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Tastings: November 2004
29 November 2004
85PTS
Woodbridge Select Vineyard Series Cabernet Sauvignon Red Dirt Ridge 2001
Lodi, Central Valley, California, United StatesSpicy, chocolate, barnyard, blackberry nose with a strong dry cedar bark component. Dry, round, elegant palate with good concentration. Lots of blackberry jam, peppery, tobacco, chocolate and earth flavours with a strong cedar bark aftertaste. Well made and ripe but somewhat lean on the finish. The chocolate and cedar bark aspect seem to be common aspects of Lodi cab.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Talus Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
Lodi, Central Valley, California, United StatesPeppery, licorice root, black berry, earthy game aromas. Soft, round, elegant palate with very spicy, peppery, tobacco, blackberry and chocolate flavours. A bit dry on the finish with some cedar-y tannins but sound for the money. Good value.Prices:| BC | $12.98 | 750ml |
| AB | $8.89 | 750ml |
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86PTS
R. H. Phillips Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
Dunnigan Hills, Yolo County, California, United StatesCassis, spicy, mint, herbal, chocolate aromas. Soft, round, smooth palate with berry jam, spicy, minty, cassis and pepper flavours. Easy drinking style, ready to go for any occasion.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Turning Leaf Sauvignon Blanc 2003
California, United StatesGreen apple, candied melon, mineral, grapefruit juice aromas. Soft, round, dry and clean with mineral, citrus, slate-y, green apple skin and grass flavours but finishes a bit dry. A screwcap would help preserve the fruit and present an overall fresher package.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.11 | 750ml |
| SK | $10.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $9.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $11.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $11.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Turning Leaf Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
California, United StatesSpicy, tobacco, black cherry, earthy, black olive and resin aromas. Soft, round, dry palate with cedar bark, chocolate, peppery, spicy, black olive flavours. A bit too dry and resiny for solo sipping but should be fine with pizza, chicken and barbecued meats.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Valley of the Moon Cuvée de la Luna 2000
Sonoma County, California, United StatesBig peppery, spicy, black olive, cassis jam, tobacco, chocolate nose with a smoky game streak. Dry, round, elegant and fairly smooth to the finish. Cassis, chocolate, minty , black olive, tobacco leaf and pepper flavours. Definitly on the cooler varietal side but very well balanced and flavourful for the vintage.Prices:| BC | $31.65 | 750ml |
| AB | $33.60 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Kenwood Yulupa Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
California, United StatesBig spicy, chocolate, cigar, blackberry, peppery, licorice and barnyard aromas. Round, elegant and slightly dry with peppery, black olive, resiny, cassis and tobacco flavours and a vanilla finish. A bit dry with light tannins at the end which should match well with a steak.Prices:| Estimated BC | $22.45 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.40 | 750ml |
| QC | $21.10 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Kenwood Cabernet Sauvignon Artist Series 1999
Sonoma County, California, United StatesAn abstract label adorns the '99 as painted by Canadian born artist Rolph Scarlett. Intense black pepper, resiny, sappy, cigar butt, cassis jam, saddle leather mineral aromas with some smoky garrigue notes. Rich, round, soft and fairly elegant with a touch of alcohol showing. Smooth textured with lots of chocolate, cigar butt, black olive, cassis, smoky vanilla resin flavours with a minty, brine note on the finish. Quite cool cabernet characters are evident in this edition but has very good intensity and mouthfeel. Drinkable now and over the next 2-3 years.Prices:| BC | $84.65 | 750ml |
| ON | $92.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Kenwood Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
Sonoma County, California, United StatesLook for a smoky, black olive, vanilla nose streaked with pepper, cassis, saddle leather and cloves. Rich, round and smooth on entry with light tannins. Fine chocolate, cassis, minty, vanilla spicy flavours. Finish is a touch dry and acidic but it has fine varietal cab character.Prices:| BC | $25.75 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.75 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $26.05 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Kenwood Cabernet Sauvignon Jack London Vineyard 2000
Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesFine smoky, peppery resin nose with barnyard, saddle leather, blackberry and vanilla. Rich, round, elegant and soft on entry with spicy, blackberry, pepper, licorice, vanilla and tobacco flavours. Balanced with light, cedar-y tannins a touch of acidity in the finish. Drinkable now but should improve over the next 1-2 years.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $37.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $43.45 | 750ml |
| QC | $42.75 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Henry of Pelham Sauvignon Blanc 2002
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaCorked, retastePrices:| BC | $15.90 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Obikwa Sauvignon Blanc 2004
Western Cape, South AfricaGrassy, passion fruit, grapefruit, mineral aromas with some apple and kiwi notes. Fresh, round, crisp and elegant with green apple, grassy, grapefruit, mineral flavours. A clean, simple, varietal style perfect for lighter seafood and good value.Prices:| BC | $9.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $8.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $7.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Penascal Sauvignon Blanc 2003
Castilla-Leon, SpainSpanish Sauvignon is catching on. Look for a grassy, grapefruit rind, mineral, passionfruit nose wrapped up in a Euro-dry, elegant, fresh, clean style with mineral, green apple skin, grassy, grapefruit flavours. This is solid sauvignon albeit in a slightly austere, crisp style but its balanced. Try with clams or oysters. Good value. Consistent, tasted twice this year.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.05 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Deen De Bortoli Vat 2 Sauvignon Blanc 2002
Riverina, New South Wales, AustraliaRipe kiwi, gooseberry, grassy, grapefruit aromas with a touch of mineral and asparagus. Dry, round and crisp with a touch of oiliness. Fresh grapefruit, grassy, mineral and passion fruit flavours with a touch of jalapeno pepper in the finish. Pleasant, fresh style for current drinking.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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27 November 2004
88PTS
Francis Ford Coppola Presents Diamond Collection Black Label Claret Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
California, United StatesIntense blackberry jam, spicy, licorice, cedar tobacco nose with a streak of vanilla and black olive and saddle leather notes. Smooth, soft, round palate with cedary, earthy, blackberry jam and cassis flavour with some chocolate and black pepper on the finish. Consistent easy-drinking style with good fruit concentration and balance.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
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21 November 2004
87PTS
Stonehedge Merlot 2002
Napa Valley, California, United StatesThe 2002 Stonehedge merlot uses about 15 per cent of carignane, petite sirah and cabernet sauvignon to create a drier, spicier, earthy version of this much maligned California varietal. We like the black fruit core but the earthy notes and minimal oak open up even more food possibilities. Ready to drink but will hold a couple of years. A fine restaurant wine.Prices:| BC | $18.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
See Ya Later Ranch Ping 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, peppery, waxy, green bean, olive and black cherry aromas with a big streak of coffee vanilla and cardamom. Rich, ripe, round and supple with big spicy vanilla oak, black cherry jam, chocolate pudding, licorice flavours and a peppery, tobacco finish. Somewhat alcoholic but ripe and long with pretty good balance and ripeness. Somewhat reminiscent of the mocha chocolate pudding coffee JT style.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Sumac Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon Black Sage Vineyard 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, roasted pepper, clove, V8 juice, tomato leaf aromas. Dry, tannic, big and warm with very oaky vanilla, spicy, peppery, smoky flavours. Bitter and hot and oaky and underripe.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.45 | 750ml |
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20 November 2004
88PTS
de Venoge Demi - Sec NV
Champagne, FranceThe blend is similar to the Cordon Bleu cuvee but with 39 g/l sugar as opposed to a normal dryer brut of 9 g/l. Very toasty, nutty brioche, cream, green apple, pear aromas with a floral note. Rich, round, sweet and elegant with medium mousse. Baked apple, mineral, citrus, honey, peach skin flavours with some toasty, nutty cream flavours on the finish. A sweeter style but quite elegant with good acidity. Will be good after dinner with fruit or light cream desserts.Prices:| BC | $58.90 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Kudyah Nero d'Avola 2002
Sicily, ItalySmoky gamey sausage, dank vegetation, sweaty, earthy aggressive aromas. Dry, round, smooth but somewhat lean with leathery, earthy, animal, smoky, sour cherry flavours and vegetative notes on the finish. Not for the faint of heart.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Suliccenti Insolia 2003
Sicily, ItalyNutty, honey, floral, apple aromas with some spicy, lees notes. Dry, round, elegant style with mineral, oily, peach, lemon, nutty, honey flavours. Nice fruit and structure and a bit more austere in style.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Domaine du Lys Syrah Cabernet 2001
Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceSmoky, rootsy, mushroom, peppery, spicy, gamey sausage aromas. Dry, round and soft with elevated alcohol and some acidity. Very gamey, smoky, gamey, peppery, cherry almond flavours. Has some ripeness and balance but the gamey characters are quite dominant. Decent value for a rustic red.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Sandhill Small Lots Program Malbec Phantom Creek Vineyard 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaQuite an oddball resiny, smoky sage, spicy, shoe leather, tobacco nose with hints of briary/black cherry .Very unusual. Soft, round, elegant, smooth styling with high alcohol. More resiny, peppery, smoky vanilla, sage, poultry spice, cooked rhubarb, cherry flavours. Very smooth textures and well balanced but very unusual flavour and aroma profile for malbec.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Sandhill Small Lots Program Petit Verdot Phantom Creek Vineyard 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDense black cherry colour. Peppery, cardamom, resiny, cassis, violet, chocolate, smoky vanilla aromas with some gamey, saddle leather notes. Rich, round, dry and smooth with good acidity and ripe tannins. Nice smoky vanilla, coffee, cassis, black cherry, tea, resiny, sage flavours with a sweet vanilla pudding finish. Fine effort, drink now or keep for 2-3 years. 188 cases made in this the t release. Might be even better as a "spicing agent" in a Meritage blend especially if it reduces the cabernet sauvignon content.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Pascual Toso Malbec 2003
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaEucalyptus/menthol Kool cigarette nose with peppery, leafy, smoky, black licorice cherry aromas. Soft, round, slightly sweet entry with peppery, smoky, spicy, black cherry, gamey cassis flavours with a bit of acidity on the finish. A Yellowtail look alike made from malbec from Argentina.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
J. Lohr Merlot Los Osos 2001
Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, Central Coast, California, United StatesPruny, dill, spicy, leafy nose with flecks of orange peel smoke and vanilla notes. Dry, and somewhat tannic on entry with cedar bark, minty/leafy, mocha, tobacco flavours with some black cherry undertones. Not all that well balanced with both green and pruny undertones. Awkward.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Frescobaldi Castiglioni Chianti 2002
Tuscany, ItalyRoasted game, saddle leather, cherry, cedar, tobacco aromas. Dry, round, soft and fresh with lots of cigar butt, spicy, sour cherry, smoky leather flavours. Decent effort for the vintage but no more than a simple red that needs food.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Cipes Brut NV
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCipes Brut is méthode traditionnelle of mostly riesling. Fine mousse, floral, baked apple, citrus fruit aromas. Creamy and round with baked apple, mineral, citrus, rhubarb flavours with good mousse.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
de Venoge Brut Millésimé 1995
Champagne, FranceThe vintage blend is similar to the Brut Cordon Bleu but includes a majority of Pinot Noir including wines from crus such as Aÿ and Verzenay with 15 - 20% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Meunier. Look for a very toasty lees, biscuit, baked apple, cream and citrus peel nose. Fine mousse with an elegant entry. Big baked apple, toasty, buttery, pear, citrus flavours. Very crisp, dry finish. Ready to go and fine drinking until the '96 arrives.Prices:| BC | $67.63 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Premier Cru Réserve Particulière NV
Champagne, FranceConsistently fine, continuous mousse. Toasty, nutty lees, brioche aromas with baked apple, quince and citrus. Nice fresh green apple package almost like it's new, entertaining and attractive tin cylinder packaging. Fresh, lively, dry palate with citrus peel, nutty, toasty, creamy citrus flavours and a whack of green apple. Very attractive and crisp yet balanced finish with brioche and anise. The blend is 40/20/40 pinot noir/chardonnay/pinot meunier. Serve as an aperitif or with pan-fried scallops. Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $55.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $52.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $50.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
de Venoge Cordon Bleu Brut Sélect NV
Champagne, FranceBrioche, nutty lees, bread crust, mineral aromas with citrus and green apple notes. Fairly crisp and dry on the palate with green apple skin, mineral, toasted nut and citrus flavours with a hint of cream and anise. Nicely balanced and set up for food. More sophisticated flavours and style than prior releases, nice improvement. Try with veal sweetbreads or with crab or oysters in seawater aspic.Prices:| BC | $65.00 | 750ml |
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18 November 2004
84PTS
Talus Collection Pinot Grigio 2003
California, United StatesFresh open mineral notes on the nose with green apple skin and citrus peel aromas. Dry, round, crisp entry with light lees, green melon, green apple and butter flavours and a fresh crisp, lemony finish. Good value for a northern Italian-style pinot grigio made in California.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $8.89 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.40 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Miguel Torres Santa Digna Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
Valle del Curicó, Region del Valle Central, ChileSpicy, smoky, eucalyptus, cassis, peppery tobacco aromas with a touch of cedar. Dry, round, elegant entry with light grainy tannins. Cassis, peppery, cedar-y, smoky spicy mint flavours dominate with a tobacco cherry finish. This is good solid cabernet but another price increase means it no longer offers great value.Prices:| BC | $17.90 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Kendermanns Pinot Grigio 2003
Pfalz, GermanyVery floral, peach, melon, mineral, slate aromas. Soft, round, fresh palate with nice peach, melon, mineral, green apple skin flavours. A bit sweet but has good acidity on the finish. Very good value and it comes with a reliable synthetic (Noma) cork.Prices:| BC | $11.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
Sonoma County, California, United StatesA fine 2001 California red with a cedar/spicy, peppery, black cherry, vanilla nose with streaks of cola and shoe leather. Soft, round, elegant palate with very light, grainy tannins on entry. Nice spicy, smoky leather, peppery, cassis, black cherry flavours with a resiny, vanilla, cassis finish. Good structure with some finesse. You can enjoy it now but it will improve for 2-4 years.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.05 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Stone Cellars Pinot Grigio 2003
California, United StatesLight apple, melon, mineral aromas. Soft, round, somewhat sweet entry with melon, lees, baked apple, mineral flavours. A bit of a sweet and sour balance but sound and simple. This would definitely benefit (be fresher) from being finished under screwcap instead of cork. What are the American's waiting for?Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.25 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Cremaschi Furlotti Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2002
Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChilePeppery, spicy, smoky eucalyptus, cassis and saddle leather mixes with black berry fruit vanilla and cola in the background. Rich, ripe, round and smooth with some grainy tannins. Big spicy, smoky oak vanilla, peppery, cassis jam, cigar and earth flavours with a warm, vanilla cola finish. Nice intensity but young, needs 2-3 years to fully soften. Good effort.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Rock Rabbit Syrah 2002
Central Coast, California, United StatesVanilla, peppery, smoky licorice, spicy blackberry aromas. On entry is round and dry with fairly soft textures and cedar-y, minty, black cherry, smoky pepper flavours. A bit short on the finish but smooth and easy to drink. Perfect for by-the-glass sales in restaurants.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Avalon Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
Napa Valley, California, United StatesQuite a peppery, spicy black olive nose with flecks of tobacco, cedar and vanilla. Round, smooth and dry on the palate with cedar, cassis, pepper, tobacco and earthy sweet vanilla flavours. A bit low on fruit but with fine structure. Made for current drinking.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Attems Pinot Grigio 2003
Friuli-Venezia Giulia, ItalyVery mineral, buttery, light vanilla, peach, green melon aromas with some green apple skin notes. Dry, round, rich and slightly oily entry with leesy, butter, melon, vanilla, spicy green apple flavours. Quite dry but rich with good length. Classy pinot grigio ― made for food.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $21.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Pesquera Tinto 2000
Ribera del Duero, Castilla-Leon, SpainSmoky, gamey, garrigue, black cherry, cigar, saddle leather and prune aromas with a vanilla cedar streak. Rich, ripe, round and fairly supple with smooth tannins. Nice cherry, spicy, orange, peppery, gamey, vanilla, earthy tobacco flavours with some acidity on the finish. Dry and quite warm but has good fruit intensity. Needs 3-5 yearsPrices:| BC | $30.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Castillo de Liria 2002
Valencia, Valencia and Murcia, SpainPeppery, prune, dried cherry, leather aromas. Smooth, round, dry and soft with chocolate, cherry, spicy, pruny leather flavours with a bit of acidity on the finish. Sound, simple and very good value.Prices:| BC | $7.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Terra Grande Reserva 2000
Almansa, Castilla-La Mancha, SpainPeppery, spicy, gamey, black cherry, savoury, saddle leather and earthy aromas. Dry, round and smooth and bit rustic with some dry tannins. Good black cherry, smoky, spicy, peppery, leather and mocha flavours. Quite a dry, somewhat tannic finish with big black cherry jam. Needs a leg of lamb or age for a year or two.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Guigal Côtes du Rhône 2000
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceRipe blackberry, smoky, spicy, mint, roasted pepper, black raspberry, licorice and game aromas. Soft, round, smooth and elegant with spicy, gamey, roasted pepper, smoky mint, black raspberry and licorice flavours. Very nice balance and finesse and ready to drink. Half of this wine is made with syrah.Prices:| BC | $22.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Doña Paula Los Cardos Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
Ugarteche District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaTobacco leaf, spicy, smoky saddle, peppery, savoury/olive aromas. Rich, round, soft and juicy with lots of cassis, smoky tobacco, spicy, olive and cedar flavours. Light smooth tannins on the finish but with some concentration. Serve with grilled pork chop and some applesauce. Good value here.Prices:| BC | $13.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Terra Andina Syrah 2002
