quicksearch
Tastings: February 2004
27 February 2004
95PTS
Feudi di San Gregorio Patrimo 2001
Campania, ItalyMade from what was originally thought to be aglianico, but it's now believed to be a clone of merlot. Aged in new French oak barrels for 16 months. Very complex nose with spicy, tobacco, coffee, orange rind, liquorice, pepper and plum jam aromas with cardamom, gamey, saddle leather streaks. Rich, ripe, concentrated and round with very supple tannins. Huge spicy, coffee, plum jam, vanilla, chocolate pudding, orange peel flavours with a long, peppery, cardamom finish. A very ripe, hedonistic wine with balance and complexity. Very much like Masseto, Le Macchiole and Tua Rita wines - or the new big Pomerol garagiste wines.Prices:| BC | $189.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $149.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
25 February 2004
87PTS
Hogue Chardonnay 2002
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesOne, check out the price. Two, taste the bright citrus fruit flavours and mineral highlights with just a dusting of lees or bread dough flavours to make it interesting. Three, check out the price. Four, buy this one all summer.Prices:| BC | $13.38 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Bellingham Sauvignon Blanc 2003
Western Cape, South AfricaThe Bellingham sauvignon is made with grapes grown at high altitude, south facing vineyards, cool meso-climates in the Durbanville and Darling areas of the Western Cape. This is a zippy little white with tropical/pineapple fruit aromas and flavours spiced with jalapeno and tangy citrus streaks. Clean and fresh with just a hint of bitterness in the finish. Good value. Prices:| BC | $13.36 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
24 February 2004
86PTS
Blackstone Winery Pinot Noir 2002
Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesMade from the Dijon clone 777 the Blackstone shows licorice, compost, Bing cherry and compote notes with some smokiness. Dry, slightly lean, high acid palate. Rootsy, sour cherry, sour plum flavours with a spicy, smoky finish. Tart style, very cool climate pinot. Still will require some work but quite a good start.Prices:| BC | $34.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
Blackstone Winery Chardonnay 2002
Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesMade mostly from the Dijon clone 96 and grown on steep slopes. Honey, butter, floral, citrus, mango, lees aromas with a touch of artichoke. Dry, round and crisp with buttery, honey, citrus, vanilla creamy lees flavours and a strong mineral, citrus, green apple finish. Rich but delicate and crisp, very stylish and great to drink.Prices:| BC | $34.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
Monterra Syrah Vine Select 2000
Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesMade from selected plots and vines 4-6 years old. Intense black cherry colour. Peppery, spicy, resiny, saddle leather nose with clove, vanilla, eucalyptus and gamey black cherry highlights. Ripe, rich and round with a smooth, elegant structure. Fresh black plum, liquorice, rootsy, smoky, spicy flavours and a eucalyptus, vanilla, clove finish. A bit dry with high acidity but great fruit and quite a feat for young vines. Certainly shows the potential of certain areas in Monterey.Prices:| BC | $75.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Monterra Syrah 2001
Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesBlack cherry, plum, meaty saddle leather nose with some sausage and liquorice notes. Ripe, round and smooth with fresh cherry and plum jam, vanilla, liquorice root flavours enhanced by a spicy, peppery clove finish. Very suave, fresh and juicy. Delicious and good value.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
J. Lohr Chardonnay Arroyo Vista 2001
Arroyo Seco, Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesShows true Monterey quality and characters. Spicy lees, citrus, buttery vanilla, floral, apple skin aromas with a mix of mango and honey. Rich, round, slightly oily with buttery, toasty lees, spicy, honey, baked apple flavours and a mineral, citrus finish with nice acidity balance. Elegant, flavourful and balanced and fair value. Worth trying.Prices:| BC | $34.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
23 February 2004
89PTS
Geyser Peak Chardonnay Alexander Valley 2002
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesThe Alex Valley chardonnay is a big departure for Geyser Peak with its barrel-fermented, lees-stirred fruit that comes mostly off a riverside parcel at GP's Meola vineyard. The site boasts sandy soils, low yields, and cooling coastal fogs ideally suited to Chardonnay. Expect a delicious honey/fruity style nose and flavour with hint soft vanilla and hazelnut in the background. Round rich and ripe with just enough acidity to grab your interest. Impressive.Prices:| US | $16.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Kettle Valley Gewurztraminer 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA blend of stainless steel and partial barrel fermented fruit in older barrels. Big lychee, mineral, floral, soapy, peach nose with a touch of butter. Round, elegant, slightly sweet entry with good acidity. Strong mineral, lychee, green peach flavours with a spicy, meaty finish. It's a bit warm (alcoholic) and not inexpensive but we like the wine.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Meerlust Rubicon 1999
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaLook for a pronounced coffee and roasted pepper nose with rootsy, meaty, vanilla cola notes and saddle leather undertones. Soft, round, dry palate with light, cedar-y tannins. More smoky, resiny, coffee, vanilla, peppery flavours with some blackberry and cassis on the finish. It's a drier, Euro style with a fair bit of oak but it should have wide appeal. The blend is 70/20/10 merlot / cabernet sauvignon / cabernet franc.Prices:| BC | $43.13 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
84PTS
Jessica's Garden Cabernet Merlot 2001
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaPeppery, green olive, cassis, leather, boysenberry aromas. Smooth, dry, light bodied style with a touch of tannin and a very crisp finish. Spicy, earthy, berry flavours with some green herbal notes.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
83PTS
Hillside Cabernet Merlot 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery spicy, minty, dill nose with rootsy, peppery, leafy aromas. Smooth, round, sweet and sour on entry with cool, bell pepper, mint, clove and smoky flavours. The finish is medium long and quite acidic.Prices:| BC | $16.90 | 750ml |
| BC | $13.95 | 375ml |
Read Full Note
82PTS
Bodegas Torrique Catania Crianza 2002
