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Tastings: June 2003
30 June 2003
85PTS
Valentin Bianchi Sauvignon Blanc 2002
San Rafael, General Alvear, Southern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaSmoky, mineral, citrus, aromas and almost duplicate flavours on the palate. Vanilla and grapefruit rind mark its finish. It's a big intense sauvignon but unfortunately it is drier than it needs to be.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Riddoch Sauvignon Blanc 2001
Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaCorkedPrices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Caliterra Sauvignon Blanc 2002
Region del Valle Central, ChileWet stone and citrus nose with a touch of matchstick that will dissipate with time. Similar flavours with mineral butter. Quite a dry, lean finish. We like it but the style maybe too severe for the consumer buying at this price point.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Robert Mondavi Sauvignon Blanc Private Selection 2000
Central Coast, California, United StatesOpen butter mineral and grassy citrus rind aromas with some bell pepper. It tastes like it smells with plenty of grassy bell pepper and citrus rind flavours. Well balanced and elegant. Easy to drink not too big or aggressive or alcoholic. A little less vegetation would help it soar.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Santa Carolina Sauvignon Blanc 2000
Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChilePeculiar canned grapefruit and asparagus nose with a big whack of lime and passion fruit. Fairly soapy on the palate with plenty of citrus rind flavours and a flat finish. Lacks varietal character. Prices:| BC | $9.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.20 | 750ml |
| ON | $8.45 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Mural Chardonnay Viognier Sauvignon Blanc 2002
Region del Valle Central, ChileFloral, honey aromas with a dusting of lees and canned jalapeno. Quite a buttery, mineral style in the mouth with more floral/honey/citrus fruit flavours in the finish. Quite dry with more bell pepper in the finish. Good but lacks a sense of fullness and ripeness.Prices:| BC | $13.95 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Fetzer Fumé Blanc Echo Ridge 2001
California, United StatesLight floral, grassy fruity nose with flecks of mineral and gooseberry in the background. Bitter grapefruit rind marks the flavour and the rather dry finish. Simple at best.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.85 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $12.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Quails' Gate Fume Blanc Family Reserve 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2002 FR Fumé Blanc was made in limited quantities from the best parcels of fruit. Partial barrel fermentation in new French oak aged 'sur lie', followed by a selection of the best barriques. Look for an oak, melon, floral, citrus rind nose with a smoky citrus fumé vanilla finish with flecks of grapefruit and green apple. Round approachable palate but still crisp in the finish. Well done for a young wine and should only get better in the coming five to seven months. Excellent.Prices:| BC | $22.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Quails' Gate Chenin Blanc Family Reserve 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral green apple, grapefruit rind jumps out of the glass. Fresh crisp Granny Smith and canned grapefruit flavours make up its substantial presence on the palate. Young, fresh and should improve in the bottle through the fall. Try it with Thai food or sip alone on the patio.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Robert Mondavi Sauvignon Blanc SLD 2001
Napa Valley, California, United StatesBig stinky nose lined with intense, grassy, lemon citrus and asparagus aromas. More lemon citrus flavours on entry, mixed with stone fruit, artichoke and vanilla. Strong, intense and just a little bit strange. It may well be the SLD terroir but it's not our favourite this year.Prices:| BC | $36.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $35.90 | 750ml |
| QC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $33.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Doña Paula Los Cardos Sauvignon Blanc 2002
Ugarteche District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaBig sweaty, stinky, grapefruit nose with citrus rind and passion fruit aromas. Dry mineral, flavoured wine with more passion fruit flavours and an intense dry, citrus, grapefruit rind finish.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Barefoot on the Beach White NV
California, United StatesSoft sweet, wet, mineral nose. Sweet round simple commercial canned grapefruit. Not much worth noting here.Prices:| BC | $9.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Cakebread Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 2001
Napa Valley, California, United StatesOpen bell pepper and mineral aromas streaked with jalapeño, citrus and vanilla in the background. This is a round, fun-to-sip style with ripe, kiwi/melon, mineral and fruit flavours with a skinny, green-apple skin undercurrent. Big round warm Napa styling that will appeal on the patio.Prices:| BC | $49.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $43.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Calvet Bordeaux Reserve White 2001
Bordeaux, FranceSeashore and mineral nose with a touch of buttery fig and garrigue. The palate is much more acidic with mineral, grapefruit rind and lime flavours in what is a fairly dry austere style with a grassy "sémillon" finish. Best paired with shellfish.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 750ml |
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29 June 2003
86PTS
Caliterra Chardonnay 2001
Region del Valle Central, ChilePartial barrel fermentation and a bit of oak aging in this wine. Butter, pear, green apple and a touch of vanilla and soapy floral notes. Dry, round and light with pear, mineral, apple and light lees flavours. Simple but balanced, perfect summer sipper.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.45 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Caliterra Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2000
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileA medium weight red that opens in the glass with minty, herbal, cassis and black cherry aromas. On the plate the wine is lean and dry lacking any serious substance -- like many other 2000 Chilean reds. Light simple and ready-to-drink cabernet.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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27 June 2003
88PTS
Jackson-Triggs Viognier Proprietors' Reserve 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy mineral, honey citrus nose with a perfumed character that jumps out of the glass. It's warm and rich on the palate with round soft slightly sweet fruit flecked with hints of honey apple skin and orange marmalade. It is big and intense in the mouth and frankly a touch alcoholic but impressive nonetheless for such a young wine. Great value, let's hope the price remains sensible.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 750ml |
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23 June 2003
84PTS
Montes Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
Valle del Curicó, Region del Valle Central, ChileVery Curicó with a big sappy, cassis, spicy, peppery, cardamom nose and briary notes - a solid cool cab. Look for a sweet entry, with soft, weedy cassis fruit and sweet vanilla earthy leather flavours that finishes dry and lean.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.45 | 750ml |
| SK | $15.09 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.99 | 750ml |
| NB | $15.74 | 750ml |
| NS | $15.16 | 750ml |
| NF | $14.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Jacob's Creek Chardonnay 2002