Region del Valle Central, ChileBig eucalyptus, cassis, blackberry, mineral, smoky saddle aromas. Dry, soft, round elegant style with light cedar, smoky saddle, cassis, minty, peppery flavours. Very Chilean terroir and pretty good value for syrah.Prices:| BC | $13.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
California, United StatesBlack olive, forest floor, tobacco, peppery, sweaty saddle aromas with some minty cassis underneath. Dry, round, smooth palate with light cedar-y, grainy tannins. Lots of peppery, vanilla, smoky resin with black currant and cool mint flavours. A cool climate California cabernet that will appeal to a certain spectrum of buyers.Prices:| BC | $29.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
McManis Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
California, United StatesOpen spicy, cassis, sappy, peppery red with smoky licorice root aromas. Smooth, round, soft palate with lots of vanilla cola, cassis, smoky, peppery flavours. A juicy, simple, easy-sipping smoky style red that will have wide appeal.Prices:| BC | $22.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.90 | 750ml |
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17 November 2004
88PTS
Las Rocas de San Alejandro Garnacha 2002
Calatayud, Aragon, SpainBig white pepper, raspberry jam, mineral, gamey, saddle leather aromas with some cardamom. Soft, round, rich and supple with big juicy black raspberry, peppery, spicy, orange peel, licorice flavours. Very fresh and juicy with good intensity and some grip on the finish and no oak.Prices:| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
de Venoge Brut Blanc de Blancs 1995
Champagne, FranceSince the middle of the 19th century the Devenoge Vintage Blanc de Blancs has been made with a blend of 80 per cent grapes from the Côte des Blancs and 20 per cent grapes from the area around Sézanne. Lokk for toasty, baked apple, lemon citrus, buttered toast and cashew aromas. On the palate it is super fresh and elegant but quite dry with lots of nutty, toasty, biscuit, baked apple, strong citrus flavours. Very creamy, fine mousse anf great length. Good acidity but the nose and flavours are nearly mature.Prices:| BC | $67.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Alvear Carlos VII Amontillado NV
Montilla-Moriles, SpainLight amber colour. Intense nutty almond, rancio, sweaty, dried orange peel, spicy aromas. Very rich, round, dry and oily palate with good acidity. Big nutty, rancio, raisin, mineral, buttery, tangy flavours. A very intense, rich Sherry style.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 500ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Pol Roger Brut Rosé 1996
Champagne, FrancePale salmon orange colour composed of 60 per cent pinot noir and 40 per cent chardonnay. The wine has cherry, earthy, toasty, citrus, mineral, peach aromas. Quite rich and round for a rosé with intense strawberry, cherry, toasted apple flavours with a hint of licorice and pear on the finish. A rich, balanced style with persistent, creamy mousse.Prices:| BC | $65.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $51.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $49.79 | 750ml |
| MB | $64.09 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Champagne Pol Roger Extra Cuvée de Reserve Vintage 1996
Champagne, FranceFine continuous mousse. Toasty, brioche, green apple, floral, mineral, peach, honey aromas. Rich, round, crisp and very creamy. Fairly intense flavours of brioche, cashew, baked apple, citrus peel, mineral, quince and grapefruit. Very crisp, long, citrus peel finish. This is big with very good acidity. Drinkable now, will improve over the next 10 years. FabulousPrices:| BC | $59.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $50.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $59.21 | 750ml |
| ON | $64.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Pol Roger Extra Cuvée de Reserve Chardonnay 1996
Champagne, FranceIntense toasted lees, baked apple, mineral, brioche, apple skin and citrus nose. Rich, round and quite crisp, fairly dry brut style. Lots of toasty, brioche, baked apple, nutty, mineral, licorice flavours with a big lemon lime peel finish. Definitely on the higher acid side and will need to age a few more years.Prices:| BC | $68.89 | 750ml |
| AB | $44.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $48.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $68.82 | 750ml |
| BC | $119.49 | 1500ml |
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87PTS
Sandhill Small Lots Program Sangiovese Burrowing Owl Vineyard 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHoward Soon has had a good year. We love the spicy, peppery, licorice root nose and the streaks of black cherry, sweet vanilla aromas mixed with light, leafy barnyard notes. Quite supple with very light tannins. Big cherry, almond, peppery, vanilla, smoky cola, earthy mushroom flavours. A touch alcoholic but with fine intensity. Needs a year or so to round out. This decent sangiovese. Only 618 cases produced.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Frescobaldi Remole Chianti 2001
Tuscany, ItalyRipe black cherry jam, gamey, smoky, earthy, peppery aromas. Dry round and soft on the palate with some light tannins. Licorice, peppery, black cherry, leather, mineral flavours. Good intensity if a bit too dry and rustic on the finish. Good match for grilled beef or ribs.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.40 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Graham's Malvedos Vintage Port 1996
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalIn 'declared' vintage years the wines of Malvedos form the fundamental part of the blend which makes up Graham's Vintage Ports. In other years when there is not enough top quality wine for Graham's to declare a "vintage", the wine of Malvedos is bottled on its own, unblended, when two years old and left to mature in bottle like other Vintage Ports. But unlike declared Vintage Port, Malvedos Vintage is only shipped when ready for drinking by which time it is usually a decade old. The Quinta's name is derived from the notorious rapids known as the 'Malvedos' or 'bad ways' which existed below the property before dams were built on the Douro River. Look for big peppery, spicy, tea, licorice root, resiny, smoky garrigue nose with black plum jam. Fat, round, ripe and somewhat fiery palate with very peppery, spicy, smoky, black tea, blackberry and prune palate. A slightly dryer style with some tannin to shed. Needs another 3-4 years to soften. Good.Prices:| BC | $57.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $46.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Graham's Vintage Port 1991
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalThe first vintage to be declared since 1985 produced a very small but high quality harvest. This is a big port with spicy, black tea, peppery, plum jam, licorice root nuances on the nose some orange peel and smoke. The entry is supple with ripe, smooth tannins and cherry, plum jam, peppery, spicy, resiny, licorice root and cola flavours. Still a touch fiery and youthful at present but wonderful balance. It's drinkable now but will improve over the next 10 years or more.Prices:| BC | $99.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Frescobaldi Pater Sangiovese 2000
Tuscany, ItalyThis is basic sangiovese, hand harvested, lightly pressed and fermented in stainless steel tanks. It is then aged in a mix of American and French oak casks for a further nine months. Look for light black cherry fruit, gamey, spicy, peppery aromas. Soft, round, elegant palate with black cherry, peppery, spicy, licorice leather flavours.Very sound, ready to drink. Simple grilled chicken dishes would be the match here.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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16 November 2004
90PTS
Michele Chiarlo Barolo Cannubi 2000
Piedmont, ItalyCoffee, smoky, cigar, black cherry, truffle licorice aromas with some peppery vanilla, saddle leather notes. Dry, round, elegant style with supple tannins. Very spicy, vanilla, black cherry, licorice, smoky cigar flavours with some plum and tar on the finish and mushroom. Nice finesse and length but not big and has fairly soft acidity. A mid-term wine.Prices:| BC | $91.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $85.95 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Michele Chiarlo Barolo Cerequio 2000
Piedmont, ItalyTarry, spicy, black cherry, smoky, peppery, saddle leather and vanilla aromas. Dry, round, moderately grainy, tannic entry. Big spicy, tarry, peppery, licorice, coffee, black cherry jam and prune flavours. Good ripeness, concentration and length although a bit warm. Should improve over the next 3-7 years.Prices:| BC | $91.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $85.95 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Michele Chiarlo Montemareto Countacc! 2000
Vignale Monferrato, Alessandria, Piedmont, ItalyBig cigar, peppery, mocha coffee, smoky, clove, gamey, black cherry nose. Rich, round, concentrated style with smooth tannins. Very smoky, black cherry, coffee, gamey, spicy licorice flavours with some plum jam and vanilla on the finish. Good finesse and ripeness but will mature fairly quickly over the next 2-4 years.Prices:| BC | $64.90 | 750ml |
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15 November 2004
90PTS
Conundrum 2002
California, United StatesNice spicy, floral, honey, baked pear, orange, mineral aromas. Rich, round, slightly oily entry with a touch of sweetness. Ripe pear, apple, mineral, kiwi, grapefruit, honey, orange flavour with a very creamy vanilla lees finish. Nice intensity and balance if a bit intense for food pairing.Prices:| BC | $38.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $33.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Dow's 10-Year Old Tawny NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalAttractive golden orange / brick tea colour. The nose is a mix of licorice, spice and soya with a rancio, peppery, tea character. Rich round and mellow on the finish with bits of nutmeg, and dried fruit. Slightly drier than most tawnies which should make even more attractive to the oenophile.Prices:| BC | $35.84 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Gray Monk Pinot Gris 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRipe pear, apple, mineral, nutty earth aromas with some honey. Nice round, rich, soft, elegant and ripe palate with citrus, baked pear, mineral, red apple and quince flavours. Very ripe style with a touch of sweetness and smoke greens but great ripeness. Great consumer style. Well done.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Famille Perrin Côtes du Rhône Rouge Réserve 2001
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceCooked berry, prune fruit with saddle leather, gamey, peppery, spicy barnyard aromas. Dry, round and elegant on entry with a tight thin gamey, mineral, earthy, licorice, peppery flavours. A simple, ready to go red.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.45 | 750ml |
