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Tastings: March 2025
24 March 2025
88PTS
Stoneboat Vineyards Pinot Gris Reserve Series 2023
Black Sage Gravel Bar, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaYear two of the Reserve is fermented and aged four months in 3-5 year old neutral French oak barrels with weekly bâtonnage for four months. The nose is a mix of honey, candied apple, and ripe pear. The attack is full and round with the softness of a barrel ferment that adds a bit of weight and mouthfeel. The ripe pear and orchard notes suggest it is sweeter than its minimal residual sugar of .34 g/L, but it is an easy sipping wine you can serve with spiced foods.Prices:| BC | $29.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
See Ya Later Ranch Pinot Gris 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIt has been a while since we’ve seen this wine, but it remains the same. This is a soft, round, spicy gris with some honeyed sweetness, and spiced red apple in the finish. Ready to drink and best with spicy dishes, this everyday commercial style delivers for the price.Prices:| BC | $17.25 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Haywire Switchback Organic Vineyard Pinot Gris 2020
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSince its inception, we have tracked Summerland-based Switchback Vineyard's extensive renovation and conversion to becoming certified organic. Switchback, the jewel of the Haywire empire, is no ordinary pinot gris vineyard and no ordinary wine. The home vineyard is alive, and that energy and concentration is alive and well in the generous 2020. The fruit is wild fermented and aged in concrete tanks for ten months before coming out with a rich texture, light golden colour, and honey and sagebrush scent. The palate is stony, with a fresh citrus finish. It is one of a handful of Canadian pinot gris with the structure and complexity to be on the dinner table. Perfect now.Prices:| BC | $29.90 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Unsworth Vineyards Pinot Gris Unsworth Vineyard 2023
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaAs the Unsworth vineyard sites mature, they have released some vineyard designate wines such as this Unsworth Vineyard Pinot Gris. This 2023 has that electricity the island is famous for, which lights up a palate of fresh, taut minerals, citrus, and green apple with a spray of salinity that takes me to Friuli and Alto Adige in Northern Italy. Seafood, anyone? The fermentation was a 90/10 mix of stainless steel and neutral French oak. It’s aged for four months in stainless steel on fine lees. The vineyard is planted to clones 52 and 53 over marine silt and clay, and bottled at a modest 12.7% alcohol.Prices:| BC | $30.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Kismet Estate Pinot Grigio 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe latest from Kismet comes with a bruised apple nose before a soft and easy sipper with ripe candy apple and smooth textures that have their appeal. It still needs a bit of tightening and drying out to play with the big labels. Best served with spicy foods.Prices:| BC | $22.49 | 750ml |
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21 March 2025
92PTS
Frasca Nizza 2020
Piedmont, ItalyNestled among the hills of Nizza Monferrato, Frasca consists of 22 hectares of vineyards. This barbera comes from vines averaging 30 years. This has some whole berries included in the lengthy, gentle maceration (no punch downs) followed by 6 months aging in large oak barrels, and a lengthy stint in bottle prior to release. Cushy, mouth filling blackberry, black cherry fills a fleshy frame, with supple tannins dusted with black pepper carrying this through the stony finish. Super elegant and complete barbera (even at 15%), as expected from Nizza.Prices:| BC | $62.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Frasca Freisa d'Asti 2021
Piedmont, ItalyNestled among the hills of Nizza Monferrato, Frasca consists of 22 hectares of vineyards. If you're not familiar with the freisa grape, here is an excellent introduction to the rustic kin of noble nebbiolo. Vines averaging 20 years come from the Moasca area. This was fermented with 30% whole bunch and gentle maceration / infusion (no punch downs) before 4 months rest in large older oak. Juicy mulberry, wild blackberry, thorns, and dark florals pull through the fleshy palate of this darker shaded wine, framed with chewy, slightly sticky tannins through a stony, black tea finish. Would be best with a hearty ragu to meet the toothsome tannins.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Chionetti San Luigi 2022
Piedmont, ItalyFrom the 5th generation of Chionetti growers, this organic dolcetto comes from San Luigi Vineyard in Dogliani, Piedmont, at 400m. The floral red fruit that wafts from the glass is fragrant. The palate is more of the same, with stony mineral threads streaked with licorice and light but sticky youthful tannins underpinning its purity of fruit. This is an impressive dinner table red selling at a digestible price.Prices:| BC | $30.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Luccarelli Negroamaro 2021
Puglia, ItalyIf you are looking for a consistently performing budget red, getting to know this spicy, plummy, exotic southern Italian wine would be useful. Negroamaro is a brooding mix of ripe black cherries, chocolate, coffee, and balsamic that finishes warm and spicy, not unlike a California zinfandel. Think pizza, burgers, or beef tacos as the match.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Feudi di San Gregorio Serpico 2014
Campania, ItalyFrom the heart of the Taurasi production zone, Serpico tells the story of Feudi di San Gregorio's oldest aglianico vines. It is what wine export director, Andrea Fabiano calls "emotional", from its ancient vineyard site to its complexity, length, and ease of speaking to its origin. It is just beginning to blossom at eight years old, pitching dark, maraschino cherry laced with streaks of coffee, tobacco, and meaty notes, all with a resounding freshness. A modern old wine that has some girth and weight but all in balance. Roasted meats are a sure bet, but Parmigiano Reggiano is equally effective.Prices:| BC | $105.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $82.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Giusti Recantina 2019
Veneto, ItalyRecantina is a native vine of Montello and Colli Asolani grown in clay soils rich in iron. It was much loved by Venetian nobles towards the end of the 1800s before phylloxera wiped it out. It was recently rediscovered and brought back into production in limited amounts. The recantina grape has bloody, red plum aromas, bright acidity, and a refreshing red and cassis palate, streaked with earthy herbs. The finish is soft with a mineral, bright acid finish. A seemingly natural wine uncluttered by overt winemaking. The winery recommends pairing duck breast, roasted guinea fowl, or medium-aged cheese. It is said that the recantina wines "represent the maximum expression of the territory." At Giusti, it has been called Augusto as a tribute to Mr. Giusti's father.Prices:| BC | $54.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Giovanni Rosso Langhe Nebbiolo 2022
Piedmont, ItalyBurgundy-trained winemaker Davide Rosso is the man behind one of Barolo’s more interesting producers. The Rosso family is farming according to organic and biodynamic practices, with minimal intervention. The wines are fermented in cement tanks with native yeasts and aged for several months in large oak vats, releasing a mix of red fruits, spice, and intriguing savoury notes. A rising star in this market is the Langhe Nebbiolo. Fresh, elegant, and made to drink early, it can overwhelm you with its fragrance and flavours. A true baby Barolo at a bargain price.Prices:| BC | $31.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Frasca Barbera d'Asti 2020
Piedmont, ItalyNestled among the hills of Nizza Monferrato, Frasca consists of 22 hectares of vineyards. This Barbera comes from vines averaging 20 years, across Nizza Monferrato, Agliano Terme, and Moasca. After a couple weeks of maceration, this was fermented and rested in stainless. Fragrant crushed plums, wild blueberries, perfumed mulberries flood a juicy palate, with brisk, tart acidity easily lifting the 14%, and finely sticky tannins framing the stony core. The finish ends with a puff of warmth, and a signal to partner this with mushroom and / or duck ragu.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Sordo Barolo 2019
Barolo, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalySordo is now 4 generations deep in Barolo, established by Giuseppe Sordo at the beginning of the twentieth century. From vineyards across Barolo, between 300-400m in calcareous marls, this was destemmed and vinified in stainless before resting 24 months in large Slavonian oak. Fragrant crushed cherries, perfumed raspberries, crushed stones and pencil shavings swirl on the medium+ palate, framed with long, finely stencilled tannins, and easily lifted with cool acidity. This savoury, friendly Barolo is drinking very smartly now, and will continuePrices:| BC | $72.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Novaripa Monatic Dark Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2018
