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Tastings: December 2024
20 December 2024
85PTS
Wild Goose Sauvignon Blanc 2023
British Columbia, CanadaWith fruit from the southern Okanagan and Similkameen, fermented and rested briefly in stainless, this is a sour, tart, and strangely smoked white, finishing somewhat bitter, sharp, and disjointed.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Seven Hills Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2021
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesFrom selected Columbia Valley vineyards dating back to 1972, this sauvignon blanc is splashed with 10% combined Semillon, Muscadelle, and Orange Muscat. It was fermented cool in stainless, with a small amount seeing time in 300 and 500L French barriques. Punchy and forward, this smacks you with brisk passionfruit, guava, and tart tangerine, zipping along the medium, lees-licked palate to a sherbet finish. If you like shier sauvignon, don't look here, but if you're after a racier style, look for this label.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Babich Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandThis classic white label sauvignon blanc sources sustainable grapes from across Marlborough, and is partially native fermented in stainless, where it sees no MLF, and remains on lees for a few months. Tart white grapefruit, gooseberry, melon glides along a bright, brief palate, finishing with a guava sherbet twist. Clean and bright, with energy to spare.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc Te Muna Road Vineyard 2023
Martinborough, Wairarapa, North Island, New ZealandOne of the benchmark sauvignon blancs of Martinborough (Wairarapa), Te Muna Road is mostly destemmed (8% whole bunch) and partially native fermented in a mix of stainless and French barriques (3% new). It rests for 3 months before bottling. Bright and beaming, this sings with passionfruit, lime zest, pink grapefruit, and kiwi, with a fine lees bed to give the 12.5% frame some weight. A zesty joy to drink.Prices:| BC | $31.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Little Engine Silver Sauvignon Blanc 2023
CanadaAn austere, tart sauvignon blanc that feels miles removed from the warmth of the 2023 vintage, this offers a combination of simple citrus and green fruits, with some hops, leading to a sharp, moderate finish. Aspirational pricing.Prices:| BC | $43.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wild Goose Sauvignon Blanc 2023
British Columbia, CanadaPractice makes perfect, and Wild Goose is beginning to find its footing in sauvignon blanc. This intriguing mix of ripe fruit and bright acidity is always a good thing for consumers who like sipping sauvignon before, during, and after dinner. This south Okanagan/Similkameen white is fermented and aged in stainless. The result is a bright, ripe fruit affair, pitching guava and sweet red apples with just enough acidity and herbaceousness to keep it balanced. Drink this one now and serve it with something spicy to best effect. Good value.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Little Engine Silver Sauvignon Blanc 2023
CanadaThis sauvignon blanc, fermented in 42% neutral oak barrels with lees for 4 months, shows a touch of reductive character on the nose and later reveals rather subdued aromas of lemon peel, green olives, sage, and white almond. On the palate, there’s more broadness than precision and focus, leading to a slightly pithy finish.Prices:| BC | $43.50 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Red Barn at Jagged Rock Lost Art Sémillon 2021
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe latest of Anthony Von Mandl's projects, Jagged Rock comes off the Black Sage Bench in the southern Okanagan. This sém was while cluster pressed and fermented and aged in concrete, affording it a creamy, subtly stony texture. On the herbal side of sém, this carries lemon thistle, white grapefruit, and desert sage along a tangerine base, finishing with a sour sherbet twist. Interesting work in project, this would be well suited to fragrant Thai curries now.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tyrrell's Hunter Valley Semillon 2022
Hunter, New South Wales, AustraliaFrom a selection of top Semillon vineyards around the Hunter Valley, predominantly dry grown, with an average vine age of 40 years. The wine was pressed and fermented in stainless, where it remained for a few months on lees. This is bright and sprightly on its feet at 11%, skipping lemongrass, lime pith, green apple along its light frame, slicked with a fine lees, and finishing with a grapefruit snap. Youthful and primed for cracking now, ideally with spring veg dishes.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
CedarCreek Platinum Naramata Bench Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFormer CedarCreek winemaker Taylor Whelan said, “Sauvignon Blanc has immense untapped potential in North Okanagan because of our climate and soils.” The latest 2023 Naramata version is a tightly wound sauvignon with some grassy, drying notes up front, followed by intense citrus, nettles, and a rich acidity that runs through the finish. Both flinty and mouth watering, it will attract extreme sauvignon blanc fans. Oysters, anyone?Prices:| BC | $42.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Grosgrain Skin Contact Sémillon 2022
Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesIn 2014, Matt and Kelly Austin left their careers as an attorney and fashion designer in California for a new life in the Pacific Northwest. After Matt returned to school to study enology and spent time working with several Washington wineries, they stumbled upon a small vineyard on the Southside of Walla Walla. Planted with uncommon varieties, these 5 acres became Grosgrain Vineyards, a winery dedicated to championing sustainable farming. From Walla Walla's Les Collines vineyard (French for foothills), this was 50% native fermented on skins for 10 days, with the other part pressed off. All was aged in 47% concrete egg, 23% clay amphora, 15% neutral oak, and 15% stainless. Though a slight 12%, this draws sém's weight across the palate, with medicinal tangerine, orchard pear, apricot fuzz, honeysuckle, and subtle beeswaxiness coating the mid palate, before a snappy finish. A gentle, subtle, and textural example, smart and fresh and true. New wave thinking from Walla Walla.Prices:| BC | $56.00 | 750ml |
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19 December 2024
88PTS
Chis Cielo Haurpe Chardonnay Reserva 2021
San Juan, ArgentinaThis is a fun, pure, clean, fresh edition of chardonnay from San Juan, Argentina. The attack is exciting, with bright tropical fruit led by mango, guava, kiwi, and pear. The style, while simple, is exotic and has a big mineral underside. A great start.Prices:| BC | $23.50 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Carmel Road Chardonnay 2023
Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesThis Monterey chardonnay is the perfect mix of 80% stainless steel fermented juice and 20% barrel fermented, aged in neutral French oak. The result is a much improved chardonnay compared to previous versions going back a decade or so. Its tangy peach with sweet lime notes has a delicate, lively mid-palate and a smooth, creamy texture that runs through the finish. There is just enough complexity here to lift this label above the ordinary and to over deliver for the price. Modern California is a good descriptor. Good value.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.49 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay Vintner's Reserve 2023
California, United StatesFinally, a screwcap has been introduced for the Kendall Jackson Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay, one of the best selling Chardonnay brands in the world. I have been requesting a screwcap for this wine for over two decades, but the company was hesitant to alter the success of their cork finished wine, citing concerns that the US market wasn't ready to embrace screw caps. Indeed, America is often referred to as the world's number one wine market, but when it comes to change it can be highly resistant. Kendall Jackson's winemaking has always been exceptional, but traditional cork closures carry the risk of cork taint, a mold found in cork fibres known as 2, 4, 6-Trichloroanisole (TCA). While TCA is harmless to ingest, it can ruin a vibrant, aromatic wine, making it smell like a wet dog or a flooded basement. Nowadays, it is an unnecessary risk, especially for a multimillion case brand and tens of millions of bottles that don’t need to be otherwise contaminated. Now for the review, and it’s straightforward: this is the best Vintner's Reserve ever, which is significant given the consistent value this chardonnay has provided its fans over the years. But moving to a screw cap has allowed the wine to recover the last and most delicate fruit and aromas that are shaved off an average corked finished bottle, taking it to new heights. I’m not sure if they can produce more Vintner's Reserve at this level of quality, but they should be prepared for the surge of women, the largest group of wine buyers in the world, to start reaching for VR Reserve under screw cap in more significant numbers because they have been systematically shunning wines that require them to operate a corkscrew for years.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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91PTS
Cambria Chardonnay Katherine's Vineyard 2022
Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesKatherine’s Vineyard, named for Katie Jackson, is located on the coastal Santa Maria Bench in Santa Barbara County. The property is typically fog covered and cool most mornings, providing a surface asset to match the underground fossilized seashells, shale, limestone, and sandy soils. The winery describes Katherine’s Chardonnay as an “ocean-influenced, single vineyard expression of refrigerated sunshine.” I love the style of this wine, rich in flavour yet fresh with intense citrus, ripe red apple, and tangerine with a drizzle of honey. Best of all is the bright mineral finish. This chardonnay is a mix of clones: 4 (75%), Wente, 76, and 96, primarily planted in the 1970s. The fermentation has been reduced to a 50/50 mix of stainless steel and barrel fermented juice. The former sees zero malolactic fermentation, while 50% of the barrel fermented juice goes through malolactic. All the wine is barrel aged on lees for five months in 18% new French oak.Prices:| BC | $33.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $31.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $38.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $38.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Siduri Chardonnay 2023
Sonoma County, California, United StatesCougar Ridge Vineyard is the primary source of this Sonoma County Chardonnay from a wild Alexander Mountain site, bringing a wide range of soils, elevations, and aspects at 650 feet above the valley floor. Its many geological variables give this wine some instant complexity, topped off by a cooler year with a rare late harvest that ran until Halloween. A dash of the floral orange blossom aromatic 809 clones from Matanzas Creek Vineyard in Bennett Valley helps lift this, offering juicy fruit and what they call “old-world finesse and minerality.” The palate is a refreshing mix of Meyer lemon tempered by baked apple pie and crust in the finish. I like its food friendly styling. This spends 10 months in 20% new French oak, a mix of used oak, and 5% remains in stainless steel tanks. The UCD 809 clone is part of a rich mix of clones 667, 777, Upper Barn, Old Wente, and Dijon clones 76 and 96.Prices:| BC | $38.99 | 750ml |
| US | $35.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Domaine Rolet L'étoile Chardonnay en Novalet 2022
Jura, FranceThis chardonnay is grown on the hills near Lons Le Saunier, with distinguished soils of grey blue marls and star shaped fossils called pentacrine, after which this small appellation was named. Their sloping plot, en Novalet, is located in the village of Planoiseau, in the eastern part of the L'étoile appellation. This is partial native fermented in barrique, where it ages for around 1 year before bottling. Tight, racy, and mineral driven, with a flick of flint kissing green apple, lemon pith and peel, and crushed stones, finishing with ample lingering salinity. Lovely texture and energy here.Prices:| ON | $44.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Quails' Gate Field and Flight Chardonnay 2023
United StatesThe owners of Quail’s Gate also own and operate a winery in California, which allowed them to get ahead of the game early on. This label was put together over the late summer and bottled in the fall after working with many chardonnay samples for California. The wine has decided on a BC bent as in a fresher, more interesting attack than many California introductory Chardonnay labels, no doubt a result of their extensive chardonnay prowess in West Kelowna. It is a definite step up from their US pinot gris offering. Look for fresh lemon and a clean palate with a leesy and creamy finish. Ready to drink, this is no muss no fuss chardonnay at a fair price. To be transparent the Quails’ Gate Field and Flight Chardonnay is NOT from BC, but you have to go to the back label to discover that the fruit was farmed in California.Prices:| BC | $26.51 | 750ml |
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89PTS
My Favorite Neighbor Chardonnay 2021
San Luis Obispo County, Central Coast, California, United StatesMFN is a full bodied American chardonnay grown at San Luis Obispo. The nose is a wash of baked apples, poached pears, and pastry aromas, and the palate is more of the same. It's not an overt style, and there is some acidity to counter the richness. Still, the style is reminiscent of the 1990s California chardonnay, unlike the more electric version we see here in Canada or Australia. It is ready to drink, and it slides down easily. This well made version will have broad appeal for those who are attracted to chardonnay's softer style.Prices:| BC | $66.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Lingua Franca Avni Chardonnay 2021
Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesAvni is Latin for stone, or rock, and a hallmark of the Willamette Valley. I love the complexity that begins with mineral and flinty notes intermingled with citrus and white florals, all electrified by some bright acid that belies the wine's barrel fermentation and aging regime. The palate is a delightful mix of pears, citrus, and green apples dusted in dried herbs with a kiss of vanilla and an extra creamy mouthfeel. Avni 2021 is made from various Willamette sites. However, most of the Dijon clone vines come off the shallow volcanic soils of the Lingua Franca Estate, with additions from volcanic vineyards in the Chehalem Mountains and Yamhill-Carlton, and old marine sediments in the Van Duzer Corridor. The fermentation is wild, and the juice is barrel fermented and aged in 21% new 600 litre puncheons, 16% in large wooden casks, and 63% old French oak barriques for 11 months. Then, in a classic Burgundian tightening technique, the wines return to stainless steel tanks for six months before bottling.Prices:| BC | $69.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $52.25 | 750ml |
| ON | $49.95 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Résonance Chardonnay 2021
Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesThe Résonance Willamette Valley Chardonnay is blend of sites that include estate fruit from Résonance and Découvert, and properties tended by like minded souls outside the home boundaries. Expect a golden colour, perhaps slightly darker than you are used to, that precedes a nose of floral blossoms led by lemon and oranges with a fresh hazelnut lees underside. The palate opens with fresh citrus and nuts, bright with minerality and excellent tension. Fresh and sophisticated, it slides down with ease and would be heavenly with a mushroom stuffed roast chicken. It is aged 15 months in 20% new French oak barrels, stainless steel tank, and concrete egg. Impressive.Prices:| BC | $73.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $69.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wente Morning Fog Chardonnay 2023
Livermore, San Francisco Bay, California, United StatesMorning Fog has been a consistently solid offering from the Livermore Valley that opens with green apple freshness born among the morning fog that drifts across the San Francisco Bay and pushes into the Livermore Valley. The fog is a sunscreen in the day and an acid fixer at night. Look for fresh floral, sweet cream, and buttery notes offset by fresher green apples and tropical pineapple with a splash of vanilla in the finish. I like this wine with West Coast Dungeness crab or a lemon stuffed roasted chicken.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.60 | 750ml |
| NS | $21.99 | 750ml |
| NB | $21.99 | 750ml |
| PEI | $22.99 | 750ml |
| NL | $22.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
CS Substance Chardonnay 2020
Columbia Valley, Oregon, United StatesCS stands for Charles Smith, a well known Washington vintner who caters to everyday consumers. 2020 was a terrific year in Washington, with everything ripening to perfection. His chardonnay is soft and round with a creamy, viscous palate and a solid dollop of buttery vanilla in the finish. It is a modern take on an older style of chardonnay that will have its fans. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $25.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $25.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.75 | 750ml |
| NB | $28.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Freeman Ryo-Fu Chardonnay 2021
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesRyo-fu is Japanese for cool breeze, a fitting name for this Russian River Valley Chardonnay shaped by the cooling winds sweeping in from the Pacific. This fruit comes from the Heintz Ranch and Dutton Ranch vineyards. Ripe and expansive on the palate, this is lit from beneath with shimmery stones propping up marzipan, white peach, grapefruit pith, and subtle toast. There's a welcome freshness and brightness courtesy of the RRV, though a touch too much flesh to make it as riveting as it could be.Prices:| US | $67.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Dumol Charles Heintz Vineyard Isobel Chardonnay 2021
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, United StatesFounded in 1996, DuMOL is a vineyard focused producer of cool climate Russian River Valley Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah, and Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from exceptional vineyards. Winemaker, viticulturist and partner Andy Smith has been at the helm of DuMOL's since 1999. 2021 is the 20th vintage of Sonoma Coast's Heintz Vineyard Chardonnay, and it's a striking one. This spent 11 months in 20% new French oak Cigare barrels followed by 5 months in tank. Powerful and structured, with juicy lemon, light toast, and subtle nougat holding confident across the expansive palate, held to attention by a shimmering acidity. Quite a polished wine, with many layers well interwoven, finishing with linger toast. Cali meets Meursault, this will age easily under Diam10 for a decade.Prices:| US | $80.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Walter Scott La Combe Verte Chardonnay 2022
Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesNamed for Green Valley of Willamette (La Combe Verde), this chardonnay comes From 5 vineyards including 3 volcanic Eola-Amity sites; old vines of Hyland Vineyard; and the sedimentary soils of iconic Freedom Hill. This was native fermented with full MLF in large barrels (25% new) with little bâtonnage, where it remained for 10 months before heading to bottle. Ample flint opens this svelte chardonnay, shaped by river stones and coursing with lemon and green apple. Taut acidity holds this at attention, and spires it through a lingering saline finish. Super smart, serious chardonnay.Prices:| USA | $35.00 | 750ml |
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18 December 2024
90PTS
Burrowing Owl Cabernet Franc 2022
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2022 Cabernet Franc came from their estate vineyards in Oliver and Osoyoos. The destemmed fruit was fermented and aged over 18 months in a mix of 80% French, 11% Hungarian, and 8% American oak, with 26% new wood. Ripe and dense, with mouth-filling cassis, wild blackberry, and toasted cedar. Tannins are firm, gritty, and bitter espresso dusted, which lingers on the warming, bitter cocoa finish. Needs some time to resolve, or better yet, a hearty cut of beef.Prices:| BC | $36.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $45.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $44.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Domaine de L'R Le Canal des Grands Pieces Chinon 2023
Chinon, Touraine, Loire, FranceThe R in Domaine de L'R signifies Rebirth, when Fred Sigonneau returned to his family's Chinon estate in 2007, 15 years after his father decided to stop making wines. This organic cab franc is rooted in the regions sandy gravels, and was aged 6 months in concrete before bottling. Lifted red currant, tart crunchy plum, scrubby rosemary is woven throughout this slighter, 12% wine, streaked with balsamic, and bedded with stones. Tannins are lightly nubby, and the finish is dusted with pink peppercorn. Ready for enjoying now.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Artakama Cabernet Franc 2022
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis natural cab franc comes off young vines in Stagg 1 vineyard in south Osoyoos. After a native ferment over 1 month, this was pressed into stainless for MLF before moving to neutral 500L French puncheons. It remained in puncheon (with a couple of rackings) until the following spring when it was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Opening with a spritz and a puff of reduction, this turns into downy bayberry, tart wild blackberry, fragrant plum wrapped with soft, furry tannins, finishing with an espresso grip on the snappy end. Take with a chill and a charcuterie platter.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Domaine du Mortier les Sables 2022
