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Tastings: January 2003
31 January 2003
85PTS
Julius Wile Chardonnay 2001
California, United StatesButtery peach melon perfumed honey apple nose with similar honey-apple fruit flavours in a soft, simple, clean fresh style. Surprisingly good value for California and well worth trying.Prices:| BC | $11.95 | 750ml |
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81PTS
Poplar Grove Chardonnay Reserve 2001
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBread dough and lees preview a slightly oxidised nose which is odd for such a young wine. Nutty lees and popcorn butter flavours make for a simple, somewhat disappointing chardonnay.Prices:| BC | $21.90 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Jacques & Francois Les Fumées Blanches Sauvignon 2001
Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceClean grapefruit rind and mineral nose. Round supple entry more citrus flavours and medium depth. Easy sipping wine that would pair well with light seafood or appetizers. Well made worth buying.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Simi Sendal Reserve 2000
Sonoma County, California, United StatesThe blend is 78/22 but semillon is no shrinking violet. Creamy vanilla fig. Soft round entry with simialr flavours with nutty honey grapefruit then flattens out in the finish. Toasty nutty finish. Impressive and something different for California and that's a good thing.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Simi Chardonnay 2001
Sonoma County, California, United StatesHoney nectarine and nutty lees. - this all Sonoma. Lovely nutty lees citrus and baked apple. Elegant stylish delicious chardonnay. The kind of wine that saves a wine tasting. Fabulous value in Alberta.Prices:| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Franciscan Oakville Estate Chardonnay 2001
Napa Valley, California, United StatesCreamy nutty lees showing warm creme caramel. Dry citrus nutty zesty flavours with a salty nutty lees in the finish. Not near as fast as you might think it will be should be great food. Impressive fruit but great restraint. Excellent value in Alberta.Prices:| AB | $25.50 | 750ml |
| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Terra Andina Sauvignon Blanc 2002
Region del Valle Central, ChileKiwi grapefruit sweaty grapefruit rind aromas mix with similar grapefruit rind and sour green apple flavours. The finish is bitter but balanced and soft. A no big deal summer sipper.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc 2002
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileVeramonte has handle on sauvignon in Casablanca as evidenced by the pleasant melon Kiwi lemon rind character in this nose. Soft entry with similar ripe melon apple and kiwi fruit on the palate. Lovely elegant styling and quite along ripe finish. Impressive effort and becoming very consistent.Prices:| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Estancia Chardonnay Pinnacles 2001
Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesClassic Monterey chardonnay with mineral apple skin honey and green peach aromas and highly flavourful citrus dried lees and baked apple fruit. It's well made with fine length and finish and, it's fun to drink. Prices:| BC | $21.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Santa Rita Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2001
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileClean and fresh marked with citrus rind, citrus oil and gooseberry undertones. More citrus rind flavours fill the mouth that are tart and dry in the finish. This is a fun, mouth-puckering sauvignon that needs food.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.90 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.95 | 750ml |
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29 January 2003
91PTS
Arrowood Cabernet Sauvignon 1999
Sonoma County, California, United StatesOpen peppery, black cherry, tobacco, black olive, vanilla aromas with a touch of barnyard. Moderately rich with good concentration and ripe tannins. Cassis, vanilla, leather, tobacco and olive flavours with a spicy, coffee cassis finish. A bit tight at this stage but will improve over the next three years. Excellent quality.Prices:| BC | $67.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Arrowood Merlot 1999
Sonoma County, California, United StatesVery spicy, black olive, minty, cherry aromas. Ripe, round and velvety on the palate with creamy toffee, minty, cherry, spicy pepper flavours. Elegant styling with soft tannins, ready to drink but will improve for a few years.Prices:| BC | $63.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Arrowood Chardonnay 2000
Sonoma County, California, United StatesGreen apple, mineral, citrus and butterscotch aromas with a hint of spicy lees. Very elegant and round with a slightly oily texture. Buttery, apple, nutty buttery lees flavours. Sophisticated, suave and definitely a threat to Burgundy.Prices:| BC | $46.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Le Volte 2000
Bolgheri, Tuscany, ItalyLe Volte is produced from the young cabernet sauvignon and merlot vines of the Ornellaia estate blended with Sangiovese coming from selected growers in the coastal zone. Look for spicy, peppery, black cherry jam, slightly gamey, barnyard notes with some cassis. Round and textured with some light, dry tannins. Very earthy, peppery, spicy, gamey flavours with licorice and cherry in the finish. Well made for current drinking or hold a year.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Hangtime Pinot Noir 2000
Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesOpen beet root, compost, spice and strawberry jam nose. Very soft, round and velvety on the palate with strawberry jam, licorice, compost and orange flavours. Lush, fresh and ready to drink, affordable pinot.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Hangtime Chardonnay 2000
Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesLight lees, melon, butter citrus aromas with a touch of mango. Nice buttery, citrus, melon and mango flavours with an apple, mineral, slightly oily finish. Well made and reflects the Santa Maria appellation.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Byron Pinot Noir 2000
Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesOpen anise, barnyard, black cherry jam, spicy carrot aromas, very Santa Maria pinot. Rich, round and supple, like velvet with spicy, cherry jam, licorice, orange rind and coffee flavours. Long and balanced, great quality pinot for current drinking.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Kirralaa Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaThe cabernet is 100 per cent McLaren Vale fruit swimming in spicy, black olive, vanilla, sweaty saddle, cassis, earth and licorice aromas. The flavours are similar offering more spicy, cassis and blackberry fruit streaked with licorice pepper and vanilla in the finish. Lovely supple textures and elegant tannins. A touch alcoholic and young but should improve over the next few years. Well made.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.40 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Kirralaa Bushvine Shiraz 2001
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaA real Aussie shiraz blend featuring 53 per cent Coonawarra shiraz, 24 per cent Barossa Valley, 13 per cent McLaren Vale and 10 per cent Margaret River. Look for quite a forward open vanilla, tobacco, floral nose with a saddle leather, blackberry jam and cherry aroma with a peppery, garrigue, black olive background. Rich, round and elegant with soft tannins and textures. Creamy vanilla, black cherry, spicy, blackberry flavours and a peppery, orange rind, vanilla smoke finish. Good length, elegance and refinement.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Kirralaa Merlot 2001
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaThe merlot has an intriguing black cherry jam and toasty vanilla nose mixed with spicy, sweaty saddle aromas, black olive and a toasted bread and straw background. Round and quite rich with cherry jam, plum, spicy vanilla flavours and a minty, olive finish. Some grainy, green tannins cause the wine to finish a bit green taking away just a bit from an otherwise fine effort. The 85/15 blend of merlot and cabernet comes form Coonawarra 60 per cent and the Clare Valley.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Kirralaa Chardonnay 2002
