week of January 14

Vina Errazuriz Wild Ferment Chardonnay (Chile) – “…A greater pleasure is this drop-dead-gorgeous homage to Meursault.  Muddled lemon, nectarine and peaches dominate, with a ribbon of butterscotch.  Stunning.”  (90 Points – Kurtis Kolt – Wine Access – Dec 10/ Jan 11)
Chilkoot Lager (Yukon Brewing) – “Crisp and clean, pure and natural” – everything you want in a lager. Light and effervescent, without that nasty chemical tang, Chilkoot Lager goes down pretty smooth and easy. As one of our best selling beers, Chilkoot lives up to what we hoped it would be, a perfect alternative to mainstream beers and the best place to start trying craft beer. (website)
Lead Dog Ale (Yukon Brewing) – “This brew is not for the faint of heart; it doesn’t leap out and bite you (most Lead Dogs are better trained than that), but it will most certainly sneak up and knock you for a loop if given the chance (this character might be more comparable to that of the Malamute and Husky!).  Brewed to be high test, 7% alcohol by volume, the beer nonetheless drinks very smooth; the product of a careful blend of six different malts, and 2 months of aging after fermentation. The dark chocolate appearance is reminiscent of a porter, and the slightly darkened creamy head tops the look. But the first sip lets you know that this beer can be consumed, in quantity if desired (or required?), without leading to an overly full gullet.  Intricate malt flavours predominate, with a medium mouth-feel and a very light bitter. This ale promises to take the chill off after running the team in the crisp January nights. (website)

Fuzion Shiraz/Malbec (Argentina)
Silvertop Torrontes (Argentina)
Hardy’s Stamp Series Riesling Traminer (Australia)
The Chocolate Block (South Africa)

Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon (USA)
Mogen David Blackberry (USA)
Stones Green Ginger (Canada)
Crown Royal Special Reserve