Bourgueil, Touraine, Loire, FranceThe Mortier brothers, Cyril and Fabien, make multiple cuvées reflecting the diversity of the domain’s terroirs. These include this introductory Les Sables, a soft and silky red named for the sandy soils over chalk they grow on. Certified organic, the entire lineup follows a similar path. The fruit is harvested manually in small crates and gently sorted. Depending on the cuvée, the berries are destemmed and fermented spontaneously and slowly in a cool cellar in stainless steel, concrete, or oak vats. The aging is in fruit preserving concrete and oak, 6-24 months, depending on the cuvée. The nose and attack are fresh with bright red berry, soft textures, and juicy black plum and cherry running the length of the palate before a bit of earthy minerality penetrates the finish. A young, fresh, and polished red for enjoying now.Prices:| BC | $31.99 | 750ml |
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17 December 2024
92PTS
Cantina del Pino Barbaresco 2019
Piedmont, ItalyThe Vacca family has been living and working the vines at Cantina del Pino, one of the oldest estates in Barbaresco, since the 1920s when Giuseppe Vacca, bought the property. Branching out from the legendary Produttori del Barbaresco Cooperative, Renato Vacca (the great grandson of Giuseppe Vacca) convinced his father, Adriano, to start their own label in 1997. In 2013, Renato's wife Franca joined the winery, and took over winemaking when Renato sadly passed in 2020. Subtle, wild cherry, dried raspberry, and espresso is lit with tart cranberry acidity, all wrapped in a tightly shaped, finely textured form. Fine, quite firm tannins pin in this wine to the orange rind finish. A bit strict at this point, though relaxes in the glass, and drinking quite smart now.Prices:| BC | $65.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Belle Colle Langhe Nebbiolo 2023
Piedmont, ItalyDOC Langhe Nebbiolo is a stepping stone to the bigger, more prosperous, more intense versions of nebbiolo, aka Barolo, from the same year. But there is Langhe Nebbiolo, and there is Langhe Nebbiolo. Belle Colle is one of those exceptions that goes the extra mile and takes the label closer to a Barolo than most. Look for fragrant violet and roses to mingle with fresh, ripe black cherries. The entry is charmingly soft and fresh, pitching more plums and raspberries amid soft, dusty, light tannins. There is no apparent dryness here, just a delicious, smashable red that, at a second glance, is probably more deserving of serious study, but why bother? A solid effort from a challenging year in Piemonte that is ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $38.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Fontanafredda Barolo Serralunga D'Alba 2019
Serralunga, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyFrom a stellar vintage in 2019, this is a label you can depend on, and given the year, it is one that will keep easily for 10-15 years. The Serralunga label first appeared in 1988, celebrating the terroir of Serralunga and its ability to produce elegant wines. The nose is a classic red plum affair streaked with leather, earth and truffle. Freshness and finesse mark a wine that the sommelier and collectors mostly underrate because production is significant. Still, it meets the grade for affordable, high quality Barolo. Meat and cheese are the traditional matches, but boeuf bourguignon, Nasi Goreng, and smoked meats would all work outside the box. An excellent gift for young collectors.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $45.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $49.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $45.99 | 750ml |
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16 December 2024
92PTS
Castello di Monsanto Chianti Classico 2020
Tuscany, ItalyWe had a range of styles of Chianti Classico on the tasting bench, but it doesn't get more classic than this. Dried cherry is intertwined with sandalwood, dried herbs, and lavender, with a purity of fruit that elevates this from the crowd. The palate is beautifully proportioned and structured, balancing firm grained tannins with elevated fruit concentration and integrated, crisp acidity that brings levity to the sapid finish. You can drink this now, but there's absolutely no rush. Recommended, and very good value.Prices:| BC | $48.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $39.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Famiglia Zingarelli Rocca delle Macie Chianti Classico Riserva 50th Anniversary 2020
Florence, Tuscany, ItalyMade in a flinty, reductive style, very much on trend if atypical for Chianti, this slowly reveals bright red cherry and strawberry that's lifted by rose petals. It's a sleek, modern wine with juicy acidity and carefully managed tannins that feels almost Burgundian in character. Boy, there's a lot here for the price and I bet it's a sneaky cellar candidate, too.Prices:| BC | $30.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $24.75 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Gabbiano Cavaliere d'Oro Riserva Chianti Classico 2018
Tuscany, ItalyThis is surprisingly evolved, with mushroom, earth, and leather over top of lifted dried red cherry fruit. The palate is similarly developed, with a resolved character to the tannins. The fading fruit suggests this is starting to exit its drinking window, with an oxidative note that lingers on the finish.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Cecchi Chianti Classico Storia di Famiglia 2021
Tuscany, ItalyA pure, cherry fruited Chianti Classico, fresh and fruit driven, with a touch of savoury balsamic and herbs. It's juicy, almost tart, with fine grained, present tannins. Very much a wine to pair with tomato based pasta dishes.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Lamole di Lamole Lareale Chianti Classico Riserva 2019
Greve, Florence, Tuscany, ItalyThe wine is deep red to black in colour, and its aroma features a delightful floral bouquet accompanied by wild berries and the characteristic savoury hints of underbrush. Rather than being heavy, it presents a fresh and complex mineral character that piques interest. Additionally, vegans will be pleased to know that it pairs wonderfully with oven-baked vegetable dishes. Technically, Lamole di Lamole originates from the commune of Greve. The grapes are cultivated at altitudes ranging from 470 to 655 meters above sea level in sandstone with inserts of galestro (a schistous clay) and alberese (limestone). An optical sorter selects the best berries for the Sangiovese/Canaiolo Nero blend. The wine is then aged in 30-50 hectoliter casks for a minimum of two years before the final blending and bottling.Prices:| BC | $35.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Famiglia Zingarelli Rocca delle Macie Chianti Classico Riserva 50th Anniversary 2020
Florence, Tuscany, ItalyThe first whiff of this Chianti Classico Riserva might make you tilt your head. The initial aromas sit somewhere between Brett and reduction, with smoky rubber and a hint of sulphur. It takes some time for those notes to dissipate. Beneath them, however, lies beautiful juicy red cherry and plum, mingled with the wine's wild, gamey nature. On the palate, the tannins of this 4 year old wine remain firm and sinewy, providing a nice backbone alongside vibrant acidity.Prices:| BC | $30.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $24.75 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Famiglia Zingarelli Tenuta Fizzano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2020
Tuscany, ItalyThis Gran Selezione is a historic Zingarelli cru that is a collection of grapes from the Il Crocino vineyard composed of four parcels, located in the highest part of the hill facing south/southwest where the land is rich in sand, gravel and calcium. It has the volume you expect for its moniker but remains true to the Chianti Classico style. It is just beginning to blossom with fragrant flowers mixed with mint and earth. On the palate, dark, plummy fruit with black cherries and a touch of walnut all come together to present a richly styled Chianti with a decade of life ahead. The blend is always around 90% sangiovese with varying amounts of colorino, and the vines are now 25 years old. The winemaking is simple with aging in French oak barrels of 25 hectoliters for 18-22 months, while a small portion (10%) matures in new tonneaux for several months, followed by a year of bottle aging.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $45.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $49.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $32.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Marchesi Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva Tenuta Tignanello 2021
Tuscany, ItalySince 2011, the Riserva Marchese Antinori has come from the same carefully tended vineyard that spawns the noted Super Tuscan, Tenuta Tignanello. The 90/5/5 sangiovese / cabernet sauvignon / merlot blend has improved yearly, responding to lower yields and the impeccable Antinori winemaking regime. In 2021, a year some have called a once in a century vintage, the wine is sensational, led by an inviting nose of red and blue fruit, violets, minerals, and a savoury, earthy dried herb undercurrent. On the palate, black plums and ripe red cherries lead the charge, flecked with spices and tobacco. The tannins are ripe and sweet, punctured by a salty mineral finish. There is no rush to drink this wine. It will only improve through 2030 and beyond. Stock up the cellar.Prices:| BC | $69.90 | 750ml |
| ON | $56.59 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Gabbiano Cavaliere d'Oro Riserva Chianti Classico 2018
Tuscany, ItalyWith its ruby garnet hue, this 6 year old Chianti Classico offers a somewhat developed nose of prunes and dates blended with five spices, sarsaparilla, and cinnamon. Smooth and concentrated on the palate, the acidity is softened while warming alcohol makes its presence felt. Drinking well now, this wine is not expected to evolve positively further.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.95 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Mazzei Ser Lapo Chianti Classico Riserva 2020
Tuscany, ItalyThe Ser Lapo Chianti Classico Riserva celebrates the Mazzei ancestor who penned the first official document mentioning Chianti in 1398. The label is unique, held together with a wax seal, inviting you to open and view illustrations by young Florentine artists hidden within. This sangiovese is splashed with 10% merlot, coming off the Cornia and Caggiolo vineyards' clay, limestone, and albarese. This aged one year in small French barrels, 50% new. Fragrant wild cherries, black raspberries rule this elegant and finessed red, threaded with scrubby herbs, supple leather, and flake salt. Tannins are long and lightly grippy, reminiscent of Assam tea, pinning this finely structural red to a lingering saline finish.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Cecchi Chianti Classico Storia di Famiglia 2021
Tuscany, ItalyA friendly Chianti Classico with bright red berry, complemented by hints of herbs and tomato leaf. The medium bodied palate is approachable, though the straightforward finish reveals slightly green tannins.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Castello di Monsanto Chianti Classico 2020
Tuscany, ItalyThis classic Chianti Classico, with four years of age, unfurls layer by layer, revealing wild thorny berries, sun-dried tomatoes, licorice, dried oregano, cloves, and forest floor, all lifted by a drop of balsamic. On the palate, juicy, ripe red fruit is framed by tangy, vibrant acidity and fine grained tannins, delivering a refined elegance. The finish is long, savoury, and salivating.Prices:| BC | $48.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $39.99 | 750ml |
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13 December 2024
91PTS
Mayhem Anarchy Merlot 2022
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Anarchist Mountain Vineyard in Osoyoos, this merlot (with 5% cabernet franc) is all about richness and intensity. Aged 18 months in French oak (38% new), the oak takes centre stage for now, giving the wine its structure, while dark plum, blueberry, and graphite minerality set the tone. Bottled unfined and unfiltered, it’s dense, rich, and unapologetically bold. Just released, the oak looms large at the moment, but with time, the wine’s potential for balance and depth may emerge.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Mayhem Anarchy Merlot 2022
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIf you haven't been paying attention to Mayhem, now is the time to tune in. What I've tasted this year has impressed across the board, but winemaker Ajay Chavan really shines with the Anarchy tier. This is Okanagan merlot at its best. It's a full throttle, extracted style, but it works with the lush Osoyoos fruit from Anarchist Mountain Vineyard. Expect dark plum, macerated cherries, and thorny blueberries, with chocolate and sweet oak spice (38% new French oak) that works just about perfectly with the fruit. It's dense and youthful, with firm grained tannins, but this is a blockbuster to lay down and revisit in 5-7 years.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Township 7 Provenance Series Merlot 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2022 combines two vineyards: the rich, rocky soils from the North Oliver Bench Blue Terrace Vineyard; and Dwight and Arnie Gash's Remuda Vineyard in Okanagan Falls. Post ferment, it is 18 months of aging in American and French oak barrels. The attack is merlot plush with bright black cherry and black plum, with perfectly managed dense sweet tannins and notes of tobacco, baking chocolate, and vanilla in the finish. This is well balanced and fresh, and it should improve over the next three to five years.Prices:| BC | $29.97 | 750ml |
| AB | $28.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Nk'Mip Cellars Qwam Qwmt Merlot 2020
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaQQ2 opens with an aromatic desert scrub note with a mix of florals and licorice. The palate is merlot lush with juicy black and blue fruit, including plums, cocoa, cedar, and beef jus.. Some structural linear notes from the tannins have yet to disperse, but this should be an excellent bottle by 2026. The finish is long, and more oak is pitching at the moment, but that too will recede. Classic South Okanagan richness and charm.Prices:| BC | $37.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Burrowing Owl Merlot 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2022 growing season had a little bit of everything, but in the end, it was a favourable year for the grapes. The BOV merlot came off estate vineyards in Oliver and Osoyoos throughout the latter part of October. Both free run and pressed are aged for 14 months and 14% new wood, primarily French oak (77%), with a splash of Hungarian and American oak barrels to round out the aging. In the glass, it opens with muted black and red fruit with some oak poking through, as well as a savoury desert scrub note. The texture is merlot, which is ripe and a non-issue. It has that South Okanagan boldness of blue and red fruits with just the right amount of tempering to work well with food. Beef or mushrooms would be the match today.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $34.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Van Westen Vineyards Vivre la Vie Merlot 2020
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVivre la Vie tells the story of the Naramata Bench, a mid-valley bench with a cool, lean side that can be transformative for the right grape varieties, namely syrah, cabernet franc, and this merlot. Vivre has never been on the plush side and true to form in a big year like 2020. It is more about freshness and fruit purity. The style is Bordeaux-like lean, opening with black plum, espresso, and violet. On the palate, it floats along with bright freshness and perfectly balanced red and black fruit with some yet to disperse sticky tannins. Complex, long, and savoury, this is a wine to contemplate and to serve with rich foods.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Phoenix Merlot 2022
British Columbia, CanadaThe Phoenix Merlot is a mix of Similkameen and Okanagan fruit, taking Corcelettes outside its all Similkameen estate releases. The nose is a mix of cedar and milk chocolate that spills onto the palate and finishes dry and fresh. At this point, the oak and cedar notes dominate the fruit, leaving me wanting a bit more merlot texture and plush fruit. Drink now with barbecued ribs or burgers.Prices:| BC | $22.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Corcelettes Merlot 2022
Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is an extracted, oak influenced style of merlot that needs at least a few years in the cellar to come together. The fruit speaks to the Similkameen: wild berries, sage, and gravel, framed by graphite and toasted oak spice. Firmly structured, you can imagine it all coming together in 5-7 years. For now, it needs a big decanter and an even bigger steak.Prices:| BC | $32.90 | 750ml |
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12 December 2024
94PTS
Château Pesquié Ascensio 2020
Ventoux, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceThere was no 2019 Ascensio made, but 2020 was a much more favourable vintage, bringing the single vineyard wine back into the rotation. What a bottle it is. Its name celebrates the tradition of the ascent of Mont Ventoux, which goes back to the XIV century. Ascensio is produced in tiny quantities (less than 3000 bottles), from exceptional vintages, from 50-80-year-old grenache vines. Ascensio is all about the power and attraction of fully ripe grenache mixed with 5% syrah. The colour is red and black, and the nose is an intense rush of black raspberries, dark plums, licorice, minerals, and garrigue. This is a blockbuster grenache but with a fresh and vibrant undercurrent. It is just a baby, but you can drink it now. I advise waiting five to six years before you open the next bottle. Perfect for bœuf bourguignon, venison, duck confit, or more simply grilled sausages. The fruit is farmed manually, and all treatments and composts used in the vineyard are organic. The fermentation occurs in stainless steel, but the aging occurs in a mix of stainless steel tanks, 600 and 300-litre French oak barrels, and concrete.Prices:| BC | $110.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $94.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $98.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $95.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Château Pesquié Edition 1912m 2022
Ventoux, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceÉdition 1912m honours Mont Ventoux, standing 1912 meters above the sea, and is said to be the last real mountain of the Alps chain, commonly referred to as the Giant of Provence. This is the fifth edition of this label as it continues to find its place in the Pesquié lineup. The style is approachable, a mix of peppery red fruits dusted in the native savoury garrigue grown 300-400 metres above sea level on clay with small amounts of sand. The palate presents supple and juicy with strawberry/black cherry fruits lifted by violets and minerals. The blend is a 70/30 mix of grenache with syrah with traces of cinsault and carignan. The vinification is in stainless and concrete tanks for fifteen days, and none of the wine sees oak. We like it with meaty pizzas, but it will also perform well with charcuterie, meat pies, empanadas or a classic ratatouille.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.45 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Château Pesquié Artemia 2021
Ventoux, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceOver the last three decades, Ventoux has emerged from the shadows to become a respected Rhône appellation, and no one has done more globally to enhance that reputation than the multi-generational Chaudière family. Now, under the direction of brothers Paul and Fred Chaudière, with the help of many hands, they farm 100 hectares on the slopes of Mont Ventoux, where the vines are grown organically and certified Demeter biodynamic. The cuvée comes off two sloping sites: a grenache vineyard on a small patch of stony limestone 400+ metres above sea level and the syrah vineyard clinging to the hillside at 340 meters on alluvial soils. Yields are wonderfully low from 20-25hl/ha, resulting in highly concentrated wines. The fruit is fermented in oak vats and aged 18 months in 1/3 600 litre oak barrels, 1/3 smaller French oak barriques, and the remainder in concrete. The blend of 80/20 syrah/grenache gets your immediate attention. The syrah is more Northern Rhône than Southern, pitching vibrant red and black fruit dusted in garrigue, white pepper, and bacon. Young and fresh, this is going nowhere for the next five to six years, expanding all the while in the bottle. Look for this in private wine shops only. Presumably, it offers too much value for money sold in government stores.Prices:| BC | $55.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $52.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $64.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $43.75 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Château Pesquié Quintessence Rouge 2021
Sud de France, FranceIt’s year 32 for Quintessence Rouge, a label highlighting the notion of exception and concentration that goes into this cuvée. 2021 was a softer, easier year in the Rhone, but at Ventoux, the crop was hit by frost, and while the yields were down, the grapes that survived came to the winery with acceptable intensity and concentration. Like the ’19, you get power with balance and a welcomed freshness. Look for a spread of black fruits and olives with some toasted oak and that Rhone spice or garrigue originating in the wild scrublands. Think Osso Buco, duck confit or Tandori chicken. A single vineyard 80/20 blend of syrah/grenache from selected plots of 50+-year-old, south-facing vines gives this wine all the gravitas it needs. Post-fermentation, the blend is aged twelve to fifteen months in barrels (40% in new oak). It is a fine example of how a southern Rhone, at altitude, can give off some northern Rhone notes, namely acidity (minerality, freshness and florals).Prices:| BC | $31.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $29.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $24.95 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Château Pesquié Silica Rouge 2021
