It’s one of our favourite times of the year! Just Fine Wine and Winexpert are excited to present to you the LE18 Collection, showcasing five amazing wines from five remarkable wine-growing regions.
Continuing the rich and celebrated tradition of excellence and ingenuity, the LE18 collection is a tremendous lineup of much-loved varietals and unique, standout blends. From bold and sumptuous reds to light, bright, and subtly sweet whites, the LE18 collection offers something for every wine lover (scroll down for complete wine by wine descriptions). This year, superior quality juice has been sourced from: Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand; Curicó Valley, Chile; Piedmont, Italy; as well as both Lodi and the Sierra Foothills of California, USA. Each and every year the LE series produces five magnificent wines that compliment any wine cellar.
LE18 vintages are available for a limited time and by pre-order only. The wines are set to be released on a month to month basis from January through April 2019. No deposit is required; however, to be able to continue this we ask that you honour your entire pre-order commitment. Pre-order deadline is Saturday, December 1, 2018. All LE18 wine kits produce approximately 23L (roughly thirty 750ml bottles) of finished product and are priced at $193 On-Premise and $138 Kit -Only (Grape Skin Kit is $209 On-Premise and $154 Kit-Only). Oak Barrel aging will be made available on a first come, first served basis for all three reds as well as the Fumé Blanc. Oak Barrel Aging is an additional $50 fee and worth every penny. Submit your order today and avoid missing out on these fantastic wines!
There are three ways to reserve your LE18 wine kits:
- Email: info@justfinewine.ca
- Call: 604.944.7818
- In Person: Join us at our LE18 Wine Tasting, taking place Sunday, October 21, 2018 at Port Coquitlam’s Wilson Centre. CLICK HERE for full event details. If you are unable to attend, you can also fill out your DOWNLOADABLE ORDER FORM and bring it to Just Fine Wine.
The LE18 Collection:
Available January 2019: Black Cab – Lodi, California, USA
REGION: LODI, CALIFORNIA, USA – Grapes have long been a part of the Lodi landscape, where bountiful wild vines used to grow along riverbanks. From the first planted vines in the mid-1800s, the region has flourished into a world-class producer, with most of the land dedicated to red wine grape varieties. Lodi’s grapes benefit from a Mediterranean climate of warm days and cool nights, and a dry growing season which allows growers to precisely manage vine growth through irrigation. Two mountain-fed rivers run through the region bringing rich granite-based minerals to the soil which lend complex flavours to the grapes.
WINE: Black Cab is an intriguing blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Gamay Noir. Gamay is a light-bodied red wine revered for its floral aromas and earthiness, with tart red berry and lively acidity. Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied red loaded with black fruits, cherry, black pepper and hints of earth. This balanced blend marries the best of both varietals into an energetic medium-bodied beauty. Ripe and round with vibrant acidity and silky-smooth tannins, expect pronounced cherry and juicy red berry flavours rounded out with notes of cassis, spice, subtle earthy undertones and soft vanilla. Pair with grilled red meats, pizza, black peppercorn tuna, black bean stews or roasted pepper dishes.
LE18 PAIRING: Golden Couscous Stuffed Peppers. CLICK HERE for Recipe.
- SWEETNESS: Dry
- BODY: Medium
- OAK: Medium
- ALCOHOL: 12.5%*
PRICE: $193.00 On-Premise | $138.00 Kit-Only
*Alcohol level based on following Winexpert winemaking instructions.
Available January 2019: Fumé Blanc – Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand
REGION: HAWKE’S BAY, NEW ZEALAND – The sun loves this little bay on the Pacific coast. Hot dry winds, low rainfall and an annual average of 2,220 hours of sunshine make Hawke’s Bay one of the warmest, driest areas of the island. Several major rivers running through the region have changed course over the millennia, resulting in a diverse collection of soil types, making it very versatile for viticulture. With these ideal fruit-growing conditions, it’s no wonder this is the oldest and one of the most
celebrated wine regions in New Zealand.
