Rogers & Co. suggests stocking the (wine) cellar this fall.
Who wants to be the bearer of bad news? No-one. We hate to admit that the season is changing. You know what’s coming and we do too.
To soften the blow, we’re letting festive thoughts creep in. ‘Tis the season to stock up on some seriously collectible wines, for one thing. You’ve worked hard all year, and now’s the time to enjoy and share the fruits of your labour. We’ve combed our portfolio and identified a few special finds to appreciate in the chilly, festive days ahead or lay down in the cellar for a long rest.
Hold on tight: this is a big list. It’s not exhaustive, though. Rogers & Company is your go-to for a selection of critically acclaimed wines. We’ll always weigh in with our own opinions, though, if you’d like help with a selection. These are special bottles, no matter the price tag or score. Most of the wines we list here are not available at the LCBO. Some are in short supply. To secure a case, follow the links below or get in touch by email or phone.
If you’re new to Rogers & Company: Welcome! Wines are sold in unmixed cases of 12, 6, or 3, depending on the item. Delivery is easy: We can bring the wine to your door, or you can stop by our office to pick up and meet the crew and the company dog.
As the Private Client Manager for Rogers & Company, consider me your “wine guy”. I’m always happy to chat wine or field your questions. Nothing elevates gift-giving or an evening at home like the right bottle of wine. Sometimes that bottle should be a little special, and we can help with that.
Sincerely,
Chris McLean
Champagne Vilmart & Cie
“Coeur de Cuvée” 2009 – $171.95 per bottle, cases of 6 (10 cases available)
A real gem among top-flight Champagnes, Vilmart’s “Coeur de Cuvée” is a must-have. Like Dom Perignon? Let us save you $100 a bottle and broaden your Champagne experience. You’ll simply love this.
“Endless and gentle aromatic harmony. The majority of Chardonnay (80%) immediately establishes its elegance with its notes of citrus fruits, white flowers and exotic fruits, highlighted by a delicate breath barely spicey, eminent signature of the vinification and ageing for ten months in 228 litres oak barrels. The nose becomes a sensual caress, expression of the fullness of the Champagne obtained by seven years of patient ageing of the bottles before riddling and disgorgement. Vertiginous purity at the opening, thanks to the rigorous selection of the juices from the first pressing (coeur de cuvée: 1,400 litres of the 2,050 litres of cuvée), reinforced by the timely stop of the malolactic fermentation of the base wines. Remarkable presence, characteristic sign of the oldest plots of vine of the estate (55 years old), underlined by joyful scents of red and black fruits due to the Pinot Noir (20%). Balanced finish supported by a graceful minerality. Impressive length on the palate.” – Michel Veron, Guide Veron des Champagnes, 2018
Read more or order here.
Domaine Christian Moreau Père et Fils
Chablis Les Clos Grand Cru “Clos des Hospices” 2015 – $111.95 per bottle, cases of 6
“Clos de Hospices” is a single parcel of vines at the base of the famed Grand Cru Les Clos. It is a true Chablisienne treasure and due to its scarcity, I think this is simply one of the most special wines that we carry. Moreau ages a small portion of the wine in new French French oak for four months before bottling, the majority in neutral older oak.
“From one hectare within Les Clos. Firm, rather closed nose, with a touch of oak. Rich, imposing, very concentrated and taut. Nutty and mineral on the palate, with some bracing austerity. Fine balance and potential, with a very long refined finish.” – 96 points, Decanter, Feb 2017
Read more or order here.
Domaine Leflaive
Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru “Les Folatières” 2015 – $259.95 per bottle, cases of 6
“Les Folatieres” is a 17 hectare vineyard just metres north and directly adjacent to the Grand Cru Chevalier-Montrachet vineyard. The price tag may make you look twice, but if you’re looking for top-tier Côte de Beaune, this is very good value. 2015 is an excellent vintage, too – very taut and minerally with nutty, earthy undertones.
“Though light-footed, this white is expansive, filled with flavours of lemon cake, apple tart and white flowers. Vibrant and long, with precision balance and a lingering aftertaste of flowers, honey, mineral and spice. Scintillating. Best from 2020 through 2030.”– 95 points, Wine Spectator, Dec 2017
Read more or order here.
Marqués de Murrieta
“Capellania” 2012 – $42.95 per bottle, cases of 6
This summer, we embarked on an epic road trip through Spain. At Marqués de Murrieta’s Ygay estate, we enjoyed one of the best meals we’ve ever tasted. The Capellania, served with barely-cooked shrimp, was a stand-out pairing and cemented the unique beauty of this amazing white. It is incredibly dynamic. Serve chilled like most whites, or at a slighty cool “cellar temperature” as you would a red.
“From a vineyard on the Ygay estate. Another modern classic Viura: the palate builds with layers of French oak, white flowers and sweet spices. Supple, well rounded, very complex. Murrieta is doing great things with its reds, but don’t miss this.” – 96 points, Decanter, April 2017
Read more or order here.