Ventoux, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceThe 21 blend is a 95/10 grenache/cinsault of 80-85-year-old vines planted over sandy soil mixed with limestone gravel and silica. The vines have been Demeter-certified since 2015. The vinification is carried out in concrete eggs and concrete tanks using native yeasts before the wine is aged 12 to 15 months in a 75/25 mix of 600l oak and a cement egg before bottling. The concrete eggs have enhanced the salinity and floral notes in the wine and seem to make the textures silkier. It is still a big grenache red with black cherries, raspberries, and white pepper leading the way, pitching both power and finesse. The mouthfeel brings to mind the elegance of Burgundy wines. It is a "wow" red that will benefit from 3 to 5 years of cellaring to reach its full potential. Think lamb chops, beef stews, or root vegetable terrine. Silicon is a natural element found in sandstone, clay, and granite and is plentiful in the earth’s crust. It has been recently classified as a quasi-essential”, or beneficial element for agriculture. It plays a vital part in biodynamic treatments because of its significant benefits on crops. As a tribute, the Chaudière family has named this single vineyard wine, with an abundance of silicon, Château Pesquié Silica Rouge.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $52.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $64.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $59.75 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Château Pesquié Ventoux Terrasses Rouge 2022
Ventoux, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceThe Pesquié Terrasses Rouge ticks many buy boxes. It grows at an altitude of roughly 300 metres on a mix of 30-year-old estate vines on the slopes at the foot of Mount Ventoux. The soils are stony limestone with iron oxide, sands, and clays. The property is certified organic, and the farming and winemaking techniques are Demeter-certified biodynamic. The blend is 60/35 grenache/syrah with a mix of local varieties that, post-ferment, are aged for several months in stainless steel and cement. The nose is a black raspberry, cherry, and mulberry affair that spills onto the palate. There is also an attractive stony mineral underside that stiffens a fresh finish. There is excellent value here, something quickly fading among the best Rhône labels. Think of pizzas, kebabs, charcuterie, vegetable pies, and terrines. In the end, this Ventoux blend combines the richness of the South and the firmness and restraint of the North. Pesquie is now in its 4th generation of growing under the direction of brothers Alexandre and Frederic Chaudiere.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.29 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.55 | 750ml |
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11 December 2024
90PTS
Painted Rock Chardonnay 2023
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOnly 30% of the 2023 chardonnay underwent malolactic fermentation, which is just about the sweet spot in my estimation for BC chardonnay made south of Kelowna. This is evident in this wine's bright, fresh character. The fruit is pleasingly ripe, pitching lemons and tropical melons that fill the mid-palate with some help from lees and early morning bakery scents. Dry and clean, this wine has had some light bitter notes in the finish, but they are gone this year. Bravo to that and the new complexity. The chardonnay was a hand harvested blend of the three clones from Painted Rock’s single vineyard site. Post ferment, 80% was aged for 6 months in oak (55% was new French oak), and the remaining 20% was held in stainless steel. This wine sells out instantly every year, but you can look for it in private wine shops and restaurants.Prices:| BC | $44.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Little Engine Gold Chardonnay (Half Bottle) 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMuch like 2020, this rich chardonnay marries the acidity and cool Okanagan nights with some long, warm 16-17 hour long summer days, creating the impossible: a cool climate California chardonnay. Peaches, honey, and a rich, weighty, dense palate with a citrus vanilla ending are as big as they get for a Naramata chardonnay. Think California with a Canadian update. The Gold Chardonnay fruit, clones 95 and 548, are all Naramata Bench grown on three estate vineyards and harvested from late September to mid October. The aim is to pick for flavour complexity with bright acidity. Fermentations are long and cool using a variety of yeasts in French oak barrels, where some barrels undergo partial or complete malolactic fermentation, adding richness to the texture. The wine is aged 17 months on lees in a final mix of 27% new French oak barriques and puncheons (down from 53% in 2020) and 2nd and 3rd fill barrels.Prices:| BC | $31.50 | 375ml |
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91PTS
Liquidity Atelier Chardonnay 2022
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe artisanal or Atelier chardonnay opens with a refreshing citrus lees nose with a mineral underside and brushing of French oak. For lack of a better description, it is more Burgundian than New World on the palate, with a cool green apple entry, and a balanced spare mid-palate with a subtle but richer texture that carries the even from the front to the back of the palate. I like this wine, but $80 is a stretch at this point.Prices:| BC | $80.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
CedarCreek Platinum Jagged Rock Chardonnay 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaJagged Rock is a very special site, as evidenced by the quality chardonnay that comes from this vineyard in the warm South Okanagan. Look for a bright citrus and honey scented nose streaked with green apples and a leesy brioche note on the back end. On the palate, the theme continues with plenty of intensity and length, with citrus and toasted oak finish sitting over bright acidity. Technically, the organic fruit is fermented in French oak barriques with natural yeast, spending 10 months in oak and 6 months in stainless steel to tighten the wine before bottling.Prices:| BC | $44.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Phoenix Chardonnay 2023
British Columbia, CanadaCorcelettes Winery has gone outside the Similkameen Valley to make its Phoenix Wines, and this chardonnay is the first we have seen. It hails from the southern entrance to the Narmata Bench from King Vineyard. It's fermented in 100% concrete, giving it a fresh, vibrant vibe with fully ripe fruit at a moderate 12.7 percent alcohol. The nose is an orchard fruit bomb of lemons, melons, green apples, and peaches that spill onto a well-balanced creamy palate of more of the same with just enough acidity to keep it fresh. It is easy to sip and very pleasing right down to its mineral finish. This showed well at the National Wine Awards, garnering a solid silver at a bargain price. Ready to drink now. The winery says it is perfect when paired with sushi, butter chicken, or BBQ shrimp skewers.Prices:| BC | $22.90 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Blue Mountain Blossom Slope Chardonnay Single Vineyard Block 17 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBlock 17 Blossom Slope Chardonnay faces to the west, giving the 32 year old vines (planted to clones 76, 95, and 96) a warm home in a relatively cool climate. The Okanagan Falls soils are coarse and loamy sand that have proven well suited to chardonnay, creating a more structured mineral-based wine. The nose mixes orchard blossom scents, hence the label moniker. On the palate, lemon and wet stone flavours lose little intensity to 18 months of barrel aging but instead put on a bit of weight, spice, and roundness. It makes it attractive for many who like a bit of brightness and richness in their 13% alcohol chardonnay. Technically, the wine growing is detailed but straightforward. There is manual thinning and crop yields are low. All the fruit is hand harvested, whole cluster pressed, and fermented with native yeast. The finished wine spends 18 months in new to three year old French oak barrels. And in the end, it's racked off his fine lees and sent to bottle.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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10 December 2024
90PTS
Champagne Collet Esprit Blanc de Noirs Premier Cru NV
Champagne, FranceWhite from Black (grapes) describes this The Blanc de Noirs Premier Cru of pinot noir (85%) and pinot meunier (15%) from 10 villages. It is a 50/50 split of Grand Cru and Premier Cru fruit. The nose leads with vibrant apples, nectarines, and clementines, along with streaks of red fruits. The Collet sheen of creamy, tiny bubbles inflates its crunchy green apple, citrus, and saline minerality. This is a solid bubble well suited to appetizers like smoked salmon, cream cheese and caviar, or freshly shucked West Coast oysters. This is aged in the cellar for 36 months. Champagne Collet was among the first cooperatives to open after World War I, founded in Aÿ by 20 growers, including a Collet family member, Raoul Collet. Today, the 850 member co-op is a well regarded purveyor of bubbles, albeit a tiny one at only one million bottles annually in a sea of 300 million bottles across the AOC. The best Grand Cru and Premier Cru rated grapes go into the Collet labels. The average age of the vines is 25 years. They are planted to a density of 8000 vines/ha, yielding 66 hl/ha.Prices:| CDN | $99.00 | 750ml |
| US | $47.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Champagne Collet Esprit Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru NV
Champagne, FranceA white from whites is my favourite style of champagne, and Collet has no problem getting the style right by pursuing elegance above all other factors. Tiny bubbles, creamy textures, and subtle fruit are the keys to this Blanc de Blancs, made only from chardonnay grown in Premier and Grand Cru vineyards. The tiny bubbles, as mentioned, is a Collet theme that persists from start to finish. The nose is a lemon-lime affair with ginger and toasted almond. The palate is all about balance and finesse, supporting more citrus, pastry, and saline notes with a strong mineral finish, which gives this wine its story. Caviar complements the wine perfectly, taking on the acid and freshness before the finish cleans it away with the next sip. Stock up.Prices:| CDN | $97.00 | 750ml |
| US | $52.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Collet Brut Rosé NV
Champagne, FranceCollet Brut Rosé is a mix of 20 Crus from the Premiers and Grands Crus of Champagne. The mix is 50% pinot noir, 40% chardonnay, and 10% pinot meunier, aged up to 48 months, with 20% reserve wines. Look for a bright pink/orange colour that opens with an intense floral nose morphing into tangerine and red fruit, flecked with flint and mineral. Soft, round, and creamy on the entry, the tiny bubbles enhance its inviting raspberries, peach, and cassis flavours, with a hint of baking spice on the palate. Supple, silky, and surprisingly elegant, this is fun to sip. You can serve this as an aperitif, but it has the flavour structure to be on the dinner table served with lobster or chicken. Collet was among the first cooperatives to open after World War I, founded in Aÿ by 20 growers, including a Collet family member, Raoul Collet. Today, the 850 member co-op is a well regarded purveyor of bubbles, albeit a tiny one at only one million bottles annually in a sea of 300 million bottles across the AOC. The best Grand Cru and Premier Cru rated grapes go into the Collet labels. The average age of the vines is 25 years. They are planted to a density of 8000 vines/ha, yielding 66 hl/ha.Prices:| CDN | $99.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Collet Brut Art Deco Premier Cru NV
Champagne, FranceBrut Art Deco Premier Cru is a hand selected assembly of fruit from seven Grands Crus and thirteen Premiers Crus in a 40/40/10 ratio of chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot meunier that spends a minimum of 48 months in the bottle at Collet’s ancient limestone cellars. It has a bright appearance with a persistent mousse of highly refined tiny bubbles and attractive white flower and citrus peel. On the palate, quince, apple and pear stream through a subtle smoke and saline finish. So delicious and good value, too. Veal carpaccio is a winery suggestion, and I think it would be at home with a roasted wild bird. Collet was among the first cooperatives to open after World War I, founded in Aÿ by 20 growers, including a Collet family member, Raoul Collet. Today, the 850 member co-op is a well regarded purveyor of bubbles, albeit a tiny one at only one million bottles annually in a sea of 300 million bottles across the AOC. The best Grand Cru and Premier Cru rated grapes go into the Collet labels. The average age of the vines is 25 years. They are planted to a density of 8000 vines/ha, yielding 66 hl/ha.Prices:| AB | $76.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $65.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Champagne Collet Esprit de Couture Brut 2015
Champagne, FranceEsprit Couture is a hommage to tradition, produced entirely by hand. Only the best crus make it to the blend of 50/40/10 pinot noir, chardonnay, and pinot meunier that, after fermentation in oak, is aged 5 to 7 years in the heart of Collet's limestone centuries old cellars. The Couture moniker begins with a stylishly striking ridged bottle that is hard to resist on looks alone. Inside, the tiny persistent bubbles are all style, lifting this elegant expression of terroir from the glass to your palate. Subtle fruity notes introduce you to nectarine skin, yellow plums, and brioche. The entry is silky and persistent throughout the finish. The rich, spicy undercarriage of toasted almonds, saline, and tree fruits display what is mature, ready to drink champagne. Collet restored its production facilities in 2004 at Oger and considerably expanded all of that in 2011. Today, the site has a storage capacity of 27 million bottles and the most modern equipment, placing it at the level of some of Champagne’s largest and most famous producers.Prices:| CDN | $295.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Ulysse Collin Rosé de Saignée Les Maillons NV
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceThe Collin family's winemaking roots in Congy can be traced back for generations, dating back to 1812. Current generation Olivier Collin reclaimed the family vineyards, which had been leased out to Pommery, in 2003, after years of working to break the lease. He turned the near 9 hectare estate into organic viticulture, and ushered in the start of the label Ulysse Collin, one of the stars of the grower champagne movement. Their three vineyards are located in the Coteaux du Petit Morin, and Côteaux du Sézannais. Olivier's time working with Anselme Selosse can be seen in the low-intervention winemaking, and use of large foudres and 225L barrels. In a frosted bottle, this saignée method rose is from pinot noir of Les Maillons, in Sézannais. The deep salmon / cherry hue is from 24 hours on skins. This was all from 2017, and spent 36 months sur lattes before disgorge with a very low dosage. Perfumed cherry, pomegranate, and raspberry fill the core, lined with meringue, and bedded with crushed stones. This textural, savoury wine runs long and saline, vibrating along the finish. Surprising amount of finesse for saignée, which is not easy to achieve with champagne.Prices:| QC | $145.00 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Champagne Ulysse Collin Les Roises Blanc de Blancs NV
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceThe Collin family's winemaking roots in Congy can be traced back for generations, dating back to 1812. Current generation Olivier Collin reclaimed the family vineyards, which had been leased out to Pommery, in 2003, after years of working to break the lease. He turned the near 9 hectare estate into organic viticulture, and ushered in the start of the label Ulysse Collin, one of the stars of the grower champagne movement. Their three vineyards are located in the Coteaux du Petit Morin, and Côteaux du Sézannais. Olivier's time working with Anselme Selosse can be seen in the low-intervention winemaking, and use of large foudres and 225L barrels. This BdB is from older vine massale selection chardonnay from Cogny, in the Petit Morin, facing south. My bottle was base 2015, with 40% reserve wines from same plot. After 48 months sur lattes, this was disgorged in March 2020. Smouldering red fruit, crushed florals, toast, and pencil shavings are woven with crushed flint and ample flake salts, which linger on the long finish. Powerful.Prices:| QC | $175.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Champagne Ulysse Collin Les Enfers Blanc de Blancs NV
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceThe Collin family's winemaking roots in Congy can be traced back for generations, dating back to 1812. Current generation Olivier Collin reclaimed the family vineyards, which had been leased out to Pommery, in 2003, after years of working to break the lease. He turned the near 9 hectare estate into organic viticulture, and ushered in the start of the label Ulysse Collin, one of the stars of the grower champagne movement. Their three vineyards are located in the Coteaux du Petit Morin, and Côteaux du Sézannais. Olivier's time working with Anselme Selosse can be seen in the low-intervention winemaking, and use of large foudres and 225L barrels. Les Enfers is a plot in Petit Morin's Congy, on clay soils. This bottle was based on 2016, with 20% reserve wines from the same plot, and was disgorged in February 2022, after 60 months on lees, with 2 g/L dosage. Wafts of oxidative notes lead this toasty, structured, and textural BdB, with lemon curd, baked and fresh green apple, hazelnuts, and flake salts which linger on the finish. A powerful showing.Prices:| QC | $162.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Champagne Emile Leclere Brut Nature NV
Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, FranceChampagne Emile Leclere was founded in 1832, and is today run by 5th generation siblings Vincent and Marie. Based in Mardeuil, near Épernay, they own 12 hectares of vineyards, primarily pinot meunier, chardonnay, and pinot noir. 30% of their holdings are from the far west of the Vallée de la Marne, in Château-Thierry. This cépage is the same as their Brut Reserve (80% Pinot Meunier and 20% Chardonnay), though with zero dosage. It is fermented in stainless, and spends 3 years sur lattes prior to release. My bottle was base 2019 with reserves from 2018, disgorged in fall 2023. Tight white flowers, lemon blossom, sherbet leads a bright, lightly creamy palate, finishing with a candied lemon twist. Friendly and approachable for drinking now.Prices:| QC | $42.25 | 750ml |
| ON | $56.95 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Champagne Frédéric Savart Bulle de Rosé Vielles Vignes NV
Montagne de Reims, Champagne, FranceSituated 10 km west of Reims, Champagne, Frédéric Savart is based in the village of Ecueil, just 10km from Reims. Continuing from his father's work with their 'laboratory of terroirs,' Frédéric Savart has made the 4-hectare property his own, and has become one of the superstars of the Grower Champagne movement. This Rosé blends 65% pinot noir, 30% chardonnay, and 5% still red wine from Écueil. It was dosed in October 2023 with 3.5 g/L. Finely boned and structural, with a finely raspy texture streaming wild raspberry, cherry, meringue, chalk across a savoury, stony base. The finish lingers with salinity and cherry blossoms. Confident and memorable, this structural, finessed rosé is drinking beauty now, and with time ahead. 9402 bottles produced.Prices:| QC | $226.75 | 750ml |
| ON | $185.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Thierry Fournier Blanc de Blancs 2018
Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, FranceJulien and his brother Maxime took the helm of their family estate in Neuville in Festigny, Vallée de la Marne, in 2020. It was their father, Thierry, who began the winery in 1983. Now the 4th and 5th generation of growers now oversees 45 plots across 11 villages. This BdB comes from their top parcels in Rive Gauche, and was fermented in stainless with full MLF. It was disgorged in December 2022 with 4 g/L. Deep lemon, patisserie, and wet chalk lead this creamy wine, bedded on a healthy bed of fine lees, and scented with cherry blossoms and toast. Nice balance here.Prices:| France | $30.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Champagne Dom Pérignon 2015
Champagne, FranceDom Pérignon is named after the 17th century Benedictine monk Dom Pierre Pérignon (1638-1715), who, by legend, is said to have invented sparkling wine while cellarmaster at the Abbey of Hautvillers. This is fake news, as is the notion he was blind. However, he did make the first clear still red wine, the first clear sparkling from red grapes (Blanc de Noir), put thought into the blend and picking times, propelled the use of cork closures and Verre Anglais (strong, coal-fired English glass), and invented the shallow Champagne basket press. So, we do have a lot to thank this monk for. This is the prestige cuvée of Moët et Chandon since 1937. My bottle of 2015 Dom Perignon features the exciting energy and artwork of Jean Michel Basquiat and blends 51% Pinot Noir and 49% Chardonnay, disgorged in January 2023 with 4.5 g/L. Surprisingly just medium bodied, this envelops the palate with generous brioche, subtle toast, white and red cherry, crystalline lemon peel and green apple interwoven with fine lees. All are structured on a framework of subtly smoked stones and based on deep, deep chalk. The finish continues with lingering lemon peel and finely humming chalk. There's a lovely tensile character to this vintage, which is unexpected yet still feels very DP.Prices:| BC | $326.99 | 750ml |
| CDN | $360.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Champagne A. Margaine Brut Rosé NV
