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Tastings: September 2004
28 September 2004
88PTS
Stella Bella Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2001
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaThis 80/20 blend of cabernet and merlot opens with an earthy, tobacco, leather nose mixed with barnyard, spicy, olive aromas and cassis and clove. Soft, round, dry, elegant palate with lots of peppery, earthy, cassis, iron mineral, tobacco, spice flavours with some vanilla, smoke and licorice on the finish. Fine elegance and finesse but a touch acidic.Prices:| AB | $22.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $29.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Stella Bella Shiraz 2002
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaLicorice, shoe leather, pepper, cool cola vanilla, black plum aromas. Soft, round, elegant style that is dry with moderate acidity but balanced. Good licorice, black plum, spicy, peppery, blueberry, earth flavours. A fresh, soft, lighter style with cooler characters and a touch of acidity in the finish.Prices:| AB | $21.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $27.44 | 750ml |
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27 September 2004
89PTS
Stella Bella Semillon/Sauvignon blanc 2003
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaSome ten per cent of this 68/32 sémillon/sauvignon blanc blend is barrel fermented. Look for gooseberry, grapefruit rind, bell pepper, pea pod, lime and waxy aromas. Crisp, dry, fresh and elegant with mineral, lime, grapefruit, green peach, green apple, gooseberry flavours. This is a balanced, delicate style that should pair well with a variety of seafood.Prices:| AB | $20.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $24.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Stella Bella Chardonnay 2002
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaBaked apple, citrus, light butter, slightly leesy, floral, mineral aromas. Fresh, round, elegant style with good acidity. Lots of leesy, butter, creamy vanilla, citrus rind, green apple flavours. A bit lighter in style but fresh, delicate and food friendly.Prices:| AB | $21.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Suckfizzle Cabernet Sauvignon Augusta 2001
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaBig green bean, olive, spicy, smoky, saddle leather aromas with peppery, earthy, iron, tobacco streaks. Soft, round, fine elegant tannin structure. Good tobacco, mineral iron, leather, tobacco, smoky oak, chocolate flavours with some roasted bell pepper and cassis on the finish. Fine balance and flavours if a bit herbal and green on the nose.Prices:| BC | $43.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $45.49 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Chateau de Cabriac 2002
Corbières, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceVery peppery, spicy, black raspberry, black cherry nose with spicy, gamey notes. Soft, rich, round and dry with lots of spicy, peppery, black cherry, licorice flavours and a smoky, resiny finish. Smooth and rich with good flavour intensity for current drinking. Good value.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Stonehedge Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2001
California, United StatesVanilla, butter, melon, spicy lees aromas. Rich, soft, oily entry with a ton of buttery, toasty vanilla, lees flavours and some mineral notes. A big fat, ready to drink style.Prices:| BC | $20.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.45 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Wolf Blass Gold Label Chardonnay 2003
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaSmoky, spicy, mineral, creamy lees aromas with vanilla, honey and melon streaks. Fresh, round, elegant and flavourful with vanilla, spicy lees, citrus, green apple flavours and a honeyed peach finish. Long, well balanced, fairly sophisticated style at a very good price. Another screwcap winner and another terrific release from the Wolf Blass team under the gold Series label. If you think Wolf Blass chardonnay is old fashioned think again.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $21.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Santa Rita Chardonnay Reserva 2003
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileBaked apple, mineral, citrus rind aromas with a slight leesy, vanilla streak. Round, fresh, slightly oily entry with a bit of sweetness. Grapefruit, green melon, butter, vanilla and mineral flavours with a green apple finish. Simple, fresh, tasty and ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.35 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.80 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.45 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Tommasi Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2002
