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Tastings: December 2025
10 December 2025
90PTS
Therianthropy Odi X 2024
Therianthropy is the mythical process of shapeshifting, which is another way to view turning nature into wine. This small collaborative project launched in late 2019, with an aim to work with interesting sites, and organic fruit when possible (2024 was entirely organic).From Lincoln Lakeshore's organic Laundry Vineyard, Odi X is a curious native cofermented melange of 70% Merlot and 30% Chardonnay Musqué, including 40% whole cluster, in concrete egg for 9 months, undisturbed. Pouring a slightly hazy raspberry hue, with boysenberry, plum, crushed raspberries on a juicy core with a subtle floral lift. Firm, fine, sticky tannins hold all in place to the pretty florals lining the finish. A worthwhile curiosity.Prices:| ON | $29.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Moraine Cliffhanger Red 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaI can see why the judges were so enamoured with this wine at the National Wine Awards. The polish and juicy fruit are beautiful on the nose and the palate. Look for plummy red fruit with silky tannins and a smooth finish. It's a succulent style that finishes with a twist of spice. A perfect chicken wine that you can drink or hold.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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09 December 2025
89PTS
Boschkloof Conclusion 2020
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaFrom the Borman family's Stellenbosch estate and its decomposed granite soils, Conclusion blends 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Syrah, 26% Merlot 26%, and 20% Cabernet Franc. This reserve red rested in French barrels (35% new) for 20 months. Worn leather, cassis, tobacco, and baked beans fill the fuller palate, seasoned with brown spice, and framed with sticky, sueded tannins. Drinking now, ideally with autumnal braised meats / stews.Prices:| BC | $56.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Morgenster The Reserve 2015
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaEstablished as a farm in 1711 in Stellenbosch's Somerset West, Morgenster is one of the area's classicist wine producers. In 1997 owner Giulio Bertand met Pierre Lurton of Cheval Blanc, and struck up a kinship which saw Lurton become a consultant winemaker and board member. The Reserve, their icon label, is a Bx blend of 43% cabernet sauvignon, 35% merlot, 15% cabernet franc, and 7% petit verdot. From the dry and warm 2015 vintage, this aged in French oak (60% new) for 18 months. A current release at 10 years on, this opens with earthy tobacco and dusty wood, carrying into dried cassis, mushrooms, and worn leather on the full, warming palate. Sueded tannins are fully absorbed into the fruit, lined with cedar, and finishing with baking spices. Drinking now, preferably with lamb chops and rosemary scented root veg.Prices:| BC | $78.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Morgenster Estate Lourens River Valley Red 2016
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaEstablished as a farm in 1711 in Stellenbosch's Somerset West, Morgenster is one of the area's classicist wine producers. In 1997 owner Giulio Bertand met Pierre Lurton of Cheval Blanc, and struck up a kinship which saw Lurton become a consultant winemaker and board member. This Bx blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, and petit verdot spent 1 year in French oak. A current release in market at 2016, this aged wine is drinking smartly now, with layers of fresh and dried cassis, leather, dark chocolate, and baking spice throughout the full palate. Tannins are slightly sticky, but well absorbed into the ripe fruit, and making this a great partner to roast beef and root veg over the autumn / winter.Prices:| BC | $46.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Meerlust Rubicon 2022
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaMeerlust is one of South Africa's most classicist, historic estates, founded in 1693. Johannes Myburgh purchased the 400 hectare property in 1757, and it has been in his family ever since. Rubicon is their top Bx blend, an age worthy estate blend of 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot. Each parcel of each grape was fermented separately before heading to 300L barrels for 8 months. After blending, this rested another 10 months in barrel prior to bottling. Perfumed cassis, black plum, dark earth, and baking spices fill a juicy, full bodied palate, with dark cocoa dusted tannins that finish with a dark espresso grip. Lovely structure here, drinking very smartly now (partner with grilled steaks) and with time ahead in your cellar.Prices:| BC | $70.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Spier Creative Block 5 2021
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaFrom one of South Africa's heritage producers, established in 1692 (!), Creative Block 5 is a Bordeaux blend of 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot, and 4% Malbec. The fruit comes from Stellenbosch vines up to 20 years, on decomposed granite and clay. After ferment in stainless over 3 weeks, this continued maturing in 300L French oak (60% new) for 18 months before the final blend. Dark chocolate, plush cassis, and ripe cherry flood a full, juicy palate, scented with leather and cassis. Tannins are soft and sueded, well absorbed into the layered, silken fruit, and finishing with a kiss of baking spices. Drinking well now (ideally with grilled meats) and with time ahead.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Kanonkop Paul Sauer 2021
Simonsberg - Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaKanonkop is one of the most respected traditional producers in South Africa, recognized for producing age worthy wines. This icon red, named after Kanonkop’s patriarch Paul Sauer, blends 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, and 13% Cabernet Franc from estate vineyards in WO Simonsberg-Stellenbosch (a small ward located within Stellenbosch), and from primarily dry land vines averaging 31 years on decomposed granites. This spent 5 days on skins before resting 2 years in new 225L French barrels. Give this young wine some time to breath and unfurl to reveal sultry dark cherries, cassis, tobacco, gravels, and crushed stones, perfumed with alluring darting florals, and wrapped with sueded tannins that sink into the depth of fruit, lifted with some tomato leaf acidity, and finishing with a lick of worn leather. Drinking very elegantly and completely now, but as demonstrated, these wines can age.Prices:| BC | $110.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Mission Hill Terroir Collection Meritage 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Terroir Collection is a series of Mission Hill wines that celebrate the distinctiveness of place and soil as tasted in a series of blends and varietal releases. The Meritage begins with deep aromas of black cherries, baking chocolate, and five spice, leading into red plum and smooth, polished tannins. This wine is enjoyable now, but there's no rush, as it will drink beautifully through 2030. The blend consists of 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Malbec, sourced from vineyards in Osoyoos (86%) and on the Black Sage Bench (24%). It matured for 18 months in French oak barrels, 30% of which were new. This vintage offers a notable improvement over the 2021 release.Prices:| BC | $30.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Cono Sur Organic Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenère Syrah 2023
ChileI have been sampling this wine since 2012. Over the years, improvements in both viticulture and winemaking have enhanced the wine's texture and sophistication, resulting in a more refined blend of 60% cabernet sauvignon, 22% carmenere, and 18% syrah. The bouquet features classic spicy notes, black currant, roasted pepper, and savoury desert scrub. On the palate, the wine is vibrant and juicy with hints of blue and red fruits, as well as additional bold, spicy boldo nuances. The grapes are organically grown, the wine is vegan certified, and it offers a moderately tannic structure. A perfect mid week red for a hamburger or pizza.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.45 | 750ml |
| SK | $14.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $16.75 | 750ml |
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08 December 2025
88PTS
Vasanti Cabernet Sauvignon Radiance Collection 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe latest Vasanti Cab comes off a mix of cool west benches and warm east benches in the south Okanagan. This is a clean cabernet fermented in stainless steel and aged for 30 days in a mix of French and European oak. The palate is fresh and spicy, with a strong, cassis undertone and spice in the finish. For the moment, it needs some time or a grilled piece of protein to knock down some of the edges on this youthful red. It's a solid vintage, and the wine should age into the early 2030s. All this needs is a little more charm to get to the next level.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
RockBare Click 99 Cabernet Sauvignon 2024
AustraliaRockbare has a nose that will appeal to many cabernet sauvignon lovers. Spicy, intense bay leaf, cassis and tobacco lead the way, with cool blue and black fruits, cigar, bright acidity, and light tannins. It's a red that would work with a hamburger, or beef tacos or empanadas at large parties around the barbecue or campfire. Or take it upscale with lamb or aged cheeses. The fruit is aged in a blend of new and older French and American oak for 14 months.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.50 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Rust Wine Co. Cabernet Sauvignon South Rock Vineyard 2023
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2023 vintage in BC may have been small, but there are some gems out there. South Rock Vineyard is the southernmost site on Oliver's famed Golden Mile Bench. There is a reason why it was British Columbia's first official Sub-GI: the vineyard is home to some of the oldest vines in the Okanagan. When you taste perfectly ripe dark fruit, subtle savoury notes, and the finesse of this, you will come to understand the future of the South Okanagan and the cabernet sauvignon Harry McWatters bet on back in the early 1990s.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Frind Estate Premier Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
British Columbia, CanadaThe Premier Cab Sauv is another wine that will appeal to new cabernet drinkers. It has plenty of juicy, fresh red and black fruit. There is a whiff of savoury desert scrub among the blackcurrant and black cherry, and low if any sticky tannins. You can drink this wine now or hold it a year or two. A solid introductory CS that speaks of British Columbia.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Moon Curser Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe judges loved this wine at the National Wine Awards, scoring it gold. The Osoyoos East Bench red is grown at the Fernandes Vineyard, where it soaks up the sun with ease. Look for enticing floral blackcurrant on the nose. The palate is full of dark fruit and lovely textures, more reminiscent of merlot than cabernet sauvignon, which means the tannins are dense and fine-grained. Surprisingly forward, it has the balance of a wine already aged five to seven years in the bottle. A keeper and a first class cabernet.Prices:| BC | $46.99 | 750ml |
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07 December 2025
94PTS
Champagne Dom Pérignon Basquiat (Artist Label) 2015
Champagne, FranceDom Pérignon is named after the 17th century Benedictine monk Dom Pierre Pérignon (1638-1715), who, by legend, is said to have invented sparkling wine while cellarmaster at the Abbey of Hautvillers. This is fake news, as is the notion he was blind. However, he did make the first clear still red wine, the first clear sparkling from red grapes (Blanc de Noir), put thought into the blend and picking times, propelled the use of cork closures and Verre Anglais (strong, coal-fired English glass), and invented the shallow Champagne basket press. So, we do have a lot to thank this monk for. This is the prestige cuvée of Moët et Chandon since 1937. My bottle of 2015 Dom Perignon features the exciting energy and artwork of Jean Michel Basquiat and blends 51% Pinot Noir and 49% Chardonnay, disgorged in January 2023 with 4.5 g/L. Surprisingly just medium bodied, this envelops the palate with generous brioche, subtle toast, white and red cherry, crystalline lemon peel and green apple interwoven with fine lees. All are structured on a framework of subtly smoked stones and based on deep, deep chalk. The finish continues with lingering lemon peel and finely humming chalk. There's a lovely tensile character to this vintage, which is unexpected yet still feels very DP. *Note, the price for the Artist Series labels is $30 - $40 more per bottle than the classic gold shield label.Prices:| BC | $326.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $360.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Champagne Dom Pérignon Murakami (Artist Label) 2015
Champagne, FranceThis is the prestige cuvée of Moët et Chandon, bottled since 1937. You may note the label looks different. In fact, it is the same wine as the iconic 2015 Dom Pérignon with the classic gold shield label. Other artist collaborations have included the likes of Lady Gaga, Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, and, in 2015, both Jean-Michel Basquiat (which Treve Ring tasted), and the bottle I tasted by Takashi Murakami. Artist editions typically sell for more because of their limited production. It's a delicious wine aptly described by Treve as a 51% pinot noir and 49% Chardonnay blend, disgorged in January 2023 with 4.5 g/L, that envelops the palate with generous brioche, subtle toast, white and red cherry, crystalline lemon peel, and green apple, interwoven with fine lees. All are structured on a framework of subtly smoked stones and based on deep, deep chalk. The finish continues with lingering lemon peel and finely humming chalk. There's a lovely tensile character to this vintage that's unexpected yet still feels very DP.Prices:| BC | $326.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $360.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Drappier Carte d'Or Brut NV
Côte des Bar, Champagne, FranceThe Drappier family vineyard holdings are remarkably large, covering 100 hectares. It's taken the negoc family a long time to amass such an impressive holding in Champagne, where they're been actively buying vineyards since 1808. Drappier brought pinot noir to the Aube in 1930s. Vineyards are primarily located around Urville, in the heart of the Côte des Bar, where pinot noir is king and soils are Kimmeridgian limestone centric. The Carte d'Or is their trademark wine, a blend of 80% pinot noir, 15% chardonnay and 5% pinot meunier, with 40% reserve wines, and 5% of the blend (the liqueur) matured in oak for one year. Wines go through full MLF, and have very little sulphur added. It was disgorged with 6.5 g/L. Pouring a golden hue, reflective of its high percentage of red grapes and reserve wines, this is chiseled with white cherry, tart raspberry, pithy mandarin, ginger, and lemon peel, with a subtle biscuit core over a buzzy limestone underlay that is classically Aube. The pinot gives this the structure to partner with the dinner table easily.Prices:| BC | $77.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Delamotte Brut NV
Champagne, FranceChampagne Delamotte was one of only five Champagne houses in the mid 1700's, and remains located in the heart of the Côte des Blancs in Le Mesnil- sur-Oger. Delamotte is the sister house and contiguous to the regaled Champagne Salon, with which it shares the same viticultural, winemaking and management crew. Delamotte Brut is a blend of approximately 55% chardonnay, 35% pinot noir, and 10% meunier. The whole spends 36 months on the lees, and is dosed with 7 g/L. Brioche, crisp red and green apple, and buzzy lemon pith sails over a chalky base, with a slick of anise on the snappy, lemon twist finish. Clean, sleek, and smart, this is a welcome modern NV Brut for your rotation (and canapés hour).Prices:| BC | $90.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Champagne Gosset 21 ans de Cave à Minima Extra Brut NV
Champagne, FranceFounded in Aÿ in 1584 by Pierre Gosset, Champagne Gosset is the oldest wine house in Champagne. For 17 generations Gosset was family owned, but in 1993 it was sold to the Cointreau family from Charente, owners of Frappin Cognac. The distinct Compte d’Âge wines are reflective of cognac releases, naming how long the wine has been aged before release. This recent release is the rarest and the oldest in the series yet, from base year 2020, and fruit from across the region. A tip of 4% reserve wines was added to the blend of 57% chardonnay, 43% pinot noir, fermented in stainless with no MLF (as is the house style), and into bottle in 2021 for 21 years' slumber sur lattes. This bottle was disgorged in 2022 with 3 g/L, and left in the cellars until a late 2024 release. Pouring a golden hue, this complexed wine shows its age and pedigree, weaving truffle, chestnut, fresh and dried lemon, and deep chalk along very fine mousse. The developed character is met with surprising freshness still, and lingers long with ample salinity. This is certainly a gastronomic wine, and one for fans of aged Champagne. 1250 bottlesPrices:| France | $350.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Gosset Grand Blanc de Blancs Brut NV
