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Tastings: April 2026
20 April 2026
93PTS
Gérard Bertrand L'Hospitalitas La Clape 2023
La Clape, Coteaux du Languedoc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceL'Hospitalitas is regarded as one of the benchmark reds of the La Clape AOP. In 2023, the colour is deep, with a nose packed with black fruits, intense florals, and local garrigue. The syrah mouvèdre mid-palate is spicy, powerful, savoury, and age-worthy, yet it is far from overly ripe. A maritime influence keeps it fresh and polished, strengthening its case for the Languedoc versus its well-known neighbours in the Rhône.Prices:| BC | $87.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Emiliana Novas Organic Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah Carignan 2023
Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileNovas has been a reliable, modern Chilean wine label that consistently overdelivers for the price. We rarely see Novas labels in BC, sadly, as it's a sure sign of both quality and value in the bottle. Ripe blackberry, cassis, and black cherry meld with dried herbs, cocoa, and a touch of spice. The structure comes from the cabernet sauvignon, while the syrah brings dark fruit and pepper, and the carignan adds some freshness. It is a crowd pleaser you can rely on for many years, and a star at backyard barbecues.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Penfolds Cabernet Shiraz Bin 389 2023
South Australia, AustraliaThe classic and benchmark cabernet–shiraz blend at Penfolds remains impressive in 2023. It was poured from a magnum bottle, and it’s truly remarkable. The nose is already enticing with rich black plums, blueberries, cocoa, and black raspberry compote. It has a firm presence from the cabernet, complemented by a generous texture from the shiraz. The oak is present but well integrated, adding vanilla and weight to the finish. The tannins are youthful, as expected, but will soften over the next three to five years. A terrific bottle, and since this is a magnum, you must admire the winemaking that achieves a balance allowing this wine to be enjoyed now and over the next 20 years. Duck is a favourite pairing with this wine.Prices:| BC | $89.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $99.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $99.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $99.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $99.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $99.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $99.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $99.99 | 750ml |
| NFL | $99.99 | 750ml |
| US | $80.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $214.00 | 1500ml |
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90PTS
Domaine des Tourelles Red 2016
LebanonThe 2016 is a library release, with only 120 bottles sent to BC (the 2021 is currently in market). This comes from vineyards in the western Bekaa valley at 1050m, and blends 40% syrah, 40% cabernet sauvignon, 15% cinsault, 5% carignan. The vines are dry farmed, 15-20 years old, and rooted in sandy limestone over clay. All was native fermented in concrete vats before blending, and aging in the same for 2 years. Now 10 years along, the wine is fully harmonious, with long, well-knit furry tannins framing baked cherry, worked leather, baking spice, and Worcestershire. This is holding a fine line of acidity, though more recent vintages were produced in a fresher style overall. This would still suit those looking for a wine with some age, and an ideal pairing for a roast beef dinner.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Domaine des Tourelles Red 2021
LebanonFrom vineyards in the western Bekaa valley at 1050m, this red blends 40% syrah, 40% cabernet sauvignon, 15% cinsault, 5% carignan, from dry farmed vines 15-20 years, rooted in sandy limestone over clay. All was native fermented in concrete vats before blending, and aging in the same for 2 years. Dusky black plum, black raspberry is woven throughout the savoury, stony palate, accented with dried scrubby herbs, and easily lofted with altitude. Tannins are ample, grippy, but well placed, framing this muscular wine and making it primed for roasted / grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Vasanti Canvas Radiance Collection 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCanvas blends equal parts cabernet sauvignon and syrah from west and west bench vineyards of the southern Okanagan. After a stainless ferment, the cab aged 30 months in neutral French and European oak, while the syrah rested 2 years in new American oak prior to the blend. Herbal blackberry, medicinal cherry, inky plum fills a full bodied palate, with sticky, rustic tannins and ample desert scrub to season through the warming finish. This is a beast of a wine at this point, so best to decant and serve with an equally rustic red meat / root veg dish.Prices:| BC | $51.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Burrowing Owl Athene 2022
