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Tastings: May 2004
31 May 2004
88PTS
William Fèvre Chablis Champs Royaux 2003
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceMineral, green apple, lanolin, melon, citrus aromas with a hint of asparagus and tropical fruit. Ripe, round, fat and fresh with very good lemon, melon, buttery, ripe apple mineral flavours with a light citrus rind/mineral finish. Ripe, fruity style from a warm but excellent vintage. Style will appeal to many consumers.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.75 | 750ml |
| QC | $12.40 | 750ml |
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30 May 2004
85PTS
Rosemount Cabernet Merlot 2003
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaEarthy, olive, leafy, leather, gamey nose. Sweet, round, smooth entry with cassis, berry, coffee flavorus. Very commercial fruity tutti style with some vegy notes.Prices:| BC | $14.49 | 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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88PTS
Plaisir de Merle Merlot 1999
Paarl, Coastal Region, South AfricaPlum jam, spicy, cedar, smoky tobacco nose with a hint of barnyard and leather. Rich round and fairly dry but smooth. Spicy, cedar, compost, vanilla, smoky cherry flavours. Quite elegant and balanced for current consumption with a slightly acidic edge showing on the finish. A bit older style and not inexpensive.Prices:| BC | $34.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $31.45 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Lindemans Bin 65 Chardonnay 2003
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaFresh toasty butter/melon nose streaked with baked apple and citrus notes. More spicy, buttery, citrus flavours with toasted apple flavours and a light mineral, vanilla finish. We like the clean lean styling and very consistent quality. Good value.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 1500ml |
| SK | $11.97 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.99 | 1500ml |
| ON | $9.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 1500ml |
| QC | $12.45 | 750ml |
| NS | $11.99 | 750ml |
| PEI | $14.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $11.98 | 750ml |
| NF | $22.99 | 1500ml |
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86PTS
Helderberg Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaSmoky leather, peppery, prune, dried cherry and dill aromas. Soft, round, dry entry with black cherry, prune, smoky, tobacco flavours and some spice. A bit crisp and warm but good flavour intensity and elegance. Try with ribs or flank steak. Fair value.Prices:| AB | $10.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Tedeschi Capitel dei Nicalò Valpolicella Classico 2001
Pedemonte Valpolicella, Verona, Veneto, ItalyThis wine is made from grapes grown on the Moraine Hills in the heart of Valpolicella in the traditional Veronese manner: raisin-drying of the grapes in crates for one month. The effect is a partial 8-10 per cent dehydration of weight concentrating the wine. Look for a big peppery, smoky, chocolate, cherry, tobacco and barnyard nose. Soft, round and slightly dry but elegant. Cedar bark, black cherry, smoky tobacco flavours that persist with a slightly acidic, smooth finish. Lots of flavour and aroma but a lighter bodied style that will go well with pork or turkey.Prices:| BC | $22.90 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Garry Oaks Blanc de Noir 2003
Burgoyne Valley, Salt Spring Island, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaVery pale pink colour. Earthy, strawberry, spicy almond nose. Soft, round and slightly sweet with good acidity and balance. Fresh raspberry, candied apple, spicy rhubarb flavours. Simple, fruity, fresh rose for summer picnics or on the deck.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Lang Vineyards Blanc de Noir Pinot Meunier 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, strawberry jam, floral earth aromas. Soft, round and quite sweet. Floral, spicy, candied apple and cherry flavours continue. Good acidity on the finish but this is a very sweet rosé style - a bit drier would make it more versatile.Prices:| BC | $11.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Man Vintners Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
Western Cape, South AfricaCedar, garrigue, pepper and cassis aromas mark the nose with hints of shoe leather and smoky bell pepper. Soft, round, supple and fresh on the palate with spicy peppery, chocolate, smoky cassis fruit flavours and a touch of cedar-y tannins on the finish. Solid, elegant, dry style that will pair well with grilled meats. Good value.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Leasingham Magnus Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
Clare Valley, South Australia, AustraliaSpicy smoky, licorice notes and peppery, blueberry cassis mix with an undercurrent of gamy leather. On the palate it is rich, round and dry with just a touch of heat (alcohol). Big smoky vanilla, chocolate and blackberry jam flavours mix with cassis, prune and licorice. Fairly intense and smooth with the typical Oz acidity and alcohol in the finish.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Hardys VR Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaHardys VR or varietal range is meant to be an easy drinking introductory style wine. Look for a peppery, black berry, spicy coriander nose with a hint of saddle leather. Cedar bark, black cherry, peppery, earth flavours compliment its soft, smooth, round style. A simple, ready-to-drink red for the barbecue or parties.Prices:| BC | $8.99 | 750ml |
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29 May 2004
92PTS
Tommasi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2000
Veneto, ItalyProduced from the three main Valpolicella grape varieties -- corvina Veronese, rondinella and molinara -- all cultivated high on hillside terraces. Only the best and most mature clusters are selected and placed directly onto small open racks and brought to the open sided building where they are dried by the cool breezes of autumn and winter until the following February. It has a dark cherry colour and an intense spicy, tobacco, jasmine nose streaked with cherry jam, smoky truffle, chocolate and licorice root aromas. It is rich and round on the palate with plenty of concentration and some young, soft tannin. Big black cherry plum jam fruit flavours with smoky cedar, licorice and chocolate. Good acidity and vibrancy but still quite young with some cedar-y tannins on the finish. You can drink it now with lamb shank or try in three to seven years. Clean balanced style despite the 15% alcohol. The Tommasi Amarone undergoes a period of aging of at least four years in oak barrels before being placed in bottles for a minim extra year.Prices:| BC | $56.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Starmont Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
Napa Valley, California, United StatesStarmont blends 85 per cent cabernet sauvignon with a 10/3/2 mix of merlot, cabernet franc and petit verdot from a selection of Napa Valley vineyards. The 2001 has a licorice root, peppery, spicy nose with black berry, cassis and vanilla layered underneath and a hint of prunes. More peppery, cedar, chocolate cassis jam flavours precede a sweet, heavy, vanilla alcoholic finish. Suave, smooth and drinkable now it should improve over the next year or two.Prices:| BC | $45.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Hardys Bankside Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
South Australia, AustraliaHardy's Bankside celebrates the original roots of the winery built upon the banks of the Torrens River at least before it burned down in 1853. The cabernet boasts a peppery, cedar bark, cassis jam nose streaked with blackberry vanilla and some licorice notes. It is dry and smooth on the palate with light tannins and a good whack of peppery, cassis, vanilla and tobacco flavours with an undercurrent of cassis, chocolate and earth. The finish is predictably warm and slightly acidic but there's good flavour concentration and relatively good value.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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25 May 2004
93PTS
Fonseca Vintage Port 1963
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalClearly the best of the 60s at Fonseca the 63 remains riper and richer than the 1966. The colour is mature with cedar cigar box notes and spice throughout. It remains feisty with some spirit characters showing through. It is all in balance with plenty of power and as Nick Heath would say plenty of ability to reveal itself.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Fonseca Vintage Port 1992
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, Portugal1992 is a member of the split vintage declarations of 1991 and 1992 where most producers declared the 1991 crop. The nose is a splendid mix of earth and spice. On the palate the textures are supple and smooth mixing sweet youthful fruit with chocolate and a touch of mineral. Not near as big as the 2000 or as robust as the 94 but this is solid port and will please many palates. IT will also be drinking sooner say 2010 through 2020.Prices:Read Full Note
94PTS
Fonseca Vintage Port 1997
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalSoft round fruity easy sipping at the moment in this young stage. This will need plenty of time to mature and put on some weight and depth. Plenty of raisin black fruits and no shortage of tannin bode well for the future of this port.Prices:| CDN | $250.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Greg Norman Estates Shiraz Reserve 1999