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83PTS
La Vieille Ferme Côtes du Luberon Blanc 2002
Côtes du Lubéron, Provence, Sud de France, FranceLemon oil, mineral, almond, floral aromas. Very dry, slightly austere entry with very mineral, slate, lemon oil, green apple flavours and quite a strong citrus oil, bitter note on the finish.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.50 | 750ml |
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83PTS
La Vieille Ferme Côtes du Ventoux Rouge 2002
Ventoux, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceVery spicy, floral, gamey, raspberry, mineral aromas with some jammy notes. Dry, lean, light bodied entry with mineral, earthy, raspberry, minty, game flavours. Very dry and acidic on the finish. Totally Euro.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.50 | 750ml |
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82PTS
La Vieille Ferme Côtes du Ventoux Rosé 2002
Ventoux, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceA 50/50 blend of grenache and cinsault. Mineral, earthy, minty, raspberry, floral aromas. Round, dry, somewhat soft with mineral, chalky, citrus, leafy raspberry caramel flavours. No real fruit here.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $12.80 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Nk'Mip Cellars Qwam Qwmt Meritage 2002
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, cedar-y, smoky oak, black pepper, clove, black olive and black cherry nose. Rich, round, dry and slightly tannic but nicely balanced. Lots of smoky oak vanilla, caramel, peppery, clove, mineral, black cherry, cassis flavours with some smoky cedar on the finish. A bit dry and quite young at this point, should improve over the next 2-4 years. A good first release only 400 cases made.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wolf Blass Gold Label Gewurztraminer Botrytis 2003
Clare Valley, South Australia, AustraliaSpicy, mineral, honey, sausage, lemon oil, ginger aromas. Smooth, round, soft textures with fresh mineral, ginger, sausage, honey, lychee flavours. Nice intensity and elegance but not a big style. Drink young and fresh as the acidity is soft.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 375ml |
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86PTS
Santa Rita Shiraz 120 2003
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileBig minty, gamey, licorice root, blackberry, leather smoky compost aromas. Rich, round, soft and a bit dry with mineral, minty, briary, licorice, smoky prune flavours. Fun but a bit lean on the finish. This will improve in bottle over the next year.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.15 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Santa Rita Merlot 120 2002
Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileSpicy, minty, leafy, tobacco, peppery cherry aromas. Soft, round, supple palate with peppery, cherry, minty, spicy, menthol flavours and a smoky, plum leafy finish. A bit alcoholic and leafy but has good suppleness.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.15 | 750ml |
| SK | $11.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.20 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Santa Rita Merlot Reserva 2002
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileBig spicy, dill, cassis, eucalyptus, cherry, smoky vanilla nose. Soft, round, dry palate with light grainy tannins. Lots of smoky, dill, leafy, olive, peppery chocolate flavours with a cherry finish. Definitely cooler style with the leafy, dry herbal notes.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.85 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.40 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Santa Rita Cabernet Sauvignon Medalla Real 2001
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileBig sappy, cassis, eucalyptus (Chilean) smoky, mineral, chocolate, peppery aromas. Rich round and dry with smooth, chalky tannins. Intense peppery, spicy, minty cassis, black cherry, chocolate and smoky tobacco flavours. Somewhat warm and tannic on the finish but will improve over the next year or two. Not cheap.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.40 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.25 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Fat Bastard Merlot 2002
Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceCherry jam, spicy, cedar, minty, vanilla aromas with some barnyard and tobacco. Rich, round, ripe and quite dry with spicy garrigue, peppery, tobacco, black cherry flavours. Quite young and slightly tannic has good fruit for food pairing so try with slow cooked lamb or beef.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Jim Barry The Lodge Hill Shiraz 2002
Clare Valley, South Australia, AustraliaVery dark black cherry colour previews this cool-climate Clare Valley. Minty, garrigue, smoky, gamey, meaty, black pepper, vanilla aromas. Rich, round, smooth and intense with big black berry jam, peppery, minty, spicy vanilla, chocolate pudding flavours and some blueberry, raspberry on the finish. Some light tannins and acidity on the finish but very good intensity. Drink now or over the next year or two.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Stonehedge Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2000
Napa Valley, California, United StatesCedar, black olive, peppery, cassis aromas with some barnyard, eucalyptus and vanilla notes. Dry, round and fairly warm on entry with light tannins. Very peppery, cedar, olive, mocha, cassis and tobacco flavours with a dry, slightly tannic dill and cassis finish. Needs a year to tame the tannins and acidity or try with grilled beef. A bit green in character for a Napa Valley.Prices:| BC | $31.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Stonehedge Merlot Napa 2000
Napa Valley, California, United StatesOpen tobacco/compost, black cherry, cedar and chocolate mark the aromas. It has medium body to go with its round and dry textures on the palate and some tannins. Very spicy, peppery, tobacco, mocha flavours with some cedar and cherry. More French in style and quite dry with cedar-y notes on the finish and some low fruit.Prices:| BC | $31.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Tommasi Pinot Grigio Le Rosse 2003
Verona, Veneto, ItalyVery nutty, creamy, mineral, citrus rind, earthy, floral aromas. Rich, round, ripe and fairly dry but balanced. Lots of spicy, nutty, mineral, apple skin and pear flavours with some oily notes. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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14 November 2004
85PTS
Benvenuto Barbera 2002
Campania, ItalyFresh spicy, licorice/black cherry nose streaked with tobacco leaf and gamey plum aromas. Soft, round dry and a bit rustic with more licorice root and peppery, black cherry, saddle leather flavours. An everyday food wine with fruit intensity and ripeness - you can't beat the price or the value.Prices:| BC | $6.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Benvenuto Coda di Volpe 2003
Campania, ItalyEuro - nutty, almond, quince, citrus oil and floral aromas. Fresh, round, dry palate with somewhat soft acidity. Clean mineral, nutty, baked pear, and citrus flavours. Simple, easy drinking white that offers good value, but drink while young and fresh.Prices:| BC | $6.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Abrazo Tinto Garnacha Cariñena 2003
Cariñena, Aragon, SpainSomewhat old fashioned on the nose with gamy / animal spicy, sweaty saddle leather notes and underlying black raspberry jam aromas. Soft, round light and elegant with peppery, spicy, black cherry, rootsy game flavours. It finishes warm with the requisite Euro acidity.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Cairanne Grand Reserve Côtes du Rhône 2001
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceFloral, black cherry, licorice and white pepper aromas with a touch of barnyard. Rich, round and somewhat dry on the palate with light tannins. Black cherry jam, rootsy, game flavours with a bit of cedar and mint. A bit dry and tight but well balanced. Try with lamb or duck or age an extra year. The blend is 60-70 per cent grenache, 20 to 30 per cent syrah and 10 to 20 per cent mourvèdre.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Villa Antinori Toscana Rosso 2001
Tuscany, ItalySomewhat dry gamey, earthy, smoky nose with spicy meaty black cherry aromas. Round and full bodied but marked with dry earthy, peppery, black cherry and smoky mineral flavours. The finish is warm with dry tannins. Definitely requires serving with food such as grilled meat or pasta with a meat sauce to soften the tannins.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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10 November 2004
87PTS
Sumac Ridge Brut Méthode Classique NV
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNew to us at least is the Sumac non-vintage Brut. A touch foamy mousse previews a nutty, almond, citrus, mineral nose with toasted floral aromas. Fairly crisp and dry with very toasty, nutty, warm citrus, mineral flavours and a slightly bitter, warm, green apple finish. A bit thin but sound.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Valdo Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Superiore Marca Oro Extra Dry NV
Treviso, Verona, Veneto, ItalyFine bubbles but lots of foamy mousse. Fresh floral, citrus, melon, peach aromas with a mineral, apple skin note. Round, fresh, slightly sweeter style with ripe peach, almond, pear, honey and mineral flavours. A fine summer sipper or use as an apéritif wine with light fruit or pork dishes.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Lanson Le Rosé Brut Rosé NV
Champagne, FranceThe Brut Rosé derives its pink/salmon tint by blending the three classic Champagne varieties: pinot noir, pinot meunier and chardonnay with a small amount of red wine made exclusively from pinot noir. Look for toasted lees, biscuit, baked pear, mineral, citrus aromas with a light cherry marzipan note. Crisp, round and dry on entry with fine mousse (tiny bubbles). The flavours are a riot of nutty, toasty, mineral, cherry, citrus and green apple flavours. Definitely dry and crisp but with fine elegance.Prices:| BC | $79.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $67.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $65.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $65.00 | 750ml |
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08 November 2004
89PTS
Stonehedge Petite Syrah Reserve Signature Vines 2000
Napa Valley, California, United StatesVery spicy, peppery, licorice lifted vanilla, black cherry jam, smoky leather aromas. Rich, round, dry and somewhat tannic but well balanced. Big spicy, juicy black cherry, licorice, vanilla and black tea flavours with a fresh finish. Needs a year or so to soften but has good fruit intensity. Try on a rainy day with a duck cassoulet or slow cooked lamb shank.Prices:| BC | $31.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Ironstone Vineyards Merlot 2002
