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Tastings: December 2003
31 December 2003
96PTS
Sterling Vineyards Merlot Reserve 1999
Napa Valley, California, United StatesWe don't throw a lot points away so pay attention this is great bottle of merlot and one of few that respects the variety. Look for a minty, saddle leather, plum jam nose flecked with peppery, chocolate, vanilla, cardamom, black olive and cedar notes. It is rich, round and very concentrated on entry with ripe, grainy tannins. Huge vanilla, chocolate, coffee, plum jam flavours mix effortlessly with a minty, olive, peppery clove undercurrent. The finish is smooth and long streaked with sweet vanilla and black plums. Excellent effort from a winery that seems to have been lost in the Seagram shuffle in Canada.Prices:| BC | $79.95 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Sterling Vineyards Merlot Three Palms Vineyard 1999
Napa Valley, California, United StatesIf there's a better '99 merlot in Napa we haven't tasted it. Wow we love the big spicy, buttery vanilla, coffee/Christmas pudding, nose streaked with peppery, black cherry jam. Three palms is so rich and smooth but it still has considerable grip and tannins in the finish perhaps it's the 12 per cent added cabernet sauvignon and nine per cent petite verdot. Look for lovely chocolate, spicy, vanilla, cherry and plum jam flavours with a long, warm, fruity clove orange finish. Nice complexity and balance. Drinkable now but should improve over the next 2-4 years.Prices:| BC | $64.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $59.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Stonestreet Merlot 2000
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesChocolate, coffee, peppery, cedar, smoky vanilla, black olive aromas. Dry, round, concentrated palate but somewhat lean and dry in the finish. Smoky, oaky vanilla entry with peppery, cedar, black olive, orange peel, black cherry flavours. Needs a couple of years to integrate and soften but should be quite attractive.Prices:| BC | $62.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Rodney Strong Merlot 1999
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesAttractive peppery, spicy, sandalwood notes mixed with saddle leather and coffee/vanilla aromas and some dried plum notes. Rich, smooth, round entry and fine ripe tannins. Warm entry with intense spicy, coffee, vanilla, peppery, black olive flavours and a smoky, herbal, oaky finish. Give this one another year in bottle to open up. The blend is 86/14 merlot/cabernet sauvignon.Prices:| BC | $43.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $36.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $37.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Artesa Merlot 2000
Napa Valley, California, United StatesSpicy, leather, coffee, black olive and smoky pepper nose with cherry jam aromas underneath. Rich round and smooth on entry with light, dry tannins and a touch of elevated acidity. Look for coffee, vanilla, spicy, smoky, black cherry jam flavours with some leathery, herbal notes and heat on the finish. Quite a smooth suave style. You can enjoy this now or over the next two years.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Rutherford Hill Merlot Twenty- Sixth Anniversary 2000
Napa Valley, California, United StatesImpressive peppery, spicy, black cherry/blackberry nose with smoky, olive, herbal notes. Super soft on entry with round smoky, vanilla, peppery notes laced with spicy, sour cherry and plum flavours. Nice balance but a bit hot and dry on the finish with some tobacco, herbal notes. Still, an attractive, seductive merlot style that is ready to go in half bottles and will be soon in the 750 ml format.Prices:| BC | $23.50 | 375ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $45.50 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Gehringer Brothers Cuvée Noir 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, meaty, leafy, peppery, foxy nose. Soft, round, easy drinking style with spicy clove, peppery, earthy, tobacco, cassis flavours. A bit alcoholic but otherwise acceptable everyday red from B.C.Prices:| BC | $10.49 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Gehringer Brothers Riesling Dry Classic 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery floral, lime rind, green apple aromas with some perfumed, soapy notes but very attractive and fresh. Round, elegant, fresh palate with soft-ish textures. Big lime, green apple, mineral, peach pit flavours with fresh acidity at the end. Very good intensity and a great value for riesling.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Gehringer Brothers Ehrenfelser Classic 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, perfumed, apricot and mineral nose. Round, soft, somewhat sweet entry with citrus rind, apricot, baked pear, floral flavours and a mineral finish. Perfect patio sipper and summer party wine.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Gehringer Brothers Riesling Classic 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaApple, baked pear, lime, floral, earthy, mineral aromas. Round, slightly sweet entry with quince, apple, citrus and buttered peach flavours. A bit warm but well balanced in a slightly sweet style. Good value.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Dry Rock Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig grapefruit rind, mineral, kiwi nose with some melon notes. Round and fresh with mineral, bell pepper, grapefruit, gooseberry flavours and slightly warm, oily textures. A well-made, fresh style sauvignon with fine acidity.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Gehringer Brothers Pinot Gris Private Reserve 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSlightly subdued mineral, flinty, baked apple and buttery citrus rind nose. Round, elegant and slightly oily on entry with plenty of buttery, chalky, mineral, citrus rind flavours and a touch of red apple peel. Fine intensity in what is a straight-ahead pinot gris at an affordable price.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Dry Rock Vineyards Cabernet Merlot 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeppery, leafy, cigar butt aromas with underlying notes of cranberry. Quite dry and chunky with chocolate, mocha, peppery, cherry flavours and smoky cedar bark finish. A bit herbaceous for the vintage but should benefit from another year in bottle.Prices:| BC | $12.81 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Trapiche Merlot Malbec 2002
Mendoza, ArgentinaGamey, meaty, smoky, tobacco, leather nose. Very soft, round, elegant entry with peppery, spicy prune, gamey, flavours and a somewhat dry, acidic finish. A workman-like red that offers decent value and its certainly better than many at the same price point.Prices:| BC | $8.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.50 | 750ml |
| SK | $10.25 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Trapiche Oak Cask Malbec 2000
Mendoza, ArgentinaSpicy, smoky toasted oak and vanilla nose with peppery, black cherry aromas with some sweaty saddle streaks. It has a rich but dry and somewhat tannic entry that is a bit tart. Huge smoky oaky vanilla peppery coffee flavours with some black cherry jam fruit. Too much oak here and somewhat unbalanced.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.50 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Trapiche Malbec 2002
Mendoza, ArgentinaSavoury sweaty saddle nose with peppery, gamey, smoky black cherry aromas. Rich, round dry entry with more peppery, spicy, smoky resiny prune flavours and a slightly leathery, acidic, warm finish. Good intensity but a bit old style compared to most New World wine.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.75 | 750ml |
| SK | $11.94 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.70 | 750ml |
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30 December 2003
87PTS
Château Pesquié Les Terrasses (Special Selection) 2001
Ventoux, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceCardamom, cherry jam, spicy, gamey aromas with some floral, raspberry notes. Dry, round and slightly tannic entry with raspberry, earthy, peppery, sour cherry flavours. Elegant and fresh but a bit too dry and acidic to be thoroughly enjoyed at this point.Prices:| BC | $17.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Château de Rouillac 2000
Pessac-Léognan, Graves, Bordeaux, FranceSpicy, peppery, prune plum, light vanilla, coffee aromas with some earthy, barnyard, tobacco notes. Dry, moderately rich entry with a moderately tannic structure. Vanilla, coffee, cedar, peppery, tobacco flavours with a cherry jam, earthy finish. Early to mid-term style which should be drinking well in two to five years.Prices:| BC | $54.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $51.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Chateau Maris Syrah Les Vieilles Vignes 2001
Minervois, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceThe 'home' vineyard of Comte Cathare is the 55ha Château Maris in the heart of La Livinière-Minervois. Since the late 80s vineyard management has gradually shifted towards 100 per cent biodynamic cultivation. From the oldest syrah vines on the property comes a spicy, smoky, roasted plum nose with vanilla, blackberry jam aromas streaked with barnyard and garrigue notes. Rich and round with smoky, vanilla, coffee, peppery, blackberry jam flavours and a resiny, black cherry kirsch and licorice finish. There's plenty of fruit and intensity here and it should improve over the next two to four years. Try with roasted lamb shanks and couscous.Prices:| BC | $26.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Domaine Combebelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceAt Combebelle, cabernet makes up a very small portion of the vineyard whose terroir (at St. Chinian) typically produces beefy wines with elevated acidities. Look for a peppery, earthy, black olive nose with added cassis, smoke and saddle leather aromas. On entry the wine is noticeably rich with black pepper, vanilla and smoky blackberry jam/coffee flavours. Cedar, leather and more cassis jam flavours mark its smooth, well-balance finish. Drink now or hold for 2-3 years.Prices:| BC | $26.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Domaine Combebelle Syrah Grenache 2001
St Chinian, Coteaux du Languedoc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceDomaine Combebelle boasts three distinct expositions in its bio-dynamic vineyards. Owner Robert Eden and winemaker Benjamin Darnault love to play with small lots and the Combebelle Syrah Grenache represents the best fruit on the estate. Look for a meaty, gamey, smoky, licorice nose with peppery, black cherry highlights. Somewhat dry and chunky but has good intensity with black pepper, licorice, spicy, black cherry flavours and a gamey, black raspberry finish. A bit young and reduced will benefit from decanting or an extra year or two in bottle.Prices:| BC | $26.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.95 | 750ml |
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92PTS
La Crau de Ma Mère Châteauneuf du Pape 2000
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceGamey, or as one writer has said before "clean horse blanket" with meaty, spicy, barnyard, smoky peppery notes mixed with black raspberry and prune, plum fruit. Rich round and concentrated with ripe, grainy tannins. Spicy, black raspberry jam and cherry kirsch flavours with a smoky, prune finish. Quite intense and a bit reduced at this point but should come around over the next two to seven years in bottle. Fine quality and a nice improvement over the last two vintages.Prices:| BC | $48.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $34.95 | 750ml |
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92PTS