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaSoft peachy/mineral butter and lime rind aromas lead you into a fairly round, flat, mid-palate with fresh flavours of cool pear apple fruit. Simple straight-ahead Oz chardonnay at a fair price.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
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20 June 2003
84PTS
Calona Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Artist Series 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMedium colour, herbal, vegetable stew nose. Raw earthy fruit with a slightly resiny bitter aftertaste. Not much to recommend here.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Gray Monk Chardonnay Unwooded 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMineral, citrus peel, light peach and ripe apple aromas with some toasty lees and a touch of matchstick. More mineral, leesy smoky flavours with some sweetness. A bit Macon-like but pricey for no wood.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.70 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Burrowing Owl Merlot 2001
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky tomato leaf, herbal, dill, tobacco aromas with some spicy cherry jam. Warm alcoholic rich round soft smoky chocolate flavours with impressive weight and styling. There's a touch more acidity than required but this is B.C. merlot and it's about as good as it gets.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Calona Vineyards Merlot Artist Series Reserve 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSimple, light, black cherry fruit nose with a dry, veggie entry. Tomato, prune and barnyard flavours with a dry, lean alcoholic finish. Not up to usual standards. Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Calona Vineyards Artist Series Cabernet Franc 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, smoky, licorice, cassis aromas with crushed leaf and resiny cigar notes. Dry, somewhat lean and hollow with smoky, resiny, oak and cigar ash flavours. The finish is crushed tomato leaf and oak. An everyday barbecue red.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Quails' Gate Chardonnay Limited Release 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRipe apple, butter, vanilla aromas with some spice and nectarine notes. Dry, soft, light green apple, mineral flavours with an oaky buttery acid finish. Straight-up standard issue chardonnay.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Pinot Gris 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, apple, grapefruit aromas with some kiwi and mineral notes. Light, soft, slightly sweet with mineral, baked apple and telltale winemaker John Sime's grapefruit rind flavours. Delicate, easy style with lighter overall intensity of flavours.Prices:| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Jackson-Triggs Chardonnay Proprietors' Grand Reserve 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBready, butter, mineral aromas make for an interesting opening but it's much flatter on the palate. The entry is sweet and oily with buttery, vanilla pineapple flavours but thin and light and far too woody and alcoholic; lacks concentration and structure.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Jackson-Triggs Meritage Proprietors' Grand Reserve 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeppery, light barnyard, smoky, black cherry, licorice, aromas with some orange spice and olive. Dry but round with quite tannic with smoky oak vanilla, coffee, peppery earth flavours. The finish is all coffee toffee vanilla that while appealing on first sip can be tiresome by bottle's end. A little less extraction will go along way to making this an outstanding bottle.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Jackson-Triggs Shiraz Proprietors' Grand Reserve 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThese are young syrah vines but they have produced a standout effort. Look for rich, spicy, blackberry jam, a peppery, sausage meat nose with smoky, roasted pepper and vanilla notes. Round, ripe, moderately soft tannins mix effortlessly with cherry chocolate fruit and lots of smoky vanilla. Fine flavour intensity as well as good varietal character.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Jackson-Triggs Cabernet Sauvignon - Shiraz Proprietors' Grand Reserve 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe JT Cabernet / Shiraz is a solid effort. Look for a spicy, peppery, black berry nose streaked with smoky cherry and oak. It's round and moderately ripe with quite dry tannins. Peppery, spicy, smoky oak flavours with blackberry and earthy licorice mark its finish.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Jackson-Triggs Merlot Proprietors' Grand Reserve 2000
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig spicy, orange rind nose streaked with pepper, cherry jam and vanilla with lots of smoky oak, cherry cola notes and just a touch of leafiness at the end. A perfect example of why merlot is so well suited to B.C. when the crop load and winemaking is right. Rich, hot, ripe tannins with big coffee, dill, smoky oak flavours mix with clove, cherry and pepper. A Blockbuster red that has some ageing potential through 2007.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Jackson-Triggs Cabernet Sauvignon Proprietors' Reserve 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOne of B.C.'s better '01 cabernets the JT Okanagan has a wonderful dark colour and an inviting mocha chocolate black pepper nose. The structure is dense and the chocolate berry fruit persist well through the finish. It's a touch dry but it is so young you can expect the dryness in the finish to fade with time. Well done and an encouraging step for this variety in B.C.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Quails' Gate Pinot Noir Family Reserve 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFinally a pinot with more fruit and less wood from Quails' Gate. Look for firm styling with an attractive violet/black cherry fruit streaked with soya and tea leaves and Chinese five-spice. With so many over-extracted versions it's a pleasure to taste a balanced pinot that's neither over extracted, nor over ripe.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Gloria Ferrer Royal Cuvee Brut Vintage Reserve 1995
Carneros, Sonoma County, California, United StatesRoyal Cuvée results from a rigourous selection of what the winery thinks are its absolute best lots. The intention is to make a sparkler with intense flavours and delicate creamy textures. They also gravitate toward those lots with higher acidity to make sure the final blend will be capable of a long life in bottle because it's the extended lees ageing that makes this wine so much fun to drink. Creamy, silky elegant with Look for a persistent fine mousse and a creamy, brioche flavoured sparkler. Top drawer and easily among the finest sparklers made in America.Prices:| ON | $50.37 | 750ml |
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18 June 2003
90PTS
Yangarra Park Cabernet Sauvignon Appellation Series 2001
Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaLook for an earthy, cool coffee, licorice, peppery, cassis and minty nose. It's round and dry with slightly lean tannins and more spicy, vanilla, coffee, licorice and tea flavours. It's improved in the bottle since we first tasted it earlier this spring -- a more or less normal development for most Coonawarra cabernets. Patience and/or a big T-bone steak is required here.Prices:| BC | $29.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.95 | 750ml |
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16 June 2003
85PTS