Pedemonte Valpolicella, Verona, Veneto, ItalyBlack cherry, spicy, peppery, licorice aromas with some gamey, leather, tobacco notes. Soft, round, dry and elegant with good black cherry, leather, smoky licorice, tobacco flavours and a touch of chocolate. Simple, flavourful, aromatic and ready to go. Try with grilled meats or a tomato sauce as this has just enough acidity to balance.Prices:| BC | $18.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
La Tour Chateau Grand Moulin 2001
Corbières, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceEarthy, spicy, black cherry, gamey, white pepper aromas with a touch of licorice. Soft, round, dry and elegant with similar flavours and some leather and smoke on the finish. Nicely balanced but fully mature.Prices:| BC | $16.50 | 750ml |
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94PTS
La Poderina Brunello di Montalcino 1997
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyLicorice root, smoky, Christmas pudding, black berry jam, pepper, orange peel aromas with gamey, vanilla, plum notes - very aromatic. Rich, ripe, round and quite elegant with fine, smooth tannins - a true '97. Big smoky, licorice, black berry, peppery, plum pudding, gamey, leather flavours with a vanilla, coffee, dried orange peel and cherry finish. Young but has fine structure. Drink now or over the next 10 years. A fine Brunello at a fair price.Prices:| BC | $74.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Allegrini La Grola 2000
Verona, Veneto, ItalyThis blend of 70% corvina Veronese, 15% rondinella, 10% syrah and 5% sangiovese opens with a gamey, black pepper, tobacco, smoky, roasted pepper nose streaked with black berry and black cherry aromas and a strong licorice root streak. Rich, round and smooth textured with intense chocolate, tobacco, prune, licorice, smoky black cherry flavours and a cigar, cassis, spicy finish. Suave and flavourful, a great restaurant style wine for current drinking or over the next few years.Prices:| BC | $36.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $37.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Allegrini Palazzo della Torre 2000
Verona, Veneto, ItalyVery spicy, gamey, black cherry jam, almond, tobacco aromas with smoky, licorice root and chocolate prune notes. Rich, round ripe and juicy with good acidity. Lots of black cherry, plum, chocolate, tobacco, pepper and licorice flavours. Very supple, long and balanced if a touch warm. A great match for veal or pheasant. Ready to drink or hold for a few years.Prices:| BC | $38.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.95 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Tommasi Valpolicella Ripasso 2001
Veneto, ItalyCorked big time. Try another.Prices:| BC | $29.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Doña Paula Chardonnay 2001
Ugarteche District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaMineral, nutty lees, citrus rind aromas with some garlic. Soft, round, palate with ripe baked apple, butter, melon and toasty garlic lees. A bit hot but full flavoured and fully mature. Read to drink.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.95 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Shaw and Smith Chardonnay M3 Vineyard 2002
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaCreamy, spicy vanilla, lees, honey, floral, citrus aromas with a hint of mango and green apple. Rich, round, elegant style but very balanced with crisp acidity. Slightly oily, sweet fruit entry with lime, green apple, creamy vanilla, butterscotch and melon flavours. Long dry, mineral, green apple butterscotch finish. Good now but will improve over the next 2 years, a fine effort and quite a comment on the potential of Adelaide Hills.Prices:| BC | $44.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $36.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Le Volte 2001
Bolgheri, Tuscany, ItalyVery good cherry colour. Gamey, black cherry jam, peppery, spicy, cassis aromas with some chocolate and vanilla notes. Supple, round, moderately elegant style. Gamey, cherry, cassis, plum flavours with licorice, vanilla and rosemary on the finish. Well made, ready to drink style. The blend is 50/25/25 sangiovese/cabernet/merlot.Prices:| BC | $29.12 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $27.35 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Le Serre Nuove Dell' Ornellaia 2001
Bolgheri, Tuscany, ItalyThe classical second wine concept ─ made from younger vines and those lots not destined for the first wine (Ornellaia). This 70/30 blend of cabernet/merlot oprns with cassis jam, green bean, peppery, smoky, gamey aromas with some vanilla spice and dusty earth notes. Rich, ripe and slightly tannic but overall balanced. Peppery, minty, coffee, cassis, spicy game flavours mark the finish. Good acidity with ripe tannin structure but a tad rustic. Will improve over the next 2-4 years. Well done.Prices:| BC | $56.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $45.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $60.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $54.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Woodbridge Select Vineyard Series Chardonnay Ghost Oak 2002
