Vintages New Release Collection – June 21, 2025

THE NEW RELEASE COLLECTION

SAKE CONT’D

CHAMPAGNE LUCIEN ROGUET NO.1 TRADITION BRUT GRAND CRU CHAMPAGNE AC, France

SANZEN OMACHI TOKUBETSU JUNMAI SAKE Okayama Prefecture, Japan (Kikuchi Sake Brewing Co.)

This complex bubbly is like a patisserie in a glass. Freshly baked pastry, brioche, quince jelly, candied citrus and roasted hazelnut all make an appearance, along with summer flowers. Exquisite. [Concours Mondial des Féminalise did not include a tasting note.] Score: Gold (Concours Mondial des Féminalise Paris, 2021) Rich & Complex 39869 (XD) 750 mL $78.95 2

This sake is made using Omachi rice, which was first used in 1859 and is considered an heirloom variety. This rice is challenging to work with, but the results cannot be denied. Gently sweet with a distinct umami character, this balanced, stylish sake is ideally suited for food. Great with fish or charcuterie, it can be served chilled or warmed. 33572 (D) 720 mL $27.95 1

SPARKLING WINE

ICEWINE

MEGALOMANIAC SPARKLING PERSONALITY 6 VQA Ontario, Charmat method (John Howard Cellars of Distinction)

INNISKILLIN NIAGARA ESTATE CABERNET FRANC ICEWINE 2023 6 VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario Rich and flavourful, with intense strawberry, cherry, raspberry, rhubarb, and exotic tropical nuances. Fun without losing its serious edge. Perfect for fruity desserts or anything with dark chocolate. Lusciously Sweet 149963 (S) 200 mL $59.95 2 Online & Flagship Exclusive

A lively, fun sparkler, with peach, citrus, pear, and a slate-edged minerality. It has balanced, refined sweetness and a caressing, lush texture. A great sipping wine, this will pair with everything from spicy seafood appetizers to a chickpea-and squash coconut curry. Light & Fruity 469007 (M) 750 mL $21.95 2

THE TRAGICALLY HIP FIREWORKS SPARKLING 2023 6 VQA Ontario, Charmat method (Stoney Ridge Estate Winery)

INNISKILLIN NIAGARA ESTATE GOLD VIDAL ICEWINE 2022 6 VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario

The blend for this charmat style sparkling wine is 82% Chardonnay from Lincoln Lakeshore and 18% Riesling from Four Mile Creek. The wine spent six months on its lees. The nose starts with a toasty/brioche note followed by bright apple, pear and citrus with a gentle bead in the glass. The bubble is more robust on the palate followed by apple, quince and bergamot with subtle stony minerality and baked bread that all leads to a bright, clean finish with a just a touch of sweetness. Score: 91 (Rick VanSickle, winesinniagara.com, June 18, 2024) Light & Fruity 38302 (D) 750 mL $26.95 1

Dip a Golden Delicious apple slice in caramel to get an idea of how fabulous this wine smells. Additional aromas include peach, orange and ginger. Flavors like graham crackers slathered in guava icing, honeycomb and peach glide along a soft, thick palate. The acidity is on the soft side, but the “yum factor” is high. Editors’ Choice. Score: 96 (Michael Alberty, Wine Enthusiast , July 1, 2024) Lusciously Sweet 19083 (S) 375 mL $99.95 2 Online & Flagship Exclusive

32 VINTAGES SATURDAY, JUNE 21, 2025