NEON CACTUS WINES

Neon Cactus Wines will be presenting its 12th annual scotch tasting at this year’s Robbie Burns Night. For a minimal charge to support the Band, attendees can try a wee dram of a variety of scotches.
Saturday, January 28, 2012 at the Cochrane RancheHouse!

 Tickets for the event on sale at
Neon Cactus Wines
$75 each or a table of 8 for $560
Cocktails 6 p.m.
Dinner 7 p.m.
Dance 9 p.m.

Performance by the Cochrane Men of Vision Pipes & Drums featuring hits from the 1700s and 1800s!

Highland dancing, traditional Scottish dinner and toasts, scotch tasting, silent auction and dancing into the wee hours with “Fraid Knot.”

Best way to warm up in January!

Tags: Cochrane, Robbie Burns Night, scotch tasting, wine

The Glencairn Nosing and Tasting Crystal Glass
The unique and stylish shape has been crafted with eminent care to enhance the enjoyment of single malts and aged blends. The tapering mouth allows an ease of drinking not associated with traditional nosing glasses, while capturing that all-important bouquet. The wide bowl allows the fullest appreciation of the whisky’s colour. The solid base is designed to be easy on the hand. $14.95*
The story of The Glencairn Glass & how to appreciate Scotch…

Friday & Saturday, January 20 & 21,
you could warm up for Robbie Burns Day by tasting some scotch. We had different ones open than those planned for the Robbie Burns event!

Also, you could taste amazing wines from
ARAMIS Vineyards in Australia.

It’s great to try before you buy!

Tags: Cochrane, scotch, tasting, wine

For your tasting pleasure on Friday and Saturday we had open
Viejo Reyno Vino Tinto from Spain &
Forgotten Field white from Portugal!

Viejo Reyno is an excellent value in a one-litre bottle.
Did you discover a new favourite?

It’s great to try before you buy!

Tags: Cochrane, wine

Vintage 2002 released  September 2010 by Moet & Chandon
Intensely floral nose with a hint of almond, lemon and oranges, rounded off by darker smoky qualities. The wine gains richness in the glass as the flavours become riper and almost tropical. Apricots, passion fruit and peaches emerge from this opulent champagne. Great persistence, backbone and acidity. This confident wine reaches every part of the palate with concentrated but creamy perfection, holding the promise of a long life ahead of it. $229.95*

Tags: Cochrane, wine

Inspired by an ancient Highland recipe, the award winning Dunkeld Atholl Brose is a delicious boutique liqueur that captures the best natural flavours of Scotland. A luxurious golden blend of single malt whisky, honey and carefully-selected herbs, this is a unique product steeped in Scottish history.

AROMA without water
Sweet, spicy and fruity ~ cloves and cinnamon, eucalyptus and menthol aromas.

TASTE without water
Sweet, warming with menthol and peppermint notes. Spicy, herbal flavours and a subtle whisky edge. $49.95*

Tags: Cochrane, liqueur, wine

Initially launched in 2006 as the world’s first bottled Single Malt to be fully certified as organic. The whole process, including the use of the raw ingredients, distillation, maturation and bottling, is certified to the rigorous standards set by the UK Soil Association. The whisky is matured in virgin American oak casks from environmentally managed forests which has added a unique robustness and depth which complements the traditional Benromach spirit.

AROMA without water
Sweet, charred oak aromas with fresh fruit notes (bananas and pineapples). An earthy, toasted aroma also present.

TASTE without water
Sweet, vanilla and toffee flavours. Hints of green apples and orange peel with a rich resinous note.

AROMA with water
Sweet with malty aromas. A perfumed note emerges. The fruitiness remains ~ peaches and pears. Sweetness develops into cream toffees.

TASTE with water
Malty with sweet oak flavours. Hints of drier fruit ~ sultanas and raisins.
$79.95*

Tags: cochrane wine store, scotch

New three-litre sizes in Big House wines:

Big House Red Octavin

Big House White Octavin
$39.95* per 3-litre size

 The Big House Winery is a mere ankle iron’s toss from the Soledad State Correctional Facility, a.k.a. “The Big House,” “The Clink,” “The Slammer,” which explains the prison theme depicted on the wine labels. Big House wines are “so good, they’re almost criminal.”

