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Tastings: March 2004
31 March 2004
87PTS
Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay 2001
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesSpicy, garlic lees, honey, citrus nose with a touch of butter and vanilla. Dry, round, slightly tight but crisp with lots of toasted vanilla and butter mixed with honey, butterscotch and citrus notes in the finish. Fine acidity and balance if a bit old style with the strong buttery oak components.Prices:| BC | $24.73 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.25 | 750ml |
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30 March 2004
87PTS
Castaño Monastrell 2003
Yecla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainThe latest monastrell from Castaño continues to deliver for the price. Nice dark cherry colour. Open black cherry, gamey, meaty, liquorice, smoky, peppery nose. Soft, dry and round with fresh black cherry, plum, liquorice, meaty spice flavours. Good acidity, very fresh style but rich and fruity with quite a dry finish and a touch of tannins. Will be great with braised ribs or duck. Not released yet.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Duas Quintas Douro Red 1999
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalVery earthy, resiny, licorice root and dried cherry aromas with a touch of leather and cigar. On the palate it's very dry and slightly tannic with tobacco, licorice, cherry jam and earth flavours. Has mellowed in the last few years but still seems a bit too dry and lean.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Quinta Vale D. Maria Douro Vinho Tinto 2001
Rio Torto, Cima Corga, Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalBig spicy vanilla, peppery, black cherry, plum aromas with liquorice, smoky, gamey notes. Rich, round, dry and elegant with light, dry tannins and a touch of austereness. Very peppery, spicy, vanilla, black cherry, liquorice, rootsy, tobacco flavours and sweet vanilla finish. Young and warm so best served now with a pork roast or grilled veal chop or wait 5 years. A blend of new world, Bordeaux and Douro styling. Well done.Prices:| BC | $30.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Jose de Sousa 1999
Alentejo, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalSpicy, resiny, meaty, earthy aromas with hints of black cherry jam and black plum. Soft, round, dry textures with a touch of tannin. Good spicy, gamey, liquorice, black cherry flavours with a smoky, tobacco finish. Some acidity on the finish but well balanced and a solid effort.Prices:| BC | $15.42 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Ruffino Romitorio di Santedame 2000
Tuscany, ItalyRomitorio is an unusual 60/40 blend of colorino and merlot that was launched in 1990 but not exported until 2000. Look for mocha, coffee, peppery, gamey, black plum fruit and licorice with streaks of violet, vanilla and floral spices. It's rich, round and warm on the palate with grainy, soft tannins and plum, mocha, coffee, vanilla, cardamom flavours. The finish delivers more saddle leather, mint and smoked cherry fruit. Fine concentration and balance with ripeness and good acidity. Fine quality, big price.Prices:| ON | $89.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $79.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $88.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Ruffino Modus 1999
Tuscany, ItalyModus is Ruffino's super-Tuscan blend of 50/25/25/ sangiovese/merlot/cabernet sauvignon from the Montemasso, Poggio Casciano and Santedame estates. Look of for a big spicy, pencil lead nose with green bean, olive and peppery vanilla notes combined with saddle leather, game, chocolate, coffee and black cherry highlights. It's moderately rich and slightly tight with noticeable but ripe tannins. Intense coffee, cassis, liquorice, peppery, vanilla flavours with a gamey, olive, plum finish. There's still some tannin to shed but it's well balanced and should improve over the next 3-5 years.Prices:| AB | $50.89 | 750ml |
| SK | $52.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $59.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $59.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Ruffino Tenuta Greppone Mazzi Brunello di Montalcino 1998
Tuscany, ItalyA solid Brunello the Greppone offers spicy, peppery, black cherry and plum aromas and some gamey, sweaty saddle, rootsy, liquorice notes. On the palate it is dry and somewhat warm with tight-ish tannins. Lots of pepper, chocolate, tobacco, leather, and black cherry jam flavours with some herbal/garrigue notes in the finish. Still tight but it should improve over the next 2-4 years. A good '98.Prices:| BC | $79.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $64.96 | 750ml |
| MB | $80.49 | 750ml |
| QC | $76.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro Chianti Classico Riserva 1999
Tuscany, ItalyThe Gold Label Riserva is an 85/15 blend of sangiovese, merlot and colorino that opens with leather, spice, black cherry jam and tobacco aromas with weedy, prune and licorice notes. On the palate it's supple and warm with more licorice root, tobacco, black cherry, plum, spicy coffee flavours with a touch of vanilla and leather on the finish. Nice finesse and length, the merlot helps soften the structure.Prices:| BC | $47.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $38.64 | 750ml |
| AB | $110.32 | 1500ml |
| SK | $42.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $44.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $128.00 | 1500ml |
| QC | $45.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $128.00 | 1500ml |
| NS | $56.99 | 750ml |
| NL | $47.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Ruffino Tenuta Santedame Chianti Classico 2001
Tuscany, ItalyFresh cherry, plum, spicy, peppery nose with hints of liquorice and cardamom. Dry, elegant and round with soft, light tannins. Black cherry, peppery, smoky liquorice flavours. Good intensity and fruit, drinkable now but will improve over the next two years. Impressive tasty Chianti.Prices:| AB | $20.70 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.03 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $23.25 | 750ml |
| SK | $25.90 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Ruffino Il Leo Chianti DOCG Superiore 2002
Tuscany, ItalyIl Leo, named for the firm's founding members Ilario and Leopoldo Ruffino is one hundred per cent sangiovese. Dry peppery, spicy nose with gamey cherry aromas and a touch of earthy/saddle leather. Light, elegant and dry with similar flavours. A bit dry with fresh acidity and light body but a sound, everyday meat and pasta wine.Prices:| BC | $19.49 | 750ml |
| NL | $15.98 | 750ml |
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88PTS
DFJ Caladoc & Alicante Bouschet 2000
Lisboa, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalLicorice and ripe plum jam mark the nose along with a smoky, vanilla undercurrent and gamy, meaty notes. It is soft and round on entry with cherry/plum fruit and fresh acidity with a vanilla, pepper, licorice finish. Dry and well balanced. Serve with roast duck or lamb.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Terra da Lobos 2002
Tejo, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalBig black pepper nose with some leather and smoky, cassis and cherry notes. Very dry and lightweight with sour cherry, earthy and spicy flavours. Pretty light weight, a basic Pizza red.Prices:| BC | $14.45 | 750ml |
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27 March 2004
85PTS
Periquita 2000
Vinho Regional Terras do Sado, Setúbal Peninsula, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalDry cherry/earthy/licorice, aromatic nose. On entry it's round and smooth but dry with more earthy, cherry jam, licorice, plum flavours. The finish is dry with fresh acidity; again good flavours for grilled steak and good value.Prices:| BC | $10.26 | 750ml |
| ON | $8.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Terras Altas 1999
Dão, Northern Portugal, PortugalSavoury, spicy, meaty aromas streaked with hints of cherry. Dry, soft and round with fresh upfront acidity. Warm, earthy, licorice meaty flavours with a savoury bent. The acidity would suggest this is a fine match for oily, grilled meats such a sausage.Prices:| BC | $8.05 | 750ml |
| ON | $7.95 | 750ml |
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25 March 2004
91PTS
Orlando Abrigo Barbaresco Vigna Rongallo 2000
Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyMedium colour. Very fragrant smoky tarry violet nose with dried cherry and tobacco highlights. Quite expressive on the nose and it has similar palate with tarry resin pruny coffee notes. The fruit is dry and the tannin low and it is all in balance. Certainly ready by 2010 if not sooner.Prices:| BC | $67.90 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Virna Barolo Preda Sarmassa 1999
Barolo, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyThe somewhat different soils, exposures and microclimates of the Preda and Sarmassa vineyards combine to produce a well-balanced red. Look for an open peppery cardamom coffee nose with sweaty saddle leather and some dried cherries strawberry jam with a hint of compost. Wow packed with fruit tannin and acidity that leaps off your palate. Look for a great mix of leather, smoky tar, and dark red fruits with just a wisp of dry tannins in the finish. It's the 'semi-modern style' --there is some approachability but the wine will keep easily for a decade or more. Stock up. Due in B.C. in June.Prices:| BC | $64.00 | 750ml |
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23 March 2004
87PTS
Sandhill Small Lots Program One Phantom Creek Vineyard 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis year's 'One' blend mixes petite verdot, cabernet sauvignon and malbec and results in dill, spicy, tobacco, cedar, resiny nose with some dark berry fruit. Round, soft, elegant palate with spicy, smoky, vanilla, cedar, prune flavours and some herbal, sour cherry notes. Very sound with easy styling and more approachable than any previous bottles.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Sandhill Small Lots Program Syrah Phantom Creek Vineyard 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAttractive peppery, licorice, saddle leather, meaty nose with black berry aromas with some roasted pepper streaks - definitely Pacific Northwest syrah. Rich, round, fat entry with some warmth and very soft tannins. More roasted pepper, smoky, spicy, gamey, meaty notes with black licorice flavours with vanilla and mulberry fruit undertones. Soft and ready to go if a bit alcoholic. Great effort for young vines and another reason why we like the 2002 vintage.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Sandhill Small Lots Program Two Burrowing Owl Vineyard 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig dill, peppery, leafy, minty, rootsy, green olive aromas with a touch of smoke. Dry, round, fairly soft palate with light tannins. Cedary, resiny, cherry, olive, green herbal flavours. The balance is fine but the fruit is just not quite there. The blend is 50/40/10 merlot / cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Cornish Point Drystone Pinot Noir 2002
Gibbston Valley, Central Otago, South Island, New ZealandCornish Point is a new vineyard in Central Otago New Zealand. It is located on 10 hectares (25 acres) of north facing slopes at Cornish Point in Bannockburn. Look for ripe black cherry, rhubarb, compost, rootsy spice aromas. Round, soft, dry palate with tart acidity but smooth. Licorice, black cherry compote, carrot top flavours. Good pinot nose if a bit tart with good intensity.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
See Ya Later Ranch Ehrenfelser Icewine 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMineral, plasticene, floral, orange spice and butter aromas with some ripe pear. Ripe, rich, round entry with soft acidity. Elegant buttery, dried apricot, fried citrus peel with some pear and baked apple. Tasty and elegant but quite soft... so drink now.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 375ml |
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90PTS
Inniskillin Okanagan Vidal Icewine 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMineral, burnt butter and hot marmalade nose with some plasticene streaks. Ripe and round on entry with good acidity and good fatness. Strong burnt butter, marmalade, plastic pail flavours with lots of apple and bitter citrus rind on the finish. Very good value for an icewine.Prices:| BC | $51.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $29.99 | 375ml |
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93PTS
Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Riesling Icewine Proprietors' Reserve 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIntense fresh baked apple, vanilla cream, mineral, pear nose. Rich and intense with crisp acidity. Big green apple, citrus, buttery, baked pear flavours with a mineral, nectarine finish. Quite intense but also has good balance and finesse. Solid.Prices:| BC | $52.99 | 375ml |
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91PTS
Sumac Ridge Pinot Blanc Icewine 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMineral, ripe apricot, marmalade, cream nose with a touch of plastic pail. Rich, ripe, round entry but quite elegant with medium acidity. Fresh citrus, buttery, baked pear, mineral flavours with some nectarine. Well balanced and ready to drink now or over the next year or so.Prices:| BC | $59.99 | 375ml |
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86PTS
Silence Côtes du Lubéron Rosé 2003
Côtes du Lubéron, Provence, Sud de France, FranceFresh delicate raspberry, blackberry, mineral aromas with some pink grapefruit. Soft, dry on the palate with a round with fresh strawberry, peach and mineral flavours and some gamy notes. A fun, solid rosé for the summer that does not finish sweet. Have a cold-chicken picnic.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Bouchard Aîné & Fils Pinossimo Pinot Noir 2002
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceGamey, smoky, cherry jam and spice nose. Dry, soft, smooth entry with smoky, cedar, sour cherry flavours. Warm with a bit of acidity showing. We like the concept of an inexpensive pinot made in the south of France by Burgundians but we want more fruit and a bit more pinot character.Prices:| AB | $12.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Tasca d'Almerita Rosé di Regaleali 2002
Sicily, ItalyCherry, gamey, spicy, sausage aromas. Crisp, fresh entry with a touch of sweetness. Lots of cherry, almond, mineral flavours and a touch of game on the finish. This is a more intense style of rose in essence fermented as a white except for 18-24 hours of skin contact to extract some color.Prices:| BC | $20.53 | 750ml |
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21 March 2004
91PTS
Chateau Reynella Shiraz Basket Pressed 2000
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaBig smoky, bacon and spicy licorice root nose with incredible black plum, black cherry jam fruit. Gorgeous smooth, unctuous textures with lifted acidity. Intense smoky, vanilla, bacon, boysenberry jam, peppery, spicy flavours. Suave and balanced and should pair well with grilled foods. Widely available.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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17 March 2004
92PTS
J. Bookwalter Merlot 2002
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThink 2001 but bigger warmer, richer and sweeter. The colour is opaque the style is take no prisoners. Look for a ripe sweet vanilla/chocolate aromas streaked with plum jam. Almost identical on the palate with the now consistent streak of exotic orange rind. At 15 per cent alcohol it's not for lightweights but this is the full meal deal. Very fine New World merlot.Prices:| BC | $46.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Blancs 2000
Sonoma County, California, United StatesNine, first-press lots made the final cut for this second edition of the GF Blanc de Blancs that gets two and a half years cellar aging on the yeast before release. Look for a sleek, sophisticated and elegant chardonnay sparkler that both fruity and creamy and packed full of tiny bubbles. We love the creamy textures the bright fruit and the classy lees flavouring in the aftertaste. Bravo.Prices:| ON | $35.50 | 750ml |
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16 March 2004
91PTS
Gloria Ferrer Pinot Noir Carneros 2001
Carneros, Sonoma County, California, United StatesDespite its sparkling wine roots Carneros-based Gloria Ferrer takes its still wine production very seriously. The '01 pinot is made from 100 per cent estate grown grapes from eight different clones. Individual vineyard lots are de-stemmed, gently crushed and cold-soaked for three days before undergoing a variety of traditional and modern maceration techniques to extract fruit character without bitterness. It is barrel-aged for nine months in 100 per cent French oak and bottled unfined. The nose is exuberant, offering bright black fruit aromas with just a touch of earthy terroir. On the palate it is mouth-filling and full of bright fruit. This is elegant, refined serious New World pinot at a fair price.Prices:| BC | $38.95 | 750ml |
