The Wine Section - Cellar Craft Wine Kits


6 week premium wine kits: Offering classic wines from many of the world's major wine regions. Discover the global pleasures of Cellar Craft ~ wine without borders~. Note: Due to the weight of these kits each will be shipped as a single item. Showcase ~ Showcase White
All Showcase wine kits are $132.00 + $6.00 handling fee CellarCraft uses over 12 pounds of virgin, varietal grapes to produce "Crushed Grape Packs" for true, on-the-skins fermentation in its Showcase reds. All of the natural skins and solids from variety-specific grapes are captured for extra extraction of aromatics, flavor, tannin, colour and body during the fermentation stage. The finished wine shows character never before possible from a kit. Truly a quality breakthrough! Each kit is in the 18 liter format and produces 23 liters of finished wine. These are Showcase Red Wine Kits:
Amarone: This wine is full-bodied, with a deep garnet colour and richly dry. Notes of plum, sour cherry, raspberry and vanilla gradually marry with anise, bitter chocolate, coffee, tobacco, leather and fig tones that develop with age. Long, lingering finish and alcohol that should exceed 15%. Try to give this wine at least 1 year of aging to enjoy the truly remarkable Amarone experience. item #4747		Barbera: Piedmont, Italy, BARBERA We have been excited about this wine since we tasted the first prototype of our 2006 Limited Release more than 2 years ago. We were rewarded when the still young wine took 8 medals at the Wine Maker Magazine 2007 competition* and continue to be thrilled as we discover the ongoing growth and development of the wine whenever we pull a cork on one of the few bottles remaining from the 2006 Limited Release. Barbera has been the most popular grape in the Piedmont region in Northwest Italy for centuries. In recent years, as growers and winemakers have been adopting more modern techniques, Barbera has undergone a remarkable transformation. With new vineyard care, especially around Alba and Asti, it has emerged as a top-ranked wine which readily wthstands comparison to noble Nebbiolo (Barolo) but does not require the extended ageing that Nebbiolo demands. Deep ruby, medium-bodied and fruity in its youth, it ages to impressive depth and elegance. The fruit in our 2 year old samples remains as fresh and inviting as it was at 6 months. The oak and tannins have mellowed to a soft and well-rounded impression that lifts the fruit to a most attractive level. In pairing this wine with food, you might want to consider that the Piedmontese find Barbera to be the ideal match for beef, duck, goose, and prosciutto or salami. It also compliments simple risotto or pasta dishes that utilize mushrooms and parmigianoreggiano cheese or a favorite Piedmont pizza made with tomatoes, clams, mussels, anchovies, artichokes, and olives. *Wine Maker magazine has granted the re-use of the copyright protected results of the WineMaker International Amateur Wine Competition. For more information on the competition, please visit www.winemakermag.com item #4746
Cabernet Merlot: Walla Walla Washington The Walla Walla appellation is very special. Its outstanding reds were what first put Washington on the world wine map. The wines are now grouped with world standard reds from Bordeaux, Napa and Sonoma. Walla Walla Cabernets and Merlots consistently rank in top 10 lists of the finest from the Americas. Our Bare Ridge offering is the classic Bordeaux blend of Cabernet and Merlot but typifies the unique Walla Walla profile of intense fruit and spice flavours and aromatics. Notes of currant, cherry and plum are backed by hints of black pepper, anise and coffee. Two-stage French and Hungarian oaking nicely mellows the tannins and adds a suggestion of toastiness. item #4735		Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon: Red Mountain, Washington Red Mountain was not officially recognized until it received AVA (American Viticulture Area) status in 2001. The AVA status was granted in recognition of the area's unique soil and climatic conditions creating a taste profile in its red wines that is truly distinct to the region. The vineyards have high calcium carbonate content in their soil. This imparts a distinctive chalkiness in Cabernets. The chalkiness combines with the powerful dark fruit qualities of the grape to create the big, chewy mouth-feel that is a clear signature of Red Mountain Cabernet. Another distinction is a hint of orange peel or Grand Marnier-like aromatics and flavours. Together these two traits make Red Mountain Cabernet immediately recognizable, highly prized, and much sought after. Red Mountain is one of America's smallest AVA's. We estimate that only about 800 tons of Cabernet were harvested at Red Mountain in 2007. Red Mountain Cab is so rare that you have not been able to purchase it in Canada in any form - until now. Fermentation on Red Mountain Cabernet Crushed Grapes and our two-stage Hungarian oak process delivers all of the body, aromatics, and flavours that make Red Mountain Cabernet such a standout. Purchase the best corks that you can find, and be disciplined enough to age the wine at least 1 year; then save some to enjoy after 2, 3, or 4 years in the bottle. A wine for your best cuts of beef or lamb and luckiest friends. Supply is of course limited. item #4743 Out of Stock (until new harvest)
