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Tastings: January 2004
29 January 2004
85PTS
Chartron La Fleur Sauvignon Blanc 2002
Bordeaux, FranceThis 100 percent sauvignon blanc is an introductory style white Bordeaux from négociant Schröder and Schyler. Look for a mineral, grassy, floral, peach and apple skin nose with some dry lees notes. Soft, round, very dry mineral, peach skin, grassy, grapefruit flavours. Dry, somewhat puckering acid finish. Another candidate for clams of oysters. Good value.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
La Cour Pavillon Sauvignon 2002
Bordeaux, FranceLa Cour Pavillon has been around since 1970 created by MW Martin Bamford. The concept of La Cour Pavillon is and remains simple: a personal selection of the cuvées and assemblage of cuvées two-thirds from the Entre-Deux-Mers district and one-third from the gravel covered soils of the Graves. The blend is 67/33 sauvignon blanc/sémillon. Look for orange rind, mineral, canned asparagus and passion fruit on the nose. It is round and sweet on entry with crisp acidity and a whack of canned grapefruit, green apple and asparagus flavours. Unusually sweet for Bordeaux and a bit commercial. Serve with fish and/or white meats.Prices:| BC | $11.75 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Baron de Montesquieu Reserve Bordeaux 2002
Bordeaux, FranceFrench philosopher, Charles-Louis de Secondat, Baron de Montesquieu, was also a noted winemaker at his family's Medieval castle, La Brede, that lies south of the city of Bordeaux, where his descendants continue his winemaking tradition. Look for a leesy, mineral, grassy, bell pepper nose from this 50/50 blend of sémillon and sauvignon blanc. Very dry, lean structure with grapefruit, grassy, kiwi, mineral flavours and just a touch of oak. Crisp and fresh and lean bring on the shellfish.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Chateau Bonnet Entre-Deux-Mers 2002
Bordeaux, FranceChâteau Bonnet was built in the 18th century and has belonged to the Lurton family since the end of the 19th. Bonnet Blanc is a 45/45/10 blend of sauvignon blanc/sémillon/muscadelle made by André Lurton. Look for a slightly floral, grapefruit nose with chalky, passion fruit and a touch of grass. It is soft, round and dry on the palate with gooseberry, melon, grassy grapefruit flavours. Nice fruit and acidity with good length. Not as austere as some which should give some commercial appeal.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Jacques & Francois Lurton Sauvignon 2000
Bordeaux, FranceThe Lurton brothers are blending blend fruit from selected Entre-Deux-Mers sites to make this un-wooded Bordeaux blanc. Gooseberry, mineral and canned grapefruit marks the nose of this soft, slightly sweet, easy drinking white. Look for mineral, cooked kiwi, bell pepper and grassy passion fruit flavours. There's decent acidity here but it finishes a bit too sweet and commercial on the end.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Mouton Cadet Blanc 2001
Bordeaux, FranceLeesy, wet wool, mineral, grapefruit aromas. Round, slightly oily textures with lemon, grapefruit, nutty mineral flavours. Very crisp but balanced and fresh. Simple straight-up white Bordeaux. Also available in 375 mL for $7.98.Prices:| BC | $13.38 | 750ml |
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28 January 2004
91PTS
Craggy Range Merlot 2002
Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New ZealandImpressive for young vines -- and it's only the second harvest. Very dark cherry colour. Peppery, barnyard, spicy, chocolate nose laced with clove, black cherry aromas, compost and saddle leather. Rich, full palate with soft, supple dry tannins and peppery, plum jam/Christmas pudding and smoky vanilla flavours. Young with fine near term potential of two to four years. Reminiscent of Pomerol reds.Prices:| BC | $51.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $45.90 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Fabiano Recioto della Valpolicella Classico Rugola 2000
Verona, Veneto, ItalyVery spicy, peppery, savoury, black cherry jam, pruny chocolate nose with a bit of rancio character. Sweet, rich, round entry with good acidity balance and light tannins. Very spicy, ripe black cherry jam, mocha flavours with a fruity, peppery liquorice finish. Quite elegant and juicy, but a difficult match for food - chocolate or fruit dessert or cheese?Prices:| BC | $35.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $32.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Poliziano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2000
Siena, Tuscany, ItalyVino Nobile di Montepulciano, the cornerstone of this estate, is all about a single, superior clone of the Sangiovese grape, known as prugnolo gentile. Look for a peppery, spicy, smoky vanilla with gamey cherry jam aromas. Rich, ripe, round structure but somewhat astringent tannins. Very spicy, peppery, cherry plum flavours with vanilla, clove, liquorice in the finish. Bits of acidity showing with dry tannins but should improve over the next 2-3 years.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $39.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Gagliole Rosso 2001
Tuscany, ItalyGagliole Rosso is a very savoury, gamey, ripe black cherry jam, licorice and clove aromas with some mocha/vanilla notes. Dry, rich and concentrated with dry, grainy tannins but decent elegance. Very warm palate with big peppery, spicy, vanilla, cherry, plum jam flavours with some cedar, smoky vanilla on the finish. A bit alcoholic but very good fruit. Needs 2-5 years to fully come around.Prices:| BC | $79.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $69.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Tommasi Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2001
Veneto, ItalyCandied plum, spicy, cherry, earthy licorice aromas. Sfot, round, elegant structure wiht tobacco, cherry licorice, savoury spicy flavours. A bit light but fresh and fruity and ready to drink now.Prices:| BC | $17.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Batasiolo Barbera d'Alba 2001