Champagne, FranceFounded in Aÿ in 1584 by Pierre Gosset, Champagne Gosset is the oldest wine house in Champagne. For 17 generations, Gosset was family-owned, but in 1993 it was sold to the Cointreau family from Charente, owners of Frappin Cognac. A "newer" release for the house, the BdB was first released in 2011. Fruit comes from across the appellation, including the Montagne de Reims (up to 1/3), Sezannais, Vitryat, and of course the Côtes de Blancs. This bottle was based on 2018, with 10% reserve wines, and was disgorged in late 2022 with 7 g/L. Though I'm always skeptical of clear bottles for sparkling wines due to light strike, the winery reports they have 30% more sales when packaging this in clear glass vs shaded glass. Tight green apple, oyster liqueur, and subtle anise hum across a direct, finely chalky core, with ample freshness still, and a lingering finish. Drinking now, smartly.Prices:| France | $66.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Charpentier l'Act 2016
Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, FranceThe Charpentier family can trace its Champenois roots back to 1855 when an ancestor opened an inn on the banks of the river Marne. Now Jean Marc Charpentier, 8th generation, is at the helm. Under his guidance, their 24 hectares of vines was converted to to organic and biodynamic viticulture, reaching full organic certification in 2021 and Demeter certification in 2023. L'Act is their vintage wine, using the same plots each time (Charly-Sur-Marne and Saulchery) so they can track the wine across vintages. This blend of 60% Pinot Meunier, 35% Chardonnay, and 5% Pinot Noir comes from the area's limestone marls. After a native ferment in stainless with full MLF, this spent a minimum of 3 years sur lattes prior to disgorge. The ample PM presence makes itself felt here, with toast, red apple, and perfumed florals at the fore, scenting the core of meringue, and finishing with fine spice and chalk dust. Nice presence and sense of place here. Prices:| BC | $75.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Laurent Perrier La Cuvée Brut NV
Champagne, FranceLa Cuvée is L-P's Brut NV, and changed over the years to be chardonnay dominant. Laurent Perrier has been around since 1812, and has been a pioneer in the stainless steel fermentation process in the region. The blend is 55% chardonnay, 35% pinot noir, and 10% pinot meunier, from 110 growers, and the amount of reserve wine fluctuates between 20 and 30%, with a dosage around 8 g/L. Tight and brisk with lemon peel, crunchy green apple, and oyster shell on a sleek, stainless palate with just enough reserves to buffer but still keep this fresh. It's been great to watch the evolution of La Cuvée, and all for the better.Prices:| BC | $88.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Gosset Grand Millésime Brut 2016
Champagne, FranceFounded in Aÿ in 1584 by Pierre Gosset, Champagne Gosset is the oldest wine house in Champagne. For 17 generations, Gosset was family-owned, but in 1993 it was sold to the Cointreau family from Charente, owners of Frappin Cognac. The 2016, meant as a photograph of the vintage, blends 61% chardonnay and 39% pinot noir (the near reverse of 2015), with most of the pinot coming off north facing hills. As is house style, this was fermented in stainless, with no MLF. This bottle was disgorged in spring 2024. Showing development on the nose (thanks to 7 years sur lattes), this opens with wet chalk, green apple, and crystalline lemon, moving into a lean layer of toasty lees on the long palate, finishing with ample salinity. Quite elegant, and drinking smartly now.Prices:| ON | $123.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Champagne Gosset Celebris Brut 2012
Champagne, FranceCelebris is Gosset's Prestigue Cuvee line, produced only in exceptional years (and in small lots), and first launched in 1995 with 1988 vintage. This is the 9th Celebris release, and a quintessence of their flagship Grande Reserve. The 2012 blends 70% chardonnay and 30% pinot noir, waiting until winter 2022 for disgorgement, with 5.5 g/L. Button mushroom, crystalline lemon, and vanilla wafer are woven on the layered, deep palate, with a buzzy, chalky hum, and lingering salinity on the finish. Tasting quite complete, and in a really great place right now, with time ahead.Prices:| ON | $245.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Champagne Gosset Celebris Rosé Brut 2008
Champagne, FranceThis vintage is only the fourth edition of Gosset Celebris Rosé in the past twenty-five years. It is a limited edition of 15,000 bottles. This blends 72% Chardonnay and 28% Pinot Noir (8% is red wine). The grapes came from Ambonnay, Avize, Aÿ, Bouzy, Cramant, Cuis, Cumières, Trépail, Vertus, Villers-Marmery. After 12+ years in the cellars (2nd latest house after Krug), this bottle was disgorged in 2022, with 6.5 g/L. Pouring a peach salmon hue, this "rosé by consequence" was created by the blend. It wasn't planned that way. Vinous and contemplative, with deep salinity, and layers of truffle, dried herbs, cherry liqueur, burnished orange, and meringue, with fine spices through the very long finish. Quite a wine, and still growing with bottle age (I last tasted in 2022).Prices:| ON | $270.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Charles Dufour Bistrotage B19 NV
Côte des Bar, Champagne, FranceChampagne-born Charles Dufour converted his 6 hectare farm in the Côtes de Bar to organic and biodynamic practices in 2013. He has developed a reputation for his envelope-pushing wines, often referred to as ‘the Selosse of the Aube’, and having had one of his cuvées poured as the house Champagne at Noma. This cuvée, entirely pinot noir, comes from Charles’ mother in the Vallée d’Arce, and 3 lieu-dits on calcareous clay: Bicheret, Les Copies, and Val Herard. It is primarily from the 2019 harvest (as evidenced by the label), but a small amount of reserve wine is also added. After a native ferment half in steel and half in older wood, this heads to bottle with a liqueur de tirage from organic cane sugar and yeasts isolated from the vineyard. After 4+ years sur lattes, this was disgorged with 2 g/L. Very PN and very Aube, with ample smouldering red fruit, a touch of anise, and a crushed limestone buzz on the firm finish, kissed with bergamot. There's a waft of oxidation here that adds to the savory appeal. Certainly one for food. Only 36 bottles made it to BC, so grab it if you find it.Prices:| BC | $111.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Champagne Michel Gonet Les 3 Terroirs Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs 2019
Champagne, FranceBorn into a family of winemakers, a tradition passed down from since 1802, Michel Gonet founded his eponymous Champagne house in 1973 and developed it to encompass 36 sustainably farmed hectares in the Côtes de Blancs, Côte de Sézanne, Montgueux, and Bar-sur-Aubois. Today, his three children, Charles-Henri, Frédéric, and Sophie, have taken over the reins and continue to uphold their father's vision. They collaborate with world renown Sommelier Marco Pelletier, and source used barrels from Bourgogne superstar (and friend) Jean-Marc Roulot. The 3 Terroirs this BdB is named for are Montgueaux, Les Mesnil-Sur-Oger, and Vindey. After 4 years sur lattes, my bottle was disgorged with 4 g/L in December 2023. Tight and vibrant, with green apple, white blossom, and lemon pith and peel taut across a fine chalky underlay, this practically hums along the palate. Lovely precision and energy, and certainly built for food (merci Marco).Prices:| ON | $75.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Champagne Guiborat Téthys 19 Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs NV
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceWinemaker Richard Fouquet represents the 5th generation running this family domaine, established in 1885. Nearly 75% of their fruit is sold to Laurent-Perrier, with the remainder of choices parcels kept for their family label. They mainly work with vineyards in the Côte des Blancs GCs of Cramant and Chouilly and Oiry, as well as Pinot Meunier from Mardeuil in the Vallée de la Marne Rive Gauche. This BdB was based on the 2019 vintage, with 27% from a perpetual reserve. After 7 months on lees in stainless, with full MLF, this went into bottle for a minimum of 24 months sur lattes, and was dosed with 1.5g/L. Fresh green apple, buzzy crushed stones, and fine chalk are woven throughout this subtly savoury wine, with a riffing pithy grip, and lingering salinity on the long finish. Quite precise and harmonious at this time. Téthys is the Greek goddess of the sea, and the name of the ancient ocean which previously covered Champagne.Prices:| France | $38.00 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Champagne Bérèche et Fils Les Beaux Regards Extra Brut 1er Cru 2020
Montagne de Reims, Champagne, FranceCreated in 1847, Champagne Bérèche et Fils is a grower with 9.5 biodynamically farmed hectares of vineyards, predominantly situated in Montagne des Reims. Brothers Raphaël and Vincent Bérêche are the current generation running the family estate. Terroir-focused, they farm without herbicides, and all wines undergo tirer à liege, where the second fermentation takes place under cork rather than capsule. This Bdb comes off 2 vineyards in Ludes, the eldest, Les Beaux Regards, was planted in 1902. This BdB was native fermented in wood before moving to bottle unfined and unfiltered, where it remained for 3+ years. This bottle was disgorged in January 2024 in 3 g/L. Such a complete champagne, with bright lemon, green apple threaded with oyster shell salinity and crushed stones. There's lovely purity and gravitas to this structured, serious wine, lingering long on the palate with a chalky hum.Prices:| QC | $156.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Bérêche & Fils Brut Reserve NV
Champagne, FranceThe domain was established in 1847 in Ludes, but it wasn't until more recently when Jean-Pierre Bérêche was one of the first growers to establish an independent reputation. His sons Raphaël and Vincent, now overseeing the house, have built on that work to craft some of today’s most distinctive Champagnes. They own 9 hectares across 4 villages and various terroirs. This organic wine is 30% Chardonnay (from Ludes), 35% Pinot Noir (from Ormes), and 35% Pinot Meunier (from the western Vallée de la Marne), including 30% reserve wines from their perpetual system, which has been resting and waiting on lees for two years. The base wines were aged in 60% wood (40% of which were small vats) and the rest stainless, and MLF is not allowed. The wines were held under cork while in bottle (agrafe), and my bottle was disgorged in December 2023 with 6 g/L. Bright and buzzy, with lifted burnished lemon, red apple, and a pure cherry core, supported by a deep, but fine chalky lees bed. The ample red fruit makes this particularly food-friendly, while the chardonnay length and precision keeps you wanting more. Always a smart choice.Prices:| BC | $120.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Champagne Les Freres Mignon L'Aventure 1er Cru Blanc de Blancs NV
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceBrothers Florent and Julien Mignon are part of a long history of vignerons on the Côtes des Blancs, previously selling their sustainably harvested grapes. The brothers (late 20s / early 30s) decided to make their own wine together in 2015, and started with this cuvée. L'Aventure is a BdB from Avize, Cramant, and Cuis, and massale selected vines around 50 years old. From the 2019 vintage, this was native fermented in stainless with no MLF, and went to bottle unfined and unfiltered, where it remained until April 2023 disgorge with 1.6 g/L. Crisp and bright, with crunchy red and green apple coursing through a lively, energetic palate. There's a lemon pith brace giving structure, and carrying through the long, finely humming finish. Super smart.Prices:| France | $40.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame Brut 2018
Champagne, FranceThis Grande Dame is Veuve's prestige cuvée, in homage to Madame Clicquot herself, a pioneering business woman who bravely took over the Champagne house when her husband François unexpectedly died age 30. Amongst the things Veuve (widow) Clicquot invented was the first vintage champagne in 1810, the first version of the pupitre in 1816, and the first blended rosé champagne by blending still red and white wines in 1818. The house is now owned by LVMH. This 2018, newly released in Canada, is based on pinot noir (her favourite grape), with 10% chardonnay. From Northern Montagne de Reims (PN) and Le Mesnil (Chard), this comes off approximately 70% estate vineyards (historical crus). It was fermented in stainless, with full MLF, and disgorged in February 2024 with 6 g/L. A highly dignified Dame, with brioche, white cherry, cherry blossoms, lemon, and patisserie filling a cushioned, yet finely boned palate, with autolytic notes balanced with chalky chiseled acidity. Drinking chicly now, and with a few years ahead in your cellar.Prices:| ON | $308.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Champagne Charpentier Terre d'Émotion Pinot Meunier Zéro Dosage NV
Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, FranceThe Charpentier family can trace its Champenois roots back to 1855 when an ancestor opened an inn on the banks of the river Marne. Now Jean Marc Charpentier, 8th generation, is at the helm. Under his guidance, their 24 hectares of vines was converted to to organic and biodynamic viticulture, reaching full organic certification in 2021 and Demeter certification in 2023. This PM comes from the plot Les Chauffours, planted in 1961 in the cru of Charly-sur-Marne's limestone marls. 50% of the plot was rejected in 2017, the entirety of this wine, as they strove for only the best berries for this 0D. What remained was native fermented cool and long, before heading to bottle, unfined and unfiltered. It was disgorged in May 2020. Opening with PM's characteristic purple florals, this slides into red apples, cherry, and mandarin pith, with an oxidative overdraft, and brisk acidity holding all at attention though a humming finish. Certainly a naked, pure look at the grape for those who are fans.Prices:| BC | $117.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Charpentier Terre d'Émotion Brut Vérité NV
Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, FranceThe Charpentier family can trace its Champenois roots back to 1855 when an ancestor opened an inn on the banks of the river Marne. Now Jean Marc Charpentier, 8th generation, is at the helm. Under his guidance, their 24 hectares of vines was converted to to organic and biodynamic viticulture, reaching full organic certification in 2021 and Demeter certification in 2023. From crus Charly-Sur-Marne and Saulchery, this blend of 70% chardonnay, 15% pinot noir, and 15% pinot meunier is rooted in limestone marls. After a long native ferment in stainless with full MLF, this was blended with reserve wines stored in oak before heading to bottle and 60 months sur lattes. It was disgorged with 6.5g/L. Meringue, nougat, and pure lemon curd roll along the suave palate, shaped with chalk and lemon peel, and finishing with a lingering oyster shell. Nice completeness here. Prices:| BC | $88.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Champagne Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut NV
Champagne, FranceOne of the most important Grandes Marques, Moët & Chandon's was founded in 1743 by Claude Moët. Their flagship Brut Imperial is the most consumed Champagne in the world, estimated that a bottle of this is popped every 1.3 seconds around the globe. They are also the largest landowner in Champagne with 1,190 hectares (vs the average 2.5 ha). This important cuvée began in 1869, and was known for being drier than its contemporaries at that time, near 100 years before Brut became normal. Today the wine is dosed with 7 g/L (down from 14 > 11 > 9 over the past 2 decades). As dosage has decreased, reserve wines have increased, now up to 30-50%. Though the NV blend changes every year, it's based on 30-40% pinot noir, followed by pinot meunier and a smaller portion of chardonnay, blended from more than 288 villages (estate and contract), and with at least 24 months on lees. Red apple, white cherry, bread dough, crunchy lemon turns into a lemon streak that races to the snappy, pithy finish. Consistent, though very slowly modernizing, and on a ginormous scale too.Prices:| BC | $77.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Laurent-Perrier Héritage Brut NV
Champagne, FranceHéritage is the first Brut Champagne from a Grandes Marques made entirely from reserve wines. In this case, 55% chardonnay, and 45% pinot noir, from 40 crus (50% GC), and vintages 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2019. The blend was aged for 3 years sur lattes before disgorge with a lower dosage. There's a great freshness and poise about this developed wine, with some of the reserve base dating back near 10 years now. In fact, you can think of Héritage as the little sibling to Grand Siècle, the prestige cuvée of the house. Nougat, roasted hazelnuts, crunchy green and red apple is lit with lemon peel, corseting in the sides and humming this along to a snappy finish. Such a smart wine, and my new favourite find in the house of L-P.Prices:| BC | $120.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Champagne Taittinger Prestige Rosé NV