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis opens initially ripe, with cushioned plum, boysenberry, florals and a touch of pepper. After a short decant it smooths out, lengthens, the tannins fade, and it unfolds to show the winemaker's design. The varieties involved here are syrah and cabernet sauvignon, a combination seen most often out of Australia. Both play a part in the flavours. Syrah leads with a dollop of lilac, pepper, and dark plum, with cabernet sauvignon providing black fruit and contributing graphitic tannins with some minerality. The result makes for a linear, balanced, integrated, and supple sip that drinks fine now but should develop further.Prices:| BC | $41.00 | 750ml |
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17 April 2026
90PTS
Ruffino Modus 2020
Tuscany, ItalyModus is a Super Tuscan blend first launched in 1997. The 2020 is a 46/31/23 blend of merlot, sangiovese, and cabernet sauvignon. It is suitably intense, with black and red fruit, a touch of florals and exotic spice. At 14.5% it is full-bodied but comes with polish and a surprisingly silky texture. The flavour profile blends black fruit and cocoa with that familiar modern Super Tuscan style, where sangiovese tends to temper merlot's largesse, and cabernet provides structure. Rich, mature cheese or grilled beef is a fine match.Prices:| BC | $31.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $29.75 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $30.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $35.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Monte Antico Toscano 2021
Santa Lucia, Pisa, Tuscany, ItalyIn the glass, grapey, savoury cherry, simple wood, cloves and a touch of florals greet. Technically a Super Tuscan with the addition of only 5% merlot and 10% cabernet sauvignon, yet these small amounts do shift the shape of the sangiovese remainder. The fruit is a little more rounded, easier, and fresher than straight sangiovese. It shows baked cherry, tart plum, and strawberry with eased tannins and chummy barrel notes before finishing with a more earthy sangiovese undertow of savoury plum and almond skin. An agreeable balanced blend here that's solid value.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $21.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Caparsa Chianti Classico 2021
Tuscany, ItalyThis certified organic tiny family estate makes old school (in the best way) Chianti Classico, currently in the hands of Paolo Cianferoni. Nestled in Radda in Chianti, on hillsides of albrese, galestro, clay and sand at 450m, most of their property is kept forested, to encourage and increase biodiversity. This sangiovese was native fermented and aged 2 years in cement tank before heading to bottle unfiltered. Perfumed wild strawberry, cherry, and fragrant raspberry blossoms are coated with sticky / grippy tannins that turn bitter edged on the finish. Throughout there is a lovely purity, subtly textured by the concrete. A useful food wine (think lamb or beef) when craving classic Chianti Classico.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Il Carnasciale Ottantadue 2023
Tuscany, ItalyFrom the secluded hilltop estate of Podere Il Carnasciale, in the mountains of south eastern Chianti’s Valdarno region, this organically farmed sangiovese is rooted in clay limestone soils. After a native ferment in stainless and concrete, this rested 14 months in stainless, and a few months in bottle prior to release. Pouring a light crimson cherry hue, this charms with wild raspberry, cherry, crushed florals, and savory crushed stones, with lightly grippy, graceful tannins pinning to the saline finish. Really lovely and fresh and finessed.Prices:| ON | $47.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
La Massa Toscana Rosso 2021
Tuscany, ItalyLa Massa has all the makings of a serious sangiovese-led Super Tuscan red grown at Panzano in Chianti. Richness, finesse, power, and intensity, it opens with obvious balance, a good sign. From there, red fruit takes over, with brown spice lingering at the back end. The texture is soft and round, and while layered, it is light on its feet despite a luscious character that keeps pulling you back to the glass. The blend is 50% sangiovese, 25% cabernet sauvignon, with the remainder spread between merlot, alicante bouschet, and petit verdot.Prices:| BC | $57.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $50.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $65.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Rocca delle Macìe Chianti Classico 2023
Tuscany, ItalyPale with a ruby rim, this begins with savoury cherry, chestnut, blueberry and a touch of tar before it follows through with shaded forest, leather, and mushroom bound and balanced with the savoury cherry core. Cultivated tannins keep the texture smooth into a finish with some length. Delivers the basic Chianti goods at a fair price.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $27.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $21.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Tenuta di Arceno Chianti Classico 2022