California, United StatesSmoky, leafy, minty, spicy, tobacco aromas with a touch of cherry. Soft, round, warm and slightly sweet on entry with tobacco, cherry jam, earthy, leafy mint flavours and slightly elevated acidity. Simple, commercial easy sipping merlot.Prices:| BC | $19.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.49 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Ironstone Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2001
California, United StatesSmoky, spicy cigar leaf mixed with roasted pepper, earth, coffee aromas and some cassis notes. We like the soft supple style with red cherry, smoky, spicy, peppery, tobacco and vanilla flavours and a rootsy, mocha finish. Would be fine with grilled chicken or a smoky rib meal.Prices:| BC | $19.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.49 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Ironstone Vineyards Petite Sirah 2002
California, United StatesDeep black cherry colour. Very spicy, sausage, sweaty leather, black cherry jelly, licorice, vanilla aromas. Soft, round, supple, slightly sweet fruity entry with intense black cherry jelly, plum jam flavours streaked with spicy, licorice. A touch acidic but with a core of fruit and balance. Try with roast turkey or duck. Solid value.Prices:| BC | $19.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.49 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Leyda Carmenère Reserve 2001
Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileSpicy, minty, cassis berry, sappy, sweaty saddle leather aromas with stewed prune notes. Soft, rich round and supple with smoky, spicy, minty, black cherry, cassis flavours with some tobacco leaf and a slightly dry finish with light tannins. Very sound but a bit herbaceous.Prices:| BC | $22.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Leyda Vintage Selection Reserve 2001
Region del Valle Central, ChileCigar, spicy, earthy, peppery, sweaty smoky saddle leather aromas with some cassis and mint in the background. Rich, round, smooth and dry but balanced with ripe, grainy tannins. Lots of cassis, black cherry, smoky, tobacco, peppery, vanilla flavours with a somewhat dry, tannic finish. Young, needs 1-3 years to fully soften but good intensity.Prices:| BC | $25.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Inniskillin Okanagan Meritage Olympic Series 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, mocha, vanilla, cassis, peppery, spicy cherry aromas. Dry, smooth, round and quite supple with smoky oak vanilla, peppery, spicy coffee, black cherry jam and pudding flavours. Finish is somewhat hot and tannic and a bit oaky but balanced. Needs a year or two to soften out.Prices:| BC | $17.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Inniskillin Okanagan Meritage Red Dark Horse Estate Vineyard 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFine black cherry jam, blackberry, spicy, smoky coffee notes streaked with peppery, black olive and mint aromas. Rich, round, elegant and dry with some grainy astringent tannins. More blackberry, peppery, spicy, cassis, smoky vanilla, mocha, olive flavours. Quite young, needs 2-3 years to smooth out but there is fine intensity and balance.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.45 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Quails' Gate Cabernet Sauvignon Limited Release 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, peppery, smoky, herbal nose flecked with roasted pepper and briny dill vanilla aromas. Dry, round, fairly soft on the palate with more smoky, sweet vanilla, coffee, briny, minty dill, pepper and black olive flavours. A bit tannic and warm on the finish but sound.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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07 November 2004
86PTS
Arrowleaf Auxerrois 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaArrowleaf gets it name from the yellow-blossomed Okanagan sunflower with its arrow-shaped leaves. The latest auxerrois is fresh and crisp clean and juicy and just about everything you could ask for under $11. A true summer sipper that could double as an accompaniment to a variety of with pan-Asian foods.Prices:| BC | $10.95 | 750ml |
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05 November 2004
88PTS
Chateau d'Armajan des Ormes Sauternes 1999
Sauternes, Graves, Bordeaux, FranceRipe apricot, baked pear, melon, mineral notes with buttery/egg yolk aromas. The style is elegant with more mineral, apricot, baked red apple, honey and pear flavours. It's not a powerhouse Sauternes but we like the finesse and the price. The softer acidity indicates this is ready to drink, perhaps perfect for the Holiday season. Although the chateau's castle dates back to Charles IX and Louis XV, this small estate is little known.Prices:| ON | $24.95 | 375ml |
| BC | $26.95 | 375ml |
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88PTS
Etim Old Wines Grenache Unfiltered Selection 2001
Montsant, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainMonsant is a relatively new Spanish DO that covers the vineyards that were traditionally part of the Priorato before that DO was reshaped. The area resides in the Catalunya region in the Sierra Monsant. Falset-Marca first made wine in 1919 from the village of Falset some 130 kilometres southwest of Barcelona. Etim or 'roots' is an 85/15 blend of garnacha and cabernet sauvignon from 50-year old vines. Look for gamey, black cherry jam, licorice root, resiny, peppery, saddle leather aromas with some smoky vanilla streaks. Rich, round, dry and somewhat tannic but very youthful. Big black raspberry jam (grenache), black cherry, smoky, spicy, gamey garrigue flavours. Warm and dry on the finish with some tannins and acidity showing. Needs a year or so to soften or try with roast duck or goose.Prices:| BC | $23.75 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Castillo de Monséran Garnacha 2003
Cariñena, Aragon, SpainBright floral, black cherry, black raspberry, peppery, orange peel nose. Soft, round, fresh and juicy with a touch of underlying sweetness. Big black raspberry (grenache) jam, with spicy, orange and red licorice flavours. A bit warm but great fruit and ready to drink. Excellent value. Look to buy this by the case if you can find it.Prices:| BC | $9.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $9.05 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Telmo Rodriguez Viña Ciento Cinco 105 2002
Cigales, Castilla-Leon, SpainRootsy, peppery, gamey, cedar, leather aromas with some dank notes. Soft, round, supple and dry with high acidity. Black cherry, spicy, earthy, tobacco leaf flavours. The finish is dry and acidic in structure. A bit disjointed at this point and not showing at its best. Could it be suffering form cork taint.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Penascal Tempranillo 2001
Castilla-Leon, SpainNot quite New wave Spanish with its gamey, smoky, black cherry, peppery, saddle leather aromas and underlying garrigue notes. Still we like the soft round, elegant entry and the fresh cherry, spicy, peppery, gamey earthy flavours. A bit acidic but has good fruit flavour intensity. A hamburger or pizza would be a perfect match.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.99 | 750ml |
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04 November 2004
89PTS
Fouassier Père et Fils Sancerre Les Romains 2003
Sancerre, Upper Loire, Loire, FranceLes Romains is soft flinty, polished Sancerre that relies less on the brassy, citrus grapefruit flavours of sauvignon and more on passion fruit and mineral flavours with creamy, buttery textures. Look for a smooth flinty finish. Very consistent from year to year.Prices:| BC | $26.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $14.75 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mission Hill Family Estate Oculus 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig cassis, black pepper and spicy, saddle leather notes mix with tobacco, orange rind and vanilla pudding aromas. This is a rich, warm, youthful tannic red that will need time to blend its substantial cassis, olive, pepper, orange rind and herbal/leaf flavours. The style is lean and reserved but we know it will grow in the bottle much like the 2001 a wine whose mark we have recently upgraded based on its showing with an additional year in bottle. The blend is 50/30/15/5 merlot / cabernet sauvignon / cabernet franc and petit verdot.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Gehringer Brothers Riesling Ice Wine 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, citrus rind, mineral, red apple skin aromas with a touch of peach. Rich, intense, slightly fat palate with nice acidity and elegance. Lots of orange citrus, ripe red apple, mineral, juicy mango, honey flavours with a long candied citrus, green apple, peach finish. The nose is a bit muted but the palate and fruit flavours are excellent. Try in a year or so.Prices:| BC | $47.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Jackson-Triggs Meritage Proprietors' Grand Reserve 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHuge smoky oak, vanilla, black pepper, chocolate pudding, spicy, clove aromas with very ripe blackberry jam streaks. Rich, ripe, concentrated, tannic and extracted with a ton of cassis jam, blackberry, black pepper, sweet vanilla pudding, clove and black olive flavours and a hot finish. A big, oaky style but with great ripeness and intensity. Tone down the oak and extraction and this will be in the running alongside many great blends from around the world.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Jackson-Triggs Pinot Noir Proprietors' Reserve 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, spicy oak, cigar, compost, licorice, herbal aromas. Ripe, round, rich palate with smoky vanilla, black cherry, resiny, rhubarb flavours. Somewhat chunky, hot and tannic, especially on the finish. A promising start but we would like to see less extraction, more elegance and less oak.Prices:| BC | $12.80 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Valley of the Moon Zinfandel 2001
Sonoma County, California, United StatesEarthy, spicy, saddle leather, licorice root, waxy, black berry aromas. Dry, slightly tannic, rich entry with chocolate, cedar bark, peppery, prune, black berry flavours. Sound but a bit dry and lean on the finish. Needs a year or more to round out or serve now with lamb shanks.Prices:| Estimated BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Kenwood Zinfandel 2001
