quicksearch
Tastings: November 2003
28 November 2003
84PTS
Shaw and Smith Chardonnay Unoaked 2002
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaMatchstick, garlic, bready, yeasty nose with citrus peel aromas. Not very attractive. Soft, round, oily structure with very crisp acidity. Very leesy, mineral, nutty bready flavours and lots of citrus peel. Skinny finish and low aftertaste, not much here for the money.Prices:| BC | $28.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Stoneleigh Chardonnay 2000
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandHoney, mineral, leesy, citrus peel, chestnut aromas with some cool apple, asparagus notes. Round, rich, elegant but with a touch of alcohol and sweetness. Slightly soft with leesy, spicy, vanilla, baked apple, honey flavours. Quite creamy and full on the finish, a nicely flavoured wine. Drink now, it won't last too long.Prices:| BC | $15.49 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
84PTS
Baron Philippe de Rothschild Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2001
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceSlightly weedy cassis, peppery, spicy leather aromas. Dry, somewhat tannic style with peppery, spicy, earthy, cassis leafy flavours. Finish is fairly tannic and acidic, needs tomato based foods.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Baron Philippe de Rothschild Merlot 2001
FranceMinty, spicy, barnyard, cherry aromas with some leafy notes. Dry, soft, round style with slight acidity. Cherry, prune, coffee, spicy mint flavours. Well balanced, simple red for everyday consumption. Pretty good value-for-money.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Mission Hill Chardonnay Estate 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAttractive peach skin, green apple, citrus rind and fruit cocktail aromas with some honey and vanilla. On the palate it is dry and skinny with crisp mouth watering acidity. Lots of buttery, spicy, lees, mineral, citrus rind apple skin flavours. An austere style to say the least that can be countered with the right foods but we would prefer just a touch more body and suppleness at this price.Prices:| BC | $29.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $31.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $28.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $29.96 | 750ml |
| YK | $29.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
84PTS
Mouton Cadet Rouge 2000
Bordeaux, FranceSpicy, earthy, gamey, barnyard smoky minty green bean aromas. Dry, tight, lean structure with high acidity. Smoky, resiny, dried cedar and press wine flavours. Pretty ordinary and green considering it's made with fruit from the highly touted 2000 vintage. Half bottles will set you back $8.98.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $8.96 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
83PTS
Mission Hill Cabernet - Merlot 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, cassis, green bean and bell pepper with light vanilla. Soft entry with a very acidic finish. Dry cedar, vanilla, smoky, bell pepper, green bean flavours. Pretty herbaceous and acidic for the average consumer. Will be best with a juicy hamburger. Somewhat disappointing given previous efforts.Prices:| BC | $13.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $14.75 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.45 | 750ml |
| NB | $15.75 | 750ml |
| NS | $15.94 | 750ml |
| YK | $16.20 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
84PTS
Alkoomi Southlands Cabernet Merlot 2002
Western Australia, AustraliaStrong spicy, leafy nose with intense smoky jalapeno, asparagus bell pepper aromas and a touch of cherry. On the palate it has a smooth, round, elegant style but it's quite acidic with smoky, peppery, vanilla, leafy cedar flavours. Disappointing for the price.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Watermark Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
AustraliaSpicy, leather, compost barnyard, vanilla, tobacco aromas mark this cool style nose. A soft, round, dry style with some acidity yet still very elegant. Peppery, prune, tobacco, and cedar/cassis flavours. A solid wine that needs drinking.Prices:| BC | $14.50 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Chateau de Cabriac 2000
Corbières, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceAttractive smoky, spicy, gamey fruit with floral, raspberry jam aromas. Look for gamey, black raspberry, licorice, and spicy earth flavours with some smoky resin notes. A round, elegant style with a bit of a dry tannic finish. Quite classy, good for grilled meats or stews.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
84PTS
Lindemans Bin 45 Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaStrong blueberry/cherry jam aromas with spicy pepper. A real fruit bomb. Sweet, soft, round style with light tannins and some acidity showing on the finish. Big blackberry, cassis jam cherry mocha flavours. Simple and juicy. Available in 1.5 L for $22.99Prices:| BC | $11.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Norton Sangiovese 2000
Mendoza, ArgentinaRipe blackberry jammy, gamey nose laced with meaty spicy pudding notes and a touch of rubber. Soft, round and dry with a bit of heat but with jammy textures and prune plum peppery licorice flavours. As always a solid performer. Ready to drink now.Prices:| BC | $13.49 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
92PTS
Errazuriz Don Maximiano Founder's Reserve 1998
Valle de Aconcagua, Region de Aconcagua, ChileA 90/10 blend of cabernet sauvignon / cabernet franc. Very deep, cherry/purple color. Intense minty, super-cassis nose -- very much along the lines of Don Melchor, Casa Real and Montes M. Big, long and concentrated this is one of Chile's best cabernets. Classic Bordeaux style. Age for five years.Prices:| BC | $44.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Errazuriz Max Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
Valle de Aconcagua, Region de Aconcagua, ChileTasted twice in the last six months and the latest edition appears to be softening up just a touch. The sappy/cassis and minty leather nose remains and in fact is very "Don Max," but the wine lacks the total ripeness and richness you expect at this price point. The flavours are similarly streaked with tobacco, earth, chocolate and cassis flavours. Winemaker Ed Flaherty says the grapes are picked over a longer time a decade today allowing for block ripening as opposed to the entire vineyard. This is probably as good as it gets for an average harvest.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
27 November 2003
86PTS
Rawson's Retreat Chardonnay 2002
South Australia, AustraliaButtery, pear, yeasty spicy lees nose with fruity melon notes. Round, soft, slightly sweet with crisp acidity. Candied apple, buttery, honey, melon citrus flavours. Juicy baked red apple finish. Fresh, flavourful, inexpensive chardonnay. Good value here.Prices:| BC | $9.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Simon Gilbert Chardonnay Card Series 2002