Carmenere: Our medal-winning 2005 Limited Release Carmenere created nothing but enthusiastic comment. Now Carmenere is back but with grapes from what has become the new, premiere region in Chile. Multi-flavoured Carmenere from Colchagua shows best when processed with extended oak contact. Again we utilize our break-through, two-stage oaking system. Hungarian oak shavings are introduced at the start of fermentation, then lightly toasted Hungarian oak cubes are used for further extraction during the post-fermentation stage. The oaks together add surprisingly soft tannis, subtle toast and vanilla which provide a terrific back-drop to the aromas and flavours of blackberry, black cherry, tropical fruit, and spice from the grapes. With age, notes of coffee, mocha, and tobacco can be expected along with a mineral tang that forms as part of the lengthy finish. The wine is medium to full-bolied with bright ruby colour. Its charm will begin to show after six months of cellaring, and it should continue to develop for at least two years. item #4753 Out of Stock (until new harvest)		Chateau Du Pays: A 4 week wine kit. In the style of fine wines of the southern Rhône Valley. This wine derives its complex character from Syrah, Carignan and Grenache grapes. Rich flavors suggestive of cherry, raspberry, blackberry and plum combine with notes of pepper and chocolate. The finish shows a subtle herbaceous note and a suggestion of cedar and violets. item #4736
Lodi Old Vines Zindandel: Exhibits silken layers of multidimensional delight. It starts with an up-front core of blackberry and dark cherry aromas, followed by suggestions of blueberry, raspberry, cranberry and dried plum. Undertones are of chocolate, almond and exotic spice. Ends with an unmistakable black pepper sensation. item #4745		Malbec: Our Malbec is distinguished by its dark, dense structure; full-rounded mouth-feel; prominent, lush flavours of ripe cherry, black currant and black berry; subtle notes of clove, vanilla and caramel with background suggestions of earthiness. The bright, vibrant edge is beautifully counterbalanced by our 2-stage Hungarian oak process. item #4749 Out of Stock (until new harvest)
Pinotage: The finished wine is a remarkable example of the complex and distinctive character of South Africa s unique red wine. It releases aromatics of black pepper, red currant, vanilla, spice, cedar, toasted hazelnuts, cherry and trademark notes of banana. Slight earthiness. The flavours are complex with dominant currant, cherry, banana, blackberry, vanilla and toastiness. Beautifully balanced. Great colour. Medium, soft tannins. Long, clean finish. The mature character should be revealed in 6 months and further refinement is expected for up to 2 years. item #4751		Rosso Fortissimo: A Super-Tuscan styled wine vinted from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and native Italian varieties. A big, full-bodied wine with solid structure and bold fruit notes. French and American oaks contribute toasty vanilla and perfect balance to this intense wine. item #4730
Tempranillo La Mancha: Tempranillo has long been the star grape of Spain and is grown in several areas, producing many styles. La Mancha Tempranillo is characterized by a juicy, fruity quality with bright aromas and flavours of ripe cherries followed by hints of cocoa and spice. It shows a racy texture and is medium-bodied. The style will appeal to those who enjoy modern, approachable style Chianti, Beaujolais, or Valpolicella. As a plus, we believe you will find that our unique oak treatment adds extra complexity and depth, making our Tempranillo more versatile with food pairings. Our oak process yields soft tannins and contributes warm vanilla to the nose as a perfect balance to the dominant cherry aromas and background suggestions of black currant and spice. Flavors echo the aroma with layers of vanilla, currant, coffee, and black pepper that linger through the attractive finish. While young, the wine profiles its powerful fruit character. After 4-6 months in the bottle, the fruit begins to integrate with the oak and develop a more lush, balanced complexity. Will continue to develop for at least a year. item #4755 Out of Stock (until new harvest)		Washington State Merlot: Bold, yet elegant. This Yakima Valley Merlot is big and full with up-front waves of raspberry, blackberry and plum. Subtle notes of cedar and mocha follow the fruit. American oak balances the tannins and creates harmony. item #4733
Yakima Cabernet/Shiraz: A blockbuster with a rush of blackberry, plum, cherry and candied orange fragrances. Followed by flavors of currant, fig, cedar and spice intertwined with a beautiful balance of toasted oaks. Rich, elegant finish. item #4742 Out of Stock (until new harvest)		Yakima Valley Syrah: Wine & Spirits magazine recently described Yakima Syrah as: "...easily in a league with those from the northern Rhône and southern Australia.....bold, rich and lively, seductively perfumed and heroically structured with a kiss of elegance". Expect an aromatic rush of red and black fruit; hints of chocolate, coffee and licorice followed by the spiciness of black pepper. item #4739 Out of Stock (until new harvest)