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12 March 2004
88PTS
J. Lohr Chardonnay Riverstone 2002
Arroyo Seco, Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesA consistent wine over the years but this is a definite improvement. Ripe apple, pear, honey aromas with some floral, citrus notes. Round, moderately dry with orange citrus, mineral, honey, butterscotch flavours and a bit of citrus rind on the finish. Elegant, fresh and a touch oily. Good value.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
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11 March 2004
86PTS
Schloss Gobelsburg Grüner Veltliner 2002
Kamptal, Niederösterreich, Weinland Österreich, AustriaGreen apple skin, light marzipan, mineral nose. Round, delicate style with baked apple, mineral, light citrus flavours with a touch of butteriness. Fresh and balanced.Prices:| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Talomas Chardonnay & Viognier 2002
Central Coast, California, United StatesThe Talomas blend 83/17 chardonnay/viognier hits all the right buttons as do the low yields fruit sources: 64% Monterey, 22% Santa Maria Valley and 14% Sonoma County. Look for an intense gardenia, honey, peach, mineral, buttery melon nose, very attractive. Dry, round, fresh palate with juicy red apple, buttery vanilla, peach, floral, citrus, honey flavours. Lots of flavour, nicely balanced with a long, dry mineral, honey finish. Great effort and a good value.Prices:| BC | $21.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Carmen Nativa Chardonnay 2000
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileLeesy, buttered popcorn, mineral and cool peach nose. Rich, round, ripe and full bodied on the palate with butter, mango, peach, spicy vanilla lees flavours and warm, mineral, burnt butter finish. Fine acidity and intensity with just a touch of bitterness.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Hattenheimer Schützenhaus Riesling Kabinett 2001
Rheingau, GermanyMineral slate, peach, apple skin, lime aromas with a touch of nectarine. Fresh, elegant, succulent palate with delicate mineral, lime rind, green apple flavours with a strong streak of nectarine and spice. Classy style with nice fruit and acidity. Drink now or five years.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Marqués de Riscal Rueda Blanco 2002
Rueda, Castilla-Leon, SpainNice passion fruit, gooseberry, floral, green melon nose. Dry, round, elegant style but balanced. Floral, grapefruit rind, mineral, green apple flavours. A somewhat more austere style but great intensity and finesse. True to form. Now if the price stops going up every year this could become a big time seller.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $7.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Giesen Sauvignon Blanc 2002
Canterbury, South Island, New ZealandQuite an intense pickled asparagus nose with mineral, smoky gooseberry undertones. Dry, elegant and fresh with bell pepper, passion fruit flavours and a big green apple grapefruit finish. Bring on the mussels.Prices:| BC | $21.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
St. Hallett Poacher's Blend 2002
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaButtery, citrus, cashew, grassy, tropical fruit nose. Round, slightly sweet entry with fig, melon, grassy, grapefruit flavours and a crisp, oily, green apple citrus rind finish. PriceyPrices:| BC | $17.50 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Giannina Vernaccia di San Gimignano 2002
Tuscany, ItalySlate, almond, lemon oil and apple skin aromas. Dry, round, elegant style with nutty, mineral, dried apple with a touch of citrus rind and butter notes. A bit more austere style but will be fine with mussels and clams.Prices:| BC | $18.46 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Redvale Inheritance Chardonnay Colombard 2002
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaRipe melon, peach, buttered popcorn nose. Soft, round, sweet easy-sipping style that will have wide appeal. Perfect for spicy Asian or solo on the deck. Its buttery, baked peach flavours suggest drinking now. Fair value.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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10 March 2004
94PTS
Joseph Phelps Insignia 2001
Napa Valley, California, United StatesIn '01 the fruit comes off estate vineyards in Stag's Leap and Rutherford and 89 per cent of the blend is cabernet sauvignon. Look for spicy, vanilla, clove, tobacco, plum and blackberry jam aromas jump from the glass with some barnyard, coffee and pencil lead streaks. Rich, ripe and concentrated with good supple tannins and grip. Intense cassis jam, black berry, creamy vanilla, peppery clove flavours. Nice length and acidity with coffee, vanilla, orange peel on the finish. A touch warm but Insignia is back in a big way in 2001. One to put away for a minimum five years.Prices:| AB | $185.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $219.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $185.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $249.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
Napa Valley, California, United StatesSmoky, peppery, tobacco, vanilla cream, black berry jam aromas with some leathery, barnyard notes. Rich, round and suave but concentrated with supple tannins. Ripe blackberry, mint, cassis jam, smoky vanilla flavours and a peppery, chocolate, orange finish. Good acidity balance, concentration and intensity. Well made Napa cab.Prices:| BC | $75.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $74.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $73.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
Napa Valley, California, United StatesThe 2000 cab is an 80/10/6/4 blend of cabernet sauvignon / merlot / petit verdot / and malbec. The wine opens with a tight peppery, spicy, smoky nose lace with coffee cola aromas and blackberry, cassis jam and vanilla clove. It's very ripe and round with supple tannins and a touch of heat (alcohol). Cassis jam, smoky, vanilla, pepper, leather and blackberry all mark the flavours. Very round and quite long - forward style ready to drink.Prices:| AB | $74.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $75.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $74.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $84.85 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon 1995
Napa Valley, California, United StatesTobacco, leather, blackberry, spicy clove aromas with some barnyard, prune and mint, good complexity. Round, soft and elegant with a touch of dryness. Spicy, leather, blackberry, vanilla, and tobacco flavours with some minty cassis on the finish. Nice finesse, intensity and balance. Ready to go. The blend is 93/5/2 cabernet sauvignon / merlot / cabernet franc from Stag's Leap District, Rutherford District and St. Helena.Prices:| NA | $79.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon 1991
Napa Valley, California, United StatesSmoky, tobacco, very peppery, cassis, minty eucalyptus nose with some vanilla and shoe leather. Dry, round and elegant with light tannins and a touch of acidity starting to show. Peppery, spicy, minty tobacco flavours with some cassis and earth on the finish. Drink now, has held very well. A blend of 85/15/5 cabernet sauvignon / merlot / and cabernet franc from Rutherford Bench and Stag's Leap District.Prices:| NA | $75.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Joseph Phelps Chardonnay Ovation 2001
Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United StatesOvation is 100 per cent Carneros chardonnay with just over half coming off the Phelps Los Carneros vineyard. Look for a spicy, smoky, toasted lees nose with honey, melon, mineral and cashew streaks. Ripe, round and elegant with buttery, vanilla, mineral, citrus, honey flavours and a butterscotch, floral, lees finish. Quite dry and crisp although the palate is soft, just a bit oaky at this stage.Prices:| BC | $79.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Joseph Phelps Sauvignon Blanc 2002
