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Tastings: October 2003
31 October 2003
83PTS
St. Hubertus Rosé Gamay Noir 2002
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMineral cherry raspberry aromas with a touch of tobacco leaf. Sweet entry with a crisp palate and a long smooth, sweet, candied raspberry flavours. Chill well and serve at picnic.Prices:Read Full Note
86PTS
Benchland Vineyards Sweet Grizzly 2001
Penticton Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBright cherry colour. Strong maraschino cherry aromas with wet, leafy cassis notes. Quite a fresh style with moderate sweet fruit, black cherry and cassis flavours.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 500ml |
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82PTS
Benchland Vineyards Blanc de Noir 2001
Penticton Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaEarthy candied floral nose with a touch of drain pipe. Similar flavours with firm dry tart earthy rasberry herbal notes and a simple tart finish. Simple wine.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Batasiolo Barbera d'Alba Sovrana 2001
Piedmont, ItalyBatasiolo's single vineyard Barbera comes from Sovrana a special plot of vines selected for its intense fruit character and concentrated flavours. We liked the previous 2000 edition, but the 01 may be better. The colour is dark and the nose awash in cherry fruit and tobacco. A touch less acidity, something Barbera is famous for, makes this oh so drinkable. Perfect dinner wine for meat or ripe cheeses.Prices:| BC | $23.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Leone Rosso Toscana 2001
Tuscany, ItalyLeone Rosso, first made in 1997, is a blend of sangiovese, merlot and canaiolo nero grapes. It's made under the Fattoria del Colle label by winemaker Donatella Cinelli Colombini. The vines sit over limestone, clay and galestro (stony soil) on a ridge some 400 metres above sea level. This is New Wave Italian elegance with cherry and vanilla and just a dusting of dry tannins for structure. Leone Rosso is aged in small French oak barrels for further refinement. Delicious and affordable given its pedigree.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Le Bombarde Cannonau di Sardegna 2001
Sardinia, ItalyExperts agree that Cannonau came to Sardinia from Spain around the 15th Century, most tracing the variety to one called alicante or garnacha, parent of the French grenache. The 01 Bombarde is lighter in colour than its '00 predecessor but it's bigger in flavour. Tasty ripe, sweet fruit streaked with black plum, licorice, and peppery fruit mark the nose and palate. The textures are soft, round and supple with plenty of spicy, peppery, black cherry and smoke flavours. A warm region red that gets the job done at an affordable price. Good value.Prices:| BC | $13.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Ruffino Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale (Tan Label) 1999
Tuscany, ItalyThe 1999 vintage in Tuscany is considered to be outstanding with excellent wines made in most every region as evidenced by the 99 Ducale. Not as powerful as the '97s the '99s are all about elegance and style with beautiful balance of fruit in the mouth. Flavours of cherries and almonds and an undercurrent of forest floor make this a highly enjoyable Chianti Classico. At under $30 it's more than reasonable given the sky rocketing prices throughout the district.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Marqués de Cáceres Rosé 2001
Rioja, SpainPleasant creamy fruit nose with a touch of earth underneath for complexity. Smooth entry with a tasty almond/raspberry flavours with more earth in the aftertaste. A well-made, fresh summer rosé.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
New Age Bloody 2002
San Rafael, General Alvear, Southern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaInteresting cherry maraschino nose with sandalwood and clove "incense-like" undertones. Spritzy in the mouth with similar flavours and moderately sweet in the finish. Good effort for an especially clean and fresh summer sipper.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
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30 October 2003
91PTS
Tormaresca Masseria Maime 2001
Salento, Puglia, ItalyVery dark inky cherry colour. Open spicy, black cherry, almond, licorice, and smoked meat and resin aromas. It is rich and concentrated with dry, but round tannins. Massive black cherry, almond, licorice, spicy, plum pudding flavours. Great balance and very ripe but somewhat alcoholic. Drink now or hold a few years.Prices:| BC | $42.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Chateau de l'Hospital 2001
Graves, Bordeaux, FranceHoney, vanilla, spicy garlic lees aromas with some grassy melon notes. Very dry, slightly austere but elegant with buttery, melon, mineral, grapefruit rind flavours and a spicy, honey finish. Nice but lean - all Bordeaux.Prices:| BC | $34.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Shaw and Smith Sauvignon Blanc 2001
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaCousins Martin Shaw and Michael Hill-Smith, champions of Adelaide Hills fruit, now have their own facility to produce their beloved racy sauvignon. Looked for a mix of canned jalapeno pepper, grapefruit rind, and passion fruit leaf with gooseberry aromas. Round, slightly oily textured with good acidity. Asparagus, jalapeno, gooseberry and grapefruit rind flavours. Nice balance but fairly herbaceous and very crisp on the finish.Prices:| BC | $28.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Markham Sauvignon Blanc 2002
Napa Valley, California, United StatesLight spicy garlic lees nose with kiwi, honey and melon aromas but low aroma intensity. On the palate it's soft, round and moderately dry with grassy melon, grapefruit rind and honey flavours. A touch acidic and warm on the finish but not out of tune with the Napa sauvignon style.Prices:| BC | $27.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Obikwa Sauvignon Blanc 2003
Western Cape, South AfricaKiwi, passion fruit aromas with bell pepper and jalapeno notes. Simple, soft and round with similar flavours but light intensity. Fresh and clean with a citrus finish. Good value. Drink young with light seafood.Prices:| BC | $8.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $8.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $7.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Stoneleigh Sauvignon Blanc 2003
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandDelicious ripe, gooseberry, mineral, grapefruit rind aromas with some green bell pepper. Dry and crisp with plenty of grapefruit rind, gooseberry, and grassy melon flavours. Elegant and fresh but very crisp. Excellent foil for oysters and/or mussels.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Columbia Crest Sauvignon Blanc 2000
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesSmoky, mineral, candied apple, floral nose with musky melon aromas. Very round with sweet fruit in a sippable style. Grassy, green apple flavours mixed with honey, vanilla and lees. Look for a crisp, citrus flavourful finish. A solid entry level, consumer friendly wine.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Valdivieso Sauvignon Blanc 2003
Region del Valle Central, ChileGrapefruit rind, mineral, smoky, passion leaf aromas. Round and fresh with a touch of sweetness followed by big ripe pink grapefruit juice and rind flavours with apple skin and grassy notes. Crisp finish.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Trapiche Sauvignon Semillon 2002
Mendoza, ArgentinaSmoky, mineral, grassy, butter melon aromas. Very soft and flat with grapefruit rind, buttery mineral apple flavours. A bit bitter on the finish but sound and very affordable.Prices:| BC | $8.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.25 | 750ml |