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaThe Kirralaa Chardonnay is an intriguing mix of 48 per cent Hunter Valley fruit, 39 per cent Adelaide Hills; 4 per cent Clare Valley; 4 per cent McLaren Vale; 3 per cent Tumbarumba and 2 per cent Eden Valley. Look for a bright orange rind, honey, spicy lees aromas with a touch of smoky mineral and peach. It's elegant, round and plush on the palate with slightly young, acidic edge on the finish. The texture is quite creamy with ripe peach and citrus/orange flavours streaked with vanilla and spice in the aftertaste. A bit young with some acidity to balance out but very good complexity. Should improve. Good value.Prices:| ON | $20.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $23.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Talomas Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot 2000
California, United StatesThe whole demeanour of the Talomas Cabernet Merlot is herbal. Look for a spicy, green olive, mint, pepper, and cedar bark nose with leathery undercurrents. The entry is dry but elegant with olive brine, black pepper and spicy, minty cassis flavours and just a touch of tobacco. As mentioned it's slightly herbal and a little bit hollow but we like the complexity. More French than California or Oz. The blend is 73 per cent cabernet sauvignon and 27 merlot. The fruit is sourced from: Santa Barbara County 37%; Mendocino County 30%; Monterey County 28%; Sonoma County 5%.Prices:| BC | $25.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Talomas Cabernet Sauvignon & Syrah 2000
California, United StatesFinally someone on the northern hemisphere who sees a certain synergy in blending cabernet and syrah. Talomas (the indigenous name for the wildcats that used to roam California's costal lands) is a Mondavi Rosemount venture that hits the mark with this blend. Look for an inviting spicy, peppery, saddle leather, and toasted vanilla nose streaked with smoky floral, black berry and black cherry aromas. Its round, soft with well managed supple, dry tannins. Black berry, plums and spicy, creamy vanilla flavours make it fun to sip. Fine elegance and integration have us thinking about a scaled down Bin 389 without the big jammy characters. The proof is in the blend of this 67 per cent cabernet sauvignon and 33 per cent syrah taken from a wide variety of sites: Santa Barbara County 35%; Mendocino County 26%; Paso Robles 19%; Rutherford Napa Valley 15%; and Monterey County 5%.Prices:| BC | $25.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.95 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Byron Chardonnay Sierra Madre Vineyard 1999
Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesThe Sierra Madre vineyard is a further 10 kilometres west of the Byron vineyard making it one of California's coolest vineyard sites. Look for intense ripe apple, honey, nectarine and orange aromas with butter and spicy lees. Rich, round and elegant with a slightly oily texture but great acidity and balance. Buttery, spicy lees, mineral and mango flavours are completed by a long, intense citrus creamy finish. Very Santa Barbara. Prices:| BC | $55.95 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Byron Pinot Noir Sierra Madre Vineyard 1999
Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesLocated eight miles west of Byron Winery, Sierra Madre is one of the coolest vineyards in California. The 640 acre property was planted in 1974 and acquired by Bryon in 1996. At the moment 43 acres are devoted to select pinot noir and chardonnay vines. Complex nose with spicy, peppery, anise, strawberry jam and raspberry fruit aromas mixed with light barnyard, carrot top and compost notes. Rich, round, supple and very elegant. Strawberry jam, orange rind, licorice, spice and gamey flavours dominate with a creamy, long, delicate finish. Lovely pinot that will drink well now and for the next few years.Prices:| BC | $69.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Byron Chardonnay 2000
Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesRipe orange, mineral, apple skin, spicy lees nose with tropical fruit notes in the background. Very creamy, round entry with fresh acidity and more citrus, vanilla, toasty creamy lees flavours with some pineapple on the finish. Wonderful balance and tasty - sensational drinking chardonnay that should be sold by the boat load.Prices:| AB | $34.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $34.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $39.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $39.95 | 750ml |
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26 January 2003
88PTS
Bava Libera Barbera d'Asti 1999
Piedmont, ItalyExcellent dark colour with earthy, licorice root aromas and streaks of black cherry. Intense flavours of cherries and licorice with pepper and the ever-present acidity. Solid effort and well balanced in the finish for a barbera. It will improve even more with another year or two in bottle. Fine effort here.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
A Mano Primitivo 2001
Castellaneta, Taranto, Puglia, ItalyUnlike old-style primitivo, the A Mano has none of the volatile cooked flavours of the south. Look for ripe cherry jam fruit with spicy clove undertones - some might describe the nose as pinot noir-like. Consumers will be attracted to its round, supple entry bright fruit and firm full-flavoured, toasted finish. Dry fruity, refreshing and affordable. Definitely in the running for the barbecue red wine of the year.Prices:| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Promessa Rosso Salento 2001
Puglia, ItalyLook for a pleasing blackberry jam and spicy peppery nose streaked with gamy/sausage meat flavours. The entry is sleek, round and smooth on the palate which helps offset the dry "Italian" tannins in the finish. A well-made, flavourful southern red. Killer valuePrices:| BC | $13.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.25 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Croere Barbera d'Asti 1999
Piedmont, ItalyToasty, spicy clove, vanilla and saddle leather saturate the nose. Spicy oaky vanilla flavours dominate the palate and obscure the barbera fruit. New style that reminds us more of Bordeaux than Barbera. The vanilla and spice will appeal to many palates just the same. Prices:| BC | $29.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Marcarini Barolo Brunate 1997
La Morra, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyLa Serra is the other side of Marcarini Barolo: a historical vineyard covering 3.1 hectares (7.6 acres), less forward, albeit contiguous to, Brunate, on the same hillside, with identical south/southwestern exposure. The grapes take a little longer to ripen on the vines; the later harvest, together with a cooler, windier microclimate, is conducive to softer, rounder Barolo, with greater finesse. Look for an inviting strawberry cherry nose with tar and rose petals streaks. Warm full bodied spicy mid-palate with round elements but the finish is dry and more of what you expect from Barolo. Pruny cherry weedy tar in the finish. Best with food at this stage will improve in bottle for years.Prices:| BC | $82.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $74.95 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Conterno Fantino Barolo Sorì Ginestra 1998
Montforte d'Alba, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyAppealing nose of dried rose petals, pruny mocha, tar and vanilla. Its elegant smooth entry suggests new style winemaking and new oak. On the palate there is plenty of dry, tarry vanilla/licorice/prune flavours with more tannin in the finish. Nowhere near ready - seven to ten years will help round them out and settle the tannins. Fine complexity and balance. Its 100 per cent select nebbiolo fruit comes off southerly exposed vines on Ginestra's marly, calcareous soil.Prices:| BC | $106.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $95.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Cascina Bongiovanni Barolo Pernanno 1998
Castiglione Falletto, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyPernanno is made from select Nebbiolo fruit from one particular plot within the estate's finest vineyard. Tarry resiny spicy peppery nose with sweaty leather in the background. The entry is soft and elegant followed by a big whack of dry tannins and toasted vanilla oak. The finish is a mix of tar and dried cherry/vanilla flavours. Well made new style Barolo but the tannins are big and will need close to a decade to dissipate.Prices:| BC | $83.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $68.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Poderi Colla Tenuta Roncaglia Barbaresco 1998