Napa Valley, California, United StatesLight grassy, vanilla, cashew, kiwi, mineral nose mixed with grapefruit and creamy lees. Elegant, round and fresh with fresh grapefruit, mineral, green apple, creamy vanilla flavours and a passion fruit, vanilla, grassy finish. Crisp, attractive, well made wine that will benefit from a year or two in bottle. The blend contains 5 per cent viognier.Prices:| BC | $41.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Joseph Phelps Le Mistral 2001
Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesLe Mistral is a varying blend of mostly Monterrey fruit and some Napa that includes (but is not limited to), grenache, syrah, mourvèdre, cinsault and carignane. Look for a spicy, peppery, vanilla, black cherry, gamey licorice aromas with a touch of barnyard. The styling is dry, round and elegant with light tannins. Creamy vanilla, smoky, rootsy, licorice flavours with black cherry and spice mark the finish. Very suave and balanced with good intensity. Good now but should improve over the next 2-3 years. Try with fowl.Prices:| BC | $49.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $46.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $45.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Trinchero Meritage Mario's Reserve 2000
Napa Valley, California, United StatesVery sweet vanilla, clove, peppery, prune, chocolate and cedar nose. Dry, round and somewhat lean with high acidity. Big whack of vanilla, cedar, green olive, chocolate pepper flavours. Lacks balance and overall ripeness for a Napa Valley moniker.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Carmen Nativa Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileNativa is organic but it shows far more fresh black pepper and gamy, meaty, minty, spicy characters than anything resembling fruit. It's dry and somewhat tight on the plate with more peppery, earthy, rootsy, minty spice flavours and some lean tannins. It's hot without a lot fruit to boot.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Joseph Phelps Pastiche White 2002
California, United StatesMade in the Alsace style Pastiche is a blend of six different varieties: 37% semillon, 22% viognier, 15% marsanne, 9% sauvignon blanc, 9% chardonnay, 8% scheurebe. Citrus, green apple, apricot, floral mineral nose. Soft, round, fruity palate with baked apple, melon, citrus and apricot flavours with a touch of orange butter. Fresh and elegant, good for Asian food, pork or chicken.Prices:| BC | $28.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.71 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Joseph Phelps Pastiche Red 2001
California, United StatesThe Phelps version of a Côtes du Rhône blend consists of 33 percent grenache, 30 percent mourvèdre, 19 percent syrah, 6 percent merlot, 5 percent carignane, 4 percent cabernet sauvignon and 3 per cent alicante bouschet. Look for a gamey, saddle leather, cherry nose with some leafy, licorice, caraway streaks. Soft, round and supple but dry with crisp acidity. White pepper, black raspberry, gamey licorice flavours. A wine to savour despite the alcohol and will be excellent with a wide variety of food.Prices:| BC | $28.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.71 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Sparkling Riesling Icewine Proprietors' Grand Reserve 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig mineral, apricot, red apple sauce with some citrus rind and plastic pail. Light mousse, more a frizzante style. Big citrus, apricot, green apple, food grade plastic flavour with a bit of burned sugar and mineral on the finish. Quite sweet but high acidity keeps it fresh.Prices:| BC | $59.99 | 375ml |
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86PTS
DFJ Tinta Miuda & Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
Lisboa, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalCooked cassis, prune, chocolate, saddle leather nose. Dry, soft, round entry, fairly elegant but quite alcoholic with some acidity showing in the aftertaste. Chocolate, licorice, cassis jam with earthy, port-y streaks. Perhaps a bit tired or just over ripe.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Nederburg Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
Western Cape, South AfricaSmoky, spicy, tea leaf, saddle leather with a touch of vanilla, fairly aromatic. Dry, round, fairly soft structure with black berry, dusty cedar, peppery, smoky gamy flavours. A bit acidic and warm but identifiable as cabernet and from SA. Good hamburger red.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.49 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Edge Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
Napa Valley, California, United StatesSpicy, chocolate, leather, blackberry jam and nutmeg aromas. Smooth, round, suave (high-alcohol) style with ripe, light tannins. Again, big chocolate, vanilla, peppery, cassis jam flavours with a dry spicy, cedar, rootsy finish. Nice intensity and fruit.Prices:| BC | $36.59 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Rosemount Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaRipe spicy, blackberry cherry nose with some licorice and vanilla. Round, slightly tannic entry but soft with cedar bark, black cherry, vanilla cola flavours. Simple, fruity, solid red for any event.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.49 | 750ml |
| SK | $17.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.49 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Cartlidge & Browne Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
California, United StatesSpicy, cedar bark, blackberry, cassis jam nose with a peppery, green bean note. Dry, round and soft on entry with cassis, chocolate, black licorice and vanilla flavours. Suave and flavourful with just a bit of acidity and alcohol in the finish.Prices:| BC | $18.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Woodbridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
California, United StatesDry peppery, spicy, cedar bark, leather and vanilla aromas mark the nose of this soft, round easy sipping red. The finish is both sweet and warm.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Gordon Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesBell pepper, mint, peppery, tarry nose streaked with cardamom and cassis aroma. Hot, round, smooth palate with light tannins. Lots of chocolate, vanilla, peppery, minty, black cherry flavours but not strong on fruit. Nice balance with some finesse, needs a couple of years.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Doña Paula Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
Ugarteche District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaSappy, cassis, peppery, gamey nose with a touch of licorice root and rubber. Dry, slightly tannic, rich entry with smoky, gamey, vanilla, chocolate flavours with some blackberry jam and pepper on the finish. A bit hot but rich and intense in the mouth. Big dense red.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Carmen Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileWarm spicy, cassis jam nose with peppery, sappy, minty aromas. The entry is soft and warm (alcoholic) with more minty, cassis, gamey, peppery flavours streaked with vanilla and chocolate. Very solid and will appeal to cabernet lovers who don't mind the herbaceous undertones.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.49 | 750ml |
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09 March 2004
89PTS
Gaja Rossj-Bass Chardonnay 2002
Langhe, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyThis wine is produced from grapes grown in estate-owned vineyards, including one named for Gaja's younger daughter, Rossana (Rossj). There is a splash of sauvignon in the mix. Expect a big mineral, chalky, spicy lees nose with light vanilla and peach aromas. Elegant and soft it is round on the palate with creamy vanilla, orange, honey floral mineral flavours. Nice finesse but soft. Drink over the next 1-2 years max.Prices:| BC | $55.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $28.99 | 375ml |
| AB | $39.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $55.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Ca'Marcanda Magari 2000
Bolgheri, Tuscany, ItalyMagari is an Italian word with several meanings; if only, would that it was true, perhaps, or even maybe someday. Magari is a classic Bordeaux mix of merlot (55) cabernet sauvignon (25) and cabernet franc (25). look for a smoky, gamey, black cherry nose with orange rind and plum aromas flecked with dried curry and green bean notes. Round, elegant and dry with soft tannins. Cedary, minty, cherry, casssis flavours with a peppery, gamey, smoky rootsy finish. Good balance, somewhat forward style, will improve for 2-3 years.Prices:| BC | $64.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $45.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $58.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Ca'Marcanda Camarcanda 2000
