Vintages New Release Collection – December 6, 2025

THE NEW RELEASE COLLECTION

FORTIFIED WINE CONT’D

EMILIO LUSTAU VERMUT BLANCO Spain

This pale gold, Sherry-based vermouth is made from fino, sweetened with Moscatel wine. Mild, grassy aromas lead into a sweet and citrusy palate, with mouthwatering acidity and a fresh, grassy exit accented by a floral hint. Included in the Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Spirits of 2018. Score: 94 (Kara Newman, Wine Enthusiast , March 1, 2018) Sweet 10812 (S) 750 ml $32.95 2 Online & Flagship Exclusive

BARBEITO 5-YEAR-OLD MALVASIA RESERVA MADEIRA DOP, Portugal

... absolutely ripping acids reining in the caramelized sugars of Madeira, such a unique wine to be sure. Barbeito usually falls on the drier side of each style category, and again here, the sweetest malmsey comes across as a caramelized lime purée on the finish, relentless, uncompromising, almost dry. I mean, where does one find this kind of complexity and originality at $18? Makes no sense. Bring this out with the hard sheep cheeses at the end of the meal for a crisp and satisfying finisher. Tasted October 2024. Score: 94 (John Szabo, MS, winealign.com) Sweet 39480 (S) 500 ml $18.95 2 This pale cream sherry is made from Palomino grapes and is aged a minimum of four years in American oak barrels following ageing in the traditional Solera system ... Aroma: Subdued, apple and apple blossom with light yeast. Taste: Light, clean and refreshing. Acidity perfectly balancing crisp acidity and juice green grape and pear fruitiness. Aftertaste: Medium length, honeyed apple finish with drying acidity. Overall: The crisp- ness and delicate complex flavours of fino but with light honeyed sweetness. Easy drinking sherry. Score: HHHHJ (diffordsguide.com, undated) Sweet 73452 (S) 750 ml $17.95 1 CROFT ORIGINAL PALE CREAM SHERRY DO, Spain, vegan

SPECIALTY WINES

SOUTHBROOK CANADIAN FRAMBOISE 6 Canada, vegan This has long been one of the best fruit wines produced in Ontario, period. There is a directness and honesty to the raspberry fruit that is almost startling – as if you were deep in the berry patch picking on a hot summer day, with the brush, leaves and earth. A touch candied and jammy on the palate. It is full bodied, very sweet, with very good acidity, that drives onto the finish. It is not complex but it is a treat. The length is excellent. Last tasted January 2022. Score: 92 (David Lawrason, winealign.com) Sweet 341024 (S) 375 ml $22.95 1

ROSEWOOD SPICED MEAD 2024 6 Canada This traditional mead was crafted from Rosewood’s own wildflower honey, infused with a selection of vanilla bean, cinnamon and clove, then matured for six months. It makes a perfect fireside sipper served lightly chilled, or an equally enjoyable mulled mead served warmed and garnished with a cinnamon stick and fresh orange. Sweet 42224 (S) 500 ml $24.95 2

DILLON’S SMALL BATCH DRY VERMOUTH 6 Canada

Pure rosemary and basil on the nose, like pine resin or retsina, almost dry, almond cookies, and more. With a little frittura of calamari? Spritzed up! Love it. Tasted blind at the NWACs 2024. Score: 90 (John Szabo, MS, winealign.com) Medium 33629 (M) 750 ml $21.95 2

40 VINTAGES SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2025