Sonoma County, California, United StatesBriar, spicy, black berry, pepper, orange peel aromas with a touch of vanilla and cedar. Rich, round, elegant and fairly soft with some light tannins. Spicy, black cherry jam, cedar bark, peppery, chocolate and cola flavours. A bit dry but there is fine fruit and balance. Should be perfect with slow cooked osso buco or a lamb shank dishes.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $21.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Kenwood Zinfandel Jack London Vineyard 2001
Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesVery spicy, peppery, blackberry jam, black licorice, cola, vanilla aromas. Rich, concentrated palate with lots of fairly smooth, grainy tannins. Big black cherry, chocolate, peppery, rootsy, tobacco, briar flavours wit vanilla and saddle leather. Good fruit intensity and balance but quite warm with definite grip. Needs a year or two to round out or try with some rich stew. Good value.Prices:| BC | $27.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Quails' Gate Fume Blanc Family Reserve 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRipe grapefruit, citrus rind, mineral, grassy, vanilla, green apple and melon aromas. Rich, ripe, round and oily with some heat. Big fig, grassy, grapefruit, melon rind flavours with a very buttery, vanilla, slightly bitter finish. Good intensity but it needs a time to settle down and let all the parts melt together. It has bright future.Prices:| BC | $22.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Quails' Gate Riesling Icewine 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFabulous mineral, ripe peach, ripe red apple, citrus aromas. Rich, elegant, sweet with fair acidity. Nice citrus, baked pear, ripe peach, citrus, apricot skin flavours. Love the elegance and flavour intensity even if it finishes a bit soft. Drink while young and fresh.Prices:| BC | $54.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Quails' Gate O.V.F. Reserve Old Vines Foch 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery spicy, peppery, smoky oak, vanilla, prune and coffee aromas. Smooth, soft, round and dry on the palate with lots of smoky, spicy, gamey, coffee, black cherry flavours. Well balanced and fun to drink if you like those gamey foch notes.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Quails' Gate Cabernet Sauvignon Family Reserve 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTasted several times this year and there is no mistaking the big smoky, sweet cola vanilla, peppery nose mixed with spicy, black olive, black berry, earthy, tobacco aromas. Rich, round, dry and supple with roasted pepper, black cherry, spicy, smoky vanilla cola, spicy prune flavours. Quite warm on the finish with a touch of acidity. A good mid-term drinking wine. The big American oak sheen will be attractive to many consumers.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Sumac Ridge Merlot Black Sage Vineyard 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig smoky, oak, vanilla, spicy, pudding, cherry jam. Soft, round, forward style with supple tannins. Big sweet vanilla, smoky, spicy, coffee flavours. Balanced and round but lacks some fruit and very oaky style.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Sumac Ridge Sauvignon Blanc Cellar Selection 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig vanilla cream, lees, peach, floral aromas with some citrus rind. Rich, ripe, round and oily with an oaky, buttery, vanilla, citrus rind and green apple palate. The finish is warm (alcoholic) but otherwise this is sound sauvignon..Prices:| BC | $13.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.45 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Hawthorne Mountain Cabernet Franc 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaQuite a pleasant surprise for such an ordinary looking bottle and label. Look for mocha, spicy, smoky, compost, cherry, raspberry aromas with black olive and cigar tobacco. Round, dry, smooth and soft with very smoky oak, spicy, tobacco and fresh black raspberry flavours streaked with pepper and black olive. Nice fruit and varietal expression with the requisite oaky finish that will attract a crowd. Great value.Prices:| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Hawthorne Mountain Merlot 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaUnusual gamey, black cherry jam, peppery, licorice nose with some vanilla pudding and smoky notes. Rich, dry, tannic entry with very spicy, clove, smoky oak mixed with coriander, black cherry, and plum fruit. Good intensity but finish is a bit green and herbal. Has the potential to improve over the next few years.Prices:| BC | $18.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Pascual Toso Sauvignon Blanc 2004
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaGrapefruit, kiwi, melon, grassy mineral aromas. Fresh, soft, round and a bit sweet with melon, grapefruit rind, butter, mineral and passion fruit flavours. Good fruit and nose but somewhat sweet, a good introductory style.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Painter Bridge Zinfandel 2002
California, United StatesSimple spicy, pruny, blackberry, cola, pepper aromas. Soft, round, supple style with cedar bark, spicy, pruny, black berry flavours and a wisp of vanilla. The finish is dry and slightly tannic with a touch of acidity.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Terra Andina Sauvignon Blanc 2003
Region del Valle Central, ChileVery mineral, leesy, garlic, wet wool, grapefruit rind aromas. Fresh, crisp, slightly oily and sweet entry with canned grapefruit, grassy, mineral, kiwi flavours. Sound crisp, rind-y finish.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Nk'Mip Cellars Qwam Qwmt Riesling Icewine 2003
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaQuite mineral, baked apple, vinyl curtain, citrus rind aromas with a slightly reduced character. Rich, fat, warm and fairly viscous in the mouth. Its tasty ripe apricot, pear, mineral, baked citrus and vinyl flavours are balanced by the acidity but it finishes a bit hot and muted. A bit more brightness would help to lift the wine out of the ordinary.Prices:| BC | $59.99 | 375ml |
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86PTS
Nk'Mip Cellars Qwam Qwmt Merlot 2002
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig smoky oak, spicy, peppery, clove, black cherry aromas with some resiny orange peel notes. Dry, tannic and somewhat hard on the palate with spicy, smoky oak, clove pepper and black cherry flavours. Dry, tight and a bit hollow, needs a few years to fill out but aging we would like less extraction, more fruit and more silky textures.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Nk'Mip Cellars Merlot 2002
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIntense spicy, clove, coriander, olive aromas flecked with leafy, peppery, green bean aromas. Dry, tannic entry with herbal, cherry, smoky entry mixed with coffee oak, olive and tomato leaf flavours in the finish. Quite warm and oaky but lean and dry in the finish. The fruit could be riper in our estimation and the tannins softer.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $16.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.75 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Nk'Mip Cellars Pinot Blanc 2003
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCitrus/lime peel, slate, green peach, mineral, butter aromas mark. On the palate there is a touch of oiliness in the textures and plenty of green apple skin, butter and citrus rind flavours. The finish is crisp with a lightly bitter citrus rind aftertaste. Sound.Prices:| BC | $14.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.85 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Stonehedge Zinfandel Napa 2000
Napa Valley, California, United StatesPeppery, chocolate cola vanilla notes streaked with black berry, rootsy, prune aromas and a touch of saddle leather. Rich, round, warm and soft with licorice, blackberry jam, pepper, chocolate, cedar bark and vanilla flavours. Good intensity if a bit warm on the finish. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $31.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Edge Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
Napa Valley, California, United StatesOpen spicy, chocolate, cedar bark, cassis jam, peppery, smoky oak aromas. Dry, somewhat tight tannins mark the entry with smoky, spicy, cassis, chocolate and earthy tobacco flavours on the palate. Dry and somewhat over-extracted flavours mix throughout the warm finish. This will need a year or two to soften up or get out the grilled rib eye steaks and smooth the tannins out with a little beef fat.Prices:| BC | $36.50 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Cartlidge & Browne Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
California, United StatesOxidized, Will retaste.Prices:| BC | $18.95 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Ernest & Julio Gallo Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 1998
Northern Sonoma, Sonoma County, California, United StatesCork taint - dry, tannic, low fruit. Retaste.Prices:| BC | $90.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $86.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $85.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Hardys Nottage Hill Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2001
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaVery peppery, earthy, saddle leather, cassis, black berry aromas. Dry, slightly tannic entry with cassis, black cherry, spicy, resiny, earth flavours with a touch of dill and olive. A bit light and lean on the but should be fine with grilled or barbecued meat.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Hardys Stamp of Australia Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaPeppery, gamey, prune, spicy leather aromas with some black berry. Soft, round, smooth, easy drinking style with black cherry, spicy, blueberry licorice flavours. Fruity finish with some acidity. Try with ribs, pizza or a burger. Good value.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Inniskillin Okanagan Zinfandel Bear Cub Vineyard 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWe have tasted B.C.'s first commercial zinfandel a few times and it remains consist. Look for a warm (alcoholic) nose with chocolate, smoky vanilla, big black cherry jam and spicy, licorice aromas. Rich, ripe and fairly elegant yet dry with light tannins. More spicy, vanilla, peppery, black cherry, saddle leather flavours. Quite dry and somewhat tannic on the finish with noticeable alcohol. There appears to be enough fruit to hang in while the rest of the wine settles down over the next two or three years.Prices:| BC | $21.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Inniskillin Okanagan Cabernet Sauvignon Dark Horse Estate Vineyard 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCoffee, cassis jam, roasted pepper, smoky vanilla, clove and saddle leather aromas. Big, rich, concentrated palate but hot and tannic. Ripe blackberry jam, cassis, smoky, huge oak vanilla flavours. Great fruit but somewhat over extracted and tannic. Needs a few years to round out but good effort.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Jackson-Triggs Riesling Icewine Proprietors' Reserve 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIntense mineral, baked apple, mineral, citrus rind aromas with a touch of plastic/vinyl curtain and underlying canned peach notes. Very rich, viscous, sweet, intense palate with moderate acidity. Good apricot, mineral, dried peach, red apple, marmalade flavours with a touch of citrus and plastic. Fine acidity and balance on the finish. A solid icewine.Prices:| BC | $52.99 | 375ml |