| SK | $10.25 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Glazebrook Sauvignon Blanc 2002
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandIntense herbaceous, grassy, mineral, gooseberry nose with musky undertones. Dry, crisp and round with fresh grapefruit, melon, and bell pepper flavours on the palate with a touch of slate-y, passion fruit. Better on the palate and in the finish than the nose might suggest.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Forrest Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2002
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandIntense Marlborough nose of canned asparagus, jalapeno, floral, gooseberry, mineral aromas. Round, dry and slightly austere but elegant with strong slatey mineral, melon, grassy, jalapeno flavours and a touch of butter and honey on the finish. Very crisp finish. Serious.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Lincoln Sauvignon Blanc Winemaker Series 2001
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandBright gooseberry, grapefruit rind nose streaked with musky, mineral and light jalapeno aromas. Round, soft, elegant with more mineral/melon and grapefruit and honey flavours with a touch of grass and asparagus. We like the balance and crisp acidity. Fun to drink.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Baron Philippe de Rothschild Sauvignon Blanc 2002
FranceMineral, light grassy, grapefruit nose with citrus rind, kiwi and apple skin aromas. Dry and round on the palate it has medium weight with green apple skin, lime rind, passion fruit and mineral flavours. A dryer style with crisp acidity that will go well with summer seafood or oysters.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
HVe Semillon 1999
Hunter, New South Wales, AustraliaMineral, smoky, buttery cashew, fig and citrus aromas. Dry, crisp and elegant styling with grassy, grapefruit, slate, gooseberry flavours and a touch of green melon and butter on the finish. True Hunter Semillon with crispness but will improve with 2-5 years aging.Prices:| BC | $22.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Dry Creek Vineyard Fumé Blanc 2001
Sonoma County, California, United StatesHoney, floral, citrus rind, melon aromas with some grassy bell pepper notes. Round, dry, somewhat oily structure with good acidity. Lots of grapefruit rind, honey, light vanilla, grassy bell pepper flavours. One of the better Dry Creek Fumés we've tasted in a while.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Deakin Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2002
Victoria, AustraliaFloral, melon, mineral, passion fruit aromas with a hint of herbal. Round, soft and dry with passion fruit, green apple, melon and grapefruit flavours. Quite crisp acidity on the finish with grapefruit rind. Good value in B.C. and a complete steal in Ontario.Prices:| BC | $12.49 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.95 | 750ml |
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29 October 2003
87PTS
Prunotto Barbera D'Asti Fiulot 2002
Piedmont, ItalySpicy, black cherry, plum aromas with some peppery, barnyard notes. Soft, elegant and dry with almond, black licorice, cherry flavours and a touch of bitterness. Well made to match venison and other prime game dishes.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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28 October 2003
90PTS
Champagne Pol Roger Brut Reserve NV
Champagne, FranceFine, continuous mousse. Floral, citrus, toasty, baked apple mineral nose, quite delicate but fine. Rich, round, balanced style but a touch soft with fine effervescence. Baked apple, citrus, creamy, mineral, quince flavours with a crisp, biscuity, apple finish. An excellent all round NV for current consumption for beginners or connoisseurs.Prices:| BC | $89.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $85.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $98.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $85.55 | 750ml |
| QC | $75.25 | 750ml |
| NS | $85.23 | 750ml |
| PEI | $84.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Henschke Little Hampton Pinot Gris Innes Vineyard 2000
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaLittlehampton, from Adelaide Hills, is 100 per cent pinot gris grown by David and Annette Innes towards the eastern side of the range 25km from Adelaide. We like the mineral, pear, melon floral aromas and the soft, round, oily textures. Elegant with very earthy mineral, buttered, baked apple and pear flavours. A bit hot and flabby but with an adequate mix of fruit.Prices:| BC | $42.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Henschke Tilly's Vineyard 2002
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaTilly's comes with a Stelvin screwcap closure and is a blend of 65/28/7 sémillon/chardonnay/sauvignon blanc all matured in oak. Citrus, melon, lime rind, buttery fig aromas mark the nose. Soft, round and dry with good grassy, melon, green peach, buttery mineral flavours. Crisp finish with some honey and orange. Solid juicy effort.Prices:| BC | $30.99 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Henschke Hill of Grace Shiraz 1998
Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaHill of Grace is a historic century-old vineyard planted around the 1860s by an ancestor, Nicolaus Stanitzki, in rich alluvial soil in a shallow fertile valley just north-west of the winery. The vineyard lies opposite a beautiful old Lutheran Church, built of local field stone, which was named Gnadenberg, meaning 'Hill of Grace'. Expect a huge concentrated nose of vanilla, plum jam, prune, and smoky blueberry aromas mixed with clove and saddle leather. Rich, round and ripe with intense black berry, black cherry jam, vanilla, spicy, peppery clove flavours and a smoky, leather finish. Elegant, long and balanced with very good acidity, should age well for 10-15 years yet drinkable now.Prices:| BC | $324.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Henschke Julius Eden Valley Riesling 2002
Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThe Julius Eden Valley Riesling is a mix of fruit from Eden Valley, Springton and Keyneton. Cyril Henschke developed the Henschke reputation for premium riesling wines as early as the 1950s and these dry, food-oriented wines remain clean and crisp with the ability to age. The wine is named after a great-uncle, Julius Henschke, a highly acclaimed artist and sculptor. Look for a ripe peach, floral, apple, mineral slate nose. The textures are round the edges crisp and the flavours a mix of lime rind, green apple, and slate with a peach/ citrus finish. A bit warm but good intensity.Prices:| BC | $68.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Henschke Henry's Seven 2001
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThis is the first release of this co-fermented blended wine. The mix is 70/25/5 shiraz/grenache/viognier all grown in the Barossa. The blend is a tribute Henry Evans who planted the first vineyard of seven acres at Keyneton in 1853. He quickly developed a reputation for producing the best wines in the southern colony. Following the death of Henry in 1868 his widow Sarah exercised her personal convictions by closing the winery and uprooting all the wine grapes. The nose is a gamey, meaty mix of licorice, black raspberry jam, peppery nose with some blueberry and smoky streaks. Round, dry and elegant with a touch of acidity and smooth tannins. Spicy, peppery, licorice, vanilla oak, gamey chocolate flavours and some plum jam, mineral aspects on the finish. Well balanced and priced.Prices:| BC | $41.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Henschke Lenswood Abbotts Prayer 2000