Ribera del Duero, Castilla-Leon, SpainSmoky, tea, prune, soy, sweaty saddle leather nose with a touch of coffee and vanilla. Soft, round and supple but quite dry with high acidity. More smoky, vanilla, black cherry, and earthy, green cassis fruit flavours that finish fairly lean and very acidic.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Carmen Carmenère Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2001
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileIntense open minty, chocolate and fresh black currant berry nose with leafy peppery streaks. Dry, round and smooth with peppery, chocolate, vanilla, cassis and smoky leather flavours. Quite a dry, lean finish with strong smoky, resiny currant notes and a touch of acidity showing through. Best for fans of carmenère. Prices:| BC | $21.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
D2 Dixième Anniversaire 2001
Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesD2 is a blend of barrels that didn't quite make the cut for the Chaleur Estate label. Look for coffee, vanilla, minty, chocolate notes with saddle leather and some ripe black cherry, blackberry port-y aromas. The palate is tasty and smooth with some alcohol showing through. Very peppery, spicy, vanilla, mocha, black cherry jam flavours with a touch of cedar, green olive and tobacco on the finish. A bit hollow on the mid-palate with more oak than fruit showing but it remains an attractive, early drinking style.Prices:| BC | $64.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
92PTS
Harrison Hill Dixième Anniversaire 2001
Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesBlack pepper, earthy, saddle leather, cardamom aromas with some blackberry and cherry fruit mark the nose of this forty-year old, single vineyard, wine. The entry is dry and firm with some grainy tannins but fine structure and balance. Spicy, clove, vanilla, black cherry, mocha, licorice flavours mix with its long vanilla, cherry, smoky finish. Elegant with some finesse which is unusual for Washington but it lacks the big fruit that some labels display.Prices:| BC | $91.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
91PTS
Chaleur Estate Dixième Anniversaire 2001
Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesSweet vanilla, peppery, blackberry jam and licorice nose with a bit of saddle leather and some clove and port like notes. Quite ripe and round on entry with some youthful tannins and some alcohol or "Chaleur" (the French for warmth) showing through. Ripe cassis, blackberry, vanilla, smoky, clove flavours with a big coffee, black cherry finish and fresh acidity. A ripe, hot, oaky style but quite elegant overall.Prices:| BC | $91.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Chateau de la Meuliere 1999
Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux, Cotes de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, FranceLight cherry colour. Spicy, carrot top, herbal, minty, barnyard nose. Soft, round, supple entry with light, dry tannins. Peppery, weedy, olive, resiny flavours. Not much fruit or intensity but reasonable balance. Typical run-of-the-mill Bordeaux selling for more than your run-of-the-mill price.Prices:| BC | $21.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
83PTS
Blasted Church Merlot - Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCool green bean, leafy, spicy, bell pepper, saddle leather aromas. Very dry, round and smooth on entry with light tannins. Acidic structure with bitter green, herbal, peppery, smoky, vanilla flavours. Surprisingly low fruit in what was a very ripe year in the Okanagan.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
83PTS
Goundrey Homestead Cabernet Merlot 2001
Great Southern, Western Australia, AustraliaTypical dry spicy, peppery, leafy WA nose with resin and cassis fruit streaks. Very much like carmenère from Chile. On the palate it is dry, light and thin with earthy, peppery, leafy, herbal, olive flavours and a slightly acidic finish. Where's the fruit? Simple commercial effort.Prices:| BC | $13.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.25 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
22 February 2004
87PTS
La Frenz Semillon 2002
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig ripe nose with intense grapefruit, grassy, melon aromas. Ripe, round and elegant with similar flavours and a nice mineral, quince, citrus rind finish. Great now and over the next six months. Well made.Prices:| BC | $15.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Mt. Boucherie Summit Reserve Chardonnay 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom the Similkameen and Sunrise vineyards. Inviting citrus, peach, green apple buttery mineral aromas. Crisp, fresh palate with similar flavours and a stone fruit, vanilla, pear finish. Well balanced for current consumption or over the next year or so.Prices:| BC | $22.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
21 February 2004
83PTS
Bava Cocconato Thou Bianc Chardonnay 2002
Piedmont, ItalyThou Bianc (white tufa in Piedmontese dialect) comes off two vineyards: Neive in Langhe and Moncalvo in Monferrato. Look for a pronounced lemon oil, leesy, mineral, garlic butter aroma with some herbaceous notes. Very dry, lean entry with tart acidity. Mineral, green apple skin, lime rind flavours and a very dry, citric finish. A bit too severe and not enough fruit for us.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Rosemount Chardonnay 2002
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaVanilla, butter, honey, spicy lees nose with some melon and peach. Fresh, round, slightly sweet entry with crisp acidity. Lots of citrus rind, honey, buttery melon flavours. Elegant, commercial style.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $16.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.49 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $16.29 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Abbey Vale Vat 351 Chardonnay 2003
Western Australia, AustraliaSpicy lees, lime rind, apple and honey aromas. Dry, elegant and round with a smooth texture. Melon, honey, butter and baked apple flavours with a fresh lime rind finish. Good for lighter style seafood dishes.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
83PTS
Spinelli Quartana Chardonnay Terre di Chieti 2002
Abruzzo, ItalySpinelli "Quartana" Chardonnay is made entirely from Chardonnay grapes grown within the province of Chieti in Abruzzo. Look for a nutty, lemon, floral nose. Fresh, dry and tart but round and simple with some buttery citrus nutty flavours. Very sound for the money.Prices:| BC | $7.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
84PTS
Hillside Chardonnay 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaButtery, mineral, light citrus nose with some green apple and bread dough. Dry, warm, lean entry with some acidity showing. Buttery, mineral, apple citrus flavours but quite light and innocuous.Prices:| BC | $12.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Andrew Harris Chardonnay 2001