Abruzzo, ItalyThis montepulciano is grown around 250m and was vinified in stainless before a year's rest in a mix of stainless and oak. Pressed plum, blackcurrant, and cherry jam runs through the medium frame, touched with milk chocolate and framed by powdery tannins through a clipped, warming finish. Simple, easy fare.Prices:| BC | $23.47 | 750ml |
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20 March 2025
91PTS
Frescobaldi Castelgiocondo Lamaione Merlot 2014
Tuscany, ItalyThe 12-hectare Lamaione site is known for its robust Tuscan merlot thanks to its southwest exposition, high-density planting, and heavy clay subsoil loaded with limestone and mineral elements. Add a warming planet and increasingly drier growing seasons, and we can expect the concentration to continue. Lamaione has been produced since 1991 on the Castelgiocondo estate in Montalcino, in vineyards about 300 meters above sea level. The merlot spends at least 30 days on skins before ageing 24 months in 90% new French barriques. A final year in bottle ensures the wine is ready for release when it reaches the market. I love this wine's consistency and complexity with its rich, fleshy, mix of black and red fruits and subtle streaks of tobacco, leather, mushrooms, espresso, and savoury ripe olives. Mushroom risotto and Bistecca alla Fiorentina are suitable matches, or an aged piece of pecorino for the purist experience.Prices:| BC | $75.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $78.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $88.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $74.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Le Volte dell' Ornellaia 2021
Tuscany, ItalyLe Volte dell'Ornellaia is all about drinkability. It is designed to be consumed before the flagship Ornellaia is ready, hence the softer tannins and brighter fruit. That's not to say it's simple, as it is nothing of the sort. 2021 was a fabulous year for grapes in Tuscany and winemaker Olga Fusari has done a fine job of letting the year and the terroir shine through. The Bolgheri-based red mixes mostly merlot with 20% sangiovese and 12-14% cabernet sauvignon. The attack is typically generous, with blackberry and red currant mixed with savoury dried herbs, balsamic, and black olives. Drink or hold this wine through 2027 when it should reach its peak. The different varieties are fermented separately in small steel tanks to maintain their varietal characteristics. Post fermentation, the wine is aged for 10 months, partly in used Ornellaia barrels and partly in concrete tanks, to create a balance between tannic structure and an expression of fresh fruit.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $31.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $41.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.62 | 750ml |
| NS | $33.00 | 750ml |
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19 March 2025
88PTS
Louis Bernard Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2022
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceRinse and repeat is the storyline of a solid value year after year. This wine remains fresh and delicious and, for the price, a revelation regarding inexpensive white Rhône. The blend is a mix of grenache blanc, bourboulenc, clairette, and roussanne with rich floral notes. The palate has a mineral, slightly bitter citrus note, with a juicy and stony finish. I love the value here. Back up the truck.Prices:| BC | $13.89 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Heinrich Naked White 2023
Burgenland, Weinland Österreich, AustriaNaked and unadorned, this is a natural biodynamic white blend that hides nothing. Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc lead, with supporting roles from Grüner Veltliner and Welschriesling, sourced from vineyards on both sides of Burgenland’s Lake Neusidel, and rooted into limestone, schist, gravel soils. After an overnight on skins this was native fermented in old large oak casks where it rested before being bottled unfiltered with minimal sulphur. Crushed rocks, elderflower, pear skin skip along a slight, bright palate, finishing with a saline, white grapefruit twist. Very pure.Prices:| ON | $27.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Le Ragnaie Bianco 2021
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyFrom the highest planted vineyards in Montalcino, this skin contact wine blends the area's traditional white grapes in a 50/50 Trebbiano and Malvasia mix. After a native ferment in stainless for 10 days on skins, this moved into one new 500L French oak barrel for 9 months before bottling unfined, with minimum sulphur. A glowing golden hue, this shimmers along the slender palate, trailing elderflower, bergamot, crunchy honeycrisp apple, all textured with some bitter apricot skin. Great energy and life here through a saline rinsed finish.Prices:| ON | $48.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Niepoort Nat'Cool Branco 2023
Vinho Verde, Northern Portugal, PortugalNAT’Cool is Dirk Niepoort's line of wines that are low-intervention, low-alcohol, available only in a 1L format, affordable, and highly smashable. This cloudy pét-nat ish Vinho Verde, comes from the sub-region of Lousada, and is a mix of Azal, Arinto, Avesso, Trajadura, and Loureiro, and vines 25-30 years. After beginning ferment in stainless, it was bottled with a few grams RS, so it could continue to percolate in the bottle, affording it a gentle spritz. Lightly hazy straw hue, this streams meadow grass, green and yellow apple, gooseberry across the slight 11% palate, finishing with a grapefruit twist. Fun and fresh, as intended.Prices:| ON | $26.00 | 1000ml |
| BC | $36.00 | 1000ml |
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87PTS
Planalto Vinho Branca Seco Reserva NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalEveryone is complaining about the high price of everyday wine, so here you go. This wine is for you if you like the sauvignon blanc style or simple, fresh, aromatic, bright whites. It is a simple, less-is-more white with bright citrus, apricot, and nectarine dotted with green apple at the finish. It is a mix of several Indigenous Portuguese grape varieties and is as fun to drink solo as it is with food. It is a real wine for wine lovers, and perfect with barbecued chicken.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $11.99 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Niepoort Redoma Reserva Branco 2023
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalThe Redoma Reserva comes from vineyards which are more than 80 years old, planted in mica-schist soils at an altitude of 600 metres above sea level. Since its first edition in 1995, the main objective in producing this wine has been to reflect the character of the Douro’s old vines. The best barriques were selected for the wine’s maturation in order to guarantee minerality, complexity and ageing potential. Rabigato, Códega, Viosinho, Arinto and others were fermented in French barrique, where it remained for 9 months. There's a lovely reductive thread backboning this wine, drawing green apple, lemon, green fig, and crushed stones along the structured, medium bodied palate, through a lingering flake salt finish. A wine with presence and longevity, drinking beautifully now, and with ample time ahead.Prices:| ON | $72.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Domaine Duseigneur La Goutte du Seigneur Blanc 2023
Rhone Valley, FranceThe name of this organic and biodynamically farmed cuvée refers to their family name, translating as "Drop of the Lord." From 35-year-old vines from a selection of Rhône vineyards, this blend of 45% bourboulenc, 40% grenache blanc, and 15% viognier was fermented and rested in stainless steel. Ripe melon and white peach stretch along the medium palate, buffered with some waxen lees underneath. Wild meadow grasses linger on the finish, along with a kiss of salinity.Prices:| ON | $26.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Livio Felluga Illivio 2022
Friuli-Venezia Giulia, ItalyLivio Felluga is one of the most respected producers of Friuli, dedicating his life to reviving high-quality and sustainable viticulture in the hills of this north-eastern, Adriatic-influenced Italian countryside. He emigrated from Istria and established his property in Brazzano in the 1950s, buying up old, neglected vineyards and rejuvenating them. Illuvio was created in 1998 by Livio Felluga’s children, who dedicated the wine to him for his 85th birthday. Unlike his signature varietal series, done in stainless, this blend of Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay and Picolit was fermented and aged in small oak casks on lees. The lees bed is evident, cushioning fragrant pear, quince, and white grapefruit flooding the palate, all seasoned with gentle toast, and finishing long and stony.Prices:| ON | $75.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Luis Seabra Xisto Ilimitado Branco 2023