Montagne de Reims, Champagne, FranceArnaud Margaine is 5th generation winegrower in the Montagne de Reims, overseeing their sustainable vineyards. Their home village of Villers-Marmery is a little island of chalky Chardonnay in an abundant sea of Pinot Noir. This Rosé blends 80% chardonnay and 20% pinot noir, including 6% still pinot noir. Fermented in stainless, with no MLF, this spent 24 months on lees prior to disgorge with around 9 g/L. Pouring quite a deep hue this streaks brisk acidity across the driving palate, with wild raspberry, cranberry, cherry laced with pithy grapefruit. The core is quite pure, thought the acids are on the sharp side. One for acid lovers.Prices:| ON | $86.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Champagne Stéphane Regnault Dorien No 29 Extra Brut NV
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceAfter working as a sommelier in London, and an aerospace engineer in Paris, Stéphane Regnault returned to his family's Côte des Blancs domaine in 2007 and converted farming to organics with biodynamic practices. The domaine includes 4 hectares of Chardonnay divided equally between the legendary chalk terroirs of the Grand Cru villages Oger, and Le Mesnil sur Oger. The majority of the vines are between 40 and 60 years old. A passionate jazz saxophone player, he has named his 3 single vineyard cuvées after a different jazz mode that each wine reminds him of. This is from a plot called Les Hautes-Mottes, a chalky site on the south of Le Mesnil. This bottle was 2015 base, native fermented in a mix of stainless and barrique, with 15% reserves from 2014. It was disgorged in 2021 with 1 g/L. Lemon led, with light toast, green apple, anise over a cushion of fine lees, with kisses of meringue throughout the surprisingly fresh palate. The finish lingers and lures with a subtle chalky grip. 3500 bottles produced, and it's worth it for you to find one, as this has time ahead yet.Prices:| BC | $140.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Champagne Agrapart & Fils Terroirs Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs NV
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceFounded in 1894, Agrapart has rightfully emerged as one of the finest grower estates in the Côte des Blancs. Pascal Agrapart is the current generation overseeing the estate, making wines since 1984 when he took over from his father, Pierre, and after studying oenology in Bordeaux, and Avize. When he arrived, there were 4 hectares of vines, and he has grown that to 12 hectares, 9 of those rooted in grand cru villages of Avize, Cramant, Oiry and Oger. His father never used herbicides or chemical pesticides, and while Pascal is uninterested in being labelled organic or biodynamic, he follows the same naturalist practices, focusing on the soils. This BdB comes from four GC villages (Avize, Cramant, Oger and Oiry) and vines aged 20-50 years. Based on the 2019 vintage, with 40% reserves from 2018, this was native fermented in a mix of stainless and 25% wood before going to bottle. This was disgorged in May 2023 with 5 g/L. Surprisingly fresh and shining, with chalk, lemon, meringue streaming along the tight, long palate. This rings and finishes with chalky salinity. A joyous wine.Prices:| BC | $180.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $120.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Champagne Les Freres Mignon L'Aventure 1er Cru Blanc de Blancs NV
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceBrothers Florent and Julien Mignon are part of a long history of vignerons on the Côtes des Blancs, previously selling their sustainably harvested grapes. The brothers (late 20s / early 30s) decided to make their own wine together in 2015, and started with this cuvée. L'Aventure is a BdB from Avize, Cramant, and Cuis, and massale selected vines around 50 years old. From the 2019 vintage, this was native fermented in stainless with no MLF, and went to bottle unfined and unfiltered, where it remained until April 2023 disgorge with 1.6 g/L. Already quite complete, with white peach, white pepper, and tight lemon shimmering along the svelte palate, finishing with lingering chalk dust. This has cut and energy without severity, and such an exciting first view of this young winery adventure.Prices:| France | $40.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Champagne Agrapart & Fils Minéral Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 2017
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceFounded in 1894, Agrapart has rightfully emerged as one of the finest grower estates in the Côte des Blancs. Pascal Agrapart is the current generation overseeing the estate, making wines since 1984 when he took over from his father, Pierre, and after studying oenology in Bordeaux, and Avize. When he arrived, there were 4 hectares of vines, and he has grown that to 12 hectares, 9 of those rooted in grand cru villages of Avize, Cramant, Oiry and Oger. His father never used herbicides or chemical pesticides, and while Pascal is uninterested in being labelled organic or biodynamic, he follows the same naturalist practices, focusing on the soils. Though not listed on the front, Minéral is a single vintage (check the back label) from two Avize parcels rooted in very chalky soils, and vines 50-60+ years. One vinification is done in old 600L barrels, and the other in tank before a 50/50 blend. This spent 5 years on lees, and was dosed with 3 g/L in May 2023. White blossoms, lemon pith and peel floats across a deep bed of crushed stones and chalk, while a spire of lemon acidity sails this long across the palate. Delicate, yet with a firm presence, this tight and buzzy 2017 is showing beautifully now, but still has time ahead.Prices:| BC | $270.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Emmanuel Brochet Rosé de Saignée Extra Brut 2019
Montagne de Reims, Champagne, FranceEmmanuel Brochet became a 1st generation Champagne grower in 1997 with vines located in Villers-Aux-Noeux, in the Montagne de Reims, and on the lieu-dit Le Mont Benoit. The single vineyard of 2.5ha is planted with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier and situated on a slope divided in two parts; on the upper level the oldest vines were planted in 1962, on the lower level the youngest in 1984. For this rosé, the pinot meunier comes comes from a neighbouring organic grower in the village in the lieu dit La Motelle planted in 1965. This receives a 24 hour maceration before a native ferment and 11 months in older barrel. It goes into bottle unfined and unfiltered, and after 2 years is disgorged with 0 dosage. Pouring a deep rhubarb hue, this pours a fruity, frothy, and actually fun dry rosé champagne, with structured red apple, cherry shaped with a chalky, meringue mid palate, lit with pink cranberry acidity, and finishing with an astringent pink grapefruit twist. I enjoy this playful meets serious rosé champagne with casual bites every time.Prices:| USA | $250.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Suenen Oiry Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Extra Brut NV
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceChampagne Suenen dates back to 1868, with the Maison founded in 1905 in Cramant. The current generation Aurélien is now at the helm, leaving a semi-pro basketball career in the late 2000s to help his aging father in the vines and winery. They organically / sustainably farm 5 hectares of chardonnay in the Côtes des Blancs, as well as pinot noir, pinot meunier, and chardonnay in the St. Thierry hills. From 45+ year old vines in the GC of Oiry, this base was fermented and rested 9 months in neutral demi-muids, foudre, and concrete before heading to bottle unfined and unfiltered, and a minimum of 2 years sur lattes, disgorged with 2 g/L. Ample chalk, lemon, green apple, toasted brioche sits atop a base of crushed stones, creamy lees, and flake salts. There's a nice toothsome quality to this wine, bridging savoury and citrus smartly.Prices:| QC | $140.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $150.00 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Champagne Bérèche & Fils Rosé Campania Remensis 2019
Montagne de Reims, Champagne, FranceCreated in 1847, Champagne Bérèche et Fils is a grower with 9.5 biodynamically farmed hectares of vineyards, predominantly situated in Montagne des Reims. Brothers Raphaël and Vincent Bérêche are the current generation running the family estate. Terroir-focused, they farm without herbicides, and all wines undergo tirer à liege, where the second fermentation takes place under cork rather than capsule. Campania Rememsis is the first name given by the Romans to the land around Reims. This rosé blends 75% pinot noir, 20% chardonnay, and 5% still red pinot from Ormes, in the Petite Montagne de Reims. This was native fermented in older wood, with no MLF, before heading to bottle for 36+ months sur lattes, under agrafe. This bottle was disgorged in early 2023 with 3 g/L. Pouring a subtle crimson hue, this streams ample white cherry, raspberry meringue, wild strawberry, bright lemon peel, and bergamot along its finessed, lengthy frame, finishing with lingering chalky salinity. So very complete, this feels incredibly detailed and entirely effortless, which makes it all the more impressive. Such a stunner, sip after sip.Prices:| QC | $125.00 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Champagne Frédéric Savart Le Mont des Chrétiens 1er Cru Extra Brut 2017
Montagne de Reims, Champagne, FranceSituated 10 km west of Reims, Frédéric Savart is based in the village of Écueil, in the Val de Reims. Continuing from his father's work with their 'laboratory of terroirs,' Savart has made the 4 hectare property his own and has become one of the first and leading superstars of the Grower Champagne movement. Le Mont des Chrétiens is a lieu dit in Écueil planted to chardonnay. This was native fermented and aged in 500L barrels. This bottle was disgorged in February 2021 with 2g/L. Powerful and concentrated, with wood toast scenting white cherry, lemon pith, green apple, and deep chalk. A vein of flinty reduction grows in the glass as the wine opens, yet still a driving, racy chardonnay acidity spires this long through the saline finish. Contemplative, give this time to open and unravel. 2047 bottles made.Prices:| QC | $263.50 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Marie-Noëlle Ledru Extra Brut NV
Montagne de Reims, Champagne, FranceChampagne Marie-Noëlle Ledru retired after the 2017 vintage, after decades of making highly lauded wines from her home base in Ambonnay. Ledru, a 4th generation viticultrice (her title), inherited the vineyards from her parents in 1984, and crafted wines from her organically farmed 2.5 hectares in Ambonnay and Bouzy. She is / was known as the Lady of Pinot Noir. With every year, the wines become more coveted, as stocks dwindle. The Extra Brut is 75% pinot noir, 25% chardonnay, native fermented in enamel-lined tank, and spent a minimum of 3 years sur lattes before disgorge, with a low dosage. This certainly presents as pinot noir, structural and pure, with smouldering white cherry, fragrant raspberry, and lemon pith through a stately, creamy, expansive, and finely spiced palate. A deeper wine of contemplation, especially now. Quietly confident, and as memorable as the bold label, this cuvée sings true to her Pinot Noir name. A joy to come across in Champagne.Prices:| France | $150.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Champagne Nominé Renard Brut Blanc de Noirs NV
Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, FranceBased in Vallée de la Marne's Villevenard, the Nominé family's vineyards extend over 20 hectares, spread over the slopes of Petit Morin, Sézannais, and the Marne. The diversity gives 3rd generation Simon Nominé lots to work with in his blends. This BdN is 60% pinot noir, 40% pinot meunier from Villevenard, with 20% perpetual reserve of pinot noir solely. Based on 2020, this was disgorged April 2023 with 9 g/L. Based raspberry, cherry leather, perfumed red blossoms, and toast lead a focused, red currant palate, with oxidative notes creeping in and clouding the rhubarb finish. Drinking now.Prices:| ON | $73.20 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Nominé Renard Brut Blanc de Blancs NV
Champagne, FranceBased in Vallée de la Marne's Villevenard, the Nominé family's vineyards extend over 20 hectares, spread over the slopes of Petit Morin, Sézannais, and the Marne. The diversity gives 3rd generation Simon Nominé lots to work with in his blends. This was based on 2020, with 30ish % perpetual reserve, and was disgorged in June 2023 with 6.5 g/L. Lemon, red apple, toasted meringue are veined with chalk on the creamy palate, finishing with a bitter lemon twist. A fresh, easy, friendly BdB.Prices:| QC | $56.50 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Champagne Nominé Renard Brut NV
Champagne, FranceBased in Vallée de la Marne's Villevenard, the Nominé family's vineyards extend over 20 hectares, spread over the slopes of Petit Morin, Sézannais, and the Marne. The diversity gives 3rd generation Simon Nominé lots to work with in his blends. Their flagship NV Brut blends 40% chardonnay, 30% pinot noir, and 30% pinot meunier from 6 villages (30 different plots) across the terroirs above, with 3/4 of the blend from the most recent 3 vintages, and 25% perpetual reserve. My bottle was 2021 base, disgorged in October 2023 with 7 g/L. Toast, vanilla wafer, red apple, lemon pith and peel feel quite grippy up front, with a bitter lemon twist, and trailing salinity on the finish. Friendly and accessible.Prices:| QC | $47.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $63.95 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Champagne Marie Copinet Argilla Villonissa NV
Côte de Sézanne, Champagne, FranceMarie-Laure Copinet and her winemaker husband Alexandre Kowal have taken over her family's estate, founded by her father Jacques in 1975. Before then, the Copinets were selling their fruit to Moet, but Jacques' work at Taittinger led him to decide to create their own grower champagne estate. They are based in the tiny Champagne village of Montgenost (population 140) in the Côtes des Sézanne, and they own 9 hectares of vineyards in Côtes des Sézanne, Côtes des Bar, and Vallée de la Marne, producing only 5,500 cases annually, and began organic conversion in 2018. This cuvée is their most unique and rare, with the 2019 chardonnay for this BdB, coming from their vineyards in Villenauxe la Grande, aged in clay eggs produced from clay harvested near where the vines are grown. The wine was native fermented with full MLF in these 300L clay eggs, where it remained for 1 year, on lees, prior to heading to bottle. It was disgorged with 0 dosage. Delicate and finely textured, this is quite saline throughout, streaming lemon pith and peel, green apple along the sleek palate, finishing with lingering salinity. Pure and poised and quietly confident. They also produce this exact same wine as a Coteaux Champenois, bottling from the egg.Prices:| France | $68.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Champagne Marie Copinet La Croix du Balai NV
Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, FranceMarie-Laure Copinet and her winemaker husband Alexandre Kowal have taken over her family's estate, founded by her father Jacques in 1975. Before then, the Copinets were selling their fruit to Moet, but Jacques' work at Taittinger led him to decide to create their own grower champagne (RM) estate. They are based in the tiny Champagne village of Montgenost (population 140) in the Côtes des Sézanne, and they own 9 hectares of vineyards in Côtes des Sézanne, Côtes des Bar, and Vallée de la Marne, producing only 5,500 cases annually, and began organic conversion in 2018. This pinot meunier comes from green clay soils in the Vallée de la Marne, near the top of the slopes. It was native fermented and vinified in large oak barrels for 11 months before moving to bottle under cork (agrafe) where it rested for 4 years. This 2018 vintage was disgorged in March 2023. Atop a core of meringue, this carries perfumed purple florals, white cherry interwoven with salinity and subtle toast, and framed with a fine, firm grip. The finish is long and finessed. A beautiful touch with PM.Prices:| France | $76.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Champagne Marie Copinet Au Détour du Sézannais NV
Côte de Sézanne, Champagne, FranceMarie-Laure Copinet and her winemaker husband Alexandre Kowal have taken over her family's estate, founded by her father Jacques in 1975. Before then, the Copinets were selling their fruit to Moët, but Jacques' work at Taittinger led him to decide to create their own grower champagne estate. They are based in the tiny Champagne village of Montgenost (population 140) in the Côtes des Sézanne, and they own 9 hectares of vineyards in Côtes des Sézanne, Côtes des Bar, and Vallée de la Marne, producing only 5,500 cases annually, and began organic conversion in 2018. This chardonnay comes from top plots in Villenauxe la Grande, in the Sézannais' chalky soils. It was native fermented with full MLF, and vinified in 300L barrels for 11 months before heading to bottle under cork (agrafe) for 4 years prior to disgorge. This bottle was the 2018 vintage, so disgorged in spring 2023. The chardonnay power presence is fully felt here, slightly oxidiatively kissed, with meringue, rich cream, ripe green apple, on a creamy core, with deep chalk shaping the sides and lingering on the finish. Powerful.Prices:| France | $76.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Champagne Marie Copinet Nos pas Dans... la Terre Complantée NV
Montagne de Reims, Champagne, FranceMarie-Laure Copinet and her winemaker husband Alexandre Kowal have taken over her family's estate, founded by her father Jacques in 1975. Before then, the Copinets were selling their fruit to Moët, but Jacques' work at Taittinger led him to decide to create their own grower champagne estate. They are based in the tiny Champagne village of Montgenost (population 140) in the Côtes des Sézanne, and they own 9 hectares of vineyards in Côtes des Sézanne, Côtes des Bar, and Vallée de la Marne, producing only 5,500 cases annually, and began organic conversion in 2018. Complantée is a field blend of pinot noir and pinot meunier from the plot of La Charbonnière, in the village of Brouillet, situated in the little-known Vallée de l'Ardre, east of Reims. The soils are dark and crumbly, as seen on the label. It was native fermented and vinified in large oak (60%) and stainless, and is from the 2019 vintage. It remained sur lattes until July 2023, when it was disgorged with 0 dosage. Salty, tight, and nervy, this highly perfumed, structural wine is built on cherry, perfumed raspberry, purple florals, meringue, and light toast, finishing with lingering salinity. Great energy here.Prices:| France | $48.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Marie Copinet Non pas Dans ... la Pierre NV
Côte des Bar, Champagne, FranceMarie-Laure Copinet and her winemaker husband Alexandre Kowal have taken over her family's estate, founded by her father Jacques in 1975. Before then, the Copinets were selling their fruit to Moet, but Jacques' work at Taittinger led him to decide to create their own grower champagne estate. They are based in the tiny Champagne village of Montgenost (population 140) in the Côtes des Sézanne, and they own 9 hectares of vineyards in Côtes des Sézanne, Côtes des Bar, and Vallée de la Marne, producing only 5,500 cases annually, and began organic conversion in 2018. Nos pas Dans... is a series of soil / grape studies put out by Marie Copinet. In this case this is pinot noir from 2 lieu-dit rooted in the kimmeridgian soils of the Côtes des Bar. From the 2021 vintage, this was native fermented, with full MLF, in stainless and 15% oak barrels. Quite structured, with perfumed raspberries, crisp red apples, lemon peel held with a firm, tactile bite, all running along a buzzy limestone base. Very smart.Prices:| France | $48.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Marie Copinet Nos pas Dans... l'argile NV
Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, FranceMarie-Laure Copinet and her winemaker husband Alexandre Kowal have taken over her family's estate, founded by her father Jacques in 1975. Before then, the Copinets were selling their fruit to Moet, but Jacques' work at Taittinger led him to decide to create their own grower champagne estate. They are based in the tiny Champagne village of Montgenost (population 140) in the Côtes des Sézanne, and they own 9 hectares of vineyards in Côtes des Sézanne, Côtes des Bar, and Vallée de la Marne, producing only 5,500 cases annually, and began organic conversion in 2018. Nos pas Dans is a series of soil / grape studies put out by Marie Copinet. In this case, this is entirely organic pinot meunier on clay, from the lieu dit of Les Ragotteries, in Cuchery, on the right bank of the Marne Valley. From the 2021 vintage this native fermented in stainless steel egg with full MLF before heading to bottle and 2 years on lees. This was disgorged in July 2023 with 0 dosage. Very perfumed, with crushed purple florals, plum, fragrant wild mulberries framed with a a smart strict structure (from the stainless egg). Finishes with soft fragrant potpourri of spices, and lingering salinity. Impressive show of PM.Prices:| France | $48.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Champagne Marie Copinet Non pas Dans ... la Craie NV
Côte de Sézanne, Champagne, FranceMarie-Laure Copinet and her winemaker husband Alexandre Kowal have taken over her family's estate, founded by her father Jacques in 1975. Before then, the Copinets were selling their fruit to Moet, but Jacques' work at Taittinger led him to decide to create their own grower champagne (RM) estate. They are based in the tiny Champagne village of Montgenost (population 140) in the Côtes des Sézanne, and they own 9 hectares of vineyards in Côtes des Sézanne, Côtes des Bar, and Vallée de la Marne, producing only 5,500 cases annually, and began organic conversion in 2018. Nos pas dans... is a series of soil / grape studies put out by Marie Copinet. In this case, this is chardonnay on the chalky soils of Montgenost, and from the 2019 vintage. This was native fermented with full MLF in stainless, and spent 36 months on lees before disgorge in July 2023 with 0 dosage. Super saline, taut and nimble, this buzzes along the slender palate, arrow straight, though lined with deep chalk. Impressive.Prices:| France | $48.00 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Champagne Pierre Gimonnet & Fils Fleuron RD 2005