Champagne, FranceThis deeper hued rosé is a blend of 30% chardonnay, 20% Pinot Meunier, and the remaining pinot noir from 36 crus, including 15% still wine from Riceys and Montagne de Reims. The bottling employs 30% reserve wines, and was disgorged with 9 g/L in January 2023. The house believes the higher level of pinot noir will help protect from light strike, always an issue with clear glass. Cushy strawberry jam, cherry blossom is shaped with lemon peel, and cut with a cranberry acidity that glides this to a mandarine finish. The bump of RS makes this particularly friendly and primed for canapés hour.Prices:| BC | $99.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Champagne Perrier-Jouët Blason Rosé NV
Champagne, FrancePerrier-Jouët began in 1811 with the marriage of Pierre-Nicolas Perrier and Adèle Jouët. It is currently owned by Pernod-Ricard. This rosé comes off 20 crus, and blends 50% pinot noir, 25% chardonnay, and 25% pinot meunier, with 10-15% still red wines macerated on the skins for colour. This spent 3 years sur lattes, and was dosed with 9 g/L. Pouring a deeper salmon hue, this is amply red fruited, with strawberry and cherry cut with a brisk lemon acidity that draws this to a brief mandarine twist finish. Try with bouillabaisse.Prices:| ON | $104.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Stanislas Bonafé Cuvée 07 2012
Champagne, FranceStanislas has 30+ years experience as sales manager / managing director of major Champagne houses, setting up his own brokerage agency in 2009, and creating this eponymous range in 2020. This 50/50 blend of pinot noir and chardonnay comes from 7 GC villages: Mesnil sur Oger, Ambonnay, Aÿ, Chouilly, Oger, Cramant, and Avize. After 9 years sur lattes, it was disgorged December 2022, with 9 g/L. The extended time on lees makes this a richer style, with ample brioche, toast, red apple, and cherry liqueur across a hazelnut base. There is a great firm chardonnay backbone taking this through the lemon and gingerbread finish. If you want a richer style without paying Dom, give this a try.Prices:| ON | $160.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Louis Roederer Blanc de Blancs Vintage 2017
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceFrom their estate vineyards in Avize, this vintage BdB was primarily fermented in stainless, with 28% in oak casks, and no MLF. It was taken off at lower pressure, to create a silkier mouthfeel. After 5 years sur lattes, this was disgorged with 7 g/L. Shining and sleek, with lemon tart, green apple, along a steely frame, with a shimmering lemon pith on the finish. A slender, gentler vintage BdB.Prices:| ON | $149.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Champagne Hatt et Söner Les Matines 1er Cru Blanc de Blancs 2019
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceFrom Bergères-lès-Vertus, a 1er cru in the CdB, comes this Swedish family owned house, now 3 generations into winemaking. This BdB was fermented in stainless, with no MLF, and with 5 years sur lattes before disgorge, with zero dosage. Yellow apple, mealy pear, white peach, and mid lemon curd has a curl of oxidation that finishes curtly with red liquorice and praline. A compact champagne, drinking now.Prices:| ON | $123.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Sébastien Lefèvre Les Dryades Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut 2016
Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, FranceThis 7th generation Champagne grower is based in the Vallée de la Marne's Vert-Toulon where they sustainably farm (VDE & HVE) 6.6ha of vines. This comes entirely from the plot Les Cerisiers, this BdB was barrel fermented with 80% MLF, and into bottle the following July. After nearly 5 years, this was disgorged in March 2021 with 5g/L. Bread dough, hazelnut, and lemon is still fresh and lively with green apple acidity, while the extended time on lees and oak ferment adds a lovely gentle expansion to the palate.Prices:| ON | $95.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Champagne Rémi Leroy Extra Brut NV
Côte des Bar, Champagne, FranceBased in the Aube, which shares the same Portlandian and Kimmeridgian limestone soils as Chablis just further south, young Remi farms 3 of his family's organic 9 hectares under this label; the rest of the grapes are sold to large champagne houses. This Extra Brut, his largest production wine at 25K bottles / year, is based on 2022, with approximately 20% reserves. The blend is 70% pinot noir, 20% pinot meunier, 10% chardonnay, primarily fermented in stainless, with full MLF, with 20% in older wood. This spent 2 years sur lattes, and was disgorged with 2 g/L dosage in spring 2024. Tart green and red apple, toasted brioche is cut with lemon acidity, and clouded with an oxidative haze. I feel this bottle isn't the freshest from shipping, so will look to retaste in future.Prices:| ON | $77.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $99.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Taittinger Brut Reserve NV
Champagne, FranceThis classic blends 40% chardonnay, 35% pinot noir, and 25% pinot meunier from across 36 vineyards in the Marne, Sézanne, and Aube, half of which come from estate vineyards, and about 50% from Grand Cru. Around 30% reserve wines are used (the youngest of the reserves held in stainless). After ferment in stainless with full MLF, this 2019 base spent a minimum of 3 years on lees, before a dosage of 8.5 g/L in fall 2024. Brut Reserve makes up 85% of the wine produced by the house. Red apple, lemon peel, brioche, and dough fill a cushy, round palate, with a citrus corset tightening, and a subtle chalky underlay below. A friendly NV, suitable for any and all company over canapés.Prices:| BC | $74.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Henriot Blanc de Blancs NV
Champagne, FranceHenriot's vineyards have been around since the 1700s, but they didn't begin producing sparkling wine until 1808, when Apolline Henriot began to make wine from her family's lands. Today Henriot is part of Champagne’s largest co.op, Terroirs et Vignerons de Champagne (TEVC). This BdB comes from 12 crus, and employs 30-50% reserve wines (including their perpetual reserve). After a minimum of 3 years, this is disgorged with under 5 g/L. Buttery brioche, green apple, and oyster shell is lit with lemon pith and peel, and threaded with an alluring flinty reduction. Impressive verve and energy in this modern, stylish wine, and the best Henriot I've tasted to date.Prices:| BC | $87.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Henriot Brut Souverain NV
Champagne, FranceHenriot's vineyards have been around since the 1700s, but they didn't begin producing sparkling wine until 1808, when Apolline Henriot began to make wine from her family's lands. Today Henriot is part of Champagne’s largest co.op, Terroirs et Vignerons de Champagne (TEVC). This, Henriot's flagship blends approximately 50% pinot noir, 45% chardonnay, and 5% pinot meunier from 29 crus. This uses 30-50% reserve wines (including part perpetual), and spent at least 3 years sur lattes, disgorged with less than 5 g/L. The up in PN and Chardy is noticeable, as is the bump in reserve wines, and the decrease in dosage, from the last time I tasted 3+ years ago. Flagships are not set in stone, thankfully. My bottle is based on 2018, disgorged in 2022. Ample toasted brioche, lemon curd is cut with crisp green apple and lemon pith, livening the palate, and lingering on the vanillin finish.Prices:| BC | $76.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne R. Faivre L'Aguerrie Réserve Extra Brut NV
Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, FranceSince 1953, founder R. Faivre has crafted wines from his family's vineyards in the Vallée de la Marne's Belval-sous-Châtillon. The family left the local co.op in 2017, and the grower house is currently overseen by 3rd generation David Faivre. Certified HVE and organic since 2020, David champions biodiversity and low-impact viticulture on their 5.5ha of brown chalky clay soils over limestone. My bottle of L'Aguerrie (base year 2020) blends 48% pinot meunier, 27% chardonnay, and 25% pinot noir, including 27% reserve wines from red grapes of 2018 and 2019. This was disgorged October 2023 with 1.5 g/L. Nougat, pear, and crisp green apple stream across the lively palate, seasoned with vanilla wafer, and lingering with lemon pith and peel. Quite smart, compact, and modern.Prices:Read Full Note
90PTS
Champagne Gosset Zéro Dosage NV
Champagne, FranceThis brand new release from Gosset is their first ever zéro dosage, blending 62% chardonnay and 38% pinot noir from primarily Ambonnay, Avize, Bouzy, Cumières, and Cramant, based on the 2013 harvest. After more than a year in stainless, this went into bottle in spring 2015, disgorged in spring 2025 with zero dosage. The long lees aging is well offset by the 0D. Zesty lemon peel opens into yellow apple, toasted brioche, roasted hazelnuts, and chestnuts over a fine chalk base, finishing with a lingering bitter pithy lemon finish. A smart new addition to the Gosset portfolio.Prices:Read Full Note
90PTS
Champagne Laurent Perrier Cuvée Rosé Brut NV
Montagne de Reims, Champagne, FranceFounded in 1812, Laurent Perrier was a pioneer in the stainless steel fermentation process in Champagne in the 1960s. Owned by family of Bernard de Nonancourt, sister company to Salon, Delamotte, and de Castellane. La Cuvée Rosé, the world's top selling rosé champagne, is as recognizable for its distinctive bottle shape as for its smouldering red fruit profile. Entirely pinot noir, this was sourced from 10 villages in Montagne de Reims, with a good proportion of Grands Cru. It spent up to 3 days in contact with skins before bleeding off and ferment in stainless. Once in bottle, this had a minimum of 60 months on lees before a disgorgement around 9 g/L. The deeper pink hue is reflective of the maceration, revealing candied strawberry, cream, red apple, cherry patisserie on the medium bodied palate, with a noticeable bump of RS smoothing out all the edges. It's easy to see why this stylish and friendly rosé is so popular worldwide.Prices:| BC | $119.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $114.95 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Champagne De Vilmont Premier Cru Brut Grande Reserve NV
Champagne, FranceThis 1er Cru Brut is an MA (Marque d’ Acheteur), a brand name owned by the purchaser, usually a supermarket or wine merchant, and often a budget, entry-level wine. This bottle was corked unfortunately, so will try again in future.Prices:| BC | $74.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Jacquesson Cuvée n° 747 Extra Brut NV
Champagne, FranceChampagne Jacquesson was founded in 1798 by Memmi Jacquesson and was a house favourited by Napoleon, who bestowed it a gold medal for its cellars. The winery has been innovative, instituting the radical notion of training vines in rows with the collaboration of Dr. Guyot and patenting the muselet, the wire cage that holds the cork in place. Their recent innovation began in 1978, when the Chiquet family purchased the house and brothers Jean-Hervé and Laurent spend the next ten years campaigning to their father to do something radically different, from the structure of the company to vineyard management. In 2000 they took a bigger risk and announced the 700 series. This numbered, vintage based cuvée began with 728, represented by the 2000 vintage, and referencing the number of years since the family took ownership. Rather than making a consistent NV wine every year, they aim to make the best possible blend for each vintage. Each year, a new subsequently numbered cuvée is released, maths meaning this current release 747 is from 2019. This year's edition is 75% red grapes (Ay, Dizy, Hautvillers, Champillon), and 25% chardonnay (Avize and Oiry), with 30% reserve wines. It was vinified on lees in oak with no filtration or fining before heading to bottle where it spent 4 years before disgorge in February 2024 with 1.5 g/L. Smouldering white cherry, wild raspberry, lemon peel rest atop a chalky base, with riveting citrus acidity driving this through a mandarin twist on the finish. Certainly a wine with gravitas (thanks to the oak aging, reserve wines, and time sur lattes), but still with charm and playfulness, and freshness. Drinking now, and with time in your cellar.Prices:| ON | $128.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Champagne Pierre Gimonnet & Fils Oenophile Non-Dosé 2018
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceOenophile is the same cuvée as Fleuron, but with zero dosage. Didier Gimonnet believes dosage is an important part of vinification and Champagne, so is typically against the style, although he was one of the first to make a 0 dosage champagne back in 1985. This blends 40% Cramant, 24% Chouilly, 3% Oger (all GCs) with 23% Cuis and 10% Vertus (1er Crus). All were fermented in stainless with full MLF. This bottle was disgorged in December 2024. Green apple, lemon, subtle anise, wet chalk streak across the palate, lit with energy, and lingering with a humming salinity. Super smart, as ever.Prices:| ON | $125.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $200.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Champagne Pierre Gimonnet & Fils Fleuron 2019
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceFleuron, meaning flagship, was created to capture the spirit of the vintage, and represent the year. In 2019, the blend included 39% Cramant, 36% Chouilly, and 25% Cuis, highlighting the texture of the north of the Côtes des Blancs. As always, this was fermented in stainless, with full MLF. My bottle was disgorged in December 2024 with 3.5 g/L. Green apple, meringue, toast, and a kiss of anise fills the complete palate, with vibrant lemon acidity streaking this through the lingering chalky, saline finish. Very complete at this point, and certainly with time ahead.Prices:| BC | $120.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $119.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Champagne Dom Pérignon Vintage 2013
Champagne, FranceDom Pérignon is named after the 17th century Benedictine monk Dom Pierre Pérignon (1638-1715), who, by legend, is said to have invented sparkling wine while cellarmaster at the Abbey of Hautvillers. This is fake news, as is the notion he was blind. However, he did make the first clear still red wine, the first clear sparkling from red grapes (Blanc de Noir), put thought into the blend and picking times, propelled the use of cork closures and Verre Anglais (strong, coal-fired English glass), and invented the shallow Champagne basket press. So, we do have a lot to thank this humble monk for. This is the prestige cuvée of Moët et Chandon since 1937. 2013 is quite a late vintage, in October, and with climate change, may be the last time we can say that. This year's blends 49% Pinot Noir with 51% Chardonnay, disgorged in October 2021 with a dosage of 5g/L. Upon opening, this is tight and nervy, with a puff of smoked stone and mandarin rind, which yields into toasted brioche, almond patisserie, cherry blossoms, lemon pith and peel, and anise, over a deep chalky base. This bottle is showing much better than the last time I tried the 2013, 2 years ago. Tasting well now, and yet with time ahead.Prices:| BC | $319.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $320.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Pascal Doquet Champs Librés Blanc de Blancs NV
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FrancePascal Doquet has been making wine on the Côte des Blancs since 1982. In 1994, he took charge of the family estate alongside his sisters, and his wife Laure. They transformed the 8 hectare estate into certified organics in 2007. This BdB is entirely from 2018, with 2/3 coming from growers in Vertus, and the remainder from their estate vineyards across the Côtes de Blancs and the Côtes de Perthois. This is native fermented in stainless from a pied de cuve from their Mesnil-sur-Oger vineyard, into bottle without filtration in April 2019, and disgorged March 2023 with 3 g/L. Crunchy green apple, lemon pith, and oyster shell dance along the slender palate, with fine mousse streaming this to a vanilla biscuit finish.Prices:| BC | $100.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Champagne Canard-Duchene Brut Léonie Iconic NV
Champagne, FranceFounded in 1868, this blend of 40% pinot noir, 35% chardonnay, and 25% pinot meunier is based on the 2021 vintage, and includes 50% reserve wines dating back to 2009. After a minimum of 3 years on the lees, this was disgorged with 7 g/L. Now with a smart new label and name (Iconic) launched in 2024, this confident wine carries vanilla wafer, buttery scone, red apple, and bruised pear along the medium palate, with a lick of anise on the brief, buzzy finish. A nice move for the brand, reaching more modern and fresh than ever before.Prices:| ON | $63.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $65.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Laherte Frères Ultradition Brut NV