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalIlimitado is akin to Seabra's village wine. This Branco comes from mica, schist, and feldspar soils (what winemaker Luis Seabra deems the best for whites), this is a field blend of rabigato, códega, gouveio, vioshino and more, with vines 30-60 years old, and at 400-500m in altitude. After crushing and destemming, the grapes are pressed together, native fermented, and aged in used French oak barrels for 1 year on lees, with full MLF and no bâtonnage. Perfumed pear blossom, gooseberry, green fig, and lemon are woven across the stony palate, tightened with grapefruit pith, and stretched long on the lingering, saline finish. Great energy here.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $31.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Niepoort Diálogo Douro Branco 2022
Douro Superior, Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalThis youthful white may show a Canadian-themed comic on the label, but make no mistake, this is a serious wine, from one of the world's top winemakers, Dirk Niepoort. From schistous, mica-flecked vineyards on the right bank of the Douro, between 550-700m, this blend of indigenous Portuguese white grapes is native fermented in a split between stainless and older French barriques (30 percent), with no MLF, and remains there for eight months. The blend is 20-50 year old rabigato, códega do larinho, gouveio, dona branca, viosinho, bical and others. This year's edition is quite reductive up front, with an earthy, leesy, stony underlay bedding green apple, lemon, green fig, white blossoms, finishing with a lingering salinity. Excellent value in Ontario.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Rall White 2022
Western Cape, South AfricaDonovan Rall is a giant of a winemaker, literally (he's SO tall) and figuratively, as shown with this stunning White. His flagship wine, this comes from vineyards in Swartland and Stellenbosch, and is based on chenin blanc, with 28% verdelho and 2% viognier. All parts are native fermented and aged separately in older wood, save for 1 concrete egg in the mix. Striking clarity, with layered crystalline lemon, pear, and green apple coursing along a stony base, flecked with alluring reduction, and finishing long on the palate with a trail of salinity. This is a masterful white, drinking now, and with time ahead.Prices:| BC | $53.99 | 750ml |
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18 March 2025
89PTS
Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet 2021
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaThis super value wine is made by the masters at Penfolds, a winner since 1976, and the value for money is the best. Look for a fresh red fruited affair with peppery plums shaped in a cool climate version that is more Bordeaux than Napa in structure. Long and soft, its raspberry, chocolate, and bright acidity solidifies the appeal of a wine that will age a decade or more. The mix is about 75% shiraz and 25% cabernet sauvignon from Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Padthaway, Langhorne Creek, and Coonawarra. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $19.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $21.49 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $24.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $19.99 | 750ml |
| NB | $23.99 | 750ml |
| PEI | $19.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Nk'Mip Cellars Talon 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTalon's opaque purple-black colour leaves it looking very youthful, given that it's already four years old. The attack is intense, pitching minty, meaty, pepper, and plums, with hints of chocolate and licorice. It unfolds more of the same way on the palate, with a linear back end and some drying youthful tannins. There is some excellent structure here that will repay time in the bottle somewhere around 2027. Lamb, anyone?Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Montes Wings Carmenère 2020
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileAlmost two years down the road, Montes Wings, the latest carmenère project from the Montes family, is blossoming with time in the bottle. It is a blend of 85% carmenère and 15% cabernet franc. The fruit comes off the estate Apalta home vineyard in the heart of the Colchagua Valley. Aurelio Montes Jr. works with fruit from the top of the hill, instead of the usual lower vineyard blocks, resulting in more approachable wine than the flagship Purple Angel Carmenère. The intensity has increased with time, highlighting the olive and fennel, but it's the rich blackberry, blueberry that is singing as it takes on the French oak dusted in chocolate. 80% of the wine is aged for 16 months in new French oak barrels, with 20% in second and third use barrels. This has a bright future but it’s drinkable now.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $23.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $26.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $26.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wente Vineyards Mount Diablo Highlands Red Blend 2021
Central Coast, California, United StatesThe 2021 Mount Diablo Highlands Red is a Central Coast blend of 23% cabernet sauvignon, 19% petite verdot, 16% merlot, 11% barbera, 11% tempranillo, 11% cabernet franc, and 9% malbec. It’s the first new wine to join the lineup in a decade. It’s a useful everyday blend with soft, juicy, spicy fruitiness, perfect for most barbecues or a favourite pizza.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Rodney Strong Symmetry Red Wine 2019
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesSymmetry is shaped to capture the essence of Sonoma County. The blend varies yearly, but only the best lots make it to the bottle. In 2019,the mix is 48/23/13/8/8 Cooley Ranch, Brothers Vineyards, Rockaway, Alexander’s Crown, and Pine Flat. The grape mix is 80/8/7/3/2 cabernet sauvignon, merlot, malbec, petit verdot, cabernet franc. It happens that 2019 was another superb year in California, especially for cabernet. Plenty of late winter and early spring rains and heat waves help the grapes withstand altered heat spikes. Red fruits, led by plums, figs, and cherries, present a harmonious palate that reflects a lot of gentle work under the direction of Greg Morthole, who works at the RS small lot winemaking facility Artisan Cellar. Complex and refined, this is a beautifully blended red you can enjoy now or through 2030. Symmetry was launched as an Alexander Valley superblend back in 1996.Prices:| BC | $79.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $74.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $74.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $73.50 | 750ml |
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13 March 2025
90PTS
Blasted Church Syrah 2020
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA reliable syrah from an outstanding vintage is a good combination, and it is on sale until the end of March. Expect a savoury, plummy, blueberry nose marked with cured meat. The textures are soft and well integrated into its mature, rich, dark berry freshness. A solid wine approaching its peak that would be perfect with lamb for dinner.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Clos du Soleil Winemaker's Series Syrah 2022
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBC's Similkameen Valley has been a revelation for syrah drinkers and while recent winter freezes have taken a toll on some syrah clones in the ground, others have survived, and Clos du Soleil winemaker Michael Clark says they will continue to plant and make wine from the surviving syrah clones. That is good news given the quality of the current 2022, which will be released later this month. The nose is a fragrant affair of florals, savoury sagebrush, and ethereal scents of black fruits. The palate reflects the same tone, adding graphite and mineral notes. Long, complex, and perfectly balanced, this is a winning wine from front to back. I expect it will age in the bottle easily, but you can enjoy it now with things like barbecued lamb, grilled beef served medium rare, or a mature piece of cheese. Big value here.Prices:| BC | $39.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Laughing Stock Vineyards Syrah +28/10 2022
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe LS Syrah has been a consistent performer for some time. The Perfect Hedge Vineyard in Osoyoos was the original fruit source, and how it has been augmented with syrah from blocks inside Bull Pine and Bear Cub across the lake to the east. The syrah is cofermented with a small amount of viognier, and it is all aged for 20 months in 41% new French oak and 49% older French barrels. This year, the wine has a fresher undertone and a remarkably smooth, almost silky texture, with a fine mix of blue and red fruit and a hint of jamon. Its approachable style says drink me, but it will age through 2027. Duck pizza would be a fun pairing.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Vasanti Syrah 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada2021 was the inaugural release of a single variety Syrah, with fruit off their East Bench vineyard in the southern Okanagan. The extra ripe fruit was fermented in stainless before resting 33 months in new American oak. Dense and ripe, this compact, rich, ripe red clocks in at a whopping 15.5%, full with smoked wood, baked black cherry, and peppery spice, lingering with baking spice. A full throttle, not shy, giant spicy red.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Road 13 John Oliver Selection Syrah 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe John Oliver Selection Syrah is the flagship red wine at Road 13, named after John Oliver, the namesake of Oliver, BC. The grapes are primarily sourced from the Reserve estate blocks on the Golden Mile and Black Sage benches. This wine has a fruit-forward style, and in 2022, it features prominent aromas of blue and black fruits. The mid-palate is smooth with soft brambleberry, although it lacks some intensity. Overall, the wine is more charming than complex, and is ready to drink now.Prices:| BC | $80.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Code Wines Single Clone Block 1 Syrah 2022
