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Tastings: August 2004
27 August 2004
86PTS
Lujuria 2002
Yecla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainLujuria is one of those savvy Vancouver wine stories. Local north shore artist Melanie St. George had her art spotted at an Esplanade Starbucks and the next thing you know it's on the label of Lujuria, an inexpensive Spanish red imported by Next Beverage. At 8.95 anything that's wet is good but this 70/30 blend of monastrell (mourvèdre) / merlot is better than that. Look for an earthy dark chocolate-scented red with plum fruit undertones. It's Spanish dry but round and soft with peppery, earthy, smoky black cherry. Tapas anyone. Certainly good value.Prices:| BC | $8.95 | 750ml |
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25 August 2004
86PTS
Louis Bernard Côtes du Lubéron Rouge 2002
Côtes du Rhône Villages, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceStraight up French red that balances acidity with a mix of strawberry and black fruit flavours all streaked with white pepper and a touch of coffee. Medium weight and easy to drink. Served with grilled meats or poultry or take to a barbecue.Prices:| BC | $16.50 | 750ml |
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24 August 2004
86PTS
Casa Silva Coleccion Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2001
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileCasa Silva farms some 800 plus hectares in 3 different locations within the Colchagua Valley including 350 hectare of vines over 90 years old around the winery at Angostura. The colour and nose is youthful showing herbal minty notes streaked with chocolate. It's a medium weight red with soft textures and similar chocolate minty black fruit flavours...the shiraz isn't making much of an impact yet.Prices:| ON | $13.05 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Argento Malbec 2003
Mendoza, ArgentinaLook for rich aromas of compost, manure earth and plum fruits mixed with mocha/coffee notes. Similar flavours mark its soft textures and warm demeanour with a full-bodied resiny earthy meaty red fruit finish. Perfect barbecue red.Prices:| ON | $10.05 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Que Sera Sirah Syrah/Shiraz 2003
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceQue Syrah blends three different terroir spanning limestone, clay, chalk, slate and schist. Look for a high acid entry with earthy/black olives notes and a floral undercurrent. Quite dry and lean with spicy meaty resiny flavours and some tannin in the finish.Prices:| ON | $12.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Talus Shiraz 2002
Lodi, Central Valley, California, United StatesThe Talus shiraz (80 per cent of which comes from the Lodi AVA) is aged in stainless steel to maintain its fruity character. Expect a soft round red that, in 2002, is drier and less fruity than previous edition. Look for an eartyhy blackberry fruit nose with roasted coffee and meaty flavours that finish a bit lean and dry. Solid if unexciting.Prices:| BC | $12.98 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.10 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Antonio Ségu Chardonnay 2002
Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileMineral, green apple skin, nutty garlic lees, baked pear aromas with some orange rind. Dry, round, elegant style with leesy, mineral, baked apple, honey, dried nut flavours with a citrus finish. Slightly austere and a touch hollow. A Burgundian wannabe but lacks some fruit intensity.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Vasse Felix Chardonnay 2002
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaCitrus, vanilla, toasted oak nose with green apple, slightly nutty lees aromas and a spicy, mineral note. Rich, round, elegant but very crisp with oily notes. Toasty oak vanilla, creamy lees, mineral, citrus rind, honey flavours with some warm, quince flavours. Good but the dry mineral, high acidity finish is a bit off balance.Prices:| BC | $27.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.49 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Petaluma Chardonnay Piccadilly Valley 2001
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaBig creamy inviting nose of vanilla, honey, citrus rind, green apple and anise with some notes of slate. Dry, round, oily and quite elegant with lots of honey, butterscotch, nutty lees, mineral, baked apple flavours. Good acidity and balance but fully mature.Prices:| BC | $36.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chateau de Chasseloir Muscadet Sevre et Main Sur Lie 2002
Muscadet, Pays Nantais, Loire, FranceMineral, red apple, smoky, quince aromas. Very dry, round, delicate style but quite balanced with citrus peel, mineral, baked green apple flavours. Clean, fresh and stylish for having with sautéed sole and poached oysters.Prices:| BC | $20.65 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Stonehedge Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2001
California, United StatesCorked although shows some richness, buttery, leesy notes. Try another bottle.Prices:| BC | $20.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.45 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Domaine Faiveley Mercurey Blanc Les Mauvarennes 2000