Champagne, FranceThe Laherte family has a long history in the region. Founded in 1889 by Jean-Baptiste Laherte, the estate was originally made up of vines primarily in the village of Chavot. Fourth generation vigneron Michel Laherte expanded the family estate which then covered about five hectares. With his wife Cécile, the two young vignerons modernized the press and tanks, but soon realized that too much modernity such as the use of herbicides and pesticides would prevent full terroir expression in the wines. They began working the soils, gently vinifying the juices, and remaining humble and patient as the wines developed. In 2005, his son Aurélien Laherte (7th gen) overtook operations of the estate, now 11 hectares, with another 4 hectares contracted by like-minded farmers. This, their flagship, has 2 different labels, depending on how Ultratradition-al your market is. This blends fruit from Vallée de la Marne, Coteaux Sud d’Epernay, and Côtes de Blancs, and is a blend of 60% Pinot Meunier, 30% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Noir, fermented in barrel, with 40% reserve wines (also kept in wood). This bottle, currently on shelves in BC, was disgorged December 2021, with 4-5 g/L. Cherry meringue, toast, crunchy red apple is kissed with anise, and lit with lemon pith and peel, the latter lingering on the chalky, humming finish. Still very good freshness for a PM dominant wine with 4 years disgorge.Prices:| BC | $90.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Roger Constant Lemaire Les Hautes Prières 2012
Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, FranceThe Lemaire family has been present in the Vallee de la Marne since the late 19th century. Today, a few generations in, the family is overseeing their sustainably managed (under conversion to organic) 12 hectares. This BdB was Hauvillers sourced, aged in wood over 9 months, with no MLF, and went to bottle without filtering or fining. It spent up to 9 years sur lattes prior to disgorge with with 7-9 g/L. Candied lemon, marshmallow, and meringue fill a generous palate, with lemony backbone to structure and tighten. Smart modern classic.Prices:| BC | $139.99 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Champagne Louis Roederer 2016
Montagne de Reims, Champagne, FranceLouis Roederer acquired 37 acres in Verzenay Grand Cru in 1850 to control grape quality for his cuvée. Today, the estate's 600 acres are organically and biodynamically farmed. The champagne features a refined mousse, subtle cherry, toast, hazelnut, and mineral notes, but none of its many attributes stand out Instead, they disappear into its creamy textures and long, pensive saline finish. It's a high quality wine that can age for another 5 years. The 2016 growing season was challenging, with a cool, wet spring and a hot, dry summer. This vintage Roederer blends 68% pinot noir and 32% chardonnay, with 33% vinified in oak and 5% undergoing malolactic fermentation. It's aged four years, then another six months post-disgorgement, with a dosage of 7 g/lLPrices:| BC | $97.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Nominé Renard Brut Blanc de Blancs NV
Champagne, FranceBased in Vallée de la Marne's Villevenard, the Nominé family's vineyards extend over 20 hectares, spread over the slopes of Petit Morin, Sézannais, and the Marne. The diversity gives 3rd generation Simon Nominé lots to work with in his blends. This NV has 30ish % perpetual reserve, and was disgorged with 6.5 g/L. Bright lemon curd, green apple, and toast are licked with anise and finishing with lingering wet chalk. A smart, friendly BdB for enjoying now.Prices:| ON | $76.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Champagne Emile Leclere Brut Nature NV
Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, FranceChampagne Emile Leclere was founded in 1832, and is today run by 5th generation siblings Vincent and Marie. Based in Mardeuil, near Épernay, they own 12 hectares of vineyards, primarily pinot meunier, chardonnay, and pinot noir. 30% of their holdings are from the far west of the Vallée de la Marne, in Château-Thierry. This blend is the same as their Brut Reserve (60% Pinot Meunier and 40% Chardonnay), though with zero dosage. It is fermented in stainless, and spent 3 years sur lattes prior to disgorge in March 2024. The meunier is at the fore, with baked red apple, anise, and perfumed florals, with the lemony drive of chardonnay lingering on the stony finish. A friendly Brut Nature for enjoying now.Prices:| ON | $70.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte Réserve Exclusive Brut NV
Champagne, FranceNo big surprise here. Nicolas Feuillatte is one of the largest co-ops in Champagne, with access to some 4500+ growers, giving the team a huge selection of fruit to choose from every year. The Reserve Exclusive, a mix of 40/40/20 pinot noir, pinot meunier, and chardonnay, is always well chosen. It spends an impressive 42 months on its lees, which gives a creamy, leesy, toasted palate that enchants the drinker from the first sip. There is a rush of red apples dusted with citrus and almond, with an upbeat, mineral, chalky, refined finish. A well known label that seems to be punching above its weight for the money.Prices:| BC | $92.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $62.95 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Champagne Frédéric Savart l'Ouverture 1er Cru Brut NV
Montagne de Reims, Champagne, FranceSituated 10 km west of Reims, Frédéric Savart is based in the village of Écueil, in the Val de Reims. Continuing from his father's work with their 'laboratory of terroirs,' Savart has made the 4-hectare property his own and has become one of the superstars of the Grower Champagne movement. L'Ouverture is the introduction to Freddy's range, with three vintages of Pinot Noir from Écueil's sandy soils, native fermented and aged in a mix of stainless and barrel before heading to bottle. My bottle was disgorged in January 2025 with 3.5 g/L. Crunchy red apple, fragrant cherry, wild raspberry coulis is sharpened with tart rhubarb acidity, and subtly carved with chalk, the latter lingering on the finish. Very smartly showing pinot noir's perfumed expressiveness in Écueil. Tasting beauty now, and with ample time ahead. 28,000 bottles.Prices:| QC | $155.25 | 750ml |
| ON | $140.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Louis Roederer Carte Blanche NV
Champagne, FranceThis full bodied sparkling wine offers rich and creamy characteristics. Carte Blanche is classified as a demi-sec Champagne, with a subtle sweetness that allows it to serve effectively as an aperitif, complement desserts, or pair with richer fare. Notable aromas include cooked and caramelized apple, almond, followed by honey balanced by underlying citrus notes on the palate. It is recommended for pairing with vanilla desserts or milk chocolate. The blend consists of 40% pinot noir, 40% chardonnay, and 20% meunier, with only 5% vinified in oak. The dosage is 38 g/L and the alcohol content is 12%. Typically, it undergoes ageing for 36-48 months in cellars before disgorgement, with an additional six months in bottle before release. It is ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $130.00 | 750ml |
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96PTS
Champagne Louis Roederer Cristal 2015
Champagne, France2015 is considered a standout vintage at Cristal, a 60/40 blend of pinot noir/chardonnay that is aged seven years on its lees (25% of the wine is aged in oak), and it all spends another eight months after degorgement before release. Look for a fairly deep yellow hue with some of the most refined tiny bubbles you can imagine. Yellow fruits, toasted almonds, red fruits mark the nose with a whiff of fresh cut wheat. The silky, creamy textures give way to a classic citrus and saline sparkler with outstanding vibrancy and persistence. It is balanced to perfection. Drink or hold through 2035. The grapes, organically and biodynamically farmed, come from 45 lieux-dit across seven Grands Crus.Prices:| BC | $409.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $500.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $456.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $450.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $1160.00 | 1500ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Marie Copinet Au Détour du Sézannais NV
Côte de Sézanne, Champagne, FranceMarie-Laure Copinet and her winemaker husband Alexandre Kowal have taken over her family's estate, founded by her father Jacques in 1975. Before then, the Copinets were selling their fruit to Moët, but Jacques' work at Taittinger led him to decide to create their own grower champagne estate. They are based in the tiny Champagne village of Montgenost (population 140) in the Côtes des Sézanne, and they own 9 hectares of vineyards in Côtes des Sézanne, Côtes des Bar, and Vallée de la Marne, producing only 5,500 cases annually, and began organic conversion in 2018. This chardonnay comes from top plots in Villenauxe la Grande, in the Sézannais' chalky soils. It was native fermented with full MLF, and vinified in 300L barrels for 11 months before heading to bottle under cork (agrafe) for 4 years prior to disgorge. This bottle was the 2018 vintage, and disgorged in April 2023 with 3 g/L. Now with some bottle age, this is showing very white Bourgogne, with very fine bubbles. White mushroom, green apple, and wet chalk rule this stylish wine, with toasted hazelnuts and lemon pith lingering on the humming finish. A love song to Sézannais.Prices:| France | $76.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Louis Roederer et Philippe Starck Rosé Brut Nature 2015
Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, FranceThis Brut Nature series is been a collaboration with artist Philippe Starck, with the first Rosé being the 2012. The line allows the legendary house of Roederer to break from form somewhat, and explore new, highly artistic, styles. The fruit, 50% Pinot noir, 37% Chardonnay, and 13% pinot Meunier, come from 3 plots in La Rivière, along the Marne, and nearby to Cumières. 20% of the pinot noir was infused for 5 days to yield the delicate pink hue, and 11% of the whole was fermented in oak, with 30% MLF overall. My bottle was disgorged January 2023. Sleek and streamline, with wild strawberries, lemon pith, and vanilla biscuits, lit with lemon peel and lingering with chalk. Bright and upright, with the 0D smartly countered with ample time on lees, this is an excellent canapés rosé.Prices:| BC | $150.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $157.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Louis Roederer Collection 244 NV
Champagne, FranceAlways at the forefront of Champagne, Louis Roederer moved from their NV Brut to the MV Collection series in 2021, referencing the number of years since the winery was founded. This ingenious approach allows the master chef de cave Jean-Baptiste Lecallion to blend the best parts of each vintage along with a generous amount of reserve wines. 244 is based on the dry, hot 2019 vintage at 54%, with its scorching heatwaves. This is joined by a perpetual reserve (36%, from 2012-2018), oak aged reserve wines (10%, from 2012-2018). The blend this year is 41% chard, 33% pinot noir, and 26% meunier, split 1/3 each between their La Rivière estate, La Montagne estate, and la Côte, and supplemented by their grower estates. 15% of the wine saw oak overall. This was disgorged February 2023 with 7 g/L, and released from their cellars in August 2023. Still crunchy and fresh, with bright green apple, lemon peel, vanilla biscuit, and a kiss of anise, bedded with chalk which lingers long on the finish. Such a smart MV and flagship wine.Prices:| BC | $91.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $100.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Champagne Valentin Leflaive CV 18 3.0 Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut 2018
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceIf Leflaive sounds familiar, you're certainly correct, as the family has been growing and making wine in nearby Puligny-Montrachet since 1580. Olivier Leflaive began this new project in Champagne, named for his young son Valentin, in 2015. The CV refers to the GC of Cramant (21%) and the 1er Cru of Vertus (52%), from base year 2018 (the label's 18) and 56%(!) reserve wines. The 40ish year old vines were fermented in stainless, and my bottle was disgorged in March 2023 with 3 g/L (the 3.0) on the label. Almond patisserie, lemon curd, and green apple lead to a meringue core, and carry through a bitter pithy lemon lattice bracketing the chalky finish. As with all there wines, there is a lovely completeness to the whole, with nothing elbowing out, and a mellow meringue to centre. Super smart, and absolutely a producer to note.Prices:| BC | $110.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Fleur de Miraval Petite Fleur Brut Rosé NV
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceThomas Perrin recently served this wine in Vancouver. The Miraval connection dates back to the Perrin family's partnership with Brad Pitt and his estranged wife Angelina Jolie, once partners in the Miraval Rosé venture. Following on from the success of its Exclusively Rosé limited editions, Petite Fleur involves Rodolphe Péters (Champagne Pierre Péters), Brad Pitt, and the Perrin family. From a 2019 base, the 95% chardonnay, 5% pinot noir carries 30% perpetual reserve chardonnay, all from the famed Côtes de Blancs. The colour is pale, pale peach. The attack is soft and generous with a mix of bright red fruits, both dry and candied. The reserve wine adds some gravitas to the mid-palate with sweet baked apple in the finish. More Miraval than Péters in style, it is an attractive bubble for celebratory Champagne drinkers.Prices:| ON | $115.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Champagne Lacourte Godbillon Premier Cru Brut Nature NV
Montagne de Reims, Champagne, FranceChampagne Lacourte-Godbillon is run by husband and wife team Richard Desvignes and Géraldine Lacourte, who took over the Écueil estate from Lacourte’s parents in 2006, and began converting the 8 hectares to organics and biodynamics (both now certified). They are the 9th generation of Champagne growers to run the estate, and they are the 3rd generation to bottle and sell under their own label. This cuvée is equal parts pinot noir and chardonnay from their Écueil estate, based on 2015 with 20% reserve wines. About half was fermented in used 300L oak, partial MLF, and headed to bottle without fining or filtration. It spent 5 years on lees prior to disgorge in November 2021 with zero dosage. A seamless sip, centered on meringue, with layers of chalk, lemon peel, green apple, subtle toast, and an alluring flicker of reduction which leads to a long, lingering saline finish. Lovely depth and layers for a 0D, and holding fresh for the warm 2015 base year. Super smart.Prices:| BC | $130.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Laherte Frères Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature NV
Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, FranceThe Laherte family has a long history in the region. Founded in 1889 by Jean-Baptiste Laherte, the estate was initially made up of vines primarily in the village of Chavot. Fourth-generation vigneron Michel Laherte expanded the family estate, covering about five hectares. With his wife Cécile, the two young vignerons modernized the press and tanks but soon realized that too much modernity, such as herbicides and pesticides, would prevent full terroir expression in the wines. They began working the soils, gently vinifying the juices, and remaining humble and patient as the wines developed. In 2005, his son Aurélien Laherte overtook operations of the estate. The 10.5 hectares of Larherte vineyards are mainly situated in the Coteaux Sud D'Épernay, sandwiched between the Côtes des Blancs and the Vallée de la Marne. Seven of their 75+ separate parcels are farmed biodynamically and certified organic, with the rest organic or sustainably farmed. The Blanc de Blancs come off their chalkiest soils, in Chavot and Epernay, from vines averaging 35 years. It was fermented in small foudres and barrels with light bâtonnage and partial MLF before heading to the bottle for at least 24 months. Green apple, bright lemon is kissed with a slight oxidative note (nodding to the oak fermentation) before streaming along the palate with almond, anise, lemon verbena, and a bitter lemon twist above a wet chalk base. An outlier, for those seeking something beyond the classic Champagne.Prices:| BC | $120.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Champagne Louis Roederer et Philippe Starck Brut Nature 2015
Champagne, FranceThis is the fourth and current release of the designed collaboration with artist Philippe Starck. There have been only five iterations to date: 2006, 2009, 2012, 2015, and 2018. The line has allowed Roederer to break from the house style and explore new, highly artistic efforts. What a gorgeous wine made with zero sugar and zero sulphites. The charm lies in the piercing citrus and hazelnut that runs through the wine from front to back, with some even more attractive brioche notes. An electric wine that grows on you as you taste glass after glass. The 2015 is equal parts pinot noir, chardonnay, and meunier, all pressed at the same time. The fruit is farmed using biodynamic practices, and all comes from the Côteaux de Cumières, where it is picked and pressed on the same day, together. The secret is fermentation in wood and aging for five years, which builds up the mouthfeel and balances off the lean, zero sugar style. A sophisticated, modern look from Roederer that is in high demand.Prices:| BC | $150.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $180.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $150.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Champagne Bauchet Seduction Rosé NV