Tuscany, ItalyTenuta di Arceno is one of the historic estates of Castelnuovo Berardenga, on the southern edge of Chianti Classico, near Siena. The property is more than 500 years old, spanning a diverse 1000 hectare landscape of vineyards, olive groves, and forests across several elevations. Consulting French winemaker Pierre Seillan has an affinity for merlot, which accounts for about 15% of this wine and lends it unexpected freshness. The Arceno riper style reflects its southern position, but altitude keeps it in check. Seillan employs a micro-cru approach: vineyards are divided into dozens of individually farmed and vinified parcels or blocks, yielding precise site expression, balance, and finesse rather than power. '23 was a cooler growing season, and the wine is leaner than usual, with more red cherry and dried-herb character, making it more vertical than horizontal. It has a savoury style that will appeal to true Chianti aficionados. Drink or hold through 2028.Prices:| BC | $42.99 | 750ml |
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16 April 2026
93PTS
Alheit Vineyards Cartology 2024
Western Cape, South AfricaChris Alheit is one of South Africa's top winemakers and old vine rescuers, working closely with the Old Vine Project to preserve the country's OV heritage, and making expressive wines of place, like this. This is the cuvée that first propelled Alheit Vineyards and Chris (aka Butch) into the stratosphere. From the same vineyard building blocks as the inaugural vintage, this blend of 40-60 year old vine 92/8 chenin blanc / semillon is still on point. The goal of Cartology, the study of maps, according to Alheit was “to make a very Cape wine from very Cape vineyards.” The chenin is sourced from bush vines off nine parcels in Skurfberg, Perdeberg, Bottelary, False Bay and Botrivier. The Semillon comes from the old La Colline block in Franschhoek. All was native fermented in cement eggs, old foudres, and old barrels, lasting between 3 weeks - 11 months. The blended wine kept on lees for 12 months, then moved to tank on fine lees for 5 months. Pear skin, quince, crystalline lemon, and verbena streak across the humming palate, kissed with flax, and textured with a finely grippy buzz through a lingering saline finish. One of my favourite Cartologys.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $60.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $60.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Hester Creek Pinot Gris Viognier 2025
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis Pinot Gris - Viognier is all about aromatics and freshness, with an off-dry style (10 grams of residual sugar) that can stand up to some spice. The gris brings a modicum of structure and freshness, while Viognier is all about aromatics and mid-palate smoothness. Look for ripe orchard scents of pears, apricots, white peach, and honey, with similar flavours and more peach in the finish. Calamari with lemon, vegetarian dishes, and Asian plates with a touch of spice all work here. Serve well chilled. A block party pleaser.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Hester Creek Character White 2025
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCharacter White has evolved into a gewürztraminer-dominant wine, with a smaller portion of pinot gris. Look for classic rosewater aromas with litchi, fresh ginger, and ripe melon, without any cloying notes. The palate is off-dry, with watery notes of lychee, fresh honey, and a dusting of desert brush. Think lunchtime dishes like quiche or a spicy tuna roll, and serve well chilled on a warm patio. By all accounts, 2025 was the perfect growing season at Hester Creek, and it's destined to be one of the best vintages ever in the Okanagan Valley. Consistent heat with no extremes, low disease pressure, no spring frost, and a record 1859 Growing Degree Days (GDD) all fuelled a recovery not thought possible after the winter damage in 2024 and 2023.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Villota Blanco 2021
Rioja Alavesa, Rioja, SpainVillota is a fourth generation family owned winery, established almost 100 years ago in Rioja Alavesa. They co-founded and supplied grapes to Contino, Rioja's first single estate winery with CVNE, before they decided to focus on their own name and brand in 2013. This Blanco blends Viura (85%), Garnacha Blanca (11%), Tempranillo Blanco (2%), and Malvasía (2%) from Laserna, and vines dating back to 1930, rooted in calcareous red clays. Destemmed grapes are fermented in stainless with no MLF, and the viura is transferred to barrique and puncheon for aging (20% new) with weekly bâtonnage. Wild herbs, white fig, meadow grass, crystalline citrus peel is woven throughout this textural white, with a subtle waxen underlay adding intrigue, and a lingering saline finish welcoming another glass. A fresh, fuller bodied white that can easily handle the dinner table. 7653 bottles produced.Prices:| BC | $47.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mouton Cadet Blanc 2024
