Haden Fig Pinot Noir 2010
If you're not a Pinotfile, this should help.
Owner/Winemaker Erin Nuccio has crafted this beautiful expression of everyday pinot using
grapes sourced from various dry-farmed, organic and biodynamic vineyards in the Willamette Valley.
The wine is light-medium and has a caressing appeal. 
Slick cherry lace, cinnamon, cardamon, raspberry, cocoa powder and ribbons of savory rosemary.
A round, creamy texture with bright acidity balances perfect with food and gives a mouthwatering finish.
The label was created by local artist Eli Halpin (www.EliHalpin.com) depicting the Saw-Whet Owl.

Pairing suggestions for Chambar menu items:
Appetiser - Betterave & fenouil
Main - Canard et chevre
For descriptions of these menu items please visit our MENU section.

Available exclusivley at Chambar and Marquis Wine Cellars.

*note - 2009 pictured, review on 2010 offered

d'Arenberg 'Love Grass' Shiraz

Winemaker Chester Osborn continues to amaze with this
seductive Australian exlixor.
The long stemmed, sticky flowers of the Love Grass, which grows wild around the vineyard, affectionatly attaches itself to your clothes. 
The wine is intriguing and more scaled-back then you expect. It showcases a style becoming
more popular out of Australia offering great versatility with a range of food.
It has layers of elegant liquid violets, ripe raspberry, seductive plum, mulberry,
savory black olive, exotic cinnamon spice and cured meat.

Pairing suggestions for Chambar menu items:                                                               

Appetiser - Carpaccio de chevreuil
Main - Bison et choron fumé

For descriptions of these menu items please visit our MENU section.

Exclusivley available at Chambar and Liberty Wine Merchants.

Jose Dhondt Blanc de Blancs MV

Grower Champagne is something I’m on a campaign extolling the virtues of.
Think of them as an artisanal approach to wine making.
The wines tend to be more focused, terroir driven and, for the money, just seem to express more soul.
Dhondt is perhaps one of the best values in understanding this expression.
This Blanc de Blancs is richly textured with a layered, complex composition of honeysuckle,
grilled Brioche, lemon peel, white flowers, Granny Smith apple and roasted pecan.
All laced with an impressive, balanced acidity and mineral finish.
Considering the price, I dare you!

Pairing suggestions for Chambar menu items:
Appetiser - Les coquilles st. jacques
Main - Canard et chevre

For descriptions of these menu items please visit our MENU section.

Exclusivley available at Chambar and Marquis Wine Cellars.

Bartier Scholefield Rose '10
Have no illusions. Rose is a year-round option that you should consider every time you pick your wine.
And this Rose, made from 100% Gamay, should be at the top of every list.
Michael Bartier (ex Road 13 Winemaker) and David Scholefield (former BCLDB buyer and all-round wine genius)
teamed up to create this compelling treasure.
It exudes a stunning embrace of fresh cherry, watermelon, rhubarb, forest flowers and tease of spice through the finish.
The wine has texture, depth and purpose. It's the kind of wine you'll tell your friends about.
It was crafted at the new, world class, Okanagan Crush Pad. I expect you'll be hearing a lot more about it down the road.

Pairing suggestions for Chambar menu items:
Appetiser - Thon et chorizo
Main - Morue et saucisson de Paris

For descriptions of these menu items please visit our MENU section.

Available BTG (by-the-glass) at Chambar and at local Private Wine Stores. Try Marquis Wines or Liberty Wine Merchants.

Domaine La Galine 2010 Minervois 
The Lorgeril family have been land owners in the South of France since 1620.
They have mastered the art of understanding what the vineyards surrounding Carcassonne have to offer.
La Galine is a traditional, regional blend of Syrah and Grenache. The wine has lots to offer the Fall season. Medium body with precious depth.
A warm, arousing, textural fusion of wild berry compote and
savory toasted herbs. Violets, cedar and Asian spice bring the plum core
to a standing ovation. The wine is comforting and relaxed.     

Pairing suggestions for Chambar menu items:
Appetiser - Le mini mechoui
Main - Tajine d’aziz à l’agneau

For descriptions of these menu items please visit our MENU section.

Available BTG (by-the-glass) at Chambar and at local Liberty Wine Merchants.