Champagne, FranceThis blend of 53% chardonnay and 47% pinot noir (15% of which is Coteaux Champenois pinot noir) is aided by 14% reserve wines. After a minimum of 24 months sur lattes, this was disgorged with 10 g/L. Pouring a deeper salmon hue, this leads with baked rhubarb and sugared cranberry before a softer, doughy, cherry jam palate, aided by the cushy dosage to a tart, gently spiced finish. A friendly, easy rosé champers for beginners.Prices:| BC | $79.99 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Champagne Louis Roederer Collection 245 NV
Champagne, FranceA new wine from Roederer forged by three decades of climate change is this successor to Brut Premier. Louis Roederer made the move from non-vintage Brut to the multi-vintage in 2021 when the Collection Series launched, referencing each harvest based on its number of years since the winery's founding in 1776. The wine is a stunning mix of richness of flavours and refinement of structure. Look for nectarines and honey doused with citrus and smoked stones. The mousse is delicate and tiny, carrying a persistent mineral saline aftertaste well into the finish. As good as this wine is now, it will age effortlessly into the 2030s. The Collection blends the best parts of each vintage with a generous amount of reserve wines. Number 245 is based on the 2020 crop. Roederer's historical origins live within the blend: 1/3 La Rivière from the Vallée de la Marne; 1/3 from La Montagne, from the Montagne de Reims; and 1/3 from La Côte, from the Côte des Blancs. It is based on the 2020 harvest (55%) and complemented by 35% of the perpetual reserve (2012-2019) and 10% of oak-aged reserve wines sourced from young Cristal vines (2012-2019). 22% of the wines undergo malolactic fermentation. It was disgorged in January 2023 with 7 g/L and released from their cellars in July 2023.Prices:| BC | $91.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Louis Roederer Brut Rosé 2017
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, France2017 began with an exceptionally warm and dry winter and spring, including a dozen nights of severe frost in April. Next up was a wet and not particularly hot summer, which ended in a tropical, humid August. The rush to pick and avoid the rot was methodical and successful. The La Rivière estate crus of Cumières and Chouilly yielded a 60/40 mix of pinot noir and chardonnay. Some 29% of the wine underwent malolactic fermentation, and this was dosed at 8g/L. A rosé colour was achieved through a prolonged, gentle infusion of pinot noir, which extracts colour while preserving its saline freshness. Additionally, some chardonnay juices are added to the pinot noir maceration to ferment together, promoting further integration of the two grapes. Expect a pale Provençal pink colour, with a nose of wild berries, blood orange, and some complexing earthy, cedary, saline notes from underneath.Prices:| ON | $103.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Larmandier-Bernier Vielle Vignes de Levant Grand Cru 2014
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceBoth the Larmandier and Bernier families have had a long history in the Champagne region dating back to the French Revolution. Pierre took over the direction of the family estate in 1988, moving the family’s vineyards to organics by 1992, and then into biodynamics by 1999. Brothers George and Arthur are now steering the ship. This old vine single parcel BdB is sourced entirely from the GC Cramant, native fermented in large Stockinger casks and vats, with full MLF. After 1 year on lees, this moves to bottle without fining or filtration, and remains there up to 8 years prior to disgorge with 2 g/L. Oxidatively styled, with baked green apple, licks of liquorice, and deep layers of chalk, laced with a brace of lemon pith and peel. There is a persistent doughy, nutty finish thanks to the ample autolysis. A richer, rawer style.Prices:Read Full Note
92PTS
Champagne Étienne Calsac L'Echappée Belle Blanc de Blancs NV
Champagne, FranceAfter taking over his grandparents' 2.8 hectares scattered in small plots around Avize, Etienne transitioned to organic viticulture, working the vines by hand, plow and horse. This cuvée is based on Grauves, but also contains grapes from his family's plots in Cote de Sézanne, Côte de Blancs, and Vallée de la Marne. This current release is based on 2021, with 20% reserve wines from a perpetual starting in 2011. It was native fermented, with MLF encouraged, and aged on lees for 7 months before bottling, followed by 36 months in bottle. My bottle was disgorged April 2025, with 3 g/L. Super earthy and savoury styled, with crushed stones, pithy lemon, and deep wet chalk underneath. Lingering lemon pith and peel run long on the saline finish. Certainly distinctive.Prices:| ON | $80.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Taittinger Prestige Rosé NV
Champagne, FranceOne of the darker roses produced in Champagne, it is a 30/20/50 blend of chardonnay, meunier, and pinot noir from approximately three dozen crus. Approximately 15% of the pinot noir is added as still wine to enhance the colour and fruit. The nose is aromatic, featuring wild raspberry and strawberry that also pervade the palate, accompanied by brioche, before a mineral, stony finish. Lively and fruity, this is a delightful sip on its own, but has the chops to be served at the dinner table with something like salmon or chicken.Prices:| BC | $99.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Bollinger Special Cuvée Brut NV
Champagne, FranceI suppose if it's good enough for James Bond, it's good enough for you. Special Cuvée is classic for Bolly: powerful, presence, prestige. It is a blend of 60/25/15 pinot noir/ chardonnay/ pinot meunier from 300+ cru, over 85% of which is Grand and Premier Crus, and with a hefty dose of 50-60% reserve wines up to 15 years old. A portion of this cuvée will have been fermented in oak casks, with the majority in stainless. It spent a minimum of 3 year sur lattes before being disgorged with 8 g/L. Ripe red apple, cherry brioche, and fragrant bread dough is cut with sharp green apple acidity, and coloured with toasted hazelnut. There's a bitter cherry twist on the end that counters the heft in the fore. Classic, predictable, and safe.Prices:| BC | $110.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $100.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Palmer & Co. La Reserve NV
Montagne de Reims, Champagne, FranceFounded in 1947, Palmer & Co. is one of Champagne's high-quality co-ops. La Réserve is the refreshed face of their classic Brut Reserve, and sets the stage for the Palmer style, one of elegance and harmony, by using a selection of Premier and Grand Crus vines grown in the Montagne de Reims. Some 25-35% of the mix is made up of reserve, adding a surprisingly rich texture you seldom see at this price point. The nose is enticing, pitching citrus, white fruits, and apricots with a subtle hazelnut and fresh pastry undercurrent. Consistently well made every year, you can count on its lemon and ripe red apple palate, propelled by bright acidity. The blend is 50-55% chardonnay, 35-40% pinot noir, and 10-15% pinot meunier. It is aged 36-48 months, again a signal to the care taken with this label. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $89.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Veuve Clicquot Extra Brut Extra Old NV
Champagne, FranceExtra Brut Extra Old is a blend of reserve years, and the 3rd edition (visible only when the bottle isn't cold) is composed of 1990, 1998, 1999, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, and 2014. The mix is 50% pinot noir, 30% chardonnay and 20% pinot meunier. The wines spent 2 years on lees in vats before heading to bottle, where it spent an additional 3 years on the lees prior to disgorge February 2021, with 3 g/L. It was bottled at 4.5 bars (instead of the typical 6). Think of this as amped up classic Veuve. In addition to the double aging (2x3), this rested at least one year in cellars prior to release. The reserve wines give a gravitas, but this surprisingly is still lighter on its feet, with a wonderful lemon cut across its nougat, brioche, and quince core. The lower pressure yields a silken texture, which may be attractive to some (à la Saten), but also disappointing to those looking for a more energetic mousse, especially to carry the breadth of the reserve wines. The bubbles die off quickly, so open and enjoy.Prices:| BC | $105.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $117.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $123.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Champagne Valentin Leflaive Σ 20 4.0 Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut NV
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceIf Leflaive sounds familiar, you're certainly correct, as the family has been growing and making wine in nearby Puligny-Montrachet since 1580. Olivier Leflaive began this new project in Champagne, named for his young son Valentin, in 2015. Σ (Sigma, or sum) is the negoce house's only multi-site blend, sourced from Cramant, Chouilly, Villeneuve, Grauves, Oger, Mesnil-sur-Oger, Avize on the Côtes des Blancs. Based on 2020, with zero MLF tempered with 15% in barrel (the rest in stainless), and 28% reserve wines added, this was disgorged November 2023 with 4 g/L. Shining with bright lemon, vanilla wafer, toasted popcorn and flint scenting a snappy yellow plum base, this echoes on the chalky finish. Think of this as modern white Bourgogne with bubbles.Prices:| BC | $120.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Champagne Chavost Blanc d'Assemblage Brut Nature NV
Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, FranceFounded in 1946, the Chavost Co-op is located in the south hillsides of Epernay, Coteaux Sud, which began with 20 members. Chavost is the ancestral name of the village, which formerly was located between the Saint-Martin Church and the Mount Felix hill, upon which a castle was established. Today more than 100 vigneron contribute 70 hectares into this reenvisioned co-op. This project is from 5 hectares of vineyards, in the process of organic conversion. This is one of the wines in their no-added sulphites range. All wines are from a single vintage, fermented in stainless, with 18-20 months on lees (therefore, unable to be classified as vintage Champagne, under the appellation rules). This is equal parts chardonnay and pinot meunier, disgorged July 2024. Crunchy green apple, yellow apple, pear skin, and ale leads the slender palate, to grapefruit pith finish. Though they're well known for their sans-souffe wines, I wish they added some to protect for international travels. This bottle (as others I've tasted across Canada) aren't nearly as fresh and vibrant as ones I've tasted in France, and this quickly turned to mouse once open. Quel domage.Prices:Read Full Note
91PTS
Champagne Drappier Pinot Noir Brut Nature Zéro Dosage NV
Côte des Bar, Champagne, FranceThe Drappier family has been actively buying vineyards since 1808, giving them over 100 hectares today, including 15 certified organic. Based in the Aube, they are rightfully Pinot Noir centric, with vineyards primarily located around Urville and its kimmeridgian soils. Three generations of the family work in the winery today, and Michel was one of the first pioneers to release a Zero Dosage Champagne more than 30 years ago. They're continuing to push boundaries today, being the first to grow all 8 approved Champagne grapes, including the new hybrid Voltis. This Brut Nature is entirely Pinot Noir, stainless fermented with full MLF, and into bottle without filtration, where it spent 36 months on lees. I'm not sure of the base year (hence my NV note) but my bottle was disgorged November 2023. Rainier cherry, red apple, brioche is cut with a lemon peel acidity, which streams this through the biscuity finish. The structure of the pinot noir is certainly well suited to the limestone soils here, yielding welcome elbows and edges to this 0D wine.Prices:| QC | $62.75 | 750ml |
| BC | $90.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Champagne Ulysse Collin Les Maillons Blanc de Noirs NV
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceThe Collin family's winemaking roots in Congy can be traced back for generations, dating back to 1812. Current generation Olivier Collin reclaimed the family vineyards, which had been leased out to Pommery, in 2003, after years of working to break the lease. He turned the near 9 hectare estate into organic viticulture, and ushered in the start of the label Ulysse Collin, one of the stars of the grower champagne movement. Their three vineyards are located in the Coteaux du Petit Morin and Côteaux du Sézannais. Olivier's time working with Anselme Selosse can be seen in the low-intervention winemaking, and use of large foudres and 225L barrels. This BdN is pinot noir from the Sézannais lieu-dit Les Maillons, planted in 1971 / 1972. It is base year 2019, with 50% reserves from 2018, and after 36 months sur lattes, was disgorged February 14, 2023 with 1.7 g/L. Pinot noir's structure and perfume is on full display here, with fragrant and perfumed red cherries and raspberries opening to a Rainier cherry led palate, accompanied by toasted vanilla biscuit, crushed flint and chalk, and alluring licks of reduction that linger long on the deeply chalky finish.Prices:| QC | $120.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Champagne Ulysse Collin Les Pierrières Blanc de Blancs NV
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceThe Collin family's winemaking roots in Congy can be traced back for generations, dating back to 1812. Current generation Olivier Collin reclaimed the family vineyards, which had been leased out to Pommery, in 2003, after years of working to break the lease. He turned the near 9 hectare estate into organic viticulture, and ushered in the start of the label Ulysse Collin, one of the stars of the grower champagne movement. Their three vineyards are located in the Coteaux du Petit Morin and Côteaux du Sézannais. Olivier's time working with Anselme Selosse can be seen in the low-intervention winemaking, and use of large foudres and 225L barrels. Les Pierrières is a single vineyard of old vines in the Coteaux du Petit Morin, with soft, chalky soils distinctively laced with black flint. The base of this Chardonnay is 2017, and it spent 48 months on lees prior to a disgorge February 2022. Olivier releases his wines with different lees aging periods (36, 48, 72 months for some years). This is polished and poised, with flinty stoniness, white cherry, lemon peel, and savoury chalk humming along through a lengthy, super saline finish. Quite a profound, remarkable wine, drinking now, and with time ahead.Prices:| QC | $149.25 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Domaine Hélène Blanc de Blancs 1er Cru Vieilles Vignes Vertus 2019
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceDescended from a long line of winegrowers in Cramant since 1891, Pierre Hugot has worked with highly respected domains in France including Comte Liger-Belair, Chavy-Chouet, Jean-Marc Roulot, and Vaccelli, before coming back home to the family estate and implementing sustainable, organic, and biodynamic viticulture. He now oversees the family's small holdings in the Côtes des Blancs. This comes entirely from old vines in 1er Cru Vertus, and is based on 2019. After a native ferment in stainless and older wood, plus 4 years on lees sur lattes, this was disgorged in July 2024 with 0 dosage. There's a kiss of subtle oxidation, most likely from time in wood, yielding a fino-esque touch to this powerful chardonnay. Fresh and baked green apple, lemon pith and peel, bitter almond streak through a structural frame, subtly scented with white blossoms, and shaped with wet chalk, the latter lingering on the finish. Built for food.Prices:| ON | $109.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Champagne Doyard Vendémiaire Blanc de Blancs 1er Cru Brut NV
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceThe Doyard family traces their winemaking roots in Champagne back to 1677. Maurice Doyard was the first in the family to make wine in Vertus under the Doyard label in 1927, and in 1979, Yannick Doyard took over, turning it into a focused, mineral-etched Champagne in the Côtes des Blancs. Today, Yannick’s son Guillaume is at the helm, organically farming 10 hectares of vineyards in Vertus and the Grand Cru villages of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Cramant, Oger, Avize and Aÿ. My bottle was disgorged in 2023 with 4 g/L after 60 months in the cellar. This chardonnay blends 3 years (base year 2017), and is a mix of 1er Cru and Grands Cru fruit (primarily their home village of Vertus) of 45+ year old vines, with 40% fermented in wood, and 15% MLF. Powerful and forward, with green and golden apple, vanilla wafer, brioche, and lemon peel stretched long across a deep, chalky base that carries through the lengthy, mineral finish. This is quite harmonious at present, structured and finessed, with great energy still, showing its CdB pedigree.Prices:| ON | $115.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Roland Champion Èclat de Craie Grand Cru Brut NV
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceThe Champion family have been growing grapes in Chouilly since the 18th century, with the house now run by Francois and his two daughters. They used to sell their wines to the big Champagne houses but are now keeping some back to produce their own wines. They manage 18 hectares of vine, primarily in Chouilly. This BdB comes entirely from Chouilly, base year 2016 supplemented by reserves, with at least 3 years on lees before disgorge January 2022 with 4 g/L. Ripe and cushioned, with toasted brioche, vanilla wafer, green apple, and lemon over a meringue base, lingering long with chalk dust. An excellent example of the riper, richer, yet still riveting Chouilly.Prices:Read Full Note