Bordeaux, FranceThis label has been completely revamped over the last five years, leaving me highly impressed by the current price/quality ratio. Very few wines deliver the concentration and flavours you get here for the price. The blend is just over 66% sauvignon blanc for freshness, just under 32% sémillon for roundness and fruit, and 2% muscadelle for lift and refinement. The nose is a refreshing, attractive green and citrus mix with apricot highlights. The acidity is perfect, and the finish is a lovely saline and mineral affair. The ideal aperitif for vegetable maki rolls, oysters, or take it to dinner. Super value.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.49 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.15 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Aveleda Casal Garcia Vinho Verde NV
Vinho Verde, Northern Portugal, PortugalThe Vinho Verde selection has never been robust in BC, but some wine brands, such as this Casal Garcia label, have persisted for decades. As spring approaches, this is a wine you can add to your repertoire and enjoy all season as the weather warms up. A slight frizzante note energizes the palate, along with its fresh citrus blossom and green apple. The almost watery attack is equally fresh, with light lemon, lees, quince, and green apple that delight. The price is a bargain, and for now, it is on sale for $12.99. Think sushi, fish tacos, vegetarian pizza, and stock up.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.99 | 750ml |
| YK | $14.25 | 750ml |
| NB | $12.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $12.29 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Maison Ogier Artesis Côtes Du Rhône Blanc 2025
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceThis super fresh (2025!) CdR Blanc blends Grenache blanc, Roussanne, Viognier, and Bourboulenc from a mix of pebbled terraces, clay-limestone hillsides, and sandy gravels. It was fermented cool with no MLF, and aged in concrete on fine lees for 4 months. Fragrant white peach, pear blossoms, honeysuckle and jasmine fill a juicy, joyous palate, with ginger spicing trailing on the finish. A friendly, medium+ white to take on equally fragrantly spiced dishes.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
J. Denuzière Crozes-Hermitage Blanc 2021
Hermitage, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceThis family negoce business began in Condrieu, in 1876. This blend of 80% Marsanne and 20% was whole bunch pressed and fermented and aged in stainless and oak barrels (20%) on fine less for 1 year. Ripe and rich, with fragrant white peach, honeysuckle, wax, with subtle ash, and bitter orange on the finish. There's a great juicy swell on the core to buoy through any heft, making this fuller, fragrant white a food friendly one.Prices:| BC | $48.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Pierre Gaillard Domaine Cottebrune Le Cairn Blanc 2021
Faugères, Coteaux du Languedoc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceThis blend of equal parts Grenache Blanc, Vermentino, and Roussanne comes from 15 year old vines rooted in the brown schist soils of Cabrerolles, between 220 - 280m. It was fermented cool in older barrel, with partial MLF, and regular bâtonnage, where it rested 8 months prior to bottling. The oily and waxen palate streams honeycomb, jasmine, white peach over a lanolin lees bed. A fresh river stone acidity leads this to a lingering buzzy mandarin pith finish. Lovely balance in this fuller white.Prices:| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Terrescure Sìlei Toscana Bianco 2023
Tuscany, ItalyTerrescure is run by a father / son, and this curious blend of sauvignon blanc and vermentino was named when they struck on the perfect blend. Sì lei = she is (perfect)! Fermented and rested briefly on lees in stainless, the sauvignon makes itself known, with crunchy tangerine, white grapefruit, and verbena, while the vermentino adds an alluring oily slick to the palate. Great freshness streams this through to a buzzy finish. A smart shellfish and green veg wine, at a great price.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Rigour & Whimsy The Beast 2021
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRigour & Whimsy are a tiny garagiste, family-owned winery based in Okanagan Falls, sourcing vineyards across the Okanagan for their creative and adventuresome (and artfully labelled) portfolio, one that changes annually. Nicknamed The Beast in the cellar due to its distinctive and potent character, this blend of 75% riesling and 25% gewürztraminer came from God's Mountain vineyard in Okanagan Falls. All was picked on the same day, destemmed and fermented in a 300L stainless tank where it macerated on skins for 4 months. It was then basket pressed into older French puncheons where it rested 26 months. Pouring a shining golden hue, this is a dry and textural orange wine, with ample dusty crushed rocks, plus subtle hints of tangerine and crunchy Asian pear, and a riffing, grippy, bitter-edged texture which closes off with a snap. Quite extreme this vintage, with zero discernible fruit replaced by 100% riffing texture.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Quinta Vale do Armo Vila Jardim Branco 2024