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaAbbotts Prayer is a 74/26 blend of merlot and cabernet sauvignon grown on Stephen and Prue Henschke's Lenswood vineyard in the Adelaide Hills The Henschke's selected Lenswood in 1981 as a new vineyard site and at 550 metres above the sea the slopes get higher rainfall and humidity at the right time of the year and most important cooler growing conditions to better retain natural acidity. The Abbotts Prayer Merlot label links together the history, religion and pioneers of this mountainous region. Look for a clove, spice, sandalwood, cherry fruit nose mixed with smoky, licorice and saddle leather aromas. Dry, round and elegant with softer, slightly dry tannins. Very spicy, peppery, clove, vanilla, earthy plum flavours with mineral, coffee, herbal notes on the finish.Prices:| BC | $77.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Henschke Cyril Henschke Cabernet Sauvignon 1999
Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThe Cyril Henschke cab is in fact a 70/15/15 blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc in '99 grown at the Henschke Eden Valley estate vineyard. The wine is named after Cyril Henschke (1924-1979) as a tribute to one pioneer in the production of varietal table wines. Look for peppery, spicy, leather, cassis jam nose streaked with licorice mineral aromas and blackberry/orange peel notes. Rich, round and long with supple tannins and a fine coffee, cassis, spicy, herbal palate with peppery plum jam flavours and mint. Showing a bit of acidity and tannins on the finish which should round out over the next 4-7 years. Well made in a difficult harvest.Prices:| BC | $120.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Henschke Mount Edelstone Single Vineyard Shiraz 2000
Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThe Mount Edelstone vineyard, meaning gemstone, is a single delineated historic vineyard planted in the 1920s on the eastern slopes of the hill of the same name. It is planted to 100% old-vine shiraz located near Keyneton high in the ranges east of the Barossa Valley. The 70-year-old fruit is dry-farmed. The colour dark cherry. The nose smoky with mineral, spicy, cherry, cassis aromas and some resiny blueberry highlights. Rich, round and concentrated with good ripeness. Very spicy, mocha, vanilla, black cherry, smoky flavours with some gamey notes. Needs a few years to round out the tannins but very drinkable now. Excellent value when compared to the Hill of Grace.Prices:| BC | $89.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Henschke Keyneton Estate Shiraz Cabernet Merlot 2000
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaA 70/20/10 blend of Barossa and Eden Valley shiraz/cabernet sauvignon and merlot fruit. the wine is named after English pastoralist Joseph Keynes, who settled at Keyneton in 1842 the estate offers complex fruit from low-yielding, un-grafted, dry-farmed varieties. Look for light coffee, spicy, minty, leafy nose with blackberry and licorice aromas. Ripe, round, elegant and soft on the palate with slightly weedy cassis, coffee, cherry minty compost flavours. Forward and ready to drink but should keep for 3-5 years.Prices:| BC | $52.99 | 750ml |
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27 October 2003
88PTS
Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Black Label 2000
Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaThis cabernet is aged in new and old American and French oak for 14 months and comes out of the barrels showing big dark berry fruit streaked with floral and mint undertones. Dark berries and mocha chocolate are the theme on the palate with soft silky tannins at the end. The winery recommends lamb and we agree.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Wynns Coonawarra Estate John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon 1998
Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaHuge spicy, peppery, ripe cassis aromas with orange rind, olive and coffee tones, some mint and barnyard too. Rich round and supple with intense flavours of coffee, cassis, spice, pepper and mint. Beginning to show some maturity but still a massive mouthful with a big smoky cassis, coffee finish. Will need at least ten years to approach maturity. One of the best Riddochs yet.Prices:| BC | $68.50 | 750ml |
| QC | $70.00 | 750ml |
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26 October 2003
83PTS
Benchland Vineyards Chardonnay 2000
Penticton Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSkunky, garlic, mineral, bread dough apple nose. Dry, lean, light bodied with mineral, apple skin, skunky lees flavours with some muscat floral notes. Not a lot fruit but there is some balance.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sumac Ridge Unoaked Chardonnay 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAttractive fresh citrus, melon, peach, mineral nose with a touch of butter, Bravo. Round, oily, slightly sweet style with buttery, citrus peel, melon, honey baked apple flavours. Crisp finish and nicely balanced. Well made well priced and it has a synthetic cork too. Put a screw cap on this and it will be unbeatable.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Casa de la Ermita Jumilla (Purple Capsule) 2001
Jumilla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainThe Jumilla wine-growing region encompasses a large area in the province of Murcia and Albacete in south-eastern Spain. It is a rugged country, where the vineyards grow on a high plateau surrounded by mountains. The Purple Capsule is made from a blend of mouvedre merlot, tempranillo, cabernet sauvignon and syrah. The nose is intense with big red fruit and gamy/cherry raspberry nose. Soft round entry (plenty of alcohol) and a smooth mid-palate. More cherry fruit in the finish. Definite Euro-style with a spicy cherry licorice finish.Prices:| BC | $22.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Tommasi Pinot Grigio Le Rosse 2001
Valdadige, Pedemonte Valpolicella, Verona, Veneto, ItalyPinot gris or grigio as it's referred too in Italy may be from the same grape we grow in B.C. but it's not the same wine. More acidity, more spice and more mineral mark the Italian version. Lean clean crisp and food friendly all you need to do is chill and serve. The Tommasi would be perfect with little, pre-dinner crostinis or main shellfish dishes. Ready to drink now.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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25 October 2003
89PTS
Mazzei Badiola 2001
Tuscany, ItalyPoggio alla Badia is a Fonterutoli wine made and owned by the dynamic Mazzei family. The style is totally modern with a slightly reductive flavour streaked with American oak. Ripe fruit and bright acidity are the hallmarks of this pleasing sangiovese-based red featuring licorice cherry and vanilla flavours. A solid effort that should hold another three to five years in bottle.Prices:| BC | $25.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Frei Brothers Redwood Creek Chardonnay 2000
California, United StatesOpen spicy lees nose mopes with undertones of butterscotch and melon. Soft, round and sweet on entry with baked apple, butterscotch and more mineral/lees flavours. A bit buttery and herbal on the finish. A solid consumer wine but drink up and then look for a fresher version.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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23 October 2003
87PTS
Elsa Barbera 2001
San Rafael, General Alvear, Southern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaVery spicy, smoky, dried cedar, black cherry and saddle leather aromas. Soft, round and dry with good peppery, gamey, black cherry flavours with some smoky prune cedar on the finish. Very attractive style, drink now.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.75 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Castaño Monastrell Dulce 2000
