Here’s one to buy

Wayne Gretzky Estates Cabernet Franc Icewine

$69.95 / 200 ML

This Cabernet Franc Icewine has a bright cranberry red colour and a wonderful bouquet of strawberry jam, red currant, rhubarb, and exotic savoury spice. The rich and silky mouthfeel has the perfect balance of acidity which lifts and excites the experience, along with bright flavours of red berry jam and crab apple. Pomegranate, red cherry, rhubarb, blood orange, and spice notes linger on the finish. Enjoy as an Icewine martini, with pâtè or foie gras, black olive tapenade, alongside fruitbased desserts or dark chocolate strawberries.

Gold Medal - 95 points - International Wine Challenge, UK 2021

Gold Medal - 92 points - WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada 2021

Adults Only OVERNIGHT SAVORY

French Toast Casserole

BY EXECUTIVE CHEF MAURICE DESHARNAIS, WAYNE GRETZKY ESTATES

1 large herb bread loaf, torn into medium chunks

1 large cheese bread loaf, torn into medium chunks

8 large eggs, cracked & beaten

1 1/2 cups 35% heavy cream

1 1/2 cups 2% milk

1 cup+2tbsp Wayne Gretzky Estates Ice Cask Whisky

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 tbsp thyme or rosemary, chopped

1/2 tsp chili powder

1 tsp fennel seeds

1/2 cup old cheddar, grated

1/2 cup onion, chopped & sautéed

2 cups maple syrup

Generously spray a 12 x 9” baking dish with cooking spray. Mix the torn-up bread, sauteed onions and aged cheddar together and place in the dish. Mix the heavy cream, milk, 1 cup of whisky, brown sugar, vanilla, herbs, spices. Mix well then add the eggs. Gently pour the mixture over the bread in the pan. Press the bread down with a large spoon, making sure that the egg mixture is fully covering the bread mixture. Wrap the top with aluminum foil and place in the fridge overnight.

Preheat the oven at 375°F. Place in the center of the oven. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil. Return to the oven and bake another 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean and dry. The top will be golden brown and crusty. Once baked, remove from the oven and place aside to cool. Combine two cups of maple syrup plus 2 tbsp of whisky and 1 tsp of chili powder. Mix well and warm slightly. Serve the casserole topped with the warm spiced syrup.

Wayne Gretzky Estates

Signature Series

Shiraz Cabernet 2020

$31.95/750 ML

ORIGIN: VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake

STYLE: Medium to full-bodied and fruit-forward

ALCOHOL: 12.7%

SWEETNESS: Dry, 2.5 g/L

Winemaker’s notes: A trendy blend of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon harvested from vineyards within the regional appellation of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Each varietal received barrel malolactic fermentation, then nine months of barrel aging before the wines were blended. The final assemblage was then put back into barrel for a further three months.

Flavour profile: Garnet in colour with a warming bouquet of dark plum, spice box, smoky oak, sweet vanilla, tobacco leaf, and black pepper. On the palate you’ll find flavours of ripe black fruits, spice, black tea, and black currant that linger on the dry finish.

Best served: Serve at a cool room temperature of 16 to 18°C. Drink now to 2025 paired with aged Gouda or Cheddar; grilled steak with red wine reduction; rack of lamb; beef or lamb stews; or shepherd’s pie.

Wayne Gretzky Estates

Founders Series

Pinot Grigio 2021

$16.95/750 ML

ORIGIN: VQA Ontario

STYLE: Light-bodied and refreshing

ALCOHOL: 12%

SWEETNESS: Dry, 10.9 g/L

Winemaker’s notes: Harvested from vineyards within the Niagara Peninsula, chosen for their varietal character and pure fruit flavours. The Pinot Grigio grapes receive a gentle pressing, then cool fermentation and aging in stainless steel tanks to enhance the pure fruit characteristics.

Flavour profile: Clear and bright with a fresh aroma of melon, pear, red apple, and a touch of citrus. On the palate you’ll find lovely flavours of orchard and tropical fruits that linger through on the finish.

Best served: Serve chilled at 10 to 12ºC to enhance the refreshing acidity of this wine; or serve slightly warmer at 13 to 15ºC to allow for rich fruit development and a softer mouthfeel. Fabulous afternoon sipping wine. Serve with hummus and pita chips; crab salad; shrimp skewers; cold pasta salads; pan-fried fresh-water fish; roasted chicken; turkey wraps; grilled pork chops; light seafood pasta dishes. Drink while young and fresh.