California, United StatesBright flinty, mineral, melon, buttery lees aromas with a citrus, floral note. Round, elegant and soft but stylish with mineral, buttery, citrus baked pear flavours and a ginger, vanilla finish. A bit soft but very flavourful for current consumption.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Tenuta Luce della Vite 2000
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyBig ripe black cherry, black plum jam, spicy, clove, tobacco, black pepper nose with saddle leather, smoke and vanilla - great fruit intensity. Rich, round and ripe with big concentration and grainy tannins. Intense peppery, dark chocolate, vanilla, cassis jam, black cherry, smoky root and gamey flavours. Long and intense with good acidity although the finish is somewhat alcoholic. Perhaps the best yet and should improve for 3-6 years at least.Prices:| BC | $93.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $90.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $99.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $99.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $54.95 | 375ml |
| ON | $236.95 | 1500ml |
| ON | $480.95 | 3000ml |
| MB | $98.26 | 750ml |
| MB | $228.71 | 1500ml |
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87PTS
Barossa Valley Estate Chardonnay 2002
South Australia, AustraliaMineral, citrus, floral, earthy, buttery aromas. Soft, round, elegant styling with a slightly sweet entry but good acidity balance. Citrus, baked apple, buttery quince flavours with a mineral, tropical note. Solid, fresh, slightly buttery style.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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22 September 2004
86PTS
Rosemount Shiraz 2002
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaPeppery, spicy, resiny, black cherry nose mixed with some leather and blackberry. Round, smooth and somewhat sweet and obvious alcohol. Black cherry, blueberry, licorice root and bell pepper flavours followed by a fresh, slightly sweet finish.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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21 September 2004
88PTS
Sebastiani Chardonnay 2002
Sonoma County, California, United StatesPleasant creamy less and baked apple nose streaked with melon and peach. Very soft and round on entry with honey/butter citrus with spicy salty lees and a smoky apple finish. Solid Sonoma chardonnay at an affordable price. Perfect for restaurant wine lists.Prices:| BC | $22.85 | 750ml |
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17 September 2004
88PTS
Osoyoos Larose 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe second edition of Osoyoos Larose is bigger than the first and while elegant it is Bordelais dry. Look for smoky, peppery, meaty, black cherry fruit aromas with spicy, clove, violet, cassis undertones and a touch of mushroom. It is rich and concentrated yet dry and fairly firm with good balance. On the palate it mixes spicy, cassis and peppery, smoky vanilla, tobacco and black cherry flavours. Very Bordelais in style with barley any Okanagan presence. Will need a full 5-7 years most likely to fully mature. More of a collector's wine that a ready to go restaurant wine.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $35.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Fabiano Lugana Argillaia 2002
Lombardy, ItalyNutty, maraschino, buttery, quince aromas. Very dry and round. Slightly oily on the palate with fresh acidity; wellbalanced. Lots of nutty, butter, baked pear, quince flavours with a touch of citrus. Sound and flavourful but just a bit austere. Serve with shellfish.Prices:| BC | $17.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Calliope Merlot - Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeppery, resiny, smoky oak, black olive, earthy aromas with a touch of cassis. Dry, round, moderately elegant style with very smoky oak vanilla, cedar, earthy, resiny, cassis flavours and a very dry, somewhat acidic finish. Almost ripe but lacks a bit of mid-palate concentration and fruit to really sing. Solid and improving.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Dancing Bull Zinfandel 2002
Sonoma County, California, United StatesVery spicy, smoky, peppery, briary, blackberry nose. Soft, round, slightly sweet entry with fresh acidity. Lots of smoky, spicy, blackberry, black plum flavours with some licorice. Finish is very hot with noticeable acidity - seemingly styled after Australian shiraz.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Beringer Clear Lake Zinfandel 1998
North Coast Region, California, United StatesSpicy, earthy, sweaty game, mocha, pepper aromas with some tobacco notes. Soft, round, dry and fairly elegant with cedar-y, mocha, peppery, pruny, game flavours. Fully mature with very dry tannins on the finish. Drink soon up with grilled meat or poultry.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Stonehedge Merlot 2000