Piedmont, ItalyGamey, saddle leather, black cherry, spicy licorice nose. Dry, soft entry with somewhat elevated acidity. Big spicy, cherry, plum orange rind flavours. Very light, forward style with typical barbera acidity but will be fine for pizza or pasta.Prices:| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.95 | 750ml |
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27 January 2004
85PTS
Bisquertt Casa La Joya Reserve Merlot 2000
Region del Valle Central, ChileSmoky, resiny, spicy, cardamom nose with cherry, green olive and mint. Very round and smooth on entry with sweet cherry fruit and herbal minty, leafy, smoky vanilla flavours. There is a touch of acidity and sweetness on the finish.Prices:| BC | $14.90 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Piccini Patriale Toscana Rosso 1999
Tuscany, ItalyDry spicy, smoky licorice nose with peppery cherry, gamey aromas. Dry and acidic on entry with savoury, peppery, sour cherry and vanilla cola flavours. The finish is dry and somewhat astringent making it more old style sangiovese than new. Serve with roasted chicken for best results.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Villa Maria Riesling Private Bin 2002
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandThe fruit comes from two distinct regions in Marlborough: the higher plains of the Awatere Valley and the old river bed of the Wairau Valley. Wet slate, gooseberry, green apple skin and citrus rind mark the nose while crisp, green melon, butter and more citrus rind and slate flavours. A bit of sweetness takes the edge of the acidity up front but it finishes a bit sour.Prices:| BC | $17.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Salice Salentino Maiana Rosso 2001
Puglia, ItalyMade from hand-pick, 30 year old negroamaro grapes planted to high density. Look for a savoury, gamey, prune nose streaked with licorice and dried figs. Very soft and round on the palate with big spicy, peppery, chocolate mocha and Christmas cake flavours. No lack of flavour intensity but a touch acidic and cooked on the finish.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Goundrey Homestead Shiraz 2002
Western Australia, AustraliaLots of spicy, white pepper, resiny garrigue aromas with some black fruit showing through. Soft, round, supple wine with a touch of sweetness and acidity but well balanced. Black cherry, spicy, rosemary, peppery cola flavours with a nice smooth finish. A very solid, commercial style that represents good value.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.70 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Garry Oaks Labyrinth 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIntense spicy raspberry juice with an undercurrent of wet earth on the nose. Very dry and smooth on entry with light tannins. The flavours mix raspberry jam, licorice, bitter chocolate flavours and a bit of acidity on the finish. Good intensity.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Septima Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
Agrelo District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaSmoky, peppery, saddle leather, mushroom, black olive aromas. Super soft, round, dry entry with black cherry jam, smoky, peppery, roasted bell pepper flavours. Sweet fruit with noticeable residual sugar should make this a consumer favourite.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sumac Ridge Cabernet Merlot Cellar Selection 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery smoky, oaky vanilla nose with a lot of green bean, black olive and dill brine. Very soft and round on entry with smoky vanilla, peppery, cherry jam, resiny flavours and a touch of sweetness. Very sound everyday red.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Yangarra Park Merlot 2001
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaVery spicy, barnyard, peppery, cherry and raspberry jam aromas with some earthy hints. Dry, round and supple with cedar, vanilla, spicy pepper flavours and some cherry, herbal prune notes and elevated acidity in the finish. Soft, round and ready to drink without the usual herbaceous characters we see from Down Under merlot. Good value.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.95 | 750ml |
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26 January 2004
88PTS
Collina della Vedova Barbera D'Asti Superiore 1999
Piedmont, ItalyLicorice, cherry, peppery, coffee nose with some spicy vanilla and game streaks. Ripe, round and fairly rich with smooth, light tannins. Lots of cherry, smoky coffee, vanilla, licorice and black pepper flavours. Good acidity balance and fruit in a newer style. Drink now or hold 2-4 years.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Castaño Pozuelo Crianza 1999
Yecla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainBlack cherry, licorice and spicy/gamey aromas with a hint of black olive and cassis. Rich, round, slightly chunky entry with grainy tannins. You'll love the black cherry jam, licorice cassis, and peppery flavours with a somewhat dry, tannic finish. Young yet rich it should improve in the bottle over the next year or two but will be great with just about any grilled meat now. Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
M. Chapoutier Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Bernardine 2000
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceNice gamey, smoky, black raspberry jam, peppery, rootsy, leather nose. Ripe, rich round, elegant style with very soft tannins. Warm peppery, licorice root, mineral, black cherry flavours with a warm, spicy, cardamom finish. A bit of tannin to shed over the next 2-3 years but good balance and intensity for current drinking also.Prices:| BC | $44.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Hacienda Monasterio Crianza 2000
Ribera del Duero, Castilla-Leon, SpainHacienda Monasterio is a relatively young estate directed by Danish winemaker Peter Sisseck. Smoke pepper and black cherry jam aromas mixed with vanilla/leather aromas and a touch of barnyard. Rich round and moderately concentrated. Very spicy, peppery, cherry, black plum flavours with licorice root, vanilla and coffee on the finish. Will need another two to four years to soften the tannins and integrate but you could try with grilled lamb chops or an aged pecorino cheese.Prices:| BC | $61.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $53.95 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Marimar Estate Pinot Noir Don Miguel Vineyard 2000