Tejo, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalThis organic Tejo blend of equal parts Arinto and Siria was fermented and rested in stainless. Bitter tangerine, melon, apricot skin is tart with a steely acidity, and brief with a pithy, orange tablet finish. A light white, best chilled well.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Gérard Bertrand Orange Gold 2022
FranceOrange Gold is Bertrand's homage to the long history of orange wines. Under his modern vision, chardonnay, grenache blanc, viognier, marsanne, mauzac, muscat, and clairette was partially carbonically macerated in stainless before heading to barrel to complete maceration and have a short rest. Pouring a glowing golden hue, with tangerine, apricot blossoms, mirabelle plum threaded with white grapefruit pith, and scented with fresh tarragon. Quite an interesting orange and a worthy food pairing partner for lightly spiced curries.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Gérard Bertrand Cigalus Blanc 2022
Vin de Pays d'Hauterive, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceCigalus Blanc elevates you to the higher elevations of Limoux, where it captures freshness and vibrancy, balancing its substantial structure and rich blend of grapes—Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Viognier. The nose unveils tropical notes, with white floral and yellow fruit aromas. The palate offers fresh pineapple, apricots, and toasted oak, complemented by mid-palate freshness and mineral hints reminiscent of ancient riverbeds. The finish presents an attractive combination of buttery and saline notes. This wine appeals to a broad audience with its France-meets-California style or subtle complexity paired with rich flavours. Technically, Cigalus is a high-density vineyard producing a modest 25 hl/ha. Each of the three varieties—Chardonnay, Viognier, and Sauvignon Blanc—is harvested on separate dates, chosen at peak ripeness. After hand-harvesting, the fruit is fermented in a blend of 70% oak and 30% stainless steel. Post-malolactic barrel aging lasts 7-8 months, until the spring equinox, with regular stirring, and it is bottled after a light fining.Prices:| BC | $59.99 | 750ml |
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15 April 2026
90PTS
Barossa Valley Estate Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre 2023
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaBarossa Valley is home to this GSM blend of Grenache, Shiraz, and Mourvèdre, with Grenache being the dominant varietal. It has been a decade since we last enjoyed this wine, and we're pleased to say it has evolved into a bright, fruit-forward red full of lively red berry and dark plum notes, ending with a spicy finish. Think of it as a medium-bodied, soft, juicy wine meant to be enjoyed now, offering great value for everyday drinking. It's ideal for pairing around the barbecue with savory dishes or alongside your favourite vegetarian meal. Best enjoyed young, within 3–5 years of the vintage.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Gérard Bertrand Château de Villemajou Grand Vin Rouge 2022
Corbières, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceGerard Bertrand describes the Villemajou Grand Vin as the company's DNA. He grew up on the property where his father established the Bertrand destiny. Villemajou is located well within the Corbières appellation at Boutenac, an area that supports ancient, rehabilitated carignan vines now approaching 80 to 100 years old and seemingly uniquely suited to the Mediterranean milieu of temperature, soil and light, as well as the trio of syrah, mourvèdre, and grenache noir. The nose is an enticing mix of black fruit dusted with savoury, smoky, menthol and licorice notes commonly called garrigue in the south. The palate is voluptuous without being heavy, respecting the vitality of biodynamic wines. Roast lamb is the match. Yields average about 30 hl/ha. Picking is by hand, and a small portion is fermented as whole bunches to lift the fruit component before it's aged in 22 -litre Bordeaux barrels for a year. It spends an additional 12 months in a bottle before release. 2022 is a classic expression of the property, resurrecting Gerard's father’s name.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $46.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Rouge Clair By Michel Chapoutier 2024
Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceThis 80/20 grenache/syrah Rouge Clair is a different wine for a different crowd. It is super fresh in the glass, with bright red raspberry and low tannins. It looks like a rosé but is more than that, yet less complex than a typical Chapoutier Rhône red. Open it and drink it all summer, well chilled, or serve it over ice. It was designed for it. The words "& Frais" appear when the bottle is cooled below ~12°C, signalling the ideal serving temperature. Finally, environmental responsibility is shown by replacing the traditional capsule with a bandule, a strip seal. The stopper is made from sugar cane, to reduce its carbon impact. It sees no oak.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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03 April 2026