Napa Valley, California, United StatesInviting smoky, spicy, vanilla, cherry cream soda aromas with earthy, tobacco, rootsy notes. Dry, round, fairly elegant style but somewhat hollow and lightweight for Napa Valley. Spicy, peppery, vanilla, smoky earth flavours with some black cherry cola on the finish. Dry and acidic in the finish. This needs food.Prices:| BC | $19.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Grant Burge Hillcot Merlot 2002
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaWorsteshire sauce notes mixed with black cherry, meaty, clove, peppery aromas. Dry, round, fresh, slightly acidic style with vanilla, black cherry cola, peppery, licorice, earthy flavours. Simple, dry and quite acidic on the finish. Disappointing for the price.Prices:| BC | $27.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.51 | 750ml |
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88PTS
The Holy Trinity Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre 2000
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaVery cedar-y, smoky, peppery, vanilla, menthol, cherry cola aromas. Ripe, round, smooth and warm with spicy, plum, vanilla cola, smoky cedar flavours and some sweet orange peel and raspberry notes. Fully mature and very soft for its year and price. Drink now.Prices:| BC | $47.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $41.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Tamaya Reserve Merlot - Cabernet Sauvignon - Syrah 2001
Limari's cool climate shapes the smoky bell pepper, green olive, leafy nose flecked with game, pepper aromas. The styling is soft and round with smoky, mineral, cassis, leafy, tobacco flavours. Well balanced and elegant despite its obvious cool characters. We like the potential and think ever-improving viticulture will help lift Limari's red wines to prime time. Prices:| BC | $17.50 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Clos de los Siete 2002
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaClos de los Siete is part of a five wineries, 2,000 acre, and $60 million in investment, all aimed at producing Argentina's best wines. Bordeaux winery owner and consultant Michel Rolland is the shaker behind the project. Rolland has been working for nearly two decades in Argentina and he came to the conclusion that this was the country he would choose to produce a "grand vin" outside of Europe. His first effort has a meaty, smoky, gamey, black cherry and vanilla nose with resiny highlights and a touch of leather and tobacco. The texture is undeniably Rolland so soft and supple, but it is dry and somewhat lean. Big smoky, bacon flavours mix with pepper, licorice and savoury black cherry with more tobacco and resin on the finish. A bit alcoholic and flat but supple.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Château Clos de la Tour 2002
Bordeaux, FranceSpicy, green olive, peppery, barnyard, cedar aromas with a touch of smoky cherry. Dry, round, slightly tannic entry with olive, smoky prune, leafy, cedar flavours. Decent balance but finish is dry. Will be better with grilled meats. Simple '02 BordeuaxPrices:| BC | $17.40 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.63 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.85 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Errazuriz Merlot Estate 2002
Valle del Curicó, Region del Valle Central, ChileHeavily corkedPrices:| BC | $14.40 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Sogrape Reserva Alentejo 2001
Alentejo, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalPruny, resiny, old style nose with hints of game, smoke, pepper, chocolate, cardamom Chinese Five Spice. Dry, round, ripe and elegant with fat tannins and a rich mocha, peppery, pruny, smoky, mulberry flavours. More animal, meaty vanilla characters mark the finish. Not as clean as most New World wines but perhaps worth getting to know.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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14 September 2004
87PTS
Stoneleigh Sauvignon Blanc 2004
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandTypical smoky, canned asparagus, mineral, passion fruit leaf and grassy aromas mark the nose of this popular Marlborough sauvignon. The stylke is round and elegant on entry with a bit of sweetness (ripeness) but with fine acidity. Lots of mineral, smoky, grassy, bell pepper and gooseberry flavours mix with grapefruit rind and a crisp mineral finish.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Telmo Rodriguez Basa Rueda Blanco 2003
Rueda, Castilla-Leon, SpainRipe grapefruit rind, passion fruit, gooseberry, floral aromas with just a hint of bell pepper. The entry is round and juicy with ripe gooseberry, grapefruit, mineral, buttery, green apple flavours. Delicate but flavourful with nice fresh acidity. Great seafood wine. Drink young. The Rueda appellation will continue to build its reputation for excellent wine with offerings like this.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Quinta dos Carvalhais Encruzado 2002