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesDark plum cherry fruit with peppery, spicy, smoky aromas with a touch of herbal, vanilla beet root characters. Very rich, round, supple and concentrated with unctuous flavours of clove, licorice, black cherry jam, vanilla and a candied orange peel followed by a cedary, smoky oak finish. It's still young and will further improve in bottle over the next few years.Prices:| BC | $58.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Joseph Drouhin Chablis 2001
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceCitrus rind, green apple, mineral and quince aromas. Dry, slightly austere style with strong steely, green apple, grapefruit rind flavours. Very crisp but elegant and pure, will benefit from another year in bottle and some clams and mussels along side.Prices:| BC | $26.95 | 750ml |
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25 January 2004
88PTS
Castaño Pozuelo Reserva 1998
Yecla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainVery gamey, smoky, saddle leather, peppery, liquorice nose with black berry jam, chocolate and lanolin streaks. Ripe, round, dry palate with somewhat astringent tannins. Big black cherry jam, liquorice, spicy, chocolate, peppery earthy flavours with good acidity. Elegant styling, good fruit but a bit too hard right now. Try with roast lamb or rabbit but will be better in a year or two.Prices:| BC | $18.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Bach Tempranillo 1999
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainSmoky leather, cherry, spicy, vanilla, cigar aromas. Very dry, round palate with light tannins. Cherry jam, earthy, spicy, smoky vanilla flavours with a bit of a cedar-y tobacco finish. A touch lean but pretty decent match for grilled pork or beef.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Inca Cabernet Malbec 2002
Salta, North, ArgentinaGamey, smoky, cedar, cassis, black cherry jam aromas with some green bean and olive notes. Round, smooth entry with light, dry tannins and a bit of sweetness. Elevated acidity with black cherry jam, peppery, smoky, cassis flavours with a touch of leather. Sound but a bit too resiny and sweet.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Inca Barbera Merlot 2002
Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, ArgentinaSmoky leather, toasty pepper, resiny, black cherry and game aromas. Soft, round, sweet entry with light, dry cedar-y tannins. Black cherry jam, leather, cedar, smoky black pepper flavours dominate. Slightly bitter in the finish.Prices:| BC | $11.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.95 | 750ml |
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21 January 2004
91PTS
Feudi di San Gregorio Privilegio 2000
Campania, ItalyMade from late harvest Fiano grapes which are then dried for several months. Nectarine, citrus, honey, vanilla nose with some dried apricot and spicy lees undertones. Very round, elegant and moderately sweet. Fresh orange cream, nectarine, apricot mineral flavours with a long honey, vanilla, citrus finish. Very good fruit intensity and balance but could use just a bit more acidity.Prices:| BC | $77.99 | 500ml |
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93PTS
Feudi di San Gregorio Serpico 2000
Campania, ItalyMade in part from century old pre-phylloxera vines but 100% varietal. Very deep black cherry colour. Smoky, gamey, saddle leather, peppery, black cherry jam nose with some liquorice, plum pudding and vanilla underneath, very ripe. Round, rich and concentrated but a bit alcoholic with big, ripe tannins. Intense black plum, black cherry jam, vanilla, mineral, flavours with a long liquorice, gamey, peppery finish. Super ripe, intense style with some hotness but needs at least 5 years to start rounding out. Very much a Parker appeal here.Prices:| BC | $99.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $82.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Feudi di San Gregorio Selve di Luoti Taurasi 1998
Campania, ItalyPeppery, liquorice, mineral, black cherry jam, gamey, vanilla toasty saddle aromas. Big, rich, ripe, somewhat tannic structure with a huge maraschino cherry, marzipan, vanilla, black cherry flavours and a mineral, liquorice finish. Warm, long and intense if a bit rustic. Needs a good 2-4 years to shed some tannins but good potential.Prices:| BC | $59.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Feudi di San Gregorio Rubrato Aglianico 2001
Campania, ItalyPeppery, mineral, black cherry, resiny liquorice aromas. Dry, slightly rustic, tannic entry wit very spicy, garrigue, black cherry jam, liquorice and mineral flavours. Fruity, fresh, round finish but somewhat dry and tannic. Very solid.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.99 | 750ml |
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20 January 2004
90PTS
Chateau Brown Blanc 1999
Pessac-Léognan, Graves, Bordeaux, FranceThis a 12 acre estate planted to 67 percent sauvignon blanc and 33 percent sémillon. It opens with a spicy, fig, grapefruit nose with vanilla, grassy undercurrents. The structure is elegant, the fruit fresh, and the flavours a mix of juicy fig, citrus, toasted lees, spicy vanilla flavours and a grapefruit finish. Good acidity and balance in a slightly lighter style but very good for the vintage, which was better for white than red. Ready now but should improve for 2-3 years.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
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18 January 2004
90PTS
Craggy Range Chardonnay 2002
Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New ZealandSpicy, nutty lees with smoky, buttery, creamy vanilla and melon aromas. Rich, warm, oily, creamy buttery palate with very spicy lees, nutty, waxy citrus flavours and a honey, lees, mineral apple skin finish. Like white Burgundy, perhaps a Meursault or Macon. Has improved over the last year in bottle.Prices:| BC | $51.90 | 750ml |
| AB` | $45.90 | 750ml |
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17 January 2004
87PTS