| AB | $49.99 | 375ml |
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92PTS
Ferreira Vintage Port 1982
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalBig black pepper, stewed tea leaf, licorice root, spicy, pruny, dried fig aromas with underlying spirity notes. Sweet, round, soft, unctuous palate with nice chocolate, tea, licorice, peppery, dried fig and spicy prune flavours. There are some light tannins on the finish and some spirity notes but very good concentration and well on its way to become a lovely old bottle of mature port. Well done.Prices:| BC | $57.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Black Hills Nota Bene 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaYear four of Nota Bene is the best yet from the tiny South Okanagan winery but it remains a work in progress. The nose is a mix of black pepper, sausage, sweaty saddle leather, resiny, rootsy, leafy, roasted bell pepper aromas. The entry is rich, smooth and alcoholic and tannins are ripe. The flavours are similar in nature with smoky vanilla, green bean, olive, cassis and resin with black cherry, stewed tomato and roasted peppers. Tasted 3 times this year, it has improved in bottle but it's still herbaceous and somewhat short.Prices:| BC | $31.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Woodbridge Select Vineyard Series Old Vines Zinfandel Fish Net Creek 2001
Lodi, Central Valley, California, United StatesPeppery, pruny, saddle leather, cedar bark, ripe black cherry jam nose. The textures are quite dry now with peppery, black cherry, licorice and cedar bark flavours. It's made with vines up to 80-years old but time to drink this as it's starting to dry out.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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03 November 2004
93PTS
Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Riesling Icewine Proprietors' Grand Reserve 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is one of the best icewines yet from JT and it should turn heads everywhere. It's all riesling from its fragrant, open, floral peachy/apricot nose to the rich honeyed fruit flavours of pear and apple and orange. Rich long sweet, powerful but with a sense of elegance. Very fine. Enjoy it now.Prices:| BC | $69.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Kendermanns Dry Riesling 2002
Pfalz, GermanyRipe peach, floral, mineral, honey, baked apple aromas. Fresh, round, elegant style with green apple, citrus, mineral, creamy peach flavours. Well balanced, citrus style that should go well with lighter seafood, chicken or just sipping. Very solid and good value.Prices:| BC | $9.95 | 750ml |
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02 November 2004
87PTS
Jackson-Triggs Unoaked Chardonnay Proprietors' Reserve 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFresh apple, muskmelon, mineral, citrus rind, floral aromas. Very round, smooth, fresh entry but fairly sweet and oily. Nice melon, baked apple, mineral, buttery citrus flavours. A bit rind-y and bitter on the finish but very solid, attractive consumer style wine at an affordable price. Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Kenwood Pinot Noir Reserve Olivet 2001
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesAttractive spicy, floral, mineral, black cherry, cardamom, smoky vanilla, rootsy aromas. Ripe, round, smooth and very velvety. Nice strawberry jam, cherry, vanilla, smoky, rootsy, leather and celery salt flavours. Very stylish, long and balanced if a touch hot. Ready to drink. Prices:| Estimated BC | $31.65 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Kenwood Pinot Noir 2002
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesOpen carrot top, floral, cherry, rootsy, and smoky pinot aromas. Soft, round, smooth, supple style with smoky vanilla, licorice, black cherry, compost flavours. We like the balance and its suave demeanour - it's also a ready-to-drink style that will appeal to many.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.55 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.75 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Kenwood Chardonnay 2003
Sonoma County, California, United StatesGreen apple, floral, honey, mineral, citrus and light lees aromas. Round, elegant, soft entry with baked apple, citrus rind, mineral, honey, creamy vanilla flavours. A bit sweet on the finish but has nice fruit and finesse. A winner for food and the general consumer.Prices:| Estimated BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Kenwood Yulupa Chardonnay 2003
California, United StatesKenwood Yulupa Chardonnay was created in the early '90s to meet the growing demand for restaurant wine by-the-glass listings. Look for an attractive creamy vanilla nose with baked apple, honey, citrus earthy mineral notes. Ripe, round, slightly sweet entry with citrus, melon, buttery, mineral flavours and a baked apple, vanilla cream finish. Good fresh acidity and length on the finish. Very good consumer style. Good value.Prices:| AB | $15.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.60 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Rodney Strong Chardonnay Chalk Hill 2002
Sonoma County, California, United StatesRich spicy, nutty lees nose streaked with cream, mineral, green apple and pear aromas. The styling is dry round and elegant with succulent baked apple, butterscotch, spicy nutty lees flavours and a mineral, citrus rind, anise finish. Nice acidity and freshness. Well done.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.45 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Nederburg Chardonnay 2003
Western Cape, South AfricaTypical leesy, mineral, citrus rind, butter aromas and dry lean styling. Look for round, mineral, leesy, green apple, buttery, citrus rind flavours combined with a zesty, crisp canned grapefruit finish. Definitely on the skinny style.Prices:| BC | $14.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.45 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Champagne Pol Roger Brut Reserve NV
Champagne, FranceChampagne Pol Roger Brut is often one of the lightest, most elegant expressions of the region. Made from a third each of pinot noir, pinot meunier, and chardonnay, it has a fine, continuous mousse. Look for toasty, baked apple, pear, nutty, mineral aromas. Rich, soft, elegant style with nice citrus, baked apple, toasty biscuit, mineral, green apple skin flavours. MOde length and quite creamy. This note from a half bottle.Prices:| BC | $89.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $85.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $98.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $85.55 | 750ml |
| QC | $75.25 | 750ml |
| NS | $85.23 | 750ml |
| PEI | $84.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Cremaschi Furlotti Pinot Noir Reserve 2002
Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileLooked for a pronounced baked rhubarb and licorice, mint nose with streaks of carrot top, black cherry and leesy toated oak aromas. Round, smooth, dry entry with minty, rhubarb, spicy, vanilla, smoky oak toast and some black cherry. Pinot with good acidity but a bit dry and hot.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Big White Chardonnay 2003
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaMineral, butter, citrus rind, melon aromas with an herbal, grassy note. Soft, round, somewhat sweet entry with melon, buttery baked citrus flavours. Simple, easy-sipping style.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Painter Bridge Chardonnay 2003
California, United StatesSpicy orange creamsicle, mineral, honey and baked apple aromas. Soft, round, sweet on entry with and creamy/buttery, honey, marmalade, melon and mineral flavours. The finish is slightly warm (alcoholic) and sour. There is lots of flavour here but somewhat too sweet and sour in the balance for our liking.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
LinCourt Vineyards Pinot Noir 2001
Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesBig spicy, orange peel, licorice root, black cherry jam, leafy compost aromas. Rich, dry, slightly tannic style with nice acidity. Bright black cherry, mineral, licorice, smoky vanilla, orange rind and celery flavours. A bit rustic but very flavourful with good acidity. Very good value and fills a gap for good US pinot between $20 and $25.Prices:| BC | $22.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
McManis Family Vineyards Viognier 2003
California, United StatesOpen ginger, honey, orange blossom, creamy, mineral, peach aromas. Rich, round, slightly oily palate with good acidity. Nice spicy, ginger, orange rind, honey, baked pear flavours with a crisp, warm, zesty finish. Medium extract but well made. Tasty.Prices:| BC | $22.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
McManis Family Vineyards Pinot Grigio 2003
California, United StatesBaked pear, mineral, nutty, citrus aromas with a grassy, asparagus streak. Round, fresh, somewhat sweet entry with lemon, tinned asparagus, mineral, baked pear flavours. Sound, easy-drinking style.Prices:| BC | $22.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Nk'Mip Cellars Qwam Qwmt Chardonnay 2002
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen inviting honey, spicy lees nose mixed with butterscotch, mineral, ripe melon and vanilla cream aromas. Round, full and fresh entry with lots of buttery, spicy cinnamon, vanilla, lees and melon flavours. The finish is long oaky and persistent. Fine effort.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Nk'Mip Cellars Pinot Noir 2002
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTasted several times now and it remains consistent. Look for a spicy, rhubarb, strawberry nose mixed with light compost aromas and some peppery notes. It is soft, smooth round and inviting on entry with balanced ripe strawberry fruit streaked with leafy, spicy, vanilla, compost flavours. The finish is reminiscent of rhubarb and licorice finish. Very sound with good varietal definition. Great value.Prices:| BC | $14.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $16.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.75 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Nk'Mip Cellars Chardonnay 2002