 Big House Red
This red lives up to that old Fruit Bomb moniker that you’ve come to expect. It starts with a nose full of blackberries and raspberries, with hints of leather and spices. The palate is clean, exhibiting flavours of cranberries, roses and a touch of rhubarb. The finish lingers, with flavours of vanilla and a touch of dark cherries. A true trump card, Big House Red pairs well with all grilled meats, lasagna Bolognese, grilled vegetables or even sashimi grade Ahi tuna. $13.95 per 750 ml*

Big House White
This prisoner is a captivating blend of aromatic whites with a nose that carries the vibrancy of spring with white flowers and lychee fruit that surround the senses. The palate opens up to tropical fruits, dried apricot and white peaches. This wine finishes strong with a cleansing citrus zest that lingers. It’s quite possibly the perfect accompaniment to “chain gang” duties in the yard, fresh fish, Asian cuisine or even Sunday morning fruit salads. $13.95 per 750 ml*

[ United States U.S. U.S.A. USA ]

Tags: Cochrane, cochrane wine store, wine

Brut Organic Sparkling Wine
The Summerhill specialty and possibly Canada’s most critically acclaimed wine, the Cipes Brut is a beautiful Riesling-based traditional sparkling wine with aromas of apple, lime, pear, almonds and grapefruit. Crisp acidity on the palate, a soft, creamy mousse with a long finish and flavours of citrus, pear, apple, almonds and yeast. $29.95*

[ Canada British Columbia BC B.C. ]

We had assorted BUBBLY open for tasting Friday and Saturday to help you decide on the perfect one for your

NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATION!

Prices range from $13.95 to $229.95 per bottle.

Tags: Cochrane, cochrane wine store, wine

This delicious fruity white blend exhibits spicy tropical fruit flavours from the Traminer complemented by the elegance and floral character of the Riesling. Great balance and a clean, lively finish. An excellent turkey dinner wine! $14.95* 

 80% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Malbec
In the old-world tradition of most Bordeaux Estates, Osoyoos Larose makes two wines of every vintage. Pétales d’Osoyoos is the second wine of Osoyoos Larose. It displays a deep ruby colour, with fresh ripe aromas of red fruits with chocolate and vanilla notes. In the middle of the palate, this wine shows a large amount of complex layers with raspberry, plum and toasted flavours. The wine is fruity and intense with smooth and velvety tannins, with a long, fresh aftertaste. Lots of elegance. $37.95*

[ Canada Canadian BC B.C. ]

A bright, golden yellow, light-bodied Spanish liqueur made from 43 different ingredients. This delicious drink has remained popular from the time of the Romans to the present day. The ancient recipe, dating back to 200 B.C., was passed down from generation to generation until it was purchased by Diego Zamora in 1924. The liqueur is reputed to conjure up a feeling of a summer. Unbelievably smooth!

Warm, complex aroma with vanilla in the forefront. Then tangy sweet fruit, spices, and a rum-like essence. The flavour, like the aroma, is of vanilla, complex spices, tangy fruits with hints of citrus and a suggestion of fine, aged rum. Serve on ice as an after-dinner drink or mix with coffee or carbonated beverages or enjoy in or with desserts. $44.95*

Peppertree Vineyard Shiraz
Rich and deep in colour, and rich and deep in aromas. Ripe, spicy shiraz flavours; dark chocolate with hints of liquorice. The silky mouth coating tannins give a gentle firmness and an elegant structure to the wine. Excellent long-term cellaring potential. $28.95*

Watervale Riesling
Intense aromatic Riesling fruit flavours are the hallmarks of this wine. It has a fine dry palate with a crisp acidity and a long lingering fruit finish. These wines drink freshly and lively when released young but develop beautifully for 5 to 8 years. The fresh fruit flavours transform into the rich toasty characters for which aged Riesling from this area is renowned, and this wine is consistently one the Clare Valley’s best. $24.95*

The inviting nose displays elements of luscious Okanagan black cherry and plum with a hint of rosemary spice. The soft tannic structure is very approachable with substantial berry and spice flavours despite its delicacy. A liquid silk texture leaves a soft finish on the palate.  $24.95*

[ Canada Canadian BC B.C. ]

Villa Maria Marlborough Pinot Noir
Native to Burgundy and notoriously fickle, the Pinot Noir grape has found in New Zealand a home away from home.
This Pinot Noir has a perfumed bouquet of ripe cherries and raspberry fruits. The palate displays ripe fruit with complex savoury and spice elements. Soft, silky, fine-grained tannins provide structure and definition, yet also allow for the wine to be consumed young.  This wine complements a range of savoury dishes: game birds, salmon, pork, veal, lamb and venison. 22.95*

Villa Maria Marlborough Riesling
A pure and delicate bouquet of ripe citrus-lime and spring blossom aromas. The palate is beautifully balanced with intense flavours, lovely juicy length and a zest lime finish. Great on its own or with light fresh food. $19.95*

Back again after a long absence:

Ram’s Leap Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc
Pale straw in colour. Limey citrus flavours dominate the nose. The palate is intense fruit with a well-balanced lingering finish. In particular, fresh citrus, crunchy snow peas and passionfruit. Flinty mineral characters typical of the terroir add complexity to the citrusy palate. $16.95*

Neon Cactus Wines also carries:
Ram’s Leap Shiraz
Intense dark cherry red in colour. The nose hints of white pepper and attractive summer fruit. The palate is vibrant with blackcurrant and mulberry flavours. A well-balanced finish with chocolate overtones developed from maceration with American oak.