Terre Mediterranee Insolia 2002
Sicily, ItalyMango, creamy pear, nutty, spicy, mineral aromas. Ripe, round, soft entry with mango, peach, pear, citrus flavours and a honey, lime finish. Very elegant, fresh and flavourful with good fruit intensity. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Virna Barolo Reserva Preda Sarmassa 1997
Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyA blend of two vineyards, Preda and Sarmassa. Wet tobacco, earthy, roasted coffee, peppery, prune licorice aromas with floral rose-scented notes. Very smooth and rich with ripe, dry tannins. Lots of coffee, tobacco, peppery, black cherry jam, licorice flavours and lively acidity on the finish. A bit rough at this stage but it has elegance and should improve over the next five to seven years.Prices:| BC | $64.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Virna Barolo Cannubi Boschis 1997
Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyPeppery, smoky coffee, licorice, cherry jam, vanilla, spicy tobacco aromas. Rich, somewhat tannic, dry entry but lots of canned black cherry, spicy vanilla, cigar, licorice, coffee flavours. Nice elegance and balance, will improve over the next 3-7 years to give it time to round out. A combination of traditional and newer methods.Prices:| BC | $64.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Orlando Abrigo Barbaresco Vigna Montersino 2000
Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyTarry, floral, cherry, plum jam, smoky oak leather aromas. Dry, somewhat tannic entry with very smoky oak, peppery, cherry cola, tarry licorice, and tobacco flavours. Somewhat tannic with very lively acidity. Very young, needs 3-5 years to emerge and could use a nice steak.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Serafino Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaAfter watching several vintages due to a non-compete clause the Maglieri family is back in business. Smoky, cedar, vanilla, saddle leather, blackberry jam cola aromas. Rich, ripe, slightly tannic structure with elevated acidity. Big blackberry, olive, smoky vanilla oak, peppery flavours with resiny, green bean aftertaste. A bit dry and lean on the finish needs a few years to round out but is a bit hollow on the mid-palate.Prices:| BC | $25.90 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Sterling Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 1999
Napa Valley, California, United StatesRipe blackberry jam, cassis, peppery, vanilla, cherry cola, tobacco aromas with saddle leather. Soft, round, fruity entry with smooth, dry tannins but quite grainy. Big vanilla, peppery, spicy, sweet oak, blackberry jam, cherry, coffee mocha flavours. A bit alcoholic and very ripe with some tannin to shed.Prices:| BC | $79.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Stonestreet Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesBig spicy, tarry, peppery, tobacco, leather, blackberry jam aromas with black olive, herbal notes. Dry, somewhat lean entry but lacks a bit of mid palate concentration. Very dry tannins with vanilla, cassis, peppery, spicy, licorice flavours and a bit of coffee, smoky olive on the finish. Pretty tough and lean now and reminds us a bit of Barolo. It will need five years to round out but we are not sure the fruit will make it.Prices:| BC | $62.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Angimbé Inzolia Chardonnay 2002
Sicily, ItalyAngimbé takes its name from the forest that borders the town of Salemi and is a 70/30 blend of inzolia/chardonnay with a distinctive anise and creamy lees nose with pear, apple skin and lemon oil aromas. Dry, slightly lean structure but elegant with nutty, oily, spicy, lemon, quince, and mineral flavours. Unusual combination of citrus and nut characters but well balanced.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Benchland Vineyards Mephisto 2001
Penticton Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight leafy resiny leather nose. Super dry and soft with a light savoury undertone. Tomato and pepper mark what is essentially an under flavoured wine. Not much here to recommend.Prices:| BC | $24.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon 1999
Rutherford, Napa Valley, California, United StatesOpen nose of black olive, leafy tobacco, earth and tarry vanilla aromas with a strong saddle leather streak. Expect a smooth, dry, elegant structure with more olive, pepper, spice, vanilla and cassis tobacco flavours with leather again. Nice balance but lacks concentration and finishes a bit too dry and acidic with strong herbaceous elements.Prices:| BC | $55.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
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16 January 2004
92PTS
Chaleur Estate (Blanc) Dixième Anniversaire 2002
Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesRich full-blown spicy, creamy lees nose with vanilla, butterscotch, grassy, citrus, quince aromas. Rich, smooth, suave entry with more spicy, creamy lees, honey flavours and more vanilla, melon, grassy, mineral passion fruit and fig flavours. Quite oaky and leesy but with wonderful balance, elegance and intensity. A Burgundian style white Graves made in Washington. A bit over the top but enjoyable nonetheless.Prices:| BC | $59.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Fouassier Père et Fils Sancerre Les Romains 2002
Sancerre, Upper Loire, Loire, FranceFloral, slate, citrus rind, passion fruit, green melon aromas. Dry, elegant, rich entry with some finesse. Ripe passion fruit, grapefruit, mineral, grassy flavours with some creamy, butter on the finish. Very well balanced and ripe. A fine Sancerre that is well worth buying.Prices:| BC | $26.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $14.75 | 375ml |
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88PTS
Sterling Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc North Coast 2002
North Coast, North Coast Region, California, United StatesMineral, creamy lees, grapefruit, grassy, passion fruit aromas. Round, rich, creamy entry with vanilla, lees, mineral, melon, grassy, grapefruit flavours. Has a bit of a hot, honeyed, sweet finish but drinkable on its own. Good textures.Prices:| BC | $22.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Casa Rivas Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2003