Dão, Northern Portugal, PortugalCitrus butter, vanilla, nutty, mineral aromas mix with some obvious aged in French oak undertones. The entry is dry with similar nutty, vanilla, buttery notes mixed with chalky citrus rind flavours. It seems a bit low in flavour concentration for the price but the finish is crisp and moderately long.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Duque de Viseu Branco 2003
Dão, Northern Portugal, PortugalEncruzado and bical (the grapes) are hardly household names but you might want to give this Sogrape offering a chance. Look for a rich floral, spicy, nutty nose streaked with grassy butter and citrus note. It's fresh on entry with lightweight, citrus rind, nutty, buttery, baked pear flavours and a smooth elegant finish. Tailor-made for West Coast fish dishes. Good value.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Attems Collio Sauvignon 2002
Friuli-Venezia Giulia, ItalyFresh floral, smoky, mineral, grassy, passion fruit aromas prteview a dry northern Euro-style that mixes a steely smoky, nutty flavours with mineral, grassy, passion fruit, slate and grapefruit rind. Lean fresh dry and and perfect for grilled squid. Attems is owned and produced by the Frescobaldi family.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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12 September 2004
0PTS
La Frenz Reserve 2001
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOxidized and corked. Need to retaste.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
La Frenz Viognier 2003
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaImpressive floral, honey, light smoky, sausage nose with a creamy citrus undertone. Rich, ripe, round and slightly fat with mineral, honey, buttery citrus, creamsicle flavours mixed with baked apple and peach notes. Very well made, ripe and long. This is an excellent effort and another good grape that is taking hold in B.C.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
La Frenz Alexandria 2003
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMineral, honey, floral, spicy, peach skin aromas with a touch of sausage. Ripe, round, elegant and a touch sweet with floral spicy muscat, mineral, peach/pear and honey flavours. Attractive, easy-drinking style wine that is super fresh and clean. Totally B.C.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
La Frenz Merlot 2002
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, vanilla Christmas pudding aromas with some smoky, pepper, black cherry jam streaks. Somewhat chunky entry with ripe round tannins. The entry is warm with smoky, toasted oak vanilla, spicy, cedar-y, peppery flavours with a dried herb, tobacco leaf, dried cherry finish. Well made if a bit oaky and quite young. This needs time to become even better knit in the glass.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
La Frenz Montage 2002
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPleasant coffee, peppery, berry jam aromas with some smoky, rootsy notes. Very dry with light tannins. Warm with smoky, peppery, spicy, berry jam leather flavours and a slightly acidic finish. Simple, red sipper.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
La Frenz Semillon 2003
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGreen melon, fig, hay, smoky mineral aromas with a touch of kiwi. Dry, round, warm and rich with a touch of sweetness. The flavours mix canned grapefruit, mineral, gooseberry with grassy honey tones. Fresh, ripe and quite fat but there is a fine finish with excellent acidity.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Gray Monk Riesling 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky mineral, honey, leesy, baked apple aromas with a touch of honey. Very soft, sweet and round with honey, baked peach, mineral butter flavours and some baked green apple. Sweeter style sipper for the deck.Prices:| BC | $13.49 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Nk'Mip Cellars Riesling 2003
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRipe red apple, nectarine, honey, floral mineral aromas. Rich, round, slightly warm entry with lots of apple, citrus, peach, spicy mineral flavours. Somewhat sweet style but it's balanced and fun to sip. It would work well with food too.Prices:| BC | $14.29 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Balthasar Ress Riesling 2001
Rheingau, GermanyIntense wet cement and Vaseline nose with spicy, white peach and floral notes. Very crisp and elegant with juicy apricot skin, green apple, mineral and citrus flavours. The finish is more of the same with smoky, creamy textures. Mature and good value.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Kabinett 2003
Mosel, GermanyNice minerality and acidity but corked, try another bottle.Prices:| BC | $29.50 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Woodbridge Johannisberg Riesling 2003