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceFleuron, meaning flagship, was created to capture the spirit of the vintage, and represent the year. This 2005 is part of a late release, disgorged in early 2024 after nearly 18 years sur lattes (!). I tasted in this Champagne, one week post-disgorge. Exceptionally saline, with multiple layers of chalk, smouldering stone, lemon pith, white cherry, and fragrant subtle raspberry blossoms across a deep, savoury palate. The freshness here is incredible, holding this complexed wine easily aloft, and long on the palate. A beautiful bottle.Prices:Read Full Note
92PTS
Champagne Pierre Gimonnet & Fils Special Club Grand Terroirs de Chardonnay 2016
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceSpecial Club (Club Trésors) is an invite-only group of 25ish grower champagne vignerons, recognized for the quality of their wines. A Special Club champagne is different from their other cuvées, can only be made in outstanding vintage years, and is packaged in the special distinctive bottle. Gimonnet is quite distinct in often releasing numerous Special Club bottlings in a single vintage, reflective of the privileged 30 hectares of vineyards on the prized Côtes des Blancs. This, the Grands Terroirs de Chardonnay, was their first Special Club release, back in 1971. The 2016 blends 60% Cramant, 26% Chouilly, and 14% Cuis, fermented in stainless with full MLF, and with 70+ months sur lattes, disgorged with 5 g/L. Super perfumed, with red apple, pear skin, flax over a creamy core, braced with a lemon lattice through the saline finish.Prices:| BC | $200.00 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Champagne Pierre Gimonnet & Fils Special Club Cramant Grand Cru 2016
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceSpecial Club (Club Trésors) is an invite-only group of 25ish grower champagne vignerons, recognized for the quality of their wines. A Special Club champagne is different from their other cuvées, can only be made in outstanding vintage years, and is packaged in the special distinctive bottle. From selected plots from 40-100 years old, this was fermented in stainless, with full MLF, and spent 5+ years sur lattes before disgorgement with 4 g/L. This opens with waves of flinty reduction before moving to a deep, savoury palate of burnished lemon, heady chalk, meringue, and ample flake salts. Dense yet elegant, savoury yet finessed, this memorable wine stands out.Prices:| BC | $200.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Pierre Gimonnet & Fils Special Club Oger 2017
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceDidier, the third generation of the Gimonnet vine growing family, oversees the winemaking of this Côtes des Blancs grower champagne house based in Cuis, with 30 HA owned. Oger was the first of the single village Special Club releases, back in 2011. This comes from 4 lieu-dit in the GC's clay and chalky soils, was fermented in stainless with full MLF, and spent 60+ months sur lattes before being disgorged with 4 g/L. Creamy and powerful, with riper red apple, lemon curd kissed with oxidative notes and finishing with fine chalk. This bigger shouldered, muscular (for Gimonnet) BdB could handle any food pairings (think lobster).Prices:| BC | $200.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Champagne Pierre Gimonnet & Fils Special Club Grand Terroirs de Chardonnay 2017
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceSpecial Club (Club Trésors) is an invite-only group of 25ish grower champagne vignerons, recognized for the quality of their wines. A Special Club champagne is different from their other cuvées, can only be made in outstanding vintage years, and is packaged in the special distinctive bottle. Gimonnet is quite distinct in often releasing numerous Special Club bottlings in a single vintage, reflective of the privileged 30 hectares of vineyards on the prized Côtes des Blancs. This, the Grands Terroirs de Chardonnay, was their first Special Club release, back in 1971. The 2017 edition blends 57% Cramant, 33% Chouilly, and 10% Cuis, from old vines (back to 1911). All were fermented in stainless with full MLF over 8 months before blending and heading to bottle, where it remained for over 5 years sur lattes. This was disgorged in 2023, with 5 g/L dosage. Powerful, with perfumed lemon blossom, white cherry, chalk, lemon peel, and a medicinal / herbal salinity across a silken core. Very harmonious, with a surprising tangerine twist on the finish.Prices:| BC | $200.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Champagne Pierre Gimonnet & Fils Special Club Cramant Grand Cru 2017
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceSpecial Club (Club Trésors) is an invite-only group of 25ish grower champagne vignerons, recognized for the quality of their wines. A Special Club champagne is different from their other cuvées, can only be made in outstanding vintage years, and is packaged in the special distinctive bottle. The 2017 Cramant came from a handful of their plots from 40-100 years old, was fermented in stainless, with full MLF, and spent 5 years sur lattes before disgorgement in summer 2023 with 4 g/L. Tight lemon pith, green apple, and meringue wrap around a creamy core, and stretch long on the chalky palate. Finely boned and structural, this has a delicate, graceful, old vine power, finishing with lingering salinity.Prices:| BC | $200.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Champagne Pierre Gimonnet & Fils Special Club Cuis 1er Cru 2018
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceDidier, the third generation of the Gimonnet vine growing family, oversees the winemaking of this Côtes des Blancs grower champagne house based in Cuis, with 30 HA owned. In 2018, Didier Gimonnet had enough wine in excess to try a single Special Club Cuis, without disturbing the integrity of his flagship 1er cru bottling. This comes from two older plots, and was fermented in stainless with full MLF. It was disgorged in June 2023. Powerful and savoury, woven with perfumed lemon pith and peel, and a medicinal herbal vein throughout. Structural and powerful, yet graceful and finessed, gripped with chalk which lingers on the finish. Such a beauty. Though a proper Special Club, due to glass shortages they were unable to use the traditional and marked Special Club bottle, so they were given dispensation to use a different bottle for this vintage.Prices:| France | $76.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Champagne Pierre Gimonnet & Fils Oenophile Non-Dosé 2018
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceOenophile is the same cuvée as Fleuron, but with zero dosage. Didier Gimonnet believes dosage is an important part of vinification and Champagne, so is typically against the style, although he was one of the first to make a 0 dosage champagne back in 1985. This is from Cramant, Chouilly, Oger, and Cuis, fermented in stainless with full MLF. It was disgorged in October 2023. Like all their wines, this is precise and poised, though this particular cuvée streaks across the palate like a lightning bolt. Smouldering stones, chalk, green apple, and lemon pith rule the taut, straight palate, finishing with a lingering buzzy salinity. Electric. 7500 bottles produced.Prices:| France | $62.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Champagne Pierre Gimonnet & Fils Fleuron 2019
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceFleuron, meaning flagship, was created to capture the spirit of the vintage, and represent the year. In 2019, the blend included Cramant, Chouilly, and Cuis, highlighting the texture of the north of the Côtes des Blancs. As always, this was fermented in stainless, with full MLF. It was disgorged in October 2023 with 5 g/L. Smoked stone, crisp green apple, deep chalk and a lemon latticework are woven throughout a very fine, long, lacy finish. Quite smart, drinking beauty now and in future, and a lovely fingerprint for 2019.Prices:| BC | $120.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Pierre Gimonnet & Fils Gastronome 2020
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceDidier, the third generation of the Gimonnet vine growing family, oversees the winemaking of this Côtes des Blancs grower champagne house based in Cuis, with 30 HA owned. Gastronome is a cuvée designed for restaurants, bottled with lower pressure for easy enjoyment. This blends 1er (Cuis, Vertus) and GC (Cramant, Chouilly, Oger) fruit, was fermented in stainless with full MLF, and disgorged in the fall of 2023 with 5 g/L. Creamy and softer, delicately textured, and carrying lemon, green apple, and perfumed white blossoms through a subtly chalky finish. A welcoming and friendly intro to the house.Prices:| France | $50.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Pierre Gimonnet & Fils Brut Extra NV
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceDidier, part of the third generation of the Gimonnet family, oversees the winemaking of their family winery, based in Cuis, in the heart of the Côtes de Blancs. This wine, like all of their chardonnay-centric wines, is laser focused. Brut Extra (cute!) is the same base as their flagship Cuis, but with lower dosage, aimed for trendy restaurants and wine bars that want low to no dosage only. My bottle was base year 2019, with 32.5% reserve wines held in 750ml bottle, and was disgorged in June 2023 with 4 g/L. Surprisingly showing much more development than the Cuis, with ripe red apple, toast spread across a wider palate, textured with a velvet chalkiness, and finishing with a lingering buzzy salinity.Prices:| France | $40.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Pierre Gimonnet & Fils Brut Cuis 1er Cru Blanc de Blancs NV
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceUnderstated and classic, this 1er Cru always impresses with its cut and precision. Didier, the third generation of the Gimonnet vine growing family, oversees the winemaking of this Côtes des Blancs grower champagne house based in Cuis, with 30 HA owned. Like all of their chardonnay-centric wines, Cuis, the signature of the domaine, is crystalline and bright, driving through to the lingering finish. Based on 2021, this has 30% reserves from 6 previous vintages, stored in 750mL bottles. The base was fermented in stainless, with full MLF, and this was disgorged in October 2023 with 6 g/L. Green apple and lemon streak across the buzzy palate, finishing with ample chalkiness and salinity. Such a go-to champagne, for solo sipping or with food.Prices:| BC | $90.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Champagne Leclerc Briant Abyss 2017
Champagne, FranceThe pioneering organic / biodynamic winery made big waves when it introduced Abyss, a champagne bottled and corked in Champagne, and then shipped to the coast of Brittany, and submerged to 60m at Bay of the Stiff, a place where the Channel and Atlantic Ocean meet, and the water is dynamic with strong currents. This depth allowed the wine’s 6 bar pressure inside the bottle to be the same as the pressure outside. The plots are specifically selected for their salinity, rooted in very chalky soils, and is equal parts of chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot meunier, fermented equally between stainless and oak, and with 3 years sur lattes before disgorge with 0 dosage. The 2017 was disgorged in June 2021, and returned back to Champagne in June 2022. Once removed from the ocean and cage, the wine, crusted in barnacles, is sold with the cork and cage that was submerged. Burnished lemon, grippy green apple, pencil shavings are woven throughout this tense and taut champagne, brisk and grippy, and with ample energy. The finish lingers long with salinity and iodine. Quite unique in form and presentation, this savoury champagne is one to seek out.Prices:| ON | $440.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Leclerc Briant Blanc de Meuniers Brut Zéro 2016
Montagne de Reims, Champagne, FranceA new cuvée for pioneering organic / biodynamic producer Leclerc Briant, this organic pinot meunier comes from two 1er cru villages in the north of the Montagne de Reims, and was created to reveal the refined side of PM. It was native fermented and aged in oak 10 months before heading to bottle and 6 years sur lattes. This bottle was disgorged in August 2023. Perfumed raspberry, meringue, red apple, mandarine peel is scented with a potpourri of spices across a chalky, textural, firmly sculpted palate. Quite elegant, they have achieved in writing their love letter to PM. 4000 bottles.Prices:| ON | $189.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Champagne Leclerc Briant Les Monts Ferrés 2018
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceThis new release from pioneering organic / biodynamic producer Leclerc Briant is a single vineyard BdB from 1er Cru Vertus (and the first plot over from GC Le Mesnil sur Oger). The 4 year old vines are rooted mid-slope in chalky, iron laced soils, hence the name of the vineyard. This was native fermented and vinified in oak over 10 months before going to bottle unfined and unfiltered, and 4 years sur lattes. It was disgorged in November 2023 with 1.5 g/L. Burnished lemon, chalk, anise, and herbal verbena streak through this textural, structural wine, based on crushed stone and deep chalk which lingers on the long finish. Quite striking and impressive. Fewer than 5000 bottles were produced.Prices:| ON | $359.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Leclerc Briant Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut 2018
Champagne, FranceThis new cuvée from organic Champagne Leclerc Briant sources chardonnay from across Champagne, including the chalky outposts of Mongeaux and Sézannais. It was native fermented and rested 10 months before going to bottle unfined and unfiltered. This 2018 rested 4 years sur lattes before being disgorged in June 2023, with 1.9 g/L. Green apple, subtle anise, lemon verbena is seasoned with light toast, running long and saline through the humming finish. Great energy and poise here.Prices:| ON | $205.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Leclerc Briant Brut Reserve NV
Champagne, FranceThis negoc house was founded in 1955 when Bertrand Leclerc married Jacqueline Briant. They were an early adopter of organic practices back in the 1960’s, and were one of the first to bottle single-vineyard Champagnes in the 1970’s. In the late 1980’s, Bertrand and Jacqueline’s son, Pascal, began integrating biodynamic principles and part of the production has been Demeter certified since 2003. Today, enologist Hervé Jestin, known for his biodynamics / bioenergetics oversees the wines of the house and its near 30ha of vines, plus another 20ha of organically farmed contract fruit. This flagship NV is entirely 2020 fruit, and a blend of 40% pinot noir, 40% pinot meunier, and 20% chardonnay, native fermented and rested 10 months before heading to bottle unfined and unfiltered. This was disgorged in October 2023 with 4.5 g/L. Red apple, red and Rainier cherry, lemon fill the medium palate, scented with light toast which lingers on the finish. Nice structure here, making this suitable for solo sipping or the dinner table.Prices:| ON | $89.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Champagne Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Rosé 2011
Champagne, FranceComtes Rosé is a rare beauty, made only in exceptional years, and representing power x grace. In 2011 only 15000 bottles were produced. This uses GC chardonnay from Côtes des Blancs with 15% red wine from Bouzy. Once in bottle this spent 10 years sur lattes before disgorge in 2022. Deeper in hue, this smoulders with burnished cherry, savoury strawberry, blood orange peel, smoked stones, and toasted bread. The structural, focused palate is scented with dried herbs, and finishes with lingering flake salts.Prices:| ON | $419.00 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Champagne Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2013
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceComtes is a remarkable wine, very vintage dependent, but hallmarked with undeniable finesse. For a tête de cuvée, very little of this is produced (around 150K bottles), and certainly not every year (there will be no Comtes 2022 or 2023). 2013 was the 38th vintage of Comtes since 1952. With GC fruit from Côtes des Blancs' Chouilly, Cramant, Avize, Oger, and Les Mesnil-sur-Oger, this was primarily fermented in stainless, though 5% from estate vineyards in Chouilly was fermented in new 225L barrels for 6 months. Once in bottle, this spent 8 years on lees, and was dosed with 9 g/L when disgorged in 2022. Fine lemon, meringue, marzipan, subtle smoked stone and toast is chiseled by lemon pith and peel, and run by driving minerality. The core is quite generous, though shaped and bracketed by chalk, which lingers on the buzzing, saline finish. Supremely finessed and drinking now, but will certainly hold in cellar for some years ahead.Prices:| BC | $400.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $334.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Champagne Taittinger Prestige Rosé NV
Champagne, FranceThis deeper hued rosé is a blend of 30% chardonnay, 20% Pinot Meunier, and the remaining pinot noir from 36 crus, including 15% still wine from Riceys and Montagne de Reims. This bottle is the 2018 base, with 30% reserve wines, and was disgorged in 2022 with 9 g/L. The house believes the higher level of pinot noir will help protect from light strike, always an issue with clear glass. Strawberry, tart raspberry, subtle dough is textured with finely grippy tannins, carrying this through a stony, rhubarb finish.Prices:| BC | $107.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Taittinger Les Folies de la Marquetterie NV
Champagne, FranceThis cuvée is produced mostly from grapes grown at Les Folies, at Château de la Marquetterie, Taittinger's historic vineyard and the origin of the family in Pierry, just outside of Épernay. It used to be a single vineyard, but now includes PN from Hautvilliers, and Chardonnay from Trépail, all estate. This cuvée blends first pressing 55% pinot noir with 45% chardonnay, with 30% barrel fermentation in old foudre for 6 months. This 2017 base was disgorged in early 2022, with 8 g/L. Ripe red apple, rich brioche, liquorice and toast rule this muscular champagne (for Taittinger, at least), through a riffing, stony finish.Prices:| BC | $101.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Taittinger Prélude Grands Crus NV
Champagne, FranceInitially made mid-90's in mags, with an eye towards the Millennium, Prélude proved such a popular concept, that it became a part of the regular portfolio in 2004/2005. This is a rich, full, and powerful Grand Cru NV Brut (rare to see) of 50/50 pinot noir and chardonnay from 2018. After a stainless ferment, with full MLF, this spent more than 5 years on the lees, and was dosed with 8 g/L. Ample toast, bread dough, green apple, and perfumed lemon fill the fuller, well cushioned palate, finishing with more fine toast. A statement, drinking very well now.Prices:| BC | $120.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Taittinger Brut Reserve NV
Champagne, FranceThis classic blends 40% chardonnay, 35% pinot noir, and 25% pinot meunier from across 36 vineyards in the Marne, Sézanne, and Aube, half of which come from estate vineyards, and about 50% from Grand Cru. Around 30% reserve wines are used (the youngest of the reserves held in stainless). After ferment in stainless with full MLF, this 2019 base spent a minimum of 3 years on lees, before a dosage of 8.5 g/L in summer 2023. Brut Reserve makes up 85% of the wine produced by the house. Ripe lemon, pear, green apple and biscuit lead the creamy wine, with a fresh lemon acidity to keep it friendly and lively. A classic.Prices:| BC | $74.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Domaine de Bichery Les Meuniers 2019
Côte des Bar, Champagne, FranceYoung couple Hannah and Raphael Piconnet took over his family's property in Neuville-sur-Seine, in the Côte des Bar, in 2015. The fruit all used to go to a Co.Op. They still sell some fruit, but of their own 10 organically farmed plots, they create single vintage brut nature cuvées, with no added SO2. 2019 was the first time they split this plot of PM, planted by Raphael's grandfather, and vinified it on its own. It was native fermented in a mix of 60% barrel / 40% stainless, with full MLF. It went into bottle without fining or filtration, and remained there for 38 months sur lattes, disgorged in March 2023. Perfumed and pretty licorice, strawberry, is supported from underneath with a buzzy grippy limestone that lingers on the finish. Very smart and pure. 769 bottles produced.Prices:| BC | $200.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Domaine de Bichery en Val du Clos 2018
Côte des Bar, Champagne, FranceYoung couple Hannah and Raphael Piconnet took over his family's property in Neuville-sur-Seine, in the Côte des Bar, in 2015. The fruit all used to go to a Co.Op. They still sell some fruit, but of their own 10 organically farmed plots, they create single vintage brut nature cuvées, with no added SO2. This comes from their oldest and steepest vineyard, En Val du Clos, planted in the late 70s by Raphaël’s grandfather, Charles. The plot, and this cuvée is 20% chardonnay and 80% pinot noir, co-harvested and cofermented, in a mix of 60/40 barrel / stainless. After 5 years sur lattes, this was disgorged in March 2023. Light pencil shavings, toasted brioche, and raspberry coulis run throughout, with kisses of meringue and a fine, firm, lemon peel backbone. Quite a deep, smart wine, drinking beautifully now. 850 bottles.Prices:| BC | $200.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Domaine de Bichery Les Fontaines 2020
Côte des Bar, Champagne, FranceYoung couple Hannah and Raphael Piconnet took over his family's property in Neuville-sur-Seine, in the Côte des Bar, in 2015. The fruit all used to go to a Co.Op. They still sell some fruit, but of their own 10 organically farmed plots, they create single vintage brut nature cuvées, with no added SO2. This rosé champagne is entirely pinot noir, with 15% grapes vinified as red wine added to the BdN. The grapes designated for the rosé are harvested 2 years later for added richness in the blend. The wine is native fermented in 30% oak, and 70% stainless, with full MLF, and goes to bottle without fining or filtration. After 2 years sur lattes, this was disgorged in March 2023. Pouring a deeper salmon hue, this charms with cherry brioche, strawberry jam, and light toast, finishing with a dusting of stony spice. Nice depth and purity here.Prices:| BC | $154.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Domaine de Bichery Les Terres Mêlées 2020