Maria Pinto, Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileFloral, grassy, gooseberry, passion fruit nose with a touch of matchstick. Dry, fresh, crisp but elegant entry. Big gooseberry, mineral, kiwi, grapefruit flavours with a touch of melon. Full, balanced flavours front to back with very crisp acidity. Well made.Prices:| BC | $18.95 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Frei Brothers Redwood Creek Sauvignon Block 2002
California, United StatesWet wool, canned grapefruit, and herbal, citrus rind aromas. Soft, round, slightly sweet entry with mineral, cooked kiwi, herbal, grapefruit flavours. Simple, forward, unfocussed sauvignon blanc.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Rosemount Sauvignon Blanc 2002
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaMineral, passion fruit, canned grapefruit, citrus rind. Soft, round, dry mineral, canned jalapeno, grapefruit flavours with a bit of melon. Light body with some oily textures. Simple at best.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Beringer North Coast Zinfandel 1997
North Coast Region, California, United StatesCooked prune, sweaty leather, spicy, coffee aromas with hints of blackberry. Rich, round entry but quite dry with very spicy, peppery, ripe blackberry jam, vanilla, pruny flavours. A bit old but solid and warm.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.63 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Matilda Plains Sauvignon Blanc 2002
Langhorne Creek, South Australia, AustraliaCanned grapefruit, asparagus, gooseberry, mineral aromas preview a round entry with fresh acidity and a slightly oily texture. Big grapefruit rind, gooseberry, mineral, green apple flavours are attractive but it's somewhat herbaceous and a bit bitter in the finish. Reasonable balance.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chateau Tour de Mirambeau 2002
Entre-Deux-Mers, Bordeaux, FranceThe Despagne family owns a handful of estates in Bordeaux whose reputations have blossomed of late. Made in the Entre-Deux-Mers the Tour de Mirambeau Blanc surprises with its fresh grassy, floral, grapefruit, sweaty lees, oyster shell aromas. Round, creamy, oily entry with grapefruit rind, creamy lees, mineral, passion fruit, floral, green peach flavours. Very suave, elegant style with fresh flavours well made for the region. The blend is sauvignon blanc, sémillon and muscadelle. The 2003 is current now.Prices:| BC | $22.60 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Markham Zinfandel 2000
Napa Valley, California, United StatesThis is a delicious red wine. Ripe blackberry jam, spicy, peppery, saddle leather and coffee aromas entice your nose into the glass to discover a rich, smooth entry and more ripe blackberry jam, coffee, spicy, smoky vanilla/cola flavours. A touch warm (alcoholic) but ripe and intense. Perfect for current consumption.Prices:| BC | $37.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $34.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Sumac Ridge Sauvignon Blanc Private Reserve 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVanilla, buttered-popcorn, grapefruit and green melon aromas with a floral undercurrent. Warm, oily, soft entry with sweet vanilla, buttery, spicy oak flavours and some grapefruit, grassy melon notes at the end. We like the rind flavoured finish and round textures but we would love to see just a little less oak in the aftertaste.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Sumac Ridge Sauvignon Blanc Cellar Selection 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGrassy, grapefruit, buttery, mineral aromas. Soft, round, warm entry with fresh grassy, buttery, oily, grapefruit flavours. Ready to go, fresh, simple summer seafood white.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Gallo Sonoma Zinfandel Frei Ranch Vineyard 1999
Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesThe nose is a mix of overripe blackberry, pruny, pepper and saddle leather aromas with some nice black licorice and cedar notes. Rich and intense with some dry tannins and enough alcohol to give it a slightly "porty" edge. The flavours are blackberry jam, coffee/vanilla and resiny, licorice flavours. A warm, somewhat overripe style, that appears to aging quickly.Prices:| BC | $39.95 | 750ml |
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15 January 2004
86PTS
Delas Crozes-Hermitage Les Launes 2000
Crozes Hermitage, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceSmoky, roasted pepper nose with pruny, spicy, gamey, licorice aromas. Dry, elegant, slightly lean entry with obvious acidity in the finish. Spicy, gamey, pruny, smoked pepper flavours and a lean, tight structure. Not the best bottle we have tasted and we wonder if it's suffering form some cork taint. Not as fine as the 1998.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Geil Riesling Kabinett 2002
Rheinhessen, GermanyRipe peach, apple, mineral, citrus floral aromas. Very ripe entry with good acidity but fairly sweet kabinett. Creamy peach, mineral, apple, honey flavours. Ripe and ready but will hold with reasonable acidity.Prices:| ON | $12.95 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Blasted Church Ehrenfelser 2002
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMineral, minty, overripe cantaloupe, peanut shell, quite strange. Round, rich, somewhat sweet entry with mineral, peanut shell?, apple floral flavours. There is something out of synch here for ehrenfelser. Prices:| BC | $13.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Fairview Cyril Back Shiraz 2000
Paarl, Coastal Region, South AfricaThe 2000 vintage was a very warm vintage. All fruit is grown at Fairview on the decomposed granite slopes of Paarl Mountain using a number of clones. Peppery, spicy, gamey, meaty, plum jam, pruny vanilla aromas. Dry, round, rich, smooth entry with some gritty tannins. Lots of smoky vanilla, licorice, blackberry jam, cola flavours. Rich, oaky style that while not too tannic may be a touch high in acidity.Prices:| BC | $32.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Giesen Riesling 2001