Calona Vineyards Chardonnay Artist Series Reserve 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaButtered popcorn, toasty smoke, and melon with grapefruit rind aromas. Similar palate with round, fresh, buttery melon, mineral and citrus flavours. Simple, straight ahead, affordable chardonnay easily found in stores -- just look for the bright red apple and green grape label.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Calona Vineyards Gewurztraminer Artist Series Reserve 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, floral, sausage nose with fresh lychee and green apple aromas. Fresh and crisp textures with some sweetness in the finish. Green apple skin, mineral, peach and citrus flavours. Great summer sipper we recommend with sautéed scallops in a citrus, butter sauce.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Calona Vineyards Pinot Gris Artist Series Reserve 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, floral, green apple and citrus rind aromas. Crisp, round, slightly oily with big grapefruit, green apple, mineral, peach pit flavours. Crisper, fresh style that represents good value for the summer.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Sandhill Merlot Burrowing Owl Vineyard 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMedium colour with a dill/olive nose and an earthy, resiny character and a wisp of smoky, black cherry fruit. The merlot textures (soft and round) are more prevalent in the '01 signalling better tannin management. The flavours are a mix of more resin and earthy, herbal black cherry fruit and a dusting of smoky, cherry cola. Perfect for lightly spiced grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Sandhill Chardonnay Burrowing Owl Vineyard 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMineral, fresh apple skin, smoky oak aromas with a touch of butter. Round, soft entry with a touch of oiliness has leesy, garlic, buttery vanilla flavours with some mineral and honey on the finish. Quite dry and chalky but will match well with lightly grilled scallops or calamari.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Sandhill Sauvignon Blanc Burrowing Owl Vineyard 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGrapefruit, passion fruit, grassy canned jalapeno aromas. Lots of mineral, grapefruit rind, bell pepper and very green apple flavours with a very tart, dry finish. Definitely sauvignon but the acidity is a bit too high and dry - try with oysters or mussels.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Chamonix 2002 Sauvignon Blanc 2002
South AfricaRoasted canned jalapeno, mineral and grass aromas. Dry, crisp, fresh palate with exactly the same flavours and some extra canned grapefruit on the finish. A bit intense and a little on the veggie side but well balanced overall - good match for oysters and clams.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Suckfizzle Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2001
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaA combination of Burgundy and white Bordeaux with spicy lees, mineral, smoky oak, roasted bell pepper, fig and grass aromas. Crisp, round, slightly oily palate with very smoky oak, toasty, vanilla, citrus flavours with an intense honeyed, green melon, bell pepper finish. Sophisticated style but not for everyone.Prices:| BC | $38.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Goldridge Estate Sauvignon Blanc Premium Reserve 2002
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandCanned jalapeno, dill, hay and grapefruit rind aromas mark the nose of this very Kiwi Sauvignon. Expect fresh flavours round textures and a touch of sweetness in the back end. Mineral, fresh grass, bell pepper and passion fruit flavours dissolve into a well-balanced finish.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Evans and Tate Sauvignon Blanc Semillon Margaret River 2002
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaToasted oak and vanilla nose with spicy honey, fig, grapefruit aromas and a touch of canned jalapeno pepper. Fresh, crisp palate with a touch of sweet fruit. Lots of mineral, vanilla, spicy lees, oak toast flavours with a honey, buttered fig and bell pepper finish. Nice elegant, flavourful wine that will be great with swordfish or sablefish.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wirra Wirra Scrubby Rise Sauvignon Blanc Semillon Viognier 2002
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaSpicy, honey, mineral, green apple, grapefruit aromas with a hint of grass. Round, rich, slightly oily palate with grapefruit, passion fruit, honey, mineral and vanilla flavours. A touch of sweetness with very good acidity makes this a very attractive blend for seafood.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Domaine de Beaurenard Boisrenard Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2001
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceOpen mineral, slate nose with honey and rose aromas and a background of marmalade and anise. Rich, round and slightly oily but very unctuous and fresh. A bit alcoholic but has nice honey, slate, anise, spicy, orange flavours. Quite elegant with a long, mineral spicy lees finish. A great white Châteauneuf, perhaps one of the best, although the price would suggest the same.Prices:| BC | $87.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $79.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Nautilus Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2002
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandVery cool Marlborough sauvignon with bell pepper, canned artichoke, slate and grapefruit aromas. Elegant, fresh and round with green apple, bell pepper and grapefruit rind flavours. Dry and crisp style but well balanced for pairing with steamed mussels and roasted potatoes. Less severe than previous editions and for that we are thankful.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Domaine de Molines Sauvignon Blanc Réserve 2000
Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceMineral, gooseberry, passion fruit, hay aromas with light, bell pepper notes. Rich, textured wine with smoky mineral, canned gooseberry, spicy lees that finishes with a touch of vanilla and citrus. Showing a touch of maturity but very good acidity.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Château de Nages Cuvée Joseph Torres Blanc 2000
Costières de Nîmes, Languedoc, Sud de France, FrancePale gold colour. Light floral, honey, mineral slate, nutty lees aromas with a bit of mango and marmalade. Ripe, rich and round with good acidity, has big honeyed, orange, mineral, slightly buttery flavours with some pineapple on the finish. Quite high acid on the finish but tasty and fully mature now. An excellent alternative to chardonnay.Prices:| BC | $27.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.95 | 750ml |
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14 June 2003
87PTS
Talus Shiraz 2000
Lodi, Central Valley, California, United StatesWinemaker Tod Ziemann ferments and ages his shiraz (80 per cent of which comes from the Lodi AVA) in stainless steel to maintain its fruity character. Expect a soft round red brimming with blackberry and mocha and roasted coffee flavours and sweet vanilla finish. Good value. Grilled lamb chops are the ticket here.Prices:| BC | $12.98 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Vina Casas del Bosque Sauvignon Blanc 2001
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileAlmost Marlborough with canned green jalapeno, mineral and grapefruit aromas and a touch of melon. Dryer, crisper style with good acidity. Nice mineral, grapefruit, kiwi flavours with a touch of butter and grass on the finish. Well done.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Vina Casas del Bosque Pinot Noir Reserve 2001
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileSpicy smoky, tea and licorice notes sit firmly over top of black cherry fruit. Very attractive mouthfeel with soft round edges, rich warm, black cherry fruit and a long, smoky, spicy prune and black cherry finish. Solid workman-like pinot at a reasonable price.Prices:| BC | $23.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Wyndham Estate Bin 333 Pinot Noir 2001