Are you wondering which wines to serve with your holiday meal?
At Neon Cactus Wines we’ll help you choose wines that go perfectly with whatever you’re serving ~ wines that you’ll love!

Here are some guidelines to ensure that your wines complement every aspect of your delicious dinner.

Friday, December 9 and Saturday, December 10

we had some BUBBLY open for you to taste, as well as
a wonderful red wine!

Come in anytime and pick up some perfect gifts for the wine lovers on your list!

ENJOY SUPER SAVINGS EVERY DAY AT
NEON CACTUS WINES!
• Get 10% OFF mixed cases of 6 or more bottles of regular-priced wines!
• Enjoy an excellent discount when you pre-order and pre-pay for a case!
• Have your Frequent Purchase Card stamped for regular purchases!
• Look around the store for RED DOT items, priced to clear!

For CBC radio’s Homestretch, the House Wine segment in December, Laurie MacKay did the show LIVE at South Centre Mall. She teamed up with Chef Fabio Centini of Centini Restaurant for a food-and-wine-focused show.

Friday, December 9 at 4:10 p.m.
Laurie MacKay featured the French sparkling wine
Paul Zinck Cremant d’Alsace Brut

 Each month, pick up a bottle of the CBC feature at Neon Cactus Wines and enjoy some sipping pleasure with Laurie while you learn about the wine!

Rum Nation’s MARTINIQUE 12-year-old Anniversary rum comes in a beautiful crystal decanter, which in turn is nestled in a gorgeous case disguised as a book. 
What a wonderful gift this would be!

Appearance: Amber-coloured like an old Cognac.
Nose: Light smell of wood, notes of flowers,  jam, sugar cane and vanilla.
Palate: A touch of ripe fruits, apricots and raisins. Perfect harmony and balance between aroma and taste.
Finish: Full and warm, ending with a dry finale of great length.
$134.95*

Distilled from select molasses, fermented with specially adapted yeast, in Scottish column stills and then aged in a four-stage Solera system that takes 15 years to complete, and utilizes both American and Slovenian Oak, Ron Millonario prides itself on bringing together old and modern techniques, and uniting art, science and tradition.

Aromas of prune, allspice, dates, nutmeg, cloves, balsam, Demerara sugar and dried fig build to also show caramel, candied tree fruits, maple, butter toffee and molasses, each creatiing a marvelous invitation to taste. The palate is full of treacle, sweet tea, lazarakia, mince tart, panettone, marzipan and toffee bathed in a lovely sweetness that washes the palate but maintains a clean, salient limpidity. The simple mouthfeel reveals dried fruits, caramel, fig custard, sultanas and butterscotch. All this leads to a solid finish, with lovely balance that articulates in a gentle fade that is rich with excellent palate activity. This is a deeply enjoyable rum and it comes in a sassy package! $52.95*

All week we offered the taste of Barista “coffee” Pinotage and two ChocoVines !

 The original ChocoVine is a fine French Cabernet Sauvignon subtly combined with rich dark Chocolate from Holland to create a decadent, creamy and silky-smooth drink. Pure bliss!
And new from ChocoVine for your sipping pleasure:
ChocoVine Espresso 
Aromas of roasting coffee beans and cocoa. Delectable dark chocolate leads to a dense finish of intense espresso flavour.

Barista Pinotage
from South Africa, has the rich aroma and flavour of coffee occurring naturally from time spent in oak!

Aromas of spice, apricot, apples and tropical fruits. On the palate, taste sweet fruits and flowers, key lime, grapefruit and sweet honeysuckle. Prominent sweetness on the palate is balanced effortlessly with crisp acidity and strong minerality. Fairly full-bodied for a Riesling, offset by a refreshing, silky texture and a moderate, zesty finish. Enjoy it with spicy pork, poultry or seafood dishes, roast pork served with applesauce, or pot stickers and dipping sauces. $32.95*

[Canada Canadian British Columbia BC B.C.]

The Mitchells believe that given the conditions of rocky barren soils, old, dry grown vines and a long ripening period, which their selected vineyards in Clare Valley offer, the fruit develops the flavours and structure for a complex varietal wine.

Grenache/Sangiovese/Mourvedre
Dark and tarry, with life and lift provided by the Sangiovese, the fine-grained and elegant palate offers a juicy but measured expression of intense raspberry, cherry and plum-like fruit tightly knit by slightly drying and fine-grained tannins. A carefully constructed and harmonious blend. Excellent with a hearty steak or prime rib. $24.95*