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis new-ish Okanagan winery is the vision of Shay and Harlee Code, the farmers and owners of this organic 5 acre Okanagan Falls east bench estate. They began planting in 2017 with chardonnay and syrah. This 2022 Syrah is from a single unknown clone planted in 2017 on the western edge of their estate vineyard. Destemmed fruit was cold soaked as whole berries before inoculation and maceration, after which the wine was pressed into French barrels to finish fermentation and rest for 8 months. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Wild black plum, dark cherry is seasoned with espresso and toasted hickory / cedar notes, running across a finely textured, silken palate. Tannins are fine and well integrated, guiding this to a lightly warming finish. This medium bodied, earthy style would be well suited to grilled mushrooms and / or ribs. 69 cases released.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
M. Chapoutier Crozes-Hermitage Les Meysonniers Rouge 2021
Crozes Hermitage, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceThe Chapoutier Crozes-Hermitage comes off the lower slopes and the flats south and east of the hill Hermitage. The vines at Les Meysonniers are now over a quarter century old and are farmed organically. Chapoutier suggests the vineyard's soils allow the roots to go deep, tapping minerality you do not see in other Crozes-Hermitage. The nose is an attractive mix of red and black plum with black pepper spicing and a dusting of garrigue. Look for a meaty, peppery, savoury red on the palate. Chapoutier describes Meysonniers Rouge as a "bistro-nomic" red made for home cooking. Currently on sale at a giveaway price.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $28.49 | 750ml |
| MB | $29.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $27.65 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Township 7 Benchmark Series Syrah Fool's Gold Vineyard 2020
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis single vineyard syrah comes off the river rock soils of Fool's Gold Vineyard on Tucelnuit Drive in Oliver. 2020 is fermented in two oak fermenters and one stainless steel tank. Post fermentation it spends 24 months in French and American oak barriques. Expect a savoury, meaty, fresh syrah with dark berry, a light spice undercurrent, and tangy finish. A harmonious wine that you can sip now or cellar through 2027.Prices:| BC | $45.97 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Hester Creek Syrah 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAlways dependable, the surprisingly fine 2022 vintage has helped deliver a delicious drinking style. The fruit is a mix of estate and nearby grower fruit from Oliver and Osoyoos that opens with bold dark blueberries and brambleberries, streaked with spicy meaty notes, and a generous dollop of soft oak tannins. Richer dishes work here, from braised beef or pork to grilled sausage and Portobello mushrooms. The wine is aged 14 months in a 60/40 mix of American and French oak. I like the value here.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Orofino Reserve Syrah 2021
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Orofino Reserve Syrah is always released in limited amounts, and this ultimate small batch wine aged in the finest French oak barrels overdelivers. This wine is complex and delicious, offering complexity and polish from front to back, navigating violets, black cherries, and white pepper dusted in wild Similkameen scrub and bright acidity. Linear and firm, this is meant for the cellar but made elegantly, making you think you can drink it now. Serve with full flavoured meat dishes or baked root vegetables.Prices:| BC | $43.65 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Orofino Syrah 2021
Cawston, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Similkameen Valley is home to this pure fruited, varietally correct syrah that takes me to the southern Rhône and competes favourably with mid-price reds from that historic French region. The floral violets and cherry announce its purity, while chocolate, peppercorns, and a slippery linear flow runs the length to the finish. This wine is aged in a combination of 10% new French oak and 10% concrete tank, with the remainder spending time in older neutral barrels for 17 months. The latter is the secret to its styling. Wild fermented and bottled unfined and unfiltered, it will age effortlessly and only add more value to an already value packed red. If you are a fan of syrah, this is it for the price.Prices:| BC | $31.65 | 750ml |
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12 March 2025
88PTS
Hester Creek Sauvignon Blanc Columbia Valley Collection 2024
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesYou can expect a pleasant, fresh, well made sauvignon that is not far off what you would see in Marlborough or even BC if we had any grapes. The grapefruit and gooseberry scents preview a zesty, crisp white with tropical melon and an herbaceous touch to balance it. Goat cheese on the patio would be a fine match or steamed mussels for an elevated experience. The fruit was hand harvested from the White Bluffs AVA in Columbia Valley, Washington and is meant to be a short term replacement wine to cover off the shortfalls in BC from the 2023 and the 2024 vintage. The grapes were shipped to BC in temperature controlled trucks and were crushed in Oliver the same day they were picked. Post ferment, the wine was stored in stainless steel for four months before bottling.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Sattlerhof Südsteiermark Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Südsteiermark, Steiermark (Styria), AustriaSattlerhof is a leading producer in Austria’s South Styria (Südsteiermark), known for their benchmark examples of Styrian Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Blanc. The Sattler family has been growing wine in the village of Gamlitz since 1887, and they were one of the first in the region to bottle high quality dry white wines under their own name in the 1970s. Willi Sattler grew the estate to 40 hectares of organically / biodynamically farmed vines in some of the region’s most famous vineyards including grand crus Kranachberg and Pfarrweingarten, now joined by his two sons Andreas and Alexander. Their vineyards are centered around the village of Gamlitz, located less than 10km from the Slovenian border. Crunchy tangerine, white grapefruit, lime zest streaks across the palate, with an ever so slight slick of lees to buffer the buzzing acidity. Snappy and singing, and an excellent introduction to Südsteiermark.Prices:| ON | $32.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Churton Wines Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandFrom Churton's organic and biodynamically farmed hillside vineyard above the Waihopai Valley, this was whole bunch pressed and native fermented long and slow in a mix of stainless and barrel, with each plot vinified separately and held on lees for 9 months prior to racking and bottling. Bright and punchy passionfruit leads, followed by pink grapefruit, tangerine, crunchy green apple, and stony spice along the juicy palate. Snappy and fresh.Prices:| ON | $32.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
François le Saint Sancerre Silex 2023
Sancerre, Upper Loire, Loire, FranceFrançois le Saint is a line of wines from one of Sancerre's most revered names. Established in 1749 in the heart of Sancerre, Domaine Fouassier is one of the oldest wine growing families in the Loire Valley with a history that spans 10 generations. This sauvignon blanc is certified organic and biodynamically farmed, from 35 year old vines grown on a 3.15ha plot of clay soils with flint and marls, native fermented. Crushed stones, green fig, lemon pith and peel streak through this energetic white, buffered slightly by a fine slick of lees bedding the stony palate. The finish lingers with buzzy rocks and ample salinity. Such a lovely wine of place and people.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $55.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
François le Saint Calcaire 2023