Bolgheri, Tuscany, ItalyThe terraces of Bolgheri (70 to 200 meters above the coast) provide the soil for the vineyards of Ca'Marcanda's signature wine made from a blend of 50/40/10 merlot/cabernet sauvignon/cabernet franc all less than five years old. Spicy, coffee, gamey, black cherry jam and cassis aromas with smoky, pencil lead, vanilla streaks and a hint of curry. Ripe, round and concentrated with soft tannins. A touch alcoholic with tobacco, spicy, minty, cherry jam vanilla flavours and nice fresh cherry, orange, smoky cigar finish. Good finesse and fruit for such young vines. Will improve for 2-6 years.Prices:| BC | $116.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $102.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Ca'Marcanda Promis 2001
Bolgheri, Tuscany, ItalyPromis represents the combination of grapes from Gaja's two Tuscan estates - Merlot and Syrah from Ca' Marcanda and Sangiovese from Pieve Santa Restituta in Montalcino. The blend will vary from year to year as Ca' Marcanda's vineyards mature. Peppery, pencil lead, cedar, gamey black cherry nose with streaks of coffe, mint and leaf compost. Dry, round and slightly tannic with cedar, mint, coffee, green olive, black cherry flavours with some smoky game notes on the finish. Fine elegance but it's dry and will need 2-3 years to soften up.Prices:| BC | $46.49 | 750ml |
| ON | $45.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $39.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $45.25 | 750ml |
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08 March 2004
86PTS
Willowglen Chardonnay 2003
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaLight melon, peach, wet slate aromas with a bit of lime rind. Similar flavours with some added peach skin and grapefruit. Fresh, dry and clean with a crisp finish. Good summer seafood and salad wine, very solid for the money.Prices:| BC | $11.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Kim Crawford Pinot Gris 2003
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandBright fresh mineral, baked pear, tangerine and earth aromas all scream Marlborough sauvignon. Rich flavours of ripe pear, green apple, mineral and grapefruit. Fresh and lively on the palate with well balanced acidity. Stylish and elegant with a delicate finish. Excellent match for lighter fish or shellfish.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Quinta do Crasto Late Bottled Vintage Port Unfiltered 1998
Cima Corga, Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalBig blackberry jam, black plum and licorice nose with spicy, peppery, rootsy notes. Rich, ripe, fat entry with some light tannins and warmth. Good acidity keeps the black berry jam, black cherry, licorice, peppery earthy tea flavours right through the finish. A slightly dryer, tighter style than normal but should be able to age a few years. Good intensity here.Prices:| BC | $29.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $16.45 | 375ml |
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88PTS
Monteviña Zinfandel Terra d'Oro Deaver Vineyards Old Vines 2001
Sierra Foothills, California, United StatesSweet creamy vanilla, peppery, spicy, alcoholic nose with ripe black cherry jam and cardamom. Dry, slightly tannic, lean entry with very hot, spicy, peppery, floral, black cherry vanilla flavours. Tight and somewhat hard on the finish and a bit port-like with high alcohol. A virtual clone of the Sierra Foothills and Amador County with more fruit and alcohol.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $32.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $34.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Monteviña Zinfandel Terra d'Oro 2001
Amador County, Sierra Foothills, California, United StatesSweet vanilla, blackberry jam, cedar bark, gamey licorice nose. Dry, slightly lean entry with peppery, spicy, earthy licorice flavours and cedar, black cherry, black raspberry with vanilla on the finish. Quite dry and hot in the finish.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $27.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Monteviña Zinfandel Sierra Foothills 2001
Sierra Foothills, California, United StatesIntense ripe black cherry, black berry, spicy gamey licorice nose. Dry, slightly tart entry with floral, black cherry, black raspberry flavours. A bit rustic on the finish with some hotness showing. Try with ribs or Cajun food.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Serame Viognier 2002
Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceSuper floral, honey, mineral, citrus flower aromas with some spicy meaty streaks. Dry, round and slightly oily textures but nicely balanced and fresh. Wet mineral, spicy, honey, perfumed flavours with a bit of quince. Not the ripe fruity orange style but good intensity and we love the price. Great value.Prices:| BC | $10.40 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Vionta Albariño 2002
Rías Baixas, Galicia, SpainVery nutty, mineral, lemon, floral aromas on the nose but dry and somewhat stark in the mouth. Look for lots of lemon, mineral, grapefruit and quince flavours. Bright with fresh acidity makes this a natural for calamari, sole, or cod done in olive oil and butter.Prices:| ON | $26.50 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Woodbridge Zinfandel 2001
California, United StatesEarth, licorice, cedar nose with fresh crushed berries and a touch of jam. A light-bodied red with spicy, cedar bark and black cherry flavours with fresh acidity. Soft, easy-sipping, comfortable red to have with your pizza.Prices:| BC | $13.38 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Woodbridge White Zinfandel NV
California, United StatesOpen spicy floral berry aromas. Moderately sweet and round its gets a mid-palate lift from hints of citrus and spice flavours. Good balance for a white zinfandel, serve chilled on the deck all summer.Prices:| BC | $7.95 | 750ml |
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06 March 2004
82PTS
Benchland Vineyards Zweigelt 2000
Penticton Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOddball fruity berry, mineral aromas with earthy dank tank-y undertones. Dry and somewhat lean on entry with mineral, raspberry and earthy flavours. Fresh, a bit lean and leafy.Prices:| BC | $15.49 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Sumac Ridge Gewürztraminer Select Late Harvest 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery ripe peach, citrus, green apple, spicy, egg yolk nose, (quite Sauterne-like) with a touch of botrytis and spice. Soft, round and sweet with canned peach, citrus, honey mineral flavours and a bit of tangerine on the finish. Warm and round and a bit low in acid but will be fine with fruit for dessert. Pricey.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 375ml |
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86PTS
Finca Los Primos Malbec 2002
San Rafael, General Alvear, Southern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaSmoky leather, grilled mushroom nose with gamey savoury notes mixed with mulberry and truffle. Soft, round and somewhat alcoholic with earthy, tobacco, licorice, black cherry flavours and smoky, mushroom finish. Good value.Prices:| BC | $9.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Hillside Riesling Late Harvest 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMineral, baked apple, peach, cooked citrus rind. Soft sweet and warm with very low acidity. Baked apple, canned peach, candied apple flavours. Sweet but lacks any real verve and freshness.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 375ml |
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82PTS
Hillside Pinot Blanc Late Harvest 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaStale bread dough, citrus rind, honey nose with a touch of matchstick and cheese. Very soft, flabby entry with bready, cheesy, citrus flavours and green apple finish. Not quite on its game.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 375ml |
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75PTS
Hillside Gamay Blush 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDank, mousey, soba noodle mineral nose. Soft, sweet, thin with earthy, compost, tanky flavours. Don't drink this one.Prices:| BC | $13.33 | 750ml |
| BC | $15.60 | 1500ml |
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83PTS
