Longtime customers know that before we became known for our craft beer selection, we started out as humble seller of BC VQA wines here in the Cook St. Village. Wine has always been an important part of the mix at Cook St. Liquor. We’re just as passionate about wine as craft beer and it has been our goal to keep an interesting and unique selection of wine on hand, spanning the range from high-end Bordeaux to cheap and cheerful everyday wines. Our specialty, though, is finding great value in the $15 to $39 range.
This week, we have a nice mix of mostly reds from around the world—Spain, Italy, France and California—along with one luscious Napa Valley chardonnay.
Ch. Pesquie 2011 Quintessence $33.90
Classic Rhone flavours of briary black fruits, cocoa and hints of licorice and wild herbs. Solid guts that will stand up to hearty winter fare or just warm you up around the fireplace when it snows in Victoria!
Frontaura 2005 Crianza $39.90
100% Tempranillo from the Tora region in Spain. A very traditional Spaniad—complex and powerful, but still showing tremendous balance and elegance. If you’re looking for a distinctive gift for that someone special this year, this wine may just the ticket!
Tenute Rubino Negromara 2011 $23.90
Hailing from the southern part of Italy, just north of the “heel,” this full-bodied red is a real winner! Complex with red cherry, herbal and smoky notes, it has beautifully soft tannins. A great sipper on its own, it’s even better when paired with savoury dishes such as roasted lamb, semi-cured cheeses, or meatballs. Mmmmm…meatballs.
Girard 2012 Petite Sirah $46.90
Intense and rustic is the name of the game here. Small amounts of Petit Sirah are grown in Napa Valley, and generally show big bold jammy characteristics. This wine does not disappoint. Intense and rustic, with an earthy mix of wild berry and plum. Campfire, candied violet and espresso notes round out this rich complex beast. Drinking well now but can be cellared through 2025.
Beringer 2012 Luminus Chardonnay $46.90
Part of the “Distinctions” line from Beringer, the 2012 Luminus offers a classic example of Napa Valley Chardonnay. Rich and textured with lovely notes of honeydew melon, honeysuckle, spice and toasty oak. Will definitely hit the mark for the big buttery chard drinker, while retaining freshness and lively acidity to satisfy the most discriminating wine drinker!