La Sauvageonne Puech de Glen 2001
Coteaux du Languedoc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceThe blend is 90/10 syrah/grenache. Look for peppery, saddle leather, barnyard nose with black raspberry jam and floral, smoky streaks. Very aromatic. It's warm (alcoholic) on entry but rich and concentrated with very grainy, ripe tannins. Massive jammy black raspberry fruit with a cardamom, spicy, peppery flavour and a smooth finish. A bit alcoholic overall but great intensity and balance. Wineries in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Australia should watch out.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $40.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
La Sauvageonne 2001
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceA blend of 85/10/5 merlot, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc, La Sauvageonne comes off a vineyard with one of the highest altitudes in the Côteaux du Languedoc. Look for ripe cassis jam, spicy, black cherry, minty, tobacco/orange peel notes with streaks of coffee and vanilla. A ripe, round, concentrated wine with firm tannins showing in the finish. Impressive for the region, best in two to four years.Prices:| BC | $32.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.95 | 750ml |
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29 December 2003
86PTS
Robert Mondavi Private Selection Merlot 2001
Central Coast, California, United StatesPeppery, spicy, black olive, cedar, smoky cherry aromas. Smooth entry but then dry and slightly tannic with very smoky, spicy, green olive flavours. It's elegant but we were hoping for a bit more charm and ripe fruit.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Robert Mondavi Pinot Noir 1999
Napa Valley, California, United StatesBlack cherry, spicy, sweet vanilla, lees, smoky licorice aromas, very attractive nose. Rich, round, silky texture with ripe strawberry, cherry, spicy, vanilla flavours and a smoky, licorice finish. Very good balance and intensity, ready to drink anytime.Prices:| BC | $36.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Sterling Vineyards Merlot 2000
Napa Valley, California, United StatesSmoky, saddle leather, spicy, black cherry jam aromas with some earthy olive highlights. Rich, round and intense with dryness and light tannins. Smooth smoky vanilla, peppery, roasted leather, cherry, olive flavours and a creamy, cola finish. A bit dry but very stylish and long. Needs a couple years to smooth out but can be attractive now with duck or rabbit dishes.Prices:| BC | $34.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $29.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Tyrrell's Old Winery Pinot Noir 2002
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaStrawberry jam, spicy, rootsy, compost barnyard aromas. Soft and round with rhubarb, licorice, strawberry and smoky barrel flavours. A bit dry, but overall a solid pinot especially given the price.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Wolf Blass Pinot Noir Purple Label 2002
Yarra Valley, Victoria, AustraliaSpicy, cedar-y, celery top, aromas with raspberry fruit and floral notes. Soft, round, elegant on the palate with dry, smoky, vanilla, spicy, strawberry flavours and a resiny, Worcestershire finish. Consistent quality for this wine although this does not quite have the fruit of prior vintages.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Stone Cellars Merlot 2000
California, United StatesSpicy, carrot, black olive, cedar, barnyard nose. Silky, smooth, slightly sweet entry with smoky, black cherry, cola, peppery flavours. A suave and ready-to-drink, attractive commercial style but not what you expect based on the nose.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Bumble Bee Stinger Red Reserve 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMinty, earthy, spicy, tomato leaf aromas with some wild game streaks. Very dry but round and smooth with stewed plum, cooked tomato, spicy flavours and a smoky, tobacco leaf finish. A lot of strong gamy/hybrid character showing through here. Lacks finesse for the money.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Casillero del Diablo Syrah 2002
Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileWinemaker Marcelo Papa blends 10 per cent cabernet into his syrah and it all spends 8 months in small American oak barrels. You'll love the suave supple entry and the plummy, savoury chocolate fruit streaked with just a touch of vanilla. Ripe round sweet full-bodied and very accessible. Great value.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.25 | 750ml |
| SK | $13.10 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $12.29 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Casillero del Diablo Merlot 2002
Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe merlot comes out of Rapel Valley and is aged 70 per cent in small American oak barrels for 8 months. 30% aged in stainless steel for 8 months. As usual the Casillero merlot is impressively dark, soft and juicy. The aftertaste is a mix of sweet plums and savoury spiced fruitcake. Will be extremely versatile with food or as a standalone sipper. Still a bit chunky and youthful all of which bodes well for its development in bottle through 2004.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $13.10 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.90 | 750ml |
| NB | $12.49 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $11.64 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Casillero del Diablo Chardonnay 2002
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileI'll admit I'm a sucker for Casablanca fruit but who wouldn't be when it tastes this good and cost so little. The fermentation split is 70 per cent stainless steel (juice that sits on its lees for 8 months in tank) and 30 per cent spend an equal amount of time in French oak barrels. The nose is bright and fresh with melon/pineapple nose with undertones of green apple skin and bread dough. Extremely friendly on the palate with a crisp attractive pear fruit and pie crust flavours in the finish. As good as it gets for the price.Prices:| AB | $11.50 | 750ml |
| BC | $11.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $13.10 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $11.57 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Viñedo Chadwick 1999
Puente Alto, Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe Viñedo Chadwick vineyard is located in Puente Alto at the south-east border of Santiago. The 25-hectare property contains the Chadwick family home, a park with century-old trees and a polo field and since October 1992 a vineyard planted to cabernet sauvignon (12 ha.), cabernet franc (2 ha.) carmenère (1 ha.). The density is 4,166 vines per hectare and the entire operation is run under guidance of viticulturist Pedro Izquierdo. The 1999 Viñedo Chadwick, the first release (1000 cases) was made with individual lots aged 18 months in new French oak and then blended three months before bottling. It is classic Puente Alto spicy blackberry, black cherry and tobacco fruit all rolled up into a very tight package of firm tannin and acidity. A little too lean, green an herbal for us but it could soften with age.Prices:| BC | $75.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Villa Delia Garbato Rosso 1999
Bolgheri, Tuscany, ItalyUmberto Menghi's neighbour took a sip of his new red wine and shouted, "I like it." The literal translation of that is "Garbato" a 70/30 blend of sangiovese and cabernet -- like its nearby neighbour Tignanello. The wine is startlingly fresh on the palate offering red currant fruit and firm, earthy tannins. Quail meat is the answer here with perhaps with a touch of fresh shaved truffle to smooth out the edges. Young angular and edgy it should develop well over the next three to five years.Prices:| BC | $28.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Rawson's Retreat Merlot 2002
South Australia, AustraliaRootsy, cola, spicy nose with some cherry notes. Dry, slightly lean structure with spicy cedar/chocolate, cherry jam flavours and some hot, rubbery notes on the finish. A bit too dry and reductive for an introductory style red. Where's the fun.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Benchland Vineyards Merlot 2001
Penticton Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSomewhat reduced nose with rubbery, garlic, peppery, spicy, cherry aromas and some very sweaty, leafy tomato notes. Dry, fairly round, elegant structure with moderately high acidity. Leafy, black cherry, cassis, smoky, sweaty vanilla flavours. A bit port-like but fairly well balanced.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Yalumba Grenache Barossa Bush Vine 2000
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaNice ripe grenache with spicy cherry jam and licorice with a streak of mineral, smoky leather and pepper - very Gigondas-like. Big black raspberry jam, floral cherry berry fruit with smoky, gamey licorice flavours. Round, supple , rich and delicious. There's a touch of tannin in the finish but this would be killer with pork. More elegant than the huge 1997.Prices:| BC | $22.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
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28 December 2003
92PTS
Veuve Clicquot Rich Reserve 1996
Champagne, FranceAt 25 grams of residual sugar the dosage (added sugar syrup mixed with wine) of Clicquot's Rich Réserve is double that of a standard brut champagne. It's classified as a "sec," -- that's slightly sweeter than extra sec but not near sweet as the 45 grams residual sugar demi-sec. It's a bubble built for foie gras and spicy Asian/Indian food but it remains first and foremost a vintage champagne produced from some 20 top grand cru and premier cru vineyards. Look for a lively sparkler with floral overtones and sweet vanilla fruit flavours streaked with peaches and nectarines. Seared scallop and lavender dusted foie gras is a match made in heaven.Prices:| BC | $125.00 | 750ml |
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27 December 2003
86PTS
Caliterra Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2001
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe fruit for the Caliterra reserve cabernet is sourced from the La Arboleda Estate (75%) in the Colchagua Valley and from the Los Morros Estate (25%) located in the Maipo region. Look for quite a lifted cassis nose with spicy herbal, minty, notes. Soft textures and herbal chocolate flavours mark the finish. The good news is the price has dropped by $2 a bottle to a much more competitive $15.99.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sterling Vineyards Vintner's Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
Central Coast, California, United StatesThe '01 Vintner's Collection Cab is a blend of 46 per cent Monterey County, 45 per cent San Luis Obispo County and 9 per cent North Coast fruit. Smoky meaty black cherry fruit marks the nose and palate with hints of vanilla and mocha. Fine ripe juicy fruit flavours in a well balanced package.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Carpe Diem Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Reserve 1998
Itata Valley, ChileBig dark colour and sweet fruit entry but fairly dry on the mid-palate and in the finish. Cedar tobacco and green mint streak the mid-palate cherry flavours and dry tannic finish. A bit rough and ready. Needs a big T-bone steak to settle down the edges.Prices:| BC | $23.03 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Yalumba Cabernet Sauvignon Y Series 2001