Yecla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainBig peppery, spicy, black licorice, cardamom, raisin aromas with some gamey, black cherry jam. Rich, ripe and round with nice soft tannins and good sweetness with balanced acidity. Nice finesse with black cherry jam, licorice, blueberry, gamey and raisin flavours with a touch of chocolate and marmalade. Delightful lighter dessert wine.Prices:| BC | $34.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Abbaye Saint-Hilaire Coteaux Varois 2001
Provence, Sud de France, FranceLight floral, raspberry aromas with a strong streak of cedar, green bean and black pepper. Dry, light, slightly thin with peppery, cedary, green bean and leafy flavours. Simple and dry, lacks fruit. Lean, slightly herbal finish.Prices:| BC | $9.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Finca La Linda 2001
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaPeppery, gamey, spicy, black berry jam nose with some leafy cassis components. Rich but quite dry with some tannins. Cassis, coffee, green bean cedar flavours dominate with some black cherry jam on the finish. Very solid but needs a bit of aeration to soften up. Try with meat. Good intensity.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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20 October 2003
90PTS
Pascal Jolivet Sancerre Chateau du Nozay 2001
Sancerre, Upper Loire, Loire, FranceMineral, nutty lees, citrus oil aromas with a touch of smoky butter and floral highlights. Very dry and round and elegant in style. Again the major thread is a strong toasted, slate and mineral character with smoky grapefruit rind flavours. Fine viscosity with some oily textures all wrapped up in a lean finish.Prices:| BC | $42.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $37.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Elsa Malbec 2001
San Rafael, General Alvear, Southern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaSpicy, smoky, leather, cherry jam aromas. Soft, round and dry with resiny, dried cherry, smoky plum flavours. Simple but very solid and a decent value to boot.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Famiglia Bianchi Malbec 2000
San Rafael, General Alvear, Southern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaNice peppery, earthy, spicy clove, vanilla smoky leather nose with lots of black cherry and plum fruit and some floral hints, good complexity. Rich, ripe and round with a very elegant structure. Smooth with minty, spicy clove, plum jam and vanilla flavours and a saddle leather, smoky peppery finish. Refined, ready to go and enjoyable but should hold for a year or two.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Valentin Bianchi Malbec Oak Aged 2001
San Rafael, General Alvear, Southern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaSpicy, black cherry, smoky vanilla, leather game cardamom nose. Dry, medium body, with slightly dry, astringent tannins. Good smoky, cedary, licorice, and vanilla flavours with some spicy clove cherry jam flavours in the finish. Will improve over the next year or so but try with roasted game if you like it young.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Viña Paraíso Malbec 2001
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaVery peppery, gamey, iodine, smoky saddle leather aromas with black cherry and plum. Round, dry, slightly lean structure but finishes smooth. Lots of smoky, leather, resiny cherry flavours with some grilled meat notes at the end. Ready-to-drink.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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19 October 2003
89PTS
Bolla Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 1998
Pedemonte Valpolicella, Verona, Veneto, ItalySpicy, black pepper, cherry jam, resiny aromas with some tobacco leaf and volatility showing. Dry, elegant, round structure with slightly grainy, astringent tannins. Very warm with dried cherry, smoky prune, bitter chocolate flavours and some herbal vanilla streaks in the finish. Solid and true to type if a bit old style.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Bolla Merlot Colforte 2000
Veneto, ItalyMinty, tobacco leaf, cedary, resiny, smoky aromas. Very soft, round, forward style with tomato leaf, cedar, smoky prune, gamey black pepper flavours. Nice textures and balance but the fruit is somewhat green.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Bolla Recioto della Valpolicella Classico 2000
Verona, Veneto, ItalyStewed tea, jasmine, licorice, spicy clove, dried plum and blueberry aromas. Rich, round, unctuous texture with good sweetness and acidity balance. Lots of chocolate, prune, vanilla, spicy clove and smoky liquorice flavours the finish is slightly bitter with marzipan and black raspberry jam. Light tannins show on the finish but great intensity, concentration and finesse. Drink now or put away for 2-3 years and serve with a hard pecorino cheese or perhaps a very dark chocolate mousse.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Bolla Valpolicella Classico Le Poiane 1998
Verona, Veneto, ItalyStewed prune, smoky, peppery, cigar aromas with some dried cherry. Chocolate, cherry, leather and smoky game flavours with some tobacco leaf streaks. A bit dry, lean and herbaceous with noticeable alcohol. Older style will appeal to Euro-phile palates.Prices:| BC | $19.49 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Bolla Valpolicella Classico 2001
Verona, Veneto, ItalyStewed cherry, tomato leaf, tobacco and pepper aromas. Very dry, soft, round palate with some acidity showing. Smoky cherry, peppery, tobacco leaf flavours. Simple, forward style but a bit lean.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Bolla Sangiovese di Romagna 2001
Emilia-Romagna, ItalySavoury, gamey, stewed prune spicy peppery aromas. Dry, round and smooth with slightly high acidity. Very smoky, gamey, pruny, black cherry and licorice flavours with some light tannin on the finish.Prices:| BC | $12.49 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Bolla Soave Classico 2002
Veneto, ItalyMarzipan, mineral, lemon oil and ripe pear aromas. Fresh, lively palate with mineral, baked pear, quince and citrus flavours. Quite delicate and balanced with good acidity on the finish. Very good example of Soave.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Bolla Pinot Grigio delle Venezia 2002
Veneto, ItalyNutty, baked pear, citrus oil mineral aromas. Dry, round slightly soft palate with mineral, almond, baked apple buttery flavours. Drink young.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Trapiche Chardonnay 2002
Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaQuince, pear, mineral, leesy nose. Simple apple, lemony, baked pear mineral flavours. Soft and round so drink it young.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.75 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Pascal Jolivet Sancerre Les Caillottes 2001
Sancerre, Upper Loire, Loire, FranceVery dry slate, mineral, grapefruit rind with a strong garlicky lees scent and a touch of matchstick. Very dry and austere style with smoky mineral, lees and grapefruit rind flavours. Too lean and mean this time out.Prices:| BC | $44.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $39.50 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Pascal Jolivet Sancerre Clos du Roy 2001
Sancerre, Upper Loire, Loire, FranceSmoky lees and mineral nose with intense gooseberry, jalapeno pepper and apple skin aromas. Very dry, crisp style with lots of mineral slate, smoky, grapefruit skin flavours and some green melon kiwi on the finish. Quite succulent with the high acidity but well balanced for mussels and scallops. Fine wine.Prices:| BC | $45.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $40.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Pascal Jolivet Sancerre 2002
