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Tastings: April 2026
03 April 2026
92PTS
Castell'in Villa Marcolfo Cabernet 2011
Castelnuovo Berardenga, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyCastell'in Villa is a historic Chianti Classico estate, run by Princess Coralia Pignatelli della Leonessa since 1968, situated in Castelnuovo Berardenga. This is a special wine, only produced once, to my knowledge. in 2011, the Tuscan winery bottled 2500 bottles of straight Cabernet Sauvignon as an experiment, and this is the inagural experimental result. Wild and black fruited, with balsam and black olive scenting, and firm sticky tannins to support this to a toasted wood and crushed floral finish. Surprisingly fresh for an older wine, this is still muscular and firm, drinking now and with time ahead.Prices:| BC | $138.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Rocca delle Macie Roccato 2022
Tuscany, ItalyZingarelli's Roccato is always dependable and friendly, like a comfy chair or a favourite pair of running shoes. It started out as a Super Tuscan blend but has been a solo cabernet sauvignon release since 2015. The mixture of some leanness and a delicious, savoury nose and palate suggests it is a site driven Tuscan cabernet rather than a New World wine. Expect ripe cherries, cassis, mocha, cedar, and a balsamic lift. The palate offers a mix of dark fruits, dried herbs, and chocolate, all ending with a fresh finish. You can enjoy this now with lasagna, ribs, or a mushroom pasta dish or casserole. Open it for a relaxing evening in Tuscany through 2028.Prices:| BC | $52.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $48.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $50.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $41.00 | 750ml |
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02 April 2026
88PTS
Zuccardi Serie A Chardonnay 2024
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaNot your typical big, bold, oaky chardonnay, instead, it comes from one of chardonnay's other realms. One that speaks quietly and elegantly, showcasing well balanced pear, apple, peach, melon rind, and brioche, with a touch of nuttiness. It was aged in 30% neutral oak and stainless steel. It's understated yet classy, with a lingering and graceful finish. Lovely stuff.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Angove Family 1886 CHD Chardonnay 2024
South Australia, AustraliaFrom the Riverland wine region in South Australia, a portion of this wine was fermented and matured in French oak, with partial malolactic fermentation. At the same time, the remainder was fermented in stainless steel. A light bodied chardonnay with aromas primarily of lees, complemented by hints of apple and melon rind. The texture is soft, clean, and mouth filling. The flavours are subtle, with pear, peach, and quince, finishing with pear skin. It's refreshing, and the elements are balanced with clean, tight acidity. Good value.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Domaine Laroche Chablis Premier Cru Les Vaudevey 2022
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceDomaine Laroche is one of Chablis' historic names, with vines crossing many crus and more than 90 hectares. From the Left Bank's little known 1er Cru Les Vaudevey (only a handful of producers work this steep, cool valley) comes this clear, tight, and shining Chablis. It was fermented in a mix of French barrels of various sizes and stainless, and remained there 9 months on fine lees before blending, resting again, and bottling. Taut lemon, green apple shimmers on the palate over a slick of lees, with a humming Kimmeridgian energy that lingers on the finish. Great finesse in this lovely wine of place.Prices:| BC | $64.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Storm Ridge Chardonnay 2024
Hemel-En-Aarde Valley, Hermanus, Walker Bay, Overberg, South AfricaHannes and Nathalia Storm are a husband and wife team that handcrafts cool climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Upper Hemel-en-Aarde, and Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. This Ridge bottling comes from a high density, stony clay vineyard. It was native fermented with partial MLF, and rested 11 months in 228L French barrels. This is a stunning pixellated chardonnay with lemon pith and peel, green apple, and alluring flinty licks, holding great energy through the lingering finish. Beauty freshness and finessed energy, drinking well now and with ample time ahead.Prices:| BC | $87.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Boyer de Bar Chardonnay Les Peyrarols 2022
Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceVincent Boyer has run his family’s historic Bourgogne estate Domaine Boyer-Martenot since 2002. His close friend from winemaking studies, Emmanuel Lucas De Bar is part of a family with organically farmed vineyards in the Hérault Valley of France, at the site of a 12th century monastery. In 2018, the two friends decided to start their own domaine, Boyer de Bar, bringing together Emmanuel’s pristinely cared for vineyards and Vincent’s skill as a grower/winemaker. This certified organic chardonnay is from clay limestone soils and 20 year old vines. After whole cluster pressing and a native ferment in tank, this rested 1 year in French barrels, followed by 8 months in cement eggs, bottled unfined and unfiltered. Richer, with a lemon curd bottom supporting crushed stones, perfumed pear blossoms, and great stony spice that lingers on the finish. The wine holds the Languedoc stony freshness, but with a sun-ripened Chardy richness, giving it a solid chance at the dinner table.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Domaine Danielle-Etienne Defaix Chablis 1er Cru Vaillon 2014
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceDomaine Bernard Defaix is located in the tiny village of Milly, at the foot of the Côte de Lechet, a few minutes west of the town of Chablis. The domaine was founded in 1959 by Bernard, 4th generation winegrower, who wanted to begin making wine from the vines his family had long been tending to. Today the 12 HA estate is run by Bernard's two sons, Sylvain and Didier, who oversee the organic and biodynamic program. They believe in extended aging in stainless prior to release, which is why this wine, 12 years old, is on market. Perfumed white blossoms, green apple, crystalline lemon sail along the elegant, finessed palate, with an alluring lick of flint that lingers on the saline finish. Still vibrant and striking, from the underrated 2014 vintage.Prices:| BC | $116.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Penfolds Bin 311 Chardonnay 2022
South Australia, AustraliaAt three years old, this modern Next World Australian chardonnay is beginning to emerge from Yattarna's shadow and establish its own identity. Bright and vibrant, it may be a touch less electric than its parent wine, Yattarna, but it feels like so much more. Expect an enticing, subtle ripeness, with lightly toasted cashews, a hint of struck match, and plenty of lemon and pomelo flavours that cut through the creamy, long, sleek texture. Honestly, this is a top-tier, highly polished chardonnay, and a bargain at $50. Citrus-cured hamachi makes a brilliant pairing. Ready to drinkPrices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $50.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $45.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $45.00 | 750ml |