Alba, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyThis cru is documented as far back as the mid-1800s as one of its appellation's finest. Tar leather and roses mark a classic nose with more dried rose petals and cherries in the background. It's sleek and elegant on entry before drying out on the back end. Tar pepper and spice streak this elegant complex red.Prices:| AB | $90.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $49.95 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Poderi Parussi Barolo 1997
Piedmont, ItalyLovely open inviting nose with spicy dried rose petals, prune fruit and toasted oak. The textures are amazingly round and supple with ripe fruit and soft tannins. A very drinkable style even now and would be great for restaurants. Stock up.Prices:| BC | $49.95 | 750ml |
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24 January 2003
83PTS
Hillside Cabernet Franc 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaEarthy cigar, spicy/herbal tomato leaf nose with cranberry fruit undertones. Dry and lean on the palate with thin/weedy/ cranberry fruit spiced with more smoky tobacco. Not ripe enough to entice.Prices:| BC | $16.90 | 750ml |
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23 January 2003
94PTS
Yalumba Viognier Virgilius 2001
Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaVery aromatic nose with spicy, mineral, honey, apricot, ginger, nutty lees and butter aromas. Rich, round and elegant with intense spicy, ginger, honey, marmalade, mineral, vanilla and butter flavours. Lond, clean, fruity and balanced, this has great finesse and freshness. Great now and over the next two years.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Yalumba Y Series Viognier 2002
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaOpen mineral, honey, pear, buttery, citrus and peach aromas. Round, fresh and rich with a slightly oily texture. Mineral slate, buttery, dried lychee and citrus rind flavours. Good intensity and balance from Yalumba's introductory viognier.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Yalumba Viognier Eden Valley 2001
Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaBright citrus, marmalade, peach, honey spicy ginger aromas with a mineral, butter, floral mix. Rich, round and oily with an unctuous feel. Crips acidity with citrus peel, apricot, spicy, honey, slatey butter flavours. Very good and fresh with a nutty, buttery, lees finish. Fresh and balanced, a true joy to drink.Prices:| BC | $30.95 | 750ml |
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22 January 2003
93PTS
De Bortoli Melba Reserve 1998
Yarra Valley, Victoria, AustraliaMelba is a 90/10 blend of cabernet sauvignon and merlot. Look for a peppery, resiny, black olive nose streaked with barnyard, leather aromas and hints of gamey licorice root. Rich, round and elegant it is loaded with supple, round tannins. Pencil lead, iron, vanilla, coffee, blackberry jam and rootsy resin flavours preview its coffee, smoky plum jam aftertaste. Very polished and balanced. Drink now or over the next five years. Estimated BC price is $66.95.Prices:| BC | $67.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
De Bortoli G.S Reserve Shiraz 1998
Yarra Valley, Victoria, AustraliaOpen smoky bacon, barnyard, garrigue, peppery, blackberry jam aromas. Very elegant soft and forward with vanilla, spicy oak, plum jam, coffee and garrigue flavours. Very delicate style that is ready to drink with white pepper and cherry aftertaste. Slight acidity and some dry tannins in the finish indicate aging for a few years for full enjoyment.Prices:| BC | $66.95 | 750ml |
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93PTS
De Bortoli G.S Reserve Shiraz 1997
Yarra Valley, Victoria, AustraliaCoffee, mocha, vanilla, plum jam, blackberry, spicy and garrigue aromas mix with an intense smoky root character. Rich and round it has spicy, vanilla, coffee, smoky blackberry jam flavours. Very soft and elegant on the finish with an old leather, plum aftertaste. This vintage will be an early maturing style that will be delicious to drink soon.Prices:| BC | $66.95 | 750ml |
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92PTS
De Bortoli G.S Reserve Shiraz 1996
Yarra Valley, Victoria, AustraliaVery spicy, peppery, smoky leather, vanilla, cassis and blackberry jam aromas. Rich, round, soft tannins but elegant and flavourful with smoky vanilla, pepper, blackberry jam, cedar and licorice. Drinkable now but will improve for up to five more years.Prices:| BC | $66.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Deen De Bortoli Vat 8 Shiraz 2000
Riverina, New South Wales, AustraliaIntense spicy, peppery, black berry jam aromas mixed with hints of earthy saddle leather. It is soft, round and elegant but on the light side for a shiraz. Smoky, leather, spicy, peppery, blackberry flavours permeate what is a sound wine and one that is ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
De Bortoli Shiraz Yarra Valley 2000
Yarra Valley, Victoria, AustraliaNice spicy, black berry, plum jam, resiny, peppery, rootsy licorice aromas. Very soft and round, forward style with good mouthfeel. Vibrant plum jam, blackberry, vanilla, spicy cola flavours with some smoke and licorice in the aftertaste. Very elegant.Prices:| BC | $36.75 | 750ml |
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88PTS
De Bortoli Pinot Noir Yarra Valley 2000
Yarra Valley, Victoria, AustraliaCelery, rootsy, cherry, raspberry, spicy aromas. Round, elegant and soft with very earthy, strawberry jam, rootsy licorice, celery flavours. Soft tannins and acidity, well balanced pinot for current consumption.Prices:| BC | $37.75 | 750ml |
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89PTS
De Bortoli Noble One Botrytis Semillon 1999
AustraliaDried apricot, mineral, honey, spicy botrytis nose. Round and elegant with citrus, apricot, nectarine, mineral honey flavours. Quite high acidity but very suave. Nice but definitely a lighter year without the usual fatness. Drink over the next few years. (375mL)Prices:| BC | $35.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Conti Zecca Primitivo Donna Marzia 2001
Puglia, ItalySimply delicious drinking primitivo that more than any other in the market reminds us of zinfandel. Its soft ripe spicy fruit slips across the palate without too much alcohol and just enough earthy flavours to give it real interest. Serious, well made, easy-to-drink and a nice step out of the ordinary. Perfect for restaurants.Prices:| BC | $17.95 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Dominus 1999
Napa Valley, California, United StatesThe 99 Dominus has a beautiful deep crimson colour. The nose is an intense mix of pepper, waxy saddle leather, blackberry jam, cassis and spicy cardamom flecked with vanilla notes. Certainly riper than the 1998 with spicy, earthy, licorice, vanilla, blackberry flavours and the taste of cedar, olives and leather in the finish. Fine richness and balance with a persistent cinnamon, vanilla/toffee aftertaste. An exceptional wine that will age well.Prices:| BC | $130.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Dominus 1998
Napa Valley, California, United StatesFirm peppery, barnyard and saddle leather notes mixed with cassis, and waxy floral aromas. Balanced and elegant with light, tight tannins. Nice cassis, blackberry, olive, waxy, vanilla flavours and some cedar, leather flavours in the finish. Well made with nice intensity and elegance for a 1998. One of the better California 98s.Prices:| BC | $85.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Dominus Napanook 1999
Napa Valley, California, United StatesIntense spicy, sweaty saddle and barnyard nose with earthy plum, cassis and vanilla undertones. Elegant and round with dry almost austere tannins. More vanilla, pepper, blackberry and cedar bark flavours with an earthy coffee finish. It's a bigger richer riper version of the '98 and definitely back on track. Soft and more approachable but light for California. A great vintage for Napanook and as close as it will get to Dominus. A blend of 70/14/13/3 cabernet sauvignon/cabernet franc/merlot /petit verdot.Prices:| BC | $52.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Dominus Napanook 1998