Sancerre, Upper Loire, Loire, FranceFrançois le Saint is a line of wines from one of Sancerre's most revered names. Established in 1749 in the heart of Sancerre, Domaine Fouassier is one of the oldest wine growing families in the Loire Valley with a history that spans 10 generations. This sauvignon blanc is certified organic and biodynamically farmed, from 30-45 year old vines grown on a 6.26ha plot of calcareous soils. After a native ferment in stainless, it rests there for a brief time on lees prior to bottling. Perfumed pear, lemon blossom, green melon glide along a slick palate, buffered with silken lees through a humming, lingering, saline finish. Super polished and smart.Prices:| BC | $56.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $53.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Serge Dagueneau & Filles Pouilly Fumé Tradition 2023
Pouilly-Fume, Upper Loire, Loire, FranceThis branch of the Dagueneau family, headed by father Serge, is based in Saint Andelain and owns 19 hectares of old vineyards across several of the prime sites of the Pouilly Fumé appellation, including three hectares in the nearby appellation of Cotes de la Charite. Today the estate is run by Serge's daughter Valerie, cousin of the late Didier Dagueneau, with help in the vineyard from Serge. The flagship wine blends various blocks of sauvignon blanc on calcareous clay soils to provide a snapshot of their site. After pressing, this spent a few months on lees until January when it was fined and then bottled in the spring. Crisp and shining with meadow grass, white grapefruit, white blossoms over a slick of lees, this finishes with an alluring limestone buzz. A great introduction to a classic appellation.Prices:| ON | $44.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Sattlerhof Gamlitz Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Südsteiermark, Steiermark (Styria), AustriaSattlerhof is a leading producer in Austria’s South Styria region, known for their benchmark examples of Styrian Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Blanc. The Sattler family has been growing wine in the village of Gamlitz since 1887, and they were one of the first in the region to bottle high quality dry white wines under their own name in the 1970s. Willi Sattler grew the estate to 40 hectares of organically / biodynamically farmed vines in some of the region’s most famous vineyards including grand crus Kranachberg and Pfarrweingarten, now joined by his two sons Andreas and Alexander. Their vineyards are centered around the village of Gamlitz, located less than 10km from the Slovenian border. This village wine come from steeply sloping quartz and limestone vineyards 350-450m. It was native fermented in stainless (partial MLF) where it remained on lees for 5 months. Brisk white grapefruit, crunchy green apple, herbal meadow grass lead this nimble mountain white, with a very fine lick of lees to counter, and ample buzzy stony minerality trailing through the lingering finish. A fantastic introduction to place, and family.Prices:| ON | $45.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Kono Aronui Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandClassic Kiwi sauvignon from the South Island with a highly aromatic citrus, passionfruit nose and a strong herbaceous undertone. The palate mixes fresh lemongrass and ripe tropical fruit with a fresh, crisp taste and a dry, citrus finish. If you are a fan of mussels, this is the wine to serve with them. Aronui derives from ancient Māori mythology and speaks of pursuing knowledge, including the arts, and working with the land in beneficial ways. Aronui wines are created by the Māori-owned New Zealand wine company Kono Beverages, part of the Wakatu Incorporation.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Heaphy Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Nelson, South Island, New ZealandThe Heaphy Nelson SB has a strong maritime bent and opens with a saline, pink grapefruit, and green guava nose. The palate is equally lively, with more freshness playing with high end tropical citrus, kiwi, and a creamy mineral mid-palate with pronounced salinity and a clean finish. Expect an impressive rush of fruit and acid that makes it very food friendly. It is on sale for $19.99 until the end of March.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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10 March 2025
91PTS
Finca Decero Malbec Remolinos Vineyard 2021
Agrelo District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaDecero means 'from scratch', referencing this site's natural state before the vineyards and winery were established, in Agrelo, Mendoza. Remolinos Vineyard is sited at 1050m, and takes its name from the winds that keep the vineyard clean and dry. After a month's maceration and ferment in stainless, this malbec went into 90% oak (30% new) with the remainder in stainless, for 14 months' rest. Red earth, wild cherry, and thorns are woven throughout this stony red, kept fresh even at 14.5% by the lofty windswept site. Tannins are well knit and long, stretching this into a lingering crushed floral / crushed stone finish. The Diam10 cork reveals the winery believes this single vineyard malbec a good life ahead.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Trapiche Reserve Malbec 2023
Mendoza, ArgentinaFrom numerous vineyard sites, this was raised in oak, and that's pretty much all I could find about this 'Reserve' label. Bitter chocolate, dark cherry carry this softer, medium bodied wine through a clipped sarsaparilla finish, framed with sticky / pasty tannins. Very quite entry.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.40 | 750ml |
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88PTS
El Esteco Don David Reserve Malbec 2023
Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, ArgentinaFrom Calchaquí Valley, and 1800m altitude, this malbec was partially native fermented in stainless before moving into a mix of French and American oak (70%) and stainless for a year of rest. Earthy roasted root veg, cassis, and toast carry this fuller wine through a bitter chocolate finish. Tannins are sticky, and acidity is mountainous, which helps this stay fresh in the mouth, and ready for your grilled burgers.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.49 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.49 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.45 | 750ml |
| NS | $18.79 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Luigi Bosca Malbec 2022
Mendoza, ArgentinaFrom 4 generations of winemakers, this classic malbec comes off vines averaging 35 years in Luján de Cuyo and Uco Valley, and 900-1100m. After a ferment in stainless, this rests in French oak for one year. Polished and elegant, with crushed blackberries, damson plums, blackberries stretching long on the palate, seasoned with river stones and brightened with mountain acidity. Tannins are well knit, siding this to a warming, through harmonious (especially if partnered with roasted beef) finish.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $23.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $23.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Doña Paula Estate High Altitude Malbec 2023
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaWith estate fruit primarily from Finca Alluvia in Gualtallary, Tupungato, (1350m), and 10% off Finca Los Indios in El Cepillo, San Carlos (1100m) this qualifies for it's 'high altitude' label. This malbec aged in a mix of new to 3rd use French barrels for 9 months. Juicy crushed black plums, fragrant violets, wild blueberries flood the soft palate, with slight, finely sticky tannins, and toasted wood spice to season through a warming finish. A welcoming, friendly red for skirt steak or ribs.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $18.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Van Westen Vineyards Violeta 2021
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAn exuberant, rich, and plush style of malbec from sun-soaked Naramata Bench. At 14.8%, it manages to retain the variety’s signature violet perfume and freshness, layered with juicy plum, sweet licorice, and baking spices. Quite generous and weighty, perhaps not the most fashionable style at the moment, but it’s a well crafted example of this style and sure to satisfy those looking for a bold, rich red.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Doña Paula Estate High Altitude Malbec 2023
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaDona Paula has turned out several solid wines under this label, and 2023 is another fine effort. It opens with floral, black fruit, an opaque colour and some baking spice. The palate is a four square mix of black cherries and blueberries that fill the mouth from front to back. The fruit is a 90/10 split of grapes from Finca Alluvia in Gualtallary, Tupungato, at 1350m altitude, and Finca Los Indios in El Cepillo, San Carlos, at 1100m, aged in a combination of first, 2nd, and 3rd use French oak barrels for nine months. A tasty, dry malbec made for spaghetti Bolognese or a grilled steak.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $18.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Trapiche Reserve Malbec 2023
Mendoza, ArgentinaExpect soft, brambly black fruit that takes you toward zinfandel. On the palate, the malbec rights itself with mulberry and a good dose of oak and mocha. The latitude and winemaking have preserved enough acidity to keep this wine fresh. This is simple stuff, but it does the job for an everyday red. It's best with burgers, empanadas, and beef tacos. There's no need to wait on this wine, as it is ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.40 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Terrazas de los Andes Reserva Malbec 2021