Zweigelt: The Weingut Huber Selection Zweigelt produces dark, dense wine without excessive weight. An opulent bouquet of fruits, including cherry, raspberry and blueberry, stands against a background of vanilla, black pepper and a hint of licorice. There is also a certain earthiness on the nose that provides a compelling counter-balance to the lively fruit and spice. The flavors echo the cherry, currant and earthy aromatics. The initially rustic tannins quickly mellow into a nicely structured state and contribute to a nice, long finish. This Zweigelt is a great food wine. It is the wine of choice for Austrian favorites like garlicky pork, cabbage and apples and braised shanks or ribs. A spicy, fruit-driven wine with moderate tannins that is a welcome alternative to universally produced Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah. A wine that you will want to discover. item #4734
All Showcase wine kits are $132.00 + $6.00 handling fee No sugars have been added to the must. No non-grape flavors, esters or botanicals have been added to the kit. Each kit is in the 18 liter format and produces 23 liters of finished wine. These are Showcase White Wine Kits:
Yakima Valley Chardonnay: Yakima Valley, WA We have been using Yakima Chardonnay for several years to add top note flavour or complexity to several of our wines. It finally gets a starring role in this new Chardonnay which is designed to reflect today's style of Chardonnay. It has fruit-centered aromas and flavours of citrus, green apple and pear held together with balanced, juicy acidity. We used Acacia wood to add gentle tannins, honey and flower notes to this Yakima Chardonnay. Expect a brisk, medium weight Chardonnay typical of the Yakima style. The more refined style will make for a broader range of synergistic food pairing possibilities. We think that this wine may make you change your mind about Chardonnay, if you have tired of the brawny, over-oaked wines which have become so common-place. item #4761		Washington State Gewürztraminer: Made with select juices from the Yakima Valley. Finished with our exclusive, all natural "Flavor Reserve". A powerhouse of lychee, mango, grapefruit, honey and spice. Lovely, long finish. item #4780
Gruner Veltliner: The reason for the adoration of this wine is that, like Chardonnay, it is a full-bodied, fruit-driven wine with a big creamy texture and at a much more reasonable price. Additionally, Gru-Vee is never heavily oaked and, as a member of the Traminer cépage, has an enticing spiciness that makes it perhaps the most versatile food wine in the world. It even pairs well with the likes of artichokes and Asparagus - foods that generally destroy lesser wines. Sommeliers have adopted this 'new' wine as the first recommendation to customers who are looking for the alternative to Chardonnay. Chefs embrace it because it enhances such a broad range of their dishes. The wine has a green - yellow hue. Complex aromatics are reminiscent of apple, pear, grapefruit, honeydew, honeysuckle, banana, and peach.The flavors echo the melon, apple, citrus and peach aromas. The medium-bodied wine shows just a hint of sweetness to balance the natural acidity. The finish lingers pleasantly. Works well with foods. Spicy Asian dishes would be a good pairing to discover the wine's ability to enhance diverse dishes. Best enjoyed after a couple months of bottle aging and within a year. Don't over-chill. item #4766		Pinot Gris: This wine displays aromatic notes of green apple and lemon against a floral and honeyed background. Our natural Flavor Reserve creates a rich mouth-feel with tangy fruit acid balancing the hint of sweetness. Floral and mineral notes persist in the lingering finish. The wine's full character and charm become most apparent after several months of bottle aging. Should show well for up to 18 months. A good choice for foods rich in butter and oil, garlic and lively spices. Consider for shrimp, crab and fish dishes; rich pastas; cannelloni with ricotta, chicken and most Chinese and Thai dishes. Serve lightly chilled. item #4770
Riesling: Cherry Hill Vineyard, Yakima Valley, Washington Washington is renowned for producing the best Rieslings in the US. Cherry Hill Vineyard produces the best Riesling that we have experienced in Washington. Cherry Hill Riesling displays the classic intense perfume of green apple, pear and lime with a crisp acidity that defines great Riesling. It also has an opulently textured personality built around a pronounced orange blossom bouquet and spicy notes that together evoke thoughts of candied tangerine. A stunning wine that, from the 2005 vintage, reaches heights we have not before seen. With this treasure in our cellars it was clear that we had to revamp our blend to pack even more of the pure juice into each kit so that our customers could experience the maximum impact that this wine delivers. item #4762		Yakima Valley Traminer - Riesling: Peach and melon undertones from Riesling marry beautifully with the spice, mango, grapefruit and lychee notes from Gewürztraminer. Incredibly elegant with a hint of sweetness from our Riesling-based "Flavor Reserve". Enjoy young and fresh or cellar for a more harmonious profile. item #4783
Yakima Valley Viognier: A delightful, aromatic wine from Washington State. Aromas of apricot, mango, peach, orange blossom, violets and spiced pear dazzle the senses. Our "Flavor Reserve" makes for velvet softness and a full, lingering finish. item #4786