New South Wales, AustraliaFresh, cool fruit nose with floral, green apple skin, white peach aromas and a touch of butter. Round, crisp and elegant with a touch of sugar. Citrus rind, butter, apple and pear flavours dominate the mid-palate followed by mineral and some citrus rind bitterness in the finish. Fine freshness and balance at an affordable price.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.75 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Eaglehawk Chardonnay 2003
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaWolf Blass is wading into he low end of the market with Eaglehawk and a new fresh style. Big green apple skin, floral, citrus rind nose with an attractive spicy honey edge. Rich, round, elegant styling with nice weight and balance. Spicy lees, honey vanilla, butter, citrus, baked apple flavours. Elegant and flavourful, this is a perfect introduction to chardonnay with only a little oak showing.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
26 November 2003
88PTS
Santa Rita Sauvignon Blanc Medalla Real 2003
Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe Medalla Real sauvignon is made from a special selection of fruit from the oldest French clone vines. Yields are an impressively low four tot five tonnes per hectare. The nose and flavours revolve around ripe gooseberry with spiced herbal citrus fruit. Intense New World sauvignon that calls for clams or mussels.Prices:| AB | $16.90 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.39 | 750ml |
| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
91PTS
Santa Rita Floresta Cabernet Merlot 2000
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe only Floresta released in 2000 was the 70/30 cabernet merlot blend. Juicy ripe stylish elegant Bordelais -like red that spend one year in French oak. Winemaker Andres Ilabaca strives for concentration and quality tannins and he has achieved both in this delicious red made in a difficult year.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
91PTS
Santa Rita Floresta Sauvignon Blanc 2002
Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileFloresta Sauvignon represents the "Best of the Best." and a lot of solid vineyard work. Three clones (two French and one American) are at the heart of this intense, fresh, zingy, 100 per cent stainless steel fermented wine. Gooseberry capsicum and lemon sing Casablanca fruit and flavours. This is well made, very individual sauvignon that is worthy of its Floresta moniker.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
24 November 2003
92PTS
Tenuta Luce della Vite 1999
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyA 50/50 blend of sangiovese and merlot in 1999 Luce has a bright minty, clove, spicy, cedary, plum tobacco nose mixed with compost, barnyard, and vanilla and saddle leather notes. Very complex. Round, elegant and dry with refined Tuscan tannins. Nice cedary, tobacco, minty, cherry jam, cassis flavours and an earthy, gamey finish. Young and a bit dry and tight at this stage, needs 3-5 years to fully come around. The 1997 is now drinking wonderfully but will hold and this wine will be somewhat similar whereas the 1998 will peak in the next year or two.Prices:| BC | $93.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $97.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $99.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $99.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $54.95 | 375ml |
| ON | $236.95 | 1500ml |
| ON | $480.95 | 3000ml |
| MB | $98.26 | 750ml |
| MB | $228.71 | 1500ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
Tenuta Luce La Vite Lucente 2000
Tuscany, ItalyThe 2000 Lucente is tasty blend of 43/43/14 sangiovese/ merlot/cabernet sauvignon. Expect an intense spicy, clove, peppery, sweet vanilla, saddle leather and cherry jam nose. Warm, rich, ripe and round with dry but balanced tannins. Nice earthy, tobacco, vanilla, peppery, clove, leather flavours with black cherry and plum on the finish. Well balanced and elegant but needs 2-5 years to mature. This is the best Lucente yet.Prices:| BC | $38.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $36.75 | 750ml |
| ON | $39.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $39.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Infierno Merlot Monastrell 2001
Yecla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainInfierno a 70/30 blend of monastrell (mourvèdre) / merlot is a relative of the Castaño Monastrell and the Castaño Hecula. It's partially aged in small French oak barrels and is brimming with juicy earthy dark chocolate-scented plummy fruit. It's dry and round on entry with gamey, peppery, earthy, black cherry smoky flavours. A touch on the dry side but the flavours and balance pull it through. Will be fine with food (tapas).Prices:| BC | $13.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Cline Oakley Red 2000
California, United StatesThe Oakley Vin Rouge is Cline Cellars' ode to Southern Côtes du Rhône. The blend is a mix of mourvèdre, carignane, alicante bouschet and syrah. Most of the fruit comes out of Contra Costa County, where sandy soils, dry-farmed vineyards, head-pruned 100 year-old creates an environment perfectly suited to the warm weather varietals of the Rhône Valley. Yields in the 2.5 to 3.5 tons per acre are responsible for the rich plush flavouring in this wine. Look for gamey, spicy, savoury, black cherry, strawberry aromas. The textures are round and the flavours dry with plenty of spicy, strawberry jam, peppery, licorice flavours and a bit of smoky game. Good value here.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Cline Oakley White 2001
California, United StatesThere so much good wine coming out of Cline Cellars at the moment it's possible to grab most any label and get something tasty. Certainly that's the case with the Oakley white an intriguing blend of pinot gris, viognier and marsanne from its Los Carneros ranch and varying amounts of chardonnay, roussanne, riesling, gewürztraminer palomino, sémillon, malvasia bianco and sauvignon blanc. Put it all together and you end up with a versatile party wine that can be a standalone sipper or pair up well with a variety of appetizers. Look for a viscous aromatic white with zesty fruit and streaks of orange peel. Excellent value for California.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Santa Julia Viognier 2002
Mendoza, ArgentinaPleasant mineral, orange rind, floral nose with streaks of peach and honey. Very viognier. Rich, ripe, round and soft with mineral, spicy honey, orange flavours and a big citrus, oily finish. Not super crisp but well balanced and a good representation of viognier for the price. Will be a hit with spicy food. Love the price.Prices:| BC | $13.45 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Villa Maria Chardonnay Private Bin 2002