Pio Cesare
“Ornato” Barolo 2013 – $148.95 per bottle, cases of 6
Pio Cesare’s top Barolo is from the Ornato vineyard in Serralunga d’Alba. This vineyard’s wines are all about depth and power. This is Nebbiolo of the highest order, so it’s also highly cellar-worthy. To suggest that its prime drinking window is two decades from now is reasonable.
“Extremely complex and showing the terroir of Serralunga with rose stems, wet earth, strawberries and mushrooms. Orange peel to boot. Full to medium body, ultra-fine tannins and bright acidity. Fascinating character that takes everything from the aromas. Light chewy on the finish. Expanding. Needs time to soften with bottle age. Better in 2021.” – 98 points, JamesSuckling.com, Feb 2017
Read more or order here.
Altesino
Brunello di Montalcino “Montosoli” 2012 – $119.95 per bottle, cases of 6
Altesino’s most celebrated wine is “Montosoli”. A single-vineyard wine (and a bargain in top-tier Brunello). It is balanced and perfumed, and because the winery doesn’t use new oak for ageing there is a harmonious, gentle feel to the wine even at a young age. Wine Spectator awarded this wine its second-highest score for the vintage (95 points) and frankly, they may have underestimated this one.
“Montosoli is the single vineyard cru Brunello from Altesino, and year after year it is amongst the top wines made from the region, as is the case in this vintage. The 2012 is an utterly compelling wine, which is all about elegance and finesse. As this begins to open it releases striking aromatics of blackberries, strawberries and plums woven together with freshly cut floral, spices, orange peel, leather and hints of fresh white truffle, all taking shape in this stunning Brunello. As mentioned, the silky texture results in an incredibly finessed mouthfeel, as it also displays remarkable balance and wonderful purity leading into the long finish, which is marked by sweet red fruits and exotic spices. Today, even at this young age, Montosoli is extremely impressive and a pleasure to drink, however there is no sense of urgency, as this should thrive in the cellar for years to come. (Best 2018-2032)” – 97 points, International Wine Report, Feb 2017
Read more or order here.
Fontodi
Flaccianello della Pieve IGT 2013 – $132.95 per bottle, cases of 6
“It is impossible to exaggerate my enthusiasm for this set of new releases from Giovanni Manetti’s venerable Fontodi. I’ll start with the 2013 Flaccianello della Pieve that left me speechless. This is the wine that taught me to love the 2013 vintage in Central Tuscany […] The 2013 Flaccianello della Pieve is a commanding wine and a strong protagonist of both the vintage and its territory. Connoisseurs of Sangiovese will be hard pressed to find a wine more authentic, elegant, complex and pristine than this. I am a huge fan of the 2013 vintage in Chianti Classico and the Flaccianello della Pieva is one big reason for this love affair. The bouquet is gorgeous and delineated with wild berry, tangy spice, crushed mineral and forest flower. Yet, the wine’s color is dark, brooding and austere. The wine offers exuberance and energy in the mouth, thanks to its balanced acidity and seemingly never-ending finish. It should age forward for twenty years or more. Congratulations Fontodi.” – 98 points, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, Dec 2016
Read more or order here.
Château Corbin
2010 Saint-Émilion Grand Cru – $78.95 per bottle, cases of 12
Look to 2010 for one of the great Bordeaux vintages of the modern era: superb wines with richness and nicely integrated tannins, classic expressions that are age-worthy and restrained. Enologist Anabelle Cruse-Bardinet directs Château Corbin. She is the 4th generation of her family to run the winery, one of the oldest estates in Saint-Émilion. The estate borders the Pomerol appellation. This blend is generally 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, a classic “Right Bank” red fermented in cement and aged 17 months in French oak barriques.
“This 2010 is a spectacular wine from Annabelle Cruse-Bardinet from her 33-acre vineyard in the lieu-dit of Corbin (hence the name of the château). Lush, concentrated black currant and kirsch-like fruit, a hint of licorice and some floral notes and subtle background oak jump from the glass of this blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. It is another relatively large-scaled St.-Emilion at 15% natural alcohol, but the good news is that there are nearly 4,500 cases of this wine in the marketplace. The purity, sumptuous texture and seductive nature of this wine will endear it to most readers. It is certainly a sleeper of the vintage, as Corbin has rarely made a wine of this intensity and richness, at least not in many a year. Drink it over the next 15+ years.” – 92 points, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, Feb 2013
Read more or order here.
Bodegas San Román
“San Román” 2013 – $62.95 per bottle, cases of 6
The growing season in Toro is short and intense. Days of 35 to 40ºC are followed by nights 20 to 25º cooler. The heat and light drive phenolic and tannin development in Tempranillo (here called Tinta de Toro), while at night the acids climb. The resulting fruit is balanced and intense. Two years maturation in French and American barriques makes for a powerful, modern expression of Spain’s most famous grape.