South Australia, AustraliaThe goal of Yalumba's Y series is to produce fresh, fruit-driven, flavourful wines that offer quality and consistency and that highlight the regional character of South Australia's most renowned viticultural areas. The '01 cabernet (the final varietal release in the series) is a delicious, fruity black cherry flavoured red with a smooth stylish demeanour. Black plums and soft tannins and a sweet fruit finish give this wide consumer appeal. A fabulous partner for the viognier.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.45 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Angove's Long Row Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
South Australia, AustraliaSouth Australia's Riverland region is bullish on the 2002 vintage and Angove's is similarly jacked about its Nanya Vineyard fruit that makes up most of this cabernet. Small additions of fruit from the cooler Padthaway and Wrattonbully regions round out the blend. Look for a juicy fruit red with peppery blackcurrants fruit and a touch of herbal mint in the aftertaste. Sweet ripe savoury fruit dominates the mid-palate and finish as well as a dose of acidity. Solid smooth and tasty. Perfect for lamb shanks.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Frei Brothers Redwood Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
California, United StatesLike most every Redwood Creek I taste the 2000 cabernet with its soft sweet fruit and medium-bodied herbal/cedar undertones is your basic everyday drink selling at mid-week price. Inoffensive and ready to go it is an introductory cabernet that would work well with whole roasted chicken.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Trapiche Oak Cask Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaDusty cedar overtones mark the red fruit nose. The entry is smooth and balanced with a fine core of spicy, black cherry, red currant fruit flavours with more herbal cedar notes in the background. Smooth, warm, ripe fruit red that should have wide appeal. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.50 | 750ml |
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26 December 2003
84PTS
Mauco Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
Region de Aconcagua, ChileSmoky cherry cedar mint notes on the nose and similar flavours. Soft and round and easy to sip with minty Aconcagua highlights in the finish. Solid ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $12.15 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Finca Los Primos Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
San Rafael, General Alvear, Southern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaFinca Los Primos is the introductory label of Valentin Bianchi. Look for a soft red with tobacco and black fruit flavours and a moderately dry finish. Simple straight-up cabernet at an affordable price. Use liberally around the barbecue.Prices:| BC | $9.95 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Gallo Sierra Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
California, United StatesSoft round rustic red with an herbal/compost, cedar nose and similar flavours too. Slightly acidic and alcoholic in the finish made all the more apparent by its light-weight fruit nature. Simple low level introduction into red wine.Prices:| BC | $8.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $8.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $8.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $8.59 | 750ml |
| ON | $8.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $10.45 | 750ml |
| NB | $8.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $8.98 | 750ml |
| PEI | $10.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $9.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Veuve Clicquot Rosé Reserve 1985
Champagne, FranceNow at the end of its run the VC Rose '85 proves beyond a doubt this wine, if stored well will repay the owner for many years. Disgorged in the normal course of events back in early 1990s it remains full flavoured with savoury, meaty notes and just a touch of fading black fruit. Made with 15 percent red wine which may explain its lasting power. A treasure at this point and the perfect foil to poached lobster with basmati rice.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Benchland Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
Penticton Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHerbal cedar black currant aromas mark the nose. The flavours are on the green under-ripe side with plenty of cedar bark and earthy streaks in the back ground. Resiny dry bitter finish that is low in fruit. Simple and overpriced for the quality.Prices:| BC | $17.50 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Trapiche Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaLook for a pleasant soft, supple entry with a simple juicy fruit nose with hints of nut and cedar. This is fun to sip -- nothing complicated and not too sweet it will please many palates that are looking for an honest glass of red wine. The textures and tannins finish up soft and a warm.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.75 | 750ml |
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24 December 2003
87PTS
Sterling Vineyards Merlot Vintner's Collection 2001
Central Coast, California, United StatesThe Sterling-owned 1,300-acre Paris Valley Ranch Vineyard lies just off Monterey Bay in the San Lucas appellation of southern Monterey and is home to most of the Vintner's Collection "Central Coast" fruit. It's a cool site which allows for extended hang time and increased fruit flavours. Look for black cherry, mocha plum jam flavours with a savoury streak of cedar bark. The finish is smooth with light tannins. Solid and affordable.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Frei Brothers Redwood Creek Merlot 2002
California, United StatesThe Redwood Creek merlot is an entry level California varietal with a fine fruit character. Soft round and juicy it mixes hints of black cherry and blueberry fruit in a smooth package. Simple, well made and ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Gallo Sierra Series Merlot 2002
California, United StatesSoft sweet commercial style merlot with leafy, herbal undertones. The flavours mirror the nose with more earthy leafy peppery fruit and soft simple styling. It's the new spaghetti red at a price that's hard to beat.Prices:| BC | $8.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $8.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $8.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $8.59 | 750ml |
| ON | $8.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $10.45 | 750ml |
| NB | $8.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $8.98 | 750ml |
| PEI | $10.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $9.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Robert Mondavi Fumé Blanc 2001
Napa Valley, California, United StatesBarrel fermentation and aging contribute to the rich, creamy textures of this elegant, all fumé sauvignon with its soft edges and lemon/citrus, mineral aromas and flavours. There's more smoky, vanilla, lees flavours in the finish along with creamy grapefruit and smoke. Very crisp. Bring on the shellfish.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $29.75 | 750ml |
| QC | $29.20 | 750ml |
| NS | $35.65 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Caliterra Chardonnay 2002
Region del Valle Central, ChileBright citrus green apple skin and mineral nose with a touch of vanilla lees. Fresh mineral citrus skin flavours with a dry grapefruit aftertaste. Clean crisp easy drinking. Cool down and serve all summer with simple salads or shell fish. Consistently good value.Prices:| BC | $9.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.90 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.25 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Caliterra Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
Region del Valle Central, ChileOpen spicy, cassis and mint aromas streaked with dank compost components. Much better balance and flavours on the palate even showing a bit of grip. The finish is firm with a touch of dry tannin and sawdust. Simple, inexpensive cabernet for summer sipping around the patio.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.25 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.15 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.90 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.25 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Caliterra Merlot 2000
Region del Valle Central, ChileMost of the fruit is hand-picked and fermented in stainless steel before some 60 per cent is aged in French and American oak for six months. Look for spicy, smoky prune aromas with streaks of leafy, tobacco in what is a soft and seductive red that contains about 7 per cent cabernet sauvignon. Dried cherry flavours fade into a smoky, vanilla mocha chocolate finish which belies its price. Good merlot character.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.35 | 750ml |
| SK | $12.60 | 750ml |
| MB | $9.90 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.45 | 750ml |
| QB | $11.90 | 750ml |
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23 December 2003
86PTS
Stag's Hollow Simply Merlot 2002
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, Canada"Simply" merlot is the entry level for this varietal at Stag's Hollow. It's aged 16 months in mix of American and French oak which helps to mellow the edges. Look for a soft red with fresh lifted berry fruit flavours a touch of mocha/chocolate in the finish. Good effort.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Stag's Hollow Renaissance Merlot 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe winery attributes unusually small berries and a high ratio of skins to juice to the big time extraction and concentration in this excellent '01. Plenty of silky plummy fruit, streaked with pepper and a silky smooth finish make this a winner. Stylish and built well enough to age through 2006. Bring on the lamb.Prices:| BC | $27.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Lincoln Merlot Winemaker Series 2001
Gisborne - Poverty Bay, North Island, New ZealandAfter a corked wine episode a second bottle, complete with a synthetic cork, proved to be a big improvement. The Lincoln winemaker series is one hundred per cent merlot and it sees no oak. The plummy fruit is fresh and vibrant with a soft sheen and a fine undercurrent of fresh herbs and tannin in the finish. Solid effort that should improve in the bottle for another two to four years.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Bach Merlot 2000
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainDry leafy aromas mark the nose of this merlot that spends twelve months in American oak. On the palate the wine is light and cedar-y with a streak of blueberry and pepper in the finish. Simple straight up merlot with a Euro bent.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Sumac Ridge Merlot Cellar Selection 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe '01 White Label merlot is the soft sip-able version of Sumac's red wine line-up. The textures are round the flavours sweetish but with a twist of chocolate licorice and black fruit. A simple, ready-to-go red from South Okanagan.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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21 December 2003
87PTS
Domaine Chiroulet Les Terres Blanches 2002
Gascony, FranceGreen melon, grapefruit, mineral, pear and floral aromas. Rich, round and dry with a slightly oily texture but good acidity. Lots of mineral, grapefruit rind, quince, lemon oil and green apple flavours. Crisp, warm finish with good intensity. A good alternative to pure sauvignon blanc with some weight.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
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82PTS
The Fort Wine Co. Peach Apricot NV