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaAttractive spicy vanilla, cherry cola, cedar and pepper notes mixed with blackberry jam and crème brûlée. Big, rich and warm on entry with some grainy tannins. Huge peppery, vanilla, smoky, black cherry, licorice, roasted prune flavours preview a long, very warm, crisp finish - almost over the top but will appeal to big red wine lovers.Prices:| AB | $53.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $49.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $49.95 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Fonseca Vintage Port 1985
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalThe '85 harvest was a giant offering the most Port in the last 50 years. The Fonseca is still developing but will be a blockbuster as it begins to plateau in 2005. It's started to lose a little color but the nose is ripe and full of fruit aromas. Its s spicy concentrated fruit flavours go on and on and on. It's beginning to build a bit of a vintage nose and remains spirity and warm.Prices:| BC | $249.99 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Fonseca Vintage Port 1970
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalIt's fair to say 1970 was good for most producers and great for Fonseca. This is a fabulous old mature port with some dryness and perfectly smooth raisin-y flavours. Bruce Guimaraens says it fills the mouth with bottled sunshine and finishes long. Soft round and delicious there is no need to wait any longer to drink this one. As they say at Fonseca anytime you are not drinking port is a complete and utter waste of time.Prices:| BC | $429.99 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Fonseca Vintage Port 1994
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalThe '94 has enormous color, huge concentrated youthful aromas that stem from small berries. They added up to 22 per cent colorless spirit and it still has massive colour. This is going to be one hell of a port. Although it started out life similar to the 1992 this wine is growing in the bottle and many think it will keep comfortably until 2040. Bruce Guimaraens says, "It has the structure 1977, maybe 1955, probably also 1985 which will be a classic year. It's a tiny vintage 50 per cent less production than average. Rich supple pruny raisin packed with spicy Christmas cake flavours. Delicious.Prices:| US | $250.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Greg Norman Estates Cabernet Merlot 2001
Limestone Coast, South Australia, AustraliaThe blend is 86/14 blend of cabernet sauvignon / merlot is a mix of Coonawarra and Padthaway fruit with the majority coming out of Coonawarra. Look for quite a peppery licorice, saddle leather cassis nose with strong cigar tobacco streaks. The entry is somewhat lean with peppery, earthy, cassis and vanilla flavours with a smoky, vanilla, tobacco finish. Definitely cool climate fruit and structure with a tight, lean finish. Try with some grilled meat, this is a food wine.Prices:| BC | $27.61 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $24.48 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.37 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $24.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $27.11 | 750ml |
| PEI | $36.65 | 750ml |
| NF | $24.18 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Greg Norman Estates Shiraz Limestone Coast 2001
Limestone Coast, South Australia, AustraliaThe fruit for the regular shiraz is sourced from premium vineyards within the Limestone Coast region the majority of which comes out of Coonawarra, Padthaway and Wrattonbully. The juice is fermented in small, four-tonne open fermenters and 35-tonne roto-fermenters. The individual parcels are pressed off the skins and finish fermentation in barrel. Maturation for up to 20 months was in a combination of new and seasoned French and American oak barrels. Look for an open black pepper, blueberry jam, licorice and roasted pepper nose. It is super smooth in the mouth with floral, blueberry, white pepper, leather and licorice tea flavours. Suave and very fruity with just a touch of acidity showing through at the end.Prices:| BC | $27.61 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.37 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $27.04 | 750ml |
| PEI | $27.61 | 750ml |
| NF | $23.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Greg Norman Estates Chardonnay 2002
Victoria, AustraliaMost of the Greg Norman chardonnay fruit is sourced from the Yarra Valley (78 percent) with Murrindindi contributing 10 percent and the Strathbogie Ranges (9 percent). Look for cool fruit with floral, nectarine, green apple aromas streaked with mango and vanilla. Round with fresh acidity. Lots of mineral, lees, citrus rind, and green apple flavours with a somewhat buttery, toasty, mineral finish. Fresh, stylish, lean and cool. Partial barrel fermentation combined with secondary malolactic fermentation and both French and American oak ageing gives it a creamy full texture in the mouth.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $23.90 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $22.85 | 750ml |
| NB | $25.29 | 750ml |
| PEI | $33.85 | 750ml |
| NF | $22.58 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Greg Norman Estates Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir NV
South Australia, AustraliaThe Greg Norman sparkler is a non-vintage blend of 57 percent chardonnay and 43 percent pinot noir all hand-picked from vineyards within Adelaide Hills, Langhorne Creek and McLaren Vale. Cashew, creamy lees, green apple, citrus nose with some pear streaks. It's bottle-fermented using traditional Champagne methods and aged 24 months prior to disgorgement. Look for a crisp, fresh sparkler that is well balanced with a fine elegant mousse. Slightly sweet with citrus, baked apple, nutty, creamy strawberry flavours. Long citrus, nutty green apple finish and good clean acidity. Drink all summer in the afternoon on your deck after that big hole in one.Prices:| BC | $31.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $27.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $27.25 | 750ml |
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23 May 2004
88PTS
Evans and Tate Sauvignon Blanc Semillon Margaret River 2003
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaWe appreciate the drop in price as much as we like the smoky, canned jalapeno, grassy, green olive nose streak with mineral and kiwi notes. The textures are soft, round and oily with more fresh mineral, smoky vanilla, canned jalapeno and grapefruit rind flavours. Quite full and intense with a crisp, smoky lees finish. We suggest grilled halibut the winery says Pad Thai, Greek salad or swordfish.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Morandé Terrarum Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2003
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileGooseberry, grapefruit, wet wool mineral aromas, very fresh. Crisp, round, juicy palate with mineral, grapefruit rind, green apple, chalky melon flavours. Lots of flavour, well balanced and crisp. This is a terrific fish wine.Prices:| BC | $17.49 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Rosemount Jigsaw Verdelho Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc 2003
AustraliaBright white peach and floral notes mix with grassy, melon aromas. Fruity, fresh, slightly sweet style with melon, buttery citrus flavours. Good fruit in an easy-drinking, fun commercial summer sipper. We like the price too. A good example of what's possible at the entry level with modern winemaking.Prices:| BC | $10.49 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Saint Clair Merlot Reserve Rapaura 2001
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandSpicy, smoky vanilla, peppery nose with an herbal, chocolate, black cherry and tobacco undercurrent. Dry, slightly tight with some tannins. Very smoky, vanilla, spicy clove, mocha, tobacco bell pepper flavours. Warm, slightly acidic finish. Reminds us of a cross between Okanagan Valley and Washington.Prices:| BC | $32.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
C. J. Pask Declaration Reserve 2002
Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New ZealandDark cherry colour. Smoky, clove, roasted bell pepper, burned mocha, spicy, leafy cassis aromas. Rich and round but very dry and somewhat acidic. Very smoky, oaky, mocha, roasted pepper, cassis, tobacco flavours. A bit out of balance and very oaky with an alcoholic finish.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Villa Maria Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Reserve 2001
Hawkes Bay, North Island, New ZealandIntense black pepper, spicy, plum, cassis, vanilla nose with roasted pepper aromas and a touch of cedar and smoke. The tannins are ripe, round and smooth tannins with fresh plum, cherry jam, peppery, vanilla, clove and smoky flavours. Juicy and flavourful with some light tannins to shed but should improve over the next two years. Well balanced.Prices:| BC | $41.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Domaine de la Charmoise Sauvignon Touraine 2002
Touraine, Loire, FranceHenry Marionnet is regarded in France as one of the best producers in the Touraine of both red and white wine. His sauvignon has an intense canned asparagus, floral, grapefruit rind notes mixed with mineral aromas. Dry, crisp, elegant and svelte styling previews similar flavours of asparagus, bell pepper and grapefruit rind with a very crisp, dry, mineral finish. Juicy and ripe but in a dry, tight style. Bring on the seafood.Prices:| BC | $22.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Fetzer Fumé Blanc Echo Ridge 2002
California, United StatesAttractive grapefruit, vanilla, kiwi, grassy melon nose. Round and smooth on entry with a touch of sweetness. Fresh grapefruit, green melon, grassy mineral flavours. Well balanced with a dry chalky finish. Good effort.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Pascal Jolivet Attitude Sauvignon 2002