East Coast, New ZealandThe '02 harvest was a superb vintage for chardonnay along the East Coast of New Zealand. Moderate warmth and low rainfall allowed the grape flavours to reach their full potential. Most of the fruit comes out of Hawke's Bay with important components sourced at Gisborne and Marlborough. Portions of the wine get some oak maturation, malolactic fermentation or lees stirring in tank. Honey, pear, melon, mineral and green apple aromas make up the attractive aromatic fruit salad nose. Fresh, soft and round with citrus, honey, butter, baked apple and melon flavours. Elegant and rich on the finish with some oiliness. Its screwcap finish ensures you will taste the same vibrant wine each tine out.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Château de Nages Réserve du Château Blanc 2001
Costières de Nîmes, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceLemon oil, mineral, spicy, ginger aromas. Round, elegant, slightly oily with soft acidity. Mineral, spicy, lemon, quince ginger flavours. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $17.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Obikwa Shiraz 2002
Western Cape, South AfricaBig smoky, saddle leather, gamey, black cherry peppery aromas mark the nose of this fun red wine. Soft, round, supple wine with smoky black cherry, spicy licorice gamey flavours. A bit sweet but very tasty and smoky and good value.Prices:| BC | $9.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.25 | 750ml |
| ON | $8.45 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Pisse-Dru Beaujolais 2001
Beaujolais, Burgundy, France"Pisse-Dru" produced by the House of Noémie Vernaux takes its name from an old vintner's slang expression: "ça pisse dru" which means that the new vintage he has just tasted is to his liking and that the fresh juice will grow into a perfect and delicious bottle of wine. In 2001, the ripe, strawberry red fruit flavours would appear to bear out the old expression. Soft round and silky on the palate this will please many palates. Solid, correct Beaujolais.Prices:| BC | $15.45 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $15.35 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
84PTS
88PTS
Condado de Haza 1999
Ribera del Duero, Castilla-Leon, SpainMade from 100 per cent tempranillo, the Haza is meant to an early drinking version of Pesquera and an affordable Ribera del Duero red. Rich smoky saddle leather nose with weedy cherry, vanilla highlights. Its round, soft and elegant with light but dry tannins. Very spicy, smoky vanilla, cedar, sour cherry, peppery game flavours. Try with lamb or smoked duck.Prices:| BC | $22.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
82PTS
Gandia Merlot 2000
Hoya Valley, Utiel-Requena, Valencia and Murcia, SpainSavoury, leafy, compost, spicy clove aromas with some tobacco saddle leather. Dry, lean and slightly acidic with low concentration. Very earthy, compost, spicy tobacco flavours with a touch of smoke. An old style that lacks fruit.Prices:| BC | $10.75 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
23 November 2003
88PTS
Santa Rita Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2001
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe Reserva cabernet is all Maipo fruit from 8 to 15 year old vines that is aged in 40 American oak, 40 per cent juice with oak staves and 20 per cent stainless steel fruit. There's a savoury ripe plummy fruit character and less mint than in previous years as the vines begin to mature. The finish is marked by peppery vanilla black cherry fruit flavours and just a dusting of tannin.Prices:| BC | $16.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.86 | 750ml |
| SK | $16.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.53 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
91PTS
Jordan Chardonnay 2000
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesPeach, honey, baked apple, spicy lees aromas with light floral, melon notes. Dry, slightly austere, elegant style with mineral, chalky, pear, apple spicy lees flavours. Big green apple, toasty buttery lees finish with a slight oiliness. This needs a year or so to round out but it's well balanced and well made.Prices:| BC | $49.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Santa Rita Cabernet Sauvignon Medalla Real 2000
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileIntense smoky spicy saddle leather nose with a ripe sweet cassis cabernet character. More spicy smoky fruit flavours mark the palate. There's fine weight and length and a long warm round vanilla finish with just a dusting of tannin. Impressive effort in a mediocre vintage.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.40 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.70 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
22 November 2003
87PTS
Santa Rita Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2003
Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileLook for a stainless steel gooseberry/citrus scented sauvignon that jumps out of the glass. With no malolactic ferment and two month on its lees it remains fresh and tart in the mouth and despite its 13.8 per cent alcohol capable of matching a wide variety of seafood. In most years this is a reliable fun, mouth-puckering sauvignon. Bring on the mussels.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.91 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.92 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Santa Rita Sauvignon Blanc 120 2003
Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileThis all stainless steel fermented wine has an intense fruity lime rind citrus nose. More li-mon green fruit flavours dominate on the palate. The grapes are picked over a one month period to ensure a mix of both fresh and ripe grapes. The normal 10 to 12 tons per hectare yields were knocked down 25 per cent in 2003. Think oysters.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.75 | 750ml |
| MB | $9.89 | 750ml |
| SK | $11.75 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Santa Rita Cabernet Sauvignon 120 2002
Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe 120 is designed to be fruit forward soft and pleasing to drink. Twenty per cent goes into wood, 20 per cent gets wood chip treatment and 20 per cent is exposed to wood staves inside the tank while the rest remains in stainless steel. The result is a mild, soft-textured, tasty red with minimal tannins and a big drink-ability quotient.Prices:| BC | $12.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.25 | 750ml |
| SK | $11.94 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.19 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
20 November 2003
88PTS
Vina Casas del Bosque Merlot 2001