Canterbury, South Island, New ZealandIntense wet slate, floral, creamy notes on the nose streaked with citrus and lemon oil aromas. Rich, round, slightly sweet on entry with elegance and creaminess. Huge floral, perfume, creamy apple, mineral, peach flavours. Crisp, long persistent finish. Quite impressive and good value for New Zealand riesling.Prices:| BC | $18.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Fairview Primo Pinotage 2001
Paarl, Coastal Region, South AfricaThe pinotage is mostly harvested from bush vines, some of which are over 25 years old the rest of fruit comes off younger trellised vineyard at Fairview. Look for a smoky, shoe polish, vanilla, cherry cola, leather nose with a dry, smooth, hot entry and a huge smoky resiny, vanilla oak, cherry cola, leathery tobacco taste. The finish is smoky and crisp but the wine is dominated by oak tannins and it's not the better for it.Prices:| BC | $19.80 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Fairview Viognier 2002
Paarl, Coastal Region, South AfricaCitrus, creamy peach, honey, mineral spice aromas with some ginger and vanilla. Round, rich and dry but elegant and persistent with creamy vanilla, peach, honey, citrus rind, mineral flavours and a slightly leesy, nutty lychee finish. Quite crisp and suave, try this with Thai chicken satay or prawns in cream.Prices:| BC | $21.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.50 | 750ml |
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81PTS
Lineage Cabernet Franc 1999
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery pale rose colour. Floral, leafy tobacco, leesy, skunky aromas. Dry, lean, light, thin bodied wine with leafy, tobacco, earthy flavours and quite an acidic finish. Not much here to like.Prices:| BC | $12.90 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Garry Oaks Pinot Gris Salt Spring Island 2002
Burgoyne Valley, Salt Spring Island, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaThere's a touch of burnt match stick on the nose followed by mineral, floral, baked apple aromas. Round, elegant, dry, mineral, citrus flavoured white with ripe apple and green peach in the finish. Crisp if light in the finish but sound and flavourful. A good start.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sélection Delas Viognier 2001
Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceBig honey, floral, orange nose with streaks of mineral with meaty, lychee fruit undertones. Dry, round, oily entry but the structure is elegant and dry. More spicy, meaty lychee, mineral fruit flavours with a dollop of honey and citrus. Good balance and value here in viognier.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Delas Côtes-du-Ventoux 2002
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceOpen enticing red licorice, spicy, berry, mineral nose. Soft and fruity on the entry but quite dry and Beaujolais like with high acidity in the finish. Earthy, raspberry, mineral, floral flavours. All in all a bit tannic and lean perhaps reflecting the ordinary vintage.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Sélection Delas Syrah 2001
FranceExpect a spicy, intense white pepper nose with raspberry and blackberry jam aromas. The style is light and round but quite dry and fresh. Young raspberry, licorice, black cherry and spicy flavours. A bit lean and crisp but very good fruit and not too intense. Will pair well with lightly grilled meats and stews. Lean sophisticated Euro styling calls for similar menu items.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Lotusland Pinot Grigio 2002
Fraser Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLook for a very fruity, floral, mineral nose with spicy candied apple notes. It is dry and round on the palate with mineral, slate, quince, citrus rind flavours. A bit lean and light with high acidity but sound for a first effort.Prices:| BC | $16.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Batasiolo Roero Arneis 2001
Piedmont, ItalyThe production zone of Roero Arneis, a unique dry, white wine from the province of Cuneo. The 595 owners of vineyards contribute to a annual production of about 1.800.000 bottles (from 337 acres) all made from the arneis grape. Floral, perfumed nose with mineral, nutty lees, citrus rind notes. Round, slightly oily, soft entry with anise, citrus rind, mineral, quince and quite a dry, floral finish. Unique and fairly intense. It reminds us of a cool-climate viognier. Ideal for simply prepared vegetable dishes and or white meats and light fish.Prices:| BC | $18.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Ruffino Orvieto Classico 2002
Umbria, ItalyOrvieto Classico is a white wine from Umbria made with mostly grechetto, procanico and verdello. Look for a buttery, pear, nutty, mineral nose. It is soft, round and dry on entry with straw, buttery, mineral, nutty flavours with some citrus rind butter on the finish. Sound, fresh and perfect for summer.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
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13 January 2004
85PTS
Beringer Founders' Estate Shiraz 1999
California, United StatesSweaty, gamey, leather, tomato leaf nose with roasted bell pepper aromas. Soft, round, somewhat sweet entry with peppery, gamey, earthy, tomato leaf, cherry flavour. Dry, slightly lean and acidic finish. A somewhat unbalanced wine without much varietal character.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.49 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Stone Cellars Chardonnay 2001
California, United StatesOpen spicy, peach, melon aromas with a pleasant hint of vanilla in the background. It's round and slightly sweet entry with buttery, oily, resiny, peach baked apple flavours. Soft, elegant, easy-drinking white without a lot of intensity.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Beringer Chardonnay 2000
Napa Valley, California, United StatesToasty, nutty garlic lees nose with a creamy, spicy, peach aromas and a touch of honey. Dry, round entry but a touch lean with good buttery, honey, spicy, nutty lees and a baked apple, creamy lees finish. Quite elegant and balanced, a bit leaner than past editions which is attractive for food pairing.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Torres Coronas Tempranillo 2001
Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainRipe cherry, smoky, vanilla, gamey leather, spicy sandalwood nose. Soft, round, entry with some light, dry tannins but very balanced. Smoky, coffee, black cherry and plum flavours with some peppery, spicy notes on the finish. Good intensity and flavours.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Torres Sangre de Toro 2001
Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainGamey, leather, smoky black plum spicy aromas. Soft, round, easy entry with a somewhat dry, acidic finish. Earthy, leather, black plum licorice flavours. Smooth but could use more extract.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Fattoria Le Fonti Chianti Classico 2001
Tuscany, ItalyAttractive peppery, spicy, black cherry, smoky nose with saddle leather and some floral notes. Rich, round, chunky entry with some defined tannins but well balanced. Intense peppery, licorice, black cherry, almond, cedar, coffee flavours. Fine nose and good intensity but young, needs 2-3 years to fully round out. Well done.Prices:| BC | $26.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Brancaia Chianti Classico 2001
Tuscany, ItalyGreat cherry colour and expressive spicy, roasted coffee bean nose streaked with vanilla and cherry jam aromas. Round, slightly acidic entry but fresh. Intense cherry, vanilla, spicy, coffee flavours. Dry, slightly lean, astringent finish with lots of cherry coffee. A bit dilute in the mid-palate but good overall intensity due to the new oak.Prices:| BC | $49.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $31.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Columbia Crest Merlot-Cabernet 1999
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesBig smoky, green bean, green olive, minty, bell pepper nose. Soft, round, dry entry but very smooth and elegant with very light tannins. Smoky vanilla, coffee, bell pepper, green bean flavours. Somewhat light and acidic for the vintage and a bit more herbaceous than say the Two Vineyard merlot but overall balanced and drinkable.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro Chianti Classico Riserva 1997
Tuscany, ItalyVery sweaty, leather, gamey mineral, earthy, truffle aromas. Rich, round, soft entry with a slightly dry finish. Big leather, soy, coffee, earthy, licorice flavours but finish is quite dry. Already mature and somewhat low in fruit but it has good richness.Prices:| BC | $46.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Ruffino Chianti 2002
Tuscany, ItalyVery spicy, peppery, cardamom nose with some black cherry and licorice streaks. Very dry, tight palate with noticeable acidity and low extract. Earthy, licorice, black plum, peppery flavours and quite an acidic finish. Not and easy vintage to like.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Ruffino Fonte Al Sole Sangiovese di Toscana 2001
Tuscany, ItalyGamey, saddle leather, smoky plum nose with some rubbery hints. Dry, elegant, somewhat lean entry with light concentration. Peppery, spicy, gamey licorice flavours with a slightly astringent, acidic finish. Easy wine for tomato based dishes but in the future more fruit in the mix would be appreciated.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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12 January 2004
91PTS
Jean-Marc Brocard Chablis Montmains 1er Cru 2002
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceGood green apple skin, slate, wet wool, lemon rind aromas with nutty lees and green melon streaks. Quite rich, ripe, round entry but elegant and crisp. Very good ripe citrus, green apple, flinty slate, baked pear flavours. Long and balanced with good acidity, balance and texture. A fine year for Chablis.Prices:| BC | $38.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $33.45 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Alkoomi Blackbutt 1999
Great Southern, Western Australia, AustraliaA blend of cabernet sauvignon, malbec, merlot and cab franc from Frankland River area. Spicy, saddle leather, peppery, black olive, coffee vanilla aromas wit some blackberry jam, cassis and cherry fruit. Dry, round, slightly tannic entry with some smoothness. Big herbal cassis, peppery, coffee, black olive flavours with some tobacco and blackberry on the finish. Somewhat lean and tight on the finish with some noticeable acidity. Needs 2-3 years to fully round out. Would be better with a bit lower acidity.Prices:| BC | $42.50 | 750ml |
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08 January 2004
89PTS
Haras Elegance Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileMinty, earthy, cassis, sappy, licorice root aromas with some blackberry and barnyard undercurrents. Ripe, round, soft entry with lots of licorice root, spice and more gamy, earthy herbal, black olive notes on the finish. Quite rich, suave and balanced but needs to reduce the herbal content to really shine. Drink now or 2-4 years.Prices:| BC | $49.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Yalumba The Menzies Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 1999
Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaSpicy, tobacco, cassis jam, coffee, smoky leather aromas with nice hints of black olive, vanilla, and liquorice. Dry, somewhat tannic, slightly hard entry with a bit of heat. Very rich flavours of vanilla, cassis, tobacco, olive, green bean, smoky leather and cardamom. A touch acidic on the finish and very young, this should improve over the next 3-7 years. Very Coonawarra and a top Menzies wine.Prices:| BC | $43.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $32.91 | 750ml |
| ON | $41.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Markham Cabernet Sauvignon 1999
Napa Valley, California, United StatesRipe blackberry jam, earthy, licorice root aromas streaked with peppery, vanilla, saddle leather aromas and some coffee notes. Very warm and ripe but somewhat dry and astringent on the palate with more blackberry, smoky vanilla, licorice, earthy, peppery flavours. The finish is a bit lean and hot and the wine appears to be a bit hollow and unbalanced at this point. It should improve in the bottle.Prices:| BC | $51.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $47.00 | 750ml |