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaClean jammy, minty, berry fruit nose. Soft and slightly sweet on entry with cherry berry flavours and a smooth finish. There's a touch of compost and spice in the finish that rounds out a simple, but well made pinot.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Concha y Toro Trio Sauvignon Blanc 2001
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileThe grapes are picked at several different intervals meaning they come to the winery with differing ripeness levels. Gooseberry, lemon, grassy, canned jalapeno pepper aromas and a touch of flint mark the nose. Ripe, round and lighter in style with bell pepper, grassy, grapefruit flavours and a touch of buttery melon on the finish. Solid and tasty.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chateau St. Jean Pinot Noir 2000
Sonoma County, California, United StatesA mix of Carneros and Russian River Valley fruit. Good colour with lifted tea blackberry and barnyard nose and smoky creamy undercurrents. Smooth creamy entry with tea prune fruit flavours. There's less raw berry notes and more of the drier compost and earth finish. Solid New World pinot.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $28.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Foley Pinot Noir 2000
Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesAs the age of Santa Maria Hills Vineyard climbs past thirty years the crop yield continues to decrease. Look for gamy meaty big barnyard aromas mixed with smoke and tea and lots of black cherry. The entry is chock full of obvious ripe, black cherry fruit flavours and plenty of the Santa Maria acidity. A big time smoky vanilla and licorice character runs throughout and the finish is long. Big and powerful yet smooth and elegant.Prices:| BC | $62.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $56.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Robert Mondavi Pinot Noir Carneros District 2001
Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United StatesQuiet barnyard compost nose with toasted vanilla and cherry jam highlights. Quite rich and smooth on the palate with more cherry jam, smoky tea and licorice root flavours on the palate. Long impressive finish and it's just a baby. Well done.Prices:| BC | $51.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $41.45 | 750ml |
| ON | $57.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $54.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $36.18 | 750ml |
| NF | $56.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Wild Horse Pinot Noir 2000
Central Coast, California, United StatesHigh-toned, lifted cherry jam and barnyard scented fruit. It is smooth, round, cool pinot fruit that's more minty than jammy with cherry tea fruit flavours and a leaner drier finish. Workmanlike but not overly enticing for the money.Prices:| BC | $32.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Errazuriz Fume Blanc 2001
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileOpen grapefruit, zesty, passion fruit nose. Soft and the flavour intensity is low with grapefruit, grass and butter flavours in the finish. It's delicate, round and restrained which is surprising for Casablanca. Crisp, somewhat creamy finish but we were expecting a bit more intensity.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Tarapaca Sauvignon Blanc La Isla 2001
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileFairly ripe nose of passion fruit and kiwi with just a hint of artichoke. On the palate it's soft with lemon oil on the mid-palate and melon grapefruit in the finish. Balanced, easy-sipping, attractive style consumers will like.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Chivite Colección 125 Vendimia Tardía 2000
Navarra and Basque Country, SpainA very attractive nose here with spicy, floral, fresh lemon zest aromas mixed with botrytis, mineral and sweet vanilla toffee aromas. Wow - rich, ripe and round palate, almost succulent with mineral, pear, apricot, floral and vanilla butterscotch flavours. Fresh, elegant finish and fine for current drinking. Try with a lemon flan or zabaglione. (375 mL)Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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13 June 2003
89PTS
Burrowing Owl Cabernet Franc 2001
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, smoky, cigar aromas with lots of black cherry and cranberry. Round and elegant structure with good concentration. Very spicy, black cherry, smoky cigar cranberry flavours. Quite rich and ripe but also tannic on the finish, needs three to five years. Impressive effort given the somewhat average quality of the harvest.Prices:| BC | $26.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Château Miraval Rouge Côtes de Provence 2000
Provence, Sud de France, FranceBig old savoury sausage nose with a touch of steer manure and prunes. Soft supple grenache-like fruit with black cherry and Christmas pudding flavours and a medium-length finish. Well balanced and ripe.Prices:| BC | $30.95 | 750ml |
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93PTS
J. Bookwalter Merlot 2001
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesA bright purple colour previews a nose of ripe chocolate flecked with plum jam and cherries. Very similar flavours with super rich textures and ripe vanilla, orange plum and Christmas pudding aftertaste. Reminds us of Le Pin perhaps without the elegance but without the price tag too. Fabulous New World merlot.Prices:| BC | $46.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Château de Nages Vieilles Vignes Rouge 2000
Costières de Nîmes, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceThe old vines 50/50 blend of grenache/syrah shows more intensity and more of that syrah character of spicy garrigue and licorice root aromas. Rich round mocha coffee black licorice flavours mark the palate with smoky savoury notes and black raspberry fruit in the finish. Well made, elegant and perfect for restaurant lists.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Château de Nages Réserve du Château Rouge 2000
Costières de Nîmes, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceOpen black raspberry jam nose streaked with savoury licorice. We like the blance of this soft supple red packed with ripe black raspberry fruit and spice in the finish. A well-made everyday red with fine acidity. Think grilled meats or poultry. Excellent value in Alberta. (60% grenache noir, 40% syrahPrices:| BC | $17.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
La Chamiza Sangiovese- Bonarda 2001
Mendoza, ArgentinaThe blend is 50/50 sangiovese/bonarda. The nose is lightly scented with black cherry and licorice with some gamey rubbery undertones. Smooth, dry, savoury, earthy, fruity flavours with some black cherry and smoke in the finish. A bargain barbecue red worth a taste.Prices:| BC | $6.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.25 | 750ml |
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85PTS
La Chamiza Syrah - Malbec 2001
Mendoza, ArgentinaThe blend is 50/50 syrah/malbec. Look for an open blackberry, spiced sausage nose with hints of roasted earth. It's soft, smooth and easy to sip with spicy tobacco and roasted root vegetables flavours in the finish. A good little 1.5 litre barbecue red that works out to be only $7 a bottle.Prices:| BC | $13.98 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.84 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.00 | 750ml |
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11 June 2003
92PTS
Jordan Chardonnay 2001
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesA nice step up from the 2000 this ripe pear, quince, red apple, mineral chardonnay with the floral, butter lees aromas is a big winner. Despite being ripe, round and slightly richer than the 2000 it has elegance too. Big red apple, honey, buttery spicy lees, baked pear and melon flavours. Very good acidity and balance but also delicacy. Very long, persistent aftertaste.Prices:| BC | $49.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon 1999