Loire, FranceIntense grapefruit rind, canned asparagus aromas with a touch of green melon. Very dry, round, slightly lean style with dusty green apple, asparagus, grapefruit rind and gooseberry flavours. Crisp finish, will be best with grilled oysters or clams.Prices:| BC | $25.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Tommasi Soave Classico 2003
Soave, Verona, Veneto, ItalyNutty, leesy, maraschino, earthy aromas. Ripe, round, soft and fresh with honey, nutty, baked apple, mineral pear flavours. This is the best yet we have seen form Tommasi. Fruity, well balanced and fun. Drink all summer on the patio.Prices:| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Sunset Road Sauvignon 2002
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesMinty, grapefruit rind, buttery, grassy aromas. Round, slightly soft, slightly sweet palate with mineral, wet wool, grapefruit rind, green melon and vanilla flavours. A bit warm on the finish but sound and shippable, somewhat reminiscent of the very solid Kenwood Sauvignon Blanc.Prices:| BC | $17.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Van Loveren Sauvignon Blanc 2003
Robertson, Breede River Valley, South AfricaGrassy, mineral, bell pepper and canned jalapeno nose. Soft, round, smooth palate with some sweetness. Mineral, gooseberry, grapefruit rind, bell pepper flavours. Easy drinking, grassy style. Fun summer sipper.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Van Loveren Sémillon 2003
Robertson, Breede River Valley, South AfricaThis all sémillon wine opens with artichoke, grassy, jalapeno notes mixed with mineral and white pepper aromas. Soft, oily, smooth and sweet on entry with mineral, green melon, jalapeno, grassy flavours and a warm alcoholic finish. Standard and fresh if a bit herbaceous. The good news is its fresh and youthful ... drink all summer.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Man Vintners Sauvignon Blanc 2003
Western Cape, South AfricaMAN Vintners is a partnership between Jose Conde and brothers Tyrrel and Philip Myburgh, all major contributing figures to the South African Wine Industry. MAN is named after the three women in José, Tyrrel and Philip's lives: Marie, Anette and Nicky. The grapes are sourced from Stellenbosch, Paarl, Worcester and Robertson. We like the grassy, grapefruit rind, candied apple mineral aromas and its soft textures and dry palate. More grapefruit rind and grassy, apple skin flavours. A dry, grassy style that should pair well with calamari. Good value.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Brancott Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2002
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandBrancott Vineyards has been producing Sauvignon Blanc since the early eighties in Marlborough, with grapes harvested predominantly from the company's main vineyard in the area (Brancott Estate) located on the southeastern side of the Wairau Valley of Marlborough. Look for intense canned asparagus, mineral and green pepper aromas. It is fresh and round on the palate with more canned asparagus, kiwi, grapefruit rind and a dash of bell pepper in the finish. It is well-balanced and round but more vegetative than some might like. Drink now.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.85 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Casillero del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc 2003
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe Casillero sauvignon comes off several cool sites and is fermented and aged on its lees in stainless steel tanks only from four to six months. Look for a bright citrus scented nose with hints of gooseberry and pineapple. Fresh, clean, elegant palate with grapefruit, mineral, bell pepper gooseberry flavours. Crisp, round finish, a bargain and very consistent.Prices:| BC | $12.45 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.50 | 750ml |
| SK | $12.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.30 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $12.42 | 750ml |
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21 May 2004
83PTS
Garry Oaks Pinot Noir 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFairly light colour. Rootsy, smoky, dill, briny, Worcestershire nose with some earthy, strawberry notes. Dry, somewhat lean with elevated acidity. Dried cedar bark, rootsy, cranberry, smoky leafy flavours. A simple earthy, slightly herbaceous style pinot for early drinking.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Quartz Reef Pinot Noir 2002
Central Otago, South Island, New ZealandThe '02 Central Otago pinots are on a lot of must buy lists and after tasting the Quartz Reef it's easy to know why. Celery salt, rootsy, leafy, smoky, black cherry aromas mark the nose of this super silky red with spicy, juicy black cherry, smoky vanilla flavours. Smooth and ready to drink it has fine flavour intensity and ripeness. It lacks the finesse we see in Sonoma and perhaps Marlborough but a very attractive drinking style.Prices:| BC | $43.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Spy Valley Pinot Noir 2002
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandSpy Valley is a small, single-vineyard estate located in Marlborough producing very tasty pinot noir. Look for a spicy, vanilla, smoky, strawberry jam nose with hints of compost and carrot top; very pinot. Silky, smooth palate. Soft, juicy cherry, rhubarb, smoky vanilla, licorice root flavours. Elegant and flavourful with good acidity. Perfect for restaurants and a wide variety of food.Prices:| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Vidal Estate Pinot Noir 2002
Hawkes Bay, North Island, New ZealandLicorice root, smoky, mushroom, compost aromas with some black cherry and strawberry jam fruit. Soft and silky on entry with earthy, black cherry, smoky licorice compost flavours. A bit short and dry but nice intensity and fruit with some elegance despite the high alcohol. Very solid and enjoyable.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Carrick Pinot Noir 2002
Central Otago, South Island, New ZealandExcellent dark cherry colour. Pure pinot fruit nose with black cherry, raspberry jam, spicy, smoky, celery and savoury vanilla underneath. Rich, round and supple with Fine acidity and balance. Lots of black cherry, smoky, juicy rhubarb, celery, licorice root flavours and a long, fruity finish. Great for current drinking.Prices:| BC | $52.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Selbach Riesling Dry (Red Fish Label) 2002
Mosel, GermanyAttractive honey, peach, slate/mineral and lime rind nose. On the palate it is fresh, clean and juicy with green apple, white peach and spicy mineral flavours. A delicate, easy-drinking style that should pair well with most Indian and Chinese foods.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Fassprobe 2003
Mosel, GermanyHoney, spicy, mango, pineapple, slate, green apple nose with lime oil. Rich, fresh, intense honey, peach, pineapple, orange flavours with a slate-y, apricot, juicy apple finish. Fabulous flavours, richness and balance. Buy and drink or hold 10 years. A fabulous tank sample sealed with a NOMA-style cork.Prices:| BC | $27.95 | 375ml |
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93PTS
Ostertag Riesling Grand Cru Muenchberg 2002
Alsace, FranceThe 100 per cent bio-dynamic, grand cru rated, amphitheatre-shaped Muenchberg is described by English MW and wine buyer Jasper Morris as "a suntrap protected by the 900m Undersberg Mountain. Its soils are as unique as its microclimate: 250 million year old sandstone with volcanic topsoil which heats quickly cools slowly and drains well. The riesling is sublime. Slate lime rind, peach, mango, baked apple aromas spiced with a touch of smoke. It's extremely ripe and rich yet elegant with just a hint of sweetness. The flavours are more fresh lime rind, baked apple, warm mango, honey and spice flavours. Fine intensity and good acidity and huge concentration. Outstanding.Prices:| BC | $63.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $45.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Ostertag Riesling Heissenberg 2002
Alsace, FranceDomaine Ostertag is a family run property comprising 12 hectares spread over more than 75 small plots of vines within five villages. Look for a lime rind, green pear, tarte tatin (baked apple caramel), and nectarine nose. Rich, round, long, mineral, baked apple, spicy pear flavours with a buttery, citrus, peach skin finish. Great finesse for the richness and fine acidity should be able to age 3-7 years. Biodynamism was extended to 100 per cent of the domaine in 1998, precluding any use of herbicides, chemical fertilisers and insecticides. Prices:| BC | $48.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Pfaff Riesling 2001
Alsace, FranceVaseline, buttery, citrus, peach skin aromas waft out of the glass. On the palate it is dry and crisp and showing some weight. Mineral, smoky, apple skin, buttery citrus flavours. It's a leaner, more mineral style riesling that relies more on texture than fruit. Built for food.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Garry Oaks Pinot Noir Estate 2002
Burgoyne Valley, Salt Spring Island, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaEarthy, barnyard, Worcestershire sauce streaked with black cherries, smoky rhubarb and shoe leather. Round and soft but fairly acidic with some sweetness on the palate. Sour cherry, smoky, leather, rootsy flavours give it a pinot character. Solid effort.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Lang Vineyards Riesling Reserve 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLovely honey, peach, mango notes mixed with mineral, candied apple nose. Quite similar to 2003 Pfalz wines and could be mistaken for one. Ripe, round, juicy style with some sweetness and fine acidity. Honey, spicy, baked apple, mango, mineral, candied apple skin flavours. Great ripeness and acidity - Germany or BC? Great value here.Prices:| BC | $12.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Dr. L Riesling 2003