WINE: Don’t let the name fool you – though ‘Fumé’ means ‘smoke’, don’t expect a smoky white wine. Coined in the 1960s to denote a new and different style of dry,
oaked Sauvignon Blanc, the name is derived from Pouilly-Fumé, a popular French appellation that specializes in a similar style wine. Made with lush New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, this mouth-filling wine delivers a rush of ripe tropical fruit on the palate, with complex layers of gooseberry and melon, bright acidity and hints of grassy mineral notes expertly harmonized with a gentle creamy vanilla oak. Pair with goat cheese, seafood platters and chicken or pasta dishes with creamy sauce and spring vegetables.
LE18 PAIRING: Orzo with Peas and Goat Cheese. CLICK HERE for Recipe.
- SWEETNESS: Dry
- BODY: Medium
- OAK: Light
- ALCOHOL: 13%*
PRICE: $193.00 On-Premise | $138.00 Kit-Only
*Alcohol level based on following Winexpert winemaking instructions.
Available February 2019: Corazón – Curicó Valley, Chile
REGION: CURICÓ VALLEY, CHILE – Corazón, Spanish for ‘heart’, comes from the Curicó Valley located in the heart of Chile. Nestled in between the Andes and Coastal Range mountains, the valley’s vineyards reap many benefits from these towering neighbours. Meltwater rivers provide irrigation during dry summer months and deposit rich minerals in the soil, and hot sunny days are balanced by cool air drifting down from the snow-covered peaks of the Andes at night; these daily temperature
swings cause the grapes to ripen slowly, allowing for optimal flavour, tannin and colour development.
WINE: This wine is a charismatic blend of Carménère, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Pais. Carménère, the signature Chilean grape, delivers jammy raspberry and herbal spice. Cab Franc brings bold cherry, juicy berry and acidity, while Syrah lends intense black fruit flavours and tannin. Pais, widely planted in Chile for centuries but little-known elsewhere, rounds out the blend with rustic red fruit and crisp acidity. This juicy blend is full of expressive black and red berries, surrounded by cherry and tart plum notes in harmony with underlying oak, bright acidity and smooth polished tannins. Pair with rosemary lamb chops, beef skewers, Portobello mushroom burgers and
aged cheddar.
LE18 PAIRING: Smoky Beef Koftas. CLICK HERE for Recipe.
SWEETNESS: Dry
BODY: Medium-Full
OAK: Medium
ALCOHOL: 13%*
PRICE: $193.00 On-Premise | $138.00 Kit-Only
*Alcohol level based on following Winexpert winemaking instructions.
Available March 2019: Symphony Gewürztraminer – Sierra Foothills, California, USA
REGION: SIERRA FOOTHILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA – The Sierra Foothills were the center of the California Gold Rush in the mid-1800s. European immigrants flocked here seeking their fortunes and planted the area’s first vineyards as they settled into life in the Wild West. Rustic and remote compared to the state’s other regions – Gold Rush ghost towns still dot the countryside – growers take full advantage of the varied terrain of the foothills, utilizing the slopes to maximize sun exposure. The shallow soil is mainly decomposed granite, shale or volcanic matter; not particularly fertile ground, nor does it retain much moisture in a region where water can be scarce. These harsh-sounding conditions are actually good news for grapes as the vines yield less fruit, resulting in more concentrated flavours.
WINE: Symphony is one of California’s hidden gems bringing peach, apple and tropical fruit flavours, it is a natural and perfect complement to Gewürztraminer’s characteristic lychee notes. An aromatic blend with floral and juicy peach aromas, this o -dry wine deliciously combines lush tropical and stone fruit flavours. Crisp and bright with expressive fruit and subtle sweetness, this wine really sings when chilled. A beauty to sip on its own, or a perfect companion to spicy Asian dishes, zesty barbecue or baked ham.