Mudgee, New South Wales, AustraliaRipe mango, pineapple, nutty, buttery citrus rind nose with some fig notes. Fresh, soft, sweet entry with tropical, melon, citrus mango and a light, fresh finish. Very friendly sweeter style but great ripe fruit.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Redvale Chardonnay 2002
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaGreen apple skin, mineral, buttery, citrus nose with some matchstick sulphur. Round, elegant entry with crisp acidity and a bit of sweetness. Melon, buttery, citrus rind, apple skin flavours with a fresh finish. Standard Aussie chardonnay.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Kissing Bridge Chardonnay 2002
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaStraight-forward melon, peach, butter, orange rind aromas. Smooth, round, fresh entry with buttery, red apple, citrus, lees flavours and a light spritzy grapefruit rind on the finish. A drier version of Yellowtail; more like Bin 65.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.49 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Chivite Colección 125 Blanco Fermentado en Barrica 2001
Navarra and Basque Country, SpainToasty oak, nutty, mineral, citrus aromas with some lees. Soft, round, dry entry with oily textures. Lots of oaky, buttery vanilla, citrus, nutty lees flavours and a mineral, honey finish. A bit hot and somewhat old style but when in Spain....Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Matua Settler Chardonnay 2002
New ZealandFresh clean floral, mineral, citrus, honey aromas. The entry is round the style elegant with lots of green apple, citrus rind and honey flavours and some mineral, buttery peach notes. Delicate style but fresh should be perfect with sautéed sole.Prices:| BC | $18.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Carmen Reserve Chardonnay 2002
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileButtery, honey, toasty lees aromas with some baked apple and citrus rind. Slightly sweet with spicy, honey, green apple, buttery lime rind flavours. Skinny and a bit lean with fresh acidity but the style is elegant.Prices:| BC | $17.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.45 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Serafino Chardonnay Unwooded 2003
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaUnoaked style. Mineral, musk melon, citrus aromas with some green apple streaks. Fresh, round, elegant styling with crisp mineral acidity. Lovely fresh lime rind, melon, buttery, mineral, green apple flavours. Tasty, zingy and worth a try for being so different. Would be even better in a screw cap.Prices:| BC | $23.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Blasted Church Chardonnay 2002
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCreamy lees, mineral, buttery citrus nose with some matchstick hints. Soft, round, somewhat sweet entry with buttery, green apple, mineral honey flavours and a fairly crisp, green finish. A solid effort.Prices:| BC | $16.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Sterling Vineyards Vintner's Collection Chardonnay 2002
Central Coast, California, United StatesCreamy vanilla, honey, floral, citrus rind nose with a touch of butter lees. Soft, round, warm entry with some sweetness. Very smooth, commercial style with vanilla, citrus, buttery apple, mineral flavours and a crisp finish. Solid effort.Prices:| BC | $18.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Sterling Vineyards Chardonnay North Coast 2001
North Coast, North Coast Region, California, United StatesSterling North Coast is a mix of fruit that is 62/25/13 Napa County/Mendocino County/Sonoma County. Creamy lees, spicy vanilla, waxy, green apple aromas with some lime rind notes. Rich, round, slightly sweet entry with very spicy lees, vanilla, creamy, butter and baked apple/citrus flavours. Fuller style, nice balance.Prices:| BC | $27.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
20 February 2004
90PTS
Signorello Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
Napa Valley, California, United StatesSignorello cabernet has always been one of Napa's best and with a $32.00 drop in price in may now be Napa's best value. Look for the usual big concentrated cabernet/cassis nose with subtle streaks of cedar. There's 15 percent merlot and ten percent cabernet franc in the blend. It's not a monster red but it has a reasonable amount of depth given the vintage. Look for black fruit and coffee mocha flavours with fine-grained tannins and smoky oak in the aftertaste. Solid.Prices:| BC | $65.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
92PTS
Signorello Chardonnay Estate Vieilles Vignes 2002
Napa Valley, California, United StatesAt Signorello "Vieilles Vignes" means vines that are 24 years old and fruit that is unfiltered and native yeast fermented. The yields are a stunningly low 1.7 tons per acre on average. Less new oak and less toast is de rigueur nowadays at Signorello something we wish the rest of California would catch on to. The emphasis' is more and more on fruit as evidenced by its rich apple/pear flavours and mineral streaks throughout. A complex heady, mouth-filling chardonnay with elegance.Prices:| BC | $59.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
91PTS
Signorello Seta 2001
Napa Valley, California, United StatesThis barrel fermented 60/40 sémillon/sauvignon blend is 'silky' smooth on the palate living up to its Italian moniker 'Seta.' Spicy melon notes with nectarine skin and citrus rind undertones. Juicy rich fresh and creamy this is a delicious drop of wine and should be on every wine list in the city. Serious and sophisticated.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
19 February 2004
85PTS
Hillside Cabernet Franc 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery peppery, earthy, tobacco leaf, dill nose with some cranberry hints. Soft, smooth and round with light, dry tannins and a touch of sweetness. Cedar-y, earthy, spicy, black cherry, smoky flavours with a smooth, somewhat alcoholic, slightly acidic finish. Sound if a bit commercial.Prices:| BC | $17.44 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Saint Vincent Cabernet Franc 2000
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFine peppery, cigar tobacco, spicy, black cherry jam aromas with some smoky, tarry notes. Very dry, round, structure with light, astringent tannins. More pepper with black cherry, cranberry and smoky earth flavours with a cedar-y finish gives this wine a true cabernet franc personality. Good fruit and varietal character but still a touch out of balance. Will need some time to settle down in bottle.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
