NEON CACTUS WINES

Sourced from Sonoma County’s famed Knights Valley appellation, this 100% Chardonnay shows quintessential warm northern California fruit.  Aromas of citrus zest and toasted almond dance from the glass.  Flavours of ripe apple and kumquat complement the hints of fresh cream and oak.  Soft, driven acidity balances the bright fruit.  Enjoy now. $21.95*

Refreshingly soft, yet reassuringly rich… the name plays on the notion that it’s as smooth as a pig’s nose. This exceptional blended Scotch was created by Richard Paterson, Scotland’s only third generation Master Blender. Produced in specially selected first fill oak casks, the seriously satisfying smoothness is achieved through combining oak-aged Speyside, Islay and Lowland malts with superior Invergordon gentle grain whiskies. Pig’s Nose, launched by Spencerfield Spirit Company in 1977 as a stablemate for Sheep Dip, is another award-winner, enjoyed throughout the world.

Colour
Golden sandy highlights. Clear and bright.
Nose
Firm and rich luscious creamy, round tones. The long marrying period has brought these many individual characters into one lasting union. Great harmony ~ soft and full with no ragged edges, smooth and mellow. Plenty of finesse and breeding.
Taste
A positive grip, almost a spicy richness as these great flavours attack the palate, leaving it beautifully rewarded as they drift over. Elegant and distinguished. The delicate Speyside Malts, the heart of the whisky, have played a major part in bringing this quality blend together. $37.95*

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!

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!

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*

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*

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 ]

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.

Aramis Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon
A single vineyard wine that oozes with elegance and layers of complex fruit. Gentle, appealing style with decent varietal fruit definition and excellent grainy tannins. $23.95*

Aramis White Label Shiraz Cabernet
Dense purple-red colour. Dark chocolate fires the opening salvo on the bouquet and medium to full-bodied palate. Balanced flavours of black currant and blackberry fruit wrapped in spice. Fine tannins and oak fill out the finish. $19.95*

These wines join the amazing Aramis “The Governor” Syrah on our shelves!

Deep purple colour. The nose shows intense, complex cedary, fig, blackberry and blueberry with occasional pepper and spice. A powerful full-bodied berry-fruit flavour, with a little sweet English toffee-like oak evident on the juicy finish. Restrained tannin and acidity coupled with rich alcohol, produce a seamless, peppery, velvety rolling length.
$41.95*

Cactus Trading Co. ~

Located just east of the wine store.

Wonderful clothing, jewellery, accessories & gifts!

Check out cactustradingcompany.com.

Neon Cactus Wines is featuring two wines from Chile:
Cousino-Macul Antiguas Reservas Merlot
& Antiguas Reservas Chardonnay
Organic!
The only Chilean winery established in the 19th century that is still owned by its founding family.

Try the Merlot with Gnocchi Bolonese and the Chardonnay with Creamy Shrimp and Pasta Seashells.

Meet Lulu B.:
This young french woman, who is proud of her region and its terroirs, brings you wines that are light-hearted and delicious.  Like the sunny South of France, Lulu B.’s wine is warm and approachable.
Full-bodied Lulu B. Pinot Noir has luscious aromas of ripe grapes and black cherries. Smooth and soft-textured, this wine feels like liquid silk. Perfect with grilled fish, poultry, pasta, or just to enjoy while relaxing with a ham and cheese sandwich. 
Elegant and charming ~ like Lulu B.! .” $14.95*

[Vin Pays D'Oc]

#10 wine in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of 2008:
“A seductive and vigorous Zinfandel, with smoky black cherry and blueberry aromas and youthful wild berry, sage and cracked pepper flavours that have a lingering finish and zesty tannins.” (93 points)

A combination of fruit from old vine sites and newer plantings produces complexity and balance. An exceptional, low-yielding vintage, the 2007 has juicy fruit continuing from nose to palate. The wine’s tannins and hint of creamy oak are well integrated, creating a wine that complements all kinds of dishes, from pizza to barbecue. $32.95*

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

Cousino-Macul Antiguas Reservas Merlot
Intense nose of mature dark fruits, such as cherries and blackberries, surrounded by notes of plum and blueberry pie and subtle touches of violets and cedar. On the palate, the berry flavours grow through plum to black cherry, with constant and vigourous floral notes. Light bodied, but intense flavour in the middle. Long finish, full, very elegant with silky tannins and an extended aftertaste. Excellent accompaniment for pasta with dark sauces, roast turkey, lasagne or gnocchi in bolognese sauce, tagliatele in tomato sauce, red meats and a wide variety of cheeses. Allow to breathe before serving. $16.95*