Côte des Bar, Champagne, FranceYoung couple Hannah and Raphael Piconnet took over his family's property in Neuville-sur-Seine, in the Côte des Bar, in 2015. The fruit all used to go to a Co.Op. They still sell some fruit, but of their own 10 organically farmed plots, they create single vintage brut nature cuvées, with no added SO2. This pinot noir came from 3 parcels, and was native fermented in a mix of 45% oak / 55% stainless, with full MLF. It went to bottle without fining or filtration, and rested sur lattes for 2 years, with disgorge in March 2023. Light oxidation opens into red apple, candied cherry, perfumed spices, with a pithy and finely grippy frame, finishing with a lemon twist. 2000 bottles.Prices:| BC | $132.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Domaine de Bichery La Source Brut Nature 2020
Côte des Bar, Champagne, FranceYoung couple Hannah and Raphael Piconnet took over his family's property in Neuville-sur-Seine, in the Côte des Bar, in 2015. The fruit all used to go to a Co.Op. They still sell some fruit, but of their own 10 organically farmed plots, they create single vintage brut nature cuvées, with no added SO2. La Source is equal parts pinot noir and chardonnay, and a blend from all their plots. It is fermented in a mix of 60/40 stainless / barrels, with full MLF, and goes to bottle without fining or filtration. The wine rested 2 years sur lattes, and was disgorged in April 2023. Light toast, red apple, and biscuit wraps around the creamy mousse, licked with anise. Nice development throughout, and quite pure. Drinking now.Prices:| BC | $120.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Champagne Bérèche et Fils Les Beaux Regards Extra Brut 1er Cru 2019
Montagne de Reims, Champagne, FranceCreated in 1847, Champagne Bérèche et Fils is a grower with 9.5 biodynamically farmed hectares of vineyards, predominantly situated in Montagne des Reims. Brothers Raphaël and Vincent Bérêche are the current generation running the family estate. Terroir-focused, they farm without herbicides, and all wines undergo tirer à liege, where the second fermentation takes place under cork rather than capsule. This Bdb comes off 2 vineyards in Ludes, the eldest, Les Beaux Regards, was planted in 1902. This BdB was native fermented in wood before moving to bottle unfined and unfiltered, where it remained for 3+ years. This was disgorged in January 2023 in 2 g/L. Serious and smouldering, with a lemon pith and peel brace structuring a deeply chalky, dense core. Wild herbs, bitter orange peel, orchard apple push through the lingering finish. Quite impactful and direct, yet somehow gracefully light on its feet, this is one of the beautiful specialties worth seeking out.Prices:| QC | $156.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Champagne Bourgeois-Diaz Blanc de Blancs NV
Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, FranceJérôme Bourgeois-Diaz is a 4th generation vigneron overseeing his family's 7ha estate since 2001 in Crouttes-sur-Marne, on the banks of the Marne River halfway between Paris and Reims. Certified Demeter biodynamic since 2015, the vine rows are interspersed with native, wild plants, the winery follows the biodynamic calendar. This BdB, made in tiny quantities, was from vines planted in the 1980s on clay and limestone soils, from a lieu-dit called Le Temple. It was native fermented and aged in stainless (67%) and in barrel (some new), and this bottle was disgorged in February 2021, with 0 dosage. Tight lemon peel and chalk streak across the chiseled form, scented with delicate white blossoms, crunchy pear, and streaked with wild herbs. Quite commanding, while still very finessed. Around 1500 bottles produced.Prices:| France | $40.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Champagne Jacques Lassaigne Le Cotet Extra Brut NV
Côte des Bar, Champagne, FranceJacques Lassaigne put Montgueux on the map, a little outcrop of AOC Champagne vineyards south of the Côtes des Blancs and north of the Côte des Bar, technically in the Aube. The southeast exposure vineyards are focused on chardonnay, which makes sense based on the island of limestone and chalk. Jacques' son Emmanuel, working the vines since 1999, oversees the family's 4+ hectares, and deciding to focus on individual parcels. This BdB was planted between 1964 and 1967 on the chalky hillside furthest to the east. Before heading to bottle, the base wine aged on lees for 24 months in a combination of stainless and used Burgundy barrels, with MLF and no bâtonnage. After 3 - 5 years in bottle, this was disgorged. Emmanuel lists nothing on the labels, so it's tricky do know the DG date. This bottle, however, streaks like an arrow, tight and straight, with lemon pith and peel pinning in the green apple, white blossoms, and shimmering limestone texture. There's an impressively sharp shape here, without leaving this feeling lacking. An exciting bottle of Le Cotet, making this cuvée one to seek out.Prices:| ON | $155.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Paul Gosset Au Lil des Temps L'Été NV
Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, FranceThe young Paul Gosset launched his first champagnes in 2020, in collab with his father Michel, who had himself taken over the family's Aÿ estate in the early 1980s. Their 3.5ha of sustainably farmed vineyards also include holdings in Mareuil-sur Aÿ, Dizy and Chouilly. This cuvée is pinot noir from Aÿ, with 80% from 2018 and the remainder from reserves, kept in bottles. 60% was fermented in wood, with full MLF. It was disgorged in November 2021 with 2 g/L. The pinosity is evident in this BdN, built on structure, with fine bones based with chalk, red apple, cherry blossom, and brioche. Paul is treating this powerful wine with a light hand, making it into something eminently drinkable and interesting. One to watch for. 1527 bottles.Prices:| France | $40.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Champagne Emmanuel Brochet Extra Brut NV
Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, FrancePrevious vintages were labeled Le Mont Benoit, though in 2019 this dropped the name on the label (and the secateurs), but remained the same wine. From a small organic plot named Le Mont Benoit, in the calcareous soils of Vallée de la Marne's Villers-aux-Noeuds, this was based on the 2020 vintage, with 20% reserve wines. This blended 35% pinot meunier, 35% pinot noir, and 30% chardonnay, and was vinified and aged 11 months in wood before going to bottle unfined and unfiltered, and with 24 months sur lattes. Tight and taut, with cherry blossoms, Rainier cherry, wild strawberry, and crunchy green and red apple relaxing into a slender palate of fresh dough, red apple peel, subtle anise, and lemon rind, dusted with chalk. The buzzy texture runs long on the palate through a lingering salinity. Quite a compelling wine, and one I'm always thrilled to come across. 12825 bottles produced.Prices:| US | $150.00 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Champagne Ulysse Collin Les Perrières Blanc de Blancs NV
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceThe Collin family's winemaking roots in Congy can be traced back for generations, dating back to 1812. Current generation Olivier Collin reclaimed the family vineyards, which had been leased out to Pommery, in 2003, after years of working to break the lease. He turned the near 9 hectare estate into organic viticulture, and ushered in the start of the label Ulysse Collin, one of the stars of the grower champagne movement. Their three vineyards are located in the Coteaux du Petit Morin and Côteaux du Sézannais. Olivier's time working with Anselme Selosse can be seen in the low-intervention winemaking, and use of large foudres and 225L barrels. Les Pierrières is a single vineyard of old vines in the Coteaux du Petit Morin, with soft, chalky soils distinctively laced with black flint. The base of this Chardonnay is 2017, and it spent 48 months on lees prior to a disgorge February 2022. Olivier releases his wines with different lees aging periods (36, 48, 72 months for some years). This is polished and poised, with white cherry, patisserie, lemon peel, and savoury stoniness humming along through a lengthy, saline finish, with a brief kiss of anise at the very end. Quite a profound, remarkable wine, drinking now, and with time ahead.Prices:| QC | $149.25 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Champagne Gosset 12 Ans de Cave à Minima Rosé NV
Champagne, FranceFounded in Aÿ in 1584 by Pierre Gosset, Champagne Gosset is the oldest wine house in Champagne. For 17 generations Gosset was family owned, but in 1993 it was sold to the Cointreau family from Charente, owners of Frappin Cognac. The distinct Ans de Cave wines are reflective of cognac releases, naming how long the wine has been aged before release. In this case, the base year 2009 was disgorged in winter 2022 with 4.5 g/L after 12 years sur lattes, and of the 7000 bottles produced, not all is disgorged at once. Pouring a glowing peach / salmon hue, this magisterial wine blends 65% chardonnay, 35% pinot noir (8% still wine). Mandarin, white cherry, green apple, perfumed raspberry blossoms, and toast are woven throughout this structural, vinous wine, still holding great tension despite its expansiveness. The lingering saline finish seems to last forever. This is a great, rare example of rosé champagne aging beautifully on lees. Drinking now, and with time ahead.Prices:| France | $137.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Champagne Gosset Celebris Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut 2012
Champagne, FranceCelebris is Gosset's Prestigue Cuvee line, produced only in exceptional years (and in small lots), and first launched in 1995 with 1988 vintage. In 2012, for the first time, fruit was not exclusively from the Côte de Blancs, and not only from Grand Cru sites, reflecting a more modern and forward look for the house. After 9 years sur lattes, this was disgorged in the summer of 2022 with 7 g/L. Green apple, almond patisserie, light toast, and ample meringue stream through the lengthy line of this elegant wine, finishing with a lingering salinity. 15,000 bottles.Prices:| France | $180.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Champagne Gosset Celebris Brut 2012
Champagne, FranceCelebris is Gosset's Prestigue Cuvee line, produced only in exceptional years (and in small lots), and first launched in 1995 with 1988 vintage. This is the 9th Celebris release. The 2012 blends 70% chardonnay and 30% pinot noir, waiting until winter 2022 for disgorgement, with 5.5 g/L. Toast and vanilla wafer season the creamy lemon and red and green apple filling the palate, kissed with anise, and finishing long and saline. Fantastic structure, this is drinking beautifully now and with time ahead. 25,000 bottles produced. *Tasted in Champagne, the 2008 is currently available in ON.Prices:| ON | $245.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Gosset Grand Millésime Brut 2015
Champagne, FranceFounded in Aÿ in 1584 by Pierre Gosset, Champagne Gosset is the oldest wine house in Champagne. For 17 generations, Gosset was family-owned, but in 1993 it was sold to the Cointreau family from Charente, owners of Frappin Cognac. The 2015 blends 59% pinot noir and 41% chardonnay, with most of the pinot coming off north facing hills. This bottle was disgorged in spring 2022 with 4 g/L. Perfumed raspberry, kirsch, lemon, and patisserie are woven throughout the grippy chalky and chiseled frame. Lovely poise and structure here, drinking very smartly now.Prices:| ON | $123.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Gosset Grand Blanc de Blancs Brut NV
Champagne, FranceFounded in Aÿ in 1584 by Pierre Gosset, Champagne Gosset is the oldest wine house in Champagne. For 17 generations, Gosset was family-owned, but in 1993 it was sold to the Cointreau family from Charente, owners of Frappin Cognac. A newer release for the house, the BdB was first released in 2011. A third of the fruit comes from Montagne de Reims, aiding its structure. This bottle was based on 2018, with 10% reserve wines, and was disgorged in late 2022 with 7 g/L. Red and green apple is scented with ample toast, and finishing with fresh oats and a lemon twist. Not a shy wine, this can easily handle protein pairings.Prices:| France | $66.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Gosset Grande Reserve Brut NV
Champagne, FranceFounded in Aÿ in 1584 by Pierre Gosset, Champagne Gosset is the oldest wine house in Champagne. For 17 generations Gosset was family owned, but in 1993 it was sold to the Cointreau family from Charente, owners of Frappin Cognac. Their flagship Grande Reserve Brut is sourced from primarily north facing sites in Aÿ, Bouzy, Ambonnay, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger (all GC's) and Villers-Marmery (1er Cru) and blends 45/45/10 Chardonnay / Pinot Noir / Pinot Meunier, with 15% reserve wines. This base year 2019 was disgorged in summer 2023 with 8 g/L. Perfumed white cherry, oats, red apple is scented with light toast, and cored with meringue. There's a lovely lemon brace which tightens the finish. Very smart and very friendly.Prices:| BC | $90.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $85.80 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Gosset Grand Rosé Brut NV
Champagne, FranceFounded in Aÿ in 1584 by Pierre Gosset, Champagne Gosset is the oldest wine house in Champagne. For 17 generations, Gosset was family-owned, but in 1993 it was sold to the Cointreau family from Charente, owners of Frappin Cognac. This Grand Rosé is 55% chardonnay, 37% pinot noir (8% still pinot coming from Bouzy, Ambonnay, Cumières). The 2016 base is sourced from the GC and 1er Crus of Avize, Ambonnay, Bouzy, Cuis, Pierry, and Rilly. Wines were fermented in stainless, with no MLF, and this cuvée included 5% reserve wines. My bottle was disgorged early 2023 with 8 g/L. Pouring a peach salmon hue, this streams light cherry, meringue, red apple, with a light tannic grip pinning all in place. Opens up in the glass, making this particularly food-friendly.Prices:| BC | $107.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $108.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Domaine Nowack Assemblage S.A. Autre Cru NV
Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, FranceFlavien Nowack is the current generation Champenois making wine, one in a long line of grower / producers in Vallée de la Marne's Vandières making wine since 1795. Since taking over in 2011, he moved to single parcel and single village wines, converting al the vineyards to biodynamics. Sans Annee (S.A) is Flavien’s NV Champagne, from estate fruit and blending 60% Meunier 40% Chardonnay, based on the 2019 vintage, with reserve wines from 2012 - 2018. This was disgorged in 2022. Wild cherry, fragrant raspberry blossoms, brioche, and lemon peel are woven throughout this textural wine, finishing with a slick of anise. Though quite toothsome, there is a lemon peel brace pinning all in, and guiding through the finish. Certainly uncompromising, this is a vinous, savoury, and saline wine.Prices:| ON | $100.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $110.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Pol Roger Pure Extra Brut NV
Champagne, FranceLaunched in 2018, Pure Extra Brut (formally Pure Brut Nature) still has zero dosage, but a new name. Equal parts chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot meunier, the fruit was fermented in stainless, with full MLF, before heading to bottle and 3 years' rest before disgorge. Next to Pol's standard bearer NV (ahem - beloved by Sir Winston Churchill), this feels crisp and bright up front, led with lemon, apple blossoms, and juicy red apple, centered on meringue, and shaped by a chalky swipe. The Pol posh and ripeness comes into play as it relaxes in the glass, finishing with a lemon twist. A smart forward and modern move by the historic house.Prices:| BC | $114.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $100.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Pol Roger Brut Reserve NV
Champagne, FranceA personal favourite, this champagne is simply a pleasure to drink and serve. The nose has a subtle fruit tone, like pear or mango with honeysuckle and floral notes. The palate pitches quince, apricot, and light honey with a streak of tangerine and an electric mineral stony finish. Brut Réserve has always been crafted to be the champagne of all occasions. The blend is equal parts pinot noir, pinot meunier, and chardonnay from 30 different crus, and 25% is reserve wine from previous years. Harmony is the key to this label's success, which is consistently reached by mixing the structure, body and power of pinot noir with the freshness, roundness and fruitiness of the meunier and the aromatic complexity, finesse, elegance and lightness of chardonnay. Four years ageing in deep (33 metres below ground), cool chalk cellars, on its lees, is the final secret to a magical wine.Prices:| BC | $89.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $85.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $98.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $85.55 | 750ml |
| QC | $75.25 | 750ml |
| NS | $85.23 | 750ml |
| PEI | $84.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Jean Vesselle Brut Réserve NV
Champagne, FranceThe Brut Réserve is a classic introduction to a traditionally styled champagne, an 80/20 mix of pinot and chardonnay. The pinot noir makes for intense upfront red fruit that dissolves into a honeyed citrus palate with a light creamy texture. The winery suggests saucy white meat dishes or beautiful creamy cheeses. Here on the West Coast, I think of various shellfish led by oysters and crabs. Ready to drink. This was aged between 24-36 months and is dosed with 10-11 g/L RS.Prices:| BC | $65.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Champagne Tarlant ZERO Brut Nature NV
Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, FranceFounded in 1687, this Marne based, family owned grower champagne house is now in the care of the 12th generation, managing 14 organically farmed hectares in the Vallée de la Marne. This unique champagne blends equal parts pinot noir, pinot meunier, and chardonnay, with lesser parts petit messier, arbanne, and pinot blanc, all from vines 40+ years old. Each plot was native fermented in barrel with no MLF, and this bottle was based on 2014, with 40% reserve wines. It spent 5.5 years on lees, and was disgorged February 2021 with 0 dosage. Quite perfumed, with ripe red and yellow apple, orchard blossoms scenting a deep biscuit and dough core. An oxidative cloud hangs above, while some toasted ginger spices roll underneath. The zero dosage holds the freshness in check presently, but this (at least this disgorge, on these western Canadian shelves) is definitely drink now. Look for fresher versions, which will deliver a far purer result.Prices:| BC | $87.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $60.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Champagne Laurent Perrier La Cuvée Brut NV
Champagne, FranceLa Cuvée is L-P's Brut NV, and changed over the years to be chardonnay dominant. Laurent Perrier has been around since 1812, and has been a pioneer in the stainless steel fermentation process in the region. The blend is 55% chardonnay, 35% pinot noir, and 10% pinot meunier, from 110 growers, and the amount of reserve wine fluctuates between 20 and 30%, with a dosage around 8 g/L. Fresh buttery brioche bases red and green apple, crunchy pear, perfumed cherry blossoms, with ginger spice on the finish. A friendly, dependable champagne to crack into.Prices:| BC | $88.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Laurent Perrier Cuvée Rosé Brut NV
Champagne, FranceLa Cuvée Rosé, the world's top selling rosé champagne, is as recognizable for its distinctive bottle shape as for its smouldering red fruit profile. Entirely pinot noir, this was sourced from 10 villages in Montagne de Reims, with a good proportion of Grands Cru. It spent up to 3 days in contact with skins before bleeding off and ferment in stainless. Once in bottle, this had a minimum of 60 months on lees before a disgorgement around 9 g/L. Perfumed raspberry leads and carries this polished wine, with a cherry, toasted brioche core, and lemon sheen that stretches to extend the finish. Polished and friendly, with more than a hint of romance, it's easy to see why this champagne consistently charms.Prices:| BC | $119.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $119.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $119.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $117.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Veuve Clicquot Brut NV
Champagne, FranceThe origin of Veuve Clicquot's distinctive yellow label (which looks orange) is linked to the egg yolk of a free-run chicken. Clicquot's non-vintage label is one of the more powerful house styles. After some sleepy years, it appears this wine is getting an upgrade of sorts with better fruit up front to offset the rich brioche and butter. Its weight and power stem from adding 45% reserve wines into this year’s blend. There is power and elegance in the same bottle. Look for more snappy acidity and citrus across the front end with a heady toasted nut mid-palate, and a long saline yeasty finish. In short, it is a round, rich sparkler with finesse for those who prefer their bubble with attitude.Prices:| BC | $82.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $75.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $93.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $84.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $86.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $89.99 | 750ml |
| PEI | $88.29 | 750ml |
| NL | $98.90 | 750ml |
| NB | $91.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $178.99 | 1500ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Lanson Le Black Brut NV