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileRich cassis, jam, smoky, cherry nose with spicy oak aromas and peppery, compost notes. Very attractive. Rich, round, ripe palate with smoky, spicy, peppery, black cherry and cassis flavours. Nice smoky, garrigue, vanilla aftertaste with a touch of acidity but very suave. Fine if a bit alcoholic.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Casa Viva Merlot 2001
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileBig sappy cassis jam, spicy, leather, smoky tobacco nose. Soft, round, fresh palate with very smoky, spicy, resiny, cassis jam flavours and a sour cherry finish. No wood here, just pure merlot varietal character. Well done and decent value.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Burrowing Owl Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe nose is resiny with smoky, roasted tomato, pepper/jalapeno nose with some tobacco, barnyard notes. Meaty, dry and chunky on the palate with elegant but dry tannins. Very earthy, resiny, smoked jalapeno, leafy flavours with a warm, dry finish. There's elevated acidity and noticeable oak in what is a somewhat herbaceous package. Not a great year.Prices:| BC | $26.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Le Bombarde Cannonau di Sardegna 2002
Sardinia, ItalyIntense gamey, meaty, dried rosemary nose with smoky dried cherry notes. Incredibly soft and silky palate with very smoky, spicy, rosemary flavours and sour cherry on the finish. A bit light but well made. The flavour is akin to eating a barbequed leg of lamb marinated in dried rosemary.Prices:| BC | $13.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Montes Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Oak Aged 2001
Valle del Curicó, Region del Valle Central, ChileAttractive spicy, peppery, cassis-fruit, barnyard, smoky leather aromas. Rich, smooth, warm entry with good smoky, cassis, peppery, chocolate flavours and some light tannins on the finish. Good concentration and balance and very good value.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Valdivieso Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Selection Reserve 2002
Region del Valle Central, ChileChocolate, bell pepper, spicy, cassis aromas with some reduced, smoky notes. Very dry, slightly astringent tannins with cassis, smoky, resiny, peppery herbal flavours. A bit coarse and chunky needs a year or so to settle down.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
0PTS
Haras Elegance Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileDense, purple colour. Somewhat tainted or corked, try again Prices:| BC | $49.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Marques de Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
Puente Alto, Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileBig spicy, sappy cassis jam nose mixed with vanilla, chocolate, barnyard and leather. Very dry and rich on entry yet still somewhat astringent (young) on the palate with lots of black cherry, cassis, chocolate, coffee, peppery flavours. Nice intensity and flavour profile but will need another two years round out.Prices:| BC | $22.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Calliope Merlot - Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery spicy, peppery, resiny, cassis leaf aromas with some vanilla. Dry, round, elegant style with vanilla, smoky butter and resiny flavours streaked with peppery, tobacco and a touch of cassis. Quite Bordelais and balanced but could use a bit more fruit. The blend is 85/15 merlot/cabernet sauvignon whose cap is hand plunged during ferment and then basket pressed before spending 14 months in wood.Prices:| BC | $17.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Calliope Merlot 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaEarthy, rubbery, tomato-leaf nose with pepper/clove aromas. Dry and elegant and round with smoky, resiny, peppery, buttery vanilla flavours and a touch of dill. A bit dry on the finish but nevertheless a well-made, cool climate merlot.Prices:| BC | $22.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
84PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Pinot Noir 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery smoky, oaky vanilla nose with some spicy, rhubarb cherry notes. Dry, slightly lean and skinny with big oaky, buttery vanilla flavours and some cedar/rhubarb flavours on the finish. A bit raw, young and very oaky with some bitterness. We prefer less oak and more fruit. Perhaps some time will help.Prices:| BC | $17.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $18.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $18.68 | 750ml |
| NF | $18.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
84PTS
Frontera Merlot 2002
Region del Valle Central, ChileGamey, spicy, resiny, cherry aromas with some rubbery undertones. Soft, round, easy-sipping style with peppery, sappy, spicy cherry flavours. Cheap and cheerful. Decent value although the nose is a bit stinky.Prices:| BC | $8.47 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Woodbridge Select Vineyard Series Merlot Clay Hollow 2001
Lodi, Central Valley, California, United StatesMade mostly from Lodi delta fruit. Green olive, cherry, cedar, compost aromas with some leather and smoky garrigue underneath. Dry, round and warm with a slightly lean, austere structure. Cherry, peppery, spicy, smoky dry cedar flavours dominate. A bit dry and lean for most consumers. Needs a bit more plushness and fruit.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Ehlers Estate Merlot 2001
Napa Valley, California, United StatesBlack plum, cherry jam, chocolate and cardamom nose with some minty, peppery streaks. Very warm, round and dry on entry with slightly grainy tannins. Nicely balanced with mocha, cedar, peppery, black cherry flavours and some coffee licorice notes on the finish. A bit young and a touch raw it should improve over the next few years. Fairly elegant despite its elevated 14.6 alcohol level.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
J. Lohr Merlot Los Osos 2000
Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, Central Coast, California, United StatesSpicy, dill, plum jam, peppery, cedar/olive aromas. Dry, somewhat lean and warm with green cedar, sour cherry, spicy, black olive flavours and some smoky notes on the finish. A bit Euro-old style needs food to round out the dry, rough tannin edges.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Ernest & Julio Gallo Sonoma County Merlot 2000
Sonoma County, California, United StatesRipe cherry, plum jam fruit with strong streaks of black olive, dill, clove and some volatility. Dry, round and soft with ripe cherry, plum spicy liquorice flavours and a vanilla, olive finish. Nice intensity and flavours if a bit alcoholic. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $21.99 | 750ml |
| NB | $24.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $24.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
84PTS