Fraser Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight gold colour. Big canned peach and apricot nose with some mineral, honey notes. Round, oily entry with mineral, metallic, canned apricot flavours. Slightly sweet on the finish, could use some fresher fruit characters.Prices:| BC | $13.90 | 750ml |
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84PTS
The Fort Wine Co. Blackberry NV
Fraser Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPale raspberry colour. Tea leaf, minty, cooked black berry and fresh fruit aromas. Fresh berry, minty, jammy flavours with good acidity balance. A bit metallic on the finish but pretty solid fruit wine style. Best of the bunch.Prices:| BC | $12.90 | 750ml |
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83PTS
The Fort Wine Co. Strawberry NV
Fraser Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAmber-rose colour. Fresh crushed and cooked strawberry aromas with good intensity. Dry entry with metallic, mineral, cooked strawberry and herbal flavours and a slightly sweet finish. A good bet if you like strawberries and fruit wine.Prices:| BC | $13.90 | 750ml |
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83PTS
The Fort Wine Co. Valley Girl Blueberries 2007
Fraser Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight red purple colour. Minty, leafy, metallic, cooked blueberry nose with some fresh fruit highlights. Light, dry entry with leafy, canned, minty, spicy flavours with a slightly acidic edge. Appealing but needs a bit more fresh fruit intensity to sing out.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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80PTS
The Fort Wine Co. Cranberry NV
Fraser Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery pale rose colour. Very earthy, mineral, sweaty game nose with cooked fruit, soapy perfume streaks, very bizarre. Round and sweet with canned cranberry, metallic spicy flavours. Balance is fine but the aromas seem out of synch with cranberry.Prices:| BC | $11.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Château de Nages Rouge 2001
Costières de Nîmes, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceMeaty, peppery, licorice and black raspberry jam nose with streaks of cardamom and smoky leather. Intense spicy, cardamom, peppery, licorice flavours with minty, black raspberry and blackberry fruit. The finish is dry with a touch of acidity but will be excellent with foods like rabbit, cassoulet or lamb.Prices:| BC | $17.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Finca Flichman Syrah 2001
Mendoza, ArgentinaEarthy, gamey, smoky, grilled mushroom nose with a big streak of blackberry jam. Ripe, round and soft with lots of smoky, peppery, blackberry jam flavours and a spicy, licorice root boysenberry finish. Read to go and full of flavour. Very good value.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Finca Flichman Reserva Syrah 2000
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaSmoky, gamey, saddle leather, blackberry jam and roasted bell pepper nose. Very Maipu and very syrah. Round entry with light, dry tannins. The flavours are dry, peppery and spicy with resiny, shoe leather notes mixed with blackberry and black licorice. A bit dry and lean at the end calling for lamb shank or roast beef.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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20 December 2003
86PTS
Lindemans Bin 65 Chardonnay 2002
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaSpicy lees, green apple, citrus, fruit cocktail aromas with a touch of butter, fresh. Round, slightly oily, soft structure with slightly salty, nutty lees, buttery, baked apple flavours. Very solid everyday consumer friendly chardonnay that is perfect for an inexpensive by-the-glass- program. Consistent performer.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $20.99 | 1500ml |
| AB | $11.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 1500ml |
| SK | $11.97 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.99 | 1500ml |
| ON | $10.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.99 | 1500ml |
| QC | $12.45 | 750ml |
| NS | $11.99 | 750ml |
| PEI | $14.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $11.98 | 750ml |
| NF | $22.99 | 1500ml |
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86PTS
Carpe Diem Chardonnay Grand Reserve 1999
Itata Valley, ChileButterscotch, canned artichoke, mineral, leesy bruised apple aromas. Dry, round and soft with very leesy, honey, buttery, citrus, oaky, toasty flavours and a slightly herbal edge. Oaky style but tired and probably a bit past its prime.Prices:| BC | $23.03 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Stag's Hollow Renaissance Chardonnay 2002
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, creamy lees, citrus, buttery baked apple aromas with vanilla and peach notes. Ripe, round and elegant with a dry entry. Honey, buttery vanilla, spicy, nutty lees flavours with mineral, warm butterscotch finish. Soft but well made. Try over the next year or so.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Stag's Hollow Simply Chardonnay 2002
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLeesy, anise, roasted garlic aromas with a touch of matchstick. Mineral, leesy, bready, grapefruit rind and green apple flavours with a buttery, vanilla finish. Slightly alcoholic with some sweetness and crisp acidity.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Stag's Hollow Chardonnay 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaButtered popcorn, mineral, spicy lees nose with some honey and vanilla. Round, rich entry but quickly dries out. Very oaky buttery, vanilla, citrus, mineral, leesy flavours. Quite intense with an oily, crisp acid finish. Should improve over the next year or so as the oak integrates.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Finca Los Primos Chardonnay 2002
San Rafael, General Alvear, Southern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaNectarine, mineral, green apple citrus aromas. Round, fresh, dry structure with light vanilla, citrus rind, buttery, baked apple flavours. Nice cool climate fruit with a dry finish. Will match well with lightly grilled seafood. Good value and stylish.Prices:| BC | $9.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Carmel Road Chardonnay 2001
Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesBright citrus, green apple, mineral, honey, floral nose with a bit of matchstick. Very rich, oily entry with big buttery, vanilla, citrus, leesy flavours. Very warm, butterscotch finish with some acidity showing. The fruit was good but there's too much butterscotch oak for its cool Monterey character.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Rosemount Old Benson Fine Old Tawny Port NV
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaLook for a big inviting spicy, vanilla, dried-cherry nose with hints of rancio, tea, licorice and roasted pecan/ cashew notes. Somewhat sweet style but rich, round and long with good acidity. Huge vanilla, rancio, (it's solera aged) butter, walnut, dried plum, tea and licorice root flavours. Intense and long and very elegant. Quite delicious.Prices:| BC | $38.99 | 500ml |
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82PTS
Vitare White Grape Spritzer (Non-Alcoholic) NV
CanadaVitare is a sparkling non-alcoholic grape juice made in Canada with grapes from the Niagara region. Foxy, spicy, meaty, leesy nose. Crisp and slightly sweet with peach, muscat/apple, creamy flavours. Lots of fine mousse in the mouth to keep it fresh.Prices:| Canada | $3.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Vitare Red Grape Spritzer (Non-Alcoholic) NV
CanadaVitare is a sparkling non-alcoholic grape juice made in Canada with grapes from the Niagara region. The red has an intense raspberry, cherry, cough drop nose, very fruit. Crisp, fresh and foamy with big raspberry, cherry minty flavours. Great sparkling fruit juice.Prices:| Canada | $3.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Garry Oaks Gewurztraminer 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMeaty, spicy, floral, soapy aromas with some citrus, honey notes. Dry, elegant style with honey, mineral, earthy, peach skin and citrus flavours. Slightly oily texture; quite Alsace like. Just a touch flat and light on the finish but well made.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Rosemount Jigsaw Chardonnay Verdelho Sauvignon Blanc 2002
AustraliaPear, mineral, grapefruit aromas with a touch of butter. Round, slightly sweet with very crisp acidity on the finish. Grapefruit, mineral, baked apple and pear flavours in a warm but balanced package.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Torres Vina Esmeralda 2002
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainIntense mineral, lemon oil, spicy, nectarine skin nose. Very dry, round and elegant with spicy fruit cocktail, citrus rind, and mineral green apple flavours. Delicate style but fresh with big citrus rind finish. Try with calamari or mussels. The blend is 85/15 moscatel/gewürztraminer.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Lotusland Gewurztraminer River Rock Terrace 2002
Fraser Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPerfumed, yeasty/bread dough aromas and a touch of burnt matchstick with mineral, sausage meat, and lychee highlights. Light bodied with slightly sweet entry. Very floral, citrus, spicy sausage flavours with floral undertones. A well balanced sweeter sipping style gewürztraminer for summer.Prices:| BC | $16.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Lotusland Gewurztraminer Stone's Throw Vines 2002
Fraser Valley, British Columbia, CanadaStrong, typical spicy sausage meaty aromas mixed with lychee fruit, peach nose and earthy, mineral, floral streaks. Quite dry and a bit warm on the palate with big mineral, spicy, sausage, dried lychee and citrus rind flavours. Quite crisp and dry on the finish. Of the two gewürztraminer produces at Lotusland this is more food-friendly one. Good effort.Prices:| BC | $15.90 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Cockburn's Quinta Dos Canais Vintage Port 2000
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalOriginally five separate quintas, Canais was combined into a single large property around the turn of the century. Its abundant water supply, conserved from run off and channelled around the upper elevations, gave the property its name; canais is the Portuguese word for canals. Varietal blocks are being planted, a practice pioneered by Cockburn's in the region. Look for intense dark black cherry colour, black plum jam and grapey, black licorice, peppery, spicy, earthy nose with some chocolate notes. Rich, concentrated style but not too sweet with fiery entry. Noticeable tannins with good acidity. Dryer entry with earthy, very peppery, spicy, black plum jam, cherry, floral, licorice flavours. A bit more elegant than the strict Cockburn bottling but definitely another winner from the 2000 vintage. Try in ten years or so.Prices:| BC | $65.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Cockburn's Tawny Porto (10 Years Matured in Wood) NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalThe crispness and "grip" that is the hallmark of Cockburn's tawny come from the judicious blending and the continuous refreshing of these wood-aged wines. Look for a nutty, rancio, cedar, earthy nose with hints of licorice, tea and raisins. Fiery, warm entry with intense earthy rancio, licorice, tea and nutty, butter with dried berry flavours. Elegant and not too sweet but definitely on the hot and fiery side.Prices:| BC | $39.64 | 750ml |
| QC | $30.75 | 750ml |
