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Two California Classics
Prices include tax.
Far Niente Chardonnay 2022
The Far Niente Chardonnay 2022 hails from Napa Valley, one of California’s premier regions for Chardonnay. Far Niente, established in 1885, is among California’s oldest wineries, renowned for its focus on quality vineyard management and sustainable practices. This Chardonnay combines fruit from Carneros and Coombsville vineyards, where unique growing conditions foster the wine’s signature richness and complexity. Carneros provides cool, maritime breezes and well-drained soils that contribute bright acidity, while Coombsville adds depth with its gravelly loam and volcanic ash soils, along with warmer, less windy conditions.
The 2022 growing season began with mild weather, promoting steady vine growth, with budbreak occurring in March and veraison in mid-July. Although a few heat waves arrived in the summer, thoughtful vineyard management, including shading and misting, preserved grape quality. Harvest took place in August, and the wine was aged for ten months in French oak barrels (50% new), imparting subtle hints of vanilla and nutmeg that enhance the vibrant citrus, melon, and pear notes. With a silky mouthfeel and a long, crisp finish, this Chardonnay pairs beautifully with creamy dishes or roast chicken, highlighting Far Niente’s signature balance and elegance.
$99.95/btl - Available through LCBO Vintages.
Gary Farrell Russian River Selection Pinot Noir 2021
Gary Farrell Russian River Selection Pinot Noir 2021 beautifully embodies the diversity of Sonoma’s Russian River Valley, blending fruit from premium vineyards to achieve a layered and complex profile. Grapes from the Rochioli and Bacigalupi vineyards, located near the river, benefited from the valley’s foggy mornings, warm days, and cool nights, while the cooler Martaella Vineyard in the Santa Rosa Plain brought fresh, vibrant character. Hallberg and McDonald Mountain Vineyards in the especially cool Green Valley and Sebastopol Hills areas added further depth, highlighting the unique terroir of each sub-region.
This 2021 vintage was marked by steady, moderate weather, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and resulting in a well-balanced crop with concentrated flavours. Harvested early and meticulously sorted, some grapes were de-stemmed, while others were left as whole clusters to add complexity during fermentation. After careful fermentation, the wine aged for 13 months in 40% new French oak, developing a refined profile with inviting aromas of cherry, rose, and subtle sweet tobacco. Flavours of blood orange, sour cherry, and tamarind follow on the palate, supported by firm tannins and a lingering finish.
$72.95/btl - Available through LCBO Vintages.
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