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaButterscotch, mineral, honey vanilla aromas. Super soft, round, oily textures with some sweetness. Big buttery, honey, melon, mineral flavours. A soft, round easy-sipping style chardonnay that you should drink now while it remains fresh.Prices:| BC | $16.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.75 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.85 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Concannon Pinot Noir 2002
Central Coast, California, United StatesPleasant spicy, peppery, black cherry jam, seaweed, celery root, barnyard aromas. Soft, round, smooth, easy drinking style with leafy, compost, black cherry, rootsy, vanilla, smoky flavours. Solid, ready to go pinot at an attractive price. Prices:| BC | $20.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Carmen Nativa Chardonnay (Certified Organic) 2002
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileBruised green apple, grassy, mineral, creamy, nettle aromas. Dry, round, somewhat soft palate with mineral, green apple skin, leesy, citrus rind flavours. Quite unusual although well balanced but lacks some fruit intensity.Prices:| BC | $21.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Santa Rita Chardonnay 120 2003
Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileOpen grapefruit, kiwi, peach, mineral aromas. Very fresh, round, somewhat soft entry with lemon, mineral, peach pit, grapefruit rind flavours with a warm, zesty finish. Cool style but somewhat sauvignon like.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $11.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $9.90 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.45 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.75 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Errazuriz Chardonnay Domaine Estate 2000
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileCorkedPrices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Cartlidge & Browne Chardonnay 2002
California, United StatesCreamy lees, honey, butter, orange rind and peach aromas. Soft, round, elegant style with mineral, honey, melon, creamy lees and butter flavours. Nice flavour intensity and balance but with such soft acidity it needs to be drunk soon.Prices:| BC | $18.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
CedarCreek Chardonnay Platinum Reserve 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSlightly closed nosed with light creamy vanilla, lees, mineral, baked apple and citrus aromas. Dry, round, elegant style with strong mineral, citrus, creamy vanilla, lees, green apple skin flavours with spicy, buttered apple and butterscotch finish. Understated and a bit skinnier than previous efforts but still quite fine. It will need a year or so in bottle to emerge. A classy wine that should be excellent with food.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Oxford Landing Chardonnay 2003
South Australia, AustraliaRipe melon, butter, honey pear aromas with a mineral streak. Ripe, round, elegant and dry with buttery, citrus rind, mineral, apple skin flavours. Solid, dryer style with a touch of bitter grapefruit rind on the finish.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.75 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Ferreira Late Bottle Vintage Port 1997
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalIntense peppery, spicy, licorice root, black cherry jam nose with resiny aromas and some stewed tea notes. Rich, round, soft style with pruny black berry fruit, smoky licorice, tea and pepper flavours with a very spicy, nutty finish. Good length and finish. Perfect for current sipping.Prices:| BC | $16.49 | 375ml |
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89PTS
Ferreira Vintage Character Port NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalTea, licorice, black cherry, black plum, resiny tea aromas but very ripe and fruity. Rich, round, elegant, slightly drier style with good acidity and light tannins. Nice peppery, tea, licorice, black cherry, spicy, rancio flavours - a bit of tawny with very good fruit. Nice style, delicious current drinking. Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
| NB | $20.45 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Hardys Nottage Hill Chardonnay 2003
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaInviting honey, floral, peach aromas streaked with citrus butter. Ripe, round, smooth entry with just a hint of oiliness. A touch sweet with good buttery, vanilla, peach and green apple skin flavours. Good clean, solid Oz chardonnay at an affordable price.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 1000ml |
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89PTS
Fonseca Late Bottled Vintage Port 1997
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalFonseca Late Bottled Vintage Port was first produced in 1983. It's blended from wines which do not quite achieve the level of quality required for Fonseca vintage port and it is produced only in limited quantity. It spends four to six years in large wood vats of fifty pipes' (267 hectolitres) capacity prior to bottling. Look for very a peppery, black liquorice stick, black plum jam nose with some raisiny, tea notes. The style is hot, round and rich with good acidity and some light tannin. Fat smoky, licorice, peppery, spicy, dried cherry, prune, tea and liquorice flavours. Nice styling and intensity but a bit hot. Good for current consumption.Prices:| BC | $16.30 | 375ml |
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89PTS
Champagne Lanson Le Black Brut NV
Champagne, FrancePersistent mousse. Good continuous mousse. Very mineral, green apple skin, pear, toasty, floral aromas. Round, soft, fresh style with good mousse but a bit warm. Nutty, toasty, green apple, mineral, citrus flavours with a fairly crisp, dry finish. Very solid, consistent style. Lanson Black label is a blend of 50 per cent pinot noir, 35 per cent chardonnay, 15 per cent pinot meunier.Prices:| BC | $78.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $67.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $72.50 | 750ml |
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01 November 2004
87PTS
Tinhorn Creek Chardonnay 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeach, melon, spicy garlic lees, buttery, mineral aromas. Soft, round, slightly oily texture but fairly dry and a bit warm. Lots of buttery, melon, honey, vanilla, garlic lees flavours with a mineral, citrus finish. A bit soft but has good fruit and balance for drinking over the next 6-9 months.Prices:| BC | $15.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Deen De Bortoli Vat 4 Petit Verdot 2001
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaVery spicy, peppery, licorice, tea leaf, minty nose with some good cherry and tobacco streaks. Round, dry, supple entry with cassis, cherry, spicy tea, tobacco and mint flavours with a hint of tannins on the finish. Good solid red to drink and it's unique.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Deen De Bortoli Vat 8 Shiraz 2002
Riverina, New South Wales, AustraliaEarthy, big black pepper, spicy garrigue, black berry leather aromas with a smoky note. Dry, round, fairly soft palate with good peppery, spicy, black cherry, smoky tea and licorice flavours. A bit hot but has good fruit intensity without the sweet fruity/tutti aspect. Best with meat to tame some light tannins. Very solid wine.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Inniskillin Okanagan Chardonnay Olympic Series 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSkunky, garlic lees, mineral, green apple, vanilla toast aromas. Round, oily, slightly sweet entry with leesy, toasty, garlic, baked apple, mineral flavours with a bit of honey. Fairly Burgundian in style but soft and lacks fruit. Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Banrock Station Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaCassis, earthy, minty, peppery, rootsy aromas. Dry, round, soft and quite alcoholic wit a touch of sweetness. Minty, coffee, cassis, earthy flavours are dominant. Easy drinking, commercial style with fruit but definitely hot (alcoholic) in the finish.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Quails' Gate Chardonnay Limited Release 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPleasant mineral, baked apple and buttery lees nose. The textures are soft and oily with a hint of sweetness in the finish. There are lots of citrus, buttery, mineral, melon flavours and more oily, buttery textures. It finishes a bit alcoholic and with notes of bitter lime rind.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
St. Hallett Poacher's Blend 2003
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaWe always emjoy Poachers Blend with its attractive mineral, floral, honey, earthy aromas and herbal, gooseberry notes but at $4 less it has become a serious best buy. The entry is round and sweet with citrus butter, melon, mineral, honey and kiwi flavours. A nice crisp finish keeps it balanced and fresh. Great value.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
M. Chapoutier Domaine de Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem Rouge 2002
Côtes du Roussillon Villages, Roussillon, Sud de France, FranceThe Roussillon region is better known as the hyphenated add-on to the Languedoc than for any specific wine but we like this new label from Chapoutier. Look for a very peppery, gamey, black cherry, smoky nose with floral, licorice streaks. The styling is dry, elegant and quite silky with spicy, licorice, plum, black cherry and rootsy, orange peel flavours. The finish is dry and peppery with fresh acidity but there is plenty of fruit. Drink any time with grilled lamb or rabbit.Prices:| BC | $15.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Deakin Estate Merlot 2002
Victoria, AustraliaCherry, spicy, smoky, tobacco leaf and earth nose. Soft, round and smooth with spicy, black cherry, minty cassis flavours. Fresh finish with good fruit and a bit of cedar-y tannins. Easy drinking commercial style merlot for the barbecue.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Banrock Station Merlot 2002
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaBlackberry, cherry, earthy, resiny, black liquorice aromas. Soft, round, dry entry with light acidity. Spicy, tobacco, earthy, black cherry flavours. Elegant but the finish is somewhat acidic and bitter. Try with tomato-based foods.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Hardys Nottage Hill Merlot 2001
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaOpen cherry spicy compost nose with mint and cassis undertones. Soft, round, supple style with spicy, minty cherry, cedary tobacco flavours. A simple everyday wine that is a touch dry on the finish. Drink now.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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December 2004