LE14: Celebrating 25 Years of Limited Edition

REGION: This sun-kissed agricultural haven of South Australia boasts ripe examples of Shiraz and Viognier.  The cool waters of the Murray River acts as an irrigator for this declared reserve, which lies about 225 km north east of Adelaide. 

WINE: This Northern Rhône inspired blend takes the spicy, strong and tannic red grape Shiraz and softens its edge with the voluptuous white grape Viognier.  These wines are a beautiful marriage of black cherry, smoky plum, and black pepper from the Shiraz and hints of exotic jasmine flower, ripe apricot and juicy peach from the Viognier.

FOOD PAIRING: Enjoy this full bodied wine with grilled lamb stuffed with an apricot-mint stuffing or barbecued ribs coated with a sticky sauce.  If meat is not on the horizon, then try dishes such as grilled vegetable kebabs or portobello mushroom burgers.

LE14 PAIRING: Beef & Mushroom Cottage Pies. CLICK HERE for Recipe.

SWEETNESS: Dry        BODY: Medium-Full        ALCOHOL: 14%*

PRICE: $185.00 On-Premise | $125.00 Take-Home

*Alcohol level based on following Winexpert winemaking instructions.

REGION: Like scenes from a post card, the Mosel river winds its way at the bottom of a valley with 700 feet slopes draped in vineyards.  These steep slopes are treacherous even for the bravest of grape growers, where the Riesling grape is grown in abundance and is hailed as the great grape of Germany.   At 49 degrees latitude north, grapes are at their northernmost limit in terms of cultivation, but the warm sunny southern-facing slopes of this magnificent valley bring the Riesling to its full potential.

WINE: Riesling, with its pronounced acidity and ability to mask sweetness, is a grape that is happy in a cooler climate.  Its notable flavours of lemon, fresh apple and limestone will encapsulate you with its tangy acidic kick and the soft, gentle sweetness on the finish to tie it all together. 

FOOD PAIRING: This wine loves food, and many sommelier often reach for Riesling as their wild card.  With this German example, it would pair beautifully with schnitzel, white fish, or simply a good book.  

LE14 PAIRING: Sweet Thai Glazed Shrimp Skewers. CLICK HERE for Recipe.

SWEETNESS: Off-Dry        BODY: Light-Medium        ALCOHOL: 10%*

PRICE: $185.00 On-Premise | $125.00 Take-Home

*Alcohol level based on following Winexpert winemaking instructions.

REGION: Overlooked by Mount Adams and moderated by the Yakima River, this valley is Washington’s coolest and oldest wine region.  Despite this honour, its macro climate allows Bordeaux’s (or “Meritage” in North America) three big star grapes to ripen well here.  The Yakima Valley is known for its agricultural abundance, and grapes are quickly becoming recognized as the power houses.

WINE: This blend of Bordeaux’s finest; Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot is proof that “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.  These three friends all work so well together, and each contributes their individual strength to the wine.  Cabernet Sauvignon, or “King Cab”, adds the structure with his firm tannins and adds complexity with his aromas of cassis and black currant.  Cabernet Franc adds spice, with his peppery nose and red fruit undertones.  Merlot likes to round things out with his approachable plum and cherry characteristics and his softer, rounder body.   Together, they really do create a harmonious blend.

FOOD PAIRING: Think of dishes that warm your stomach.  Beef stroganoff in the winter, steak on the BBQ in the summer, or simply an aged cheddar for any time of year. 

LE14 PAIRING: Wild Mushroom and Arugula Ragu. CLICK HERE for Recipe.

SWEETNESS: Dry        BODY: Medium-Full        ALCOHOL: 13.5%*

PRICE: $185.00 On-Premise | $125.00 Take-Home

*Alcohol level based on following Winexpert winemaking instructions.

REGION: Northern California has some of the oldest vineyards on the west coast, with Spanish Missionaries planting back in the 18th century.  Today, the sunny rolling hills of the Lake County are moderated by the cool waters of Clear Lake, the oldest lake in North America.  With all of this history, the land is ideally suited for growing a variety of grapes.

WINE: The three grapes that make up this blend are distinct characters indeed.  Chardonnay is the popular and adaptable friend with apple and melon characteristics. Chenin Blanc reflects the soil well in its chalk and citrus aromatics, while its acidity anchors its structure down on the palate.  Finally, lady Muscat with her wildly perfumed nose and distinctive “grapey” flavour gives the blend a refreshingly fun and juicy addition. 

FOOD PAIRING: This wine is sip-worthy on its own, but will also pair well with fuller white meats such as roasted turkey or duck, and exotic flavours like curries and south-asian cuisine.  

LE14 PAIRING: Lemon & Sage Flattened Chicken. CLICK HERE for Recipe.

SWEETNESS: Dry        BODY: Medium        ALCOHOL: 13.5%*

PRICE: $185.00 On-Premise | $125.00 Take-Home

*Alcohol level based on following Winexpert winemaking instructions.

REGION: There’s a reason artists and lovers flock to this area of the world.  Yes its landscape is arguably amongst the most beautiful in the world, but more importantly the wine is legendary.  Located at the same degree of latitude as Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, this area of Italy sees warm, sunny summer days and nights where the Mediterranean provides a fresh cooling breeze.  Winemakers have been making wine here since the 8th century BC and have decided to dedicate roughly 80% of the vineyards to red grape varietals.

WINE: Super Tuscans are proof that winemakers are also rebels in their own right.   In the appellation of Chianti, where rules limited winemakers to certain grape varietals and practices in order to warrant official status, a few winemakers in the 1970s decided to break the rules and make wines that they decided were of superior quality, and disregarded the limitations.  Coined “Super Tuscan”, this full-bodied wine consists of Cabernet Sauvignon and the native Sangiovese, and has firm tannins, notes of cherry and currant and a long finish. 

FOOD PAIRING: Italy is the land of food and wine, so naturally these wines are a perfect match with food.  Try spaghetti bolognese, osso buco or a nice big wedge of asiago cheese.

LE14 PAIRING: Red Wine Braised Lamb Shank w/Creamy Polenta. CLICK HERE for Recipe.

SWEETNESS: Dry        BODY: Full        ALCOHOL: 14%*

PRICE: $190.00 On-Premise | $130.00 Take-Home

*Alcohol level based on following Winexpert winemaking instructions.