Sonoma County, California, United StatesSpicy, earthy, cassis, black berry, chocolate aromas mixed with shoe leather, vanilla and orange peel. Elegant and slightly dry with riper, grainy tannins and a bit of acidity showing. Lots of cassis, olive, orange, peppery, spicy earthy flavours with some mocha and olive on the finish. Consistent elegant style if a touch on the green side. Needs a few years to round out the tannins.Prices:| BC | $72.95 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Penfolds Chardonnay Reserve Bin 00A 2000
South Australia, AustraliaThis one-off 'special bin' wine was made alongside the 2000 vintage of Penfolds' flagship white wine, Yattarna. On rare occasions, Penfolds winemakers have issued 'one-off' Special Bin wines that allow them to identify unique parcels of quality wine and releasing them as individual ultra-premium wines. Examples such as the Bin 60A, Bin 90A and Kalimna Block 42 wines are highly sought after by wine collectors the world over. Bin 00A stems from the Yattarna chardonnay project and is a blend of chardonnay fruit 75/25 from Tumbarumba and Adelaide Hills. The entry is awash in lees and citrus fruit with more creamy mineral lees in the aftertaste. Big complex and as rare as it gets this is a fabulous Oz chardonnay.Prices:| Australia | $60.00 | 750ml |
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98PTS
Penfolds Grange Hermitage Bin 95 Shiraz 1998
South Australia, AustraliaWhat does one say about the 1998 Grange that hasn't already been said. The '98 Grange is serious juice and is not to be missed by the committed collector. It is a big, plummy red that has dense, luscious, raspberry/blackberry fruit streaked with licorice and smoky toasted, mocha flavours. Schubert's recipe of old vines and low yields helps to contain the fruit even at 14 per cent alcohol. It's aged 18 to 22 months in new American oak and it's never released before it fifth year. It's early times but the '98 is already drawing comparison with the famed '96, '90 and '1986 Grange labels -- if anything the '98 is less iconic and more serious. Buy what you can afford.Prices:| BC | $230.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $225.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $240.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $236.25 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Penfolds Yattarna Bin 144 Chardonnay 2000
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaThe search for a "white" Grange began in 1992 with total company support something which couldn't be said at the time Max Schubert was working to develop the original Grange Shiraz in the early 1950s. This is the fifth release since the original 1995 and it is a good one. The fruit originates from 100 per cent cool climate sites at Tumbarumba and Adelaide Hills. Peach, fresh cut apple and citrus mark the nose and palate of this 100 per cent barrel fermented chardonnay that also goes through 100 per cent malolactic fermentation. It has elegance length, intensity, creamy fruit and complexity like no other Oz chardonnay.Prices:| BC | $89.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $72.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $89.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $89.50 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Penfolds Magill Estate Shiraz 2000
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaAt 12.5 acres the Magill shiraz is the only single vineyard wine in the Penfolds line-up. The current Magill vines, some 50-years old, were saved by Grange founder Max Schubert and his successor winemaker Don Ditter both of whom grasped the historical significance of the original site of Grange and why it should be preserved. The grapes are all handpicked and placed in small wax-lined boxes for transport to the winery. It's aged in 80 per cent French and 20 per cent American new oak for 14 months. The 2000 is a super plush wine with fabulous savoury, chocolate cherry flavours, mid-palate elegance and spice that simply jumps from the glass. The best Magill we've tasted since the early 1990s.Prices:| BC | $69.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $59.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $70.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $70.25 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Penfolds Riesling Reserve 2002
Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThis 100 per cent Eden Valley riesling was first released in 1999 but it's already establishing itself as a winner. The Stelvin (screw cap) ensures its pure mineral green apple skin nose with citrus lemon flavours and just a hint of toasted honey in the finish. As it ages the wine is expected to "rich-up" and take on more honey and toast characters. Delicious.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Penfolds Cabernet Shiraz Bin 389 2000
South Australia, AustraliaBin 389 is often referred to as "baby Grange" in North America because parts of the wine are matured in the same barrels that held the previous year's Grange. Since 1960, Penfolds has been making Bin 389 by combining the structure of cabernet sauvignon with the richness of shiraz. The fruit is mix of McLaren Vale, Padthaway and Coonawarra with small contributions from Robe, Barossa Valley and Kalimna all of which spends 14 months in 22 per cent new oak with the remainder a mix of one and two-year old American oak. Blackberry and chocolate are the key flavours with smoky licorice undertones. The 2000 "389" is clearly benefiting from the decision NOT to make a 2000 "707" thus leaving some superior lots of cabernet to enrich an already rich red. Soft and round and ready to go but should hold well through 2010.Prices:| BC | $36.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $34.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $38.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $38.50 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Penfolds Cabernet Sauvignon Bin 407 2000
South Australia, AustraliaAt Penfolds the only cabernet made prior to 1990 was the 707 -- a red born to be complex and live long. In 1990 the decision was taken to make a red wine that was more accessible at an earlier age and the "407" was born. Except in 2000, (as with 1981 and 1995 vintages), conditions for cabernet were less than ideal and no Bin 707 was made. This year the fruit was primarily sourced from Coonawarra and Bordertown with those grapes making up over 60 per cent of the final blend with small parcels coming from Margaret River, McLaren Vale, Robe and Padthaway. As a result the 2000 "407" has been supercharged with some lots of wine it would not normally see. Thirty per cent of the wood is new (20/10 French/American and the result is ripe juicy fruit that is not only delicious and drinkable but a definite step above the '99.Prices:| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $31.25 | 750ml |
| ON | $32.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $33.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Penfolds Shiraz Bin 128 2000
Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaLaunched in 1962, Peter Gago says Penfolds Bin 128 reflects the unique climate and growing conditions of the Coonawarra district and the elegant style of cool-climate Shiraz matured in French oak. Look for leather spice and dark black cherry fruit that is almost juicy in 2000. Soft, round and ready-to-go.Prices:| BC | $34.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $32.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $32.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $33.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Penfolds Shiraz Kalimna Bin 28 2000
South Australia, AustraliaOnly a small percentage of Kalimna fruit gets into Bin 28 these days but it doesn't seem to affect the quality. The '00 will wow you with its rich sweet vanilla aromas and chocolate cherry fruit. This is an easy-going shiraz with a plush exterior and sweet peppery fruity aftertaste. A fine introduction to the magical Penfolds multi-blend shiraz that features style and substance.Prices:| BC | $34.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $31.25 | 750ml |