“The 2013 San Román was produced with fruit from older vineyards in Toro. In 2012 they started reducing the amount of the new oak in this wine and the change is quite noticeable. There is something leafy and floral showing elegance within the power that the place provides naturally. 2013 was quite different in Toro from Ribera del Duero, here the cooler years are a plus, as they balance the extra ripeness the place provides. In 2013 there was no rain during the harvest and the grapes were very healthy. There are some fine tannins and the profile of a more austere and transparent vintage, a mineral year. But it does have the smokey and slightly wild character of Toro.” – 93 points, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, Feb 2017
Read more or order here.
Peay Vineyards
”Scallop Shelf” Estate Pinot Noir 2015 – $109.95 per bottle, cases of 6
Peay Vineyards is a personal favourite winery, period. Back in 2009, this three-person family winery earned the San Francisco Chronicle’s “Winery of the Year” award. That’s high praise. This particular wine was a highlight at our annual Portfolio Tasting last month. It is one of two single-vineyard estate Pinot Noirs Peay produces (Pomarium is the second). Scallop Shelf is intense, yet comfortably medium-bodied. It’s like drinking a cherry-flavoured, satin laser beam of fruit. While we have mixed opinions regarding Galloni’s tasting note below, the score is bang-on. This is fantastic Pinot.
“The 2015 Pinot Noir Estate Scallop Shelf is dense, powerful and also quite tannic. Readers will have to be patient with the 2015, as it is massively tannic and structured. Dark cherry, plum, tobacco and licorice give the wine its personality. This is a distinctly virile vintage for the Scallop Shelf. Time in bottle will help the Scallop Shelf come together, but I imagine it will always retain some of the gravitas it shows today. 2019 – 2029.” – 94 points, Antonio Galloni, vinous.com, March 2017
Read more or order here.
Domaine Serene
“Evenstad Reserve” Pinot Noir 2014 – $129.95 per bottle, cases of 6
Domaine Serene is arguably Oregon’s top Pinot Noir producer, perhaps one of the United States’ top wineries. The “Evenstad Reserve” Pinot Noir (and the Chardonnay) are their flagship wines, showcasing fruit from their estate vineyards. It is consistently excellent, a guaranteed fabulous Pinot Noir experience.
“A soft and silky Pinot with beautiful dried strawberries, blueberries and hints of vanilla to close. Medium to full body, ultra-fine tannins and a fruity finish. This is all about subtlety and freshness. Drink now.” – 95 points, JamesSuckling.com, August 2017
Read more or order here.
Shafer
“TD-9” 2015 – $99.95 per bottle, cases of 12
In 1973 John Shafer went from an executive position in Chicago to teaching himself to drive a TD-9 tractor in Napa Valley. He’d never grown grapes or made wine in his life. Crazy, right? Well, that spirit of risk-taking and adventure has served the Shafer family well, and it still guides the winery today. 2015 marks a turning point at Shafer. The winery will no longer bottle a varietal Merlot. Instead, they introduce TD-9, a Napa red: in 2015 the blend is 56% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 16% Malbec.
“Powerful and finely textured, with concentrated dried cherry, dark currant and roasted plum flavours that are filled with lively minerality. Richly spiced, showing dried herbal notes on the chiseled finish. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. Drink now through 2022.” – 92 points, Wine Spectator, Aug 2017
Read more or order here.
Chateau Montelena
“The Montelena Estate” Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 – $154.95 per bottle, cases of 6
Montelena’s Estate Cabernet is their finest wine and one of Napa Valley’s blue-chip, never-miss Cabernets. It’s consistently stellar value. (If you’re looking for a great gift idea, this wine also comes in the most beautiful wooden case with an inlaid lid and individually-wrapped bottles.) It is a real collector’s item.
“Winemaker Matt Crafton embraces the winery’s longstanding tradition of elegant Napa Valley Cabernet in this estate wine-a beautiful expression of exotic, savoury characteristics wrapped in a seamless texture. Tomato leaf, meat and soy notes underscore deep layers of black pepper, black cherry and cassis, with grippy, dense tannins. Enjoy 2023 – 2033.” – 94 points and Cellar Selection, Wine Enthusiast, Dec 2017
Read more or order here.
Quintessa
Quintessa 2014 – $239.95 per bottle, cases of 6
Quintessa is a masterpiece property of 280 acres in the heart of Rutherford. Almost 200 acres of organic vineyards flow over the hills and valleys. In 2014, the Quintessa is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Carmenere. It spent 21 months in 100% French oak barriques, 80% of which were new.
“Aromas of spearmint, sweet tobacco, cigars and blackcurrants follow through to a medium to full body, very polished and refined tannins and an intense finish. Extremely fine and long. Savoury. Extremely long finish. Biodynamically grown.” – 97 points, JamesSuckling.com, Jan 2017
Read more or order here.
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