Mosel, GermanyDr L. is a serious but fun wine. All the fruit comes off blue slate soil in the Mosel accounting for its honey, peach, floral, dry slate and ripe apple nose. On the palate it is round, ripe and fresh with juicy red apple, honey, white peach and mineral flavours. The finish is even better with more juicy apple and honeyed fruit all wrapped up in an elegant package. This may say QBA but it's really a ripe Kabinett. Fabulous effort in a superb vintage.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Stoneleigh Riesling 2001
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandVaseline, light petrol, lime rind, mineral, green apple skin aromas. Dry, crisp, smooth entry but quite juicy with red apple, Vaseline, diesel, lime rind, mineral flavours. A fully mature, off-dry, fruit-driven style that both capable of ageing in the bottle or pleasing palates now.Prices:| BC | $16.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.85 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Francis Ford Coppola Presents Diamond Collection Silver Label Pinot Noir 2002
California, United StatesCarrot, celery, barnyard, savoury cooked strawberry aromas with some volatile notes. Soft, smooth, round entry with black cherry, smoky, savoury, ginger flavours and a rhubarb poultry finish. Easy-drinking style but somewhat muddled nose and flavours.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Josef Drathen Bereich Bernkastel Riesling QBA 2002
Mosel, GermanyExpect a clean slate, white floral nose with mineral and baked apple notes. Soft and delicate with quite a sweet palate but with reasonable acidity. More juicy baked apple, smoky, mineral flavours and a touch of peach. Very delicate and clean. Perfect for Thai food or a great picnic summer wine. Good value wine for consumers.Prices:| BC | $10.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Schug Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2002
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, United StatesSchug Sonoma Coast pinot is fashioned after the silky "Villages" pinot of Burgundy. The wine is aged in primarily large oak casks (similar to the "cuvées" of Burgundian cellars) to emphasize its bright fruit. It has a light ruby colour and a rootsy, black cherry, spicy, strawberry nose with some saddle leather and barnyard streaks. Dry, round, elegant style with nice finesse and suppleness. Bright raspberry, rhubarb, smoky vanilla, celery flavours. A slightly restrained style but very good finesse and weight for current drinking or over the next year or two.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Schug Pinot Noir Carneros 2002
Carneros, Sonoma County, California, United StatesTypical Carneros region pinot now complete with clonal diversity achieved by blending several separately vinified lots - each bringing its unique clonal signature to the blend. Look for a spicy, smoky, black cherry, celery root, barnyard nose with a touch of compost. Fresh, round, supple palate with nice juicy acidity. Smoky, black cherry, raspberry, compost, licorice, and carrot flavours. Smooth and balanced with nice fruit intensity and finesse and a touch of dryness. Good now but should improve over the next 2 years. Pair with lamb, duck or grilled salmon. The blend is 100 pinot noir from 27% Lund Vineyard, 22% Schug Estate, 22% Sangiacomo Vineyard, 22% Ricci Vineyard and 7% Vineburg.Prices:| AB | $27.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Feudi di San Gregorio Greco di Tufo 2002
Campania, ItalyMineral, citrus, peach, marzipan aromas with a touch of lees. Rich, round and crisp entry with orange, mineral, pear, melon flavours. Well balanced with some finesse and an oily texture on the finish. best fresh and young so drink now.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Feudi di San Gregorio Fiano di Avellino 2002
Campania, ItalyFloral, candied apple, mint, spicy, honey aromas with some green melon and lime streaks. Very crisp, dry and round with citrus rind, honey, pear, mint flavours with a spicy, buttery finish. Clean, fresh, elegant style for current drinking.Prices:| AB | $27.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Feudi di San Gregorio Falanghina del Sannio 2002
Campania, ItalyRipe pear, quince, lemon rind, floral aromas with a touch of candied apple. Dry, soft, and round with a fairly crisp entry. Citrus, apple, quince mineral flavours with a fresh, elegant, easy finish. Stylish, ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
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20 May 2004
91PTS
McWilliam's Mt Pleasant Elisabeth Semillon 1998
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaThe Elisabeth Semillon is legendary for its quality and ridiculously low price. In 2003 half the bottles were closed with screwcaps which should further heighten its fabulous fruit characters. The '98 is just turning from young sémillon to mature showing some honey and cashew characters mixed with strong Hunter kerosene Vaseline notes. Rich showy powerful and still quite youthful this is unique white wine. This should continue to improve for sometime yet.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.99 | 750ml |
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18 May 2004
85PTS
Dunavár Chardonnay 2003
At $8.99 it's hard to quibble with this grassy/melon scented chardonnay. The flavours are a similar mix of honey and melon that with a little extra acid could really sing. Affordable entry level chardonnay that should do the job with light white meat dishes. Dunavár, literally translated, means Danube Castle. The name is a registered trademark established by Danubiana Borkereskedô, a company which is located in Bonyhad, Hungary. Danubiana itself is a subsidiary company of Binderer-St. Ursula (BSU) which is a major German wine company located in Bingen.Prices:| BC | $8.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $8.25 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Benziger Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2000
Sonoma County, California, United StatesAnother blockbuster Benziger. Rich spicy, peppery, cassis jam nose flecked with tobacco, vanilla, coffee, barnyard and black cherry aromas. Rich, concentrated, round and supple with smooth, grainy tannins. On the palate it has a big spicy cassis, mocha, coffee flavour with tobacco, clove, pepper flavours and just a hint of mint. The structure is terrific with fine mouth feel and a long warm finish. Drinkable now but should improve for 3-5 years.Prices:| BC | $77.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Benziger Merlot 2001
Sonoma County, California, United StatesMike Benziger hates cherry popsicle/green tea merlot which explains his style. Look for a peppery, spicy, clove, coffee, black cherry nose with some light barnyard and cedar streaks. The styling is soft and round, the structure velvety. Ripe cherry, peppery, leather, mocha, plum and spicy dill flavours with a savoury, gamey, pudding finish. Good acidity and well balanced; made for current consumption or over the next 3 years. The fruit is a 60/40 mix of Dry Creek, Alexander Valley and Sonoma /with Carneros.Prices:| BC | $37.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $38.45 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Flying Dog Classic Pale Ale NV
United StatesLight amber colour. Fine bubbles with light head. Very fruity, spicy, hops nose with apricot, malt-y, cedar bark streaks and a touch of muscat. Crisp, fresh, dry style with very fruit, spicy, mineral, malt/earth/hop flavours and a touch of dried apricot on the finish. Fairly highly carbonated with a slightly bitter hops finish. Refreshing style that will go well with Asian food, spicy Indian or just quaffing after that big cycle.Prices:| BC | $11.95 | 355ml |
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86PTS
McWilliam's Hanwood Merlot 2002
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaSimple smooth straight-up merlot with a splash of earthy black fruit and vanilla. There is 10 per cent cabernet in the blend for structure and 2 per cent petit verdot for aromatics. Inoffensive, well balanced and ready-to-drink.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
McWilliam's Hanwood Chardonnay 2002
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaThe Hanwood chardonnay has been re-styled in recent years; the wine making is less about oak and vanilla and more about upfront fruit. Look for the peachy melon fruit nose so typical of Oz shiraz but with a crispness and brightness underneath that makes you want to have another glass. Creamy stone fruit flavours and just a wisp of pineapple mark the crisp finish.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $14.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $14.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
McWilliam's Hanwood Shiraz 2002
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaA cooler year in 2002 was a big help to the wines grown in the Riverina. The cooler growing season has lifted the fruit giving the nose a spicy, black cherry hint with similar black cherry and cedar flavours on the palate. It's fresh and lively (acidic) in the finish. In Oz it's sold under screwcap and it should be here too.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $14.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $14.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
McWilliam's Hanwood Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaLove the deep red/black colour. This may be the best varietal in the Hanwood range. It's totally ripe cabernet with plenty of mocha, black fruit flavours and a streak of cedar. In the mouth it's rich and substantial and definitely worth buying for the price. Well done. The fruit sourcing is 31% Riverina; 26% Coonawarra; 20% Limestone Coast; 14% Hilltops and 9% Yarra Valley.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $14.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.45 | 750ml |