| ON | $32.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $33.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Penfolds Thomas Hyland Shiraz 2001
South Australia, AustraliaThe bookend to the Thomas Hyland chardonnay is the shiraz made from select parcels of fruit grown at McLaren Vale, Coonawarra and the Barossa Valley in South Australia. It's mostly matured in used French and American hogsheads to create a more accessible style than the Bin wines. We like the savoury, blueberry, plum fruit flavours and soft tannins. The finish is soft with hints of mocha and fruit cake. Impressive winemaking.Prices:| BC | $21.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
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09 June 2003
87PTS
Kendall-Jackson Sauvignon Blanc Vintner's Reserve 2001
California, United StatesRipe melon, grapefruit, kiwi aromas with a touch of grass. Round and fresh with canned grapefruit, melon, mineral and passion fruit flavours. Good fruit and balance with nice acidity although the finish is a bit sweet but a very solid style for restaurants and the regular consumer.Prices:| BC | $20.95 | 750ml |
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08 June 2003
83PTS
Calona Vineyards Blush Artist Series Reserve 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight red berry fruit nose. Strawberry raspberry Kool-aid flavours with a mineral undertones. Sweet and round with berry fruit flavours in the finish. Serve well chilled and sip on the patio.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Quails' Gate Gewürztraminer Limited Release 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIt looks as if 2002 was very kind to B.C. gewürztraminer. Look for a whack of lychee fruit and rose petal aromas with an exotic touch of cinnamon spice. This is an off-dry version but with a nice streak of citrus through the finish. Proprietor Andrea Stewart recommends pairing this with free range turkey; I would like to see it on the wine list at Vij's and most every Chinese restaurant in the city.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tinhorn Creek Pinot Gris 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWinemaker Sandra Oldfield is well known for her merlot production but she also has the touch with pinot gris. Look for a mix of mineral green apple and honey notes with a nice twist of pie crust in the background. More mineral and apple skin flavours mark the aftertaste. Balanced, ready to drink and it sells for an affordable price.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tinhorn Creek Gewürztraminer 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaClassic gewürztraminer aromas of lychee and rose petals. The entry is soft and round with a touch sweetness on the mid-palate and spice in the finish. Lightly spiced Asian or Indian food would be a fine match or chill down and sip on the patio.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tinhorn Creek Chardonnay 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA blend of barrel fermented juice and some that sees only stainless steel leaves this chardonnay balanced and vibrant. Pear and butter mark the nose along with more of that bread dough (garlic lees) nose. A streak of citrus keeps it lively and the creamy finish appeals. Well done and the price is a bargain.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Benevento Trebbiano Chardonnay 2002
Campania, ItalyNutty, sweaty, mineral, bruised apple aromas. Dry, round and slightly oily with very mineral, nutty, baked pear flavours with a touch of butter. A bit alcoholic on the finish. A serviceable basic white for a hot day. We like the price.Prices:| BC | $6.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Giannina Vernaccia di San Gimignano 2001
Tuscany, ItalyPear, slate, nutty buttery aromas. Dry, round and slightly soft with buttery, mineral, apple skin flavours and some heat on the finish. A bit more of an austere style that may fit with grilled calamari.Prices:| BC | $17.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Château Gaudrelle 2001
Vouvray, Touraine, Loire, FranceSmoky, slate, apple skin aromas with a touch of melon and butter. Ripe, round and rich with soft acidity but finesse. Lots of smoky, mineral, baked apple and nutty flavours round out a pleasant Loire wine. An understated style but attractive and ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $23.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Bremerton Langhorne Creek Verdelho 2002
Langhorne Creek, South Australia, AustraliaExpect ripe apple, floral, mineral aromas with a touch of spice and tropical fruit from this attractive nose. On the palate it is ripe, round and fairly dry with mineral, melon, chalky citrus flavours and a touch of butter and nut on the finish. Good, fresh and should make a fine summer barbeque or fish wine.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Quails' Gate Riesling Family Reserve 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe first ever Family Reserve riesling is big and juicy and swimming in citrus floral fruit. There's fairly good intensity of flavour here especially at the front end of the wine but it's almost all floral and citrus and while it's not very complex it will definitely grab your interest. A solid step in the right direction.Prices:| BC | $22.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Quails' Gate Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLook for enticing, ripe, peach/honey aromas with vanilla peach melon edges. Winemaker Ashley Hooper has finally stripped back some of the oak which is a good thing although there's still a prominent buttery, toasted oak nose. It's nicely organized on the palate with good crispness and plenty of citrus, apple skin and peach flavours. Well made and a major jump up in style and class for the winery. Clearly the best chardonnay we've seen yet from Quails' Gate and move the winery into prime time B.C.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Château Miraval Côteaux Varois 2001
Coteaux Varois, Provence, Sud de France, FranceVery open mineral, floral, honey, citrus melon aromas. Warm, spicy mineral, buttery, nut honey flavours with a slightly soapy, anise and citrus finish. Good acidity but the alcoholic finish is a bit bitter. Overall, elegant but needs food.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Château Miraval White Côtes de Provence 2000
Provence, Sud de France, FranceMineral, citrus, floral, honey aromas. Soft, round and dry with good acidity but a touch alcoholic. Grapefruit, chalky mineral, honey, nut and quince flavours fill out an elegant, stylish wine made from an unknown grape. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $28.95 | 750ml |
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07 June 2003
86PTS
Dr. Pauly Classic Riesling 2002
Mosel, GermanyFresh ripe fruit nose with a touch of smoky Vaseline. Floral apple skin mineral flavours and big mineral/slate, green apple skin finish. Refreshing skinny green fruit Mosel. Serve cold out-of-doors all summer. Pricey for a QBA.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.45 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Dr. Pauly Estate Riesling 2002
Mosel, GermanyWe like the aromatic "pretty" slate nose. Fine mineral characters mark this delicious apple flavoured wine streaked with bright acidity. Fruit juicy and delicate with fine citrus, green apple and peach skin flavours in the aftertaste. Well done.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.45 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Pirramimma Petit Verdot 2000