Sancerre, Upper Loire, Loire, FranceRich leesy, gooseberry nose with dry slate and grapefruit rind aromas. The style is slightly austere with lots of slate-y/mineral flavour, light grapefruit peel and cooked gooseberry. The finish is crisp and well balanced but it lacks overall concentration.Prices:| BC | $36.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $32.06 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Pascal Jolivet Pouilly Fumé Les Griottes 2001
Touraine, Loire, FranceBig wet cement nose with mineral, smoky, light bell pepper, almond aromas. Very dry and round in a somewhat austere style. The flavours are a mix of bitter grapefruit rind, smoky mineral, nutty butter lees flavours. Delicate, and true to type, but too austere for most.Prices:| BC | $46.96 | 750ml |
| AB | $41.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Pascal Jolivet Attitude Sauvignon 2001
Touraine, Loire, FranceIntense mineral and dry lees nose with light melon and passion fruit aromas. Dry, round and elegant with nutty lees, slate, green apple skin and gooseberry flavours. A delicate style but very well balanced. Perfect for current consumption. Nice improvement since first tasting in January 2003.Prices:| BC | $26.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Viña Paraíso Viognier 2002
Mendoza, ArgentinaVery open floral, perfumy, mineral, citrus rind and canned lychee nose. Rich, round, viscous texture but very elegant with ripe apricot, green apple skin, mineral, honeyed citrus flavours. A bit warm but very flavourful and enjoyable. Try with grilled halibut and a mango-orange-spicy red pepper salsa. Good value.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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18 October 2003
88PTS
Castello della Sala Chardonnay 2002
Umbria, ItalyCastello della Sala Chardonnay was first produced in 1994 and it is the second Chardonnay made at the property, the sibling if you like to Cervaro. Look for a light lees nose streaked with mineral, citrus rind and nutty, green apple skin aromas. Elegant, dry, round and stylish with fresh green apple, citrus, buttery lees flavours and some mineral, orange notes on the finish. Very fresh, round and sophisticated.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Guado de' Gemoli 2001
Bolgheri, Tuscany, ItalySweaty, mousy, tobacco, herbal nose with some cassis in the background. Dry, round, elegant style with vanilla, peppery, spicy, licorice flavours with some cassis and chocolate. Nice balance and finesse but the nose is spoiled.Prices:| BC | $72.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Valdivieso Chardonnay 2003
Region del Valle Central, ChileSlightly toasted lees aromas mixed with mineral, green apple and citrus aromas. Dry, round, slate-y mineral, green apple skin and citrus rind flavours with a touch of butter. Very young, leaner citrus style but will improve.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Dry Rock Vineyards Chardonnay 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight melon, peach, mineral citrus peel aromas with a hint of butter. Dry, soft, round texture, quite elegant with buttery, peach, baked apple flavours. Simple, solid, balanced and attractive.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Haras Character Chardonnay 2001
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileVery leesy, garlic, floral, green apple skin, honey citrus aromas. Round, dry, elegant style with a big mineral, citrus rind, honey, quince and lees palate. Quite crisp and intense with an intense citrus-rind flavoured finish.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Marques de Casa Concha Chardonnay 2002
Pirque, Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileLeesy, honey, garlic, apple and pear aromas. Dry, round and slightly austere with dry mineral, grapefruit rind, honey vanilla flavours. Good intensity and elegance but there is a bit too much of that mineral rind (bitter) character in the finish.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Domaine de la Bastide Chardonnay 2001
Vin de Pays d'Hauterive, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceOpen slate/mineral, butter aromas with a touch of citrus lees. The entry is soft, round and oily in texture with low extract. The finish is a buttery, leesy mix of spicy mineral flavours with some melon and floral hints. Drink now.Prices:| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Simon Gilbert Chardonnay Card Series 2000
New South Wales, AustraliaMuted lees, mineral, peach nose. Dry, lean, soft palate with low concentration and light citrus rind, mineral, lees flavours. Not much here.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
J. Lohr Chardonnay Riverstone 2001
Arroyo Seco, Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesEnticing creamy lees, honey, green apple, floral pear aromas. Round, dry, smooth textures with nice nutty lees, creamy, green apple, pear and honey flavours with a crisp, spicy nut finish. Also available in half-bottle format for $13.50.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Chardonnay 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, lees, vanilla, fruit cocktail aromas with floral green apple and mineral highlights. Soft, dry and oily with strong grapefruit rind, buttery, vanilla, citrus and mineral flavours. Light on intensity, big on citrus rind which leaves the finish a touch bitter.Prices:| BC | $17.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.25 | 750ml |
| SK | $17.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $18.68 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.35 | 750ml |
| YK | $18.95 | 750ml |
| NWT | $16.45 | 750ml |
| NF | $18.45 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Walnut Crest Chardonnay 2002
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileSweaty lees, mineral, slightly smoky citrus rind aromas and flavours with some grapefruit juice and rind on the finish. Simple, round sipping style.Prices:| BC | $10.49 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Grant Burge Barossa Vines Chardonnay 2002
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaGrapefruit rind, mineral, light lees and red apple aromas. Round, dry, slightly oily with big citrus rind, green apple, buttery honey flavours. Quite warm and crisp with a more citrus rind flavours in the finish.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Frontera Chardonnay 2002
Region del Valle Central, ChileLight mineral, lees, green apple citrus aromas with a touch of matchstick. Dry, mineral, green apple skin, grapefruit rind flavours with a very rindy, citrus finish. Simple, leaner style.Prices:| BC | $8.47 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Woodbridge Select Vineyard Series Chardonnay Ghost Oak 2001
California, United StatesLeesy dried slate mineral, citrus, butterscotch aromas. Round, dry, soft textured with nutty lees, creamy citrus, mineral, buttery flavours. A bit austere and lacking in overall fruit. Disappointing.Prices:| US Only | $10.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
HVe Chardonnay 1999
Hunter, New South Wales, AustraliaMineral, buttery, lees, lemon oil aromas with some floral/citrus rind streaks. Round, dry, elegant styling with citrus, spicy floral, green apple flavours and some nutty/orange streaks. Good intensity and elegantly balanced and still fresh. Well done.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Alkoomi Frankland River Chardonnay 2001