18 February 2004
86PTS
St. Hallett Gamekeeper's Reserve 2002
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaSmoky, gamey, leafy, super hot, sweet black plum jam nose. Sweet, round, smooth entry with fresh acidity and high alcohol. Very intense black plum and cherry jam flavours with rootsy, peppery, spicy, cola notes. Super fruity but like having jam and port together. A $4 jump in price from the previous vintage makes this an ordinary buy at $20.00 plus.Prices:| BC | $20.58 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Kim Crawford Pinot Noir 2003
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandSmoky, leafy, dill, cranberry nose -- not very pinot-like. Soft, dry, round, elegant style with canned bell pepper, minty, sour cherry flavours with a bit of smoky vanilla. Obvious acidity on a finish that is smooth but much greener than the 2002. Disappointing.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Abbey Vale Vat 427 Shiraz Cabernet 2002
Western Australia, AustraliaPeppery, spicy, saddle leather, licorice nose with some black cherry notes. Smooth, round entry with very peppery, spicy, black cherry, licorice root flavours. A bit acidic on the finish but very suave. Very different style from Goundrey or Yellowtail.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Kaesler Stonehorse Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre 2001
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaHuge black raspberry jam, orange peel, mocha, gamey, licorice nose with some saddle leather streaks and high alcohol. Ripe, round, rich, hot entry with smooth tannins. Massive black raspberry jam, cola, mocha, vanilla, orange peel flavours with some plummy notes. Great fruit but off the map for heat and alcohol at 15.5 per cent. There's big acidity on the finish as well. Not for the faint-hearted. The blend is 60/32/8 grenache/shiraz/mourvèdre.Prices:| BC | $28.58 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.45 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
80PTS
Hillside Gamay 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDank, vegetal, sausage, rubbery nose. Dry, thin, acidic entry with very herbaceous, sausage meat and rubbery flavours. Not much to like here.Prices:| BC | $11.90 | 750ml |
| BC | $18.80 | 1500ml |
Read Full Note
83PTS
Hillside Gamay Noir Reserve Series 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, peppery, somewhat herbaceous nose with black cherry, gamey streaks. Very soft, warm, smooth entry with a sweet and sour texture. Spicy, smoky, canned cherries flavours but the smooth finish is too tart and too acidic.Prices:| BC | $17.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Chateau de Serame 2000
Corbières, Languedoc, Sud de France, FrancePeppery, gamey, black cherry, smoky shoe leather aromas with some licorice. Smooth, dry, warm structure with meaty, spicy, licorice, black cherry flavours and a smoky, garrigue finish. Simple, flavourful and ready to go. Try with barbequed lamb or ribs. The blend is syrah (35%), carignan (35%), grenache noir (25%) and cinsault (5%).Prices:| BC | $15.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
82PTS
Redvale Inheritance Cabernet Shiraz 2002
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaSmoky, spicy, candied cherry, licorice nose. Sweet, slightly tannic fruit with peppery, candied cherry, plum flavours and obvious acidity. More like soda pop than wine this one is misguidedly aimed at the Yellow Tail market but it doesn't measure up.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Domaine La Garrigue Cuvée Romaine 2001
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceSweaty game, meaty, spicy, licorice root nose with rubbery notes and warm alcoholic esters. Very big and dry with youthful tannins. Huge peppery, smoky, licorice root, black raspberry jam, meaty flavours with a big alcoholic finish and quite a bit of acidity. Will needs some time smooth out the edges otherwise serve young with rustic dishes.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Grand Luberon Cuvee 2001 2001
Côtes du Lubéron, Provence, Sud de France, FranceMeaty, gamey, garrigue nose with black cherry black raspberry jam and lots of spicy pepper notes. Dry, smooth, hot entry with intense black raspberry jam, peppery, licorice, garrigue flavours. Big fruit, some dry tannins to shed but lots of intensity. Think game dishes. The blend is 70/30 syrah grenache.Prices:| BC | $17.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Terre du Levant Côtes-du-Ventoux 2001
Ventoux, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceHot, peppery, menthol, garrigue, earthy, gamey nose. Soft, dry, round and fairly supple but very alcoholic. Peppery, spicy, licorice, black raspberry flavours with fresh acidity. Solid hamburger red.Prices:| BC | $13.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Terre de Schistes 2001
Faugères, Coteaux du Languedoc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceSpicy, sweet cherry, pruny, barnyard nose with some alcohol showing through. Very soft and dry with a round structure and hot, peppery, black cherry, orange peel, strawberry flavours. Smooth and fruity but alcoholic with some acidity on the finish. A fine ribs and pizza wine.Prices:| BC | $13.50 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
84PTS
Fouassier Père et Fils Sancerre L'étourneau Rouge 2001
Sancerre, Upper Loire, Loire, FranceYou probably know Sancerre as the home of elegant white wine but in better or increasingly warm vintages the Loire Valley region is turning out some interesting red wines. Look for a pale cherry colour in this pinot noir and smoky, leafy, strawberry aroma. It is dry, light and elegant with strawberry, spicy, compost, smoky flavours. There's some finesse but the finish is dry and acidic.Prices:| BC | $26.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
91PTS
Yalumba MGS Handpicked (Mourvèdre Grenache Shiraz) 2002
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaLicorice, gamey, black pepper, black raspberry jam, mineral, coffee vanilla aromas with a touch of saddle leather. Rich, round, suave and warm with light tannins and some heat on the finish. Lots of ripe black raspberry jam, vanilla, licorice, peppery, mocha, spicy, cedar-y flavours. A bit dry with some tannins, will improve over the next 2-5 years.Prices:| BC | $40.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $37.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $39.45 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
80PTS
Domaine Combret Magali 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCooked vegetal, peppery, earthy, dirty lees aromas. Dry, acidic, lean, thin palate with cedar-y, earthy, peppery flavours and a hard finish. No fruit and not much joy here.Prices:| BC | $12.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Montirius Gigondas 2000