Cousino-Macul Antiguas Reservas Chardonnay
Inviting aromas of green apple, honeysuckle, and lemon with hints of vanilla and ginger. The flavours continue the crisp apple theme along with layers of lemon drop, grapefruit, anise, and hazelnuts. Medium-bodied with a creamy texture, it strikes an elegant balance between light oak and refreshing acidity. The Antiguas Chardonnay is a highly compatible food companion, a delight with a range of appetizers and a perfect foil for richer seafood, pork, and poultry main courses. $16.95*

Come in to Neon Cactus Wines for a bottle of
Mount Nelson Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand.
Laurie MacKay tasted and talked about this wine on the final House Wine of the season on CBC radio’s Homestretch on Friday, June 19.

Vibrant, classic, zingy nose with fresh hints of flint. Concentrated and seductive palate with distinctive passion fruit, gooseberry and green apple flavours, which follow through to the complex, refreshing, balanced and lingering finish. The fresh, vibrant nature of this white makes it an excellent aperitif as well as an ideal accompaniment to grilled oysters, fresh scallops and fish, crisp salad greens and alfresco dining. Serve chilled. $24.95*

We celebrated Father’s Day at Neon Cactus Wines
on Friday and Saturday by tasting wines from
MAN Vintners of South Africa, with accompanying snacks.

To treat the Dad in your life, pair the MAN Cabernet Sauvignon with Seared and Carved Beef Tenderloin with Wild Mushrooms.

Try the MAN Shiraz with Born in Berkeley Burgers (winning Beef Burger).

Match the MAN Sauvignon Blanc with Sushi or other fish dishes.

Enjoy these MAN Vintners varietals at Neon Cactus Wines:
Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay

MAN Vintners Cabernet Sauvignon
“Of course we coulda just slapped another cute furry thing on the label, but that’s been done. It’s time to focus again on what’s in the bottle. This is the opposite of a critter wine, this is a wine to drink with critters. Not too serious, but serious enough. ”

Wine, the most delightful of drinks, whether we owe it to Noah, who planted the vine, or to Bacchus, who pressed juice from the grape, goes back to the childhood of the world.
~ Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, The Physiology of Taste, 1825

This week, Neon Cactus Wines is featuring 
Zinck Riesling from the Alsace region of France as advertised in the Cochrane Eagle!

This white wine is a dry, distinguished, delicately grapey Riesling, fruity and well balanced. A great accompaniment to fish, shellfish, seafood and white meats.  Try it with Poached Sole in Dill Sauce. $19.95*

Lake Breeze Meritage
This age-worthy blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot is rich and jammy with good structure and ripe tannins.  All the grapes for this delicious wine were grown on the beautiful Naramata Bench. Enjoy! $27.95*

Lake Breeze Seven Poplars Sauvignon Blanc [out of stock]

Lake Breeze Pinot Gris [out of stock]

[ Canada British Columbia BC B.C. ]

Cuma means clean and pure in Aymara language. This simple word expresses the Michel Torino Vineyard & Estate Winery commitment to following a strict and certified organic process in producing Cuma Wines.

Cuma Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep ruby colour with vivid purple sparkles. Blackcurrant aromas, paprika and raw leather notes with hints of wildflowers at the end. Lots of cassis and firm leather flavours in a rustic style. Meaty centre palate and a finish where black olives and pepper stand out. $14.95*

Cuma Torrontés
100% Torrontés grapes
Bright green-yellow colour with pale tones and gold sparkle. Floral scents: roses, jasmine, orange skins and orchard fruits. Peach flavours with fresh and floral notes. Bitter lemon finish typical of Torrontes with an easygoing acidity. $14.95*

The Winery of Good Hope Pinotage is a combination of extremely healthy fruit and beautiful balance. Experience the rich colour and the juicy fruit flavours on the palate, which finishes with balance, length, a touch of minerality and some really funky spice. $14.95*

Neon Cactus Wines also carries The Winery of Good Hope Chenin Blanc. Chenin is an extremely versatile grape, able to make excellent wines in many different guises. This example is a wonderfully lively, fruity and beautifully balanced dry Chenin Blanc. With flavours of pears, sherbet and flint there is plenty of leesy mouthfeel and juicy fruit, finishing with a refreshing lime and mineral length. A true noble varietal, Chenin deserves to be taken seriously. $16.95*