Mendoza, ArgentinaThe winery'e estate vineyards in Luján de Cuyo and Uco Valley are transitioning to organic. This is a big, savoury malbec sourced from vines 20-90 years old, growing at 1100-1200m in over 100 blocks. Post fermentation, it is aged for one year in 40% older wood. Again, intense floral violets is mixed with a slightly underripe mix of dark plums, cherries, and licorice with a somewhat acidic back end and tannin to dissipate. At this point, you can play the acid off richer, creamier dishes to add some balance to this youthful wine.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $24.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.77 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Luigi Bosca Malbec 2022
Mendoza, ArgentinaOver time, Luigi Bosca has made a conscious effort to improve this affordable label's quality, adding to its value as a dependable, go to mid week red. On the other side of 50, the east facing, biodynamically farmed Finca La Linda vines are at their peak. Black plum, blueberries, and black raspberries have a linear edge to mix with a rash of soft tannins, giving this label a gravitas reserved for more expensive wines. It spends a year in French oak to round out the edges, making it a drink now or hold proposition. Perfect with a piece of aged Parmigiano Reggiano, a cassoulet, or grilled root vegetables.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $23.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $23.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Finca Decero Malbec Remolinos Vineyard 2021
Agrelo District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThe 2021 vintage was cooler than usual, but in the end, it was considered a regular vintage of quality and consistent across the vineyard. Stylistically, there is delicate freshness and intense violet notes, a core of stony cherries, and raspberries. It is ready to drink after spending 14 months ageing in 30% new French oak barrels.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
El Esteco Don David Reserve Malbec 2023
Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, ArgentinaThe label pays homage to the winery’s founder, Don David Michel, who has employed malbec vines for over 30 years. The fruit is all estate grown in the stunning Cafayate Valley, at 900 metres. The 2023 is a meaty, slightly reduced (screwcap) nose that blows off with a bit of swirling or a full splash decant. The palate is warm, pitching dense, rich black plum with a strong mineral undercurrent of freshness, and a streak of roasted tomato. You can enjoy this now and serve with rich dishes from pork to beef or venison.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.49 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.49 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.45 | 750ml |
| NS | $18.79 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Zuccardi Serie A Malbec 2020
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaI love the direction of this wine, with a real emphasis on freshness and transparency. The bright acidity carries the fruit, even in a warm vintage like 2020. There's a depth here that far surpasses the modest price tag, with juicy brambles and red cherry lifted by lavender and anise spices. The tannins are polished and well proportioned, approachable now, but this is also a top value option to build out your cellar. Highly recommended.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Tecta Malbec 2021
San Juan, ArgentinaA simple, jammy malbec with stewed dark fruits and sweet oak spice, on a medium bodied frame with a bitter chocolate finish that's marked by a touch of oxidation.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Chis Cielo Haurpe Malbec Reserva 2020
San Juan, ArgentinaStripped back, this is tired and lacking fruit, with a surprisingly short, dilute finish.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Malbicho Malbec 2022
Mendoza, ArgentinaThis Mendoza malbec, with its playful cartoony label, pours deep ruby with a hint of garnet. The slightly evolved nose reveals potpourri, macerated dark cherries, and a touch of dates. A hint of vanillin and damp tobacco from three months in 50% French oak, along with a black pepper spice, add layers to the fruit. The mid-palate feels rather thin, with rustic, slightly drying tannins. Best enjoyed sooner rather than later.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Zuccardi Serie A Malbec 2023
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaWhen you taste a Zuccardi malbec, it is easy to wonder what, with a few exceptions, the rest of the country is doing. The grapes come from vineyards in the Uco Valley area, at an altitude of 1100 meters. This is fermented wild in a mix of concrete and oak, and then aged for a short 8 months. The result is a juicy and rich elegant wine with a transparency that sucks you into the glass. The bright acidity and round, mouth filling, black savoury fruit are perfectly balanced. The layering flavours, flecked with the nuances of spice and florals, enrich the final taste. This is a polished wine that reaches far above its price range. Buy and drink, or hold, the choice is yours. Back up the truck.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Colomé Malbec Estate 2021
Salta, North, ArgentinaFrom the high altitude region of Salta, the vineyards for this malbec range from 1700 to 3111 metres above sea level. There's no shortage of fruit ripeness here, with macerated blackberries and dark cherries, but it still retains a floral perfume and sapidity, with balanced, integrated oak (15 months in 2nd to 5th fill French barriques), that keeps this from being monolithic. It shows impressive concentration, with suave, dense tannins typical of mountain fruit, suggesting this will be worth revisiting over the next 4-5 years. Very good length.Prices:| BC | $45.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $38.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Amalaya Malbec 2023
Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, ArgentinaThis malbec-dominant blend (with 10% tannat and 5% petit verdot) comes from the high-altitude Calchaquí Valley in Salta, sitting at 1,800 metres above sea level. Pouring a deep purple hue, it opens with youthful aromas of violets and fresh herbs over a base of plum and blueberry, layered with a hint of savoury spice and black pepper. Bright acidity lifts the ripe, succulent, yet well-defined fruit, while fine-grained tannins provide structure. Despite its 14% ABV, it remains remarkably fresh and balanced. Perhaps not the most complex, but it delivers excellent value.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $21.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $21.49 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Van Westen Vineyards Violeta 2021
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is a ripe, cola spiced malbec, laden with lush blackberries and blueberries. Rich, plush, and full bodied, this would make just about the perfect zinfandel substitute, though the warm 2021 vintage lacks the florals that gives this wine its name and which have become a hallmark of Okanagan malbec. No surprise, this clocks in at a generous 14.8% abv.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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07 March 2025
89PTS
Maison Smith Montpetit Cabernet Franc 2023
British Columbia, CanadaThis cabernet franc is a shining example of the winemaker Erich Smith-Peter's talent. Look for a mix of lifted dark red plums and licorice, with a meaty, spicy mid-palate sprinkled with dark baking chocolate, all aged 12 months in new (30%), second year (30%), and neutral (40%) French oak before being bottled unfiltered and unfined. The scent of desert brush that wafts about the region on warm, windy days adds a savoury underside that contributes to the complexity of this wine as it ages.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Black Bank Hill Cabernet Franc 2022
Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaEstablished by vintner Taylor Emerson in 2017, Black Bank Hill is focused on single vineyard wines from the Niagara Escarpment. This is from their estate vineyard, and clones clones 214 and 327. The fruit was destemmed and lightly crushed prior to a native ferment and 20 months rest in used and neutral French oak barrels. It was bottled unfiltered and unfined. Fragrant black cherry, wild blackberries, black plums are heightened by a bright, stony minerality, and framed with finely furry tannins, guiding this medium red to a lingering finish. Nice depth and complexity here.Prices:| ON | $45.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Black Sage Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWinemaker Jason Jones characterized 2021 as “a great year for BSV!” The grapes were picked fully ripe in late October, crushed into stainless steel tanks and aged in select French and American oak. It is a savoury, leafy, black and red fruited wine with a richness that belies its warm vineyard site. The textures are soft, with strong notes of baking spices mixed with sweet vanilla and light tannins. Easy sipping for a red at 14.5% alcohol, best served with grilled lamb, venison, duck breast, or sautéed portobello mushrooms.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Lunessence Cabernet Franc 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaI loved the 2021 release, and 2022 is equally impressive. The fruit is even more front and centre this year, and is decidedly red in nature for what is a rare, single varietal release from the southern Okanagan Valley. Fresh red plums, savoury licorice, wet stones, and mineral notes abound in this black cherry and blueberry red, with perfect weight and an alluring chocolate note in the finish. It was fermented and aged in French oak for 15 months using low levels of new oak. Stylish and sleek.Prices:| BC | $36.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Hester Creek Old Vine Cabernet Franc 2022