Chateau Pech-Celéyran 2010
This is a near genius wine from La Clape, in the Languedoc region of southern France.
In 1868, the winery was handed down to Isaure, grandfather of famed artist, Toulouse-Lautrec.
It is a blend of traditional, regional varietals. Grenache Blanc, Bouboulenc, Marsanne and Rousanne.
The wine itself is loaded with gorgeous Orchard fruit, meadow flowers and minerals.
It is surprisingly fresh, luscious and opulent.
Medium bodied with a subtle hint of vanilla cream to fill out the back palate.
This is one wine you really want to explore with. It opens so many new doors.

Served by the Glass or Bottle.

Pairing suggestions for Chambar menu items:
Appetiser - Peche et Tomate
Main - Bouillabaisse à ma facon
For descriptions of these menu items please visit our MENU section.

Available at Chambar and Marquis Wine Cellars.

Martinelle Ventoux 2009 
German wine darling, Corinna Kruse, created a wine that offers up so much value, it should make others wine makers want to hide under their beds.
For the price, this red is so sleek, seductive and engaging I would challenge any Chateauneuf du Pape to go dollar for dollar with it on the table.
A traditional blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault, it shows off a caressing soul of grilled herbs, baked cherry and fig jam, rustic leather, white pepper spice and a touch of pronounced acidity to balance with food. Tannins are forgiving.
Here’s your ‘Wow’ factor wine.

Pairing suggestions for Chambar menu items:
Appetiser - Le mini mechoui
Main - Tarte de porc et rhubarbe

For descriptions of these menu items please visit our MENU section.

Available at Chambar and your local Liberty Wine Merchants.

&Co. Ltd. ‘The Supernatural’ Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Gabrielle Simmers is the brain-child behind this impressive effort from Hawke’s Bay on the Northern Island of New Zealand.
The operation is just 8 acres of love.
This sauvignon is set apart from its competitors with a relatively low, plush acidity.
It shows a great expression of terroir and boasts a beautiful, mineral-driven, stone fruit core wrapped with
passion fruit, honeysuckle, spiced guava and lime notes.
The wine comes with a unique 'Crow-Cap' closure that is to be embraced not feared. 
On the table you'll find the wine cool and refreshing.

Organic and Sustainable.

Pairing Suggestions with Chambar menu items :

Appetizer - Carpaccio d'omble de l'artique

Main - Dégustation de flétan

For descriptions of these menu items please visit our MENU section.

Exclusively at Chambar and Marquis Wine Cellars.

Miner 'Gibson Ranch' Sangiovese 2007
Simply put, this wine is a show-stopper. Miner, a graceful Napa winery, has managed to create an amazing Sangiovese that actually tastes like its from Italy. With fruit sourced from Mendocino, it shows more like a baby Brunello.
Medium to full with succulent spicy plum, Morello cherry, worn-leather, intoxicating spice and cedar. The wine has perfect harmony between acid, tannin and fruit.

Pairing suggestions for Chambar menu items:
Appetiser - Le mini mechoui
Main - Entrecote de Boeuf

For descriptions of these menu items please visit our MENU section.

Available at Chambar and private wine stores. Try Marquis Wine Cellars or Liberty Wine Merchants.

Springfield Estate ‘Life from Stone’ Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Located in the Robertson Valley of South Africa’s Western Cape, the Brures family have been established since 1688.
This white has intense aromatics of red pepper flesh, passion fruit, flint and herbs.
There is a stunning mineral foundation that builds to a vibrant core of acidity balanced with stone fruit, nettle, honeysuckle, fig and exotic tea.
Think Sancerre sophistication meets New Zealand arrogance. Just in time for summer!

Pairing suggestions for Chambar menu items:
Appetiser - Salade Halloumi
Main - Bouillabaisse a ma facon

For descriptions of these menu items please visit our MENU section.

Available at Chambar and at Liberty Wine Merchants. Various locations.

Evesham Wood Pinot Noir 2009

Russ and Mary Raney produced their first vintage in the Willamette Valley in 1986. Keeping yields low, and giving little intervention, they manage to create meaningful wines with serious purpose.

This pinot showcases traditional values with modern means.
Cherry, strawberry flowers, mocha, mushroom and earth wrap around a core of finesse and elegance.
Light but expressive. And when no ones looking, you’ll want to drink it right from the bottle.

Pairing Suggestion with Chambar menu items:
Appetizer – La brasserie
Main - Le fletan et queue de beouf

For descriptions of these menu items please visit our MENU section.

