The Graceland Shiraz is a big full bodied wine almost black in colour.  Black red mulberries are married with American oak giving a soft vanilla flavour to the palate.  Definitely a wine to be enjoyed now.  Yet another favourite of mine from South Africa.

Pelee Island Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (Ontario, Canada)
Trove Riesling/ Gewurtztraminer (750ml & 2 L cask)
(cellared in Canada)
Trove Shiraz/ Malbec (2L cask) (cellared in Canada)
Full Press Cabernet Sauvignon (3L cask) (cellared in Canada)
Cruzan Black Strap rum (St. Croix)
Fuller’s London Porter beer (Britain)

Mission Hill Reserve Shiraz (Canada)
20 Bees Cabernet/ Merlot (Canada)
Dr. ZenZen Vino Noire (Germany)
Dr. ZenZen Noblese Spatlese (Germany)
Penfolds Koonunga Hill (Australia)
Rosemount Traminer/ Riesling (Australia)
Rosemount Chardonnay/ Semillon (Australia)
Wally’s Hut Shiraz (Australia)
Pinnacle Root Beer Vodka
Cazadores Anejo Tequila

The Cathedral Cellar Triptych is a blend of Noble red varietals – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz.  It is full bodied with rich ripe fruit that is balanced with French oak.  The 2006 is a definite pick for me.  Not too fruity not too dry.  Full and complex.  Nick Lees of ‘Wine Picks’ (Sept 15) in the Edmonton Journal says it “…must rate on the “best buy” list….Think hearty fare, from barbecued back ribs to venison stew.”

We just brought in the Pinnacle Melon Vodka this week and I’m sure there are many people wondering what to do with it – other than mix it with Club Soda that is.  Here are some recipe ideas.  (I didn’t think these up all on my own either.  They are from the Pinnacle Vodka website.  Click on the link above to get more recipe ideas for other Pinnacle flavours we carry – such as, Cotton Candy, Whipped Cream & Rootbeer.)

ROSE MARTINI
2 oz Pinnacle Melon Vodka
1 1/2 oz cranberry juice
splash of Triple Sec
splash of lime juice
Shake with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass.

MELON COSMO
2 oz Pinnacle Melon Vodka
1/2 oz Triple Sec
1 oz lemonade
Shake with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass.  Garnish with a cherry.

VOGUE MARTINI
2 oz Pinnacle Melon Vodka
1 oz melon liqueur
splash of pineapple juice
Shake with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass.  Garnish with an orange wedge.

TOUSSAINT MARTINI
2 oz Pinnacle Melon Vodka
3/4 oz orange juice
3/4 oz fresh lime juice
Shake with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass.  Garnish with an orange twist.

MELON A LA MODE
2 oz Pinnacle Melon Vodka
1 oz coconut rum
splash pineapple juice
splash sour mix (see recipe below)
Shake with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass.  Garnish with a pineapple slice.

RUGBY JUICE
1 1/2 oz Pinnacle Melon Vodka
1/2 oz blue curacao
4 oz pineapple juice
1 oz cranberry juice
Mix in a glass filled with ice and garnish with a pineapple slice.

FRENCH MELON OPEN
2 oz Pinnacle Melon Vodka
4 oz Club Soda
splash of cranberry juice
Mix in a glass filled with ice and garnish with a lime wedge.

VERSAILLES COCKTAIL
2 oz Pinnacle Melon Vodka
4 oz lemon-lime soda (7UP or Sprite)
Mix in a glass filled with ice and garnish with a lemon wedge.

NOTRE DAME
2 oz Pinnacle Melon Vodka
4 oz orange juice
Mix in a glass filled with ice and garnish with an orange wedge.

THE EURO
2 oz Pinnacle Melon Vodka
4 oz cranberry juice
Mix in a glass filled with ice and garnish with a lime wedge.

Sour Mix Recipe
1 cup sugar
2 cups water
2 cups fresh lemon juice
Dissolve sugar in water.  Add lemon juice.  Refrigerate.

Pinnacle Melon Vodka
Elephant Island Black Currant Wine – Naramata, BC
Oyster Bay Pinot Noir – New Zealand

Singleton of Glendullan Single Malt Whisky

The tasting notes for the Cafe Culture Pinotage mention “…a distinct coffee character.  Pinotage grapes have been persuaded to show an often hidden mocha flavour – nothing is added and nothing is taken away.”  Unfortunately I didn’t taste the mocha/ coffee flavours.  I’m not saying those flavours aren’t there, I just couldn’t taste them.  I did enjoy the wine though and I don’t usually consume a pinotage.  It was very smooth and light to medium bodied.  Easy to drink, no food pairing required.  Another favourite from South Africa.