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe nose again jumps out of the glass with aromatics and freshness. The style is earthier this year with a bit more of a Loire look. There is freshness that leads into baked plum and bright raspberry. The acidity is on point, and the tannin is slightly more aggressive in '22, but it is nothing that will not dissipate with time in the bottle or rich menu items: think grilled Italian sausage dishes or even roasted turkey. Block 3 is home to this old vine cabernet franc planted in 1968 on the Golden Mile Bench. Today, it yields one bunch per shoot, which is handpicked and sorted. The bunches were destemmed, and the berries were dropped into Italian Ganimede fermentation tanks, where they were cold soaked for two days before undergoing a 15 day fermentation. It was aged for 18 months in a 75/25 combination of French and American oak. The 2022 season at Hester Creek has been called one of the winery's most challenging yet productive years. The 2022 harvest yielded a larger crop than average with the addition of new vineyards. After a wet start, temperatures rose through summer and extended through fall, permitting full phenolic ripeness. The last of the grapes were picked on December 1.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Burrowing Owl Cabernet Franc 2022
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA modern look at a variety that pitches pure fruited black cherries, red plums, and red currants with floral undertones. The palate is fresh with bright, juicy black raspberry sprinkled with savoury desert scrub, roasted coffee, and five spice. The BOV Franc has a history of ageing well, but you can drink it now with roasted beef or venison dishes. The only thing missing is a bit of refinement. The 2022 fruit comes from estate vineyards Keller and Eva in Osoyoos, and their Burrowing Owl Vineyard. Post ferment and 30 days of maceration, the wine goes to barrel: 80.5% French, 11.5% Hungarian, and 8% American oak; with 26% new, 33% one and two year old, and 41% neutral barrels.Prices:| BC | $36.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $45.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $44.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Mission Hill Terroir Collection Border Vista Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2021
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBorder Vista Vineyard sits on the "border" between the United States and Canada just south of Osoyoos. The west facing slopes catch the late day sun, making ripening an easy prospect. The trick is not to over ripen the grapes. 2021 presented many challenges for many growers, but it seems this site was spared, judging by this wine's quality, texture, and styling. Wow. This red wine is refined with beautiful balance and an electric underscore that pulls you into a wine of rich flavours and multiple layers. Look for attractive, savoury black cherry with an elegance few wines in Canada can project. Given its balance, this wine will age effortlessly, and will be a benchmark for BC franc. It is fermented in small concrete fermenters (clearly the difference between most of the competition) and aged in French oak barriques (23% new) for 15 months. Oh, and did I mention the "vista" view is spectacular?Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Van Westen Vineyards Vulture 2021
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA so-so vintage with plenty of challenges from heat to wildfire smoke and more across the valley, the Vulture is holding its own. The nose is a mix of blackberries and black cherries, with a firm mid-palate and dry, savoury finish. Earth and minerals tone down the fruit and add complexity to a solid wine. Only 165 cases were made of this Cabernet Franc, aged in French oak barrels for 21 months. The vineyards involved are Boothe Road, Granite Ridge, and Salting, made up of silt loam on the surface with thin bands of silty clay loam in the subsoil.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
CedarCreek Platinum Haynes Creek Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe ’22 vintage in the Okanagan began cool and wet but finished warm and dry late in the fall, allowing grapes like cabernet franc to reach full phenolic ripeness. The cool start allowed for slightly lower alcohol levels, which appear to have enhanced the final version, which, in standard years, would be richer and warmer in style. Expect enticing, savoury ripe black plums, black currants, and cassis, all with a touch of desert scrub and dried herbs. The medium weight palate exudes a long, silky texture that pulls you into the wine. The tannins are perfectly ripe and dense, balanced by a bright acid. Friendly, attractive, and well made, this is a winner. Only sold to club members. The fermentation is performed in concrete using organic fruit and yeats. It spends 13 months in French oak.Prices:| BC | $66.99 | 750ml |
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06 March 2025
93PTS
Sea Smoke Chardonnay 2022
Santa Rita Hills, Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesIt's not often you encounter an American chardonnay that turns your head, but this estate grown chardonnay that is hand picked and hand sorted in the vineyard is impressive. The winemaking is straightforward: the aging post-malolactic fermentation is 10 months in 10% new oak barrels before it goes into bottle with no fining or filtration. The Santa Rita Hills white opens with an elegant, fragrant nose of lemon curd, freshly cut peach, ripe pear, and wet stone that fades into mandarin and creamy textures, streaked with hazelnuts and a mineral, damp stone finish. The balance of fruit and alcohol at 13.3% is perfect. It's not Burgundy, but it's excellent California.Prices:| BC | $229.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
La Soeur Cadette Bourgogne Blanc 2023
Mâconnais, Burgundy, FranceValentin Montenay is based in western Bourgogne’s Vézelay, where he is caretaker of his parents’ 22ha of organically farmed vineyards. In 2016, Valentin began a négociant business, creating the La Soeur Cadette range. All the wines are native ferment, with full MLF, no chaptalization, fermentation in stainless, light filtration at bottling, and minimal sulphur throughout. In the winery, he works with the lunar calendar. The Bourgogne Blanc comes from 25 year old vines in limestone laced northern Mâconnais, and includes a splash (2%) of the rarely seen Chardonnay Musqué. After a native ferment, this spent 7 months in stainless prior to bottling. Bright lemon, yellow apple is slicked with fine lees, and layered with some stony spice. A friendly, smart BB ready for drinking now.Prices:| ON | $36.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Jean Collet et Fils Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons 2023
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceLook for a pale straw-yellow colour. The nose is a mix of white fruits with a light dusting of pepper. On the palate, layers of ripe citrus and saline/oyster liqueur, with a stony, flinty Chablis underside. Warm weather has enlarged this wine. It still has the intensity and structure you want but is more hedonistic than complex. Perfect for restaurants. At Collet, the certified organic grapes are hand harvested and fermented wild in 95% stainless steel, and 5% in wood. All the wines go through malolactic fermentation and are aged 1/3 in stainless steel vats, 1/3 in 80 hl oak barrels and 1/3 in Burgundy barrels.Prices:| BC | $56.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $52.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Meyer Chardonnay 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWith fruit from Naramata, OK Falls, and Osoyoos, this friendly chardonnay reveals apple blossom, lemon zest, Bartlett pear, white peach, complemented by fresh cream, and subtle doughy leesy notes. Partial maturation in older seasoned French oak barrels imparts a sprinkle of wood spices while six months of aging on fine lees adds textural depth, giving the wine a slightly round and creamy mouthfeel. The finish is straightforward, with a touch of RS.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Meyer Chardonnay 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe introductory Meyer Chardonnay, a blend from Okanagan vineyards, offers exceptional value. It has a bright entry, with expressive apple blossom on the nose streaked with pear, peach, and leesy bakery aromas. This is a workhorse white with a creamy palate. Some of it spends a bit of time in seasoned French oak barrels, adding just the right amount of complexity to attract all levels of drinkers. It is one to look for and buy in quantity, given its attractive price.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Bread and Butter Chardonnay Sliced 2023