Hillside Riesling 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSlate, cement, green apple skin and baked apple nose. Sweet, soft and round with citrus, green apple, floral candied flavours. Strong citrus green apple flavours mark the finish of what is a simple, sweet-ish example of riesling. It is affordable.Prices:| BC | $11.90 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Hillside Pinot Blanc 2002
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Black Widow Vineyard in Okanagan Falls is the source of the grapes. No oak used here. Mineral, lime, honey, matchstick aromas with a touch of bread and perfume. Very sweet entry with an oily texture. Soft, peach, mineral, baked apple and butter flavours with a citrus finish. Simple summer sipper or serve with spicy Asian food.Prices:| BC | $13.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Hillside Pinot Gris Reserve 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFlinty, green apple skin, floral, peachy spicy nose, very nice. Ripe, round, elegant styling with good intensity but soft. Ripe apple, mineral, pear, buttery flavours with a nice citrus, butter finish. Good acidity on the finish with just a bit of residual. This is Hillside's best wine in the market.Prices:| BC | $14.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Hillside Semillon Chardonnay 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGrassy hay, gooseberry, mineral aromas with a touch of butter and green pea. Round, fresh, slightly sweet and oily entry with buttery, grassy, grapefruit, bell pepper flavours and a touch of vanilla and citrus on the finish. Good value for B.C. white and food friendly. The blend is 60 per cent sémillon fermented in Stainless steel and 40 per cent barrel fermented chardonnay.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $20.80 | 1500ml |
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88PTS
Hillside Kerner 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBeautiful floral, mineral, spicy, green apple and nectarine skin aromas. Round, slightly warm entry with a bit of sweetness and finesse. Ripe apple, floral, mineral, peach flavours with a spicy, mineral, lime finish. Nice balance, great wine for Chinese food or scallops. Drink while young and fresh. Good value; impressive effort.Prices:| BC | $12.90 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Sandhill Small Lots Program Malbec Phantom Creek Vineyard 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHuge dill, leafy, tobacco nose with a spicy prune nose and dried cherry undercarriage. Dry, round, soft entry with spicy, vanilla, compost flavours and a prune/cherry, caraway finish. Spicy herbal and unique. Try with grilled Portobello mushrooms.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Chivite Colección 125 Vendimia Tardía 2001
Navarra and Basque Country, SpainVendimia Tardía is a late harvest barrel fermented white made from botrytised Moscatel de Gran Menudo. Look for an open vanilla, creamy, floral nose with buttery, baked peach, spicy nectarine notes. Its style is elegant but a bit alcoholic. Super supple, buttery, spicy vanilla clove flavours with lots of baked nectarine, mineral, marmalade marks the finish. Fine acidity and elegant styling make this fun to drink young and fresh.Prices:| BC | $42.99 | 375ml |
| AB | $38.00 | 375ml |
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86PTS
Salt Spring Vineyards Blackberry Port 2003
Salt Spring Island, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaSalt Spring blackberries aged in American Oak result in a leafy, foxy, cooked blackberry and spicy caramel nose. It is soft and sweet on entry yet acidic on the mid-palate palate with tart black berry, cassis-like vanilla flavours. Intense but acidic in the finish.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 375ml |
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05 March 2004
94PTS
Pieve Santa Restituta Brunello di Montalcino Sugarille 1998
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyIn 1994 Gaja acquired its first estate in Tuscany: Pieve Santa Restituta in Montalcino. The property's forty acres of vineyards produce two Brunello di Montalcino wines called Sugarille and Rennina. The parish church, or "pieve," of Santa Restituta stands on the winery property and gives it its name. The Sugarille vineyard was first recorded in the inventory of the Pieve complied in 1547. It has remained the name of the vineyard for more than four centuries. Look for peppery, spicy tobacco, liquorice root aromas with big gamey, meaty, black cherry jam and cedar streaks. Rich, ripe and round with forward, ripe tannins but nice structure and a touch bigger than the Rennina. Ripe black cherry, black plum, liquorice, peppery, orange rind, smoky flavours with a long cigar, vanilla, coffee game finish. Moderately tannic on the finish, needs 4-10 years but gripe fruit, excellent.Prices:| BC | $153.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $130.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $159.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $199.98 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Pieve Santa Restituta Brunello di Montalcino Rennina 1998
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyRennina is made with fruit that comes off three separate sites all located on a portion of the estate that bore the Rennina name according to documents dating from the 8th century. Look for big black cherry jam, gamey, vanilla, peppery, liquorice root, saddle leather nose with spicy, smoky cigar streaks; quite aromatic. Ripe, round, soft tannins and fine finesse. This is a somewhat newer style but with fine structure and balance. Very warm with peppery, mocha, ripe black cherry, black berry, gamey smoky flavours with a tobacco, liquorice finish. An attractive style.Prices:| BC | $122.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $105.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $129.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $66.00 | 375ml |
| NS | $199.98 | 750ml |
| QC | $125.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $62.49 | 375ml |
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94PTS
Gaja Nebbiolo Conteisa 1999
La Morra, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyRipe cherry jam, gamey, barnyard, peppery, minty, tarry tobacco nose with a touch of black olive. Rich, ripe and round with good acidity and finesse. Tarry, spicy, menthol, tobacco, strawberry jam flavours with a coffee, peppery, minty, liquorice finish. This is long and balanced, silky. The term conteisa is the Piemontesi word for "quarrel" and refers to an historic dispute between the communes of La Morra and Barolo for possession of the Cerequio land that was settled by written agreement in 1216.Prices:| BC | $184.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $196.20 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Gaja Barolo Gromis 1999
La Morra, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyA blend of grapes from La Morra, Cerequio and Silio. Tarry, coffee, gamey, saddle leather, peppery nose with strong truffle, liquorice root, black cherry and anise streaks filled with toasty vanilla. Rich, warm and concentrated but soft, ripe tannic structure. Coffee, tarry, tobacco, liquorice, black cherry, black plum flavours with some almond, peppery, mint notes on the finish. Big but ripe with finesse and great aromatics. Very good, needs 5-10 years.Prices:| BC | $80.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $70.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $89.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $207.49 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Gaja Sito Moresco 2000
Langhe, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalySito Moresco is a blend of nebbiolo, cabernet and merlot with a minty, peppery, black cherry jam, almond nose with some tarry tobacco notes. Ripe, round, soft structure with light, dry tannins. Good cherry, cassis, tobacco, tarry violet flavours with some coffe and green bean notes on the finish. Good intensity and acidity but a bit hot. Needs another 2-3 years in bottle.Prices:| BC | $55.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $49.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $55.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $28.99 | 375ml |
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04 March 2004
88PTS
Monti Bianco L'Aura 2002