92PTS
Castell'in Villa Marcolfo Cabernet 2011
Castelnuovo Berardenga, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyCastell'in Villa is a historic Chianti Classico estate, run by Princess Coralia Pignatelli della Leonessa since 1968, situated in Castelnuovo Berardenga. This is a special wine, only produced once, to my knowledge. in 2011, the Tuscan winery bottled 2500 bottles of straight Cabernet Sauvignon as an experiment, and this is the inagural experimental result. Wild and black fruited, with balsam and black olive scenting, and firm sticky tannins to support this to a toasted wood and crushed floral finish. Surprisingly fresh for an older wine, this is still muscular and firm, drinking now and with time ahead.Prices:| BC | $138.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Blasted Church Cabernet Sauvignon Jesus Saves 2021
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLast tasted in November, this wine is basically unchanged. The blend is a 94/6 mix of two late ripening grape varieties, cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot. The cabernet comes from the Jose Vineyard (clones 191 and 169) on the western edge of Osoyoos, Inkameep Vineyard (clone 169) on the Oliver East Bench, and the home estate vineyard on the Skaha Bench. The petit verdot was sourced from Lloyd Vineyard on the west side of Osoyoos. All components were kept separate during fermentation and aging. The wine spent 12 months in French oak, with 30% new and the rest a mix of second, third, fourth, and neutral barrels. After a year, it was racked, blended, and returned to barrels for an additional 180 days. The nose is floral with plenty of cassis, plum, and spicy blueberry. The tannins are slightly sticky but not problematic. The finish is persistent, with notes of Christmas cake, sagebrush, and a kiss of smoke.Prices:| BC | $36.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Rocca delle Macie Roccato 2022
Tuscany, ItalyZingarelli's Roccato is always dependable and friendly, like a comfy chair or a favourite pair of running shoes. It started out as a Super Tuscan blend but has been a solo cabernet sauvignon release since 2015. The mixture of some leanness and a delicious, savoury nose and palate suggests it is a site driven Tuscan cabernet rather than a New World wine. Expect ripe cherries, cassis, mocha, cedar, and a balsamic lift. The palate offers a mix of dark fruits, dried herbs, and chocolate, all ending with a fresh finish. You can enjoy this now with lasagna, ribs, or a mushroom pasta dish or casserole. Open it for a relaxing evening in Tuscany through 2028.Prices:| BC | $52.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $48.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $50.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $41.00 | 750ml |
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02 April 2026
88PTS
Zuccardi Serie A Chardonnay 2024
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaNot your typical big, bold, oaky chardonnay, instead, it comes from one of chardonnay's other realms. One that speaks quietly and elegantly, showcasing well balanced pear, apple, peach, melon rind, and brioche, with a touch of nuttiness. It was aged in 30% neutral oak and stainless steel. It's understated yet classy, with a lingering and graceful finish. Lovely stuff.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Angove Family 1886 CHD Chardonnay 2024
South Australia, AustraliaFrom the Riverland wine region in South Australia, a portion of this wine was fermented and matured in French oak, with partial malolactic fermentation. At the same time, the remainder was fermented in stainless steel. A light bodied chardonnay with aromas primarily of lees, complemented by hints of apple and melon rind. The texture is soft, clean, and mouth filling. The flavours are subtle, with pear, peach, and quince, finishing with pear skin. It's refreshing, and the elements are balanced with clean, tight acidity. Good value.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Domaine Laroche Chablis Premier Cru Les Vaudevey 2022
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceDomaine Laroche is one of Chablis' historic names, with vines crossing many crus and more than 90 hectares. From the Left Bank's little known 1er Cru Les Vaudevey (only a handful of producers work this steep, cool valley) comes this clear, tight, and shining Chablis. It was fermented in a mix of French barrels of various sizes and stainless, and remained there 9 months on fine lees before blending, resting again, and bottling. Taut lemon, green apple shimmers on the palate over a slick of lees, with a humming Kimmeridgian energy that lingers on the finish. Great finesse in this lovely wine of place.Prices:| BC | $64.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Storm Ridge Chardonnay 2024