Gigondas, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FrancePeppery, spicy, gamey nose with mineral, cooked prunes and jammy fruit aromas. The entry is big rich and warm (alcoholic) with some dry tannins. Prune plum, peppery, licorice root, meaty, orange peel flavours. Needs a bit of time to soften but overall it will be big and hot forever. Best served a touch cool on a cold night with a lamb leg.Prices:| BC | $37.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Clos Montirius Vacqueyras 1999
Vacqueyras, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceFull fledges south of France garrigue scented nose with a meaty, licorice root undertone, nuances of black olive, cherries and rubber boot. Warm, round, fairly dry entry with light tannins. Peppery, earthy, black raspberry, garrigue licorice flavours with a slightly hot finish and some black olive notes. Solid southern Rhone red.Prices:| BC | $31.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
91PTS
Penfolds Cabernet Shiraz Bin 389 2001
South Australia, AustraliaOpen minty, menthol (more than we remember) saddle leather nose , vanilla, peppery, tarry, cassis nose with some green bean and olive streaks. Rich, ripe, round, concentrated palate with very peppery, spicy, coffee vanilla flavours with a minty, cassis, black berry, mocha finish. Elegant, dry tannins are evident on the warm finish but as usual well balanced with fine potential to age over the next 5-8 years. Very young but certainly a top 389.Prices:| BC | $36.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $34.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $38.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $38.50 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
17 February 2004
85PTS
Berberana Tierra del Sol 2001
Castilla-Leon, SpainAs $9.99 wines goes the 01 Berberana fits the value bill. It's just ripe enough and round enough to please the palate perhaps overshadows its rustic underbelly. A solid Euro barbecue red with a touch of game in the finish.Prices:| BC | $9.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Berberana Dragon Tempranillo 2001
Castilla-Leon, SpainThis one of the cleaner, fruitier Dragon's I've tasted in some time. Juicy black fruit flavours soft tannins and an easy sipping style will make this a hit with consumers. Certainly, a wine to add to the ultimate barbecue red list. Well done. Serve all summer.Prices:| BC | $10.60 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Barbechera Crianza 1998
La Mancha, Castilla-La Mancha, SpainSoft round dark fruit colour and nose. Warm pruny cooked fruit flavours with a gamey earthy cedar undertones and dry chalky tannins. The finish is soft, round and pleasing if a bit warm or alcoholic. Should be fine when served with most any grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
16 February 2004
87PTS
Abbey Vale Shiraz Reward 2002
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaBlack pepper, clove, smoky vanilla, bacon and licorice root nose with some black berry jam. Dry, round, elegant style with fresh acidity. Smoky, peppery, fresh black berry, vanilla, rootsy cola flavours with some cherry on the finish.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
Pirramimma Shiraz 2001
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaSmoky, saddle leather, bacon, earthy licorice, black berry jam with spicy, peppery, clove notes. Warm, rich, round entry with slightly dry tannins. Very peppery, spicy, smoky oak vanilla, licorice, black cherry, chocolate flavours with some dryness and a touch of acidity on the finish. Lots of flavour intensity and well balanced, very McLaren Vale.Prices:| BC | $29.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
Langmeil Shiraz Valley Floor 2002
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaChocolate, blackberry, Christmas pudding, rootsy licorice aromas with some warm, meaty sausage notes. Dry, smooth entry with some noticeable alcohol. Sweet vanilla, black berry jam, big black peppery rootsy flavours with a warm, spicy chocolate finish. Very suave and round.Prices:| BC | $30.58 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Tinhorn Creek Merlot 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCool resiny, dill nose streaked with cherry and peppery notes. Dry, slightly tannic, smoky, briary, olive, peppery vanilla flavours. A lighter style merlot that is soft and elegant but quite dry with low fruit intensity. Prices:| BC | $18.53 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Tinhorn Creek Cabernet Franc 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTypical smoky, cigar nose with peppery, cherry, resiny notes. The entry is dry and somewhat lean but elegant with light, lean tannins. Earthy, resiny, cigar, olive flavours highlight the smoky, cherry vanilla on the finish. Solid if uninspired.Prices:| BC | $17.56 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Domaine du Tariquet Sauvignon Blanc 2001
Gascony, FranceMelon, passion fruit, grapefruit rind aromas with some canned jalapeno. Soft, easy sipping, round palate with kiwi, green apple, grapefruit and mineral flavours with a touch of bell pepper. Good acidity and balance. Year in and year out Tariquet is consistently made wine.Prices:| BC | $16.16 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Andrew Harris Shiraz 2001
Mudgee, New South Wales, AustraliaBig smoky, black pepper, mocha, licorice root, black berry nose with some saddle leather and bacon notes. Dry, somewhat lean and tight palate with black cherry, black berry, smoky vanilla, toasty compost flavours and a touch of acidity. Good intensity in a bit of an earthier style makes it distinctive.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2003
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandDelicious passion fruit, canned jalapeno and melon aromas with some mineral, chalky notes. Zingy, dry entry with an elegant structure. Fine chalky, grapefruit rind, passion fruit and jalapeno flavours with a clean fresh, delicate finish.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Kim Crawford Pinot Noir 2002
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandSmoky, toasted oak, barnyard compost aromas with peppery, black cherry clove notes. Soft, round, easy drinking style with toasty, spicy oak, black cherry, licorice flavours and nice delicate round finish with a touch of acidity. Clean, light fresh, drinkable pinot at an affordable price.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Kim Crawford Merlot Te Awanga Vineyard 2002
Hawkes Bay, North Island, New ZealandSmoky, resiny, bell pepper, olive, clove and leather aromas. Soft, smooth, silky dry entry with similar smoky, mocha, roasted bell pepper flavours flecked with mint, vanilla flavours. The finish is clean and fresh. Love the screw cap - a perfect closure for this wine.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Cheviot Bridge Shiraz 2001