California, United StatesPleasant baked apple, melon, almond aromas with peach and floral notes. Very round on entry and sweet with candied apple, peach, citrus flavours. Decent acidity but a bit too sweet (candied) for the discerning wine drinker.Prices:| AB | $11.25 | 750ml |
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87PTS
CedarCreek Dry Riesling 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHoney, green apple, green peach, spicy clover aromas. Round, elegant, full bodied and slightly sweet with good ripe citrus, red apple, peach and mineral flavours with an oily, warm honey finish. Very attractive consumer style wine for sipping or spicy food. Well done and good value.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Spätlese 2003
Mosel, GermanyImpressive floral, white peach and mineral scented nose spiked with honey, spicy clover and red apple notes. Super ripe with rich, round textures and killer freshness. Fine acidity and sweetness balance with fresh red apple, creamy citrus, mineral, apricot flavours and a honeyed and orange fruit finish. Delicious, juicy wine.Prices:| BC | $36.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Lang Vineyards Riesling Late Harvest 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight matchstick, leesy, mineral, smoky apple, floral peach aromas. Very sweet, round, and ripe with baked apple, cement, sweet peach flavours. Good richness and weight but it lacks the acidity and freshness to really lift it out of the glass.Prices:| BC | $14.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Crowsnest Riesling 2003
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA touch of matchstick with green apple skin, mineral and smoky green peach aromas. The styling is round and elegant with crisp green apple, smoky mineral, nectarine and honey flavours. A bit sweet and sour on the plate but its refreshing and well-balanced. Good effort and a sign of better things to come from this winery.Prices:| BC | $12.82 | 750ml |
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08 September 2004
87PTS
Duque de Viseu 2001
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalDuque de Viseu represents the new softer face of the Dão. The blend is touriga nacional and Tinta Roriz the style is modern Sogrape - regional and well managed including new oak casks for ageing. Look for a smoky, cedar-y nose with ripe black fruit a dry palate and firm acidity with hints of oak and pepper. There's just enough fruit to pique your interest but this is Euro red wine that's built for dinner. Good value.Prices:| ON | $12.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Grão Vasco Tinto 2001
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalThe name, Grão Vasco stems from the name of the great 16th century painter, Vasco Fernandes, whose studio was at Viseu, capital of the Dao region. Look for a fresh red with leafy resiny nose and more leafy spicy black fruit on the palate. You'll note a pronounced acidity on the palate which should make it a favourite among local restaurants looking for a good mid-week, work-horse red. Drink all winter.Prices:| BC | $9.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $13.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $7.45 | 750ml |
| MB | $8.45 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Mateus Signature Douro Red 2000
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalThe 2000 vintage was winner in most of Western Europe and Portugal was no exception. Expect a refreshing red with tangy, earthy, spicy, red with caraway seed and leather highlights. This is a solid mid-weight red that is a super bargain in Ontario. It's another good reason to visit the Old World and let the wine work with the food.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $12.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $9.45 | 750ml |
| ON | $7.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $11.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Vinha do Monte 2000
Alentejo, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalThe search for an inexpensive red is always more profitable when you start with a place rather than just a brand. Vinha do Monte is a wine from the Alentejo region that Sogrape produces from a mix of indigenous grapes led by aragonês and castelão all aged one year in new Portuguese oak casks and 6 to 12 months in bottle. The nose is a mix of black fruits with a spicy, resiny, smoky undercurrent. On the palate it is full bodied Euro red with firm yet soft tannins. An inexpensive rustic "hamburger red" that is hard to beat for the price.Prices:| BC | $9.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $15.49 | 750ml |
| QC | $12.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $8.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Vila Regia Tinta 2000
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalDry spicy, peppery, rootsy aromas with some dried cherry and plum. Ripe, round and dry on the palate with moderately fresh acidity. Good intensity with peppery, leather, plum jam and cassis notes. A bit rustic and acidic but good value for an all round meat wine.Prices:| BC | $9.45 | 750ml |