Champagne, FranceSomething is to be said for consistency and accountability in Champagne, and Lanson Le Black Brut has it in spades. The pale amber colour previews a stream of tiny bubbles infused with lemon, pear, and apple, with a hint of pastry running from front to back. This is supported by a mineral, stony stream of electricity that refreshes every sip. The mix is 50/35/15 pinot noir / chardonnay / pinot meunier with a generous hit of reserve wine stored in stainless steel and wood. Drink anytime, anywhere.Prices:| BC | $78.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $67.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $72.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Champagne Laurent Lequart Millésime Extra Brut 2015
Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, FranceFourth generation vine growers, based in Passy-Grigny, in the Vallée de la Marne, Laurent took over the family operations in 1988, and moved it into sustainable viticulture: HVE (High Environmental Value); and VDC (sustainable Viticulture in Champagne). Their 11.4 ha of vineyards are focused on pinot meunier. This 2015 is equal parts chardonnay and pinot meunier from their home village, with the PM fermented in stainless and the chardonnay in oak, with full MLF. This rested sur lattes for 72 months, and was disgorged in April 2022 with 5 g/L. Ample bread dough, toasted hazelnut, red and green apple, soy, fills an expansive palate, hazed with oxidation, which sadly drags this down some. The finish rings with bright, tart lemon. Drink now, ideally with food.Prices:| BC | $136.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $109.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Champagne Laurent Lequart Prestige Brut Nature NV
Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, FranceFourth generation vine growers, based in Passy-Grigny, in the Vallée de la Marne, Laurent took over the family operations in 1988, and moved it into sustainable viticulture: HVE (High Environmental Value); and VDC (sustainable Viticulture in Champagne). Their 11.4 ha of vineyards are focused on pinot meunier. This pinot meunier comes from 45-50 year old vines in Passy-Grigny, and its clay / limestone soils. This bottle was based on 2016, with 20% reserve wines. It was vinified in a mix of stainless and oak (50% MLF) before heading to bottle and 6 years sur lattes. It was disgorged with 6 g/L in August 2022. Ripe red apple, tart rhubarb leads into an oxidative, mealy palate, with ketchup chips, sharp acids, and a snappy lemon on the finish. Lacking pleasure, and not holding up very well.Prices:| BC | $102.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $89.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Champagne Laurent Lequart Blanc de Meunier Brut Nature NV
Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, FranceFourth generation vine growers, based in Passy-Grigny, in the Vallée de la Marne, Laurent took over the family operations in 1988, and moved it into sustainable viticulture: HVE (High Environmental Value); and VDC (sustainable Viticulture in Champagne). Their 11.4 ha of vineyards are focused on pinot meunier. This old vine (50+ years) PM comes from the clay limestone soils of Passy-Grigny. This bottle was based on 2019, with 20% reserve wines. It was fermented in stainless, with 50% MLF, before heading to bottle for 3 years. It was disgorged in May 2023 with 0 dosage. Tight and tart, with rhubarb, crunchy red apple across a cherry meringue core, kissed with oxidative notes, and tightened with pink grapefruit on the snappy finish. A fresh and pure look at pinot meunier, and ready for drinking now.Prices:| BC | $74.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $60.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Palmer & Co. Brut Reserve NV
Montagne de Reims, Champagne, FranceFounded in 1947 under Producteurs des Grands Crus de Champagne, Palmer & Co is one of Champagne's high-quality co-ops. The Brut Réserve is a Palmer signature made from a selection of Premier and Grand Crus vines grown in Montagne de Reims. A significant proportion of reserve wine (25-35%) is responsible for building out the rare texture at this level of champagne. The nose is lovely, pitching citrus, white fruits and apricots with a subtle hazelnut and fresh pastries undercurrent. The palate is a study in harmony where lemons, ripe red apples, and bright acidity meet to complement each other. The blend is chardonnay 50-55%, pinot noir 35-40%, and pinot meunier 10-15%. The wine is aged 36-48 months, a testament to the care taken with this label. It gets a dosage of 8 g/l from the reserve collection at disgorgement.Prices:| BC | $80.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Champagne Elise Dechannes Essentielle 2020
Côte des Bar, Champagne, FranceElise Dechannes's wines are farmed in Les Riceys, the southernmost part of the Aube, and a village historically famed for their still rosé. Organically certified with biodynamic practices, her vines are rooted in the region's kimmeridgian marls and clay. Essentielle is entirely Pinot Noir, native fermented in stainless, and with 18 months sur lattes before disgorge (0 dosage) and low SO2 throughout. Not really a 'blanc' de noir, as this pours a salmon-orange hue, this brisk, sleek champagne streams white peach, red apple, toast, mandarin peel, mustard seed alongside oxidative kisses and along sharp acidity to a brief, anise-licked finish. A rawer, naked BdN, ready for enjoying now, ideally with foods. I wish for more SO2 to protect against the long journey in bottle to Canada. That would make a huge difference in a wine like this. I will seek it out to taste when in France next.Prices:| BC | $110.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Champagne Fleury BdN Brut NV
Côte des Bar, Champagne, FranceA winegrowing family for four generations, Champagne Fleury has been organic since 1970, and biodynamic since 1989. They own 15 hectares in the Aube, 90% of which are planted to pinot noir. Their success with biodynamics have inspired others in the village to begin farming this way, and Fleury are the largest certified biodynamic producer in Champagne. The winery is now in the capable hands of Jean-Sébastien Fleury and his sister Morgane. This biodynamic blanc de noir is entirely pinot noir, from the village of Courteron. This was native fermented in vats with full MLF and low sulphur, with reserve wines held in large format oak. This bottle was disgorged January 2024, with 4.7 g/L dosage. Pouring a deeper yellow hue, this is giving oxidative kisses to the wild cherry, strawberry leather, red apple, lemon peel below, all strung with an electric rivlet of Kimmeridgian acidity, and finishing with a vegemite twist. When I've had this in France, it's far much fresher than the version the transported to Canada version, super sadly. It's almost like two different wines. This one is drinking now, ideally with savoury mushroom and / or smoked salmon.Prices:| BC | $85.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Gardet Brut Tradition NV
Champagne, FranceOur annual look at Champagne allows us to examine its state, be it the vintage, pricing, sales, or inventories, and we can taste A against B, C against A, B against C, etc. It’s an exercise we love but not always fair to wines like this Gardet, which, on its own, on any night of the week, can easily capture your imagination. Gardet has been around since 1895 as a Champagne negociant, and Tradition is the flagship label. The blend is 45% pinot noir, 45% pinot meunier and 10% chardonnay from 20 villages across the AOC. Reserve wines from the last 3 harvests comprise 30% of the final mix. It spends 36-48 months on lees and is dosed with a modest 8 g/L. Light and electric with bright citrus, white stone fruits, a chalky mineral underside, and a splash of lees that makes for an appealing bubble that is easy to drink. The simple match is gougères, or scrambled eggs.Prices:| BC | $79.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $62.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Ployez-Jacquemat Extra Quality Brut NV
Champagne, FranceThe grower house Ployez-Jacquemart is now just under 100 years old since its founding in 1930 by Marcel Ployez and his wife, Yvonne Jacquemart. All the fruit comes from and is made by the estate. The Extra Quality Brut is a dry 5 g/L bubble, blending 60/15/25 pinot meunier, pinot noir, and chardonnay selected from Premier and Grands Crus villages only that spends 48 months in the cellars at Aÿ. Expect an understated, subtle, dry champagne with a creamy texture and a stream of pure fruity, chalky, mineral, and lees flavour with a honeyed, toasted almond undercurrent. A gastronomic champagne that is ready to drink but best with small bites of food.Prices:| BC | $85.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $62.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Henriot Rosé NV
Champagne, FranceHenriot's vineyards have been around since the 1700s, but they didn't begin producing sparkling wine until 1808, when Apolline Henriot began to make wine from her family's lands. This rosé was first released in the 1980s. This bottle blends approximately 60% pinot noir, 30% chardonnay, and 10% meunier, with 20-40% reserve wines and 10% still red pinot noir, from Aÿ. It spent 3 years on lees, and was disgorged with 7 g/L. Pouring a generous salmon hue, this rosé's prominent cherry and red apple is imbued with ample toasted brioche, kissed with bright anise and scented with crushed florals. Ever so slightly sharpening and refining this cuvée, the current bottle in market (BC) is a smart rosé choice for the table.Prices:| BC | $94.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Henriot Blanc de Blancs NV
Champagne, FranceHenriot's vineyards have been around since the 1700s, but they didn't begin producing sparkling wine until 1808, when Apolline Henriot began to make wine from her family's lands. 2/3 of this BdB comes from 1er and GC fruit, and employs 30-50% reserve wines, including partial perpetual. It spent 4 years on lees, and was dosed with 7 g/L. Pouring a deeper hue, this mouthfilling wine is layered with toasted popcorn, brioche, vanilla wafer intercepted with green apple and bright lemon. A richer, expansive style for contemplation, or enjoying at the dinner table.Prices:| BC | $100.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Ayala Rosé Majeur NV
Champagne, FranceChampagne Ayala is one of the longer-established champagne houses, founded over 150 years ago in Aÿ. In 2005, the Bollinger family bought this neighbouring estate and set upon a resurgence for the brand, with a complete restoration of winemaking facilities and a bold new direction. This 2019 base just tips in favour of Chardonnay, with 51% sourced from 14 plots, followed by Montagne de Reims Pinot Noir (including 6% still wine from GC Aÿ), and 10% Pinot Meunier. After fermentation in stainless prior to 3ish years on lees, plus 17% reserve wines (18, 17, 16) this was disgorged with 6 g/L in October 2023. Pouring a deeper salmon hue, this toothsome rose is filled with strawberry meringue, Rainier cherry, vanilla brioche, and orange rind, rolling out across the gently expansive core, and finishing with a saline snappiness. Friendly and easy to enjoy.Prices:| QC | $86.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Champagne Aubry Premier Cru Brut NV
Montagne de Reims, Champagne, FranceFrom Montagne de Reims villages Jouy-lès-Reims and Villedommange, this is a singular blend of 45% Pinot Meunier, 25% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Noir and 5% of lesser seen grapes Arbanne, Petit Meslier and Fromenteau (Pinot Gris). This uses 50% from the current vintage and 50% perpetual reserve going back to 1998. After a stainless ferment, this spent two years sur latte. A red apple core is perfumed with orchard blossoms and a potpourri of fragrant spices, woven with white peach, rainier cherry, and a kiss of perpetual oxidation. Solid, friendly, interesting grower champagne (at a great price too).Prices:| US | $60.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Champagne Devaux Cuvée Rosée NV
Champagne, FranceThe house of Champagne Devaux was founded in 1846 by brothers Jules and Auguste Devaux, based in the Côte des Bar. This blend of 80% pinot noir (5% skin contact juice), 20% chardonnay comes off vineyards in the Côte des Barand (PN) and the Côte des Blancs, Côte des Bar, Vitry, and Sézanne (Ch). Fermented in stainless, with 20% reserve wines from large oak casks, this spent 3 years sur lattes before disgorge. Pouring a deeper blush hue, this creamy, pleasant rosé carries strawberry jam, red apples, subtle anise, light toast along the palate, with a lemon laced acidity, and smartly low-ish dosage. Friendly and welcoming.Prices:| France | $27.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Champagne Charles Mignon Premium Reserve Brut NV
Champagne, FranceChampagne Charles Mignon is a 6th generation grower based in Epernay and has worked towards organic certification these past years. The family became a NM (negoce) in the 1990s as they had to begin purchasing fruit to maintain and grow the business. This cuvée blends 20% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, 55% Meunier from across the Marne Valley (Chavot, Monthelon, Moussy, Epernay, Fleury la Rivière, Venteuil, Port à Binson, Jonquery, Barbonne, Bergère les Vertus, Leuvrigny), as well as from the Sézannais and Vitry. This was fermented in stainless and with 20-40% reserve wines. After 18-24 months on lees, this was dosed with 9 g/L reserve wines. Ripe red apple, biscuit, vanilla wafer is gripped with a buzzy, crushed rock underlay, skipping long on the palate and finishing with a lick of anise. Friendly and accessible.Prices:| BC | $80.00 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Champagne Krug Grande Cuvée 171èmé Brut NV
Champagne, FranceKrug Grande Cuvée 171ème Édition is a blend of 131 wines from 12 different years, the youngest of which is from 2015, while the oldest dates back to 2000. It spent seven years in Krug’s cellars to fully blossom, a testament to the depth and complexity of this remarkable wine. Overall, 20 years of careful craftsmanship went into this wine. Krug Cellarmaster Julie Cavil remarked that the chardonnays and meuniers of 2015 “showed a bit of restraint, so we looked to fresher years from our reserve wine library, including the harvests of 2008, 2013 and even 2014 to bring vivacity and tension to the blend.” There are also additions from warmer years, such as 2000 and 2006, that add patina and a toasty quality. Some 30 different expressions of pinot noir bring generosity, spice, and structure while the meuniers selected from 4 harvest years to add an assertive quality and diversity to the final blend. The final composition is 45% pinot noir, 37% chardonnay, and 18% meunier. The bubbles are energetic, persistent, and tiny, and the nose has a subtle scent of white flowers, citrus blossoms, and gingerbread. On the palate, the intense flavours are a mix of toasted notes punctuated with quince, limoncello, and a host of dried fruits.Prices:| CDN | $425.00 | 750ml |
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96PTS
Champagne Krug Grande Cuvée 170èmé Brut NV
Champagne, FranceKrug Grande Cuvée is the dream of Joseph Krug, who challenged his workers to produce "the very best Champagne every single year" regardless of annual variations in climate since 1843. The 170 edition is a blend of 195 wines from 12 different years, from 1998 to 2014. The composition is 51% pinot noir, 38% chardonnay, and 11% meunier, and 45% of the wine is from Krug reserves. In all, it spends about seven years in the cellars. Look for a light golden sparkly colour with a plethora of tiny persistent bubbles. The palate is loaded with intense floral and citrus with hints of marzipan, gingerbread, quince, and almond paste. Long and complex, and this will age forever. The folks at Krug suggest you pair it "from the simplest to the most sophisticated, from an aged parmesan to turbot à la truffe. It can be enjoyed as an aperitif with Jamon and mature comté or served alongside oysters, grilled shrimps, Indian or Moroccan. It can even take on desserts like carrot cake, tarte tatin and cheesecake."Prices:| CDN | $425.00 | 750ml |
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96PTS
Champagne Krug Rosé 27ème Édition Brut NV
Champagne, FranceKrug Rosé 27ème Édition is a complex blend of 38 wines from 9 different years, the youngest of which is from 2015, while the oldest dates back to 2005. It gets its impeccable pale colour, spiciness, and structure from the 10% macerated pinot noir of the year it is blended. The blend is 57/23/20 pinot noir / chardonnay / pinot meunier, and 55% is reserve wine. Once blended, it all gets 7 years to rest en tirage in the cellar, to pull it all together before it is released. The nose is an ethereal scent of red fruits, rosehips, and pink grapefruit, while the palate is a storm of citrus with a touch of honey and tiny bubbles. It is perfect for savoury appetizers, or even richer dishes at the dinner table.Prices:| BC | $597.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Vilmart & Cie Grand Cellier d'Or 1er Cru 2019
Montagne de Reims, Champagne, FranceThough technically not a Grower Champagne (RM) due to Vilmart & Cie sourcing some grapes from around their Rilly-la-Montagne home base, they are certainly in the same authentic, hands-on, small-scale league. Grand Cellier d'Or is 1er cru chardonnay (80%) and pinot noir from vines 50+ years off their estate Les Blanche Voix vineyard and it's super chalky soils. It fermented (no MLF) and aged in 228L oak barrels and foudre over 10 months before heading to bottle and 42 months rest, and was disgorged in July 2023 with 7 g/L. Quite complete in the mouth, with brioche, green apple, lemon layered with fine lees and deep chalk, finishing with a gentle humming salinity. A softer, creamier, and more expansive wine than their classic Grand Cellier.Prices:| QC | $136.25 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Tarlant Rosé ZERO Brut Nature NV
Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, FranceFounded in 1687, this Marne based, family owned grower champagne house is now in the care of the 12th generation. This Rosé ZERO Brut Nature is 50% Chardonnay, with Pinot Noir (44%), and Pinot Meunier (6%) adding hue and subtle red fruit. A portion of the red grapes undergoes a short maceration pre-native ferment, and this base wine 2016 has 20% barrel aged reserve wines added. After 5 years on lees, this bottle was disgorged in February 2022, with 0 dosage. Though now tempered with some time post-disgorge, this 0D still shows nervy energy via tart rhubarb, young strawberry and a raspberry jam core, scented with light toast. Drinking now.Prices:| BC | $100.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Champagne Egly-Ouriet Les Vignes de Vrigny NV
Montagne de Reims, Champagne, FranceOne of the forerunners of the grower champagne movement, Egly-Ourier is based in Ambonnay, with 4th generation Francis Egly farming their old vines organically and biodynamically. From an east facing single parcel in the Montagne de Reims' 1er cru Vrigny, this pinot meunier comes off 50+ year old vines. Base year 2017 (with 20% reserve wines from the previous 2 vintages), it was native fermented in stainless, with no MLF before heading to bottle unfined and unfiltered, for 38 months on lees. This was disgorged September 2021 with 1 g/L. Pouring the deepest golden hue, this powerful champagne courses with apricot, white cherry, meringue, toasted brioche, white truffle, and roasted hazelnuts layered long on the palate. There's a smouldering chalky base underlying this vinous wine, now deepened with additional Maillard character. Powerful and intense, this is a vinous wine of contemplation.Prices:| QC | $125.00 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Champagne Bollinger R.D. Extra Brut 2002
Champagne, FranceFrom the cellar. In 1967, Bollinger released R.D. 1952, the first of the Recently Disgorged champagnes, and the first labels to show the disgorge date. Since that time, and up to today, a portion of La Grande Année has been kept in the cellars for a later disgorge, after up to 20 years on the lees. Though showing obvious age, with tertiary autolytics, plus ample maillard reaction caramelization, the 2002 RD has worn very, very well. It's 60/40 pinot noir / chardonnay was sourced from 23 Crus (all GC or 1er Cru), and was disgorged with 3-4 g/L. This was a pristine bottle, showing no oxidation, and great purity, opening with subtle burnished lemon curd, patisserie, apricot fuzz, and yellow plum on the nose before carrying into cushy meringue and roasted hazelnut on the deep palate. Though the mousse is gentle, the driving acidity and chalky buzz underneath is driving and persistent, carrying this at least half a minute on the palate after the last drop finishes. A stunner, still now, and with time yet ahead. Pricing below is for the 2007 / 2008 RD currently in market.Prices:| BC | $510.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $500.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Roger-Constant Lemaire Cuvée Trianon NV
Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, FranceThe Lemaire family has been present in the Vallee de la Marne since the late 19th century. Today, a few generations in, the family is overseeing their sustainably managed (under conversion to organic) 12 hectares. This Cuvée, a 60% PN / 40% Chard blend, is off estate clay and limestone vineyards in the Marne, and was native fermented in stainless (no MLF) before heading to bottle, unfiltered, where it remains until disgorge (around 6-7 g/L). This bottle is a blend of 4 vintages, and fruit from 1er Crus Hautvillers, Cumières, and Villers sous Chatillon. Red apple, toasted biscuit, dough, and meringue flood the creamy palate, with a structural lemon pith bracing, and a subtle ginger spicing. There is lovely energy here, and encouragement they're going to continue to push the envelope further.Prices:| BC | $90.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Champagne Laherte Frères Ultradition Brut NV