California, United StatesBread and Butter Sliced is a low-calorie (110 calories per 188 ml), low-alcohol (9%) chardonnay with 5 grams of sugar per litre. The nose has a faint scent of tropical fruits and a strong sweet vanilla note. The palate is light, with almost a hole in the middle, typical for low-alcohol wines, with a sweet citrus and light tropical profile, with a soft finish. Something spicy might save what is an awkward wine, but if you want to go low, this is an option. Serve well chilled.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Rodney Strong Chardonnay 2022
California, United StatesThe RS chardonnay continues its journey to freshness and sophistication while holding onto some California sunshine. It is 60% barrel fermented and aged in French oak barrels that get monthly stirring. Some 40% of the wine is aged in stainless steel, and 25% does not go through the softening malolactic fermentation process, leaving this wine fresh and crisp. The fruit is selected from cooler coastal locations outside Sonoma County, including Monterey and Santa Barbara, which gives it a bright tropical note mixed with lemon curd and pear, with a creamy, spicy texture, all at a welcomed 13.5% alcohol. The winery suggests grilled asparagus, seared tuna with a mango-avocado salsa, or an apple and brie grilled cheese as possible food matches.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $22.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Rodney Strong Chardonnay Chalk Hill 2021
Chalk Hill, Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesRod Strong was the first to plant Chardonnay in what would later be recognized as the Chalk Hill AVA (American Viticultural Area) in 1965, 18 years before the AVA was approved. He thought the region was distinct from the rest of the Russian River Valley for its unique, volcanically derived, chalky white ash soils, and guess what? He was right. The 2021 is one of the best I have tasted, led by a medium weight and slightly higher acid underside. The nose is an apple and pie crust affair with just a whiff of oak. The palate is fresh, filled with pear, creamy textures, and non-obtrusive oak. It is fun to drink right down to its mineral, citrus finish. Rodney Strong has been tweaking its style for almost a decade, slowly tightening its wines, and the improvements are noticeable. Good value.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $28.99 | 750ml |
| US | $22.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Acacia Chardonnay 2022
California, United StatesAcacia has a storied reputation for making chardonnay, so it’s a qualified name to look for, but making a $19 California chardonnay (on sale for $12.99) seems too good to be true. That said, it deserves a look, and I think this chardonnay will have broad appeal for anyone who likes a glass of balanced wine with the richness of the California sun, a touch of lemon-lime, peach, and a dollop of caramel and toasted oak. It’s a bargain if you prefer the standard, entry-level style.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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05 March 2025
89PTS
Bermejos Listan Negro Maceración Carbonica 2021
Canary Islands, SpainLos Bermejos is headed by pioneering winemaker Ignacio Valdera. Lanzarote is the farthest east of the seven main islands of the Canaries, closest to Africa, and is the driest and hottest of the group, as it lacks the mountainous terrain that dominates the others. As such, the winds are intense, and vines need to be planted in small 2m deep hoyos, or holes, in order to survive. This is organically farmed Listán Negro, native to the islands, and untouched by phylloxera. It is carbonically macerated in stainless before resting 5 months in French barrels, leaving tannins softly supple, and the sunripened darker purple and blue fruit (plum, blueberry) plumped and at the fore. A marine freshness carries this medium red through a pink peppercorn dusting on the finish. Drinking now.Prices:| BC | $48.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Quails' Gate Old Vines Foch 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaQuails' Gate's Old Vines Foch has a long production record back to 1978 and is a cult wine among many Quails' Gate fans. The style turned last year, shifting to a fresher version over the past's meaty, wet dog affairs. There's plenty of American oak here, and 16 months worth. On the palate, the fresh, juicy entry and bright acidity mix with coffee and black plums that fade into a soft finish. Still a wine that needs the richest menu to show its best. I like it with grilled lamb, roast pork or venison, or with mature cheese.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $27.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Rodney Strong Zinfandel Old Vines 2020
Sonoma County, California, United StatesThe 15 acres of old vine Russian River Valley Zin planted in 1904 remains from when Rodney Strong arrived in the 1970s. It gets small fruit additions today from the Alexander and Dry Creek Valleys. 2020 was a dry year across Sonoma, with shrinking berries and bunches enriching fruit concentration. Thus, it was the perfect weather for old vines. Look for peppery, black raspberry, jammy fruit that pervades its soft, round palate. A bit of coastal influence keeps it fresh and bright, balancing the mellow vanilla oak finish. The winery recommends serving this with spiced short ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, or a barbeque chicken pizza. I would add a strong, mature Italian cheese.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $28.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $27.95 | 750ml |
| US | $25.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Domaine Chignard Fleurie Les Moriers 2021
Fleurie, Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceEven after many successful years, 4th generation vigneron Michel Chignard claims to be a novice. This modest winemaker is an ardent defender of traditional Beaujolais methods, taking a minimalist approach. In 2007 Michel turned the family domaine over to his son Cédric, who is carrying on this philosophy. Les Moriers, an arrowhead-shaped parcel that juts right down into Moulin-à-Vent vines, is one of the top sites in Fleurie. Their 8 hectares of vineyards average over seventy years old, keeping yields naturally low. This was native fermented, with whole clusters left for 8-12 days before pressing, fermented in stainless and cement, and then aged in tank and foudres until bottling the following spring, unfined and unfiltered. So much white pepper infiltrates this charming red, seasoning early raspberry, summer rhubarb, and morello cherry. Acidity is crunchy, and tannins are furry fine. A gentle, pretty Fleurie, ready for anywhere, anytime.Prices:| QC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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04 March 2025
90PTS
Livio Felluga Pinot Grigio 2023
Friuli-Venezia Giulia, ItalyLivio Felluga is one of the most respected producers of Friuli, dedicating his life to reviving high-quality and sustainable viticulture in the hills of this north-eastern, Adriatic-influenced Italian countryside. He emigrated from Istria and established his property in Brazzano in the 1950s, buying up old, neglected vineyards and rejuvenating them. From marl and sandstone hills, this was macerated for a short time (hence the slightest copper hue and grip) before a stainless ferment and six months on lees. Perfumed pear skin, white blossoms, tangerine slide along the sleek, watery palate, with a gentle buzzy texture lingering through the saline finish. A gently confident grigio.Prices:| ON | $48.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Heaphy Pinot Gris 2023
Nelson, South Island, New ZealandThe Heaphy Gris is balanced at the edge of off dry as it carves a space for pinot gris inside a sea of sauvignon blanc. The decidedly cool Nelson region is home to this fragrant pear scented white full of ripe, juicy peach and apricot. It's fresh and full flavoured with a robustness that fades into a bright finish. Impressive. The winery thinks it pairs well with a Thai green chicken curry. It's a take out order I would make.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tommasi Pinot Grigio Le Rosse 2023
Verona, Veneto, ItalyThe younger, the better, with most Italian pinot grigio. This Tommasi label is a reliable, screwcap white that delivers a fresh, clean palate with fruit grown in the Verona area of Northern Italy. The aromas are a mix of lemons and grass with a hint of almonds and honey. The palate is similarly styled, with lean mineral, pear, and light leesy notes that finish medium long. A ready to drink wine perfect for local shellfish.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $24.99 | 750ml |
| NB | $24.00 | 750ml |
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