91PTS
Champagne Gaston Chiquet Tradition Premier Cru Brut NV
Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, FranceGrowing vines since the 18th century in the Grand Vallée de la Marne, 1919 saw Gaston and Ferdinand Chiquet start to estate bottle their wines under the Chiquet Frères label. Gaston left the company in 1935 and 30 years later Ferdinand’s side of the family would go on to purchase the Jacquesson estate. Today, the great grandsons of Gaston Chiquet, Antoine and Nicolas, manage this estate, with vines averaging 45 years of age. This 1er Cru Brut blends 40% pinot meunier, 35% chardonnay, and 25% pinot noir from 1er Crus Hautvillers, Dizy, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, and Aÿ Grand Cru. This was based on 2019, with 14% 2018, and 6% 2017. It was fermented and aged in stainless, with full MLF, aged 48+ months on the lees. This bottle was disgorged in January 2022 with 4 g/L. Amply cushioned with fragrant fresh and dried cherry, Rainier cherry, blackcurrant, red and green apple, and lemon rolling across a fresh dough base, scented with red blossoms, and finishing with a trail of deep chalk and gingersnap spicing. A deeper, yet poised champagne, primed for the main course.Prices:| ON | $60.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Pierre Paillard Les Parcelles Bouzy Grand Cru XX NV
Montagne de Reims, Champagne, FranceBrothers Antoine and Quentin Paillard are 8th generation vine growers and winemakers, carrying on the family tradition along with father Benoit. The Paillard family has been growing vines and making wine in Bouzy since 1768, owning only Grand Cru vineyards with old vines via massale selection (no clones). They are truly a star of the grower champagne movement. Les Parcelles is sourced entirely from their home village of Bouzy and 22 plots of the family's sustainably-farmed vines, now averaging 30+ years. As noted by the XX on the label, this is based on the 2020 vintage (80%) and my bottle is a mix of 80/20 pinot noir/chardonnay (the latter an anomaly in PN-centric Bouzy), fermented in oak, and disgorged in 2024 after 3 years on lees, with 2 g/L dosage. Bright and lean, with white cherry, Meyer lemon, crunchy red apple, and fine chalk driving along the slender palate, touched with an oak oxidative kiss that turns into meringue on the finish. This bottle is a touch clumsier than the last I tasted (XVIII), and wondering if it's due to the harvest during Covid 2020.Prices:| BC | $100.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $98.35 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Champagne Cedric Bouchard Roses de Jeanne Le Presle 2011
Côte des Bar, Champagne, FranceFrom the cellar. Roses de Jeanne Le Presle is a BdN pinot noir from the lieu-dit Presle, from Cedric's holdings in the Côtes des Bars. This cuvée comes from 15 rows of 10 different Bourgogne clones coplanted in 2007, all massale selections, in the plot's organically farmed clay and Kimmeridgian limestone soils. The grapes were foot crushed and native fermented in stainless before heading unfined and unfiltered to 36 months sur lattes, bottled without dosage. Perfumed red fruit is laced throughout this 2011, led by wild red and white cherry, and fragrant raspberry, but buoyed easily by a fine, persistent lemon peel spire leading this through a lingering finish. There's a lovely chalky base to support, and a taut framework creating movement and energy through the lithe frame, ending with a lingering chalky memory. Such a complete wine, poised and pure and quietly confident. A joy to drink now. *Note the price below is for the current vintage in market (2020).Prices:| BC | $575.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne A. Levasseur Rue du Sorbier Brut Nature NV
Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, FranceDavid Levasseur runs this micro-grower Champagne house founded by his grandfather in the 1940s. Producing just 30,000 bottles a year, he works solely from his 4 hectares of organic vineyards spread across 18 plots in Cuchéry, Fleury-la-Rivière, and Châtillon-sur-Marne. From base year 2020, this cuvée (named for the road where the family domaine is located) blends 80% meunier, 15% pinot noir, and 5% chardonnay from 30ish year old vines planted at the clay-soiled Les Gautelleries plot in Cuchery, Vallée de la Marne. This core was aided by 35% reserve wines, and it spend arounds 3 years on lees before a zero disgorge. The reserve wines give some honeyed apricot notes to this weightier wine, supported by orchard fruits, brioche, and candied grapefruit pith that highlights an expansive palate. Drinking now, ideally with foodstuffs.Prices:Read Full Note
92PTS
Champagne Domaine Méa Le Grillon NV
Montagne de Reims, Champagne, FranceDomaine Méa (formerly Champagne Guy Méa) have owned vines for over a century in the South West of the Montagne de Reims, in the villages of Louvois & Bouzy (Grand Crus) and Valeurs-Mutry (Premier Cru). The 7 hectare estate is now looked after by granddaughter, Sophie, 5th generation vinegrower, and now winemaker, and her husband Franck Moussie. Le Grillon is 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir with 3g/L. After 10 months in vats it is kept for a minimum of 4 years on the lees in bottle, disgorged October 2023. Pouring a deeper yellow hue, but with great freshness still, with burnished lemon, green apple, meringue, along a taut palate, with a fine lees bed to base, and a lingering trail of salinity to finish. Smart and characterful.Prices:Read Full Note
93PTS
Champagne Stéphane Regnault Dorien No 29 Extra Brut NV
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceAfter working as a sommelier in London, and an aerospace engineer in Paris, Stéphane Regnault returned to his family's Côte des Blancs domaine in 2007 and converted farming to organics with biodynamic practices. The domaine includes 4 hectares of Chardonnay divided equally between the legendary chalk terroirs of the Grand Cru villages Oger, and Le Mesnil sur Oger. The majority of the vines are between 40 and 60 years old. A passionate jazz saxophone player, he has named his 3 single vineyard cuvées after a different jazz mode that each wine reminds him of. This is from a plot called Les Hautes-Mottes, a chalky site on the south of Le Mesnil. This bottle was 2015 base, native fermented in a mix of stainless and barrique, with 15% reserves from 2014. It was disgorged in 2021 with 1 g/L. Now with extra time in bottle, the tautness of youth has let go, revealing layers of hazelnut, brioche, and filagreed lemon pith and peel. The long chardy acid line carries this though the lingering chalky finish. Very elegant, and aging well.Prices:| BC | $140.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Fleur de Miraval Petite Fleur Brut Rosé NV
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceIf the Miraval name sounds familiar, you're correct. This is the relatively newly launched Champagne brand from Brad Pitt, well known for his Provence rosé line made in connection with Marc Perrin of the Rhône’s Famille Perrin estates. For Champagne, Pitt and Perrin joined with Champagne's Rodolphe Peters (Champagne Pierre Peters) to craft this bottling. From a 2019 base, this blends 95% chardonnay (including 30% chardonnay perpetual reserve) with 5% still pinot noir, all from the Côtes de Blancs. This was disgorged in 2023 with 4.5 g/L, and 20,000 bottles were produced. Pale peach in hue, this is a friendly rosé, thanks to the big chardy lead, with raspberry, candied cherry, and anise ruling the finish. The perpetual reserve certainly adds heft to the core, with caramelized baked apple and wet chalk notes, ultimately dumbing down the freshness and elegance overall. Try at the dinner table.Prices:| ON | $115.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Champagne Duval-Leroy Brut Réserve NV
Champagne, FranceChampagne Duval-Leroy was founded in 1859, with the alliance of the Duval and Leroy families, and has subsequently been passed down for six generations. Today, it is one of the last remaining independent, family-owned Champagne Houses, and their sustainably farmed 200 hectares are currently in the hands of brothers Julien, Charles, and Louis. This blend is approximately 15 crus, with 40% reserve wines, and a mix of Pinot Noir 60%, Pinot Meunier 30%, and Chardonnay 10%. It was fermented in stainless with full MLF, and spent 3-4 years sur lattes before a disgorge of 8 g/L. Pouring a deeper lemon hue, toasted brioche, red apple, white peach, and almond patisserie rolls along a creamy palate. An easy, old school style, with a modern touch.Prices:| QC | $56.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Louis Roederer Brut Rosé 2017
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceFrom estate vineyards in Cumières and Chouilly, this 60% pinot noir / 40% chardonnay was macerated, giving the delicate hue, before fermentation (20% in oak) and with 24% MLF. This was dosed with 8 g/L after at least 4 years on lees. Fragrant strawberries, white cherry, green apple, raspberry blossoms stream along a meringue core, with river stones basing, and easy chalky acidity to stream through the lingering finish. Lovely purity, and drinking very well right now.Prices:| ON | $103.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Champagne Leclerc Briant Rosé Extra Brut NV
Champagne, FranceThe Rosé Extra Brut is labeled NV, but this bottle is from a single harvest (2021), and blends 93% chardonnay (from Chouilly and Montgueux), 7% pinot noir (from Les Riceys), native fermented in stainless, with a small amount of the pinot noir fermenting in wood. This rests for two years on lees before being disgorged with 3.4g/L, in September 2024. This recent release has great fresh cut, with wild raspberry and fragrant strawberry at the fore, a crunchy green apple and meringue core, and tart, tight red currant acidity to drive through a cherry blossom finish. Food-friendly as ever, and always a welcome pour.Prices:| ON | $113.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Champagne Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2007
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceFrom the cellar. The 2007 is still showing exceptional, all this time along, and still with ample time to go. Unlike the racy and linear 2006, 2007 always had more depth (but without the over generosity of the 2008), and still holds the line clearly, with a long spire backboning, padded with ample toast, lemon curd, deep chalky lees, and juicy green apple leading a generous meringue core. The palate lingers long, trailing off with a fine, chalky shadow. *Note the price below is for the current release in market (2013).Prices:| BC | $400.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Devaux Grande Reserve Brut NV
Champagne, FranceThe house of Champagne Devaux was founded in 1846 by brothers Jules and Auguste Devaux, based in the Côte des Bar. This is 70% pinot noir, 30% chardonnay, primarily from Montgueux, with smaller amounts from Vitry, Côte des Blancs. Though the base wines were fermented in stainless, this used 25% reserve wines, stored in oak. After around 3 years sur lattes, this was dosed with 9 g/L. Doughy and expansive, with red apple, lemon, and smoked toast rolling across the creamy palate, tightened with a lemony brace which lingers on the snappy finish. A fuller style, well handled.Prices:| QC | $56.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne A. Margaine Le Brut NV
Montagne de Reims, Champagne, FranceArnaud Margaine is 5th generation winegrower in the Montagne de Reims, overseeing their sustainable vineyards. Their home village of Villers-Marmery is a little island of chalky chardonnay in an abundant sea of Pinot Noir. Le Brut blends 86% chard and 14% pinot noir from their home village's clay / limestone soils, and based on 2021 with 66% reserve wines (2020, 2019, 2018, 2012). The base was partial MLF in a split of 80% stainless and 20% barrel. It was disgorged November 2023 with 7 g/L. Crunchy red and green apple, bright lemon, meringue holds a sleek profile, drawing a fine lees bed along to a salted lemon twist finish. Tighter and brighter than the last time I tasted, and a super smart, super friendly champagne for all palates.Prices:| ON | $70.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Pierre Peters Cuvée de Réserve Blanc de Blancs Brut Grand Cru NV
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceRudolphe Peters is the current generation overseeing this estate founded in 1919, nestled in the southern Côte des Blancs' Le Mesnil sur Oger. Grapes for this cuvée come mostly from that village, with supplementing fruit from neighbouring Grands Crus Oger, Cramant, and Avize. It goes through 75% MLF, and these 2020 base wines age in a mix of stainless, wood, and concrete. There are ample reserve wines here (45%), which have gone through a solera more than 25 vintages deep, dating back to 1988. This spent at least 2 years on lees and was disgorged with 6-7 g/L in October 2023. Red and green apple, bright lemon is dosed with meringue and dusted with chalk which lingers on the finish. A fleeting tired oxidative kiss weaves in and out, reflective of the solera reserves, and if you're a fan of that, do look here.Prices:| BC | $90.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Champagne Aubry Premier Cru Brut NV
Montagne de Reims, Champagne, FranceFrom Montagne de Reims villages Jouy-lès-Reims and Villedommange, this is a singular blend of 45% Pinot Meunier, 25% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Noir and 5% of lesser seen grapes Arbanne, Petit Meslier and Fromenteau (Pinot Gris). This uses 50% from the current vintage and 50% perpetual reserve going back to 1998. After a stainless ferment, this spent at least two years sur latte, and my bottle was disgorged in January 2023. Perfumed red apple, yellow apple, pear blossom rolls out across a cushy, expansive palate, seasoned with toast and kissed with meringue on the finish. A friendly, smart, softer, accessible wine for enjoying now.Prices:| MB | $76.00 | 750ml |
| US | $60.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Champagne Ayala Majeur Brut NV
Champagne, FranceChampagne Ayala is one of the longer-established champagne houses, founded over 150 years ago in Aÿ. In 2005, the Bollinger family bought this neighbouring estate and set upon a resurgence for the brand, with a complete restoration of winemaking facilities and a bold new direction. This, their flagship, leads with 55% Chardonnay, with pinot noir (30%) and pinot meunier (15%) following. The wine was sourced from 70 crus, and at blending, there are 120 different stainless steel vats to work with. The wine has 40% reserves (dating back to 2016) After at least 3 years on lees, my bottle was disgorged January 2023, with 6 g/L. Ripe and doughy apple, rainier cherry, and apple blossom is seasoned with smoked stone, over a creamy nougat base. There's a kiss of oxidation on the core, which mars the balance, regrettably. Drinking now.Prices:| BC | $85.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Champagne Domaine Nowack La Tuilerie Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut 2019
Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, FranceFlavien Nowack is the current generation Champenois making wine, one in a long line of grower / producers in Vallée de la Marne's Vandières making wine since 1795. Since taking over in 2011, he moved to single parcel and single village wines, converting al the vineyards to biodynamics. This is entirely Chardonnay (rare from this area) on a mid-slope SW facing parcel of sandy limestone soils, on the right bank of the Marne. This was native fermented and aged in small barrel, unfiltered, before undergoing secondary ferment under cork, and a liqueur de triage of grape must. It was disgorged in January 2024 with 2 g/L. Savoury umami, truffle swirl in this serious wine, imbued with toasted hazelnut, lemon peel, anise, kissed with burnished caramel on the lingering deep chalk finish. Intellectual and contemplative wine of place. *Note the new label for this vintage.Prices:| ON | $125.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Leclerc Briant Extra Brut Reserve NV
Champagne, FranceWith this current release on market, they've finally moved to Extra Brut labelling, since they've always technically been Extra Brut.This flagship NV is entirely 2020 fruit, and a blend of 40% pinot noir, 40% pinot meunier, and 20% chardonnay, native fermented and rested 10 months before heading to bottle unfined and unfiltered. This was disgorged in April 2024 with 4.5 g/L. Red and green apple, lemon, and white cherry stream along the suave, medium bodied palate, seasoned with toasted hazelnut and dusted with chalk. A stylish, toothsome wine that is well suited to both canapés or the dinner table.Prices:| ON | $89.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Bruno Paillard Première Cuvée Extra Brut NV
Champagne, FranceMaison Bruno Paillard is relatively new for Champagne, with the house founded in 1981 by Bruno Paillard. This, their flagship, uses fruit from 90 parcels (120+ different wines). My bottle is based on 2017, with 32% reserves dating back to a perpetual started in 1985. This is a blend of 45% pinot noir, 33% chardonnay, 22% pinot meunier, 20% of which was barrel fermented, and with at least 36 months sur lie, plus six more months in bottle post disgorge. This bottle was disgorged October 2022 with a dosage of 5.5 g/L. Red and yellow apples, crunchy pear and pear skin, and lemon rule the generously cushioned base, tightened with a lemon pith brace, which takes this to a snappy, bright finish. A weighted, serious NVPrices:| BC | $85.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $80.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Leclerc Briant Extra Brut Millésime 2019