LE18 PAIRING: Mango Curry Chicken Thighs CLICK HERE for Recipe.
- SWEETNESS: Off-Dry
- BODY: Light-Medium
- OAK: None
- ALCOHOL: 12%*
PRICE: $193.00 On-Premise | $138.00 Kit-Only
*Alcohol level based on following Winexpert winemaking instructions.
Available April 2018: Barbaresco with Grape Skins – Piedmont, Italy
REGION: PIEDMONT, ITALY – Piedmont boasts a rich cultural and winemaking history going back to the Middle Ages and is home to Italy’s most revered red wines. Located at the foot of the Alps, the region’s hilly landscape is lush with valleys full of vines, with many sunny slopes reserved for the prized Nebbiolo grape. The continental climate sees long, hot summers but thick morning fogs commonly roll through the valleys bringing cooler air. This rhythm of rising and falling temperatures slows
the ripening of the Nebbiolo grapes, resulting in aromatic wines high in acid, alcohol and tannin – prized attributes of the Barbaresco wine style.
WINE: Widely regarded as one of Italy’s top wines, the Barbaresco style is undeniably delicious. Made with Nebbiolo, Piedmont’s most respected and most loved
red wine grape, this wine exudes intense aromas of juicy cherry combined with toasty oak and spice. The sumptuous palate seduces with cherry and ripe red berries, licorice, baking spice, leather and earthy notes. It boasts balance and structure with firm velvety tannins, a full body and a beautiful long-lasting finish. Pair with grilled or braised meat, mushroom risotto, Ragu Bolognese and mature cheeses.
LE18 PAIRING: Braised Beef Short Ribs. CLICK HERE for Recipe.
- SWEETNESS: Dry
- BODY: Full
- OAK: Medium-Heavy
- ALCOHOL: 14%*
PRICE: $209.00 On-Premise | $154.00 Kit-Only
*Alcohol level based on following Winexpert winemaking instructions.
Don’t Miss Out. Reserve Your LE18 by Pre-Ordering Today:
Email: info@justfinewine.ca
Call: 604.944.7818
In Person: Join us at our LE18 Wine Tasting, taking place Sunday, October 21, 2018 at Port Coquitlam’s Wilson Centre. CLICK HERE for full event details. If you are unable to attend, you can also fill out your DOWNLOADABLE ORDER FORM and bring it to Just Fine Wine.
LE18 Pre-order deadline is Saturday, December 1, 2018.
So how do you know what the LE varietals will taste like if you have to order before the kits are even made? Take advantage of an opportunity to sample ‘commercial equivalents’ of the LE18 wines in advance of the pre-order deadline at Just Fine Wine’s LE18 Wine Tasting taking place October 21, 2018. Join us for an enjoyable afternoon filled with fun, food, and of course, wine! This casual and entertaining event also features the one and only Tim Ellison – come find out for yourself why popular demand is bringing him back for a seventh straight year!
What is LE?
Each year Winexpert produces a limited quantity of five fabulous and unique varieties from around the world that are released monthly from January through April. LE – or Limited Edition – wines vary year to year and can be one or a combination of the following: unique blends, hot industry trends, highly sought after regions and vineyards; and scarce or hard to obtain grapes/juice. One thing remains from one year to the next, LE collections always produce wine of superior quality.
LE vintages are available only during the month of their release. They are limited in supply and are so immensely popular that they can be acquired by pre-order only. The LE program has built a reputation of delivering exceptional, award-winning wines year after year after year. This speaks to the high quality wines that these very special wine kits produce and that’s why LE continues to be the biggest most successful limited release brand. Each and every year, LE wines are awarded medals at the WineMaker International Amateur Wine Competition; a testament to the superior quality of our LE program. We’re confident LE18 will continue the award-winning tradition; so be sure to make your wine cellar an award-winning one. Ask Just Fine Wine for any further information.