Napa Valley, California, United StatesNapanook is made from selected blocks within the Dominus Estate itself the reincarnation of the original Napanook vineyard and before that the first vineyard in Yountville. Slightly green herbal nose and black cherry fruit streaked with peppery, saddle leather and toasted oak aromas with some cassis and licorice. Elegant and dry with somewhat lean tannins and spicy, peppery, prune and sandalwood flavours. Balanced and elegant but definitely a 1998 for tannins. The blend is 85/9/6/ of cabernet sauvignon/merlot /petit verdot.Prices:| BC | $52.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Chateau La Fleur-Pétrus 1999
Pomerol, Libourne, Bordeaux, FranceLa Fleur-Pétrus is an 85/15 merlot/cabernet franc that stands in the shadows of La Fleur and Petrus. Full flavoured chocolate blueberries good power and alcohol here and quite a bit of depth of flavour and character. Delicate round and soft style with spicy, coffee, vanilla, toasty cherry flavours and a minty, leafy, olive finish. Light tannins and ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $27.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chateau Canon Moueix 1998
Canon-Fronsac, Libourne, Bordeaux, FranceA blend of 70/30 merlot /cabernet franc grown on a tiny south facing slope. Look for cherry, spicy, leafy notes mixed with peppery, plum jam aromas and barnyard and orange rind notes. This finish mixes tight cedar bark tannins with earthy, spicy flavours. Elegant and round but a bit short on fruit and concentration.Prices:| BC | $36.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Chateau de Carles 1998
Fronsac, Libourne, Bordeaux, FranceLook for typical rustic Fronsac character with a spicy, waxy, toasted plum aromas and olive notes. Dry, somewhat lean and tight with peppery, spicy, earthy, waxy, plum flavours. Simple and rustic, needs a few years to soften but pretty dry style. The blend is 70/25/5 cabernet sauvignon/cabernet franc/pressac.Prices:| BC | $27.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Christian Moueix Merlot 2000
Bordeaux, FranceCreated for the US market. Made from a selection of vines grown in the Cotes de Castillon and Lalande de Pomerol and now parts of Cotes de Bourg and Cotes de Francs. Waxy, plum, citrus rind and earthy leafy aromas. Soft and round but dry with peppery, cedar bark, olive and earth flavours. Lacks the fruit you expect from such a fine harvest as 2000. The aim is to make this drinkable from the start but it should hold together for a couple of years especially in great vintages.Prices:| BC | $18.95 | 750ml |
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92PTS
De Bortoli Noble One Botrytis Semillon 2000
AustraliaVery ripe peach, nectarine, mineral, marmalade, honey and slate aromas. Rich and round with good acidity. Very creamy peach, dried apricot, lemon rind, honey and mineral/slate flavours. Very balanced, will age well - definitely richer than the 1999. 375mL Prices:| BC | $35.99 | 375ml |
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21 January 2003
92PTS
De Bortoli Black Noble NV
AustraliaThe Black Noble is made from botrytised sémillon fermented and aged in solera barrels for 12 months and fortified with brandy. The average age of blend is about ten years. Look for a toffee, rancio, buttery nose mixed with leafy, dried apricot slightly resiny aromas. Rich, round and intense with stewed apricot, roasted walnut, spicy, buttery flavours with a long roasted, rancio, coffee marmalade finish. Very unique and highly enjoyable. (375 mL)Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Wolf Blass Red Label Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
South Australia, AustraliaBig fruity blackberry cassis and cherry aromas jump out of the glass with hints of spice and pepper. More fruit on the palate. Round and smooth with a quite a lift of (adjusted?) acidity in the peppery/cola/vanilla finish. Much better than the Yellow Label and a lot cheaper.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.85 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Château d'Archambeau Rouge 1999
Graves, Bordeaux, FranceThe blend is 50/45/5 merlot cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc. Quite 'Graves" in style with a plum jam, pruny iron and saddle leather aromas and a dry cedar bark edge. Reasonably round with similar taste and some dry tannin at the finish. Average at best.Prices:| BC | $22.50 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Matua Valley Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot 2001
Hawkes Bay, North Island, New ZealandCool herbal spicy green olive leafy compost nose. Similar green fruit flavours which are surprising for the warmer Hawkes Bay region. Soft and round on entry and acidic but is it St. Émilion or is it Kiwi. We were hoping for more warmth and generous fruit.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Eaglehawk Cabernet Shiraz Merlot 2000
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaSpicy pruny cooked nose with similar cooked flavours with added stewed prunes and earthy leather. Smells and taste a bit Spanish. Not very Oz.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Hardys Crest Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Merlot 2000
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaCoffee mocha sweaty leather cherry fruit nose. Pruny dry and short on the mid-palate with an acid finish. Simple everyday red that lacks charm.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Annie's Lane Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 1999
Clare Valley, South Australia, AustraliaOpen fruit driven nose with intense cassis cherry jam with lots of spicy elements. Smooth round entry with intense ripe cherry/cassis fruit flavours and a spicy finish. It still has some tannins to shed but this is quite a nice drop that will only improve in the bottle for another year or two. Classy.Prices:| BC | $21.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Triennes Les Auréliens Rouge 1998
Coteaux Varois, Provence, Sud de France, FranceSmoky garrigue resiny aromas with a pleasant blackberry cheery scent underneath. Fairly lean structure with an earthy licorice profile and dry tannins in the finish. Well made but dry and austere. Needs food and drinking.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Domaine Mouréou Madiran 1999
Madiran, Sud-Ouest, FranceLook for a pruny peppery spicy nose that shows more of the micro-oxygenation technique used on this wine than we like. Cassis and gamey flavours with green bark and cedar mark its dry, lean structure. The finish is dry and tannic. We suggest rustic meat dishes to tame the wilder nature of this wine.Prices:| BC | $23.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Domaine Chiroulet 2000
Gascony, FranceOpen spicy meaty sausage nose with a touch of leafy cassis. Rich entry with dry cedar bark flavours and lean tannins in the finish. A dry, chunky red but not much else. No fruit here and no charm.Prices:| BC | $21.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Domaine Chiroulet Grande Reserve 2000
Gascony, FranceDark colour. Spicy smoky nose with garrigue and pepper highlights and black cherry/mocha aromas and flavours. Big dense red with intense black cherry/licorice and earth flavours but the finish is lean, dry and acidic. Quite a severe profile that reminds us bit of old Barolo.Prices:| BC | $30.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Chateau du Taillan 1999
Haut-Médoc, Médoc, Bordeaux, FranceThis is a 55/35/10 blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc. Spicy barnyard and olive brine in the nose. Light soft textures on entry but the finish is lean and dry and tastes of mainly earth and compost. Typical of the vintage. Needs drinking.Prices:| BC | $23.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Chateau Peymouton 1999
Saint Émilion, Libourne, Bordeaux, FranceThe blend is 70/30 merlot cabernet. Look for a warm quiet, cherry kirsch nose with streaks of plum. Soft round and ready to drink with typical St Émilion licorice earthy leaf flavours and cherry fruit in the finish. Well balanced for mediocre vintage and well worth drinking. Perfect for restaurants.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
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20 January 2003
84PTS
Santa Rita Chardonnay 120 2002
Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe 120, entry-level varietal chardonnay has an open buttery baked apple nose with plenty of vanilla in the background. The flavours are similar with more vanilla and sweet oak in the finish. Reminiscent in style and flavour to inexpensive Oz chardonnay.Prices:| BC | $11.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.75 | 750ml |