Mercurey, Côte Chalonnaise, Burgundy, FranceVery leesy, garlic, sweaty, nutty, butter aromas. Thin, light and dry and quite soft with mineral, buttery, nutty, citrus flavours. No real concentration and fading quickly. Bring on a new vintage.Prices:| BC | $35.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $21.65 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Grant Burge Barossa Vines Chardonnay 2003
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaHoney, mineral, burnt sugar, vanilla, peach and citrus aromas. Soft, round, slightly oily textured with some sweetness. Green apple, honey, vanilla, mineral, leesy butter flavours with a slightly warm, fresh acid finish. Solid but boring.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Tamaya Chardonnay 2003
Spicy, honey, peach, baked apple aromas with a nutty note. Crisp, round, fresh and clean with mineral, canned peach, grapefruit, green melon and lees flavours with a honey, mineral, baked apple finish. Good intensity and flavour profile with a juicy Limari valley core. Well made, good value.Prices:| BC | $13.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Dry Rock Vineyards Chardonnay 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCitrus, pineapple, canned peach aromas with a touch of butter and vanilla. Clean, fresh and round with buttery peach, baked apple, honey and melon flavours with a spicy note. Juicy, fruity, well balanced style with ripe flavours. Good value too.Prices:| BC | $13.49 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Caliterra Merlot 2002
Region del Valle Central, ChileVery carmenère like with dusty, raw cassis, minty, compost, rootsy aromas -- all quite green. Dry, soft and round with spicy, minty, green olive, cassis and leafy compost flavours with some vanilla spice. Pretty dry and green. Not much joy here and it is warm (alcoholic) to boot.Prices:| MB | $9.90 | 750ml |
| SK | $12.60 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.35 | 750ml |
| BC | $12.40 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.45 | 750ml |
| QB | $11.90 | 750ml |
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75PTS
Saturna Island Chardonnay Robyn's Vineyard 2001
Southern Gulf Islands, British Columbia, CanadaOxidized, clove, nutty, over the hill aromas and the flavours are the same. This wine has seen better days. Look for the next vintage.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Burrowing Owl Syrah 2002
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRich gamey, black cherry jam and smoky tobacco notes streaked with rootsy, licorice and vanilla. Rich, round, warm and dry on entry with elegant but round, supple tannins. More spicy, black cherry jam, vanilla, meaty, licorice and cigar flavours with just the right amount of peppery, sausage and citrus peel flavours on the finish. Ripe and suave. Well worth laying away for a few years. Bravo.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Mission Hill Five Vineyards Cabernet Merlot 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPronounced dill and spicy olive brine nose with smoky roasted pepper aromas. Dry and round on entry with smoky oak and cool dill, pepper, green bean and olive flavours and some elevated acidity on the finish. It finishes with more dill and cedar-y smoky notes. Classic cool climate red.Prices:| BC | $15.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $14.75 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.45 | 750ml |
| NB | $15.75 | 750ml |
| NS | $15.94 | 750ml |
| YK | $16.20 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Jindalee Chardonnay 2003
Murray Valley, South Australia, AustraliaMineral, light lees, citrus rind, melon aromas with a mango note. Soft, round, fresh palate with baked peach, mineral, buttery, citrus flavours with a honeyed, mango note on the finish. A friendly chardonnay at a fair price.Prices:| BC | $10.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Ségu Carignan 2001
Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileCarignan is virtually unknown in Chile but for this tobacco, earthy, grilled mushroom and orange peel scented label from Ségu. On the palate it is dry and round showing some edgy acidity and tannins. Black cherry, pepper, spice, grilled game and licorice flavours dominate with some tobacco on the finish. Somewhat out-of-balance with the high acidity and warm, lean finish.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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23 August 2004
87PTS
Marqués de Riscal Rueda Blanco 2003
Rueda, Castilla-Leon, SpainExpect a lovely dry but fruity 85/15 blend of verdejo and viura grapes. This all stainless-steel fermented white is a fresh, full flavoured sauvignon-like Spanish white that is tailor-made for seafood. Look for grapefruit rind, mineral and green apple flavours throughout. An incredible bargain in Ontario where it is widely available.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.99 | 750ml |
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22 August 2004
0PTS
Norton Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