| NS | $11.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Fetzer Valley Oaks Zinfandel 2001
California, United StatesPeppery, licorice, black berry nose with cedar, barnyard streaks. Soft, round, smooth palate with leather, brambleberry, peppery, cherry vanilla flavours. Simple, easy-drinking zin for any summer barbeque occasion.Prices:| BC | $16.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Wente Vineyards Zinfandel 2001
Livermore, San Francisco Bay, California, United StatesVery spicy, black raspberry jam, licorice, black pepper nose with a touch heat (alcohol). Very soft, smooth, and slightly sweet on entry. On the palate it has plenty of ripe black cherry, peppery, licorice flavours with some acidity showing through. Smooth, fruity, entry-level zin.Prices:| BC | $17.75 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Hoegaarden Witbier-Bier Blanche NV
BelgiumWitbiers have some sedimentation and cloudiness. This is due partly to the use of wheat (about half the grain), which produces a turbid wort, but also to the fact that witbiers are bottle conditioned or unfiltered and retain the spices added. This one has a very pale, fine nose with light malt-y, leesy, spicy, ginger, earthy floral nose with some pear and citrus. Quite dry and elegant with light bitterness and a fine, refreshing light mousse in the mouth. Balanced citrus, spicy, pear, earthy, honey yeast flavours. Not huge and rich but has finesse that makes this a perfect summer drink, especially for foods like grilled sausages or even seafood. Unusual and worth trying.Prices:| BC | $11.95 | 330ml |
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87PTS
Francis Ford Coppola Presents Diamond Collection Red Label Zinfandel 2001
California, United StatesBlack raspberry, cedar, peppery, licorice root aromas with chocolate and saddle leather streaks. Soft, round, smooth palate with some hotness. Black raspberry jam, spicy, cedar, currant and licorice flavours dominate. Good fruit but finish is a bit alcoholic and slightly acidic. Pricey.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Turnbull Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 2001
Oakville, Napa Valley, California, United StatesSkellenger Vineyards is the source of most of the sauvignon used at Turnbull half of which is the sauvignon musqué clone and its lime-scented fruit. The blend gets an extra smattering of three to five per cent viognier and malvasia bianca both of which elevate the wines floral notes and seven per cent sémillon. The weight is medium to light-bodied; the textures round, soft and easy sipping. The 60 per cent stainless ferment is mixed with 40 per cent barrel fermented fruit all of which is lees stirred through April. The wine is streaked with lime citrus notes and refreshing fruit flavours in the finish. An excellent, Napa-style, summer-sipping sauvignon.Prices:| BC | $29.95 | 750ml |
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17 May 2004
85PTS
Baldivis Estate Chardonnay 2001
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaButtery, lemon citrus oil honey nose. Warm, round, oily, soft and slightly sweet with honey, buttered apple and citrus oil flavours. Simple, old style, drink up.Prices:| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
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15 May 2004
88PTS
Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Kabinett 2002
Mosel, GermanyLight smoky, mineral, slate-y, apple skin nose with a bit of matchstick and some green peach notes. Round, fresh, elegant style but very fruity and soft. Good fresh green apple, peach, mineral, lime flavours with a creamy, fresh acid finish. Good solid kabinett.-class riesling. Drink all summer.Prices:| BC | $29.50 | 750ml |
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13 May 2004
83PTS
Nichol Vineyard Syrah 2000
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight cherry colour. Earthy, gamey, rubbery notes mix with peppery, weedy cherry fruit. Very soft, round and smooth on entry with spicy, savoury, sour cherry and summer sausage flavours. The finish is thin and acidic. Disappointing considering earlier editions.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
La Frenz Shiraz 2002
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSlightly volatile peppery, licorice root and rhubarb nose mixed with compost, resin and vanilla highlights. It's rich, smooth and warm on entry with big smoky vanilla, licorice root, black cherry jam flavours and only some light tannins in the finish. Good effort that should improve in bottle over the next few years. Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Helderberg Winery Shiraz 2002
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaSmoky, saddle leather and meaty, savoury notes mark the nose of this South African red. It's fairly dry on the palate with a soft, round structure and fresh acidity. The flavours mix smoke prunes, earth and blackberries in an affordable, commercial, barbecue red.Prices:| AB | $10.50 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Newton Forrest Syrah Cornerstone 2002
Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New ZealandThe Cornerstone Vineyard is situated in the heart of the Gimblett Gravels viticultural region in Hawkes Bay. Look for a cool peppery, licorice root nose streaked with spicy, resiny vanilla and black cherry. Rich, ripe, smooth and hot it has intense flavours of black cherry, pepper, smoky vanilla, licorice and leather. Big flavours, big style and all in a smooth package -- quite similar in our mind to Washington state syrah. Will need a few years to fully mature in bottle.Prices:| NZ | $35.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Willowglen Shiraz 2002
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaPeppery, blackberry, earthy, bell pepper nose. Quite acidic on entry with sweet, black cherry, peppery fruit and warm roasted earth flavours. Very commercial style but fruity. Needs food (grilled meats) to tame the acidity. Good value.Prices:| BC | $11.95 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Wild Pig Syrah 2003
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceOpen pruny, peppery, spicy, cooked raspberry fruit nose with a hint of nail polish. Very smooth and dry with peppery, cooked prune, spicy, candied cherry flavours. Pretty alcoholic finish on this - serve chilled. We like the package a lot but the wine is a bit tired.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.50 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Planeta Syrah 2001
Sicily, ItalyPlaneta Syrah is coming in to its own in 2001. It has a huge black pepper, licorice root and roasted mulberry and coffee nose streaked with gamey, meaty aromas. Warm round and smooth it slides down easily with plenty of coffee, black berry jam, vanilla, smoky, resiny licorice flavours and a touch of tea and leather. No lack of flavours here but it's big and alcoholic - save for a slow cooked leg of lamb this fall or winter.Prices:| BC | $52.65 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Fat Bastard Shiraz 2002
Languedoc, Sud de France, FrancePeppery, licorice, poultry spice, blackberry nose. Warm, dry, slightly tannic style with very spicy, floral black cherry, peppery, cedar flavours. A good alternative dry style shiraz that goes with most grilled foods.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Lindemans Bin 50 Shiraz 2003
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaBig white pepper, blueberry, blackberry nose with a hint of savoury spice. Smooth, round, soft style with a touch of dry tannins. Smoky, vanilla, blackberry jam, earthy flavours with a bit of acidity on the finish. Very fruity style.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $12.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.49 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.45 | 750ml |
| NB | $12.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $13.49 | 750ml |
| PEI | $16.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $12.98 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.95 | 1500ml |
| BC | $24.99 | 1500ml |
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93PTS
Austin Hope Syrah 2001
Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, Central Coast, California, United StatesSpicy, savoury, peppery, Christmas cake notes mixed with vanilla coffee, currants and meaty, roasted notes. The style is rich, smooth and round; the palate packed with super fine tannins. Ripe blackberry, black cherry, coffee, and vanilla flavours are mixed liberally with cola, licorice and more peppery, Christmas cake flavours. Long and flavourful with good balance despite a warm, alcoholic finish. If you like your syrah big this is it.Prices:| BC | $94.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $84.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Hardys Nottage Hill Shiraz 2002
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaThe '02 has arrived in one-litre format for only a dollar more - it should attract a crowd. Look for a bright fruity nose with blueberry, black cherry, white pepper and savoury notes. Super smooth and round with big floral blackberry jam, white pepper, leather flavours. Intense and warm with that acidic Oz finish. A simple fruity quaffer.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 1000ml |
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11 May 2004
85PTS
