna. Mineral, smoky, and savoury, it is fragrant with pineapples, apricots, and peaches. The palate is gently rounded, waxy, and salty, supported and lifted by taut acidity. Concentration and complexity are remarkable at this price-point. Length is excellent, with a lingering note of crushed rocks on the finish. Tasted December 2022.
92 points - David Lawrason
From high altitude, terraced vineyards on the north slope of Etna, this pours fairly deep lemon yellow. The nose shows ripe almost tropical fruit but foremost is the flinty, waxy note from Etna's volcanic soils. Then in comes the peach/pineapple fruit, lemon marmalade, savoury dried bay leaf, with some spice. It is full bodied but built on such great acidity and minerality that it drinks with real freshness. Very intense on the palate with lemon, herbs and rocks hitting the finish running. The length is excellent to outstanding. Tasted December 2022.
91 points - Sara d'Amato
Bright, salty and vibrant, this delectable volcanic-grown carricante has quickly become a consumer (and critic) favourite. Flavours of white pepper, ginger, laurel, pear and grapefruit contribute to the complex but ethereal flavour set. Mid-weight with a light viscosity. Lingering finish. Tasted December 2022.
91 points - Michael Godel
Hard to unearth better basaltic value than Tornatore’s Etna Bianco which serves as the great carricante pre-cursor to the white Etna oeuvre. Here comes a great white raised in concrete vats to preserve freshness and allow the salty terroir to work in such perfect cahoots with the fruit. A warm vintage and it shows but the volcano and these weathered, layered and cumulative rocky soils can never be denied. Open the dictionary, look for Etna Bianco and Tornatore will be there. Though not a wine of cru or sub-terroir specific reality it matters little because this is the place to begin your Etna journey. Drink 2022-2025. Tasted December 2022.
91 points - John Szabo, MS
A pure carricante from the north side of Etna, Tornatore's 2021 Bianco is a ripe and smoky wine, flinty, with grilled pineapple and quince, salty and briny, green olive tapenade flavours, unique and complex to be sure - it's quite rare to find such singular wines in this price category. Acids are bright and lively, alcohol a modest 12.5% declared, and length and depth very good to excellent. There's so much character on offer for under $25, though I can't call it a wine of mass appeal, more of a adventurer's selection. Drink or hold 4-6 years - I think this will age nicely. Tasted December 2022.
Decanter
91 points
Made from 100% Carricante, with fine balance between minerality and fruit and hints of sweetness; full of white peaches, balsamic herbs and a refreshing citrus finale. A nicely direct wine. Drinking Window 2019 - 2024.
91 points
Showing white blossoms and ripe fruit on the nose, this perfumed white is salty and mouthwatering on the palate, with a touch of lemon zest enlivening the flavors of Asian pear, blanched almond, chamomile and lemon oil. Drink now through 2027.
James Suckling
91 points
For a basic Etna bianco, the concentration here is very impressive, as it delivers citrus, nectarines and Granny Smith apples. Lots of energy on the medium-bodied palate, in the form of crisp acidity and a zippy finish. Drink now.
- Red Wine
- Cinsault, Syrah
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 12.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Pearce Family Wines
In the early 2000's Nicholas Pearce was exposed to the garagiste movement in Bordeaux and was particularly inspired by négociants like Jean Luc Thunevin (Saint Emilion), James Sichel (Margaux) and Nicolas Potel (Beaune) from Burgundy.
After returning home to Ontario and starting his own wine company, he has had a hand in making 10+ wines in two hemispheres, 3 countries and 5 different appellations since the 2013 vintage.
Pearce Predhomme
Pearce Predhomme is a collaboration of like-minded individuals from around the globe. Founded with a mission to build and import wines from our favourite appellations while offering an unequaled value/quality ratio for the sommeliers & wine buyers in Ontario. This is a project between Toronto Sommelier and entrepreneur Will Predhomme and Ontario wine importer Nicholas Pearce they have partnered with Radford Dale in South Africa and NorthWest Wine Co. in Oregon to create these special cuvées.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
90 points - Michael Godel
Missed the 2019 version of this wine somehow, but in any case the 2020 comes from a vintage whereby lockdowns at the beginning of the pandemic allowed the winemaking team to really focus on their wares. Koffieklip soils are the source, whole cluster ferments the operative and not much has really changed in the five year tenure of this wine. More fruit substance and lessened volatility in 2020, tart as ever however and truly a matter of this particular Stellenbosch terroir. You can get at this cinsault-syrah joint more than ever before, randomly, at will and wherever you are. Drink 2022-2025. Tasted March 2022.