Champagne, FranceThe family negociant house was an early adopter of organic practices back in the 1960’s, and were one of the first to bottle single vineyard Champagnes in the 1970’s. In the late 1980’s, Bertrand and Jacqueline’s son, Pascal, began integrating biodynamic principles and part of the production has been Demeter certified since 2003. Nice blend of pinot noir (70%) and chardonnay (30%) here, fermented in wood over 9 months before heading to bottle and 45 months sur lattes. This was disgorged September 2024 with 1.5g/L. with white and red cherry, crushed strawberry, and fragrant cherry blossoms up against the firm green apple chardonnay backbone, wrapped around a very pure fruited core, dusted with chalk and tightened with a salted lemon peel twist.Prices:| ON | $99.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Jacques Lassaigne La Colline Inspirée NV
Côte des Bar, Champagne, FranceJacques Lassaigne put Montgueux on the map, a little outcrop of AOC Champagne vineyards south of the Côtes des Blancs and north of the Côte des Bar, technically in the Aube. The southeast exposure vineyards are focused on chardonnay, which makes sense based on the island of limestone and chalk. Jacques' son Emmanuel, working the vines since 1999, oversees the family's 4+ hectares, and deciding to focus on individual parcels. This BdB, translated as The Inspired Hill, pays tribute to the chalky outcrop of Montgueux. Vines averaging 45 years were native fermented in oak barrels with full MLF, and a blend of 4 recent vintages. It heads to bottle unfiltered, where it rests 30 months on lees, and it was disgorged with zero dosage. Tart green apple, shining lemon, pastry, buttery popcorn is broadened with savoury burnished chalk, through remains sharp and edgy, with an oak derived oxidative twist. Not a wine for everyone, but one for the adventuresome to seek out.Prices:| ON | $150.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Pertois-Lebrun L'extravertie nos Terroirs Blanc de Blancs 7 Crus NV
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FrancePertois-Lebrun is currently into their 5th generation of vignerons, run by brothers Clément and Antoine. The Pertois family began to produce and market their own Champagne in the early 1900s, but it was only in 1955, following the marriage of Paul Pertois and Françoise Lebrun that the Pertois-Lebrun brand was born.Based on 2020, and with 14% reserve wines, this is GC and 1er Cru CdB fruit from Chouilly, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oiry, Cramant, Oger, Cuis, and Villeneuve. It was fermented in a mix of stainless and oak, spending just under 3 years sur lattes before disgorge in February 2024 with 3 g/L. Bright and shining with a latticework of lemon pith and peel framing a juicy green apple and fine patisserie core, lingering with an ample chalky, saline lick. Great energy and definition here.Prices:| ON | $109.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Champagne A. Bergére Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Extra Brut NV
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceAdrien Bergère is the current generation of this family of vignerons who built their sizable estate as farmers in the heart of the Vallée du Petit Morin. The Bergère family has tended vines there since 1848, with Albert Bergère founding Maison Bergère in 1949 to better promote the family’s terroir. The family now works 45 hectares. This distinctively bottled BdB comes from the Grands Crus of Chouilly, Cramant, Avize, Oger, and Mesnil-sur-Oger. From base year 2021, and with 20% reserves, this was partially fermented in barrel, and went to bottle unfiltered, aged under cork (agrafe) disgorged after 2 years sur lattes with 3 g/L in February 2024. The chalkiness rules, a fine line streaking throughout, bedding crisp green apple, delicate white flowers and delicate meringue. Acidity is shining, carrying this through a lingering saline and lemon laced finish. Super smart, finely structured, and with ample time ahead.Prices:| USA | $54.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Champagne Charles Mignon Cuvée Comte de Marne Grand Cru Rosé NV
Champagne, FranceChampagne Charles Mignon is a 6th generation grower based in Epernay and has worked towards organic certification these past years. The family became a NM (negoce) in the 1990s as they had to begin purchasing fruit to maintain and grow the business. Guillaume is the current generation working on the estate. This blend of 70% chardonnay, 30% pinot noir (7% Bouzy rouge still wine) came from Montagne de Reims and the Côtes des Blancs. It was vinified in stainless before up to 48 months sur lattes, disgorged with 7 g/L. This opens with an earthy forest note, with some strawberry, wild cherry carried by very fine bubbles, with crushed florals through the finish. This bottle feels a little tired, but there is some gently polished fruit underneath.Prices:| BC | $132.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Charles Mignon Le Noyer Cornail Extra Brut 2020
Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, FranceChampagne Charles Mignon is a 6th generation grower based in Epernay and has worked towards organic certification these past years. The family became a NM (negoce) in the 1990s as they had to begin purchasing fruit to maintain and grow the business. Guillaume is the current generation working on the estate. This pinot meunier comes from Festigny, in the Vallée de la Marne, planted by his grandparents in 1974. Fermented in stainless, with full MLF, this spent 36 months sur lattes and was disgorged with 4.5 g/L in mid 2024. Very purple fruited, with crushed plums, peonies, and fine spice (five spice and cinnamon bark), with a lovely grapefruit pith to shape. Really fine and pretty and lifted, trailing with a red liquorice note. Quite an elegant PM. 3495 bottles produced.Prices:| BC | $132.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Champagne Pierre Paillard Les Terres Roses Bouzy Grand Cru Rosé XIX NV
Montagne de Reims, Champagne, FranceBrothers Antoine and Quentin Paillard are 8th generation vine growers and winemakers, carrying on the family tradition with father Benoit. The Paillard family has been growing vines and making wine in Bouzy since 1768, owning only Grand Cru vineyards with old vines via massale selection (no clones). They are truly a star of the grower champagne movement. As the label hints, this GC Rosé is from the 2019 vintage. This year's cépage was 64% Chardonnay, 36% Pinot Noir (5% Bouzy Rouge), a surprisingly high chardy quotient for red-centric Bouzy, though the house norm for Pierre Paillard. After 30 months in the cellars, this was DG February 2023, with zéro dosage. Now with extended bottle age, this is smouldering more than normal. Wild strawberry, haskap berry, rhubarb overrides a deep chalk base, with a buzzy chalky underlay. Such a gastronomic wine, built for the dinner table. Partner with anything from roast poultry through pork through mushroom risotto.Prices:| QC | $120.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $127.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Gosset Grande Reserve Brut NV
Champagne, FranceFounded in Aÿ in 1584 by Pierre Gosset, Champagne Gosset is the oldest wine house in Champagne. For 17 generations Gosset was family owned, but in 1993 it was sold to the Cointreau family from Charente, owners of Frappin Cognac. Their flagship Grande Reserve Brut is sourced from primarily north facing sites in Aÿ, Bouzy, Ambonnay, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger (all GC's) and Villers-Marmery (1er Cru) and blends 45/45/10 Chardonnay / Pinot Noir / Pinot Meunier, with 15% reserve wines. This base year 2019 was disgorged in summer 2023 with 8 g/L. Bright green and red apple is scented with subtle toast across a meringue base, with a lingering lemon peel finish. Quite complete and balanced, this has generosity while still remaining fresh.Prices:| BC | $90.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $85.80 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Champagne Pierre Gimonnet & Fils Brut Cuis 1er Cru Blanc de Blancs NV
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceUnderstated and classic, this 1er Cru always impresses with its cut and precision. Didier, the third generation of the Gimonnet vine growing family, oversees the winemaking of this Côtes des Blancs grower champagne house based in Cuis, with 30 HA owned. Like all of their chardonnay-centric wines, Cuis, the signature of the domaine, is crystalline and bright, driving through to the lingering finish. Based on 2022, this has 28% reserves from vintages dating back to 2010, uniquely stored in 750mL bottles. The base was fermented in stainless, with full MLF, and this bottle was disgorged in October 2024 with 5-ish g/L. Brisk green apple, lemon peel, and fine chalk streak across the vibrant palate, with lingering lemon pithinessPrices:| BC | $90.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Telmont Réserve Brut NV
Champagne, FranceYou may have heard of Champagne Telmont because of its star power ownership in Leonardo Dicaprio. They have an ambitious target to convert all of their Telmont Estate vineyards plus those of their contract winegrowers to organic agriculture by 2031 (compared to the current 49% currently certified or in conversion). My bottle of Réserve Brut is 40% chardonnay, 31% pinot noir, and 29% pinot meunier, based on vintage 2020 (66%) with the rest reserves. It was fermented in stainless, with full MLF, and this bottle was disgorged in 2024 with 3.4 g/L. Red apple, cider apple, white cherry, lemon flush out the plump core, pinned with some smart chalky acidity and pithy lemon. It's been interesting to watch this property and track its evolution and focus, and will be interesting to see how far its star power can ascend in Champagne.Prices:| ON | $89.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Champagne Pierre Gimonnet & Fils Rosé de Blancs NV
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceDidier, part of the third generation of the Gimonnet family, oversees the winemaking of their family winery, based in Cuis, in the heart of the Côtes de Blancs. This wine, like all of their chardonnay-centric wines, is laser focused. According to Didier, he wants a rosé that tastes like a blanc de blancs with colour. "Powerful chardonnay." It certainly succeeds. My bottle was from 2021 vintage (no reserves) and sources fruit from Chouilly, Cramant, Oger, Cuis, and Vertus, adding 7% Bouzy still pinot noir. It was disgorged in February 2023, with 5.5 g/L. Singing with blood orange, pink grapefruit, subtle crushed florals, and Rainier cherry across a brisk, green apple and bright lemon core, this streaks like an arrow through a chalky finish. Beautiful energy here in this supremely food-friendly wine. My house champagne for a reason.Prices:| BC | $100.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Gosset Extra Brut NV
Champagne, FranceFounded in Aÿ in 1584 by Pierre Gosset, Champagne Gosset is the oldest wine house in Champagne. For 17 generations, Gosset was family-owned, but in 1993 it was sold to the Cointreau family from Charente, owners of Frappin Cognac. The newest release for the house, this Extra Brut, reflects the cultural shift towards dryer champagnes. This blends 40% Pinot Noir, 32% Pinot Meunier, and 28% Chardonnay, with four years on lees and a dosage of 4.8 g/L. Bright lemon, crunchy green apple tightens a core of meringue, with a kiss of anise, and a slick of autolysis to balance. A clean, sleek entry into the Gosset portfolio.Prices:| ON | $78.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Champagne Krug Grande Cuvée 171èmé Brut NV
Champagne, FranceThe edition 171 blends 131 wines from 12 different years, the youngest of which is from 2015 (the base year here), while the oldest dates back to 2000. This blends 45% pinot noir, 37% chardonnay, and 18% pinot meunier, with 7 years sur lattes. Powerful as expected, with savoury burnished lemon, toasted rich brioche, red apple, and Rainier cherry, shaped with deep chalk, and with a strident lemon pith backbone spiralling this through the lingering finish. Seamless, and timeless, this is a special occasion classic for a reason.Prices:| BC | $400.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $420.00 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Champagne Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2006
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceFrom the cellar. What a treat to track the evolution of the '06 Comtes, one of my favourite in recent history. Comtes is only produced in exceptional years, and spends a minimum of 8 years on lees (this bottle was 10). The 2006 was sourced from Chouilly, Cramant, Avize, Le Mesnil, and Le Mesnil sur Oger, though more than half came from Avize and Le Mesnil. 5% of the Chouilly spent time in 225L Burgundy barrels for added emphasis. My bottle was disgorged in late 2017. The 2006 was always such a pristine, gossamer vintage, and it's a lovely experience to see it now with Maillard bottle age, bringing white truffle, caramelized hazelnut notes to the burnished lemon and deep chalk on the core. The bubbles are now quite fine, and the energy even more refined, long and driving through an exceptionally long, chalky finish. If you have this in your cellar, consider yourself lucky. *Note, the price below is for the current vintage on shelves (2013).Prices:| BC | $400.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Champagne Frédéric Savart Bulle de Rosé Vielles Vignes Extra Brut NV
Montagne de Reims, Champagne, FranceBright and chiselled, with pomegranate and fresh cranberry scented with fresh and dried florals and shaped sharply by chalk. A rinse of pink grapefruit holds this taut through the buzzy finish. Situated 10 km west of Reims, Champagne, Frédéric Savart is based in the village of Ecueil, just 10km from Reims. Continuing from his father's work with their 'laboratory of terroirs,' Frédéric Savart has made the 4-hectare property his own, and has become one of the superstars of the Grower Champagne movement. This Rosé blends 65% pinot noir, 30% chardonnay, and 5% still red wine from Écueil. It was dosed in October 2023 with 3.5 g/L. Finely boned and structural, with a raspy texture streaming wild raspberry, cherry, meringue, and chalk across a savoury, stony base. The finish lingers with salinity and cherry blossoms. Confident and memorable, this finessed rosé is drinking beauty now, and with time ahead. 9402 bottles produced.Prices:| QC | $226.75 | 750ml |
| ON | $185.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Brut Glass Pack NV
Champagne, FranceIf you're after a stylish gift and a wine that impresses, the Piper Heidsieck Cuvee Brut Travel Pack hits all the right notes. The Piper team calls it a night, with champagne suitable for bars, clubs, and theatres. That easily translates to a celebratory bubble, and it comes with two modern, elegant champagne glasses. All you need to do is add a friend to the party. The champagne is bright and lively, featuring a chalky, citrusy profile with a hint of sea salt. Perfect for any event, including nightlife.Prices:| BC | $79.99 | 750ml |
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05 December 2025
92PTS
JoieFarm En Famille Chardonnay 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2023 En Famille Chardonnay is one of the richer BC chardonnays, opening with lemon curd, exotic peach, and mango. The texture is creamy, with a tinge of crème brûlée and oatmeal, and hosts more citrus and mineral to help temper the weight and rich layers. The fruit is a mix of some special sites: Con Vida Vineyard, Skaha Bluff, Secrest Mountain Vineyard, and Smethurst Vineyard.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $43.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Domaine Artema Chardonnay Village 2024
Washington, United StatesThe 2024, like most other BC wines, was made with foreign ingredients. There is no indication on the label of where this wine originated, but an online search revealed it is from Aquilini Vineyard in nearby Washington State. The style is fresh and light, and the fruit forward with apples leading a chorus of pears and peaches. An everyday sipping chardonnay you can serve solo or with cream based pasta dishes. The wine is fermented in a 50/50 mix of stainless steel and neutral French oak barrels. It has undergone a complete malolactic fermentation and ageing sur lie in tank with periodic stirring, further contributing to its softness on the palate and leesy finish.Prices:| BC | $34.90 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Catalina Sounds Chardonnay 2024
Martinborough, Wairarapa, North Island, New ZealandThere is a purity of fruit here, as in citrus and stone fruit, but the package is extremely taut with an even skinnier back end. There is a hint of almonds and exotic spice, but this needs a big, fat, rich dish to take on the straight line grapefruit acidity, minerality, and firm finish. Lobster pappardelle or turkey with all the trimmings would be suitable matches here.Prices:| BC | $35.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Capensis Silene Chardonnay 2023