Great Southern, Western Australia, AustraliaIntense leesy, nutty, mineral aromas with citrus and honey undercurrents. Very dry, crisp palate with a big mineral, dry, nutty lees flavours spiced with quince and dried citrus peel. Quite an austere style yet balanced. Not for beginners.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Alkoomi Southlands Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2002
Western Australia, AustraliaLook for a huge gooseberry, mineral nose with grapefruit rind, canned jalapeno bell pepper notes... almost Marlborough. Fresh, dry, round palate with elegance and lots of gooseberry, grapefruit and bell pepper flavours and a honey citrus finish. Good if you can get by the herbal nose.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Watermark Chardonnay 2001
AustraliaPleasant buttery lees, melon, peach aromas with some citrus rind. Round, dry, elegant palate with ripe peach, melon and buttery lees flavours with a touch of orange marmalade. Attractive style with nice flavour intensity.Prices:| BC | $14.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Lindemans Chardonnay Reserve 2002
South Australia, AustraliaSpicy lees, nutty pear scented nose with creamy peach aromas. Soft, dry, round palate with lean mineral, citrus rind and buttery lees flavours. A crisp, dry style with a strong citrus rind finish. Solid if unspectacular.Prices:| BC | $13.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Alice White Chardonnay 2002
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaOpen buttery, toasty lees nose with hints of melon fruit. Dry, round, simple style with crisp melon, buttery citrus flavours and some citrus peel on the finish. Simple, straight-ahead easy-to-sip white.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Montes Alpha Merlot 2000
Apalta Valley, Santa Cruz, Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileIntense minty, spicy nose with barnyard, smoky, cedar/cassis aromas. Dry, rich and somewhat astringent on the palate with elevated acidity. Strong mocha vanilla, spicy, minty tobacco leaf flavours and a cassis cherry finish. Nice intensity if a bit green.Prices:| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.20 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.85 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Montes Merlot Reserve Special Cuvée 2002
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileEarthy, tobacco, minty, mocha black cherry aromas with smoky streaks. Round, dry, and elegant with somewhat grainy tannins. Very spicy, peppery, minty, leafy cassis flavours and chocolatey, smoky finish. A bit dry and astringent on the finish but has some complexity. Needs a year or two to come around.Prices:| BC | $17.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Montes Alpha Chardonnay Special Cuvée 2001
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileBig green apple, honey, peach and mineral nose with vanilla/butter streaks. Ripe, round, rich palate with honey, grapefruit rind, buttery baked apple flavours and some creamy, apple skin notes on the finish. Lots of flavour and elegance.Prices:| BC | $26.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.45 | 750ml |
| QC | $23.85 | 750ml |
| NB | $27.28 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Montes Chardonnay Reserve Barrel Fermented 2002
Valle del Curicó, Region del Valle Central, ChileAttractive mineral, citrus rind and buttery, nectarine nose with some floral notes. Ripe, round, dry palate with a pronounced slate-y mineral flavours mixed with buttery, green melon, baked apple flavours and honeyed, citrus finish. Elegant and well balanced.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Franciscan Oakville Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
Napa Valley, California, United StatesCedar, black olive, cassis and leather notes mark the peppery tobacco aromas on the nose. It's fairly supple on the palate but with some dry tannins. Smoky spicy cedar flavours mixed with vanilla, cassis and finishing with a toasted earth taste. Elegant but a bit too acidic on the finish to be really mainstream attractive.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Veramonte Merlot 2001
Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileChocolate, leafy, minty currant and tobacco aromas mark an expressive, cool climate nose. On the palate it is rich, round and dry with cedar, tobacco leaf and minty/vanilla cherry flavours and a smoky, dry finish. A cool representation of the merlot varietal.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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16 October 2003
87PTS
Barossa Valley Estate Ebenezer Cabernet Merlot 2001
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaNew oak, waxy, black berry, cassis jam, earthy, barnyard nose. Round, dry and moderately elegant with spicy, toasty vanilla, black olive and cassis flavours and a cassis, waxy, licorice finish. Nicely balanced for current consumption with a touch of acidity on the finish.Prices:| BC | $39.95 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Barossa Valley Estate E&E Black Pepper Shiraz 2000
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaPeppery, minty eucalyptus, spicy, blackberry and boysenberry jam aromas with lots of vanilla, gamey, waxy floral notes. Rich, round and elegant with soft tannins and a touch of acidity. Big plum jam, stewed cherry, peppery, earthy, chocolate, vanilla flavours with a hint of eucalyptus. Suave with good finesse and balance but not as refined or concentrated as the Grange 1998.Prices:| BC | $92.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Barossa Valley Estate Ebenezer Shiraz 2000
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaBig spicy, black berry, plum, chocolate, saddle leather nose with smoky, peppery, blueberry streaks. Rich, round and soft with sweet vanilla oak, spicy, plum jam, clove and licorice flavours. Very supple, round wine with some finesse but a touch high in acidity on the finish.Prices:| BC | $39.95 | 750ml |
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15 October 2003
90PTS
Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2002
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandBig grapefruit rind and juice with a touch of bell pepper/canned jalapeno, kiwi and cooked gooseberry. Ripe, round and suave with passion fruit, grapefruit, kiwi and mineral flavours. Nice viscosity and acid balance.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Pelorus Sparkling Wine 1998
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandModerately fine mousse with very toasty lees, nutty, mineral citrus aromas and a touch of peach. Dry, round and elegant with again very nutty, toasty, biscuit flavours and a baked apple, citrus peel finish. Soft and forward, for drinking now.Prices:| BC | $40.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Cloudy Bay Chardonnay 2001
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandVery leesy, flinty, mineral garlic nose with grapefruit rind, melon and creamy vanilla streaks. Ripe, round and slightly oily but very elegant. Melon, citrus, pear, mineral creamy vanilla flavours are consistent with very nice balance and acidity. All barrel fermented, this is sold out so look for the 2002 in early Spring 2004.Prices:| BC | $32.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2003
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandA first for the winery with a Stelvin (screwcap) closure. Mineral, passion fruit, sweaty grapefruit rind, kiwi and green pear aromas. Fresh, round and dry with ripe kiwi, mineral, passion fruit and grapefruit flavours and a baked pear, mineral finish. Elegant and suave with flavour is the call here.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Cape Mentelle Cabernet Merlot Trinders 2001