Champagne, FranceThe Laherte family has a long history in the region. Founded in 1889 by Jean-Baptiste Laherte, the estate was originally made up of vines primarily in the village of Chavot. Fourth generation vigneron Michel Laherte expanded the family estate which then covered about five hectares. With his wife Cécile, the two young vignerons modernized the press and tanks, but soon realized that too much modernity such as the use of herbicides and pesticides would prevent full terroir expression in the wines. They began working the soils, gently vinifying the juices, and remaining humble and patient as the wines developed. In 2005, his son Aurélien Laherte (7th gen) overtook operations of the estate, now 11 hectares, with another 4 hectares contracted by like-minded farmers. This, their flagship, blends fruit from Vallée de la Marne, Coteaux Sud d’Epernay, and Côtes de Blancs, and is a blend of 60% Pinot Meunier, 30% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Noir, primarily (80%) fermented in vat, foudres, and barrel, with 40% reserve wines, kept in wood. This bottle was disgorged June 2023, with 4.5 g/L. White cherry, crunchy green apple, pink florals is dosed with meunier meringue, with a touch of oxidation (from the wood-housed reserve wines), and buzzy underlay which lingers on the finish. Solid. Take with proteins.Prices:| BC | $90.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Champagne Drappier Rosé de Saignée NV
Côte des Bar, Champagne, FranceThe Drappier family vineyard holdings are remarkably large, covering 100 hectares. It's taken the negoc family a long time to amass such an impressive holding in Champagne, where they're been actively buying vineyards since 1808. Drappier brought pinot noir to the Aube in 1930s. Vineyards are primarily located around Urville, in the heart of the Côte des Bar, where pinot noir is king and soils are limestone-centric. This Saignée Rosé, somewhat rare to see in Champagne, is entirely pinot noir, with its deeper hue the result of 2 days of maceration on skins in stainless, where it remains for fermentation and full MLF (5% are done in foudre). Once in bottle this spent 30 months on lees, and was disgorged with 6g/L. Strawberry and raspberry jam, red apple, and dark cherry is riffed with fine tannin across the expansive palate, with some oxidative kisses on the saline finish. Certainly unique, and one to think of with proteins.Prices:| QC | $64.75 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Champagne Domaine Nowack La Tuilerie Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut 2018
Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, FranceFlavien Nowack is the current generation Champenois making wine, one in a long line of grower / producers in Vallée de la Marne's Vandières making wine since 1795. Since taking over in 2011, he moved to single parcel and single village wines, converting al the vineyards to biodynamics. This is entirely Chardonnay (rare from this area) on a mid-slope SW facing parcel of sandy limestone soils, on the right bank of the Marne. This was native fermented and aged in small barrel, unfiltered, before undergoing secondary ferment under cork, and a liqueur de triage of grape must. It was disgorged in January 2023 with under 1 g/L. Pouring a deeper lemon hue, this leans towards power, with smouldering crushed stones, apricot pit and skin, and crunchy yellow apple across a taut, uncompromising, and textual palate. A savoury, saline wine.Prices:| ON | $125.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Champagne Ulysse Collin Les Maillons Blanc de Noirs NV
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceThe Collin family's winemaking roots in Congy can be traced back for generations, dating back to 1812. Current generation Olivier Collin reclaimed the family vineyards, which had been leased out to Pommery, in 2003, after years of working to break the lease. He turned the near 9 hectare estate into organic viticulture, and ushered in the start of the label Ulysse Collin, one of the stars of the grower champagne movement. Their three vineyards are located in the Coteaux du Petit Morin and Côteaux du Sézannais. Olivier's time working with Anselme Selosse can be seen in the low-intervention winemaking, and use of large foudres and 225L barrels. This BdN is pinot noir from the Sézannais lieu-dit Les Maillons, planted in 1971 / 1972. It is base year 2019, with 50% reserves from 2018, and after 36 months sur lattes, was disgorged February 14, 2023 with 1.7 g/L. Smouldering wild cherries, perfumed raspberries course through this intense and elegant wine, long on the palate with dried and fresh red fruit and florals. Well integrated toast, deep meringue, and ample flake salts intermingle, and linger on the savoury finish. This is quite a vinous, serious wine that grows with time in the glass. When I tasted with Olivier at the winery, he opened the wine and let it sit on the table for more than 1 hour, unchilled, while we visited vineyards and chatted. When we returned to taste, it had opened and was showing as intended.Prices:| QC | $120.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Champagne Pierre Paillard Les Terres Roses Bouzy Grand Cru Rosé XIX NV
Montagne de Reims, Champagne, FranceBrothers Antoine and Quentin Paillard are 8th generation vine growers and winemakers, carrying on the family tradition with father Benoit. The Paillard family has been growing vines and making wine in Bouzy since 1768, owning only Grand Cru vineyards with old vines via massale selection (no clones). They are truly a star of the grower champagne movement. As the label hints, this GC Rosé is from the 2019 vintage. This year's cépage was 64% Chardonnay, 36% Pinot Noir (5% Bouzy Rouge), a surprisingly high chardy quotient for red-centric Bouzy, though the house norm for Pierre Paillard. After 30 months in the cellars, this was DG February 2023, with zéro dosage. Powerful and present, with smouldering red florals, wild raspberry, haksap berries, and a tart cranberry acidity that spines this to a lightly peppery finish. Always a delight to find this cuvée, and to partner with the dinner table.Prices:| QC | $120.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $127.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Champagne Frédéric Savart l'Ouverture 1er Cru Brut NV
Montagne de Reims, Champagne, FranceSituated 10 km west of Reims, Frédéric Savart is based in the village of Écueil, in the Val de Reims. Continuing from his father's work with their 'laboratory of terroirs,' Savart has made the 4-hectare property his own and has become one of the superstars of the Grower Champagne movement. L'Ouverture is the introduction to Freddy's range, with three vintages of Pinot Noir from Écueil's sandy soils, native fermented and aged in a mix of stainless and barrel before heading to bottle. My bottle was disgorged in October 2023, with 3.5 g/L. Red fruited throughout, with wild cherry, Rainier cherry, burnished lemon, fragrant raspberry, and crunchy red apple strung across lightly toasted meringue. Acidity is tart and crunchy with this recent DG and will nimbly integrate into the wine over time. Tense and long through the finish, this is a stunner, as usual.Prices:| QC | $155.25 | 750ml |
| ON | $140.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Champagne Pierre Gimonnet & Fils Rosé de Blancs NV
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceDidier, part of the third generation of the Gimonnet family, oversees the winemaking of their family winery, based in Cuis, in the heart of the Côtes de Blancs. This wine, like all of their chardonnay-centric wines, is laser focused. According to Didier, he wants a rosé that tastes like a blanc de blancs with colour. "Powerful chardonnay." It certainly succeeds. This bottling was from 2021 vintage (no reserves) and sources fruit from Chouilly, Cramant, Oger, Cuis, and Vertus, adding 6.5% Bouzy still pinot noir. It was disgorged in July 2023, with 5.5 g/L. This salmon-hued rosé charms with wild strawberry, white cherry, and pithy lemon, lit with an effortless acidity, shaped with a chalky brace, and trailing with cherry blossoms and lingering salinity. Certainly one of the most chardy of all the rosé champagnes, even with the relatively ample still wine added this vintage. A fantastic food wine, and my go-to for a reason.Prices:| BC | $100.00 | 750ml |
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09 December 2024
90PTS
Cirro Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Wairau Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandA restrained, elegant expression of Marlborough sauvignon blanc, this offers a citrus-driven nose of lemon and grapefruit lifted by delicate white blossoms and flint. It's beautifully balanced, with integrated, crisp acidity that's carried by elevated fruit weight, leading to a textured, mouthwatering finish. We continue to be impressed by Cirro. What we've tried really overdelivers for the price.Prices:| BC | $25.98 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Misty Cove Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandOn the leaner, more herbaceous side of Marlborough sauvignon blanc, this offers zesty grapefruit and gooseberry alongside no shortage of cut grass. It offers a punchy, textured frame, marked by some bitterness on the moderate finish. Correct but not altogether seamless.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $23.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Crowded House Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandMarlborough wines are as distinctive as any regarding sauvignon blanc, as evidenced by yet another classic pitching lime and guava notes. The palate is all about passion fruit, apples, and nectarine, with razor sharp acidity. The finish is a mineral affair with a touch of bitter citrus rind. Fresh shellfish or classic fish and chips are fine matches.Prices:| BC | $23.39 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.50 | 750ml |
| NS | $22.32 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc Private Bin 2023
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandPrivate Bin is a classic Villa Maria label that is traditional in a good way. Intense and always chiselled, it is packed full of lemon, passionfruit, guava, and lime leaf that runs through the wine from front to back where it finishes dry and grassy. Tart and lip smacking, it is everything Kiwi sauvignon blanc fans drool over. I love this with steamed West Coast mussels.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $20.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $19.99 | 750ml |
| NB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $19.77 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Cirro Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Wairau Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandA slightly reductive and restrained take on sauvignon blanc, this wine opts for subtlety over bold aromatics. The nose unfolds gradually, revealing white grapefruit, delicate herbal grassy tones, lemon zest, a whisper of white pepper, and a touch of mineral salinity. On the palate, its textured profile is energized by vibrant, elevated acidity that tightens the structure and leads to a savoury, mineral driven finish.Prices:| BC | $25.98 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mouton Cadet Blanc 2023
Bordeaux, FranceI continue to be impressed by the old brand that has more than reinvented itself in the vineyard and at the winery. Very few wines deliver the concentration and flavours you get here for the price. Cadet Blanc is just over 2/3 sauvignon blanc (the freshness), just under 1/3 sémillon (the roundness and fruit), and about one% muscadelle (the lift and refinement). The Bordelais are the master of the blend, and this is a fine example of what you can do with care at the entry level. Take note, BC. The nose is an attractive green and citrus mix with apricot and a touch of tropical. The acidity is perfect, and the finish is a lovely saline mineral affair. The ideal aperitif white for vegetable maki rolls, or take it to dinner for seafood linguine or freshly shucked West Coast oysters.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.49 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.15 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Laberinto Ceniza Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Colbún, Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileThought to be among the best in Chile most years, this Maule sauvignon is for the bravest fans. Intensely floral and electric, its searing lemon entry penetrates deeply into its saline seawater back end, which is full of mineral and grassy green notes. This must be consumed with food, preferably something with some fat. Extreme is the name of the game here.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Misty Cove Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandA typical example of Marlborough sauvignon blanc, this wine bursts with pronounced and well defined aromas of passionfruit, grapefruit, guava, and fresh green bell pepper. The zippy acidity carries through to a straightforward, uncomplicated finish, offering a bright and approachable expression of the variety.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $23.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
CS Substance Sauvignon Blanc 2021
Columbia Valley, Oregon, United StatesFresh aromatics with muted white flowers and citrus blossoms, lead to a soft attack with bitter green fruit, passionfruit, lemongrass, and orange peel. Simple and ready to drink, and best with food.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $25.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $25.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.75 | 750ml |
| NB | $28.99 | 750ml |
| US | $16.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Stoneleigh Lighter Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandLook for solid notes of grapefruit and green pepper that butt up against the classic passionfruit and lime. It is lip-smackingly dry with bright acidity and ready for sushi, sashimi, or fresh cheeses like chèvre or buffalo mozzarella. Could it be the low-ish alcohol white wine you have been looking for, and a legitimate attempt to make a wine with less alcohol without deconstructing it? The goal at Stoneleigh is to provide the same intensity of flavour while reducing the alcohol by 25%. To do that, the fruit is picked at peak flavours while the sugar levels are still low. The grapes from estate vineyards are quickly bag pressed, and the juice is clarified before fermentation. The winemaking took place in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks using selected aromatic yeast strains to preserve all the pure fruit aromas naturally present in the juice. I deem this a success.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.20 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.35 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Stoneleigh Latitude Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandThe grapes were harvested using Pellenc Selectiv harvesters and crushed to bag presses. The juice is quickly pressed off to minimize excessive phenolic extraction. Small amounts of the juice (18%) go to French oak for a bit of texture, while the rest goes to stainless steel. Some would say all Kiwis should present with this flavour intensity, and they wouldn’t be wrong. There is a certain opulence here that helps to tolerate the intense passionfruit and grapefruit, adding some balance to the mix. The minerality is a bonus and game changer in the finish. Well done, and we like the price.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.20 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.35 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Stoneleigh Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandThere are not many changes here, but consistency can be a good thing. Expect a tightly round, fresh, intense gooseberry and nettle nose with a smoky, leesy, mineral undercurrent. The attack is similar, with fresh grapefruit, nettle, gooseberry, and jalapeno flecked with melon and nectarine skin. Shellfish is the obvious match, but you can serve it with a favourite Thai dish. Good value.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.99 | 750ml |
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06 December 2024
91PTS
Ruffino Tenuta Greppone Mazzi Brunello di Montalcino 2017
Tuscany, ItalyGreppi, meaning uneven, steep slopes, refers to the Greppone Mazzi vineyards and its 50 year old vines that sit 250 to 450 meters above sea level. Sangiovese Grosso, the grape of Brunello, reigns supreme here. The wine opens with an earthy undercurrent that fits its dry attack and leathery notes. It is more old style than new, but it has its charm. The fruit is red along the cherry and plum spectrum with some savoury crushed herbs and more leather for complexity. At seven years it is just beginning to spread its wings. Drink or hold through 2037.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $50.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Le Spinaie Brunello di Montalcino 2019
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, Italy2019 was a powerful vintage in Brunello and one of the very best since 2010. Le Spinaie presents all of the traits of the 2019 vintage: the glass is medium dark, and the nose is intense with a mix of white florals, and red and green fruits. The palate contains deep red and blue fruits led by blueberry compote, raspberries, and exotic orange. It is just a baby, but it will be fun to drink over the next 20 years as you observe its growth in the bottle. A wonderful expression of Brunello.Prices:| BC | $62.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Cortonesi La Mannella Brunello di Montalcino 2017
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyThe Cortonesi family has been farming the vines at the La Mannella farm in Montalcino for decades and is experienced in handling all kinds of vintage variations. Surprisingly fresh and lively, it has clearly been managed in the vineyard and at the winery in the face of a hot and dry 2017 growing season. This is a powerful version of Brunello but with equally bright acidity that allows it to present itself in balance. Even in this concentrated state, it retains the elegance of fine Brunello while pitching a classic savoury underside and fruity finish. This giant wine will take a decade to unfold and reach its zenith. Beef, game, and mushrooms are all matches today and are likely in the future.Prices:| BC | $99.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $87.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Casisano Rosso di Montalcino 2019
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyThis Rosso di Montalcino comes from the high vineyards of Podere Casisano in the hills to the south east of Montalcino. The fruit offers immediate charm, and it is a wine you can open now and enjoy with a pizza or a mushroom pasta dish. Look for bloody red fruit streaked with plums and mixed berries. It gets a traditional maceration on the skins for 12 days before spending 8 months in Slavonian oak casks and 6 months in bottle. Casisano's 22 hectares of vineyards are situated at 480m on a natural terrace facing southeast of Montalcino. The vines sit over a rocky base of sandstone, schistous marl, galestro, and veins of volcanic origin. In 2011, the Tommasi family, of renowned Veneto fame, purchased the property, and today, the 4th generation of siblings is involved with running the company, employing an integrated production system that guarantees the eco-sustainable management of agricultural activities.Prices:| BC | $42.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $38.99 | 750ml |
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04 December 2024
87PTS
Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages Combe aux Jacques 2022
Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceLouis Jadot is a respected name in the negociant business with plenty of grape resources across Beaujolais and Bourgogne. In 2022, their Beaujolais Villages was a blend of three sites, including one of the newer crus Régnié, which may explain its medium-dark colour. The nose is slightly muted with a dry, earthy tone and sour cherry with a pinch of wild raspberries in the back end. The texture is soft, and it is ready to drink. Best with grilled meats or chicken.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $25.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $27.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Orofino PTG 2022
Cawston, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Orofino PTG pays homage to the old French 1937 launched Bourgogone Passetoutgrains, a blend of pinot noir and gamay. 2022 is the second release of the dual co-fermented grapes at Orofino that was fermented wild in open top tanks. Post-ferment, the dry wine was pressed into older French barrels and left on its lees until bottling. It is a fresh fruit forward style with a citrus, spicy, cranberry and cherry, crushed rock demeanour admired by many but straight-up gamay fans. It is a mouthwatering style that requires food to express itself best. Veal cutlets would be a fine match, or a favourite pasta. It's a solid label that could easily become an Orofino staple.Prices:| BC | $25.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Red Barn at Jagged Rock Stand Apart Gamay 2030
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNew from Red Barn at Jagged Rock, this gamay is a fine addition to a series of quirky wines that reflect this South Okanagan vineyard's unique properties, which seem to switch effortlessly between red and white varieties. Look for a soft, round, gamay entry with bright dark-ish red fruit. The attack is plummy with a peppery underside, bright acidity, and a persistent mineral red fruit finish. Drink or hold, there is no rush before 2026. Clean and fresh under screwcap.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Andre Colonge et Fils Beaujolais Villages 2022
Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceThis vinegrower-winemaker family dates back to 1789, and their estate is in Lancié, amidst the Crus of the north. Currently run by brothers Landry and Samuel, and their father Serge, they own 30 HA across 4 appellations: Fleurie, Brouilly, Beaujolais Villages, and Beaujolais. Sourced from plots in granite and silica clay soils, the average vine age in this Villages is 45 years old. This is made semi-carbo, achieving an easy mix of drinkability and seriousness, with crushed plum, dried florals, and crushed stones. The slender palate is wrapped with fine tannins, and lofted with an easy acidity, finishing off with a dusting of pink peppercorn and kiss of salinity. A charming example, drinking very smartly now.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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