Mendoza, ArgentinaCorked.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Barossa Valley Estate Shiraz Moculta 2001
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaVery spicy, white pepper, blackberry, smoky shoe leather aromas. Soft, round and smooth with smoky, spicy, leather, prune flavours with a touch of cola and blackberry in the finish. A touch acidic on the finish and tiring. Sound but lacks concentration. What was once a very solid wine is now commercial and pricey.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Marcel Lapierre Morgon 2002
Morgon, Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceLeafy, peppery, spicy, tea and compost nose with sour cherry and rhubarb. Dry, soft, round and elegant with leafy, black cherry, rhubarb flavours. Nice styling and finesse but seems really knocked down and vegetative - most likely cork taint. Try another bottle.Prices:| BC | $36.59 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Stonehedge Syrah Reserve Signature Vines 2000
Napa Valley, California, United StatesVery peppery, spicy, prune, vanilla cedar nose with some gamey, blackberry notes and a touch volatile and cooked. Very dry, rich, somewhat lean tannic palate with rootsy, licorice, garrigue, roasted prune and pepper flavours. Needs a year or two to soften and integrate as it seems to lack overall balance and has a very dry, astringent finish at this point.Prices:| BC | $31.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.95 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Cuvaison Syrah 2000
Napa Valley, California, United StatesThis is truly syrah and not shiraz with an intense blackberry, gamey, garrigue, saddle leather, smoky nose streaked with licorice and black plum. Ripe, round, smooth and dry with ripe, fine tannins. A bit alcoholic on the palate with very ripe black cherry, black plum, vanilla, smoky, peppery spicy flavours with a floral, licorice, chocolate finish. Well balanced with fine syrah character. Drink now or over the next 2-5 years.Prices:| BC | $47.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Obikwa Shiraz 2003
Western Cape, South AfricaBlackberry, smoky prune and spicy game aromas. Palate is soft and round with black berry, smoky leather, pepper flavours. Smooth and simple but well suited to everyday drinking. Good value.Prices:| BC | $9.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.49 | 750ml |
| ON | $8.45 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Spires Shiraz 2001
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaBlackberry, licorice, cola, floral minty aromas, quite unusual for shiraz from Barossa. Soft, round, smooth and sweet with spicy, blueberry, cola, rootsy flavours and quite a fresh acid finish. A Yellowtail look-alike for a few dollars money.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Banrock Station Shiraz 2002
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaVery berry fruity jam, floral, spicy white pepper nose. Smooth, soft, round styling with a atouch of sweetness. Ripe black cherry, blueberry, pepper flavours and fairly full bodied. Big and fruity but an attractive consumer wine nevertheless.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Madfish Shiraz 2001
Western Australia, AustraliaVery spicy, peppery, blueberry, blackberry nose with some sandalwood and smoky notes. Soft, round, warm and fresh with big blueberry, blackberry, peppery flavours and a very fruity tutti, slightly astringent finish. Good intensity if a bit on the commercial side.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Vasse Felix Shiraz 2001
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaBlack pepper, smoky, vanilla, licorice, black cherry and leather aromas mark the nose with a hint of prunes and game. Rich, round, elegant and smooth with light/fine tannins. Warm but balanced with spicy, floral, black plum, smoky, licorice and vanilla flavours that finish with a touch of fruit pudding. Stylish and a bit nervy, it has fine concentration and fruit. Should improve over the next 1-3 years but you can drink it now.Prices:| BC | $38.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $32.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $38.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Eaglehawk Shiraz 2003
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaLicorice, blueberry and blackberry aromas with some peppery notes. Round and smooth with some warmth and acidity. Black cherry, blueberry, cedar-y licorice flavours fill out a lightweight, easy-sipping style for current drinking.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Tatachilla Foundation Shiraz 2000
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaSpicy, smoky bacon, gamey, black cherry jam, saddle leather aromas with some black licorice tones. Soft, round, ripe and quite suave with peppery, licorice root, vanilla cola, spicy, black plum flavours. Warm, slightly dry tannic finish with some toasty oak and prune streaks. Nice intensity and concentration, needs 2-4 years to soften out and integrate but definitely shows McLaren Vale fruit.Prices:| BC | $45.73 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Grant Burge Barossa Vines Shiraz 2002