Yea Valley, Victoria, AustraliaHuge ripe black cherry jam, black berry fruit with tarry, cola, licorice root meaty aromas and some vanilla but a bit alcoholic. Soft, round, dry palate with light dry tannins. Very spicy, black cherry, smoky vanilla, licorice meaty game flavours. A bit dry and lean on the finish but lots of intensity.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Canyon Road Sauvignon Blanc 2002
California, United StatesButtery, nutty, grapefruit, green peach and kiwi aromas. Round, soft entry with bitter grapefruit rind, bell pepper and kiwi flavours with some buttery notes. Fresh and lively on the finish. Excellent value Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Canyon Road Merlot 2001
California, United StatesSmoky, leafy compost, black cherry rootsy aromas preview a soft, round, warm entry. The flavours mix light dry cedar-y tannins and with smoky, licorice, black cherry flavours and a peppery, olive finish. Sound if a bit acidic on the finish. Fair price.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc 2003
Martinborough, Wairarapa, North Island, New ZealandGrassy, melon, mineral, gooseberry, green apple aromas. Slightly dry but very crisp and elegant palate with mineral, slate, lime rind, buttery green apple and gooseberry flavours. Light toasty lees, vanilla, green melon flavours on the finish. Very good considering this is only the second harvest.Prices:| BC | $34.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $32.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Carmen Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2002
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileMineral, gooseberry, canned asparagus aromas with a touch of grapefruit rind. Dry, round, lively palate with big mineral, grapefruit rind, green melon and bell pepper flavours. The finish is crisp but it lacks the fruit that was the hallmark of early versions of this wine.Prices:| BC | $17.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
91PTS
Doyenne Dixième Anniversaire 2001
Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesWarm spicy, smoky, licorice nose with meaty, white pepper, black cherry jam and saddle leather notes. Ripe, smooth entry with light, dry tannins and earthy, black cherry and smoked vanilla, licorice flavours. Light, dry tannins and a touch of acidity mark the finish. A bit reminiscent of syrah from both Hermitage and Chile. Very suave and balanced but more than a touch hot with alcohol at 15%. Certainly points to promising future for Washington syrah.Prices:| BC | $74.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
Serafino Shiraz 2001
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaThe Maglieri family have reappeared on the McLaren Vale scene with new state of the art boutique winery named Serafino Wines and as the owner of McLarens on the Lake complex, a four star accommodation, restaurant and conference centre. Look for a smoky, bacon, leather, floral blackberry jam nose with peppery, spicy, chocolate notes. Rich, ripe, round and fat it has creamy textures and smoky, tarry, peppery, blackberry and chocolate pudding flavours. Lots of smoky oak and vanilla mark the finish with a bit of warmth and acidity. Good intensity and balance overall and very good value.Prices:| BC | $25.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Blue Pyrenees Shiraz 2001
Pyrenees, Western Victoria, Victoria, AustraliaTypical Blue Pyrenees: chocolate, leather, cola, licorice aromas with some peppery notes. The entry is round and dry with some light, lean tannin. On the palate more spicy, black cherry, smoky, licorice cola flavours. An elegant shiraz with a dry and somewhat acidic finish.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Yalumba Barossa Shiraz 2001
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaYalumba adds five percent viognier to its Barossa shiraz to cleave open its flavour. The nose is a smoky mix of tar, jasmine, black pepper, black berry jam and leather aromas. Rich, ripe, round palate with light, dry tannins. Big licorice, smoky, peppery, black cherry, tarry vanilla flavours with some acidity that keeps it clean on the finish.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.49 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
91PTS
Penfolds Shiraz Bin 128 2001
Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaBin 128 one of the few Penfolds reds that isn't a multi-regional blend. The all Coonawarra fruit sees only French oak. In 2001, a warm vintage for Coonawarra, the 128 has an open, aromatic nose with peppery, coriander, cardamom, vanilla and smoky licorice aromas with black cherry fruit. The entry is dry and still tight with intense black cherry, smoky, licorice, spicy, cardamom flavours and sweet vanilla, chocolate pudding on the finish. Rich but elegant with finesse and fine grain tannins. The tannin will dissipate over the next two to four years making the wait well worth it.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $32.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $32.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $33.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
92PTS
Penfolds Shiraz Kalimna Bin 28 2001
South Australia, AustraliaKalimna is a multi-region blend primarily sourced from the Barossa and Clare Valleys, McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek regions. Oz wine writing wizard James Halliday says "there is a good argument to be made that it should be Bin 28, rather than Bin 389, which is 'Poor Man's Grange'" because "the emphasis is on the same lush fruit; the oak used is second - and third - use American barrels handed down through the Grange and Bin 389 programmes." In 2001 look for expressive spicy, white pepper, smoky bacon, licorice, black berry jam aromas with a touch of black raspberry fruit. A rich, ripe, smooth entry with chocolate, sweet vanilla, peppery, black cherry jam and some smoky, meaty notes on the finish. A touch of acidity and some alcoholic notes but otherwise well-balanced and full flavoured. Youthful to say the least.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $31.25 | 750ml |
| ON | $32.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $33.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
12 February 2004
92PTS
Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
Napa Valley, California, United StatesAt Caymus Special Selection gets all the attention. It's Napa and its cabernet and that's the focus. In 2000, some 87 per cent of this 100 per cent cabernet sauvignon was aged in new French oak for 17 months. The colour is inky black. The fruit is intense. Plums blackcurrants blackberries all mixed with spice, vanilla and toasted oak into a suave super smooth cabernet. Young firm and only beginning its life. It's not a brute but still needs three to five years to start singing.Prices:| BC | $199.63 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Caymus Zinfandel 2000