| MB | $8.45 | 750ml |
| ON | $7.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $9.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $10.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $9.87 | 750ml |
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06 September 2004
86PTS
R. H. Phillips Chardonnay 2003
California, United StatesButtery, lees, melon, slightly smoky baked apple aromas. Soft, round, easy drinking style with baked apple, buttery, smoky, mineral, canned citrus flavours. Fairly dry and consumer friendly.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.25 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.27 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wolf Blass Gold Label Pinot Noir 2002
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaRhubarb, spicy, smoky, black cherry, compost, shoe leather and licorice aromas with a touch of jasmine. Soft, round and dry with sour cherry, spicy, licorice, smoky vanilla, rhubarb flavours with good acidity. Quite young and a bit reduced; expect it improve over the next year or so or try decanting earlier. Well done.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Stag's Hollow Renaissance Pinot Noir 2002
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery peppery, smoky, sour cherry, vanilla, earthy aromas, not particularly varietal. Soft, round and smooth but very dry and warm with some tannins. Smoky, resiny, licorice rootsy flavours with some sour cherry and bitter almond on the finish. Sound but overall lacks varietal definition and ripe fruit softness.Prices:| BC | $27.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Nobilo Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2003
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandIntense smoky bell pepper, jalapeno, gooseberry, mineral aromas. On the palate it's very elegant, round and fresh with gooseberry, jalapeno, green apple, citrus flavours. Crisp, citrus finish but nice flavour intensity and much less green than the nose would indicate. Better value in Ontario.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.40 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wolf Blass Gold Label Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 2001
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaThis Adelaide Hills blend has pronounced blueberry, cassis and licorice aromas streaked with peppery, tobacco, smoky vanilla and some coffee notes. It's a dry red with elegant style and fairly high acidity. The tannins are light but lean. Cassis, coffee, spicy, peppery, smoky vanilla flavours highlight the flavours with a streak of green bean cassis in the finish. Still young but it should soften with 2 to 3 years of bottle ageing. Contains 9 per cent franc.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Jacques & Francois Les Fumées Blanches Sauvignon 2003
Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceComplexing mineral, wool, light garlic lees and smoky citrus aromas with a bit of green apple skin and melon. Round, dry, elegant and fresh with green apple, green melon, pink grapefruit, mineral and passion fruit flavours. Fine fresh acidity but balanced and clean. Great value - try with seafood anytime. In a Stelvin (screwcap) closure for great freshness and ease of opening.Prices:| BC | $11.33 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Wolf Blass Gold Label Shiraz 2000
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaVanilla cola, coffee, licorice, smoky peppery, blackberry jam aromas with some saddle leather and floral highlights. Soft, round, elegant but quite dry with light tannins and elevated acidity. Big spicy, blackberry, smoky, vanilla, coffee, peppery cherry flavours with a nice black plum, floral finish. Good intensity but needs time and food to tame the acidity.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Wolf Blass Gold Label Shiraz Viognier 2002
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaIntense fresh ground black pepper, spicy, smoky roasted pepper, licorice, blackberry, floral aromas with some plummy notes - very aromatic. Dry, soft, round and elegant with very floral, black plum jam, spicy, coriander, vanilla, peppery, smoky cassis flavours and a hot but long, juicy and spicy finish. Light tannins and fresh acidity will let this one to improve over the next 2-5 years. Nice styling and decidedly different in style from past Blass oak bombs. Screwcap finish.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Wolf Blass Gold Label Riesling 2003
South Australia, AustraliaThis screwcap riesling blends 66/34 fruit from the Eden and Clare valleys. Look for cement, slate and green apple notes on the nose with white peach, floral aromas, and a fresh clean finish. Similar fruit in a soft, elegant and dry with juicy lime, mineral, slate, white peach, green apple skin flavours. Classy, fresh and elegant.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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October 2004