| MB | $29.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Cockburn's Tawny Porto (20 Years Matured in Wood) NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalCockburn's 20 Years Old is blended from older, mature wines aged in cask and then refreshed by the addition of younger wines. The "indicated age" is the average age of the wines in the blend. Look for an open spicy, buttery, spirity, creamy nose streaked with roasted walnut, mineral and peppery tea notes. Rich, round and somewhat fiery but nice acidity with medium sweetness. Intense walnut, pecan, buttery, spicy, tea, rancio flavours. Fine balance and intensity and a bit sweeter than the 10 year old with a super long nutty, cedar, caramel aftertaste. Good value especially if you sip over time by the glass.Prices:| BC | $39.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Gehringer Brothers Riesling Private Reserve 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLovely ripe nose with peach, mineral, lime, citrus rind and melon aromas. Quite dry but nicely balanced with more citrus, peach, green apple and honeyed mineral flavours. It has a fine crisp finish with plenty of fruit intensity. This is a winner for riesling from the Okanagan and should be a star with spicy south-east Asian food. It reminds us of an Auslese-style German wine. Great value.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Gehringer Brothers Schönburger Gewürztraminer Classic 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIntense spicy, muscaty/floral, lychee, lemon rind, mineral and cardamom nose - a real pleasure to nose. Round, elegant, fresh palate with great lychee, spicy, citrus rind, mineral, green apple floral flavours. Soft but with a fine combination of fruit; a great wine for Thai or Indian food. Drink all summer.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
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17 December 2003
84PTS
Nederburg Shiraz 2001
Western Cape, South AfricaLook for a slight touch of animal in the nose along with smoky, savoury fruit nose. The entry is soft but the flavours are sour followed by spice and vanilla. Thin light, acidic and not all that impressive for a variety that is showing promise in the Cape.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.86 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.50 | 750ml |
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16 December 2003
86PTS
Porcupine Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
Coastal Region, South AfricaSmoky, peppery, saddle leather, coffee black olive aromas. Soft, dry, round structure with peppery, spicy, smoky licorice flavours and a gamey, leather finish. Fine balance but the flavours are pretty old style. Solid rib or chicken wine.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Gehringer Brothers Desert Sun 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaApple skin, wool, peach aromas with mineral and floral streaks. Big mineral, canned pink grapefruit, green apple floral flavours. Crisp acidity with light sweetness on the finish. Solid summer sipper or serve with Chinese food.Prices:| BC | $9.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Gehringer Brothers Ehrenfelser Dry Classic 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, grapefruit, floral, perfumed peach aromas. Soft, forward style with some sweetness and low acidity. Perfumed floral, apple apricot flavours with a slightly bitter, mineral, honey finish. Solid.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Gray Monk Rotberger 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaEarthy, mineral, red licorice and candied berry aromas with some rubbery streaks. Sweet, soft and round with papery, mineral, cherry, strawberry flavours and a slightly acidic finish. Like white zinfandel with colour.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Latitude 50 - Red 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, earthy, minty, gamey cherry aromas with some leafy, herbal notes. Dry, round and soft textured with spicy, peppery, cedar bark flavours with light sour cherry finish. Perfect for the summer barbeque or picnic. Serve lightly chilled.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Latitude 50 - Rosé 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPleasing light raspberry colour. Earthy, mineral, candied cherry aromas with some rubbery, lees notes. Soft, slightly sweet and light bodied with very mineral, earthy, strawberry jam citrus flavours. A touch bitter and acidic on the finish but fine if well chilled at the picnic.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Latitude 50 - White 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLook for a floral, mineral, peach, spicy earth aromas. Delicate, round palate with light sweetness. Citrus, peach, baked apple creamy flavours in a nicely balanced package - fresh, fruity and ready for any casual circumstance.Prices:| BC | $11.45 | 750ml |
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14 December 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 | $49.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $27.99 | 375ml |
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85PTS
Seaview Brut Sparkling Wine 2000
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaLots of mousse here with toasty, mineral, baked pear and apple aromas. Round, soft, forward style with very leesy, baked pear, dry apple skin and citrus flavours. Quite foamy and a touch bitter but will be fine as a mixer with orange juice or with crème de cassis.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Veuve Clicquot Rosé Reserve 1996
Champagne, FranceVeuve's '96 Rosé Reserve is part of a fine '96 trilogy from Veuve that includes La Grande Dame and Vintage Reserve. The best wines of the Cote des Blancs and Montagne de Reims combine with some 15 per cent of red wine from Bouzy to create an attractive spicy rosé. Rich firm and mouth filling, with style and finesse as intense as its red fruits flavour. The Champenois call it a gastronomy wine - in short it's made for food. It's capable of ageing gracefully for 10 to 15 years. Excellent quality.Prices:| BC | $79.95 | 750ml |
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97PTS
Veuve Clicquot Vintage Reserve 1996
Champagne, FranceDescribed at Clicquot as the most mature fruit ever harvested with the most acid too 1996 is one very fine vintage. The blend or cépage is dominated 59 per cent pinot noir fruit which gives the wine its structure and power and all of the fruit is from a blend of some twenty Premiers and Grands Crus designated vineyards. Big full and rich on the palate it has a citrus and stone fruit mid-palate with a nutty finish. Superb styling and built for the long haul. One of the best young Champagnes I have tasted and it's a dream Champagne vintage for collectors. Drink or hold for 15 to 20 years.Prices:| BC | $84.30 | 750ml |
| ON | $84.95 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame Brut 1995
Champagne, FranceThe top of the line at Veuve Clicquot is La Grande Dame, an exquisite blend of 60-plus percent pinot noir and some 37 per cent chardonnay from eight Grand Cru vineyards. It is exceptionally well-balanced and elegant Champagne with a definite feminine floral side. The fruit is white peach and grapefruit with just a touch of vanilla. At Clicquot they recommend you serve this to kick off the evening sans appetizers. After you taste this smooth talking slow walking bubble you too will forget about food.Prices:| BC | $177.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Lineage Gamay Icewine 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery pale gold rose colour. Big mineral, spicy, quince and apricot nose with some vinyl hints. Soft, round, earthy, mineral, stewed apricot and spicy strawberry flavours. Not super sweet or high acid but reasonably well balanced if a bit alcoholic.Prices:| BC | $39.90 | 375ml |
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89PTS
Saint Vincent Chardonnay Icewine Private Reserve 2000
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMade from 30-year old vines. Butter, lees, cigar, honey, marmalade nose, pretty unusual combination. Rich, intense and fairly sweet with mineral, honey, bruised apple, raisin, leafy flavours. Quite high acidity on the finish. Perhaps a bit tired but lots of stuffing.Prices:| BC | $74.90 | 375ml |
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90PTS
The Fort Wine Co. Raspberry Portage NV
Fraser Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAttractive intense fresh raspberry, mineral, jammy nose. Rich, round and sweet with good acidity and lots of raspberry jam, mineral, minty flavours. Excellent raspberry character, drink straight up, on ice cream or put a dash in your sparkling wine.Prices:| BC | $18.90 | 375ml |
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87PTS
The Fort Wine Co. Cranberry Klondike NV
Fraser Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPale raspberry colour. Intense canned cherry, raspberry jam mineral nose. Rich, intense, sweet with high acidity and huge cranberry, cherry, raspberry jam flavours. Pretty crisp and intense but unique. Try as a sauce for your turkey or pork.Prices:| BC | $18.90 | 375ml |
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86PTS
The Fort Wine Co. Gold Rush (Peach Apricot) NV
Fraser Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig canned peach, apricot, mineral nose. Soft, round and warm with candied, canned peach and apricot flavours. Reasonable balance with a high acid finish. Simple straight-forward peachy fruit wine.Prices:| BC | $18.90 | 375ml |
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85PTS
The Fort Wine Co. Wild Blue Yonder (Blueberry) NV
Fraser Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe nose reminds one of picking wild berries in the woods with bears in the neighbourhood. Minty, spicy, blueberry jam, sweaty malt nose -- quite bizarre. Hot, sweet, spicy, minty, mineral over the top style with jammy notes and soapy finish. Not up to the quality of the other products.Prices:| BC | $18.90 | 375ml |
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87PTS
See Ya Later Ranch SYL Brut NV
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMineral, green apple skin, light toasty cream nose. Soft, round, elegant style with mineral, baked apple, creamy toasty flavours and a touch of bitterness. A bit of a sweeter brut style with lighter mousse. Solid B.C. bubble at a good price.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $21.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $24.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
See Ya Later Ranch Ehrenfelser Icewine 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaQuite mineral, leafy, pear citrus perfumy nose. Light, soft, round with low acidity. Citrus, honey, apricot mineral flavours but quite low in concentration and acidity and not overly sweet. More like a late harvest wine than icewine.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 375ml |
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86PTS
Gehringer Brothers Riesling Late Harvest 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMineral, bruised apple, minty, soapy, butterscotch nose. Round, crisp entry with some bitterness and astringency and a green apple skin, citrus, butter and mineral flavour profile. Oddly for Gehringer this wine shows little varietal character.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 375ml |
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85PTS
Gehringer Brothers Cabernet Franc Late Harvest 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, mineral, vinyl nose with leafy/tobacco cherry jam highlights. It is soft on entry with bitter almond, leafy, stewed prune and mineral flavours and a taffy apple finish. No doubt about the cabernet franc variety here but it seems better suited to ice wine than late harvest.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 375ml |