Napa Valley, California, United StatesYou don't see much Caymus Zinfandel in the US market but it has a big following in Canada. The wine has always showed much more character than its generic California appellation would suggest but then the $47 price tag helps to clue one in. In fact 80 per cent of the fruit come off the Monte Rosso Vineyard in Sonoma's Valley of the Moon where some of the vines are over 100 years old. This is a comfortable old zin with gobs of black fruit and earthy silky coat with lots of spice and vanilla. Friendly and approachable.Prices:| BC | $46.57 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
Napa Valley, California, United StatesWhen it comes to Napa Valley cabernet few labels top the Caymus experience especially in difficult years like 2000. For the most part the '00 cab is easy-drinking and very approachable even now. The blackcurrant and ripe berry fruit is present as well as the new oak and cedar but the intensity is medium. The perfect restaurant wine for 2004 through 2006.Prices:| BC | $97.62 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
91PTS
Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 1999
Napa Valley, California, United StatesThe '99 Caymus is rounding into form nicely. Initially tight and a little bit unforgiving this big dark red is starting to turn the corner. Look for black cherry and blackcurrant fruit aromas with more coffee, mocha chocolate and juicy blackberry flavours. The balance is perfect the finish is persistent and moderately concentrated. Drink now through 2008.Prices:| BC | $97.62 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
92PTS
Mer Soleil Chardonnay 2001
Central Coast, California, United StatesI've always been a fan of Mer Soleil and the 2001 may be the best release ever. Do not let the meaningless Central Coast appellation scare you off, this is serious stuff. The Wagners have been growing chardonnay in the region since 1992 on leased land and the original 100 acres is now up to 600 acres and production a nifty 28,000 cases. Look for yeasty nectarine scented white with a fabulous yeasty creamy texture. Pears honey and smoke permeate its long and persistent finish. Delicious chardonnay that that challenges Wagner's original regional benchmarks: Byron, and Robert Talbot. The wine is made Charlie F. Wagner son of Chuck J. Wagner.Prices:| BC | $66.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
91PTS
Belle Glos Pinot Noir 2001
Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesBelle Glos Wagner lends her name to a terrific new Santa Barbara pinot form the folks at Caymus. The nose is instantly attractive mixing dark ripe fruit (strawberry/raspberry) with under blanket of exotic spice and toast. Rich round and silky it's everything you want in pinot; and it's much closer to Burgundy than you might expect. Belle Glos is a long way from the original Caymus pinot noir thankfully long gone from the line-up. Drink now or through 2005.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
09 February 2004
89PTS
Southbrook Winery NV
CanadaMade from fresh raspberries, this product is fermented for a short time and then fortified to preserve its pure fruit flavours. Look for an intense fresh and candied raspberry and mint nosey. Very smooth, round, fresh raspberry with minty, jammy, spicy notes. Moderately sweet but very nice acidity and balance. Fresh and intense and very well made. A perfect match with dark chocolate or gelato and fruit.Prices:| BC | $16.25 | 375ml |
Read Full Note
08 February 2004
86PTS
Redvale Shiraz 2002
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaEnticing spicy sweet fruit nose. The entry is soft and silky before the acid-adjusted black fruit and spice kicks in. Smoky vanilla undertones help to fatten up a lightweight shiraz with an acidic bent. Serve with grilled meats for best results.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Woodbridge Syrah 2000
California, United StatesThe second ediiton has a raw, black cherry fruit persona on thenose and the palate with a smooth silky, consumer-friendly finish. A light up-front red where most of the action is in the front of the mouth. Solid weekday red for use around the barbecue.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Canyon Road Shiraz 2001
California, United StatesYou taste the Geyser Peak hand here in what is a delicious well made red. There's a firm line of acidity in an otherwise smooth leathery wine with spicy gamey black fruit flavours. A medium weight red that will do well near the front end of the wine list. Good value.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
83PTS
In Situ Syrah Reserva 2002
Region de Aconcagua, ChileBig leafy green nose reminiscent of carmenère with herbal olive undertones. On the palate it is round silky and sweet with smooth spicy sweet fruity finish. On one level this wine will have wide appeal but the sweet fruit and green undercurrent will turn off another sector.Prices:| BC | $19.39 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Yalumba Shiraz Y Series 2001
South Australia, AustraliaThe Yalumba Y Series wines continue to impress me and the shiraz is the latest example. Rich round, sweet and spicy it mixes licorice, mocha chocolate and black fruit from the front of the palate to the back. This is the kind of inexpensive Oz shiraz that deserves all the fuss; the rest are just pretenders. Drink or hold a year or two for even more reward.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.45 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
07 February 2004
87PTS
Champagne Piper Heidsieck Baby Brut x 4 Pack NV
Champagne, FranceVery toasty, leesy, nutty, cherry peach nose. Soft, round, forward style with a nutty, toasty, baked apple and citrus flavours. A touch bitter but sound and attractive. Champagne in small bottles especially red ones with black straws are the perfect distraction to keep you from noticing it's sparkling wine that needs drinking.Prices:| BC | $45.67 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Champagne Piper-Heidsieck Cuvee Brut Travel Pack NV
Champagne, FranceVery fresh fruity up-front aromas packed full of green apple fruit flavors. The Piper people call it a night champagne for bars, night-clubs and the theatre. Good balance and a round body make this very easy to drink. The blend is 40 per cent pinot noir, 30 per cent pinot meunier and 30 per cent chardonnay.Prices:| BC | $69.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $60.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $54.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $61.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $55.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $50.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $50.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $52.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