| SK | $11.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $9.90 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Santa Rita Chardonnay Reserva 2001
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileRestrained cool fruit nose with hints of green apple skin. Similar flavour profile that enters cool and crisp but flattens out on the mid-palate and finish slightly tart. Quite warm (alcoholic) in the finish. Solid if unremarkable chardonnay.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.35 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.80 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.80 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Santa Rita Sauvignon Blanc 120 2002
Valle del Lontué, Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileSanta Rita continues its work with sauvignon blanc clones and the results are impressive. The 120 series is purely varietal with no oak ageing (except for the Cabernet Sauvignon). The '02 version is extremely fresh on the nose with gooseberry and grapefruit aromas and very similar flavours. Expect a tangy grapefruit rind aftertaste that is slightly alcoholic. Serve well chilled all summer.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.75 | 750ml |
| SK | $11.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $9.90 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.00 | 750ml |
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18 January 2003
87PTS
Poplar Grove Merlot 2000
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe merlot for the 2000 is harvested from the home vineyard at 15.2 per cent alcohol. Huge improvement on the nose here compared to previous versions with ripe cranberry and smoky leafy vanilla undertones. Big smoky sweet cherry fruit marks the entry before it finishes slightly acidic and dry. Nice improvement in style.Prices:| BC | $22.90 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Nambrot 2000
Tuscany, ItalySpicy clove licorice cherry aromas all laced up in a reserved Italian style nose. There is an elegant entry, firm mid-palate and tight finish. Gobs of dry Tuscan tannins at this point that will disappoint those who would prefer to drink the wine now. Ageing is the only hope but at $90 plus dollars it could be a risk.Prices:| AB | $94.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Valdivieso Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
Region del Valle Central, ChileChunky cherry cassis fruit aromas and flavours with streaks of strawberry. Good spice and pepper with soft textures. Simple straight-ahead primary fruit flavoured cab that delivers for the price. Nice improvement this year.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Mount Veeder Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 1999
Napa Valley, California, United StatesPleasant open vanilla/saddle leather nose with spicy resiny cherry cola character. Spicy olive cherry flavours with round fine-grained tannins. Fine richness and weight and good drinkability. Vanilla olives and cassis in the finish. Reminds us of the earthy dusty pruny saddle leather of Rutherford?Prices:| BC | $68.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Ravenswood Vintners Blend Merlot 2000
California, United StatesLook for a pleasant ripe nose with lifted cherry fruit characters and a touch of vanilla. It has a very swish demeanour in the mouth perhaps aided by a little extra alcohol. Cherry cola fruit and vanilla mark a long, smooth finish. Fun to drink.Prices:| BC | $27.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Pirramimma Merlot Reserve 1999
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaThe Pirramimma nose is big and smoky with black cherry fruit dripping with vanilla. Not really varietal but highly intoxicating just the same. Sweet vanilla and cherry cola with quite a smoky finish. Over the top but all Oz and it will have a following.Prices:| BC | $27.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Terra Andina Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
Region del Valle Central, ChileSweaty leather earthy nose with tasty underlying blackberry aromas. The textures are soft and round on entry with black currant jam on the mid-palate before drying up a bit in the finish. Needs food to sing but most anything off the barbecue will work. Decent value.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.95 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Alto de Terra Andina Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
Valle del Maipo, ChileCorkedPrices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Santa Rita Cabernet Sauvignon 120 2001
Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileSmoky peppery dill aromas with a touch of spice in the background. As inexpensive cabernet can be it is more leafy than fruity in character. It goes in soft and round before drying out in the finish. A gritty, chewy serviceable cabernet that's not quite as polished as its "120" merlot cousin.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.15 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.20 | 750ml |
| SK | $12.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Santa Rita Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2000
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileAttractive smoky sweaty saddle leather nose. Soft round earthy flavours streaked with licorice and cassis fruit. Not a fruity style but very well balanced and smooth and easy to sip. Well made.Prices:| BC | $16.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.85 | 750ml |
| SK | $16.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.55 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Santa Rita Merlot Reserva 2001
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChilePlenty of smoke and leather mix with compost and prune and cherry aromas streaked with some minty cassis. Delicious round, ripe, cassis cherry flavours with a touch of olive and smoky vanilla in the aftertaste. Excellent weight and colour and a merlot that will improve even more with another year or two of age. Good value.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.85 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.40 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Santa Rita Merlot 120 2001
Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileSmoky leather and green beans scents mix with leafy/minty highlights. Fine balance here (especially given the low price) with smooth, round textures and an inviting smoky prune-fruit and earthy character. Love the savoury fruit finish. Excellent value.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.12 | 750ml |
| SK | $11.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.20 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.45 | 750ml |
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90PTS
La Crema Chardonnay 2001
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, United StatesLa Crema is easily one of the best chardonnay producers in California and its latest effort the 2001 is no exception. Look for an open creamy lees, pear, peach and baked apple nose that is very sophisticated with a touch of butterscotch. On the palate you pick up more spicy lees, pear, green apple and citrus with butter. Lovely balance and weight with an oily texture. A sort of New-Age Burgundy style for California. Great value.Prices:| BC | $32.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Casablanca Merlot Santa Isabel Estate 2000
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileThis is more of the dill/olive/ herbal-style merlot with a spicy, pepper and cherry jam streaks throughout. The flavour is more cool Casablanca with more olives and herbal highlights than ripe fruit. The aftertaste offers more leafy, olive/cassis flavours. Serve with rustic meat dishes for best results.Prices:| BC | $21.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Sandhill Merlot Burrowing Owl Vineyard 2000
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLook for a pleasant/open maraschino cherry nose spiced with oak and smoke. This is quite a big round warm (alcoholic) red with vanilla cola cherry flavours and a warm finish. There is good weight and balance here. It reminds us of the older style California/Washington reds that were big on oak and alcohol. A fine effort for the price.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Undurraga Merlot Reserva 2000