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90PTS
Gehringer Brothers Ehrenfelser Ice Wine Minus 9 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen orange, floral, mineral, green apple aromas with a touch of plastic pail. Fat and smooth on entry with good acidity on the finish. Ripe pear, honey, mineral, perfume citrus flavours. Quite elegant and balanced, not cloying. Well made.Prices:| BC | $44.99 | 375ml |
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91PTS
Gehringer Brothers Riesling Ice Wine Signature Series 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMineral, apple skin, apricot, honey nose but somewhat low in intensity. Round, juicy but soft with honey, apricot, mineral, baked apple flavours. Nice acidity, sweetness and balance but overall it lacks a bit of intensity. Good effort just the same.Prices:| BC | $46.99 | 375ml |
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91PTS
Gehringer Brothers Cabernet Franc Ice Wine Signature Series 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRipe apricot, mineral, tobacco leaf, spicy earthy nose. Rich, ripe, round and supple with spicy, crushed herbs, dried peach and apricot with a raspberry jam, mineral finish. Quite sweet but nicely balanced with good acidity. Fresh and attractive and unusual.Prices:| BC | $46.99 | 375ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Deutz Brut Classic NV
Champagne, FranceLook for a fine mousse from this rich, leesy bubble made from a blend of 38/32/30 pinot noir/pinot meunier/chardonnay. Creamy, citrus, toasty, nutty mineral nose, very attractive. Rich but quite dry and firm with toasty, nutty, citrus, baked apple flavours with a dry, crisp, finish.Prices:| BC | $75.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $65.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $60.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $65.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $65.90 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Gray Monk Ehrenfelser Icewine 1999
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, mineral, bruised apple, raisin nose, a bit old and tired. Light, round and somewhat lean with high acidity. Leafy, mineral, bruised apple, pear flavours. Past its prime. Drink up.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 375ml |
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13 December 2003
84PTS
Gray Monk Pinot Auxerrois 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaApple, mineral, leesy, canned grapefruit and citrus rind nose. Round, fresh, crisp entry but sweet with baked apple, citrus rind, grapefruit and melon flavours. Simple, fresh wine for the summer deck.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Gray Monk Pinot Blanc 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRipe apple, pear, mineral, sweaty lees, grapefruit rind aromas. Soft, round and very sweet with plenty of pear, canned grapefruit and mineral flavours. A commercial quaffer with a requisite residual sugar level for those who like their white wine off-dry.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Gray Monk Gewürztraminer 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPleasant ripe peach, spicy, floral, mineral aromas with a touch of cream, lees and sausage meat. Round, soft forward style with some sweetness. Nice spicy, meaty, mineral, perfume flavours with a light lychee, apple skin finish. Try with turkey or as an apéritif wine for sipping.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Gray Monk Riesling 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLime rind, apple, peach, mineral aromas with some high floral notes. Round, slightly soft and slightly sweet entry but with balanced fresh acidity. Good intensity of citrus, peach, green apple flavours with a crisp, citrus rind finish. Nicely done; ready for solo sipping or serve with prosciutto and melon. Certainly the best yet from Gray Monk.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Gray Monk Gewürztraminer Alsace Clone 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen mineral, slate, floral nose with light perfume aromas and some meaty, sausage notes. Round, elegant, fairly dry style on the palate with slate-y, citrus, nutty, spicy, meaty lees flavours and a touch of lychee. Quite restrained and crisp but attractive for food. Good effort for the vintage.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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12 December 2003
87PTS
Dopff & Irion Pinot Blanc 2001
Alsace, FranceBaked pear, melon mineral nose with a perfumed scent too. Dry, ripe and round with spicy, mineral, quince, floral pear flavours. Ready to drink with nice crispness and body. Good value. Fine turkey wine.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Sàgana Nero d'Avola 2001
Sicily, ItalyThey say the best néro d'Avola grapes are harvested from 15-year old, south facing, vines located in Central and Southern Sicily at the beginning of September. Look for a peppery, spicy, savoury, black cherry, licorice, almond, vanilla/cherry cola nose. Intense rich ripe fruit with smooth, slightly grainy tannins. Big black cherry jam, peppery, spicy, cola and gamey flavours with a touch of acidity. Good now but will improve over the next few years.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Benuara Nero d'Avola - Syrah 2001
Sicily, ItalyBenuara takes its name from the small Mediterranean flower that grows wildly around the town of Pachino. The wine is a 70/30 blend of nero d'Avola and syrah. Look for a peppery, celery salt, savoury, black cherry, licorice nose with a stewed smoky plum fruit nose. Rich, ripe, smooth and intense with good acidity. Big black cherry, licorice, smoked tea, gamey, peppery almond flavours. Well balanced and quite intense, try with slow cooked lamb leg and couscous.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Nadaria Syrah 2001
Sicily, ItalyUnusual stewed prune, tea, black cherry and smoky leather aromas. Rich and round on the palate with smooth tannins on the back end. Plenty of cooked black cherry, licorice, gamey, almond and pepper flavours with some stewed rhubarb. Well balanced with savoury fruit and warm alcoholic finish. A fun, well-priced red.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Domaine Combret Check Mate Blanc de Noir 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMade from quickly pressed pinot noir. Perfumy, floral, mineral nose. Round, soft, spicy, sausage mineral, papery flavours. Simple, non-descript, everyday sipper.Prices:| BC | $12.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Saint Vincent Chardonnay Private Reserve 1998
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMineral, dry lees, nutty, slight vanilla, quince aromas. Dry, round, elegant style with creamy, leesy, spicy, garlic citrus flavours. Well balanced if not overly varietal but in very good shape for a 1998.Prices:| BC | $18.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Penfolds Thomas Hyland Chardonnay 2003
South Australia, AustraliaThe '03 Hyland Chardonnay is sourced primarily from the Adelaide Hills, with components from other premium, cool-climate, viticultural regions such as The Eden Valley and Robe. Bright lime, citrus rind, floral, mineral, buttery lees nose. Dry, round, elegant and fresh with mineral, citrus, green apple, buttery spicy lees flavours. Fresh and appealing with good mouth feel. Drink while young and available.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Vajo Rosso 2000
Verona, Veneto, ItalyVajo is super-Venetian blend of 60/25/15 corvina/merlot/cabernet Sauvignon. Look for a pruny, spicy, vanilla, tea, nutty licorice aromas with some port-like, black cherry notes. Rich, round, dry and somewhat creamy with ripe, dry tannins. Very spicy, peppery, cardamom, clove vanilla black cherry jam flavours. Nice intensity and balance, very spicy clove finish. A bit short and acidic on the finish. Perhaps will fill out with a few years of aging.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Artesa Chardonnay 2001
Carneros, Sonoma County, California, United StatesCreamy, nutty, spicy lees with honey, buttery apple aromas and a touch of citrus rind. Rich, ripe, creamy oily textures with mineral, butterscotch, lees, honey/nut/pear flavours. A touch austere on entry but very long in the finish. Less new oak could lead to an even better wine brimming with bright Carneros fruit.Prices:| BC | $39.95 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Benchland Vineyards Pinot Blanc 2000
Penticton Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMusky, artificial fruit, slightly skunky, green apple nose with some bread dough notes. Raw, green, citrus, mineral flavours with no fruit. No real varietal character here.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Sumac Ridge Chardonnay Black Sage Vineyard 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaToasted oak vanilla and peach fruit nose with heady cocktail, butter and floral fruit notes. Round, soft, ripe and slightly sweet with big oily, smoky vanilla, butter, honey and peach flavours with a warm, butterscotch finish. Ripe and ready to go. Serve with fresh crab or prawns for excellent results.Prices:| BC | $17.49 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Shaw and Smith Chardonnay M3 Vineyard 2001
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaVery mineral, wool, green apple skin, leesy aromas. Dry, round, elegant style but not a lot of fruit. Somewhat bruised apple, oxidative flavours spiked with leesy, vanilla, mineral notes. Dry and somewhat acidic in the finish.Prices:| BC | $39.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $36.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
See Ya Later Ranch Chardonnay 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig toasted oak and vanilla nose with creamy, honey, peach notes that are amazingly similar in style to the Sumac Ridge Chardonnay. On the palate it is dry and round with soft edges and a very buttery, vanilla, oaky style streaked with honey and mineral. Slightly more austere style with lots of buttery oak and some citrus on the finish. Good effort and we like the price.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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11 December 2003
89PTS
Artesa Pinot Noir 2001
Carneros, Sonoma County, California, United StatesSpicy, peppery, black cherry, rhubarb, compost aromas with some orange rind and confiture. Soft, round and elegant with light, dry tannins. Vanilla, cherry jam, strawberry, spicy, smoky orange flavours. Quite delicate and balanced for near term consumption or over the next year or so.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Beringer Valdiguié 2001
California, United StatesGamey, spicy, cherry jam nose streaked with earthy, barnyard notes. Round and soft with some sweetness and a touch of acidity. Cooked cherry, spicy, rootsy peppery flavours. Soft and drinkable.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.35 | 750ml |
| SK | $18.25 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.50 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Lineage Gamay 1998
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeppery, black cherry, earthy spice aromas. Dry, soft and round with elevated acidity. Good gamay cherry, earthy, peppery, rootsy, cedar bark flavours. Finish is very dry and somewhat lean but has reasonable balance.Prices:| BC | $14.90 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Saint Vincent Gamay Noir Private Reserve 2000
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRootsy, earthy, shoe leather, black cherry aromas. Very dry, lean and tight with high acidity. Very earthy, rootsy, pruny cedar flavours with a touch of oxidation. Lacks balance and definitely needs food.Prices:| BC | $21.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Saint Vincent Pinot Noir Private Reserve 2000