Hemel-En-Aarde Valley, Hermanus, Walker Bay, Overberg, South AfricaHannes and Nathalia Storm are a husband and wife team that handcrafts cool climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Upper Hemel-en-Aarde, and Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. This Ridge bottling comes from a high density, stony clay vineyard. It was native fermented with partial MLF, and rested 11 months in 228L French barrels. This is a stunning pixellated chardonnay with lemon pith and peel, green apple, and alluring flinty licks, holding great energy through the lingering finish. Beauty freshness and finessed energy, drinking well now and with ample time ahead.Prices:| BC | $87.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Boyer de Bar Chardonnay Les Peyrarols 2022
Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceVincent Boyer has run his family’s historic Bourgogne estate Domaine Boyer-Martenot since 2002. His close friend from winemaking studies, Emmanuel Lucas De Bar is part of a family with organically farmed vineyards in the Hérault Valley of France, at the site of a 12th century monastery. In 2018, the two friends decided to start their own domaine, Boyer de Bar, bringing together Emmanuel’s pristinely cared for vineyards and Vincent’s skill as a grower/winemaker. This certified organic chardonnay is from clay limestone soils and 20 year old vines. After whole cluster pressing and a native ferment in tank, this rested 1 year in French barrels, followed by 8 months in cement eggs, bottled unfined and unfiltered. Richer, with a lemon curd bottom supporting crushed stones, perfumed pear blossoms, and great stony spice that lingers on the finish. The wine holds the Languedoc stony freshness, but with a sun-ripened Chardy richness, giving it a solid chance at the dinner table.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Domaine Danielle-Etienne Defaix Chablis 1er Cru Vaillon 2014
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceDomaine Bernard Defaix is located in the tiny village of Milly, at the foot of the Côte de Lechet, a few minutes west of the town of Chablis. The domaine was founded in 1959 by Bernard, 4th generation winegrower, who wanted to begin making wine from the vines his family had long been tending to. Today the 12 HA estate is run by Bernard's two sons, Sylvain and Didier, who oversee the organic and biodynamic program. They believe in extended aging in stainless prior to release, which is why this wine, 12 years old, is on market. Perfumed white blossoms, green apple, crystalline lemon sail along the elegant, finessed palate, with an alluring lick of flint that lingers on the saline finish. Still vibrant and striking, from the underrated 2014 vintage.Prices:| BC | $116.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Penfolds Bin 311 Chardonnay 2022
South Australia, AustraliaAt three years old, this modern Next World Australian chardonnay is beginning to emerge from Yattarna's shadow and establish its own identity. Bright and vibrant, it may be a touch less electric than its parent wine, Yattarna, but it feels like so much more. Expect an enticing, subtle ripeness, with lightly toasted cashews, a hint of struck match, and plenty of lemon and pomelo flavours that cut through the creamy, long, sleek texture. Honestly, this is a top-tier, highly polished chardonnay, and a bargain at $50. Citrus-cured hamachi makes a brilliant pairing. Ready to drinkPrices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $50.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $45.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $45.00 | 750ml |
| US | $35.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Louis Jadot Chablis 2024
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceThere is something special about a classic glass of Chablis. At Jadot, the hallmarks of a proper Chablis are tightness, precision, freshness, and a wealth of acidity. The freshness helps the wine flow smoothly along your palate, cleansing it and preparing it for each bite of food to come. Add to that some exotic notes of tangerine and minerality, and you're set for an experience. Oysters, mussels, and clams all pair well with this wine, making it a great choice to keep in the fridge on standby on the West Coast.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $47.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $43.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
La Crema Chardonnay 2022
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, United StatesLa Crema Sonoma Coast stands out as a smoother, richer version of California Chardonnay within the La Crema lineup. The fruit is riper and more tropical, with ripe pineapple leading the way. The creamy textures run through the finish, streaked with orange and vanilla. It's a bit old style, but I'm sure there is plenty of room in the market for this style, or they wouldn't be making it. The wine is finished under cork.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $32.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $34.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $31.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $34.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $32.87 | 750ml |