Available at Marquis Wine

Honig Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Winemaker Kristin Belair practices 'Green' farming and sustainability to craft the wines at Honig in the Napa Valley.
Matured 60% in stainless steel to retain a fresh elegance and 40% neutral oak for depth. The wine is simply gorgeous!
Lavish and loaded with Tropical fruit, melon, grapefruit, gooseberry, mango and a belly full of minerals.
Sweet spice, orchard fruit and citrus flowers through a sunburst finish.
This is an unbelievable value here in BC.

Pairing Suggestion with Chambar menu items:
Appetizer – Salade Halloumi
Main - Moules Coquotte

For descriptions of these menu items please visit our MENU section.
Available at various Private Wine Stores

Segura Viudas Brut Rosé M/V

This is a great wine to help dispel a few myths:
1. Bubbles are not just for celebration. Sparkling wine can, and should be, for everyday consideration and consumption. Especially at this price.
2. Rosé does NOT (always) mean sweet.

The Segura Viudas family dates back to the 11th century. The wine is made using the méthode champenoise. Method of production. That is to say the same way your very expensive Champagne is made.
Hailing from Torrelavit, in the heart of the Cava region of Spain, they primarily use the locat Trepat grape to produce this vibrant and purposeful wine.
Delicate, crisp and brimming with crushed raspberry, focused grenadine and sun warmed cherries. A soft, creamy texture finishes like silk on your palate.

Pairing Suggestion with Chambar menu items:

Appetizer - Soupe de celeri-rave & gruyere
Main - Moules Congolaise
For descriptions of these menu items please visit our MENU section.

Available by the glass or bottle here at Chambar. You can look for it at various private wine store or your local BCLDB store.

Bodegas Del Desierto 25/5 Cabernet Sauvignon ‘06

This month we feature the first winery to export wines from a relatively new region called La Pampa in central Argentina. Consulting winemaker, Paul Hobbs, puts his skills into helping make this fantastic cabernet. ‘25/5’ is the name of the village where the winery is located, Vente Cinco de Mayo.

Beautifully crafted with elegant finess. Cassis, blackberry, cigar box, leather, soft vegetal notes and black currant through the middle. Balanced tannins keep it honest with food.

Pairing Suggestion with Chambar menu items:

Appetizer - La brochette d’autruche
Main - Tajine d’aziz à l’agneau
For descriptions of these menu items please visit our MENU section.

Available at various Private Wine Stores.

Please let us know what you think.

Callia Alta Malbec 2009

Callia Alta (The Spirit of the Woman) is located in the Valley of Tulum in the San Juan province of Argentina. This region was actually founded in 1552. Today, winemaker Fabian Miranda, crafts brilliant wines at Callia Alta.
The style of this Malbec is so accessible and easy to enjoy it is a must for anyone who enjoys wine of any calibre. Fruit forward with blueberry and plum marmalade, elegant, soft spice, roasted fig and silky, smooth mouth feel. Versatile with a range of food and easy to enjoy on its own.

Pairing Suggestion with Chambar menu items:
Appetizer - Le mini méchoui
Main - Entrecôte grillée
For descriptions of these menu items please visit our MENU section.

Available exclusively at Chambar and Marquis Wine.

Please let us know what you think.

Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Orphelin’ 2005
There’s no denying it. Fall is here and we’ve found the perfect solution.  A cozy red that will love you back.Fruit is sourced from the Columbia Valley in the shadows of the Cascade Mountains in Washington State for this show-stopper.This wine is largely modeled after the reds of the Rhone Valley in France. There are 9 grape varietals with Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault and Mourvedre dominating the blend. Lots of spice, garrigue, kirsch, dark berry, smoke, and peppery aromas and flavors. It shows fantastic development with dried flowers and wild berry jam compote lace though the center.Medium bodied with loads of character and a smooth, polished elegance.Versatile and alluring.

Pairing Suggestion with Chambar menu items:
Appetizer - La brochette d’autruche
Main - Tajine d’aziz à l’agneau
For descriptions of these menu items please visit our MENU section.

The Orphelin is a rare gem from a very well known winery.

You can only buy this wine here with us at Chambar or exclusively at Kitsilano Wine Cellar.

Please let us know what you think.

Etude Pinot Gris 2007

25 years ago Tony Soter started creative wines of world-class stature at this Napa Valley winery. Although known for their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, they make a tiny amount of this astonishing Pinot Gris.