Calona Vineyards Merlot Artist Series Reserve 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, smoky, leafy dill aromas mix with peppery, roasted plum notes. Dry, round and slightly tannic on entry with peppery, smoky, tobacco and cherry flavours. Dry and lean on the finish with some gritty tannins but very sound. A solid effort and a big improvement over 2001.Prices:| BC | $14.49 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Calona Vineyards Syrah Artist Series Reserve 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, vanilla, dill, leafy, sausage nose with black pepper and vegetal notes. The entry is smooth and round with smoky, spicy vanilla, black cherry and roasted pepper flavours. Its soft sweet fruit finish should have wide commercial appeal.Prices:| BC | $14.49 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Calona Vineyards Artist Series Cabernet Merlot 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaExpect a cool spicy, peppery, roasted tomato nose mixed with leafy cassis aromas and an undercurrent of stewed prunes. It's fairly dry and acidic on entry with black cherry, cigar and earthy, roasted tomato flavours. The finish has a smoky resiny vanilla flavour. Somewhat disjointed for the price.Prices:| BC | $14.49 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Calona Vineyards Artist Series Cabernet Franc 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe '02 cab franc has that typical leafy, tobacco nose with spicy, cranberry aromas and smoky vanilla notes. Soft, dry and round on entry it has more spicy, smoky vanilla oak flavours with resiny, black cherry fruit and a streak of cigar in the finish.Prices:| BC | $14.49 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Calona Vineyards Blush Artist Series Reserve 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAttractive red colour. Tomato leaf, earthy, candied cherry aromas. Very sweet, round entry with stewed tomato, tobacco, earthy candied peach and cherry flavours. A big sweet style that will appeal to some but not all.Prices:| BC | $12.49 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Calona Vineyards Gewurztraminer Artist Series Reserve 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen spicy, sausage meat, citrus rind, aromas with some green apple and lychee streaks. The entry is fresh, the textures round, the fruit ripe and the acidity perfect. Look for juicy apple, buttery peach/melon flavours with a spicy, sausage finish. Drink while young and fresh.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Calona Vineyards Pinot Gris Artist Series Reserve 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBright ripe apple, steely mineral, pear aromas with a touch of melon. Round, soft, elegant style with a touch of residual sugar. Apple skin, mineral, peach and butter flavours dominate in a fresh, easy drinking style. Well done.Prices:| BC | $13.49 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Calona Vineyards Sovereign Opal Artist Series Reserve 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTypical intense (muscat) floral nose streaked with mint and a touch of sausage meat - somewhat reminiscent of gewürztraminer. The nose is fat and round reflecting the warm vintage, the entry is sweet with spicy, baked apple, peach skin and lychee flavours and an apple skin finish. Definitely B.C. this will be a fun summer sipper on the patio.Prices:| BC | $12.49 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Lang Vineyards Pinot Auxerrois 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeachy, butter, apple skin nose with baked pear and citrus notes. This has a ripe round and smooth entry with some noticeable sweetness and more ripe apple, peach and melon flavours. Perfect for the patio or serve liberally with spicy Asian food.Prices:| BC | $12.40 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Glenugie Pinot Noir Limited Vintage 2001
British Columbia, CanadaSpicy Worcestershire sauce nose with black cherry, earth, compost and a leafy strawberry streak. Soft, round, smooth style with a slightly dry finish. Smoky, leather, canned black cherry compost flavours. Sound, ready-to-drink rudimentary pinot.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Glenugie Gamay Noir 2002
British Columbia, CanadaLook for a smoky, earthy, licorice nose with black cherry and strawberry jam highlights. On the palate it is soft, round and dry with cedary, spicy, strawberry jam and some floral, citrus notes. Very sound, fruity style that should be good with pork or salmon.Nicely done.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Glenugie Pinot Blanc 2002
British Columbia, CanadaNutty, spicy lees nose with a mineral slate undertone. Warm, round sweet and sour entry with a leesy, citrus butter and apple skin flavours. The acid and the alcohol are somewhat out of synch for the vintage but we like the price.Prices:| BC | $11.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Black Hills Nota Bene 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2001 Nota Bene is a blend of 46 per cent cabernet sauvignon, 35 per cent merlot and 19 per cent cabernet franc. Despite the lower cabernet sauvignon content, the '01 may sport the hardest structure yet. The nose is dry cedar with peppery, sweaty leather overtones and strong herbal green bean, bell pepper nuances. There's plenty of extract and spicy, minty cedar tobacco smoky vanilla flavours but it's still a bit dry and acidic. This will need another year in the bottle to smooth out some of the rough edges. 1800 cases produced.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Black Hills Nota Bene 1999
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeppery spicy, earthy, tobacco nose with a big streak of dried cedar, sausage and damp rubber. Tight, firm entry with dried cherry cola, cedar, smoky flavours and more earth and spice on the finish. Light tannins lead to a smooth finish. Nearly mature. Drink now or over the next year. The blend is 64% merlot, 26% cabernet sauvignon and 10% cabernet franc.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Black Hills Nota Bene 2000
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2000 Nota Bene is a 52/25/23 blend of cabernet sauvignon/cabernet franc/merlot. The initial nose is a bit stinky with leafy, compost/peppery reductive nose and can be off putting. On the palate, the wine is well-managed and quite expansive. The flavours are peppery with blackberry plums and mocha toffee oak. Lay down and avoid as the saying goes just a bit to stinky for us.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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81PTS
Glenugie Chardonnay 2001
British Columbia, CanadaBready, lees, mineral, asparagus, apple skin aromas. Dry, lean, acidic structure with mineral grassy green apple, leesy flavours. Not much fruit or balance here.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Glenugie Chardonnay Limited Vintage 2001
British Columbia, CanadaLight yellow colour. Green apple, buttery vanilla aromas with smoky lees. Dry, tart entry with citrus, green apple, grassy flavours and a very buttery oak finish . Decent but not enough fruit and balanced.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 750ml |
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10 May 2004
86PTS
Gassier Sauvignon Viognier 2005
Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceA blend of 85/15 sauvignon/viognier. Lemon grass, mineral, melon, quince nose. Dry, oily and round on the palate with honey, green melon, buttery flavours and some grapefruit and lemon oil on the finish. Good acidity balance but getting a bit oily and rind-y now. Drink up while still fresh.Prices:| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.50 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Domaine de Molines Viognier Réserve 2001
Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceHand picked and partially barrel fermented by Michel gassier this has a big honey, spicy, lemon, quince nose with some mineral and baked pear aromas. Rich round and dry with some oily textures it is full of spicy, honey, apricot, buttery vanilla flavours with some toasted orange notes. Good acidity, fresh if a bit alcoholic. Well balanced with good intensity. Fine food wine.Prices:| BC | $23.55 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.50 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Domaine de Molines Merlot 2002
Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceSeptember rains contributed to the leafy, savoury, earthy tobacco nose with some black cherry. Dry, slightly lean and round with cedary, earthy, licorice, spicy gamey flavours. Sound but lacks fruit, more Euro style. Better with food.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Domaine de Molines Merlot Cabernet Réserve 1999
Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceSpicy, dill, cardamom, cherry aromas with earthy barnyard notes. Soft, round and somewhat dry with peppery, cherry, spicy, olive flavours and a touch weedy in the finish. Elegant but a tad on the under-ripe green fruit side.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.50 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Château de Nages Cuvée Joseph Torres Rouge (Syrah) 2000
Costières de Nîmes, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceMarmalade black raspberry and touch of prune mark this expressive syrah nose flecked with pepper, coffee and mocha. On the palate there are big sausage savoury meaty flavours with substantial dry tannins in the finish. It needs time or a big meat dish to smooth out the rough edges. Winemaker Michel Gassier describes the Torres, named after his grandfather, as not just a display of power but one of finesse too.Prices:| BC | $27.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.95 | 750ml |
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05 May 2004
89PTS
Penfolds Riesling Reserve Bin 2003
Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaBright red apple, peachy/lime fruit with pineapple a touch of orange and mineral mixed in. Crisp, fresh, dry style with steely, mineral, apple skin, lime rind and nectarine flavours. Very crisp Granny Smith apple fruit finish. A German Trocken (dry) style riesling without the bitterness. Well done.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.95 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Penfolds Grange Hermitage Bin 95 Shiraz 1999