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileSpicy leather and the scent of iodine mark the nose with smoky cherry highlights in the background. The entry is warm and alcoholic but the structure is light and the finish is dry with a smoky olive aftertaste. An everyday wine from an ordinary vintage.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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14 January 2003
87PTS
Madfish Shiraz 2000
Western Australia, AustraliaCool berry saddle leather and spicy sausage nose. Fairly substantial in the mouth with a smooth round entry and big blueberry/black cherry fruit flavours. There's quite a whack of acidity in the finish that takes a bit away from an otherwise fine effort.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.95 | 750ml |
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13 January 2003
89PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Chardonnay 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Mission Hill signature fruit cocktail nose greets you in the glass with streaks of green peach, butter and mineral aromas. There's similar delicate green fruit and citrus mineral flavours on the palate with less oak and more pronounced acidity. Very B.C. with its cool, slightly under ripe flavours and lean textures in the mouth. This is a very good "reserve" and in our opinion perhaps a more complex wine than the "estate" at this point.Prices:| BC | $17.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Sandhill Gamay Noir Burrowing Owl Vineyard 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy saddle leather with cranberry and cherry aromas. Simple flavours but with more dry earthy tones and spicy oak and vanilla flavouring in the finish. Simple pinot at a simple price.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Valdivieso Pinot Noir 2001
Region del Valle Central, ChileValdivieso has done well with its reserve and latterly its barrel selection pinot noir but we have seen little of the regular version. Look for a nose that mixes cherries, celery and a rootsy barnyard aroma. The textures are soft and round the flavours cooked strawberry fruit with streaks of licorice and cola. A simple straight-ahead pinot made for the by-glass-environment in restaurants.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Blue Mountain Gold Label Brut NV
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPale straw colour with a very delicate, small-bubble mousse. The nose is fresh and reminiscent of green apple and citrus flavours with a touch of peach and toasted nut. An intense green apple and citrus fruit flavour sparkler that's long on acid. A real palate cleanser. Oysters might be the best pairing for Blue Mountain's sophisticated lean style that's not for everyone.Prices:| BC | $31.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $36.85 | 750ml |
| ON | $28.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Blue Mountain Pinot Blanc 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis has an attractive almond/pear mineral nose. When it hits your palate you get an immediate rush of fresh citrus flavours with mineral, citrus rind and green pear highlights throughout. The round entry dries out in the finish and makes you pucker up a bit but any local seafood product will unleash the full potential of what is a lean, Euro-style pinot blanc. Good valuePrices:| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Blue Mountain Pinot Noir 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA slightly reductive garlic scented nose blows off after a few minutes in the glass to reveal plenty of black cherry fruit, smoky oak and saddle leather. This is full flavoured pinot with spicy creamy vanilla flavours streaked with strawberry and cherry fruit flavour. A delicious mid-palate stalls in the finish but that's not unusual for young Blue Mountain pinot noir. Time in the bottle will smooth that out.Prices:| BC | $22.90 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Blue Mountain Reserve Pinot Noir 2000
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2000 Reserve is slightly darker than the regular '01 pinot noir but the colour is surprisingly light given the power of this wine. Expect a clean nose with plenty of strawberry jam and barnyard tones streaked with spicy smoke and celery. Much better concentration here and it runs throughout the wine. Very Beaune-like pinot noir with an attendant charm even at this young stage. The finish is long and smoky with spicy cherry and creamy vanilla notes. Reserved but stylish. Surely this among one of the best pinot noirs ever made in Canada.Prices:| BC | $29.90 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Blue Mountain Reserve Chardonnay 2000
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIt's not hard to like the buttery, creamy, nutty lees nose of this wine with its flecks of floral and citrus aromas in the background. Again the Blue Mountain entry is fresh with bright acidity and balance. The textures are round and elegant with a dry nutty creamy lees mid-palate and more pear and nut in the finish. It's somewhat reminiscent of a delicate Puligny-Montrachet form Burgundy.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Sandhill Pinot Blanc Burrowing Owl Vineyard 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHoward Soon's generous, easy sipping style is prevalent in this spicy honey vanilla blanc with the round edges. It's dry and oily on entry with more buttery, pear fruit flavours in the finish. Certainly pleasant with vanilla mineral highlights in the finish.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
MezzaCorona Pinot Grigio 2001
Trentino- Alto-Adige, ItalyMezzaCorona has impressed us of late providing lovely clean, fresh wines with quality commensurate with its price range. The pinot grigio has an amenable pear/almond nose that makes you want to drink it. On the palate its light and dry with more buttery pear mineral fruit flavours and a soft round finish. Very well made and affordable too. Bring on the pan-fried calamari.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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12 January 2003
83PTS
Wild Goose Riesling Dry 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight delicate honey mineral nose. Delicate grassy mineral nose. Smooth and delicate but without any real riesling character. Normally more intense. A simple summer sipper at best. Let's hope for more in more in 2002.Prices:| BC | $13.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Inniskillin Okanagan Chardonnay Dark Horse Estate Vineyard 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis has a lovely true chardonnay nose with ripe peach and apple undertones. Its big round and soft on entry with more ripe fruit flavours; yet refined and almost delicate in the finish. Elegant styling with butter vanilla and citrus fruit highlighted by a drizzle of butterscotch in the finish. Very appealing and excellent value.Prices:| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Blue Mountain Reserve Pinot Gris 2000
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaExpect plenty of B.C. here with mineral, pear and apple skin on the nose. The entry is fresh and crisp with more of the same fruit flavours flecked with citrus rind. The style is tight and reserved save for some nuances of apple butter in the finish that helps to soften the wine and leave a good lasting impression. Sophisticated palates will be easily attracted to the style.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Sandhill Pinot Gris King Family Vineyard 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Sandhill pinot gris fruit comes of the King Family vineyard in Naramata. Expect a floral peach aroma with persistent streaks of grapefruit rind in the background. The entry is fresh, if not a bit tart, before it turns oily on the palate and finishes with a dry, green apple skin and grapefruit rind finish. Oysters or buttered clams would work to temper the dryness. Good effort.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Pietracolata Orvieto Classico Secco 2001
Umbria, ItalyA light white with a citrus peel/grass and mineral nose with a touch of cheese. Dry round and fresh it finishes with a nutty, citrus peel, mineral flavour. A pleasant summer, seafood wine made for parties.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 750ml |
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11 January 2003
84PTS
Robert's Rock Chenin Blanc / Chardonnay 2001