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaSlightly smoky, resiny, black olive, tobacco, vanilla aromas with some waxy, black berry highlights. Round, rich structure with soft tannins. Creamy vanilla, smoky bell pepper, olive and cassis flavours with a tobacco, peppery, cassis finish. Nice balance and elegant in a very forward, drinkable style.Prices:| BC | $23.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Cape Mentelle Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2002
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaGrassy, bell pepper, canned jalapeno, fig and grapefruit rind aromas. Round, soft, dry palate with big mineral, grapefruit, jalapeno and kiwi flavours with some nutty fig notes on the finish. Nicely balanced but fairly herbaceous.Prices:| BC | $21.95 | 750ml |
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14 October 2003
87PTS
Tio Pepe Extra Dry Palomino NV
Sherry Jerez - Manzanilla, SpainAlmonds, green olives and fruity hints mark the nose and flavours of this classic bone dry Sherry sold worldwide under the famous Tio Pepe moniker. It's an ideal match to savoury tapas-style appetizers and it should always be served chilled. If you fail to finish the bottle return it to the fridge because unlike its oxidised cousins Fino is best consumed young and fresh. It's very acceptable to serve Fino over ice for a refreshing start to any evening.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Gonzalez Byass Elegante Manzanilla Dry NV
Sherry Jerez - Manzanilla, SpainManzanilla is another super light, dry Sherry that tends to be saltier than Fino thanks to its maturation cellar's seaside location. Look for the traditional mix of almond/apple/walnut shell aromas that stem from the film forming flor yeast that sits on the surface of the barrel while the wine ages. In Spain, Manzanilla like Fino is served chilled alongside salted almonds and olives or with a wide range of tapas, including fried mushrooms, sardines, artichokes in vinegar, braised loin of pork, clams, goat cheese in olive oil and tapenade on toast. In B.C. sushi would be a good choice too.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Lustau East India Solera Sherry NV
Sherry Jerez - Manzanilla, SpainThe tradition of the East India Solera, a blending of rich, dry Oloroso and sweet Sherries aged for yet another year in a humid environment is making a comeback. The nose is a complex array of spice burnt sugar, raisins, figs, walnuts and orange peel. It's sweet and smooth with what many have described as a treacle-like consistency and a fiery,spicy finish. Serve with a good book and a blazing fire.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 500ml |
| ON | $24.00 | 500ml |
| QC | $24.00 | 500ml |
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90PTS
Lustau Sherry Solera Reserva Dry Amontillado Los Arcos NV
Sherry Jerez - Manzanilla, SpainA text book dry Amontillado from the Lustau estate in Jérez de la Frontera. It's naturally dry and soft and has an attractive fresh fruit flavour with woody notes and hints of raisin. Perfect for sipping alone or over a plate of tapas in a noisy bar. A powerful and distinctive nutty bouquet that is the essence of Amontillado.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 375ml |
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13 October 2003
88PTS
Valdivieso Merlot Single Vineyard Reserve 2000
Region del Valle Central, ChileImpressive peppery, spicy, smoky nose with black olive/minty vanilla aromas. Typically rich and round with some young astringent tannins. Dried cherry, plum and smoky vanilla flavours streaked with licorice and mint notes. Will need 2 to 3 years to round out.Prices:| BC | $22.50 | 750ml |
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11 October 2003
92PTS
Domingos Soares Franco & Christiano van Zeller Vintage Port 2000
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalIntense purple colour. Big spicy, peppery, licorice, tea aromas mark a nose streaked with blackberry and damson plum jam fruit. This is rich, slightly tannic port at this stage with fine concentration, acidity and balance. We love the black cherry, plum jam, spicy, peppery flavours with the smoky licorice finish. An elegant style, neither fat nor hot but balanced.Prices:| BC | $58.10 | 750ml |
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09 October 2003
92PTS
Tormaresca Bocca di Lupo 2001
Puglia, ItalyA blend of 90/10 aglianico/cabernet sauvignon makes for an intense black cherry purple colour. The nose is meaty, gamey and spicy with mulberry aromas mixed with chocolate and licorice. Big, rich and concentrated but somewhat alcoholic. Lots of resiny, licorice, smoky game, spicy, orange, black cherry flavours. Very young with gritty tannins but good structure to age at least 2-4 years. The nebbiolo of Puglia.Prices:| BC | $42.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Tormaresca Torcicoda Primitivo 2001
Puglia, ItalyWarm nose with big peppery, prune plum, vanilla, almond mineral aromas and a touch of dried tangerine peel. Very rich, big, and supple with ripe black berry jam, licorice, resiny, spicy pepper flavours and a hot, mulberry, vanilla finish. Intense stuff.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Tormaresca Rosso 2001
Puglia, ItalyVery peppery, spicy, olive, bell pepper aromas with cassis, orange peel and almond notes. Very soft and round with supple textures. Coffee, black cherry, weedy cassis flavours. Easy to drink, balanced and forward.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Tormaresca Chardonnay 2002
Puglia, ItalyPeach, butter, mineral aromas with a touch of lees. Soft, round and fresh with ripe apple, citrus, buttery mineral flavours. Light, elegant and simple for the summer and sole.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Prunotto Dolcetto d'Alba Mosesco 2002
Alba, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyPeppery, earthy, cherry, licorice and tea aromas. Soft, round and dry with very good cherry, licorice, peppery, spicy gamey flavours. Good acidity balance, quite fresh and elegant but drink young.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Prunotto Barbera D'Asti Costamiòle 1999
Piedmont, ItalyLoosely translated, Costamiole means house on the ridge or shore. This is 100% barrique-aged for 14 months and undergoes malolactic in barrel also. Nice vanilla, toasty oak, coffee, leather, licorice root aromas with strong streaks of black cherry and plum. Rich, big and concentrated with ripe tannins and good acidity balance. Lots of peppery, smoky, vanilla, licorice, coffee flavours with black plum and black cherry on the finish. Very warm but balanced and long, quite a feat for Barbera, but so is the price.Prices:| BC | $70.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Prunotto Barolo 1999
Piedmont, ItalyBig peppery, tobacco, barnyard, violet, cherry kirsch nose. Dry, round and elegant with tobacco, truffle, licorice and black cherry flavours. Quite soft but stylish with light tannins. Drink now or hold for up to five years.Prices:| BC | $70.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Prunotto Nebbiolo d'Alba Occhetti 2000
Alba, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyVery peppery, leather, spicy, floral, coffee cedar aromas. Soft, round, dry and supple with black cherry, almond, licorice, spicy leather flavours and a touch of acidity on the finish. A great match with bean soup.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $28.99 | 750ml |
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02 October 2003
89PTS
Frescobaldi Castello di Pomino Vinsanto 1996
