In keeping with a tradition set three years ago when Reif launched their First Growth Series of wines, the Chelsea Club was once again the setting for the Ottawa area launch prepared by Carol Lepage, Director of Sales for Reif Winery with the help from Guild member Kelly Arnott and Guild VP Martin Carrière. Winemaker Roberto DiDomenico led a group of 25 people through a tasting of the newly released 2002 Vintage alongside a flight of the 2001 series.
The First Growth Series, Reif Estate’s version of a French Grand Cru, denotes the greatest expression of the terroir and the highest quality of wines that can be produced on their Niagara River sub-appellation site. Strict guidelines for these wines include 26 months fermentation and ageing in oak barriques, a minimum Brix of 23 and minimum vine age of 12 years. In addition all wines are 100 % vintage, hand-harvested and unfiltered.
The 2001 First Growth Series included a Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot and in 2002 a Cabernet Merlot was also added to the grouping. The Winery plans to introduce premium white varietals in future vintages as well. All wines are priced at $50 a bottle and have extremely limited availability as they are only produced in the very best vintages. Less than 150 cases of each of the 2002 were produced.
A pre-release price of $40.00 per bottle will be extended until Christmas 2006 for National Capital Sommelier Guild Members.
Orders in the Ottawa area can be made through Reif Estate’s newly appointed Eastern Territory Manager, Yannick Beddard at 613-818-4093 or
Not to be outdone, chef Sean Murphy of the Chelsea Club prepared the following delectables, which were truly worthy to complement these ‘First Growth’ wines:
Oyster Mushroom Sauté with Lop Chong Sausage and Fresh Thyme
Cambozola Cheese
Shaved Roast Beef with a Caramelized Shallot and Saskatoon Berry Compote
Roasted Portobello Mushroom in a Duck and Red Wine Reduction
Thanks and acknowledgement to Kelly, Martin, Carol, Robert and Sean for a wonderful premium wine tasting with food for the enjoyment of all Guild members present.
The National Capital Sommelier Guild strongly supports moderate and responsible consumption of wine and spirits. Guild dinner events allow a designated driver to attend at a reduced price. The designated driver will not be served alcohol. Guild tasting events provide and encourage the use of spit buckets.
"I’m drinking wine, eating cheese, and catching some rays." — Donald Sutherland as Oddball in Kelly’s Heroes
The National Capital Sommelier Guild strongly supports moderate and responsible consumption of wine and spirits. Guild dinner events allow a designated driver to attend at a reduced price. The designated driver will not be served alcohol. Guild tasting events provide and encourage the use of spit buckets.