Montforte d'Alba, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyBianco L'Aura is an unusual 70/30 blend of barrel fermented and aged chardonnay with a German clone of Rheinriesling (a.k.a. Riesling Renano) all grown in a single vineyard. Look for a creamy mineral, peach, apple nose with some buttery lees and peach skin notes. Elegant, dry and crisp with more mineral, lime, and buttery peach flavours. It's skinny by North American standards and somewhat alcoholic but the flavours are fine and it should improve with another year or two in bottle.Prices:| BC | $52.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $50.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $40.50 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Monti Barolo Bussia 2000
Montforte d'Alba, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyBig weedy, tobacco, prune, peppery nose with cherry notes and saddle leather - quite an unusual old style. Dry, lean and moderately tannic with coffee, tarry, strawberry jam, vanilla spice flavours. Good flavour intensity but slightly higher acidity and the tannic finish make this a bit mean. Needs time, 5-8 years to settle out.Prices:| BC | $136.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $125.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $129.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Luigi Einaudi Dolcetto di Dogliani Vigna Tecc 2002
Dogliani, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyDogliani is a historic dolcetto country and most likely the spot where the variety originated. Einaudi's was the first estate ever to produce and bottle under the appellation. We like the meaty, gamey, cherry, peppery rose petal nose and dry and round textures replete with tart cherry, almond, gamey, cherry flavours and some licorice and earth on the finish. Fresh and lean with some tannins showing. Needs beef crudo or brasaola.Prices:| BC | $38.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $34.50 | 750ml |
| QC | $37.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Luigi Einaudi Barolo 2000
Dogliani, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyTwenty percent of Einaudi Barolo is aged in barrique, 80% in barrel. Look for a spicy clove, vanilla, and leather, tobacco prune aromas with some truffle and tar with black cherry jam streaks. Dry, lean and somewhat hard. Big vanilla, peppery, iron, tar, sour cherry, dry rose petal and cedar flavours. Older style tannins and tough will need several years to soften up - try in 2010.Prices:| BC | $89.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $75.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $84.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Marcarini Barolo Brunate 2000
La Morra, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyBarolo finds one of its highest expressions in Marcarini's Brunate cru that takes its name from the single vineyard at La Morra - the first in the area to specify vineyard name on the actual labels, as early as 1958. Very spicy, tar, tobacco, black olive, walnut oil, forest strawberry nose with some compost. Elegant, round and more delicate than La Serra but dry and somewhat tannic. Sour cherry, coffee, tobacco, earthy flavours with some tar and violet on the finish. Really dry, slightly oaky finish but traditional. Needs years again to soften.Prices:| BC | $84.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $78.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $79.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Marcarini Barolo La Serra 2000
La Morra, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyLa Serra makes up one side of Marcarini Barolo: a historical vineyard covering 3.1 hectares (7.6 acres), less forward, albeit contiguous to, Brunate, on the same hillside, with identical south/southwestern exposure. The grapes take a little longer to ripen on the vines; the later harvest, together with a cooler, windier microclimate, are conducive to a softer, rounder Barolo, with greater finesse. Look for rose petal, tar, walnut, peppery gamey tobacco notes with clove and vanilla highlights. Dry, tight and lean with coffee, tar, cherry, licorice, marzipan flavours and a tobacco, toffee rose finish. Elegant but very lean finish and dry tannins, will need years to mature.Prices:| BC | $84.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $78.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $79.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Conterno Fantino Chardonnay Bastia 2001
Montforte d'Alba, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyConterno Fantino is a melding of skills: Claudio Conterno (vineyard manager and co-proprietor) and his friend and partner, Guido Fantino, who styles the wines. Twenty-two years after its founding in 1982 the estate vineyards total 64 acre all built around the nucleus cru Ginestra. In 1989, Guido and Claudio acquired terrain from the nearby area of Bricco Bastia, where they eventually built a state-of-the-art new winery. The Bastia Chardonnay from the Bricco Bastia cru is 100 per cent barrique-fermented and left on its lees for 15 months in new French oak. Look for honey, mineral, buttery, peach and leesy clove aromas with a touch of citrus. Lean, mineral, buttery lees, honey flavours with floral hints. Well made but very tight and bit too buttery at the moment. Wait another year. Should be good.Prices:| BC | $57.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $54.95 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Conterno Fantino Barolo Parussi 2000
Castiglione Falletto, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyOne of the more recent Conterno Fantino purchases is Parussi, a Barolo cru from Castiglione Falletto where the calcium-laced soil is known to produce elegant wines. Look for a strawberry, forest, tarry, violet, truffle nose with peppery, gamey, coffee streaks and excellent complexity. Definitely elegant and showing some finesse but it is dry and tannic too. Spicy, coffee, tarry, gamey, strawberry jam, cherry and iodine flavours. Long with fine structure and flavours but a bit less rich and ripe than the Sori Ginestra.Prices:| BC | $95.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $88.50 | 750ml |
| QC | $90.95 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Conterno Fantino Barolo Sorì Ginestra 2000
Montforte d'Alba, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyThe Ginestra cru is 100 per cent select Nebbiolo from southerly exposed vines on growing on marly, calcareous terrain. Look for a tarry, coffee, spicy clove nose with cherry and strawberry jam nose. Rich, ripe and concentrated with ripe tannins. Vanilla, coffee, spciy, tarry, plum jam flavours with a peppery, cherry, clove finish. Big, long, ripe style that will improve for the next 15 years. Great intensityPrices:| BC | $115.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $109.50 | 750ml |
| QC | $107.95 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Bongiovanni Barolo Pernanno 2000
Castiglione Falletto, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyPernanno is made from selected Nebbiolo fruit that comes off a single plot within the estate's finest vineyard. The grapes are left on the vines for several extra days after the regular Barolo is harvested, for even greater concentration. Look for cola, spicy, rootsy, very peppery, shoe leather notes mixed with mineral and hot cherry jam aromas. Rich, concentrated and ripe with good finesse and tight tannins. Intense clove, tarry, vanilla, spicy, black cherry flavours with some coffee and violet on the finish. Good length and intensity but tight. This will need five to eight years to open up or more.Prices:| BC | $89.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $85.50 | 750ml |
| QC | $84.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Bongiovanni Barolo 2000
Castiglione Falletto, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalySpeaking about Bongiovanni Neil Empson says the full name on the label is Cascina Bongiovanni. In Italian, the word "cascina" ('farmstead'; pronounced ka-shee'-nah) has a nice, old-fashioned flavour to it: most of today's producers prefer grander-sounding, trendy terms to describe themselves. We like the big spicy, peppery, gamey nose streaked with coffee, strawberry jam, tar and maraschino notes. Round, medium bodied but dry and somewhat tannic. Very peppery, tarry, licorice, earthy vanilla flavours that finish at this point at least a bit hard and lean.Prices:| BC | $73.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $69.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $71.95 | 750ml |
