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Tastings: December 2004
30 December 2004
86PTS
Man Vintners Shiraz 2003
Western Cape, South AfricaTasted twice this year and it remains true to form. Look for a smoky, gamey, peppery nose with some blackberry jam notes. Another soft red with dry smoky, savoury licorice/blackberry flavours. Simple and round with a touch of acidity on the finish. Perfect for with barbeque ribs. Good value.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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29 December 2004
87PTS
Laderas de El Sequé Alicante 2003
Alicante, Valencia and Murcia, SpainGamey, licorice, smoky meat, black cherry jam, spicy nose. Round, dry, fresh palate with slightly acidic entry but lots of licorice, black cherry, smoky game, raspberry flavours. A bit dry and fresh but has very good berry fruit. Try with duck or grilled lamb.Prices:| BC | $17.95 | 750ml |
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28 December 2004
92PTS
Champagne Bollinger Special Cuvée Brut NV
Champagne, FranceThe denomination Special Cuvée was created in 1911 as a way to avoid calling what is an amazing champagne "non vintage". The Special Cuvée is the purest expression of the Bollinger style. Look for a very refined mousse and a lovely toasted biscuit nose. The textures are creamy with a nutty, citrus undercurrent. It's dry round and elegant on the palate with creamy textures and more citrus, baked apple, creamy, toasted flavours with a dried orange, nutty, fig finish. Fine acidity, balance and intensity, especially for a non vintage.Prices:| BC | $94.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $90.25 | 750ml |
| ON | $78.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $76.25 | 750ml |
| PEI | $74.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $79.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $79.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Valdivieso Merlot Barrel Selection Reserve 2003
Region del Valle Central, ChileSmoky, leafy compost, black cherry, saddle leather, mocha nose with some vegetal notes. Soft, round, supple and balanced with spicy, black cherry, smoky, peppery, vanilla pudding flavours. Young with lots of flavour and intensity but needs decanting to lift the nose.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Yvon Mau Merlot 2002
l'Aude, Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceReduced, skunky, sulphur nose with some tobacco and earth. Dry, round, light and slightly acidic, not really sure what is merlot here as there is no fruit.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Dunavár Merlot 2002
Corked, retastePrices:| BC | $8.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $8.25 | 750ml |
| SK | $7.70 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Talus Collection Merlot 2002
California, United StatesDry cedar bark, spicy, earthy, rootsy aromas. Soft, round and quite a dry style with some light cedar-y tannins. Big spicy, cedar-y, resiny, prune flavours. Not the ripest or freshest Talus we have experienced.Prices:| AB | $8.89 | 750ml |
| BC | $12.98 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Eaglehawk Merlot 2001
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaPruny, saddle leather, spicy, cherry, licorice aromas. Soft, round, supple style with prune, spicy, peppery, tobacco flavours with a dry, slightly acidic finish. Ordinary stuff even for merlot.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Red Bicyclette Merlot 2003
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceNew from Gallo and the south of France. We like its licorice, rootsy, tobacco, black cherry and leather aromas. It's round, dry and slightly tannic (French) on entry with good acidity balance. Firm black cherry, spicy fruit spiked with licorice, orange rind, dill flavours and some tannin on the finish. Should be good with grilled chicken or duck.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Willowglen Merlot 2003
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaSpicy, clove, black cherry, cedar-y, vanilla aromas. Soft, round, slightly sweet entry with some acidity showing through on the back end. The flavours are more cedar-y with spicy, sweet vanilla, clove and cherries in the finish.Prices:| BC | $11.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tinhorn Creek Oldfield's Collection Merlot 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is the second release under screw cap for the Collection series and it's the whole production this time. Look for a spicy, cardamom, smoky, dill and black cherry nose with vanilla aromas and a touch of saddle leather and licorice. Rich, round, concentrated and dry with very grainy but ripe tannins. Intense smoky, chocolate, peppery, black plum, mocha, tobacco flavours with an olive and orange note in the finish. Young, big and ripe and much better at this stage than the 2001. Needs 3-5 years of ageing and there are no cork concerns. Expected release: Fall 2005.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Sunrise Merlot 2003
Region del Valle Central, ChileLight spicy, plum, cassis aromas with dill and saddle leather underneath. Soft, round, supple style with cherry, spicy, dill, peppery, plum flavours and a touch of tobacco and light tannins. Very solid, drinkable style at a decent price.Prices:| BC | $10.40 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.50 | 750ml |
| SK | $10.29 | 750ml |
| MB | $8.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $8.80 | 750ml |
| NB | $9.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $10.02 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Carmen Merlot 2003
Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileSpicy, cigar, dill, sappy, cherry aromas with a strong minty streak. Dry, round, somewhat chunky palate with smoky, saddle leather, minty, dill, cherry flavours. Warm and somewhat dry with a veggie finish; seems more like carmenère. Little value here.Prices:| BC | $15.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Terra Andina Merlot 2002
Region del Valle Central, ChileFine plummy smoky/garrigue nose with flecks of tobacco, pepper and leather aromas. The entry is dry and soft with spicy, peppery, black cherry, tobacco and chocolate flavours. Full-bodied and warm on the finish with some light tannins but lots of stuffing for the money.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Miguel Torres Santa Digna Merlot 2002
Valle del Curicó, Region del Valle Central, ChileDill, minty, smoky, tobacco, black cherry aromas mixed with some vanilla and saddle leather. Soft, round, dry and supple with very light tannins. Big peppery, minty, vanilla, smoky, tobacco and saddle leather flavours with a touch of cedar. Good balance if a bit tight. Served with grilled meat.Prices:| BC | $18.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Miguel Torres Santa Digna Merlot 2003
Valle del Curicó, Region del Valle Central, ChileBlack cherry, rootsy, minty, smoky leather aromas with some dill and cardamom underneath. Soft, round, supple and velvety with ripe black cherry, plum, dill, minty, spicy vanilla flavours. A bit high on acidity but great fruit flavours and stuffing with a velvety structure.Prices:| BC | $18.90 | 750ml |
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27 December 2004
87PTS
Valdivieso Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Selection Reserve 2003
Region del Valle Central, ChileSmoky, leafy compost, peppery, spicy nose with sappy cassis and bramble aromas. Round, soft and smooth with a bit of dryness at the back. Very smoky, cassis, peppery, mineral, chocolate and tobacco flavours. Good intensity but it's somewhat rustic, dry and warm on the finish. It's young stuff that needs a few years to round out in bottle.Prices:| BC | $17.49 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Lang Vineyards Riesling Select Late Harvest 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMineral, green apple skin, floral, honey, ginger aromas. Ripe, round, elegant and fairly sweet with good acidity. Lots of green apple, lime, honey, mango, mineral flavours with some clover and spice. Good intensity and fruit; drink over the next few years while it's fresh.Prices:| BC | $19.50 | 375ml |
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70PTS
Granite Creek Pinot Gris 2003
British Columbia, CanadaMatchstick burn, bready, baked apple, mineral aromas. Dry, rope-y, bready, hot yeasty flavours with some ripe apple notes. Not ready for prime time.Prices:| BC | $14.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Geil Riesling Spätlese Bechtheimer Geyersberg Feinherb 2003
Rheinhessen, GermanyRipe peach skin, apple, mineral, orange blossom and honey aromas. Rich, round, fairly dry entry with an oily, mineral, apricot skin, creamy orange and spicy, pear finish. Good balance if a bit warm and dry. Needs some bottle age to develop fully.Prices:| ON | $19.75 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Devil's Rock Pfalz Riesling 2003
Pfalz, GermanyHoney, slate, mineral, floral, baked peach aromas. Round, fat, slightly soft style with creamy, peach, baked apple, mineral flavours. Sound and fruity but a bit flabby on the finish. Fun and affordable.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
Mendoza, ArgentinaSpicy, cassis, smoky, peppery, saddle leather aromas with a touch of coffee. Soft, round, rich and slightly dry with some grainy tannins but quite chunky. Good peppery, cassis, smoky, black cherry, coffee and leather flavours. Youthful with some dry tannins and alcohol on the finish. Will be fine with grilled meats.Prices:| AB | $15.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $18.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Willowglen Riesling 2004
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaDry lime rind, mineral, apple skin aromas with a hint of diesel. Dry, round, elegant entry with good acidity and nice floral, mineral, lime, green apple, nectarine flavours. A bit warm and dry on the finish but there is good fruit and crispness. Good value. Try with spicy Asian dishes.Prices:| BC | $12.90 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Casillero del Diablo Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
Region del Valle Central, ChileOpen smoky, spicy, tobacco, resiny, black pepper aromas. Dry, round, rich entry with somewhat lean, cedar-y tannins. Strong cedar-y, smoky, spicy, peppery, leathery flavours. Very warm finish with dry tannins. Simple straightforward cabernet.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $13.10 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.90 | 750ml |
| QC | $12.05 | 750ml |
| NB | $12.40 | 750ml |
| PE | $14.90 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $11.64 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Ayler Kupp Riesling Spatlese 2003
