The deep waters off New Zealand near Marlborough are home to the great Humpback Whale,which grow to lengths of sixty feet long and can dive to depths of nearly 2 miles. An integral part of Maori folk-lore, these whales have for centuries been seen as the guardian spirits of the many communities who live along this rugged coast. One legend has the warrior chief Rakaitauni befriended a mighty Humpback who became his protector until Rakai's death, when the whale abruptly disappeared - it was foretold that the whale would return only when a relation of Rakai was facing imminent death or danger. Through generations, this tale has inspired the descendants of Rakai, who remain some of the nation's best sea-farers. Zesty and vivacious with aromas of passionfruit and gooseberry. Juicy fruit characteristics and a citrus twist round out the palate.
Food Pairing: Sashimi, Stir-fries, Shrimp Cocktail, Goat Cheese

Laely Heron launched Heron wines in 1995. At the time it was rare to see a woman-owned business in an industry traditionally populated by men. Her first release was a Merlot from St. Chinian, France. She then established her California line that includes Merlot, Cabernet, Syrah, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Over the last decade, Heron has become a "cult wine" among master sommeliers and chefs, a favorite "by the glass pour" in the nations top restaurants and a consistent "Best Buy" in the wine press. This is achieved by sourcing grapes from the best regions throughout California, low yielding, maritime influenced vineyards and applying hands-on winemaking techniques and French oak. The 2003 Chardonnay is comprised of fruit from Russian River, Carneros, and Santa Maria. The wine opens with aromas of lush pear, peach and citrus. Balanced and bright with refreshing crispness and a hint of vanilla.
Food Paring: Grilled Bass, Lobster, Roast Chicken

A second label for the renowned Talley family with the objective of producing wines of good value and distinctive character. Sourcing from the Edna Valley, Paso Robles, Arroyo Grande Valleys and San Luis Obispo provides fruit of exceptional quality all hand harvested and cared for by growers with generations of experience. The label of Bishop' Peak is a rendition of the early fruit crate labels of the 20th century, and signifies a point of respect to all farmers and growers in this unique region. Classic Pinot Noir fragrances of black cherry, strawberry, and forest floor in the nose give way to sweet fruit and cola flavors on the palate. This medium-bodied Pinot Noir has a velvety texture and lingering finish.
Food Pairing: Lighter meat dishes, Rich seafood like Salmon and Ahi Tuna

Malbec may be the King of grapes in Argentina, but there is actually more Bonarda planted and harvested each year. 100% Bonarda is now only beginning to make its way onto USA retailers shelves, previously any references to this grape would see it as a blending grapes to accentuate Malbec. The quality has gone up, and this heat loving grape grows quite easily and thrive in the hot Mendoza sun. Bonarda originally hailed from Italy in a region called Oltrepo po Pavese and was a local favorite for everyday consumption. Juicy and forward with succulent plum, blackberry, toast and briar flavors. Fleshy and sweet through the finish a classic example of this varietal.
Food Pairing: BBQ, Hamburgers, Antipasto Platters

Aficionados Wine List

Aficionados Rarities and Collector Wines

Highly rated, extremely limited wines.

BIN #1 - Leeuwin Estate Chardonnay 2001 / Margaret River, Australia
$74.25 bottle
Seamless, harmonious and seductive. It’s a gorgeous cascade of pear,
pineapple, guava, nectarine and subtle spice aromas and flavors. Amazing!!!
Wine Spectator Score: 98

BIN #2 - Dominio De Tares “Pagos Viejos 3” 2001 / Bierzo, Spain
$92.00 bottle
Rich, structured and lavishly expressive. Notes of toast, coffee,
blackberry, plum, mineral on a concentrated yet velvety finish.
Made from 100 year old vine Mencia (Cabernet Franc).
Wine Spectator Score: 93

BIN #3 - Achaval Ferrer Quimera 2001 / Mendoza, Argentina
$41.50 bottle
Focused, streamlined wine with raspberry, cassis, violet and mineral flavors.
Dense and ripe with a long finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec & Merlot blend.
Wine Spectator Score: 91

Aficionados Great Values

"More bang for the buck!"