06 February 2004
87PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Pinot Noir 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDusty, raspberry, licorice, compost, black cherry aromas mark the nose. The entry is super soft and round; very easy-drinking with black pepper, black cherry, earthy, smoky flavours and fresh acidity at the end. A bit young but very drinkable now, should improve over the next year bottle. A nice jump up in style and substance over the '01.Prices:| BC | $17.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $18.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $18.68 | 750ml |
| NF | $18.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Sandhill Gamay Noir Burrowing Owl Vineyard 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, black cherry, spicy, light barnyard aromas. Soft, supple, round entry with very light, dry tannins. Warm, ripe, full flavoured cherry, peppery, compost flavours. Soft silky and approachable - more pinot-like than gamay.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Freixenet Brut de Noirs Cava NV
Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainCandied cherry peach aromas with creamy, raspberry floral characters. Round, soft mousse, easy drinking very appealing style. Quite dry but balanced with creamy, raspberry, citrus, nutty flavours. Perfect for assorted tapas or even Peking duck or pork dishes. Good value.Prices:| BC | $13.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $12.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $13.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $11.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Blasted Church Pinot Noir 2002
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRaspberry, cherry jam aromas with a smoky, leafy/vanilla streak. Ripe, round, dry, supple palate with light tannins and a touch of tart fruit on the finish. Tart cherry, licorice, peppery, smoky flavours. Fresh acidity but on the light side for a pinot.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
04 February 2004
85PTS
Greata Ranch Vineyards Gewurztraminer 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHistoric Greata Ranch, the second of the Fitzpatrick Family's three vineyards is located near Peachland in the heart of the Okanagan. The wine is processed and bottled at CedarCreek's state-of-the-art facility but the varietals under the Greata label are predominately grown at the Ranch. The '02 Gewurztraminer is a precocious sweet fruit and citrus flavoured white for easy sipping. Chill down and serve on the patio before dinner with finger food.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Mt. Boucherie Estate Collection Gewürztraminer 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaStrong musky sweaty aromas with some floral undertones mark the nose. The fruit is hand-harvested, de-stemmed and gets 24 hours of pre-fermentation maceration at cool temperatures. Quite light and airy on the palate with citrus fruit and rose petals aromas and flavours with just a touch of spice at the back end. A summer sipper or pair with lightly spiced Asian cuisine. Prices:| BC | $13.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
82PTS
Hillside Gewürztraminer 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, lychee, candied apple aromas with a soapy undertone. Fresh acidity with mineral, apple skin, honey flavours and a soapy, lychee finish with some residual sugar. Basic summer sipper.Prices:| BC | $14.34 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
03 February 2004
86PTS
Canale Black River Merlot - Pinot Noir 2000
Alto Valle del Río Negro, Rio Negro, Patagonia, ArgentinaSavoury black fruit nose with a spicy undertone. Soft and smooth as you might expect with just enough sweet fruit to hold your interest. The style is rustic but any piece of barbecue beef will sing alongside this unusual blend. Well done.Prices:| BC | $13.50 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Casa Rivas Carmenère 2002
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileThere's no mistaking the Carmenère nose of fresh bell pepper, spice and earth. The flavours are mix of leafy spicy peppery black fruit with quite a long earthy spicy finish. A savoury flavoured roast chicken would be the perfect match here.Prices:| BC | $13.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
In Situ Carmenère Reserva 2002
Region de Aconcagua, ChileTypical open, leafy, cedar nose with cassis and Bing cherry undertones. The entry is soft with gobs of leafy, cassis fruit spiked with cinnamon and white pepper. Round, peppery and long in the finish. Well done and very varietal. Roast lamb spiked with rosemary would tame this red on the dinner table.Prices:| BC | $18.05 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Finca Flichman Malbec 2000
Mendoza, ArgentinaSmoky leather compost aromas with stewed prunes. Soft smoky chocolate prune fruit that slides down easily. Balanced and smooth and affordable. A fair price for a solid wine.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
01 February 2004
84PTS
Mederano de Freixenet Tinto Seco 2001
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainSmoky, garlic, black cherry, spicy nose with a touch of rubber. Fresh, spicy, liquorice, meaty, black cherry raspberry flavours with a bit of sweetness and fresh acidity. Solid introductory red. Good valuePrices:| ON | $9.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Freixenet Brut Nature Vintage 1999
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainBrut nature is only produced in selected years and is a blend of 40/30/30 macabeo / parellada / xarello-lo. Very nutty, toasted almond, mineral, baked pear aromas. Dry, lean, very crisp dry style with lots of toasty, nutty, mineral, citrus flavours and a citrus butter finish. Quite refined and elegant but definitely a drier style. Good for fish tapas and fish done in olive oil.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
83PTS
Torre del Sole Sangiovese di Aprilia 2002
Lazio, ItalyLook for typical savoury earthy nose of sangiovese with hints of resin. Fairly soft and sweet on entry thanks to the warm climes around Rome but there is noticeable acidity on the mid-palate and finish. Simple dry acidic finish makes this a mid-week, spaghetti red at best - a Farnese look and taste-alike.Prices:| BC | $7.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
0PTS
Mediterranea Nero d'Avola 2002
Sicily, ItalyCorkedPrices:| BC | $18.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
March 2004