Oak Bay Vineyard Maréchal Foch 2002
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGamey, jammy, meaty, peppery tomato leaf aromas. Dry, round and soft but quite high acid on the finish. Lots of cassis, tomato, earthy spice flavours. A bit hard and lean overallPrices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
84PTS
Lang Vineyards Grand Pinot 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCherry, almond, barnyard aromas with some leafy compost notes. Very dry, soft and round with some sweetness on the finish. Warm with some acidity and cherry jam, earthy, licorice flavours and a touch of bitterness.Prices:| BC | $17.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
19 November 2003
87PTS
Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet-Shiraz-Merlot 2000
Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaThis 40/40/20 blend of cabernet/shiraz/merlot is drinking easy right out of the gate. Plummy red berry fruit with a soft almost fleshy texture with fine mid-palate sweetness slides down easily. Soft spicy fruity and ready to go.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
18 November 2003
87PTS
Unity Wine Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot 2001
Each portion of the Unity red cabernet (47), merlot (45) and cabernet franc (8) aged 18 months in mostly French oak in its region of origin before the final blend is assembled in British Columbia. Look for a smoky, oaky, clove aroma with crushed leaf, earthy, rootsy aromas with some black cherry nuances. Young, raw and dry but with some elegance. Smoky, resiny, savoury, spicy vanilla flavours streaked with licorice root, olive, bell pepper and cedar flavours on the finish. Definitely needs a few years to soften the tannins and integrate the oak. More Médoc than California or Washington. Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $29.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Unity Wine Chardonnay 2001
Unity Chardonnay is a 50/50 blend of Niagara and Okanagan juice. The Niagara portion was aged 12 months in French oak, the Okanagan portion 13 months in American oak. It was blended at Ontario in April 2003. Very smoky, toasty oak vanilla nose with clove, honey and baked apple and some floral notes. Soft and round, leesy smoky vanilla buttery apple flavours but dry on the finish with slender juicy/leesy, spicy notes. Well balanced if a bit too oaky and pricey. Drink now through 2004 and early 2005. The wine has no VQA designation because there is no provision for inter-provincial wines.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Bonterra Vineyards Zinfandel 2000
Mendocino County, California, United StatesLook for a lifted prune plum, cherry jam nose laced with spicy briar licorice root aromas. Dry, slightly lean style with light, astringent tannins. Cedar-y, chocolate, cherry, smoky licorice flavours. A bit too lean at this point, perhaps will round out in a year or drink with duck confit or Moroccan lamb.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Bonterra Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 1999
North Coast, North Coast Region, California, United StatesThis 77/33 cabernet/syrah blend has a spicy vanilla, mocha, leather, blackberry aromas with some light leafy, cassis notes. Dry, round and fairly smooth there are light tannins and plenty of smoky, spicy, resiny, blackberry coffee flavours with dill and clove on the finish. A bit young but very solid and tasty. Well made. All of the grapes for the wine were organically grown, as is the case with all Bonterra wines.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Bonterra Vineyards Syrah 1999
Mendocino County, California, United StatesVery spicy, peppery, gamey sausage meat with black raspberry jam and some floral notes, very attractive. Dry, slightly tannic but balanced with cedar-y, spicy, smoky garrigue flavours and a black cherry, licorice finish. Very savoury style that will be a match for braised lamb shanks this fall and winter.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Bonterra Vineyards Viognier 2001
Mendocino County, California, United StatesVery floral, honey, spicy, orange creamiscle aromas. Ripe, round, fresh and crisp with elegant spicy, honey, vanilla, orange mango flavours and a nice creamy, dry finish. Vibrant citrus acidity but very attractive style and flavours. Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $24.35 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Brancott Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2001
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandTypical mineral, gooseberry, bell pepper, grassy aromas. The '01 is more elegant and round on the palate compared to some of the intense earlier versions. It's dry with citrus rind, mineral, herbaceous bell pepper flavours. A leaner, crisper style to go with oysters and mussels. Good effort.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
Treana Red 2000
Central Coast, California, United StatesPeppery, earthy, black berry, gamey, saddle leather aromas with cassis, vanilla and olive in the background. Rich, round and warm with slightly chunky tannins but balanced. Good cassis, peppery, olive, cedar, smoky spicy flavours with some licorice and black cherry on the finish. A bit young, will improve over the next 2-3 years. Try with roast beef or veal chops.Prices:| BC | $59.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $53.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
91PTS
Treana Red 2001
Central Coast, California, United StatesMinty, spicy, vanilla, smoky cassis jam and blackberry aromas mixed with saddle leather, chocolate and compost. Rich, round and moderately elegant with grainy but balanced tannins. Big spicy, black cherry, black olive, licorice, leafy cassis flavours. Young and well made but will improve over the next 3 years. Very similar to the 2000 but a bit smoother.Prices:| BC | $59.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $53.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Concannon Petite Sirah 2000
Central Coast, California, United StatesFine spicy, intense black pepper, licorice root nose with gamey black cherry undertones. Dry, round and slightly astringent on the palate it has resiny, rootsy, black peppery and black berry flavours with some smoky, bacon notes. A bit coarse red but concentrated and balance. Give it another two to three years to settle down.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
17 November 2003
92PTS
Ayler Kupp Riesling Spatlese 2002
Mosel, GermanyVery aromatic ripe peach, apple, mineral, apricot nose with some zesty floral/orange notes. Rich, round, crisp and elegant with big orange, peach, ripe apple, creamy mineral flavours. Very juicy and balanced with a big green apple, mineral citrus finish. Great current drinking but also good aging potential and a very good value for German riesling.Prices:| BC | $26.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