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaThe petit verdot winemaking objective at Pirramimma has always been to produce a wine in the cabernet sauvignon style. It has fine colour and smoky spicy cedar nose flecked with black cherry and vanilla. There are similar flavours on the palate with more smoky barrel notes in the finish. Smooth on the palate with some gritty tannins that have yet to dissipate. Reflects the somewhat ordinary 2000 vintage.Prices:| BC | $28.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Schloss Johannisberger Grunlack Riesling Spatlese 2001
Rheingau, GermanyIntriuging vibrant peach honey with lime skin undertones. Gorgouesu sripew apple mineral amnd big ripw citrus finihs. Excellent weight fine balance and a gorgeous creamy finish. Mosel delicacy but Rheingau diesel. Super wine. Prices:| AB | $54.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Schloss Johannisberger Rotlack Riesling Kabinett 2001
Rheingau, GermanyBig floral peach character and a wisp of mineral skin. Citrus mid-palate with slatey green apple acidity and flavours. Not as fruity as you might expect and more green mineral style. Definitely mouthwatering Mosel character.Prices:| AB | $38.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Schloss Johannisberger Gelblack Riesling Qualitatswein 2001
Rheingau, GermanyFloral apple citrus notes. Not a lot of intensity. Round mioneral slatey peach pit pleasant and balanced but a little expensive for what you get.Prices:| AB | $31.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Reynolds Vineyards Shiraz 2001
Orange, New South Wales, AustraliaBig meaty, roasted game and spice nose with earth and more roasted pepper highlights. Smoky overripe blueberry and pepper flavours. This is a fine fruity red with good grip. Think barbecued meat to tame the acidity and settle down the finish.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Palandri Shiraz 2001
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaThe fruit comes off three Margaret River vineyards, fermented separately and aged in new and used American oak for a year before the final blend is assembled and aged another three months. Look for an inviting, spicy, peppery meaty nose. On the palate it has a sweet blackberry jam flavour mixed with vanilla and coffee. Fine balance, good fruit and plenty of dark plum berry fruit flavours. Well made. Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $21.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Pierre Sparr Alsace One 2001
Alsace, FranceOpen spicy ripe red apple nose with peach and floral highlights. Very attractive. Mineral apple skin green peach flavours and just a hint of butter in the finish. Fine acidity in what is a well-balanced, summer wine. Scallops or a chicken summer salad would be a good match here.Prices:| BC | $17.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Ballast Stone Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
Currency Creek, Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia, AustraliaDuring the 2000 vintage, 6 rows of Currency Creek 'Wally's" Cabernet Sauvignon were selected for the Ballast Stone label all matured in French and American oak hogsheads. Look for roasted green beans and olives with quite a spicy kick in smoky/cassis/vanilla flavoured red. The entry is dry, round and smooth for a cabernet with more smoke and mocha flavours in the finish. Solid.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Ballast Stone Grenache 2001
South Australia, AustraliaA blend of McLaren Vale and Currency Creek Grenache all barrel-fermented in two-year-old hogsheads this wine is fresh and ready to enjoy. We like the lifted black raspberry jam and floral straw nose streaked with pepper. It's rich juicy fruit flavours and spicy warm flavours on the mid-palate invite you into the glass and its cherry kirsch flavoured aftertaste. The perfect duck confit wine.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Ballast Stone Currency Creek Shiraz 2001
Currency Creek, Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia, AustraliaGrown on the Cottage Block Vineyard at Currency Creek, the 01 shiraz spends 15 months in 75 per cent American oak and 25 per cent French. Look for a spicy jammy sandalwood nose streaked with game and vanilla. It has a rich round, dense, red fruit entry with lots of smoky vanilla and blackberry jam. The finish is big and full of vanilla, coffee and toffee. Very tasty stuff from an excellent vintage.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Pirramimma Petit Verdot Reserve 1999
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaResearched for eleven years before the release of the first vintage in 1994, the Pirramimma Petit Verdot vineyard was the first and is now the largest in Australia. Look for a lovely open pretty cherry vanilla nose with earthy licorice streaks throughout. Similar earthy resiny licorice flavours with some prominent acidity and quite a bit of oak in the finish. Well done, get out the lamb chops.Prices:| BC | $27.95 | 750ml |
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06 June 2003
85PTS
Mt. Boucherie Estate Collection Pinot Gris 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen ripe apple/mineral aromas streaked with spicy pear. It is soft, round on entry and just a touch sweet with citrus, red apple, mineral and nutty/butter flavours. Firm acidity on the finish. A solid summer sipper that will please many.Prices:| BC | $13.90 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Roccaccia Bianco di Pitigliano 2001
Tuscany, ItalyLight gold colour. Buttery, honey, mineral aromas witha touch of pear. Ripe, round and somewhat oily with honey, mineral, guava flavours and a touch of hotness and bitterness in the finish. Solid summer white but mature. Drink now.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Montresor Pinot Grigio 2000
Valdadige, Pedemonte Valpolicella, Verona, Veneto, ItalyNutty, mineral, citrus aromas with a touch of ripe apple. Soft, round, ready to drink style with ripe apple, nutty, mineral and slightly buttery flavours. A bit alcoholic on the finish but has good flavour concentration and some acidity to keep it fresh. Drink this summer around the patio.Prices:| BC | $21.40 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Montevina Pinot Grigio 2002
California, United StatesApple, grapefruit, mineral and honey aromas. Round, ripe and smooth with a little sweetness, has ripe pear, mineral, citrus flavours with a touch of honey. Solid, fresh white for the patio and barbeque.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
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05 June 2003
90PTS
St. Hallett Old Block Shiraz 1999
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaMeaty, sausage, gamey aromas with peppery, blackberry jam, plum and chocolate vanilla streaks with a little portiness. Rich, ripe, hot style with some definite tannins. Ripe blackberry jam, mocha, vanilla, smoky plum, licorice flavours. Not as sumptuous and round as we were hoping with too much acidity on the finish.Prices:| BC | $53.83 | 750ml |
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04 June 2003
86PTS
KWV Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
Paarl, Coastal Region, South AfricaLook for a vibrant compelling varietal nose of black currant fruit that jumps out of the glass. On the palate the fruit persist and is well balanced by a crisp mouth-watering acidity. A solid mid-weight red with medium length that finishes spicy and a touch dry. Grilled meat dishes are the answer here.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Robert's Rock Chenin Blanc / Chardonnay 2002
Western Cape, South AfricaThe Robert's Rock label has settled down into a reliable everyday South African brand name and check put the price. The grapes come from the sizable Western Cape appellation and offer up a refreshing style of white wine with a touch of mineral, green apple skin and lime flavours. Clean fresh and easy top sip and under $9.Prices:| BC | $8.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
KWV Roodeberg 2001