| PEI | $39.99 | 750ml |
| NB | $41.50 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay Vintner's Reserve 2024
California, United StatesNow under screwcap, this wine is blossoming. Yet, unfortunately, after waiting for the switch from cork to screwcap for decades, US wines have been rejected by the BC provincial monopoly, so you have to look hard to find any US wine in BC. Alberta has reopened to US wines. Politics aside, Vintner's Reserve is fresher and brighter than ever. Moving to a screw cap has allowed the wine to recover the last and most delicate fruit and aromas that are often lost under an average corked bottle, taking it to new heights. The attack is fresh, and the palate offers a mix of lemons, oranges, and honey, with a clean finish, making it an attractive chardonnay.Prices:| BC | $24.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $23.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $21.05 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Babich Hawke's Bay Chardonnay 2025
Hawkes Bay, North Island, New ZealandNew Zealand's best kept secret is its chardonnay prowess. At Babich, the screwcap 2025 made without any oak is a lively affair. The nose is spicy and open with rich pear and lemon, with some brown spice in the back end. Juicy, fresh, and bursting with fruit, you can enjoy this all spring and summer without breaking the bank.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Chartron et Trébuchet Bourgogne Blanc 2023
Burgundy, FranceBourgogne Blanc has carved out a new path in recent years, thanks to a warmer climate and updated viticultural and winemaking techniques that have softened the once thin, tight, acidic profile of this category seen in the 70s, 80s, 90s and 00s. Today's Bourgogne is lively, with a nose of ripe pear and red apple. The palate offers a mineral, steely character with bright fruit, creamy textures, and a hint of vanilla and spicy apple pie in the finish. It all comes together with the elegance and charm that are hallmarks of Charton et Trébuchet labels. It's a dependable mid-week French Chardonnay that won't break the bank.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Chartron et Trébuchet Pouilly-Fuissé 2023
Pouilly-Fuissé, Mâconnais, Burgundy, FranceThe more I taste Pouilly-Fuissé, the more I believe it is underrated within the spectrum of white Bourgogne. This wine drew long lines at the Vancouver International Wine Festival, and for good reason. It is a highly polished chardonnay with a wide array of scents including ripe pear, yellow apple, lemon curd, stone fruit, citrus zest, and understated white flowers. The palate is a blend of all those, plus a nutty, almond note. Finesse is a good descriptor, with a fresh, full flavoured, mineral finish. Fermentation is partly or entirely in stainless steel, with some older oak possible depending on the individual parcels. Serve year round with halibut, creamy risotto, or roast chicken with lemon and thyme. This one is a winner.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $32.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Domaine Fourrey Chablis Premier Cru Côte de Léchet 2023
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceThe Fourrey 1er Cru Côte de Léchet is a crisp, steely chardonnay that highlights its unique terroir. The vines grow on a sunny slope over Kimmeridgian clay limestone, shaping the wine's character before it even reaches the winery. Expect a citrus forward palate with hints of white fruits, lemon, and grapefruit zest. The finish provides an electric, mineral driven, and racy note that pairs perfectly with West Coast oysters, clams, mussels, or sushi. Domaine Fourrey is a family owned, fourth generation estate based in Milly.Prices:| BC | $55.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Bosio Truffle Hunter Leda Chardonnay 2024
Piedmont, ItalyPiemonte chardonnay is gaining recognition outside of northern Italy, and that is a good thing. The cool northern altitudes, together with the clay and calcium soils, create the perfect environment for chardonnay that sings with freshness. Look for a mix of pears and white flowers with a mineral undertone and attractive citrus and exotic fruit highlights. Think seafood, be it shellfish or sushi, or consider serving it with veal or chicken dishes. Look for the bright green label that honours Valter Bosio, who has been truffle hunting since childhood across the woods and valleys of Piedmont with his legendary dog, Leda, a partner in a thousand adventures. Terrific value.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Bel Colle Langhe Chardonnay 2024
Piedmont, ItalyLanghe Chardonnay is earning international praise for its quality. Bel Colle, with 13.5% alcohol, starts with a balanced profile, featuring fresh citrus and mineral. It has only a subtle touch of wood after spending three brief months in oak casks, remaining lively and able to refresh your palate after each sip. Expect this label to consistently deliver dependable quality year after year. Good value.Prices:| BC | $31.99 | 750ml |
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