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaPeppery, rootsy, vanilla, blackberry jam nose with some blueberry highlights. Ripe, round and smooth with lots of blackberry jam, blueberry, vanilla cola and pepper flavours. A bit hot and acidic on the finish but has good fruit character in a consumer friendly style.Prices:| BC | $23.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.52 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
St. Hallett Faith Shiraz 2002
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaVery peppery, earthy, rootsy, cola nose with coffee, vanilla and blackberry jam. Soft, ripe and round with light, smooth tannins. Fat coffee, blueberry, blackberry jam, spicy vanilla flavours. Warm finish with fresh acidity but lots of fruit. Drink young.Prices:| BC | $26.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Finca Flichman Syrah 2003
Mendoza, ArgentinaVery peppery, spicy, blackberry jam nose with some cedar and smoke in the mix. Smooth, rich and slightly chunky with light tannins. Warm but has good licorice, blackberry jam, resin-y pepper flavours. Very solid value, consistent and flavourful. Keep it up the good work.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Stellenzicht Shiraz Golden Triangle 2001
South AfricaVery spicy, smoky, vanilla, peppery, gamey rootsy nose with ripe blackberry jam underneath. Ripe, round and smooth but fairly dry and warm withy blackberry, cedar, vanilla, peppery, coffee flavours. Nice fruit and ripeness if a bit hot and dry.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $21.45 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Nederburg Shiraz Private Bin 2001
Paarl, Coastal Region, South AfricaSpicy, cedar-y, smoky, peppery, rootsy aromas with some blackberry and gamey vanilla notes. Dry, elegant and round with slightly tight, lean tannins. Very spicy, smoky, vanilla, licorice and black cherry flavours on the palate with a warm, dry resin-y, cedar finish. Stylish but pretty dry overall. Not inexpensive.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.95 | 750ml |
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21 August 2004
87PTS
Trumpeter Merlot 2002
Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaAttractive smoky earthy nose. The entry is soft and sweet with vanilla (American oak) cedar blackberry fruit and a warm (alcoholic) spicy cinnamon/compost aftertaste. Solid everyday barbecue red with soft textures and supple silky tannins. Good value.Prices:| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Caliterra Syrah 2000
Region del Valle Central, ChileVery spicy, cassi, leafy, pepper nose, almost cabernet like now. Soft, round, smooth style but quite light and dry. Warm, cedary, spicy, peppery, smoky berry flavours dominate. Fully mature, perhaps starting to tire. First tasted one year ago.Prices:| BC | $11.90 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Oxford Landing Shiraz 2001
South Australia, AustraliaDeveloped nose now with blackberry, saddle leather, resin and pepper. Soft, round and dry with spicy coffee, plum and smoky earth falvours. Has agood shot of acidity and spice in the finish but starting to dry out. Will work well around the barbecue. Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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13 August 2004
88PTS
Inniskillin Niagara Old Vines Riesling 2002
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaOld Vines Riesling comes off 25 year old vines in Seeger Vineyard. The nose is very floral with flecks of petrol, ripe red apple, and peach and honey aromas. Very dry, delicate, elegant structure with big mineral, slate, lime, red apple flavours and a touch of smokiness. A slightly more austere style but very well balanced -- classic Saar style. Nice acidity on the finish keeps the fruit flavours persistent.Prices:| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Inniskillin Niagara Pinot Gris 2002
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis is 100 per cent pinot gris from Montague Vineyard. Very leesy, nutty, earthy, red apple skin with some pear and butter. Round, soft and elegant with buttery, lees, mineral, baked pear and quince flavours with some lemon notes. Nice length on the finish with good acidity with a hint of alcohol and bitterness. Solid.Prices:| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Matua Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2004
Hawkes Bay, North Island, New ZealandVery fresh passion fruit, floral, orange, grapefruit rind, mineral nose with a hint of jalapeno pepper. Crisp, elegant and round but delicate with mineral, grapefruit, lime rind, melon and gooseberry flavours. Nice textures and acidity, great drinking now and over the next year. Easy to open screwcap.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
R. H. Phillips Merlot 2002
Dunnigan Hills, Yolo County, California, United StatesEarthy compost cedar bark notes dominate the nose with some black fruit spikes underneath. Soft sweet-ish cedar bark flavours with minty plum fruit on the finish. Soft simple and easy sipping with light tannins and a hint of roasted coffee in the finish. The bottle is sealed with a torqued-on T.O.P.P. screwcap.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.75 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.22 | 750ml |