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03 March 2004
90PTS
Unibroue Don De Dieu NV
Quebec, CanadaThis is a strong ale, 9% alcohol, fermented on lees in the bottle. Fine pale, creamy head, very persistent. Ultra spicy, malty, fruity, earthy floral hops nose. Round, fresh, elegant and a bit sweet with very malty, toffee, spicy, floral fruity hop flavours. Clean malty, spicy toffee finish, nice acidity. A great food beer for stews or spicy curry. You may end up drinking it like beer but you will feel the alcohol level quickly.Prices:| BC | $6.00 | 750ml |
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02 March 2004
87PTS
Segura Viudas Cava Brut Rosé NV
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainVery attractive light raspberry ruby colour. Lots of fine mousse with a cranberry, cherry, floral nose with a touch of marzipan. Dry, very fresh, crisp palate with nutty, cherry, baked pear and citrus flavours. Lots of mousse in a well balanced but slightly more austere style - will go well with seafood hors d'oeuvres. The blend is 60/20/20 trepat / garnacha / monastrell.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Freixenet Cordon Negro Gran Selección Cava Brut NV
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainFresh floral nutty apple aromas with citrus notes. Similar citrus nutty toasty mineral flavours with some creaminess. A typically dry clean fresh Spanish cava. Aged six months in vats and 3 years in bottle.Prices:| BC | $16.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.49 | 750ml |
| SK | $15.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.69 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $18.49 | 750ml |
| NS | $16.97 | 750ml |
| PEI | $17.50 | 750ml |
| NF | $17.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Freixenet Carta Nevada Extra Dry NV
Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainLook for a creamy mineral, green apple citrus-scented sparkler with a nutty edge. The taste profile is similar with fresh green apple, mineral nutty flavours. It's a touch foamy with a baked apple/pear finish but otherwise this is a solid, sippable sparkler that is just a touch sweeter and lighter than the Cordon Negro. Fun party wine.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.75 | 750ml |
| SK | $11.98 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.45 | 750ml |
| QC | $11.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $13.48 | 750ml |
| PEI | $12.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Veuve du Vernay Brut Blanc de Blancs NV
FranceA unique blend of chardonnay, chenin blanc, folle blanche and ugni blanc that for whatever reason hits the mark. Very floral, perfumy quince nose with pear, mineral, almond flavours with a clean, crisp finish streaked with citrus. It works as a fine stand-alone aperitif with salty, spicy, or even smoked foods or mix with orange juice at breakfast or a dash of crème de cassis...and party on. Also available in 1.5 litre format.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.95 | 750ml |
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01 March 2004
86PTS
Talus Merlot 2001
California, United StatesThe 01 Talus Merlot is a mix of fruit harvested from vineyards in Lodi, Solano County, Central Valley and the Central Coast. Look for minty, leafy, cherry, smoky aromas that preview a round, soft, elegant style. The flavours are a mix of with tobacco, spice, black cherry and smoky earthy notes. A solid red at a very fair price.Prices:| BC | $12.98 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Woodbridge Merlot 2001
California, United StatesMostly Lodi fruit goes into the '01 merlot that displays a mix of spicy, earthy, compost and carrot top aromas. The entry is soft and round (and slightly sweet) with smoky, cedar-y, leafy, sour cherry flavours. A simple, easy-sipping red that would work accompany grilled flatbread pizza.Prices:| BC | $14.43 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Domaine Boyar Merlot 2001
Black Sea Region, BulgariaSmoky, tomato, cherry, vanilla spicy nose. Round and dry with a touch of tannins. Mineral, steely, cherry, earthy flavours with some lactic notes. Lean, hamburger red.Prices:| BC | $8.49 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Hillside Merlot Reserve 2000
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig peppery, tobacco leaf, stewed tomato and mint nose with a hint of black cherry. Rich, round and alcoholic with spicy, tobacco, peppery, smoky resin flavours with cassis and mint on the finish. A bit herbaceous but sound and showing a bit of maturity.Prices:| BC | $26.90 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Kissing Bridge Merlot 2002
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaSmoky, sappy, black currant nose with some leafy, cherry notes. Soft and sweet with a smooth, round texture. Black cherry, minty, resiny, smoky flavours with a sweet and sour finish. Solid beginners' red.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.49 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Doña Paula Merlot 2002
Ugarteche District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaSmoky, peppery, gamey, spicy black cherry nose. Very ripe, silky, soft palate with very spicy, black cherry, smoky game flavours. A bit warm with some tannin on the finish and a touch of sweetness but very attractive style for drinking now and over the next year or so.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Carmen Merlot Reserva 2001
Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileVery minty eucalyptus, cassis, sappy, spicy, smoky aromas - seems more like carmenère than merlot. Soft, round, and dry with very spicy, smoky, vanilla, cassis flavours and a resiny, sour cherry finish. A bit alcoholic but solid. Merlot or carmenère?Prices:| BC | $23.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.49 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Terre Mediterranee Negroamaro 2000
Puglia, ItalyNegroamaro is an ancient, indigenous Italian grape variety of Puglia making a comeback of sorts with everyday wine drinkers. The colour is great and the textures soft and inviting. Look for savoury plummy fruit with a fine mix of spice and pepper. The finish is dry, persistent and harmonious. Well done.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.82 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Salt Spring Vineyards Merlot Bin 537 2002
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBin 537 is a single-vineyard wine (Osprey) whose grapes come from the Oliver area. The nose is mix of stewed tomato, pepper, smoke, leather and vanilla. It is soft, sweet and smooth on the palate with spicy, cherry, dried tomato/cedar and vanilla flavours. It finishes warm and a touch sweet. Good effort.Prices:| BC | $25.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Salt Spring Vineyards Merlot Bin 653 2002
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHot (alcoholic) nose with sweet smoky, vanilla, oak and spicy, barnyard/tobacco aromas. Dry, round and a bit hot but quite smooth with a touch more acidity. Spicy, sour cherry, smoky vanilla, resiny leather flavours with a touch of cigar on the finish.Prices:| BC | $25.90 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Matua Valley Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot 2001
Hawkes Bay, North Island, New ZealandCool herbal spicy green olive leafy compost nose. Similar green fruit flavours which are surprising for the warmer Hawkes Bay region. Soft and round on entry and acidic but is it St. Émilion or is it Kiwi. We were hoping for more warmth and generous fruit.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Dry Rock Vineyards Merlot 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFairly light in colour with a dry, earthy, peppery, tobacco nose. It's soft and round on entry with just a bit of tannin showing. Dry earthy cherry, peppery cedar flavours in the finish. A fine barbecue red that should be ready for casual drinking in the summer of 2004.Prices:| BC | $14.49 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Valdivieso Merlot 2002
Region del Valle Central, ChilePronounced sappy cassis, leafy cherry fruit nose with good spice and pepper. The texture is super soft and round; the flavours a fine mix of youthful spicy black cherry fruit. with some The soft minty, tobacco and orange rind finish is the perfect ending to an inexpensive varietal that should fly off the shelves all year.Prices:| BC | $13.49 | 750ml |
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April 2004