South Australia, AustraliaRich vanilla cream, peppery, cola, blackberry, pencil lead, mocha, roasted pepper nose with some saddle leather, Christmas pudding and clove. Rich, concentrated, tight palate but somewhat alcoholic too at 14.5 per cent. Very peppery, spicy, mocha, cola, blackberry flavours with a long licorice, vanilla, Christmas pudding finish. A bit tight and acidic at this point and very young with some leanness. Needs 5-7 more years to smooth out and integrate. Not as total as the previous vintage but still an excellent effort.Prices:| BC | $230.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $225.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $240.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $236.25 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Penfolds Thomas Hyland Shiraz 2002
South Australia, AustraliaThe Hyland shiraz is a mix of selected parcels of fruit from Barossa Valley (32%), McLaren Vale (29%) and other areas including the Upper Adelaide and the Adelaide Plains. Winemaker Peter Gago mixes French and American oak to shape this rich red and give it a coffee, vanilla, spicy, blackberry jam nose with gamey, licorice aromas. It has a rich, smooth, fairly unctuous structure with fresh coffee, blackberry jam, licorice and vanilla flavours. Simple but well balanced and smooth. Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Rosemount Shiraz Cabernet 2003
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaSimple veggie, earthy, weedy nose with hints of mercaptan. Sweet, smooth, round entry with more veggie, cassis and rubbery flavours. Herbaceous and sweet on the finish. Ordinary commercial quaffer.Prices:| BC | $13.49 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Talomas Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot 2001
California, United StatesThe Talomas cab/merlot is a 63/37 blend where 70 per cent of the fruit come out of Monterey County. Look for a peppery, coffee, saddle leather, licorice nose with gamey, bell pepper, plum and clove aromas. Rich, smooth and concentrated with vanilla, coffee, peppery, leather, plum jam flavours and a licorice, cedar finish. Good intensity and balance if a bit herbaceous. Well made.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet-Shiraz-Merlot 2001
Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaTypical coffee, cassis jam and saddle leather with black olive and gamey pepper aromas in the background. Quite rich and smooth on the palate with slightly grainy tannins. More coffee, vanilla, cassis and smoky blueberry flavours in the finish. Solid but lean and too acidic to appeal to most North American palates.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Penfolds Cabernet Sauvignon Bin 707 2001
South Australia, AustraliaA blend of Coonawarra, Padthaway, McLaren Vale and Kalimna fruit contributes to a rich vanilla, coffee, leather, blackberry jam nose with spicy coriander and plum highlights. Rich, concentrated and intense, spicy, smooth tannins, massive, coffee, vanilla, blackberry jam and leathery flavours. The finish is long and waxy with toasted vanilla and pepper. Intense, smooth Aussie-Bordeaux style. Definitely back on track in 2001.Prices:| BC | $99.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Rosemount Orange Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
Orange, New South Wales, AustraliaThe area surrounding the town of Orange in New South Wales is emerging as a serious wine growing region. Rosemount's Orange vineyard is located in the foothills of Mount Canobolas at 875 to 900 metres above sea level which contributes to its smoky, coffee, vanilla, black cherry/cassis fruit nose with tobacco/saddle leather notes. The tannins are firm but well managed the flavours fruity with streaks of vanilla, tobacco, coffee and cassis jam flavours. The finish is a savoury, smooth and concentrated. Well done.Prices:| BC | $33.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Lindemans Limestone Ridge Shiraz Cabernet 1999
Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaLindemans Limestone Ridge is made with 35 year old vines from the 24 hectare Limestone Ridge Vineyard located directly above a ridge of limestone that forms the 'backbone' of Coonawarra's famed Terra Rossa strip. Look for peppery, spicy, coffee, cassis and mint nose with strong notes of tobacco, leather and orange rind. Rich, smooth and elegant with spicy, coffee, cassis, vanilla, tobacco leaf flavours and a cedar/vanilla finish. Fine length and finesse. Definitely Bordelais in style. Cellar another three to five years.Prices:| BC | $46.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Rosemount Chardonnay Hill of Gold 2002
Mudgee, New South Wales, AustraliaInviting high-toned ripe melon, buttery, spicy lees aromas mixed with vanilla toasted garlic and mango. Round, soft, elegant style with leesy, spicy, vanilla, buttery lanolin textures and citrus flavours and a dry, mineral, vanilla finish. A bit old fashion otherwise well made and good value.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Rosemount Chardonnay Show Reserve 2001
Hunter, New South Wales, AustraliaInteresting nose of lanolin, garlic and toasted/baked apple with some melon. The textures are soft and slightly oily with spicy lees, citrus, pear, vanilla flavours and buttery, peach finish. Fairly warm and crisp with an oaky lees aftertaste but a good solid chardonnay -- if a bit old style. A good value.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Rosemount Mountain Blue Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
Mudgee, New South Wales, AustraliaMountain Blue is the centre of Rosemount's newly developed vineyard estate in Mudgee, on the western slopes of the Blue Mountains, New South Wales. Look for coffee, blueberry jam, clove and pepper on the nose. We like the smooth, rich concentrated fruit on the palate with flavours of licorice, pepper, cassis and blueberry with some vanilla and coffee on the finish. Very solid and flavourful and will work well with strong flavoured dishes. Prices:| BC | $59.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Rosemount Chardonnay Roxburgh 2001
Hunter, New South Wales, AustraliaThe Roxburgh Vineyard in the Upper Hunter Valley was established in 1966 on gently-sloping, rare 'terra rossa' soil, under cut with broken limestone. Today, it is home to some of the oldest chardonnay vines in Australia. Look for toasted vanilla and butter aromas with mineral, mango, citrus fruit and baked apple notes. It's round, rich and slightly oily on entry with good acidity and more toasted vanilla, mineral and crisp citrus apple flavours. Fine intensity and a welcomed leaner profile not seen in earlier editions.Prices:| BC | $45.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Rosemount Chardonnay 2003
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaPeach, butter, mineral and citrus aromas on the nose. The entry is round, but the flavours sweet and sour with citrus, apple skin and rind-y butter notes. A bit thin and lean especially for the price.Prices:| BC | $15.49 | 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 |
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93PTS
Penfolds RWT Shiraz 2001
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaRWT is a single-region (Barossa Valley) shiraz whose initials stand for 'Red Winemaking Trial. It was the working name affixed to the developmental wines as early as 1995 when former chief winemaker John Duval began work on the initial bottlings. The '01 has a unique spicy, pencil lead, coffee, saddle leather nose with peppery, sandalwood, blackberry jam notes. Rich, concentrated and intense with good grainy tannins and blueberry, blackberry jam, leather, coffee and creamy vanilla flavours. The finish is long and intense with cassis and smoky pepper highlights. It needs another two to five years to really offer up its best.Prices:| BC | $109.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $91.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $110.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $111.75 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Penfolds St. Henri Shiraz 2000
South Australia, AustraliaSt. Henri is an elegant, multi-district shiraz based on Barossa fruit and no new wood. Look for lots of coriander, leather and blackberry jam on the nose mixed with leather and smoky tobacco. The entry is round and smooth with somewhat grainy tannins on the finish. Leather, blueberry, blackberry and smoky tobacco flavours mix with some peppery, mint notes. Nice length and concentration but a touch acidic in the finish.Prices:| BC | $46.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $39.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $46.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $47.75 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Rosemount Shiraz Show Reserve 2000
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaPeppery, coffee, leather, blackberry aromas with some spicy, weedy, sandalwood undertones. Good concentration, smooth and warm on the palate with coffee, minty, tobacco, herbal pepper flavours. Nice silky, smooth texture on the finish but a bit too herbaceous for this price point.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Lindemans Bin 45 Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaTypical coffee, leafy, tobacco, savoury cassis nose with a bit of blackberry jam. Round, soft, slightly sweet entry with spicy, peppery, cassis, black cherry flavours. Smooth, fruity, easy-drinking style.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $24.99 | 1500ml |
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87PTS