Deidesheimer Leinhohle Riesling Kabinett 2001
Pfalz, GermanyMineral, lime rind, smoky petrol, apple skin aromas. Round, soft and elegant with fine citrus, lime, mineral creamy peach flavours. Crisp, elegant finish with more citrus and mineral flavours. Very fine quality and should hold well for a decade.Prices:| AB | $28.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Johannisberger Mittelholle Riesling Kabinett 2002
Rheingau, GermanyCreamy mineral, peach, green apple vaseline nose. Round, crisp and juicy with red apple, mineral, green peach and citrus flavours with a bit of smoky vaseline on the finish. Delicate and long with some nice acidity and matched sweetness. Delicious.Prices:| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Niersteiner Orbel Riesling Trocken Spatlese 2002
Rheinhessen, GermanyRipe apple, orange citrus rind, mineral aromas with a touch of cream and slate. Dry, round and elegant with red apple, slate, lime and green peach flavours. A bit richer with more alcohol and good acidity, this is a very well balanced dry Spätlese good for almost any type of food. It has a bright future over the next five to seven years.Prices:| AB | $29.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
93PTS
Dr. Pauly - Bergweiler Riesling Bernkastler Badstube Spätlese 2002
Mosel, GermanyCreamy mineral, green apple, Vaseline, peach and citrus aromas. Ripe, round, very elegant with orange, lime, mineral, nectarine skin flavours with a green apple, mineral finish and some apricot. Very juicy with good acidity. Drink now or keep for 10 years. This is first class, high quality, spätlese.Prices:| BC | $34.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
91PTS
Kruger-Rumpf Münsterer Kapellenberg Riesling Kabinett 2002
Nahe, GermanyCitrus, green apple, floral, white peach aromas. Ripe, round and slightly sweet with good acidity. Nice creamy, mineral, citrus, green apple flavours and a mineral, green peach finish. Very elegant, delicate and juicy with the right stuff to age. Another high quality effort from this most consistent producer.Prices:| BC | $25.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Fetzer Gewürztraminer Echo Ridge 2002
California, United StatesLook for a bright, fresh spicy sweet nose with pineapple/litchi fruit and just a hint of ginger. It's sweeter and lighter than say anything out of Alsace but well chilled it has endless opportunities to shine with spicy dishes, white meats or as a stand-alone patio sipper. It will no doubt appeal to fans of white zinfandel and other light fruity whites.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Angove's Long Row Chardonnay 2002
South Australia, AustraliaMelon, fruit cocktail, matchstick nose with green apple skin notes and a touch of lees. Ripe, round, soft entry with some oily textures. A touch commercial with butter/peach/melon flavours and some spicy lees on the finish. A solid white with good fruit and crispness.Prices:| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Lingenfelder Riesling Bird Series 2002
Pfalz, GermanySome Germans believe there is more to inexpensive wine then sugar. Rainer Lingenfelder's Bird wine is as good as gets for the price. Innovative and more flexible than any German wine law this is a modern, dry, fruity riesling filled with limey/lychee fruit flavours and spiced apple flavours. Clean and crisp it is the perfect summer that doubles well with spicy Asian dishes.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Yalumba Y Series Viognier 2003
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThis has been one of the best value viogniers in the market since 1998 and the '03 is no exception, in fact it maybe the best yet from Yalumba. Look for a highly expressive nose of citrus apricot, honeysuckle and orange spice. Fresh and mouth filling its rich tropical fruit flavours finish long. Spicy barbecued chicken would be a perfect match. Great value.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
15 November 2003
89PTS
Gunderloch Riesling Jean Baptiste Kabinett 2001
Rheinhessen, GermanyBig Vaseline petrol, mineral, apricot skin and apple aromas. Round, elegant and slightly soft with nice mineral cement, ripe apple and nectarine flavours with some smoky notes on the finish. Well balanced and good value.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Grant Burge Hillcot Merlot 2001
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaRipe plum jam, spicy, prune, mocha aromas. Round, soft, forward style with plum jam, peppery, mineral spicy flavours. A touch dry with light tannins but well made.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
The Holy Trinity Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre 1999
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaOpen spicy, gamey, peppery nose with smoky, black cherry jam aromas and some mineral and vanilla streaks. Warm, rich, round and fairly elegant styling on the palate with spicy, peppery, mineral, licorice plum jam flavours and pruny/tobacco notes on the finish. Excellent drinking now.Prices:| BC | $40.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $37.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
12 November 2003
89PTS
CedarCreek Merlot Platinum Reserve 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTobacco, spicy, minty, Worcestershire sauce nose with streaks of dill and clove with cherry and smoky barnyard nuances in the background. Elegant, round a fairly supple with light, dry tannins. Nice spicy, clove, rosemary, black cherry jam flavours with more smoky vanilla, tobacco and dill on the aftertaste. The finish is somewhat dry with a touch of acidity but this should improve over the next year or two. Good effort.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
CedarCreek Estate Select Pinot Noir 2000
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA pale colour previews a spicy, soya, stewed plum aroma with some compost and licorice notes. Soft, round and dry with spicy, toasted oak and vanilla flavours mixed with some smoky, plum and compost aspects on the finish. Winemaker Tom DiBello has been experimenting with co-fermentation using a bit of pinot gris with his pinot noir. Simple pinot; fully mature.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
CedarCreek Pinot Blanc 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is all Greata ranch fruit, a sight that is two or three degrees warmer than the home CedarCreek vineyard site. Light honey, peach, green apple, mineral and pear aromas mark the nose. The textures are soft and creamy with mineral, citrus, pear apple, vanilla honey flavours. Dry with a honey, butterscotch, baked pear aftertaste. We like the styling.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