BIN #5 - Heron Merlot 2002 / California
$14 bottle
Recently featured in Arizona Republic by Mark Tarbell as an exceptional value.
Heron is an excellent everyday Merlot with bright cherry and plum fruit
and balanced acidity. It goes down easy and won’t break the wallet.

BIN #6 - Foris Pinot Noir 2001 / Rogue Valley, Oregon
$19.25 bottle
Bright cherry, earth and spice highlight this cool climate Pinot Noir from Oregon.
Foris has long been used as a restaurant glass pour because of its
stylistic propensity to elevate the cuisine with which it is paired.

Aficionados Super Deals

Wonderful wines at huge discounts.

BIN #7 - Fiddlehead Cellars Happy Canyon Sauvignon Blanc 2001 / Saint Ynez, California
Super Deal $18.25 btl., (Reg. $ 26.25 bottle)
Beautiful, aromatic, elegant style Sauvignon Blanc.
Classic grapefruit nose with subtlety and balance as its calling card.

BIN #8 - Andrew Will Red Blend Champoux Vineyard 2000 / Washington
Super Deal $54.75 btl., (Reg. $61.75 bottle)
Cabernet, Cabernet Franc and Merlot blend. Its blackberry plum scented nose
leads to a fat, lushly textured core of cassis liquer, blackberries and cherries.
Robert Parker Score: 90

BIN #9 - Andrew Will Sorrella 2000 / Washington
Super Deal $62.25 btl., (Reg. $ 70.00 bottle)
Cabernet, Merlot and Cabernet Franc Blend. Dark ruby color with blackberry
and spice aromas. Deep and concentrated it coats the mouth
with blackberries, cherries and currants.

Aficionados After Dinner Card

Perfect anytime of the year, choose from a collection of exceptional dessert wines to pair with chocolates or as an ending to an intimate meal.

BIN #10 - Yalumba Museum Muscat NV / Australia 375ml
$19.25 bottle
A killer value, it offers aromas of melted toffee, brandy soaked raisins, maple syrup, molasses and ripe figs. It is stunning to enjoy at the end of a meal or as dessert. Refrigerate and consume within 4-7 days.
Pair with: handmade chocolates, tiramisu, coffee and chocolate accented desserts
Robert Parker Score: 96

BIN #11 - Yalumba Antique Tawny NV / Australia 375ml
$19.25 bottle A Medium amber color with notes of sweet berries, raisins, spice, and jammy overripe strawberries. Refrigerate and consume within 4-7 days.
Pair with: handmade chocolates, chocolate tortes, Caramel based desserts
Robert Parker Score: 92

BIN #12 - D’Arenberg Shiraz-Port 2000 / Australia 375 ml
$20.75 bottle
Chocolatey notes, espresso roast, juicy blackberry and licorice pervade the chewy dense palate. Aromas of violets and acacia fill ones nostrils. Can be enjoyed now or this well-integrated blockbuster can age nicely for another 15-20 years.
Pair with: chocolat ganache cake, espresso mousse and chocolate torte,
divine with dark chocolate!
Robert Parker Score: 92

BIN #13 - Eola Hills Vin d’Or 2000 / Oregon 375ml
$23.00 bottle
A late harvest Sauvignon Blanc known as liquid gold as well as liquid love. Sweet and unctuous with bold flavors of apricot, fig and pear with extra touches of vanilla and smoke along the edges. Aftertaste echoes spices.
Pair with: crème brulee, fruit tarts, raspberries and crème

BIN #14 - Dr. Loosen Eiswein Bernkasteler Lay 2002 / Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany
375 ml *** Only 24 bottles allocated to Arizona
$118.00 bottle
Canadian Ice-wine has become quite popular, deriving its origins from Germany. German Eiswein is very hard to come by and generally is only produced in exceptional vintages. Rich & graceful, layered with apricot, peach and mineral flavors. Firmly structured with peach and a hint of vanilla on the finish. Enjoy now or age for 20-30 more years taking on new complexities as it ages.
Pair with: fruit based cakes or desserts. Also cream filled desserts.
Wine Spectator Score: 94