| US | $35.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Louis Jadot Chablis 2024
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceThere is something special about a classic glass of Chablis. At Jadot, the hallmarks of a proper Chablis are tightness, precision, freshness, and a wealth of acidity. The freshness helps the wine flow smoothly along your palate, cleansing it and preparing it for each bite of food to come. Add to that some exotic notes of tangerine and minerality, and you're set for an experience. Oysters, mussels, and clams all pair well with this wine, making it a great choice to keep in the fridge on standby on the West Coast.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $47.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $43.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
La Crema Chardonnay 2022
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, United StatesLa Crema Sonoma Coast stands out as a smoother, richer version of California Chardonnay within the La Crema lineup. The fruit is riper and more tropical, with ripe pineapple leading the way. The creamy textures run through the finish, streaked with orange and vanilla. It's a bit old style, but I'm sure there is plenty of room in the market for this style, or they wouldn't be making it. The wine is finished under cork.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $32.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $34.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $31.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $34.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $32.87 | 750ml |
| PEI | $39.99 | 750ml |
| NB | $41.50 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay Vintner's Reserve 2024
California, United StatesNow under screwcap, this wine is blossoming. Yet, unfortunately, after waiting for the switch from cork to screwcap for decades, US wines have been rejected by the BC provincial monopoly, so you have to look hard to find any US wine in BC. Alberta has reopened to US wines. Politics aside, Vintner's Reserve is fresher and brighter than ever. Moving to a screw cap has allowed the wine to recover the last and most delicate fruit and aromas that are often lost under an average corked bottle, taking it to new heights. The attack is fresh, and the palate offers a mix of lemons, oranges, and honey, with a clean finish, making it an attractive chardonnay.Prices:| BC | $24.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $23.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $21.05 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Babich Hawke's Bay Chardonnay 2025
Hawkes Bay, North Island, New ZealandNew Zealand's best kept secret is its chardonnay prowess. At Babich, the screwcap 2025 made without any oak is a lively affair. The nose is spicy and open with rich pear and lemon, with some brown spice in the back end. Juicy, fresh, and bursting with fruit, you can enjoy this all spring and summer without breaking the bank.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Chartron et Trébuchet Bourgogne Blanc 2023
Burgundy, FranceBourgogne Blanc has carved out a new path in recent years, thanks to a warmer climate and updated viticultural and winemaking techniques that have softened the once thin, tight, acidic profile of this category seen in the 70s, 80s, 90s and 00s. Today's Bourgogne is lively, with a nose of ripe pear and red apple. The palate offers a mineral, steely character with bright fruit, creamy textures, and a hint of vanilla and spicy apple pie in the finish. It all comes together with the elegance and charm that are hallmarks of Charton et Trébuchet labels. It's a dependable mid-week French Chardonnay that won't break the bank.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Chartron et Trébuchet Pouilly-Fuissé 2023
Pouilly-Fuissé, Mâconnais, Burgundy, FranceThe more I taste Pouilly-Fuissé, the more I believe it is underrated within the spectrum of white Bourgogne. This wine drew long lines at the Vancouver International Wine Festival, and for good reason. It is a highly polished chardonnay with a wide array of scents including ripe pear, yellow apple, lemon curd, stone fruit, citrus zest, and understated white flowers. The palate is a blend of all those, plus a nutty, almond note. Finesse is a good descriptor, with a fresh, full flavoured, mineral finish. Fermentation is partly or entirely in stainless steel, with some older oak possible depending on the individual parcels. Serve year round with halibut, creamy risotto, or roast chicken with lemon and thyme. This one is a winner.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $32.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Domaine Fourrey Chablis Premier Cru Côte de Léchet 2023
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceThe Fourrey 1er Cru Côte de Léchet is a crisp, steely chardonnay that highlights its unique terroir. The vines grow on a sunny slope over Kimmeridgian clay limestone, shaping the wine's character before it even reaches the winery. Expect a citrus forward palate with hints of white fruits, lemon, and grapefruit zest. The finish provides an electric, mineral driven, and racy note that pairs perfectly with West Coast oysters, clams, mussels, or sushi. Domaine Fourrey is a family owned, fourth generation estate based in Milly.Prices:| BC | $55.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Bosio Truffle Hunter Leda Chardonnay 2024
Piedmont, ItalyPiemonte chardonnay is gaining recognition outside of northern Italy, and that is a good thing. The cool northern altitudes, together with the clay and calcium soils, create the perfect environment for chardonnay that sings with freshness. Look for a mix of pears and white flowers with a mineral undertone and attractive citrus and exotic fruit highlights. Think seafood, be it shellfish or sushi, or consider serving it with veal or chicken dishes. Look for the bright green label that honours Valter Bosio, who has been truffle hunting since childhood across the woods and valleys of Piedmont with his legendary dog, Leda, a partner in a thousand adventures. Terrific value.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Bel Colle Langhe Chardonnay 2024
Piedmont, ItalyLanghe Chardonnay is earning international praise for its quality. Bel Colle, with 13.5% alcohol, starts with a balanced profile, featuring fresh citrus and mineral. It has only a subtle touch of wood after spending three brief months in oak casks, remaining lively and able to refresh your palate after each sip. Expect this label to consistently deliver dependable quality year after year. Good value.Prices:| BC | $31.99 | 750ml |
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