90 points - David Lawrason
Pearce Predhomme Cinsault/Syrah 2018:
If you are fan of South African reds you will love this; if not you will be a step closer. It's a lively, engaging if idiosyncratic wine offering complexity, diversity and sheer drinkability. The nose is nicely lifted with a melange of wild blueberry, pomegranate fruit plus some meatiness, all kinds of herbality and Cape tar. It is medium bodied (only 12.5%) alcohol with crunchy acidity, a hint of sourness, fine soft tannin. Excellent length. Edgy but it works. Chill lightly. Tasted January 2021
Platters Guide
4.5 Stars - 90 points
- Red Wine
- Grenache, Samso / Carignan, Syrah
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2 g/l
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.50% alc./vol
About the Winery
Clos del Rey
In the foothills of the Pyrénées Mountains, not far from the Mediterranean sea, Clos del Rey is situated in the high altitude hills over the tiny village of Maury. The estate has been owned and farmed by the Montagne family for generations. The vineyard itself is nestled among a protected area of garrigues (rosemary and thyme). The vines of up to 120 years old are allowed to grow natural and untrained, in the old-fashioned way, known as the goblet or bush style. However, it is what lies beneath the vineyard that lends much of the character and complexity found in their wines. Julien Montagne makes complex wines that truly represent his vineyards and his Catalan roots--you can almost smell the sun in the glass.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
91 points - John Szabo
An old vines cuvée of grenache, carignan and syrah from the stony, schisty soils of Maury, historically reserved for fortified wine production in the style of port, this Maury 'Sec' is a concentrated and aromatic, flavourful wine, with a liquor-like essence of blackberry and blueberry fruit, sweet and resinous wild herbs, scorched earth and licorice, and more in a highly satisfying and bold ensemble. Tannins are abundant but coated and softened by high fruit extract, while acids are low but adequate to balance the big ensemble. Great length. Immensely satisfying at the price; drink or hold another 4-6 years I suspect without concern. Tasted September 2022.
90 points - Megha Jandhyala
This is a rich, ripe blend from Maury Sec, an appellation in the Agly Valley in Roussillon that was authorized for the production of dry red wines in 2011. The nose is inviting and appealing, with notes of cherry compôte, black raspberries, garrigue, and a subtle mineral aroma that reminds me of wet cement. It is medium-bodied, with grainy, drying tannins and balanced acids. I really like the lush fruit on the mid-palate that recede gracefully, leaving a subtle bitterness and warmth in their wake. Tasted September 2022.
90 points - David Lawrason
The village of Maury is better known for its sweet 'vins doux naturel'. This dry red based on grenache, carignan and syrah shows the energy, or a certain internal combustion, I associate with the carignan grape. The nose is quite lifted with red fruit (raspberry, plum) some spice and minerality. It is medium-full bodied, sour-edged and firmly tannic with some heat. Quite peppery and meaty (charcuterie) on the finish. The length is excellent. Tasted Sept 2022
90 points - Sarah d'Amato
From a relatively new appellation in the southwestern region of Roussillon designated in 2011 to allow producers to craft dry reds in addition to the more famous Vin Doux of Maury. In the midst of all the sweetness of the region, Clos del Rey makes only dry wines. This plush incarnation features flavours of liquored black cherry, a chalky minerality and tender tannins. Ripe but with a lick of minerality that helps to provide balance along with a welcome degree of bitterness. Some bitterness helps curb the perception of alcohol too. An arresting yet youthfully broody wine. Tasted September 2022.
- Red Wine
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.6% alc./vol
- Sparkling Wine
- Glera
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 11.50% alc./vol
About the Winery
Conti Riccati
Conti Riccati is located in the rolling hills outside of Castelfranco, Veneto; in the province of Treviso. Their vineyards extend along 20 hectares inside a bigger property that has belonged to the Riccati family since the 14th century.Valperto Azzoni, his wife along and their four children are the direct descendants of the Riccati family and have the same enthusiasm and respect for the land, that their ancestors had in the past.