Western Cape, South AfricaAnother clean fresh wine form Roberts Rock (an export label for KWV). Look for peach and honey with a pleasant touch of mineral almost lees character. Soft and round with light extract. Green apple skin and mineral notes mark the finish. A simple inexpensive, summer sipper you should serve well chilled.Prices:| BC | $8.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Mannara Primitivo Salento 2000
Puglia, ItalyBig bright smoky savoury garrigue nose with plenty of appealing fruit. Black raspberry mocha flavoured wine with fairly tight acidity. Black raspberry fruit finish with mocha vanilla highlights. Dry rustic tannin finish. Needs time or a big steak.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Di Majo Norante Prugnolo del Molise 1996
Molise, ItalyDark deep colour. Smoky cooked prune aromas streaked with pepper and game meat. Dry entry and similar dry tannins in the smoky pruny sun-dried tomato finish. Lean, mean and dry it needs hearty rustic dishes to shine.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Di Majo Norante Greco del Molise 2001
Martarosa, Molise, ItalySubdued nutty sweaty spicy honey nose. Dry entry. Sour flavours and acidic finish. Round oily, textures but not much else for a modern Italian wine.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
J. Bookwalter Chenin Blanc 2001
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesOpen fruity candied melon fruit nose with streaks of mineral and apple skin. Very sweet on entry and somewhat cloying in the finish. Best super chilled and served out-of-doors on a very hot day. Or suitable for those who prefer their white wines with a dose of residual sugar.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Rivercrest Chenin Blanc 2001
California, United StatesMineral cardboard nose with a dose of green apple skin and a touch of SO2. Soft, sweet and bland. It looks as if the river had crested.Prices:| BC | $7.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $8.49 | 750ml |
| SK | $7.99 | 750ml |
| NB | $8.99 | 750ml |
| PE | $9.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Château du Seigneur d'Arses Fitou 1999
Fitou, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceBig bright colour. Gamy black cherry and licorice nose to a touch of carbonic high-toned fruit aromas. Soft round fruity entry but much drier on the mid-palate and in the finish. The lean dry, earthy aftertaste takes the shine off the fruity nose.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chateau Pech-Céleyran La Clape 2000
La Clape, Coteaux du Languedoc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceLovely black cherry nose with fine fruit intensity. The flavours mix gamey meat, leather licorice root, black cherry and raspberry on quite a full mid-palate. The only draw back is the youthful tannin but it should smooth out with another year in bottle.Prices:| BC | $17.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Chateau de Combebelle Saint Chinian 2000
St Chinian, Coteaux du Languedoc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceThe Comte Cathare group was founded over 10 years ago by Robert Eden, starting at Combebelle where he has completely restructured the vineyard. Look for classic spicy sausage meaty nose with lots of black raspberry aromas and flavours. This is classic Rhone that's worth a taste at this price.Prices:| BC | $17.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Wyndham Estate Bin 777 Sémillon 2001
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaExpect an in-your-face grassy mineral, passion fruit rind nose. Quite lean and lemony on the palate with a dry grapefruit skin finish. Not much fruit or charm with more green grass and hay in the finish. It's a style but not one that will be very popular in Canada.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Chateau de Pibarnon Bandol 2000
Bandol, Provence, Sud de France, FranceThe blend is an unusual 95 per cent mourvèdre and 5 per cent grenache. Look for quite an intense licorice and plum fruit nose with hints of smoky game underneath. There's a rich warm mid-palate with more smoky plum licorice flavours in the aftertaste. A big wine at a big price that will require another two to three years to come around. Well made but it lacks sophistication.Prices:| BC | $56.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Barramundi Semillon Chardonnay NV
Riverina, New South Wales, AustraliaThe blend is 85 per cent sémillon and 15 per cent chardonnay. Buttered cashew and grassy melon aromas preview a wine with similar flavours. Balanced and dry and it should work well in the picnic mode. Grapefruit, grass and nuts flavours mark the aftertaste. Simple and affordable.Prices:| BC | $9.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Sandhill Semillon Small Lots Program 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThere's no Sandhill winery but the "Small Lots" are single vineyards and the wine has generally shown well. The sémillon has a vanilla butter nose and apple skin with a touch of grapefruit and hay. Rich round and flavourful with excellent mid-palate weight and mineral flavours. A touch herbal but otherwise quite an impressive effort.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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10 January 2003
87PTS
Calatrasi "Terrale" Primitivo 2000
Puglia, ItalyBig spicy, sausage meat, cherry prune plum nose with a peppery, earth background. Richer body with black berry, spicy cedar, smoky sausage and pepper flavours. Big finish and rustic but plenty of flavour and soft tannins. Great for grilled meats. Good value.Prices:| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Ironstone Vineyards Viognier 2001
California, United StatesBe sure to give this a little air because the initial nose is a bit skunky but with some aeration it opens with mineral dried lychee and tangerine peel aromas and flavours. The finish is oily with a spicy honey floral aftertaste. Once the nose cleans up it really shines.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Canale Black River Torrontés 2001
Alto Valle del Río Negro, Rio Negro, Patagonia, ArgentinaSpicy floral mineral nose with just a touch of the exotic orange peel and a dusting of soapy perfume. Rich spicy quince and anise flavours with plenty of acidity. Interesting variety that's well worth pursing on patios during the warm summer months.Prices:| BC | $11.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Domaine Chiroulet La Côte d'Heux 2000
Gascony, FranceMineral honey lemon rind aromas with considerable heft. Ripe apple flavours dominate in the mouth with streaks of honey and orange and a mineral chalky finish. Round, rich and well balanced. Another pleasant discover for the oenophile.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Sélection Delas Viognier Vins de Pays de la Drôme 2001
Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceWow. Fabulous honey dried lychee nut nose with mineral and citrus rind. Soft round oily palate but drier than it smells with spicy, citrus, oily mineral notes. Well made and could be the perfect foil to Japanese or Chinese food.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
M. Chapoutier La Ciboise Blanc 2000
Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceLight pear and mineral "Lemon Pledge" aromas mark the nose of a skinny white wine. This is a fresh dry wine on the mid-palate with more pear and lemon oil flavours mark the aftertaste. Not much of a sipper but should be fine with simply prepared seafood.Prices:| BC | $13.95 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Treana Marsanne Viognier 2000
Central Coast, California, United StatesWow. This has a big rich, powerful nose packed with spicy lees, floral orange rind and streaks of butter/honey and vanilla. The flavours are similar with great length and richness and a honey, vanilla, marmalade butter finish. Corton Charlemagne with a bunch of fruit. Very interesting wine.Prices:| BC | $49.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Triennes Viognier Sainte Fleur 2000
Coteaux Varois, Provence, Sud de France, FranceFloral perfume and lychee notes mark this very pleasant nose flecked with spice honey mineral and orange blossom notes. The flavours are similar with a touch of mineral and a fairly oily texture. The finish is nutty mineral with more spice, honey lees in the finish. Dry style with good acidity. Very stylish.Prices:| BC | $26.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.95 | 750ml |