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMinty, gamey, sweaty leather nose with black cherry mineral aromas. On the palate it is dry, round and moderately soft with peppery, cedar, herbal, spicy black cherry flavours and some vanilla and resin. Quite dry with light tannins in the finish. Will need another year or two to come around - let's hope the fruit holds.Prices:| BC | $29.90 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Lineage Pinot Noir 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCedar, floral, compost, barnyard cherry aromas with some dry earthy notes. Very dry, acidic, lean style with some tannin. Earthy, black cherry, resiny, rootsy flavours. Out of balance and far too dry to be enjoyable.Prices:| BC | $16.90 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Garry Oaks Pinot Noir 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBarnyard, compost, stewed plum, cedar aromas. Light and elegant but very dry and somewhat lean with cedar, earthy, resiny, and cherry jam flavours and a touch of bitterness on the finish. Still some work to be done here.Prices:| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Lotusland Pinot Noir 2001
Fraser Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, cedar, olive nose with streaks of rhubarb and resin that is surprisingly pinot like. In the mouth it is dry and somewhat acidic with very oaky, resiny, spicy, rhubarb flavours. Too much wood overpowers the wine fruit and spoils what was a promising start.Prices:| BC | $18.90 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Rodney Strong Pinot Noir Reserve Jane's Vineyard 2001
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesAttractive inviting smoky, vanilla, black cherry and pepper nose. Round and voluptuous in the mouth with light tannins. Spicy, black cherry, strawberry jam nose with sweet vanilla and cedar flavours. It's a touch warm in the finish but it is well balanced and there is fine intensity here. It will need a year or so to tame the oak and reveal more of that spicy Russian River pinot fruit.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $38.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $47.95 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Benchland Vineyards Pinot Noir 2000
Penticton Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCompost, barnyard, strawberry jam aromas with a bit of cedar bark. Light, elegant and very dry with cedar, compost, pruny strawberry flavours and a slightly acidic, earthy finish. Shows some pinot character but is just a bit too thin and acidic.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Gehringer Brothers Pinot Noir Private Reserve 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaClean black cherry, spicy, cedar nose with flecks of orange peel. Soft, dry and round with good pinot character, elegance and balance. The taste is spicy with resiny, cherry chocolate flavours and a touch of cedar. Solid, unassuming, affordable pinot noir.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Trapiche Pinot Noir 2002
Mendoza, ArgentinaSmoky, meaty, cherry jam aromas with a whiff of compost. Dry and somewhat lean on the palate with stewed plum and black fruit flavours streaked with earthy, rootsy notes. Very ordinary pinot with a bit of acidity showing through.Prices:| AB | $12.25 | 750ml |
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09 December 2003
89PTS
Codorníu Cuvée Raventos Brut NV
Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainSpicy baked apple and nut aromas. Much finer mousse in the mouth than most wines at this price. Look for an elegant, nutty, toasted floral character and a wine that is wound up tighter than its non-chardonnay competitors. That said it still has Cava written all over it. Great value and sure to be a hit before most any dinner party.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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07 December 2003
90PTS
Graham Six Grapes Reserve Port NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalThe "Six Grapes named derives from the Graham emblem that exhibits six grapes the highest quality designation used at the property to classify the best lots of wine. The Port is an unfiltered reserve produced from grapes primarily grown at Graham's Malvedos Vineyards. It's meant to be modern in style as in fresh and fruity and ready to drink but over the years the wine has gained grip and weight and is considered to be less ruby port and more late bottled. Sweet in the Graham style yet mellow and full of soft plummy fruit. It's a fine youthful port that you can sip now. The winery recommends you serve Six Grapes with chocolate cake or a rich cheese.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $33.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $26.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.99 | 750ml |
| YK | $30.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Warre's Warrior Special Reserve NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalWarrior is the oldest mark of Port having been shipped continuously since the 1750s. The style has changed little over time. It's aged in seasoned oak casks for 4 to 5 years before being drawn off and bottled following a light filtration. Warrior Special Reserve is ready for immediate drinking and like the Six Grapes does not require any decanting or ageing. Look for dark, intense fruit and a strong chocolate/mocha flavour. Not as sweet as the Warrior and not as dry as the Dow. A pleasing fireside sipper -- break out the toasted walnuts.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $14.00 | 375ml |
| NF | $23.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $21.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $21.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.00 | 375ml |
| MB | $14.00 | 375ml |
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89PTS
Barros Late Bottle Vintage Port 1997
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalThe Barros LBV offers a sweet black-licorice nose and a super silky texture. Earthy chocolate notes mark the flavour profile of this mellow fireside sipper. A fine introduction to late bottle vintage port.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Dow's Late Bottled Vintage Port 1996
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalThe grapes for Dow's Late Bottle Vintage Port come from some of the same vineyards used to produce its Vintage Port. The wine is aged in oak casks for 4-6 years before it's bottled. The style of Dow's Ports is more structured and less sweet than most other houses and you detect it immediately on the palate. Drier firmer and with fine acidity it offers the plate a delicious mix of dark fruit flavours and spirit.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Cockburn's Fine Ruby Porto NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalCockburn's Fine Ruby is a blend of young wines from various years, aged for three years in wood and bottled after filtration. The flavours are a light-ish mix of raspberry, plum and cedar spice with a short medium-sweet finish. Ready-to-drink and will pair well with blue cheese, rich chocolate desserts especially with raspberry sauce and or a plate of toasted walnuts.Prices:Read Full Note
88PTS
Cockburn's Special Reserve Porto NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalCockburn's Special Reserve is matured before release and as a "vintage character" port it is intended to reflect the Cockburn style. There's fine richness here with more body than the Ruby and better length. Special Reserve fruit is picked at the peak of ripeness from single varietal vineyards in the finest vineyard areas and a slightly longer fermentation produces a less sweet finish with more "grip." Look for a spirity cedar leather aftertaste.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $27.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Cockburn's Anno Late Bottled Vintage Porto 1996
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalCockburn's Anno is sourced from the estate vineyards in the Upper Douro, as well as from selected growers in the region. The wine is a blend of touriga nacional, tinta barroca, tinta roriz, touriga francesa and tinto cao and it is all aged 5 years in 10-year-old, 160-gallon barrels. The 1996 Anno has a fresh spicy raisin/plum fruit nose with a fine balance between sweetness and and acidity. Drink now.Prices:| BC | $22.95 | 750ml |
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06 December 2003
86PTS
Goundrey Homestead Chardonnay Unwooded 2003
Great Southern, Western Australia, AustraliaCool climate green apple, floral, spicy, peach aromas. Crisp and round with some sweetness. Baked apple, mineral, buttery peach flavours and a grapefruit rind finish. Could even be from BC.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.19 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Lineage Chardonnay Unoaked 1997
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMatchstick, mineral, floral, peach aromas preview a dry, lean style almost Chablis-like white with more mineral, lemon flavours and very high acidity. The tart acidic finish makes this a tough style to sell. Needs a touch of creamy lees to smooth out the palate.Prices:| BC | $14.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Gehringer Brothers Harmony Optimum 1999
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, mineral, spicy muscat nose with some apple skin and quince. Rich, ripe and round with big mineral, spicy, soapy floral, pear and sausage flavours, very like a cross between viognier and gewürztraminer. Well balance, ready to go. Still holding well.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Gehringer Brothers Auxerrois Classic 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMineral, pear, light peach aromas with some earthy floral notes. Soft, round, buttery, pear, mineral flavours with a touch of sweetness. Simple, ripe, sound white made for everyday consumptionPrices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Gehringer Brothers Pinot Blanc Private Reserve 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMineral, chalky, citrus, somewhat herbal aromas with a touch of lees. Fairly dry with light buttery, chalky, earthy, pear flavours and a touch of bitter apple skin. A bit lean and lacking in fruit overall. Look for the 2002.Prices:| BC | $11.49 | 750ml |
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05 December 2003
85PTS
Domenico di Bertiol Prosecco di Conegliano NV
Veneto, ItalyBy Italian law, Prosecco may be still, crackling or fully sparkling. This ancient Roman varietal can produce wines that are either sweet or dry. It's made almost entirely from the ancient prosecco grape with a touch of verdiso. Look for a peaches and cream nose with a hint of fresh bread. The textures are light and round with more mineral citrus nut flavours. Add peach syrup to make great Bellinis.Prices:| BC | $17.75 | 750ml |
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04 December 2003
86PTS
M. Chapoutier Belleruche Côtes du Rhône Rouge 2001
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceSpicy, gamey, cherry licorice nose with some candied floral notes. Soft, round, supple style with very peppery, spicy, black cherry mineral flavours and a slightly dry finish. Simple, easy going dinner wine that will suit most food.Prices:| BC | $19.45 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut NV