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87PTS
R. H. Phillips Shiraz 2002
Dunnigan Hills, Yolo County, California, United StatesSpicy blackberry jam nose with toasted licorice and pepper. Soft warm entry previews a spicy smoky oak and sweet fruit finish. Very appealing smoky peppery style with a drier finish and a touch of tannin. Young, fun and easy sipping. Use liberally around the barbecue.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Shingle Peak Pinot Noir 2003
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandOpen attractive strawberry/cherry spicy nose with a rootsy, barnyard and compost undercurrent. Soft and silky on entry with smooth textures and a 'warm' mid-palate but there is plenty of acidity in the finish. More cherry strawberry fruit flavours mixed with cola and a spicy rootsy aftertaste. Solid pinot at a fair price. Well done. Sold under screwcap.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
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07 August 2004
88PTS
Valdivieso Malbec Barrel Selection Reserve 2001
Region del Valle Central, ChileSmoky, resiny, black licorice, black cherry, minty nose. Rich, ripe, round style with good black cherry, smoky licorice, peppery, minty flavours with a big coffee streak. Good balance, finish has a bit of tannin to shed but lots of flavour intensity.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Lomas de Cauquenes Carmenere 2002
Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChilePeppery, garrigue, crushed dried leaf, cassis, minty resiny aromas. Fresh, rich and quite dry with some tannins. Very spicy, smoky, vanilla, minty, cassis, rootsy cherry flavours. Quite intense and young, needs a year or so to round out.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Mission Hill Pinot Noir Five Vineyards 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCherry, resiny, carrot top, cranberry and floral notes. Soft, round and supple but quite dry with smoky, spicy, black cherry, rhubarb, carrot flavours and a touch of resiny, cedar, compost on the finish. Simple, sound approachable style for those just getting to know pinot or red wine.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Pinot Gris 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMineral, honey, clover, grapefruit rind, canned fruit aromas with a pear and floral streak. Ripe, round, fresh and balanced with a touch of sweetness. Nice grapefruit rind, honey, spicy, mineral, pear flavours with a touch of passion fruit and orange. Nice intensity, juicy and very attractive styling. Another excellent 2003 gris.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Leyda Pinot Noir Reserve Las Brisas Vineyard 2001
Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileStrawberry jam, rhubarb, smoky, licorice, compost barnyard aromas with a touch of herbal orange peel at the back, very pinot and complex. Rich, round, dry and elegant but suave. Ripe black cherry, spicy, smoky, orange, licorice, compost flavours. Persistent and balanced with nice acidity although a touch warm. Good value and attractive styling.Prices:| BC | $25.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
CedarCreek Gewürztraminer 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMineral, green apple skin, orange rind, floral nose with a touch of sausage and a veggie, smoky streak, somewhat unusual. Soft, round and sweet with good acidity but somewhat commercial. Ripe apple, mineral, creamsicle, soapy floral flavours. Definitely a 2003 with the ripeness but seems to lack a bit of varietal intensity.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
CedarCreek Pinot Noir Platinum Reserve 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, resin, vanilla, black cherry, exotic orange peel, compost aromas with a bit of strawberry rhubarb pie. Dry, round, elegant style with a touch of tannin but very balanced. Cherry, rhubarb, smoky, resiny vanilla, compost flavours with a touch of barnyard and licorice on the finish. Classy pinot and an improvement from prior vintages. Needs a year or two to fully integrate.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
CedarCreek Pinot Noir Estate Select 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, smoky vanilla, black cherry, clove and orange peel aromas. Rich, ripe, round and smooth with smoky vanilla, worsteshire, compost, black cherry flavours and a spicy, sour cherry, and rhubarb finish with a touch of heat and acidity. Well done.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $15.99 | 375ml |
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89PTS