Western Cape, South AfricaRoodeberg is another label that has transformed itself into a more appealing New World style although there is still work to be done. The blend is a mix of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, shiraz and ruby cabernet. Cherry/chocolate/vanilla aromas mark the nose of what is a round red but the flavours are less than intense. There some obvious acidity poking through its earthy flavours and dry finish. Barbecued meats would help to smooth out the edges.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Cathedral Cellar Shiraz 1999
Coastal Region, South AfricaAn open fragrant vanilla (American oak) spicy nose draw you into the glass. On the palate its light and again, showing that mid-palate acidity with a plummy, meaty, gamy aftertaste. This is a spicy, easy-sipping style shiraz that slides down easy if you don't mind the acidity.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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83PTS
KWV Merlot 2001
Western Cape, South AfricaNice improvement on the nose showing black cherry fruit and minty leafy menthol aromas but not much else. The palate is thin with fairly bitter and acidic fruit. The finish is dry and alcoholic. Most anything out of Chile would be a better choice at this price range.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Cathedral Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon 1998
Coastal Region, South AfricaLook for an open inviting black cherry fruit nose streaked with vanilla, cedar and leather. More Bordeaux than California with a medium mid-palate weight and plenty of dry tannins in the finish. This will need a year or two come around and shed some of those dry tannins.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve To Kalon Vineyard 1999
Napa Valley, California, United StatesA select limited bottling from the finest cabernet sauvignon grapes of this vineyard, primarily from a section of 35-year-old vines. The flavours are a mix of intense blackberry and plum jam with spicy, dry cedar and an exotic mineral component. Complex warm, spicy, elegant and long with a dry cassis fruit and currant finish. Napa cabernet all wrapped up in an elegant jacket.Prices:| BC | $225.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
Napa Valley, California, United StatesLovely refined cab nose with coffee, earth, pepper and barnyard and a whiff of blackberry jam. The flavours are a mix of savoury, pepper/chocolate and licorice with enough dark fruit flavours to carry the finish. Elegant styling and well-balanced. One of the best regular Mondavi cabernets we've tasted.Prices:| AB | $36.35 | 750ml |
| BC | $46.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $39.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $46.50 | 750ml |
| NB | $46.84 | 750ml |
| NF | $47.87 | 750ml |
| MB | $49.50 | 750ml |
| NS | $56.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $38.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Wild Horse Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, Central Coast, California, United StatesOpen peppery blackberry jam and mocha aromas. Smooth and round textures but the flavour profile is somewhat flat. Cassis cedar green bean flavours mark the mid-length finish. A year or tow will help this wine gather itself and smooth out some of the ragged edges.Prices:| BC | $32.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Kendall-Jackson Cabernet Sauvignon Vintner's Reserve 1999
California, United StatesThis KJ cab comes of a mix of Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino vineyards. It's less generous than previous additions showing black olive, green bean and herbal aromas with earthy coffee undertones. There are fairly dense fruit flavours and fullness in the mouth but with some acidity poking through. The finish is somewhat dry leading us to believe if you were to taste it blind you might mistake it for an Italian sangiovese cabernet blend.Prices:| BC | $26.95 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Cakebread Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon "Three Sisters 1999
Napa Valley, California, United States"Three Sisters" are three small vineyards planted on the east side of Silverado Trail near Oakville Crossroad on steep rocky slopes with a west facing aspect. The soils are red volcanic. The fifth vintage has a coffee, savoury, spicy nose with black plum and cassis fruit undertones. There is fine richness on entry and dense fruity Christmas plum cake flavours that finish with a mocha/pepper finish. Warmer and richer than the "Benchland Select it too finishes with a wisp of black olive, anise ands mint.Prices:| BC | $199.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $175.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Cakebread Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon "Benchland Select" 1999
Napa Valley, California, United StatesBenchland Select cab is made from selected vineyards planted on the benchland of the Mayacamas Mountains on the Napa Valley's western side. It's been bottled since 1995 as a 100 per cent varietal. The colour is dark and the nose is a mix of barnyard, black pepper and resin. Its dark fruit character has peppery spicy flavours on the mid-palate and throughout the finish. Refined and elegant with just a touch of heat in the finish. Solid Mountain Napa cab that is totally different in style from the big fat reds off the valley floor.Prices:| BC | $199.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $175.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Cakebread Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
Napa Valley, California, United StatesThe grapes for the Napa Valley cab are a blend of per cent merlot and 2 per cent cabernet franc from more than a dozen vineyards from Carneros in the south to Calistoga in the north. Look for an intense cassis, mocha, charred oaked nose flecked with spicy pepper highlights. It is a soft, round, flavourful red with smoky, spicy, black fruit flavours and a touch of prune in the juicy fruit aftertaste. Soft and elegant but not quite as intense as you might expect for Napa which probably reflects the vintage.Prices:| BC | $109.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $99.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
M. Trinchero Cabernet Sauvignon Chicken Ranch Vineyard 1998
Rutherford, Napa Valley, California, United StatesProduced from a family-owned vineyard in Rutherford that once was the site of a prosperous chicken farm the 2000 cab has a minty coffee cassis nose with vanilla aromas. Tobacco earth and cassis juice mark the palate but with quite a dry acid aftertaste. Fairly light on the mid-palate and short in the finish. Disappointing for the appellation and the price.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
J. Bookwalter Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThis is the first vine-to-wine cabernet made under the tutelage of noted winemaker/consultant Selma Long and it shows. Look for a big powerful plum jam nose with leathery spicy notes and ripe blackberry. It's rich and smooth in the mouth with a long, spicy plum jam peppery coffee finish. Warm but attractive style and reasonable elegance. Obviously the young John Bookwalter is taking the business seriously.Prices:| BC | $59.99 | 750ml |
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01 June 2003
87PTS
De Angelis Rosso Piceno 2001
Marche, ItalySouth facing 350 to 420 meter hillside vineyards, situated around the village of Offida, Castel di Lama and Cossignano are home to the montepulciano and sangiovese fruit in this blend. Pleasant licorice cherry nose with pepper and savoury elements. Similar palate with more black cherry fruit. Good richness and depth for $12.95 and a refreshing not too dry finish. Excellent value here. Get out the steaks.Prices:| AB | $12.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
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July 2003