Conti Riccati grows mostly Glera, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir though they are most known for their Prosecco.
The winemaker, Salvatore Lovo and the agronomist, Giovanni Pascarella take great pride in making the wines and tending the vineyards for the family. They practice sustainable viticulture and are currently in organic conversion.
Press Reviews
James Suckling
91 points
Very clean aromas of lemons, pears and fragrant, marsiglia-tinged minerals. Creamy palate with balanced bubbles and flavors and a hint of fresh cream in the aftertaste. Nicely done. Drink now.
- White Wine
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Domaine de Mauperthuis
A family estate created by Marie-Noëlle & Laurent Ternynck, Domaine de Mauperthuis is located in Prehy, near the town of Chablis. Their wines express the terroir of this amazing region and the vineyards are currently undergoing the transition to organic. Domaine de Mauperthuis covers around twenty hectares of vineyards around Chablis. The estate, in the Burgundy appellation, is planted in Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon and César, on land facing south, benefiting from exceptional sunshine.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
91 points - David Lawrason
Saint Bris is a rare sauvignon blanc appellation in northern Burgundy, pres de Chablis, which is not all that far as the crow flies from Sancerre. And I definitely get that tight, firm if less mineral character here. Expect generous aromas and flavours of juniper, grapefruit, pine needle and gooseberry/guava. It is medium weight, firm and dry, with some bitterness. The length is excellent. Always fun to present it this blind to sauvignon blanc fans. Tasted January 2024
Value Rating: 5 Stars
90 points - John Szabo, MS
This is an uncommonly ripe and fruity sauvignon blanc from Saint Bris in Burgundy, round and creamy, quite full bodied despite just 12.5% alcohol declared, with ripe orchard and pineapple fruit leading. Acids are creamy yet still fresh, and length and depth are very good. And while I'd love a little more complexity at the price, or at least would have expected, the current international yardstick of inexorably increasing prices secures this wine a spot in a favourable quality/cost zone. At peak now I'd say to capture the fruit. Tasted January 2024.
90 points - Megha Jandhyala
Saint Bris is an appellation in Bourgogne that, unusually, is centred around sauvignon blanc. This is a lovely example, showing poise and grace but also inviting and expressive flavours of peaches, apricots, grapefruit, and a hint of passion fruit. The palate is medium bodied and fleshy, with juicy acids. The length is very good, with a refreshing citrusy finish. I would drink this over the next year or two. Tasted January 2024.
- Red Wine
- Sangiovese, Trebbiano
- Biodynamic, Natural, Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 13% alc./vol
About the Winery
Fattoria di Sammontana
The vineyards of Fattoria di Sammontana are located along the hills that border the Arno River, 20km to the south west of Florence. Today, the family - now in its fourth generation - runs the farm according to organic and biodynamic practices, with the intent to fully preserve and sustain the traditions and winemaking history of the land. The property and its 12th century Romanesque church, were once the property of the Medici family.
- Red Wine
- Pinot Noir
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13% alc./vol
About the Winery
Groupe Bellene
Led by Nicolas Potel in Beaune, Groupe Bellene is composed of the négociant arm Maison Roche de Bellene, the winery arm Domaine de Bellene, and a special back-vintage series under the Collection Bellenum label.
- Maison Roche de Bellene offers a complete range of wines, with an emphasis on individual terroirs from old vines of more than 40 years. All of the growers that Nicolas works with are either organic certified or sustainably farmed.
- Domaine de Bellene represents the wines that are produced and bottled from Nicolas Potel's private vineyard holdings.
- Collection Bellenum is a back vintage series that Nicolas Potel sourced from his friends in the region, offering a magnificent selection of bottled history. The wines have moved only twice in their lives, from the original cellar to Potel's and now to yours!
Nicolas Potel grew up at Volnay's Domaine Pousse d'Or, where his father worked. He trained abroad and returned home in 1996 to build a négociant business and started Maison Nicolas Potel, where he sourced grapes from good parcels, often working with the growers to improve the quality. By 2002, he was making 120 wines from 50 different appellations, and the rest is history!