Quails' Gate Pinot Noir Family Reserve 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery spicy, smoky, vanilla, pudding, sweet Bing cherry jam with a streak of licorice and game. Ripe, rich, round and smooth but a bit nervy with good acidity. Lots of smoky vanilla, peppery, licorice, cola, black cherry flavours with a touch of tannin and resin on the finish. Ripe, warm and oaky style will need a year or two to tame the oak but an attractive consumer style.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Quails' Gate Pinot Noir Limited Release 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, resiny, black cherry jam, compost and licorice nose. Soft, round and supple but very dry with green celery, smoky, resiny, spicy black cherry flavours and a very alcoholic finish. Shows pinot character and ripeness but perhaps chill it a bit to tone down the alcohol.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Arrowleaf Gewurztraminer 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, mineral, floral, green apple skin aromas with a touch of honey and lychee. Ripe, rich and round with some sweetness and an oily texture. Big honey, spicy, mineral, nectarine, sausage flavours. Slightly blowsy and sweet but very attractive consumer style. Very solid.Prices:| BC | $14.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Crowsnest Gewurztraminer 2003
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAttractive inviting floral, honey, spicy, lychee fruit nose streaked with sausage and apple skin aromas. Ripe, rich, round and fresh with fine green apple, honey, lychee, nectarine and floral flavours. Fairly dry with good acidity and balance. Will be an excellent food wine especially with spicy Asian dishes. Well done. Drink young and fresh.Prices:| BC | $13.43 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tinhorn Creek Pinot Gris 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMineral, spicy, almond, green apple skin aromas with ripe pear and honey streaks. Round, soft, supple palate with light buttery, mineral, spicy, pear flavours with a ripe citrus finish. An elegant, ripe style although like most 2003s there tends to be a bit more weight and alcohol than in previous editions.Prices:| BC | $15.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Domaine du Theron Cahors Cuvee Tradition 2000
Cahors, Sud-Ouest, FranceDark cherry colour. Very peppery, waxy, earthy, compost, black cherry, smoky licorice nose. Big, rich, blocky wine with some dry tannins. Huge smoky, black cherry, licorice, spicy, earthy, clove flavours. Quite smooth and warm with lots of flavour, needs to shed a bit of tannin but well balanced. Try with an oven roasted duck or goose. Certainly a newer world style wine for Cahors.Prices:| BC | $20.65 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Finca Flichman Malbec 2003
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinacorkedPrices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Morandé Edición Limitada 88 Barricas Malbec 1999
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileBig spicy, peppery, black cherry, licorice, leafy, minty cassis nose with some vanilla cola and tobacco. Very rich, ripe, round and smooth with ripe cherry, cassis, minty, orange peel, smoky vanilla flavours. Suave, ripe and long with great concentration. Needs a few years to fully round out but try now with pork or duck.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Cavas de Weinert Gran Vino Reserva 1999
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaVery open black licorice, black plum jam, peppery, tobacco, vanilla, clovey spicy nose. Wow, rich, round, smooth, intense palate with ripe, grainy tannins. Intense black cherry jam, vanilla, peppery, tobacco, smoky, marmalade flavours with a spicy, licorice flavours. Somewhat hot and tannic on the finish, this has great fruit concentration and balance. Will improve over the next 2-5 years or drink now with braised lamb or duck.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Weinert Malbec Gran Vino 1997
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaBig warm, gamey, black cherry jam, licorice, smoky peppery nose. Rich, round, dry but suave and quite concentrated. Very warm palate with big black cherry kirsch, earthy, tobacco, peppery, spicy orange flavours with a vanilla cola finish. A bit port-y and tannic on the finish but certainly a great concentration of fruit.Prices:| BC | $23.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Chalice at Orion's Belt NV
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAn unusual wine that blends merlot ice wine with late harvest merlot, riesling and chardonnay aged out-of-doors (in barrel) and baked in the sun. Tawny light red colour. Look for a big rancio, soya, cherry, almond, toasted leather nose with some dried fig and slightly volatile notes. Rich, round and sweet but balanced with fine acidity. Very nutty, cherry jam, rancio, orange peel and wood flavours with a long finish. A curiosity and a creative use of ice wine to get the wine sweet without fortifying the base wine with brandy.Prices:| BC | $29.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Terramater Zinfandel - Shiraz 2002
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileVery smoky, spicy, vanilla, black cherry, licorice, peppery, Marionberry aromas with some gamey notes. Rich, ripe, smooth and warm with some light, dry tannins. Big black berry jam, peppery, gamey, smoky leather, herbal cassis flavours. Warm and flavourful but rustic with some heat on the finish. Needs a big chewy rib dinner.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Moillard Côtes du Rhône Les Violettes 2002