Tuscany, ItalyNutty, mineral, buttery, apricot aromas with some sweaty flor-like notes. Soft, round, elegant style with butter, quince, baked pear, mineral flavours and a streak of roasted almond in the finish. Very suave and balanced with only a light sweetness on the finish. Great Vinsanto in a lighter style.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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01 October 2003
88PTS
Ravenswood Pickberry Vineyard 2000
Sonoma Mountain, Sonoma County, California, United StatesCedary, spicy, Christmas fruit cake, plum jam, peppery vanilla nose. Very tight palate with dry, cedar flaovured tannins and cherry jam, peppery, vanilla, licorice flavours. Slightly hollow with elevated acidity and a short finish. The nose promised much more than the palate delivers from this 53/45/2 blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc.Prices:Read Full Note
88PTS
Robert Mondavi Private Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
Central Coast, California, United StatesOpen ripe cassis, blackberry, and peppery cedar aromas. Round, soft and elegant with a nice mix of cassis, pepper, vanilla, and smoky cedar flavours. Fine effort and worth trying.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Robert Mondavi Private Selection Merlot 2000
Central Coast, California, United StatesCherry jam, peppery earth nose with an herbal, olive mineral undercurrents. Soft, round, plush entry with some dryness on the finish. Smoky, cherry, earthy peppery spice flavours dominate. Somewhat hot and dry but overall a solid effort.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Pierre Sparr Pinot Blanc Reserve 2001
Alsace, FranceAttractive ripe pear nose with spicy, mineral, peach and floral aromas. Look for a rich, fresh dry wine with ripe peach, citrus, butter, red apple and mineral flavours. Well-balanced and elegant with great fruit and verve. Stock up on what can only be described as a terrific value.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Fetzer Merlot Eagle Peak 2001
California, United StatesSpicy, brambleberry fruit aromas mix with clove and smoke on the nose. Dry, round and rich with smoky, black cherry, spicy vanilla flavours. It is a bit hot (alcoholic) on the finish with light tannin but lots of flavour intensity. Good value.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Fetzer Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Select Barrique Aged 1999
Sonoma County, California, United StatesPeppery, spicy, cassis jam nose with hints of prunes, vanilla and cedar on the nose. It has an attractive rich, round entry with some light tannins but plenty of ripe cassis, plummy, smoky vanilla, creamy cola flavours. It's a dry style red but well balanced. We like the price quality ratio too.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Fetzer Cabernet Sauvignon Valley Oaks 1999
California, United StatesFun berry cassis and spicy peppery nose with hints of game. Soft, round and forward on the palate with more of the peppery, spicy, cassis flavours and a touch of mocha coffee. Nice styling.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.40 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Valdivieso Cabernet Rosé 2002
Region del Valle Central, ChileFresh candied cherry/raspberry fruit nose with some spicy licorice notes. Sweet cherry berry apple bubble gum flavours with a pleasing touch of minerality. Drink on a warm afternoon on the deck or at a picnic.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Vina Casas del Bosque Merlot Reserve 2001
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileSpicy, minty, green olive nose with a smoky vanilla aroma and some herbal cherry notes. It is very rich and round on the palate with an intense palate and smoky black cherry fruit flavours. There is more leather, vanilla and dried olive flavours in the aftertaste. It's a bit tight and slightly herbaceous but overall the balance is fine.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Suckfizzle Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaBriary, bell pepper, smoky, spicy vanilla aromas with damp earthy notes mark the nose. The textures are rich and round with leather, smoky cassis, coffee, bell pepper and olive flavours. The palate shows an even more attractive character and balance than the nose might indicate. Well made and very typical for the region.Prices:| BC | $37.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wirra Wirra Church Block Cabernet Shiraz Merlot 2001
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaSpicy, white pepper, gamey, cassis, blackberry and leather aromas. Look for smoky, pepper, leather cassis jam and boysenberry flavours in a supple easy-to-sip package. The finish is blend of fresh coffee and vanilla notes. A bit dry and young but it should open over the next year to reveal plenty of fruit.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wirra Wirra Scrubby Rise Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon Petit Verdot 2001
Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia, AustraliaFresh blueberry boysenberry jam, gamey, spicy white pepper aromas - a real fruit bomb. Soft, round and supple on the palate with lots of blueberry, black raspberry licorice and spicy pepper flavours. It's a bit high in acidity but there's great fruit and the price is right. Fun to drink.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Wirra Wirra Cabernet Sauvignon The Angelus 2000
South Australia, AustraliaThe Angelus is a blend of Coonawarra and McLaren Vale fruit from top lots. It has a big briary, savoury, gamey nose with cassis jam, blackberry and smoky/vanilla coffee aromas. Round and supple with intense coffee, cassis jam, peppery, orange rind, vanilla and smoky olive flavours. Long and polished with some ripe, supple tannins on the finish. Delicious now but can hold for 3-5 years. An excellent cabernet.Prices:| BC | $48.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Lang Vineyards Limited Edition Maréchal Foch 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, tomato leaf, stewed berry and bell pepper aromas that are typical for the variety. It is fairly soft on entry with some sweetness streaked with mineral, tomato and berry jam flavours. It's easy-drinking considering the nose but in a fairly ripe (sweet) style. A big improvement over the last vintage.Prices:| BC | $12.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Chateau St. Jean Merlot 2000
Sonoma County, California, United StatesMineral, smoky cedar, black plum jam aromas jump from the glass full of rich, round and smooth (if not touch chunky) tannins. It's warm and dry with cedar, black cherry, smoky, clove notes and streaks of orange peel flavours. Quite long and flavourful it would be perfect with duck or turkey.Prices:| BC | $44.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $37.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Robert Mondavi Merlot SLD 2000
Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California, United StatesLook for a smoky, mineral, cedar nose with hints of black cherry, peppery and vanilla. Quite rich and round for Mondavi with firm tannins yet a supple style. There is plenty of smoky, resiny, plum jam flavours with a black olive, orange peel and cedar notes in the finish. It is a touch warm but with fine fruit and intensity. It needs 2 to 4 years to fully integrate.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Wild Horse Merlot 2000
Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, Central Coast, California, United StatesOpen fresh black cherry jam, spicy peppery, barnyard aromas. Smooth and dry with some light tannins and chunky dried cherry, creamy vanilla, peppery, resin flavours. Lacks a bit of balance and showing more cabernet structure rather than the suppleness of traditional merlot.Prices:| BC | $32.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.95 | 750ml |
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November 2003