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaThe 2023 Capensis Silene blends fruit from the Fijnbosch vineyard and nearby high-altitude sites in Stellenbosch. Compared to the 2022 vintage, it's brighter and tighter, with pronounced citrus and a more focused mid-palate. Lees and oak add weight without overshadowing the fruit or mineral, saline character that pushes through the finish. The wine combines Burgundian and Sonoma elements, presenting a modern style with broad appeal while reflecting the evolving standards of South African producers, making serious, meaningful wines that can compete on a global stage.Prices:| BC | $80.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $85.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Beeslaar Chardonnay 2023
Western Cape, South AfricaFormer Kanonkop winemaker Abrie Beeslaar is going mainstream with his side hustle, releasing a 2023 Stellenbosch-based chardonnay grown over a mix of shale and granitic soils at high altitude. The style is elegant from its 13 percent alcohol content to its ultra-creamy texture. The nose is an enticing mix of yellow fruits and honeysuckle, with a citrus-mineral underscore. The palate is soft with ripe pineapple. Drink or hold through 2027. Definitely New World.Prices:| AB | $61.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Quails' Gate Chardonnay 2023
West Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNow 30 years in, the current Quails' Gate chardonnay is whole cluster pressed before being fermented in a combination of stainless steel and neutral French oak. Only a small portion undergoes malolactic fermentation, and it is aged on the lees for 9 months before being blended and bottled. The style is fresh, mixing citrus and orange rind with pear and more citrus, and a tiny dusting of hazelnuts. The restaurant chef likes a lemon roasted chicken match or a creamy butternut squash soup.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $26.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $26.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $25.98 | 750ml |
| NB | $24.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $25.50 | 750ml |
| NL | $24.98 | 750ml |
| PE | $24.99 | 750ml |
| YK | $24.90 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Lightning Rock Chardonnay Canyonview Vineyard 2023
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCanyonview has been a standout vineyard for over a decade, and as the vines reach 22 in 2025, the vineyard is reaching its peak. Grown on a sandy granitic base, this Summerland Bench white is whole-cluster pressed and fermented wild in neutral oak puncheons, where it remains until bottling. The palate opens with green apples, accented with citrus, and a subtle undercurrent of butter and toasted lees. Delicate to the point of refinement, it concludes with a mineral-saline finish. Improving with each release.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
JoieFarm Un-Oaked Chardonnay Pacific Northwest Edition 2024
Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesJoiefarm is part of only a handful of producers who still mention on the label that their wine is unoaked. In some ways, it is a hangover from the heavily oaked wines of the past, signalling that this wine is different. Yet many oaked wines have the vivacity of this wine today. In fact, it is fresh and perky. The acidity is bright, and the fruit is pure. It's a lemony and floral affair, with just enough softness to appeal to oak lovers, too. The 2024 is a replacement wine for the deep-freeze year from Balcom & Moe Vineyard in Washington's Yakima Valley. It is ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Eduardo Delaunay Chassagne-Montrachet Le Village 2019
Chassagne Montrachet, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceAt six years, this Chassagne-Montrachet shows some oxidation and age. The colour is a light gold, with the nose offering notes of caramel, white pear, and ripe peach dusted with chalk and mineral. On the palate, a rich texture quickly coats the tongue, followed by hints of honey and almond that preview a long, soft finish. Ready to drink. The grapes come from the marl and stony soils of the Les Champs de Morjot plot, situated south of the village at an altitude of approximately 230 metres, below Les Boudriottes and Les Morgeots.Prices:| BC | $165.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Ed Edmundo Chardonnay Double Oaked 2024
ArgentinaIf the double oak attracts you to chardonnay, you will likely be excited by this wine's sweet caramel and coconut. It has some green notes and freshness that confuse the message before a rich, round, soft finish kicks in.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Laughing Stock Vineyards Chardonnay +25/09 2022
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaExpect a cooler, floral, orange blossom nose, with a mix of citrus peels and coconut shavings. Yellow apples, ripe pears, and lemon custard are supported by a fresh undercurrent of acidity and minerality. The 2022 season started late, but that was forgotten during a warm, dry September and October. The fruit comes from two South Okanagan Valley vineyards: Thomas Ranch, and Darkhorse Vineyard. The grapes are whole cluster pressed and fermented 84% in barrels and 16% in concrete eggs. In this vintage, 25% of the French oak barrels were new. The wine was aged for 9 months sur lie, with partial malolactic conversion allowed. Heading in the right direction.Prices:| BC | $31.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Cono Sur Bicicleta Organic Chardonnay 2023
ChileWhat does one say about an organic chardonnay that sells in 134 BC Liquor stores for $17? It has an interesting oatmeal and honey nose that permeates the palate, along with a sweet and sour apple undertone and a soft finish. Easy sipping, it is a dependable, affordable, fresh, tropical entry level white.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Spearhead Dual Citizen Chardonnay Upland Vineyard 2024
Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThe replacements that came into BC were largely successful, as the wines were mainly refreshing, a little sweet and soft, and easy-drinking, in a sense, filling the void left by the 2024 deep freeze wipeout of local vineyard grapes. They did, however, reveal our winemaking prowess, and it's clear the most experienced and connected winemakers in BC have made some impressive replacements. At Spearhead, the Upland Vineyard from Washington State's Yakima Valley has proved to be a worthy substitute under the tutelage of Grant Stanley. The nose is a mix of fresh lemon curd, baked apple, and fragrant toasted almonds. More citrus marks the mid-palate with an exotic twist of guava. Best of all is its silky-smooth texture, and a light vanilla and baking spice finish. Baked brie would be a delicious match. Drink or hold through 2027.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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04 December 2025
91PTS
Idun Confession Grenache 2021
Western Cape, South AfricaIdun is a small, boutique winery run by the French-Danish Rousset family that resettled in the cool climate Elgin Valley. Idun is the Norse goddess of eternal life, fertility, and apples, which is fitting since Elgin has been long valued for its apple orchards. This grenache is planted on southerly slopes, exposed to the cool sea air. It was native fermented 40% whole bunch, with 4 days cold soak, before resting 11 months in French barrels (30% new). Perfumed strawberry, wild raspberry, summer rhubarb fill a juicy, silken palate, with negligible tannins, and a gentle mustard seed seasoning through the humming, saline finish. This shows grenache's heat-seeking tendencies in a gentle view. A modern SA grenache.Prices:| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Spier Creative Block 3 2018
Coastal Region, South AfricaFrom one of South Africa's heritage producers, established in 1692 (!), Creative Block 3 is a blend of 94% shiraz, 5% mourvèdre, and 1% viognier from the coastal regions of Groenekloof and Stellenbosch. Destemmed grapes were fermented in stainless, and racked to 300L barrels to complete MLF (90% French, 10% American, 50% new overall) and rest for 16 months. Dark, inky blackberry and plum is dusted with dark cocoa and espresso, and glide along the ripe, full bodied palate to a warming brown spiced finish. Tannins are finely sticky and powdery, gently pinning in the sides. Mourvèdre's wildness feels at the fore of this red though it only makes up 5% of the blend. Ready to partner with grilled meats or rustic stews.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Las Moradas de San Martín Senda 2020
Madrid, SpainLas Moradas de San Martín was established to revive the centuries-old vineyards of Garnacha, cultivated since the 12th century. Situated in the hills outside Madrid, the vineyard benefits from its altitude (900m) and sandy, granitic soils. Winemaker Isabel Galindo practices both organic and biodynamic farming, cultivating dry-farmed bushvine Garnacha that offers distinctive wild raspberry, and nuances of scrubland. This one is for discerning palates.Prices:| BC | $35.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Domaine Duseigneur La Goutte du Seigneur Côtes du Rhône 2023
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceThe name of this organic and biodynamically farmed cuvée refers to their family name, translating as "Drop of the Lord". La Goutte du Seigneur is an easy drinking blend of Grenache and Syrah, from 30 year old vines rooted in the estate’s clay limestone soils. This underwent 2 weeks of maceration in concrete tank with a native ferment, and saw no time in oak. Crushed florals, perfumed plum, wild blackberry, and violets are woven through this fresh, medium bodied red, with long, fine grained tannins, and an easy limestone lofted acidity. Quite a smart, pure CdR.Prices:| ON | $26.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Domaine Maby Variations Côtes du Rhône Rouge 2023
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceThe Maby family estate has been operating since the early 19th century and is currently managed by Richard Maby, a descendant of the original owners. Variations is an organic blend composed of 60% syrah, 20% grenache, 15% mourvèdre, and 5% carignan, sourced from approximately 50 year old vines. The wine is aged in large vats, which help maintain its supple, refreshing qualities without a prominent oak influence. It has a ruby red colour, with aromas of garrigue, red fruit, plums, and spice. The palate is round and supple. This wine pairs well with chicken or pork and does not require decanting or further ageing.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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01 December 2025
93PTS
Giant Steps Pinot Noir 2023
Yarra Valley, Victoria, AustraliaThe highly decorated 2023 estate pinot springs from a mix of vineyards: Sexton, Applejack, Primavera, and Tarraford. The 2023 growing season was magic in the Yarra and is easily among the best for pinot in the last decades. The fruit is hand picked, chilled, and cold soaked for four days before it warms to a wild ferment in small vessels, both stainless steel and open oak vats. About 35% of the fruit goes in the whole bunch, and it is all matured in French oak, 10% new, for eight months in a mix of 225 litre barriques and 4000 litre oak vats. The small but exceptional '23 harvest yielded a wine rife with raspberry aromas and black cherry, spiced with wild herbs and a world of florality. Fresh, silky, and juicy, it's hard to put your glass down, delicious in style and flavour. Some inspired food matches from the winery include turmeric and garlic roasted chicken with couscous; mushroom risotto with roasted enoki; and barbecue quail with five spice, fried spring onion, and garlic flakes.Prices:| BC | $54.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $44.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $59.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Therianthropy Ruby Woolf Pinot Noir 2022
St David's Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaAll the Therianthropy wines moved to Diam as of 2022, which is a fantastic choice for their longevity and liveliness. This PN, from St. David's Bench's dry farmed Bock Vineyard, was native ferment with 50% whole cluster, 3 day cold soak, and then into neutral French barrique for 7 months without disturbance, heading to bottle without fining or filtration. Wild strawberry, raspberry, herbal branch flood a juicy frame, with fine grained tannins, and crunchy acidity, finishing with a pink peppercorn dust. Quite smart, finessed, and fresh.Prices:| ON | $31.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Blue Grouse Pinot Noir 2021
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaPouring pale ruby-garnet, this four year old Cowichan pinot noir reveals an evolving yet perfumed and intriguing nose of pomegranate, persimmon, and rose petals, with hints of bergamot, red beet, and dried seaweed. The palate is supple and light, showing more nuance and finesse than structure or power, accented by the island’s distinctive saline minerality. It’s drinking beautifully now.Prices:| BC | $35.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Unsworth Vineyards Pinot Noir Unsworth Vineyard 2023
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2023 version of the estate Unsworth Vineyard pinot is showing more colour than last year, and is a little less pale, which is commensurate with its flavour intensity. The red fruit pitches wild notes, streaked with savoury, forest, and earth complexity, that is propelled by some fiery acidity from front to back. Like all the single vineyard wines, the estate version is fermented in stainless steel before spending 15 months in 15% new French oak. The clonal mix is 777 and 115, planted in a vineyard of marine sediments after rising from the sea at 80m above sea level, oriented to the southwest. The winery suggests serving any of its pinots with cedar planked salmon, herbed pork tenderloin, or beetroot salad, calling it a soulful red for fall and winter menus.Prices:| BC | $74.90 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Unsworth Vineyards Pinot Noir Saison Vineyard 2023
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaThe first time I saw the single vineyard pinot noir from Saison Vineyards, I knew the wine would be special. Meticulous farming and caring owners have revealed the property's glacial till soils, seemingly placed on Vancouver Island to nourish magically fussy pinot noir grapes. The blend is 50% clone 828, with equal parts 667 and 777. Saison has both depth and flavour intensity, making it the flagship Unsworth pinot. Fragrant Bing cherry and bramble notes draw you into the glass to enjoy the complexity and finesse of this wine. Less is more at Uunsworth, and this is more. The Saison Pinot Noir is a provincial treasure if you can find some.Prices:| BC | $75.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Unsworth Vineyards Pinot Noir Zanatta Vineyard 2023
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaYear two of the Unsworth Zanatta Vineyard Pinot Noir has arrived. The fruit is sourced from a single block within the Zanatta Vineyard, which contains some of the oldest, unidentified Pinot Noir clones in the Cowichan Valley. Compared to last year, the style remains streamlined yet shows reduced acidity, allowing the earthy, cherry undertones to emerge on the mid-palate and finish. Dark plums, ripe cherries, and a hint of earthy forest floor finishes the deal. The destemmed whole berries are fermented in stainless steel and aged for 15 months in French oak, of which only 15% is new. Much more finesse this year.Prices:| BC | $65.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Haut-Blanville Réserve Pinot Noir 2024
Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceChâteau Haut-Blanville is a family-owned Languedoc wine estate that was founded in 1997 by Béatrice & Bernard Nivollet. Their 70 ha of vineyards extend across The Grés de Montpellier AOP, stretching from the Hérault middle valley to the Vidourle, and from the Mediterranean in the south to the Pic Saint-Loup in the north. Wines are produced naturally, without the use of any additions except a minimal amount of sulphur upon bottling. This pinot noir comes from the limestone and basalt soils of Pézenas at 100-150m, on a cool, north-facing single vineyard. Fragrant blackberry, plump plum flood a juicy palate, with perfumed baking spices to season, and fine, supple tannins to frame. There's an alluring stony underlay here, reflective of the profound soils of Pézenas. Great value.Prices:| ON | $21.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Unsworth Vineyards Pinot Noir Boehemia Vineyard 2023
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaBohemia was first planted in the early 2000s. It was part of the Unsworth pinot mix. Still, in recent years, Viticulturist Felix Egerer and team have meticulously farmed the site, so much so that a decision was made to bottle the 2023 as a single vineyard version, and it was a good decision. The barely there red colour echoes the delicate, faint nature of this wine, which sings Vancouver Island cool climate in a manner that would make a great Volnay proud. Ripe cherries and ripe tannins make the perfect mesh, with a sprinkling of spice. Polished and elegant, this is a unicorn bottling if ever there was one. Supplies are limited. It is aged 15 months in French oak, of which 15% is new. It is fermented in stainless steel.Prices:| BC | $70.00 | 750ml |
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