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceGamey, sweaty, spicy, black cherry, smoky licorice nose. Fresh, round, soft style with spicy, white pepper, gamey, black raspberry flavours and a fresh, dry, fruity finish.Prices:| BC | $15.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Diego Murillo Malbec 2001
Alto Valle del Río Negro, Rio Negro, Patagonia, ArgentinaVery spicy, peppery, black cherry orange rind aromas with a strong earthy, compost streak. Rich, ripe and very dry with some rustic tannin. Big cooked black cherry, black licorice, herbal, peppery, earthy flavours. Very hot and rustic but flavourful. Serve on a cold day with a big beef stew.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Cartlidge & Browne Pinot Noir 2002
California, United StatesRipe cherry jam, barnyard, smoky peppery nose with a touch of carrot top. Round, soft, rich texture with spicy cherry jam, mocha vanilla compost flavours with good acidity. Nice balance, fun to drink and California pinot noir under $19 in B.C. is a rare experience for British Columbians.Prices:| BC | $18.95 | 750ml |
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06 August 2004
86PTS
Ironstone Vineyards Viognier 2002
California, United StatesFloral, honey, candied citrus, leafy, marzipan aromas with some herbaceous notes. Round, fresh and zippy with herbal, green clover, honey, mineral, citrus flavours. Fine texture and balance but on the cool side with an herbaceous/austere finish.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.49 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.95 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Yalumba Viognier Eden Valley 2003
Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaVery open mineral, spicy ginger, honey, creamsicle, lychee nose with a bit of citrus rind and buttery vanilla. Super rich, round and fresh with fine acidity if a touch warm. Ripe apricot, spicy ginger, orange rind, mineral, buttery vanilla flavours with green apple skin, honey finish. Fine length, intensity and extract.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Yalumba Y Series Viognier 2004
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaBig spicy, honey, mineral, rose petal, creamsicle, ginger nose with a touch of grapefruit rind. Rich, ripe, round and a bit oily with super ginger, mineral, honeyed, floral, orange, nectarine skin flavours with a touch of apricot and steel on the crisp, warm finish. Great now but will improve over the next year. Great value.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.45 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Inniskillin Okanagan Viognier Bull Pine Vineyard 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRipe pear, orange blossom, honey, mineral, creamsicle aromas streaked with rose petal, spicy, apricot notes. Fresh, round and crisp with great citrus, honey, mineral, spicy, green pear flavours and a very strong citrus, nutty, baked pear finish. A very fine effort from the Okanagan.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Casa Viva Pinot Noir 2002
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileSimple pinot nose of rootsy strawberry fruit and compost aromas. Warm and spicy on the palate with soft textures. An easy sipping mid-week pinot at a fair price.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Burrowing Owl Pinot Gris 2003
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy clover, honey, big mineral, green apple skin and floral aromas with a bit of lime rind. Rich, ripe and round in the mouth with juicy apple, smoky mineral, spicy honey, baked pear flavours and a dry, chalky, citrus finish. Very well made.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Lang Vineyards Viognier 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaStrong floral, honey, mineral, spicy, green apple skin aromas with some ripe peach and citrus underneath. Ripe, round, smooth and elegant with juicy pear, spicy, honey, mineral, green apple flavours and a buttery, smoky mineral, citrus rind finish. A touch more austere in style but very ripe and flavourful with finesse and balanced acidity. A terrific effort and yet another technically perfect wine from this impressive little winery in Naramata.Prices:| BC | $24.40 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sandhill Pinot Gris King Family Vineyard 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMineral, slate, pear aromas with a touch of floral and lime rind streaks. Dry, round and fresh with light buttery, mineral, lime rind, green apple flavours and some oily textures. A bit more of an austere style, should improve over the next 6-12 months.Prices:| BC | $15.49 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Gray Monk Odyssey Pinot Gris 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, grapefruit rind, nectarine, mineral aromas with a touch of sausage. Ripe, round elegant and fairly rich with some residual sweetness. Ripe red apple, grapefruit, slate, mineral, leesy flavours with a touch of apricot. Fresh, crisp and balanced with a touch of oiliness on the palate. Very good effort.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Arrowleaf Pinot Gris 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRipe apple, spicy, pear, melon aromas, very fresh with a touch of earthy mineral. Ripe, rich and round but elegant with spicy, floral, buttery, mineral, green apple and pear flavours. Fresh, clean and tasty with a nice crisp finish. Try with some Hamachi or grilled scallops.Prices:| BC | $14.50 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Peregrine Pinot Gris 2002