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81PTS
Tedeschi Soave 2000
Veneto, ItalyThe tired nose shows nutty, bruised apple characteristics and the same flavours. It may be past its prime. Wait for the next vintage. It's not up to the usual Tedeschi quality standards.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Domaine Chiroulet Les Terres Blanches 2001
Gascony, FranceSituated on the highest slopes in Gascogne, at around 180 metres (600 feet) altitude, the Chiroulet estate faces due south towards the Pyrenees. Les Terres Blanches is a blend of 50 per cent gros manseng, 25 per cent sauvignon blanc and 25 per cent ugni blanc. Look for pleasant aromas of passion fruit, melon and green apple skin. The entry is soft but filled with bright fruit flavours of green melon and kiwi fruit complete with mineral flecks and citrus rind. An interesting flavourful white for the new adventurous wine drinker. Think mussels or scallops for dinner. Good value. Prices:| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Château Russol Gardey Reserve 2000
Minervois, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceMineral honey, and lemon rind aromas mark a nose with considerable heft. Ripe apple flavours dominate in the mouth with streaks of honey and orange and a mineral/chalky aftertaste. Round, rich and well balanced. Another pleasant discover for the oenophile.Prices:| BC | $18.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Segura Viudas Blanc de Blancs 2001
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainExpect a simple straight-ahead white with mineral lemon rind aromas that's fresh and light. A summer sipping with lemon lime flavours and a touch of nuttiness in the aftertaste. A decent everyday white at an affordable price. Perfect for buttered clams.Prices:| BC | $9.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Cà da Bosio Gavi di Gavi 2001
Piedmont, ItalyGavi di Gavi is another less than famous wine made from an the even more obscure cortese grape but this northern Italian specialty that will make going to the Winter Olympics a bit more special. Closer to home the Cà da Bosio Gavi di Gavi 2001 is really a terrific bottle of white wine and proof anew wave coop can make a difference. Terra da Vino has revolutionized the co-op method by building a high tech winery that process small lots of high quality fruit form Piemontesi growers. Look for an open buttery, dry, mineral/leesy nose with some peach streaks in the background. The flavours are a delicate mix of nutty, peach with vanilla oak edging. Well made with some finesse and very easy to sip. Fabulous restaurant dinner wine.Prices:| BC | $21.95 | 750ml |
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06 January 2003
85PTS
Rawson's Retreat Semillon - Chardonnay 1996
South Australia, AustraliaOpen buttery rich aromas. The fruit is peach mixed with pear and toasted vanilla. The finish is full-flavoured, if not a touch hot. All in all, fair value and undoubtedly a best bet for summer.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Valdivieso Malbec 2001
Region del Valle Central, ChileThe bright purple colour perfectly matches the lifted cassis fruit aromas. Soft and round and eminently sippable now '01 malbec has barbecue red written all over it. Dark fruit flavours that jump out of the glass. Uncomplicated and ready to drink. A supple, spicy red for the barbecue. Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Trentacinquesimo Parallelo Primitivo Del Salento 2001
Puglia, ItalySpicy raspberry aromas with similar flavours. Peppery game mix with bright attractive fruit. It has some of that Italian dryness in the finish but it only needs a hamburger to round it out. A fun red that reminds one of a zinfandel/grenache cross. Good value here.Prices:| BC | $9.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Hester Creek Cabernet Merlot Select Barrels 2000
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAA selection of the best barrels of cabernet and merlot were blended and dedicated to former Hester Creek winemaker Frank Supernak who died trying to save a colleague in a tragic winery accident. Look for spicy, peppery, earthy, vanilla, cassis aromas with black olive and leather in the background. Round and moderately balanced with somewhat dry tannins at the back end. Cedar, pepper, earth and resiny vanilla flavours mark the palate with green leafy, sour cherry, cassis fruit in the finish. Somewhat lean but should improve over the next few years.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Grand Archer Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
Sonoma County, California, United StatesPeppery, briar, resiny nose with licorice, vanilla, smoky cassis notes. Soft, smooth and round on the palate - definitely a ready-to-drink style with light, dry tannins on the finish. Earthy, peppery, blackberry, vanilla, smoky resin flavours predominate with some cassis in the aftertaste. Well balanced with just a touch of warm alcoholic notes at the end. There's a small amount of syrah in the blend.Prices:| BC | $37.50 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Benziger Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
Sonoma County, California, United StatesNice peppery, spicy, saddle leather nose with earthy, waxy aromas and blackberry, cassis and mint. Expect a smooth, round polished structure with very light, dry tannins. Good blackberry, earthy, cherry licorice, vanilla flavours with a touch of coffee mocha in the finish. Will improve but enjoyable now.Prices:| BC | $39.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.43 | 750ml |
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05 January 2003
84PTS
Lindemans Bin 65 Chardonnay 2001
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaFairly intense quite floral, nose of resinous-sawdusty oak, banana and lime. Nicely supple, a tad sweet and easy to drink, with a creamy texture and decent length. Some heat. Recent production hikes appear to be impacting quality. Good but no longer great value.Prices:| BC | $10.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
J. Bookwalter Cabernet Sauvignon 1999
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesAnother big raw red but with fine ripe fruit. More tannic than some which adds a bigger element to the wine but we like the all the flavours running wild here. Licorice, blackcurrants and chocolate mixed with plenty of acid and tannin. All the elements for a great wine in time.Prices:| BC | $59.99 | 750ml |
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04 January 2003
90PTS
Vine Cliff Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
Napa Valley, California, United StatesBased on the quality of its 2000 grapes Vine Cliff decided not to make an Oakville Cabernet and instead made only a softer more approachable Napa Valley edition. Look for dill and caraway seed on the nose mixed with a cherry cola, resiny saddle leather aromas. We like the rich, juicy fruit, upfront flavours and the spicy cassis blackberry cola flavours in the finish. There's a touch of dryness showing through the finish but that should fade by the end of this year.Prices:| BC | $79.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Valdivieso Sauvignon Blanc 2002
Region del Valle Central, ChileLight attractive, open, grassy, bell pepper, grapefruit and passion fruit aromas. The textures are soft but there is good acidity and mid-palate zip and the finish is clean. Butter, lees and grapefruit dot the finish. Good value. Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
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02 January 2003
0PTS
Blossom 2000 Three Pack (Raspberry, Blueberry and Riesling) NV
British Columbia, CanadaThe stackable 250mL three pack that adds up to 750 mL of wine contains three separate products: Late Harvest Riesling, (see separate reviews and scores), Raspberry Late Harvest, and Blueberry Late Harvest.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
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01 January 2003
88PTS
Dow's Boardroom 8-Year Old Tawny NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalLight amber-teak color. Rancio, cask/bodega aromas mixed with caramel, tea and spice. Has some extra licorice, spice and soya on the palate and aftertaste. Rich, round mellow with a fine finish. Good balance and a fine drink at this price. Check it out. Prices:| BC | $25.95 | 750ml |
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February 2003