Press Reviews
Wine Align
91 points - David Lawrason
This is an utterly charming, easy drinking and refined pinot. The hot 2018 vintage has layered in some ripeness with fine aromas of red cherry/raspberry compote, fine shrubby, foresty notes, and subtle oak spice. It is light to medium bodied, very smooth with fine tannin. The length is very good to excellent. Such poise and balance. Best now to 2023. Tasted June 2021.
90 points - Michael Godel
Nothing quite like a “normal” year to craft the most getable and crushable Bourgogne at the behest and passionate hands of Nicolas Potel. Old vines are in the 45 to 50 year range in highest of high density plantings harvested at a “normal” time in this post-modernist, climate adjusted period. That being the 5th to the 13th of September and fruit already ripe, burning the brix and phenol candle at both ends. Nose in to the promise of violets and roses, dive in for crunchy red fruit and some pretty solid tannins. That early yet necessary pick preserved acids with much to say in a pinot noir as tart and spirited as it is enriching of spirit. Despite the high drink-ability factor the structural parts creep up so wait a year for this to settle further. Drink 2022-2025. Tasted June 2021.
90 points - Sara d'Amato
Lovely, bright, crunchy and lively, this entry level Bourgogne from Roche de Bellene rarely disappoints. With a fine, elegant, and well-integrated oak treatment and an invitingly silky texture, this pinot noir is notably compelling and delivers solid value. Excellent length. Tasted June 2021.
- White Wine
- Marsanne
- Organic, Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.20% alc./vol
About the Winery
Mas Carlot
Mas Carlot is situated in the south of the Rhône Valley, extending across 76 hectares of pebbly land southeast of Nîmes. Originally a 17th century farm, this beautiful estate was resurrected in the 1960's by the Blanc family—it is currently run Cyril Mares of the neighbouring and equally reputable property, Mas Bressades.
The appellation of Costières de Nîmes used to be considered part of eastern Languedoc but the climate, soil, topography and wine are far closer to those just over the river in the Southern Côtes du Rhône. It is now a region very much on the up and is widely recognized as a great source of excellent value wine.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
91 points - John Szabo, MS
Good volume and fruity depth here on this southern Rhône from Mas Carlot, richly flavoured, properly sapid, and saliva-inducing. I like the broad and rich palate, the long finish. White-fleshed orchard fruit leads and lingers. Top notch, and lovely. Tasted January 2024.
90 points - Megha Jandhyala
This golden southern Rhône blend is charmingly ripe and fleshy, even comforting, with notes of apples, tangerines, lychee, and toasted bread. The palate is mellifluous and pleasantly full, with a satin silk-like richness and juicy acids. The finish is gently warming, faintly bitter, and delicately textured. Tasted January 2024.
- White Wine
- Chardonnay
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
About the Winery
Pearce Family Wines
In the early 2000's Nicholas Pearce was exposed to the garagiste movement in Bordeaux and was particularly inspired by négociants like Jean Luc Thunevin (Saint Emilion), James Sichel (Margaux) and Nicolas Potel (Beaune) from Burgundy.
After returning home to Ontario and starting his own wine company, he has had a hand in making 10+ wines in two hemispheres, 3 countries and 5 different appellations since the 2013 vintage.
Pearce Predhomme
Pearce Predhomme is a collaboration of like-minded individuals from around the globe. Founded with a mission to build and import wines from our favourite appellations while offering an unequaled value/quality ratio for the sommeliers & wine buyers in Ontario. This is a project between Toronto Sommelier and entrepreneur Will Predhomme and Ontario wine importer Nicholas Pearce they have partnered with Radford Dale in South Africa and NorthWest Wine Co. in Oregon to create these special cuvées.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
90 points - Michael Godel
3XP is the triumvirate styling of Tawse winemaker Paul Pender, Ontario wine importer Nicholas Pearce and Sommelier Will Predhomme. It's the latest song release in the epic Pearce-Predhomme négoce journey, a progressive-art-album rock venture replete with eleven-minute opus material, but this one is the hit with a recognizable and catchy hook. It's Hungry Heart, I Will Get by and Lucky Man wrapped up into one three-minute chardonnay play. The sip-swirl-swallow trilogy is like verse-chorus-verse and repeat. It's straightforward sharp, tart and flavourful chardonnay that only Paul Pender could make and it's consume-ability factor is one of threefold manifest destiny. The number three is a very important number in biblical and mythological study. It "is the first number to which the meaning "all" was given. It is The Triad, being the number of the whole as it contains the beginning, a middle and an end. The power of three is universal and is the tripartide nature of the world as heaven, earth, and waters. It is human as body, soul and spirit." As for this PPP chardonnay, just drink it up and enjoy. For the next three years. Drink 2018-2020. Tasted July 2018.