Central Otago, South Island, New ZealandIntense green apple, grapefruit rind, smoky, melon, passion fruit aromas with spicy, mineral streaks. Very rich, ripe and round with very intense nectarine, ripe apple, ripe kiwi, canned grapefruit flavours. Warm on the finish with nutty apple notes and almost a bit sweet but has great intensity and acidity. Super flavourful, delicious and long but not really "gris" like. In our opinion is almost more sauvignon than pinot gris like so it's a bit of a conundrum varietal-wise.Prices:| BC | $39.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tinhorn Creek Oldfield's Collection Merlot 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSlightly prune,black olive, tomato leaf, spicy, vanilla, clove aromas with some smoky, rootsy black cherry streaks. Dry but very smooth and rich with some grainy tannins. Big spicy, peppery, smoky clove, vanilla, black cherry, christmas pudding flavours with a touch of black olive and roasted tomatoe on the finish. Good intensity and balance with some finesse, will improve with 2-4 years of aging. Has less fruit and drier tannins that show the alcohol more than the screw cap version.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Angus The Bull Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
AustraliaAngus the Bull is a blend of Victoria and South Australia fruit. It has a peppery, spicy, light bell pepper nose with cassis and mint aromas and a touch of vanilla. Round, rich, dry palate with juicy cassis, bell pepper, black cherry, chocolate vanilla peppery flavours. Flavourful but quite high acidity mars the balance.Prices:| BC | $21.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Frescobaldi Danzante Pinot Grigio delle Venezie 2002
Veneto, ItalyOpen fresh perfumy floral, mineral, smoky steel, nectarine nose with a delicate spicy note. Dry, round and fresh on the palate with nutty, chalky, green apple, pear flavours and a steely, oily citrus finish. Very sound with fine concentration. Well done, drink up now.Prices:| BC | $17.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.95 | 750ml |
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05 August 2004
89PTS
Tinhorn Creek Oldfield's Collection Merlot (Stelvin) 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery spicy, black olive, licorice, black cherry, compost aromas with lots of spicy clove, vanilla, coffee undertones but somewhat hot. After one year, screw cap appears spicier and a bit fruitier and even a bit reduces compared to cork and with less green notes. Very rich, round, smooth palate with quite grainy tannins. Big coffee, smoky oak, vanilla, peppery, black olive, clove and black cherry flavours. Quite hot but has good balance overall and nicer mouth feel. Will definitely improve.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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02 August 2004
92PTS
Pewsey Vale Museum Release The Contours Riesling Individual Vineyard Selection 1998
Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaA museum reserve release aged under a Stelvin screwcap. Very aromatic with mature smoky, slate, cream, mineral, lime rind and apple skin aromas with just a touch of diesel. Crisp, dry, round and very fresh with creamy green apple skin, smoky slate, lime rind flavours and a very long, dry lime butter, Granny Smith finish. Super clean, fresh and balanced. Should continue to improve in the bottle for at least 10 years. It's amazing the difference in taste after a decade with a Stelvin closure. Fine value here.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Pewsey Vale Individual Vineyard Selection Riesling 2003
Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaGreen apple, floral, apricot, mineral aromas with a touch of honey, almost Mosel like. Ripe, round, fresh and delicate with mineral, honey, lime, green apple flavours. Nice crisp chalky, mineral, spicy, green melon finish. Very well made and balanced considering the 13% alcohol level.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.49 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Yalumba Riesling Y Series 2003
Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaFresh clover, lime, mineral, green apple aromas with a touch of peach and floral notes. Crisp, round and elegant with a bit of sweetness but balanced. Clean lime, mineral, green apple and apricot flavours. Good length, fresh and balanced, a very consumer friendly style.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.45 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
J. Lohr Cypress Chardonnay 2003
California, United StatesButterscotch, par, leesy aromas with some apple and mineral notes. Fresh, round and slightly sweet on entry with lots of butterscotch, baked apple, nutty lees and melon flavours. A bit hot but has good acidity balance. A bit of a butter ball style.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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September 2004