CedarCreek Meritage Platinum Reserve 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe CC Meritage is a 43/50/7 blend of merlot/cabernet sauvignon/cabernet franc all aged in 100 per cent French oak. The grapes come off four Okanagan vineyards: Hardman, Black Hills, Sharp Rock and Mauz vineyards. Look for an open coffee, peppery, clove, chocolate, spicy barnyard nose with streaks of leather, black berry and earth. Elegant, round and a touch alcoholic with some dry tannins to lose yet. Very peppery, spicy, clove vanilla flavours with black cherry jam, black berry and licorice root streaks. Quite balanced but tight. Needs 2-3 years to round out.Prices:| BC | $44.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
CedarCreek Pinot Noir Platinum Reserve 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen spicy, peppery, black cherry jam aromas with some compost, vanilla, dill and resiny vanilla streaks. A form dry round pinot that is relatively soft and elegant with very oaky vanilla, resiny, smoky plum flavours and some sour cherry, rhubarb notes on the finish. Fully drinkable now and over the next year or so. A fine effort from a somewhat irregular year.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
CedarCreek Gewürztraminer 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGood mineral, spicy, orange, lychee peach aromas. Round, moderately rich with good acidity and light residual sugar sweetness. Elegant and fresh with green apple, spicy, nectarine mineral flavours and a touch of honey and orange on the finish. Big improvement from a tasting 4 months ago.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
11 November 2003
85PTS
See Ya Later Ranch Pinot Noir 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSoft simple style pinot with 15 per cent lemberger fruit added to presumably boost the colour and fruit. It's soft and round on entry but there is little varietal definition and just as little length. This is simple pinot at best and one whose design and package is better than its content.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
84PTS
See Ya Later Ranch Pinot Gris 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHalf the SYL fruit is aged in mostly new oak for 9 months the balance remains in stainless steel. Clean mineral streaks on the nose dissolve into an oily texture and smooth finish. There's some weight and mouth feel but it finishes bitter. Too much wood and not enough fruit.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Gehringer Brothers Pinot Gris Optimum 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen citrus mineral aromas with green apple skin and lime rind. Good intensity and weight and very refreshing on the palate. This is juicy pinot gris that is well worth investigating.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Gehringer Brothers Pinot Noir Optimum 2000
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2000 Gehringer Brothers Optimum Pinot Noir is ultra soft on entry with a wisp of black cherry fruit. The texture melts way on your palate leaving you wanting a bit more fruit and heft for the price. Solid but not near as impressive as the previous edition.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Gray Monk Chardonnay Unwooded 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen sweet floral fruit and mineral aromas mark the nose. The entry is soft and slightly sweet with lime rind and mineral flavours. The finish is sweet and sour. Best served cool with Asian food.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Gray Monk Pinot Gris 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSofter and almost creamy in '02 the Gray Monk pinot still has offers up fresh lime rind and rhubarb purée notes on the nose. The flavours are similar with a somewhat hard to describe sweet fruit yet crisp finish. A simple easy drinking pre dinner aperitif style white for everyone.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
10 November 2003
87PTS
Focus Riesling 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPinot Reach winemaker Roger Wong is moonlighting at the winery with Sue Dulik's blessings and is "focusing" on riesling. Look for mineral, apple skin, peachy, floral aromas with light lees and candied notes. Soft, round and off dry entry with buttery, lime rind, mineral, green peach flavours. Crisp finish with lots of citrus and green apple skin flavours. Good effort but we would like to see a touch less alcohol.Prices:| BC | $22.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Cathedral Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon 1999
Coastal Region, South AfricaPeppery, spicy, resiny, shoe leather aromas with black berry, cassis and black olive intermixed. Dry, elegant and a touch austere, this has lots of smoky leather, pepper, cassis and black olive flavours. A bit high in acidity but should be fine with a nice lamb shank.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
83PTS
Benchland Vineyards Riesling 2001
Penticton Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMineral, slightly leesy, lime rind nose with buttery notes. Lean, dry style with mineral, dry apple skin flavours and some buttery citrus components. A bit bitter and very rind-y on the finish.Prices:| BC | $13.50 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Trimbach Riesling 2001
Alsace, FranceThe House of Trimbach was established in 1626 and is now being run by the 12th generation of the family, Pierre and Jean. The nose is marked by chalky mineral, citrus rind and buttery lees aromas with apple skin and some peachy floral hints. Dry, round, elegant style with big slatey mineral, apple skin flavours with some buttery citrus on the finish. Crisp and well balanced but definitely a touch austere. Try with oysters.Prices:| BC | $27.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
Trimbach Riesling Cuvée Frédéric Émile 1999
Alsace, FranceCuvée Frédéric Émile is Trimbach's flagship wine. The grapes come from the Geisberg and Osterberg Grand Cru vineyards around the village of Ribeauvillé. You won't see "Grand Cru" on the label because the Trimbach family prefer to market the wine without - citing the appellation authorities' leniency in allowing far too many mediocre Grand Crus to enter the marketplace as their reason. Look for a buttery cream, cement, slate-y, lime rind and floral aromas. Very dry, round and elegant but somewhat austere. Very similar flavours of slate, mineral, lime and cream with some buttery quince notes. Sophisticated style but could use more fruit to entice.Prices:| BC | $63.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Stoneleigh Riesling 2003
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandFairly intense smoky petrol, cement, apple and lime nose. Dry, round and elegant with strong cement and slate flavours mixed with apple skin, buttery lime rind flavours. A bit more austere and lean than you might think but it is a defined style for riesling.Prices:| BC | $15.49 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Selbach Riesling Kabinett (Green Fish Label) 2002