- Rosé Wine
- Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah
- Dry
- 750ml
- 12.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Maison Idiart
Maison Idiart is a wine négociant based in Bordeaux and established in 2013. Nicolas Idiart, winemaker and founder of Maison Idiart, grew up with a passion for wine, something that he shared with his father and grandfather.
He graduated from Bordeaux winemaking school in Blanquefort at 19 years old. Nicolas' love for Loire wines took him to work in Chinon, Touraine and Muscadet. He also had experiences in Australia and New Zealand. After several years travelling the world, he decided to shift his work in the industry and work in sales, focusing in North America.
At 33 years old, after 7 years working in sales, he decided to go back to winemaking with an artisan approach, making small batches of handcrafted wines.
- Red Wine
- Barbera, Dolcetto, Nebbiolo
- Biodynamic, Natural, Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13% alc./vol
About the Winery
Punset
While the vineyards that form Punset have been farmed by the Marcarino family for generations, it is truly thanks to Marina and her incredible energy that the estate is how it is nowadays. In the 1980s, she decided to pursue organic farming – a demanding choice that was rewarded by becoming the first estate to receive the organic certification in Italy. Her passion for the soil and the environment led her to embrace biodynamics and the agronomic philosophy of Manasobu Fukuoka. From one of the healthiest vineyards in Italy, Marina crafts wines that brim with life, energy, and pure terroir.
Known for the very first certified organic Barbaresco of Italy, Marina continues to show the world that you can preserve tradition and think of the future simultaneously.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
90 points - Michael Godel
Mainly dolcetto (70 per cent) with barbera and nebbiolo. Not much of the latter but necessary to widen the expression of the Langhe. Here it’s an explanation point, not a question, as in a confirmation of the exclamatory Piedmontese expression. Bright red amalgamated fruit with proper acidity and the ability to work alongside anyone and all. Drink 2019-2022. Tasted November 2019.
- Red Wine
- Cabernet Franc, Merlot
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.50% alc./vol
About the Winery
Château du Moulin Noir
This beautiful right-bank Bordeaux estate consistently produces high-value, elegant and classic Merlot dominant wines and is considered one of the most famous Château of this appellation. Located in Montagne-Saint-Emilion, Château Moulin Noir consists of seven hectares of vineyards on clay and limestone soils.
This château owes its name to a family feuddating back to the Middle Ages. Two brothers were arguing about their father’s legacy with the youngest brother being incredibly jealous that everything went to the elder. He was so jealous that he burnt the château to the ground - Moulin Noir translates to “blackened Mill”.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
91 points - Sara d'Amato
This notably complex right bank blend from a satellite appellation of Saint-Emilion offers appealing savory notes along with a mineral, iron component as well as licorice spice. The oak treatment is wonderfully integrated with wood spice elevating the bright red fruit. Harmoniously matured, graceful and very elegant. The staying power of the finish is impressive. Drinking very well now. Tasted January 2019.
- Red Wine
- Barbera
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 14% alc./vol
About the Winery
Cascina Castlèt
Cascina Castlèt has belonged to the Borio family for generations; Mariuccia, the current owner, inherited it from her father in 1970. Mariuccia focuses on her terroir and the local varieties. The vineyards of the estate are spread over 31 hectares, and are all located in Costigliole d'Asti.
Press Reviews
James Suckling
91 points
Very nice blueberry and blackberry character with some spicy orange. Medium body. Fruity and tart. Drink now.
- Sparkling Wine
- Riesling, Vidal
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 12% alc./vol
About the Winery
Pearce Family Wines
In the early 2000's Nicholas Pearce was exposed to the garagiste movement in Bordeaux and was particularly inspired by négociants like Jean Luc Thunevin (Saint Emilion), James Sichel (Margaux) and Nicolas Potel (Beaune) from Burgundy.
After returning home to Ontario and starting his own wine company, he has had a hand in making 10+ wines in two hemispheres, 3 countries and 5 different appellations since the 2013 vintage.