From Alsatian clones grown in the cooler climate of the Carneros Appellation they produce this fashionable, Old-World style white.

It shows off gorgeous aromas of stone fruit, honey suckle and jasmine. Loaded with white peach, nectarine and Meyer lemon on the palate all blessed with a minerality that keeps it pure, focused and refreshing.

Sorry but they make so little of this sexy wine that it will only available here at Chambar. 5 cases came into BC.

Pairing Suggestion with Chambar menu items:

Appetizer - Moules Frites Vin Blanc
Main - Flétan aux Pistaches
For descriptions of these menu items please visit our MENU section.

Please let us know what you think.

Bodegas Emilio Moro ‘Resalso’ 2009
Available by the glass or bottle.

This week we look to the infamous Ribera del Duero region of Spain for another fantastic value.

Emilio Moro is a flagship winery of this region crafting delicious, approachable, world-class wines. ‘Resalso’, named after the first vineyard they plated in 1932, is their entry-level wine made from 100% Tinto Fino (Tempranillo). Saturated purple in color, it has an enticing, perfumed nose of minerals, violets, black cherry and plum. On the palate, it opens to a savory core with soft spice, Morello cherry, roasted fig and a suggestion of vanilla from the 4 months it spends in French oak. It finishes with an exploring depth and elegant persona.

Pairing Suggestion with Chambar menu items:

Appetizer - Le mini méchoui 

Main - Entrecôte grillée
For descriptions of these menu items please visit our MENU section.

Resalso was just released and you can find it in private wine shops around the lower mainland.
Liberty Wine Merchants (Various locations)
Everything Wine (North Vancouver)

Please let us know what you think.

Remoissenet ‘Renommee’ 1997

In a market the forces us to search for true value, this wine over delivers in every way. In 1997, Remoissenet de-classified their Puligny Montrachet to create this gem, giving it amazing value.

The secret here is the vintage. At 13 years old it continues to show a youthful energy perfectly balanced with a mature posture.

A deep, rich golden yellow appearance sets up a brilliant palate of lemon, green apple, Bosque pear, flint and grilled almonds. The development shows through with a suggestion of honeyed caramel and toasted brioche though the finish.

Pairing Suggestion with Chambar menu items:
Appetizer - La brochette d’autruche
Main - Flétan aux pistaches
For descriptions of these menu items please visit our MENU section.

Unfortunately the archaic prohibition time liquor laws here in BC prevent us from selling this wine outside the restaurant, we therefore recommend visiting one of Liberty Wine Merchants locations.

Please let us know what you think.

D’Arenberg ‘The Hermit Crab’ (Viognier / Marsanne)

2008 McLaren Vale/Adelaide Hills, Australia

Brilliant Ozzy winemaker, Chester Osborn, has crafted this fashionable wine using some of the noble grapes of the Rhone Valley of France.
A generous, aromatic nose of apricot, peach and pear wrapped by honeysuckle and orange blossom. It is expansive on the palate and has a perfect balance of acidity and weight. Stone fruits, citrus and melon open to ginger notes with spice, pine nuts and tangerine. Sublime.

Pairing Suggestion with Chambar menu items:
Appetizer - Les coquilles st. jacques
Main - Flétan aux pistaches
For descriptions of these menu items please visit our MENU section.

Unfortunately the archaic prohibition time liquor laws here in BC prevent us from selling this wine outside the restaurant, we therefore recommend visiting one of Liberty Wine Merchants locations.

Please let us know what you think.

Frias Family Vineyard (Rosé)

2009 Napa Valley, California

This is a fantastic, boutique winery in Napa Valley. Family owned and operated, the Frias family produce hand-crafted wines that are some of the most sought after in California. For this wine, they use juice from their coveted cabernet, merlot and limited syrah.

This rosé showcases the essence of summer. A dry, bright and refreshing wine with crisp acidity. Loaded with juicy watermelon, strawberry and delicate floral aromatics. The palate showcases, candied red fruits, pear and blueberry. Vivacious!

Pairing Suggestion with Chambar menu items:
Appetizer – Le Mini Méchoui
Main –Saumon Blanc Fumé
For descriptions of these menu items please visit our MENU section.

Available at Kitsilano Wine Cellars and Liberty Wine Merchants.

Please let us know what you think.