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07 January 2004
89PTS
Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon 1999
Napa Valley, California, United StatesBlack olive, spicy, cassis, cedar, and blackberry aromas with vanilla, cardamom and leather streaks. Elegant, round, smooth palate with light, grainy tannins. Ripe cassis, spicy, peppery, cedar, vanilla flavours with black olive, tobacco, herbal notes on the finish. Good intensity and very well balanced, this is drinkable now but will improve for 2-4 years. Very consistent quality.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $31.35 | 750ml |
| ON | $37.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $41.50 | 750ml |
| NB | $40.84 | 750ml |
| NF | $42.87 | 750ml |
| MB | $43.50 | 750ml |
| NS | $49.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $38.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Sterling Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
Napa Valley, California, United StatesAnother pleasant surprise from Sterling. Chocolate, coffee/prune, and pepper along with big cassis, some tobacco and saddle leather mark the nose. It has a rich, sumptuous, round palate with smooth, fine tannin. It is very suave. Peppery, spicy, clove vanilla, chocolate cassis flavours with an olive, orange rind, tobacco and coffee finish. Fine balance. It is drinkable now but could use a year or two to fully round out. Good value for California and similar in styling (rich and suave) as the merlot.Prices:| BC | $34.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $29.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Artesa Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
Napa Valley, California, United StatesSmoky vanilla, spicy, black olive, licorice, barnyard, saddle leather aromas with fine streaks of blackberry jam. Soft, round elegant style with medium extract and a touch of dry, cedary tannins. Fine spicy, clove, peppery, cedary, vanilla, smoky cassis flavours with olive, chocolate and licorice on the finish. Quite elegant in style with an herbal core and a touch of acidity. Drink now or hold for a year or two. An interesting combination of styling and blend of various Napa Valley regions.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Stone Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
California, United StatesSpicy, peppery, blackberry, smoky leather aromas. Soft, round and smooth on entry with noticeable sweetness and a slight acidity. Cedar, spicy buttery mixes with black cherry flavours. A simple, commercial wine for entry-level drinkers.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Beringer Founders' Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
California, United StatesBlackberry, prune, cedar, vanilla, peppery black olive aromas with a touch of barnyard and leather. Dry slightly tannic entry yet sweet on the mid-palate and finish. The flavors mix cedar spice, prune, vanilla and confiture flavours with some leather, sawdust notes on the finish. Expensive for what you get.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.49 | 750ml |
| SK | $22.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $21.49 | 750ml |
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05 January 2004
89PTS
Williams & Humbert Walnut Brown NV
Sherry Jerez - Manzanilla, SpainA blend of palomino, pedro ximénez and moscatel grapes. Quite dark mahogany in colour, truly walnut brown. Very open, spicy, minty, fruity, pear, Christmas cake, nutty, buttery aromas. What a difference the moscatel and pedro can make. Elegant, round, soft style with medium sweetness. Good toffee, spicy, raisiny, fig, mineral buttery flavours, quite fruity and intense. Good after dinner sip with some cheese, dried fruits and nuts.Prices:| BC | $14.25 | 750ml |
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03 January 2004
87PTS
Gonzalez Byass Elegante Sweet Cream NV
Sherry Jerez - Manzanilla, SpainSpicy, raisiny, gunpowder, slightly rancio nose with a hint of cherry and fig. Quite sweet with good acidity but a touch sharp. Elegant entry with very raisiny, buttery, rancio, walnut soy flavours. Nice and fresh but quite sweet. Very solid and a great value for a full bottle.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Lustau Sherry Solera Reserva Deluxe Cream Capataz Andres NV
Sherry Jerez - Manzanilla, SpainLight mahogany colour. Spicy, butterscotch, raisiny, sweaty, roasted walnut aromas. Rich, intense, and sweet but has very good acidity balance. Lots of spicy, peppery, muscat raisin, soy, orange peel flavours with walnut, dried fig finish. Nice finesse and length with just the right sweetness for a dessert style. Good value too.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 375ml |
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86PTS
Domaine Alary Daniel & Denis La Grange Daniel 2001
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceGamey, cedar, smoky, black cherry jam aromas with some peppery barnyard notes. Dry, round and moderately soft with light, dry tannins. Earthy, cedary, peppery, black cherry and strawberry flavours. Reasonable length and intensity, just a bit rustic. Good value.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Domaine de Laquirou 2001
Coteaux du Languedoc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceSpicy, gamey, peppery, cherry aromas with a touch of compost and cedar. Dry, somewhat lean, slightly acidic structure. Cherry, peppery, spicy flavours that are full and warm. A bit lean and dry but is quite acceptable with food and pretty good value.Prices:| BC | $8.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Domaine des Espiers Côtes du Rhône 2001
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceBlack cherry, smoky, spicy, gamey liquorice aromas. Round, medium bodied with light, dry tannins. Good intensity peppery, spicy, black cherry jam, liquorice flavours with a warm, round finish. Elegant style with a slightly dry tannic finish, still has good balance and ripeness for a very good price.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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February 2004