Sonoma County, California, United StatesThe Sonoma Brut is a workhorse sparkler from GF made from over 40 separate selections of pinot noir and chardonnay grown on the 340 acre estate just north and west of San Pablo Bay. It's a sophisticated blend of 87 per cent pinot noir and 13 per cent chardonnay made from 20 different base wines each fermented in stainless steel tank. Look for crisp, tangy, pear fruit flavours are fruit forward with just a hint of almonds in the background. There's none of the austerity that can plague so many Old World sparklers and there's none of the sweet fruit flavours that are the bane of New World bubble. It doesn't get much better than this for the price -- delicious stylish and fun to drink.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $34.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $27.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Pierre Sparr Riesling Reserve 2001
Alsace, FranceMineral, peach skin, green apple, baked pear and slate nose. Dry, round, elegant structure with slightly soft acidity but quite balanced. Green apple, citrus, earthy slate flavours up front with a crisp peach, lime rind finish. Very attractive, solid style and an improvement in fruit over the 2000 vintage. Worth trying.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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03 December 2003
86PTS
Rosemount Jigsaw Shiraz Mataro Grenache 2002
AustraliaSpicy, pruny, gamey, meaty aromas with some a smoky raspberry jam undertone. Smooth easy sipping red with lifted acidity and peppery, strawberry jam flavours. An attractive, simple everyday hamburger red at an attractive price.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Rawson's Retreat Shiraz Cabernet 2002
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaSpicy, leafy, coffee, minty leather aromas open into a soft, round, sweet entry and a smooth warm, sweet finish. More black cherry, coffee, minty, tobacco flavours. Sound, friendly, consumer friendly style. Ready-to-drink.Prices:| BC | $11.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Simon Gilbert Card Series Shiraz 2001
New South Wales, AustraliaSmoky, coffee, cherry spicy aromas with a touch of sappy cassis. Soft, round and elegant with smooth, slightly dry tannins. Warm with cherry jam, smoky, coffee flavours and some sweetness on the finish. Solid party red.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.75 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Eaglehawk Shiraz 2001
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaSmoky, spicy, peppery, black cherry licorice nose. Soft, round, light bodied with some acidity and dryness. Gamey, smoky, licorice, black cherry jam flavours dominate. Elegant and flavourful but could use less acidity.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Matilda Plains Cabernet Shiraz 2001
Langhorne Creek, South Australia, AustraliaMinty, earthy, tobacco, spicy cassis nose. Dry, acidic, light bodied wine. Big leather, smoky, tobacco, minty flavours. Not much fruit or balance here.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Cockburn's Fine Tawny Porto NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalFine Tawny is aged for about the same amount of time as Cockburn's Fine Ruby (about three years), but in smaller barrels to hasten the ageing process. We like the spicy, peppery, tea leaf, rancio nutty nose with a bit of spirit showing. On the palate it is smooth and elegant with fine acidity and sweetness all in balance. A bit fiery and warm but with a fine rancio, buttery, spicy, tea, licorice and dried citrus peel flavours.Prices:Read Full Note
89PTS
Hazyblur Baroota Shiraz 2001
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaHazyblur "Baroota" Shiraz comes from the relatively new viticultural region north of Clare Valley, the most northerly wine producing area of South Australia. Minty, smoky vanilla, peppery, leather, bacon notes mix with black berry jam and five-spice. Rich, moderately elegant, smooth with a bit of grip on the finish. Big vanilla, smoky, bacon, cherry cola flavours and some peppery licorice notes on the finish. Needs a few years to round out but nice intensity. Only 350 cases were produced -- there are ten in Western Canada.Prices:| BC | $53.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $47.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Hazyblur Shiraz 2001
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaLocated in Barossa Valley, Hazyblur is a tiny winery owned and operated by Ross Trimboli. He purchased vineyards in the Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale, Barossa, and Baroota. The McLaren Vale Shiraz is made from 65-year old vines cropped at 2 tons of fruit per acre. Only 300 cases were produced - 120 bottles have been secured for western Canada. Look for spicy, ripe black berry jam, vanilla, and five-spice aromas mixed with smoky cola a touch of saddle leather. Rich, ripe and smooth with light, grainy tannins. Big black cherry jam, peppery, vanilla, smoky bacon flavours. Very smooth, rich style with good acidity. Will improve over the next few years.Prices:| BC | $53.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $47.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Simon Gilbert Card Series Shiraz 2000
New South Wales, AustraliaMenthol, pruny, sweaty saddle aromas with tobacco and cooler fruit notes. Dry, round, smooth with cherry, minty, spicy, black cherry flavours. Fine intensity but the finish is acidic and tight. Grilled lamb chops would help here.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
J. Lohr Cabernet Sauvignon Seven Oaks 2000
Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, Central Coast, California, United StatesSpicy, pepper, cassis jam nose with olive tobacco, leaf and bell pepper aromas. Rich, round, smooth on the palate with light, grainy tannins. Big minty, coffee, tobacco, black cherry and smoky cassis flavours finish a bit tight but with good flavour intensity. Well done and available in half-bottles for $13.95.Prices:| BC | $25.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Rosemount Shiraz Orange Vineyard 1999
Orange, New South Wales, AustraliaBig pruny, intense white pepper nose with leathery, smoky barnyard notes. Very dry and somewhat lean on the palate with nagging acidity showing through at the end. Smoky coffee oak and black cherry fruit with hints of pepper, earth and leather flavours. Cooler style and flavours but too lean and dry to be really enjoyable.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
CedarCreek Pinot Blanc 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWinemaker Tom DiBello does a consistent job with pinot blanc working the apple/mineral components and adding a touch of vanilla butter. The round, easy sipping style comes with a green apple, peach and canned citrus flavoured finish. Sourced exclusively from Greata Ranch Vineyard.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Woodbridge Portacinco 1995
Lodi, Central Valley, California, United StatesThe '95 Portacinco is a blend of five traditional Portuguese grape varieties planted around the winery at Woodbridge. It took three years to obtain enough budwood to graft onto rootstocks but the vineyard was completed in 1988 and is now one of the largest vineyards of these varieties in the state. Each variety is barrel-aged separately in small, French and American oak barrels for only two years to enhance the texture and emphasize fruit character. Look for spicy, nutty, rancio, blackberry, and steeped tea aromas. Rich and quite sweet with chocolate, caramel, raisin/walnut, rancio flavours and a smoky tea and tobacco on the finish. Slightly tannic with some grip. The wines are blended and bottled without fining or filtration and aged after bottling for an additional two years before release.Prices:| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
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01 December 2003
85PTS
Woodbridge Select Vineyard Series Cabernet Sauvignon Red Dirt Ridge 2000
Lodi, Central Valley, California, United StatesSpicy, green cedar, shoe leather with pruny peppery blackberry aromas. Very dry, warm palate with good extract but lean tannins. Big peppery, resiny, spicy, cedars bark flavours with some licorice root and earth notes. Somewhat bland with a strong cedar bark aftertaste and some herbal notes. Does not reflect the quality of cabernet coming out of Lodi these days.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 1999
Sonoma County, California, United StatesThe RS Reserve Cabernet program is an on-going process that comprises the properties best Bordeaux varietals of the vintage. The wines are made in the vineyard from the finest mountaintop vines and winemaker Rick Sayre's personal selection of each and every barrel. The blend is 81/10/9 cabernet/merlot/cabernet franc aged 23 months in 52 per cent new and seasoned American oak barrels and 48 per cent new & seasoned French oak barrels. Look for a spicy, smoky coffee, cedar, black pepper and tobacco nose with cassis jam aromas and some vanilla, green bean and olive highlights. Moderately rich with good concentration and somewhat dry, tight tannins. Lots of black olive, smoky coffee, vanilla, black pepper flavours and a cedar, cassis finish. Definitely Bordelaise in style and as such will need another two to four years to round out.Prices:| BC | $65.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $50.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon Alden Vineyards 1999
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesAlden Vineyards, sits at 900 to 1100 feet above sea level where prolonged cooler temperatures combined with the overcast mornings in spring and early summer help the fruit to ripened slowly. Look for a rich vanilla, coffee, mocha, saddle leather and black pepper nose streaked with clove, cassis, black olive and smoky blackberry fruit. Elegant and round with similar cedar, pepper, black olive, cassis and smoky coffee flavours. Warm earthy, mocha cassis finish with light tannins. Well balanced for current consumption. Keep another one to three years.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander's Crown 2000
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesThe 2000 vintage is the 26th Alexander's Crown a single vineyard that sits atop a rise in Alexander Valley. Quite an earthy/leathery aroma with prune, plum, chocolate and rootsy cassis notes. The styling is dry and round with slightly tight, grainy tannins. Not big but nice vanilla, coffee, cassis, cherry black olive flavours mixed with a touch of earthy, orange peel on the finish. Drinking nicely now but should improve for with 2-3 years aging. Solid effort for 2000.Prices:| BC | $45.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Ehlers Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
Napa Valley, California, United StatesThis 90/10 cabernet /merlot blend comes with peppery, saddle leather, cassis jam and blackberry fruit nose with vanilla, barnyard and waxy streaks. It's quite a classy red with rich, ripe textures and supple, light, grainy tannins. Lots of chocolate, peppery cola, cassis and black cherry flavours finish with earthy vanilla notes. An enjoyable wine that should improve over the next few years.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Hess Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
California, United StatesThe blend is 83 cabernet, 9 merlot, 4 malbec and 4 petite syrah. Look for a peppery, cola and spicy resin, saddle leather nose with cassis jam aromas and some blackberry, vanilla and waxy barnyard notes. There is fine complexity here in a soft, round and supple red. Cherry cola, vanilla and spicy, cassis jam mark its flavours along with a peppery, earthy blackberry finish. Attractive and well balanced and made for current consumption.Prices:| BC | $29.95 | 750ml |
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January 2004