Devil's Lair Fifth Leg 2002
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaDevil's Lair takes its name from nearby Devil's Lair cave - an ancient, mysterious burial ground where remains of the elusive Tasmanian Devil, discovered on site, are believed to be the origin of the cave's name. The nose is a mix of bell pepper, barnyard, tobacco leaf, olive and compost nose. It is dry, smooth, round and quite elegant on the palate with spicy, coffee, vanilla, green olive minty bell pepper flavours. Great styling but way too vegetal and a bit acidic on the finish.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Wynns Coonawarra Estate John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon Limited Release 1999
Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaWynns Coonawarra Estate John Riddoch was launched in 1982 as a flagship wine to be made in small quantities from the best estate cabernet fruit available. We like the '99 Riddoch with its peppery, clove, coriander, smoky, tobacco and saddle leather aromas mixed with green olive and bell pepper. It is extremely rich, smooth and round with intense peppery, spicy, smoky, leather, tobacco, cassis flavours and some Coonawarra minty, olive streaks. It has fine concentration and length. It's a bit alcoholic and somewhat acidic but after 20 months in new and one year old oak it will need more time to settle down. Best get it while you can because there are rumours there will be no 2000, 2001 or 2002.Prices:| BC | $69.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Rosemount Traditional Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Petit Verdot 2001
South Australia, AustraliaFrom one of the warmest vintages on record the '01 Traditional has an intense peppery, earthy, saddle leather nose streaked with cassis, black berry and cola. It is rich, round, and concentrated with smooth but noticeable tannins. Big spicy, clove, peppery, cassis, mint and leather flavours preview a long coffee, tobacco and blackberry finish. A Jimmy Watson trophy winner for the best one year old wine in 2002 the '01 Traditional has a bright future.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Kirralaa Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaKirralaa is made with 100 per cent, low yielding cabernet from McLaren Vale old vines aged 14 months in new and seasoned French barriques. Big spicy, peppery, leather, tobacco nose with bell pepper, olive mint and cassis streaks. Rich, round a smooth textured it's almost sweet with ripe black berry, cassis, fruit and spicy, minty, coffee, vanilla tobacco flavours. The finish is warm but the concentration fine. Solid effort.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.40 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Kirralaa Bushvine Shiraz 2002
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaPeppery, earthy, blackberry jam, leather and spice nose. Rich, very smooth palate and concentrated with intense blackberry jam, licorice, spicy, creamy vanilla, black pepper flavours. Long, smooth and flavourful, good value.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Talomas Cabernet Sauvignon & Syrah 2001
Central Coast, California, United StatesGamey, grilled meat, peppery, roasted bell pepper, cassis, and green bean aromas with smoky vanilla undertones. Round, smooth, suave entry but a bit alcoholic and acidic. Rich peppery, spicy, grilled mushroom, meaty, cassis flavours with a bit of chocolate and vanilla. Lots of intensity and smooth but still young and out of balance. The blend is 69 per cent syrah and 31 per cent cabernet sauvignon. Will improve over the next year or 2.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Penfolds Koonunga Hill Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot 2002
South Australia, AustraliaIntense spicy, black pepper, cassis, blackberry aromas with some olive and green bean notes. Soft, dry, round entry with spicy, dill, peppery, cassis, sour cherry, resiny flavours and a touch of dry tannin and acidity on the finish. The cabernet tends to dominate but the wine lacks the warmth and styling of the Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.49 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Penfolds Cabernet Sauvignon Bin 407 2001
South Australia, AustraliaThe 407 fruit sources include Bordertown and Coonawarra with significant parcels from McLaren Vale, Robe and Kalimna. Look for blackberry jam, cassis, vanilla, spicy tobacco black olive aromas. Ripe, rich, warm entry with somewhat dry, gritty tannins. Good spicy, peppery, vanilla, black olive tight at this point but beggining to soften. Will need a few years to round out but should improve. Definitely a bit more restrained and less fat than prior vintages.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $31.25 | 750ml |
| ON | $32.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $33.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Wynns Coonawarra Estate Shiraz 2001
Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaWinemaker Sue Hodder has been reshaping the Wynns leaving it spicy but a little less alcoholic. Look for peppery gamey notes on the nose but at least in '01 more of a Barossa plummy sweet fruit flavour. It's softer than usual and will probably come around much sooner. Drink now or hold another three to five years. The price continues to climb.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Wynns Coonawarra Estate Chardonnay 2002
Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaThe estate chardonnay comes from several sites and off new plantings on phylloxera-resistance rootstocks. Look for an open nose with light toasted lees aromas. Some 15 per cent of the juice goes through malolactic fermentation adding a creamy texture to the wine without hurting the fruit. Whole bunch pressing adds to the bright white peach and butter notes in the mouth. Delicious cool climate style.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.05 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Lindemans Shiraz Reserve 2002
South Australia, AustraliaNote the deep colour and big primary black cherry fruit and spicy nose with a licorice and leafy tobacco character. It tastes more like Rosemount than Lindemans with its smooth, acid adjusted black cherry fruit flavours. A pleasant solid everyday fruity shiraz.Prices:| BC | $15.49 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Penfolds Thomas Hyland Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
South Australia, AustraliaAnother stylish blend of cool fruit from Coonawarra, Bordertown, Padthaway, Robe and McLaren Vale. Spicy peppery, blackberry, tobacco, olive and earth nose. Good cassis, peppery, spicy blueberry flavours with some coffee and vanilla. The tannins have softened, ready to drink, nicely balanced. This is the first release in Canada.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Penfolds Thomas Hyland Chardonnay 2002
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaThe Thomas Hyland labels focused on varietal wines hit a homerun out of the gate and year two maintains the standard. Using mostly Adelaide fruit, and barrel fermenting in 70 per cent new French oak barrels gives the Hyland chardonnay a distinctively creamy lees flavour and texture. Look for a slightly tighter version of Koonunga Hill (although not as firm as Yattarna) with delicious melon, grapefruit, mineral and smoky toasted lees throughout. It's a whole new way to think of Australian chardonnay. Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Penfolds Koonunga Hill Chardonnay 2002
South Australia, AustraliaKoonunga Hill Chardonnay is always sourced from multiple districts with significant contributions from McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills. The difference in '02 was the much cooler and longer growing season that's given an always-solid wine, a fabulous lift. Look for impressive pear/apple fruit with a little bit of oak, a little bit of malolactic, some citrus highlights and an attractive creamy finish. Good value.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.75 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.95 | 750ml |
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03 May 2004
90PTS
Villa Delia Bambolo 1999
Bolgheri, Tuscany, ItalyThe third edition of Bambolo remains essentially the same mix of 40/40/10/10 sangiovese / cabernet sauvignon / merlot / pinot noir. The 1999 is mouth-watering savoury Tuscan red built for food. Lean sleek and firmly structured it should age effortlessly for a decade.Prices:| BC | $50.58 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Villa Delia Bambolo 1998
Bolgheri, Tuscany, ItalyBambolo is an unusual mix of 40/40/10/10 sangiovese / cabernet sauvignon / merlot / pinot noir all grown at the 22-hectare Villa Delia estate. The 1998 has a very firm structure with a savoury nose and firm acidity. On the palate is a touch more generous with some vanilla and more savoury fruit. Fine weight and length but will need more time to soften up. For now steak Florentine is the answer.Prices:| BC | $50.58 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sandhill Small Lots Program Three Burrowing Owl Vineyard 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen stewed cherries, rootsy, smoky, saddle leather aromas with some black olive and licorice. Dry, round and very smooth with tobacco, spicy, earthy, black olive, cherry and smoky vanilla flavours with acidity showing through on the finish. Interesting experimental blend, should develop a bit further in bottle over the next year or so. The merlot and cab tend to dominate the Italian grapes adding a bit too much of the olive-y, herbal characters. The blend is 50/30/10/10/50 sangiovese/barbera/merlot and cabernet sauvignon.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
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June 2004