Mosel, GermanyLight slate, peach, green apple and floral aromas with candied citrus peel notes. Round, elegant and soft with fresh citrus, slatey mineral, green apple flavours and a delicate finish. Tasty, balanced and ready for current consumption.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
83PTS
Torreón de Paredes Merlot 2002
Rengo, Valle del Cachapoal, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileVery spicy, leafy, peppery cherry aromas with strong cedary notes. Dry, lean and somewhat tannic with big dried cedar, minty, leafy, coffee flavours. Not much fruit here to tame the herbaceousness.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Deen De Bortoli Vat 1 Durif 2002
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaOpen spicy, gamey, black cherry jam nose with some vanilla, cedar and leather. Dry and astringent at this point which isn't unusual for young durif. The flavours are a mix of game, licorice, cherries and peppers with a cedar, spicy finish. Good fruit but a leg of lamb or soft cheese will be required to tame the tannins.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
HVe Verdelho 1999
Hunter, New South Wales, AustraliaRipe mango, papaya, citrus aromas with mineral, nutty cashew notes. Off dry, round and elegant but crisp with nutty, buttery, pineapple and citrus flavours. Nice creamy, mineral finish makes this a very attractive style and a good match for Japanese or Thai food.Prices:| BC | $20.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Luigi Bosca Gewurztraminer Granos Nobles 2002
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaOpen mineral, cement, spicy, buttery aromas with some floral and dried peach notes and a streak of petrol. Very dry, warm and somewhat lean with slatey mineral, spicy, citrus peel flavours. A bit bizarre as it's low on varietal fruit and lacks richness for a somewhat late harvested wine. (375mL)Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Cathedral Cellar Shiraz 1998
Coastal Region, South AfricaA major style shift with the 1998 introduces more of the lifted, roasted new oak, meaty character associated with this grape. Very smoky leather, barnyard game, spicy, smoked jalapeno aromas with some black cherry jam. Round, dry and elegant with spicy, garrigue, smoky leather, olive and cedary oak flavours. Nicely balanced and ready to drink, this is somewhat of an old style and dry on the finish. Try with Moroccan lamb.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
09 November 2003
94PTS
Kaesler Old Bastard Shiraz 2001
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaMade from grape vines planted in 1895. Very dark cherry colour. Black cherry jam, pepper, liquorice root, orange peel, and vanilla aromas with strong gamey, resiny, chocolate pudding streaks. Rich round and concentrated with lots of vanilla mocha, cherry, plum jam, smoky liquorice flavours and a meaty orange peel finish. Nice acidity and very soft tannins. Very elegant and balanced considering the prodigious 15% alcohol content.Prices:| BC | $132.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $128.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Chateau Haut-Mondain (Rouge) 2002
Bordeaux, FranceSpicy, green olive nose streaked with orange rind, leafy cherry earth aromas. Soft, round, dry and elegant with green cedar, spicy, peppery olive flavours and a touch of cassis and tobacco leaf. Ready-to-go, inexpensive Bordeaux that represents good value.Prices:| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Chateau Mylord Rouge 2001
Bordeaux, FranceSpicy, smoky leather, cassis, cherry and olive aromas with a hint of barnyard mark the nose of this 60/30/10 blend of merlot, cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon. Soft, round and dry with light tannins. Nice cherry, cassis fruit flavours with cedar, pepper and green olive. Good effort for a lesser Bordeaux. Try with a grilled veal chop.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Deakin Estate Merlot 2001
Victoria, AustraliaCherry, prunes and compost mark the nose of this Victoria merlot with hints of licorice and floral notes. The entry is dry and round with some spicy, cherry, raspberry flavours and some earthy tea notes in the finish. The fruit is fine; the styling is tight and lean making this much more of a food wine than a stand alone sipper.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
91PTS
Penny's Hill McLaren Vale Shiraz Cabernet Merlot Specialized 2001
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaMade from select parcels of the best estate grown grapes. Look for a spicy, gamey, cherry cola nose with vanilla, liquorice root, cassis jam, and smoke. Ripe, rich and round, it's almost sweet on the palate with big peppery, sandalwood, mocha/vanilla toast flavours and lots of cherry jam, and smoky cassis on the finish. Slightly tannic and grainy but with fine elegance and flavours. Will be perfect with turkey or duck but will also benefit from 2-3 years aging.Prices:| BC | $31.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Penny's Hill McLaren Vale Grenache 2001
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaSmoky, resiny, peppery, plum jam nose with light vanilla, mocha notes and a hint of marmalade. Very warm, soft and round with spicy, vanilla, Christmas cake creamy cola flavours and a chocolate raspberry jam finish. A bit dry in the finish but it remains an elegant red. Try with duck or goose this season or age a year or so.Prices:| BC | $29.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Chateau de Rozier 2000
Costières de Nîmes, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceGamey, garrigue, spicy, raspberry jam aromas with some smoky, liquorice root notes. Very soft, round and dry with elegant structure. Spicy, black cherry, raspberry flavours and a smoky, resiny, meaty finish. Good red for lamb dishes that is ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Montes Malbec Reserve Oak Aged 2002
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileSpicy, peppery, black cherry jam, tobacco leaf aromas with some vanilla and saddle leather. Dry, round and rich with peppery, smoky, black cherry flavours and a green cedar, tea finish. Good intensity with some tannins to shed. Good value.Prices:| AB | $12.35 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Mural Malbec 2002
Region del Valle Central, ChileVery smoky, leather, bacon prune plum aromas with some tea and spice. Soft, round and forward with good black cherry, plum, spicy, smoky game flavours with a touch of leather and licorice. Good solid, tasty red for everyday consumption.Prices:| BC | $13.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
03 November 2003
92PTS
Greg Norman Estates Shiraz Reserve 1998
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaPrices:| BC | $49.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
December 2003