Sommeliers’ Picks
Introduction by Nikki Bayley | Images by Joern Rohde
Bearfoot Bistro Wine Cellar
Brigaldara Amarone della Valpolicella
2006
Paul Brian | Assistant Wine Director
Bearfoot Bistro, 604-932-3433, bearfootbistro.com
As a proud member of the wine team at Bearfoot Bistro, few experiences thrill me more than the opportunity to present a large-format bottle, especially one as extraordinary as our Balthazar (12-litre) 2006 Amarone della Valpolicella from Brigaldara. Large formats like this one aren’t just impressive in size; they are a true celebration of wine. The extended aging potential of these bottles allows the wine to evolve gracefully, creating a depth and complexity that smaller formats simply can’t match.
Our stunning wine cellar, with its intimate ambiance, provides the perfect setting to enjoy this masterpiece with up to 32 guests. Surrounded by the impressive 15,000-bottle display, there’s a sense of occasion and reverence that comes with opening such a special wine. The 2006 Amarone offers deep, rich notes of intense dried fruit (raisins and black cherries), dark chocolate, licorice, leather, and spice, as well as smooth, well-integrated tannins with an exceptionally long and complex finish. This vintage, an outstanding year in the Veneto, is drinking wonderfully now and still has the potential to age for many more years.
My pairing choice from Culinary Director Dominic Fortin’s winter menu is the elk Wellington with textures of sunchokes, seared foie gras and truffle jus. When shared in this space, it becomes more than just wine; it becomes a communal experience, a shared memory of indulgence and connection. In my opinion, this is what makes large-formats genuinely magical.
August Kesseler Berg Roseneck Riesling GG
2015
Colin Schira | General Manager
Mekong South East Asian Kitchen + Bar 604-902-1694, 88mekong.com
At Mekong South East Asian Kitchen + Bar, we believe in bringing family and friends together to share the vibrant, authentic flavours of Southeast Asia — all while pairing them with exceptional cocktails and wines. German Rieslings have always held a special place in my heart due to their versatility. They can range from the driest summer sippers to the sweetest dessert enders. The tall magnum (1.5 litres) format is particularly formidable and practical to share among friends.
One of my favourites, and a true standout on our wine list, is the magnum of August Kesseler 2015 Berg Roseneck Riesling GG from Germany’s renowned Rheingau region. The GG on the label stands for Grosses Gewachs, meaning a dry wine from a Grosse Lage (Grand cru) vineyard. This particular vintage was exceptional across much of Europe and in the Rheingau; it allowed the fruit to develop fully with notes of citrus and marmalade while retaining its hallmark crisp acidity. As the wine breathes, it opens up beautifully, revealing layers of fresh fruit that evolve with each sip. This Riesling, in fact, benefits from a quick decant to truly shine. At Mekong, it pairs effortlessly with our vibrant starters — the wine’s bright acidity complements the freshness of our dishes, while its slight off-dry sweetness tames the heat of spicier flavours.
Whether you're starting the night or gathering for après, this magnum of liquid gold is the perfect choice to elevate the moment. Cheers to an unforgettable pairing.
Château Calon-Segur, Saint-Estèphe
2003
Kathryn Woods | Wine Director & Manager
Wild Blue Restaurant + Bar
604-962-2233, wildbluerestaurant.com
In my opinion, bigger is always better! Large-format wines provide an incredible way to share wine with loved ones. They age slower than a regular-sized bottle and are just overall more fun to crack open. Come share a bottle of Chateau Calon-Segur, Saint-Estèphe, 2003, with friends at Wild Blue Restaurant + Bar.
Classified as a 3rd growth in the 1855 classification, Nicolas-Alexandre, the Marquis de Ségur wanted to ensure the heart on the label remained a symbol for Calon. “I make wine at Lafite and Latour, but my heart is at Calon.” Incredibly influential in the history of Bordeaux, this estate is one of the oldest in the region. The connection between Calon and wine lovers there has always been something special — a relationship that goes beyond reasoning.
Bordeaux has such a rich history in terms of the quality of wine, and vintage always matters here. What I love the most is how it can seamlessly shine in challenging years, particularly in large format and from Châteaus’ whose dedication to quality comes first. The 2003 was a notably hot vintage in Europe but due to the northernly position of St. Estephe, Calon-Segur produced an incredibly balanced and encapsulating wine. Rich and full of dark fruits, with cassis on the nose and palate, the wine has incredible minerality and elegance. The blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is not only to be thought of alongside red meat but also Chef Alex Chen’s intricate fish dishes such as our Sablefish.