Mosel, GermanyHighly attractive mineral, floral, clover, lime, mango, honey aromas. The style is elegant with delicate floral, mineral, clover honey, orange and peach flavours. Fine finesse, fruit and balance with good acidity. This is a winner and well worth cellaring.Prices:| BC | $28.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Quails' Gate Riesling Family Reserve 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLook for a rich honey, peach and leesy nose streaked with mineral and creamy, orange aromas. Its round and rich on entry with a slightly oily texture. Lots of orange peel, mineral, light lees, creamy, green apple and quince flavours. Quite dry but well balanced and intense, more in the Alsace style. Well done.Prices:| BC | $22.95 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Château Val Joanis Rosé 2003
Côtes du Lubéron, Provence, Sud de France, FrancePale pink. Corked, try another bottle.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Château Val Joanis Réserve Les Merises Rosé 2003
Côtes du Lubéron, Provence, Sud de France, FranceAttractive pale raspberry colour with floral, cherry, mineral, spicy, smoky aromas. Dry, round, slightly acidic entry with strong smoky, mineral, cherry, floral flavours with a licorice finish. Unusual style with an odd smoky streak in the finish. Pricey for what you get.Prices:| BC | $29.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Dr. Pauly Riesling 2003
Mosel, GermanyHoney, nectarine, clover, mineral, creamy apple nose. Ripe, round, fresh and crisp with creamy, orange, mango, mineral, honey flavours. Very good acidity and fruit flavours with just the right amount of sugar for general appeal.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Kruger-Rumpf Münsterer Kapellenberg Riesling Kabinett 2003
Nahe, GermanyWow! Delicious creamy, green apple skin, mineral, lime, clover aromas. Ripe, round, crisp and fresh with bright green apple, nectarine, mineral, honey, lime and floral flavours. The finish is long and stylish with great acidity and elegance. A very fine kabinett at a very fair price. Buy and cellar for half a dozen years.Prices:| BC | $26.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.55 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Hawthorne Mountain Riesling 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery floral, ripe peach, apple, honey aromas. Fresh, round, slightly dry style with mineral, baked peach, floral, citrus flavours. A bit hot on the finish with some apple skin notes. Well made and could be very interesting with a lower alcohol level. Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Joseph Drouhin Laforet Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2001
Burgundy, FranceSpicy, licorice, rootsy, cherry, orange peel aromas. Dry, round, light style wiht some strawberry, raspberry, rhubarb spicy flavours and a cedary, dry finish. Simple, somewhat lean now, drink up.Prices:| BC | $22.90 | 750ml |
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22 December 2004
89PTS
Pacific Rim Riesling 2003
Washington, United StatesThis may be the best Pac Rim Riesling yet from Bonny Doon obviously the fruit is benefiting from its sexy looking, pink screwcap closure. Not only does Bonny Doon get the screwcap concept; they get design too - these caps look great but I digress. I love the nose it actually reminds me a bit of Ernie Loosen's Washington riesling Eroica. The added Mosel juice from the hyper ripe 2003 vintage gives the '03 Pac Rim a new look with more peachy fruit and a richer honey clover character that is in many of the Mosel rieslings we tasted this year. Bonny Doon suggests you pair this with "anything with lemon grass, Szechwan stir-fry, Thai Cilantro-lime curries and we could agree more.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.90 | 750ml |
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21 December 2004
88PTS
Il Circo Erbaluce di Caluso Funambola 2003
Piedmont, ItalyIncredible fresh clean floral nose with plenty of minerality. The flavours are a mix of lemon and peach with a leesy creamy undercurrent that balances off its lip smacking fresh acidity. There's no wood used but the fruit comes off old vines that tend to offer depth and character seldom encountered in New World wine. Well done and tailor-made for coastal shellfish, sushi and assorted risottos.Prices:| US | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Ca' del Solo Big House White 2003
California, United StatesBig House must have a large kitchen because everything but the sink is in this delicious screwcap white that takes you off the beaten path. The mix is 35/24 sauvignon blanc / French colombard mix with 18/13/5/5 pinot blanc / chenin blanc / viognier and marsanne / malvasia / muscat. Winemaker Randall Grahm says he's inspired by the Friulian blends; we think he's just inspired. This is fun juice that's a trace herbaceous, a touch floral and of course deliciously fruity. Thanks to its gorgeously illustrated screwcap (competitors take note) it remains fresh and clean. A solid wine that is ready to break out into primetime.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.90 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Kaesler Stonehorse Shiraz 2003
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaKaesler makes big wine but the '03 Barossa Shiraz is a study in fruit, tannin and acidity that is all in balance. It's big and bold but but the rich spicy, chocolate fruitcake never really steps over the line. You'll love the black cherry/blackberry fruit flavours especially if you can pair them up with a piece of lamb, roast potatoes and a gravy reduction made from the wine and the lamb.Prices:| BC | $39.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $34.54 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Cockfighter's Ghost Shiraz 2001
McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia2001 Cockfighter's Ghost Black Label Shiraz, the first from McLaren Vale, was voted Best Value Red Wine of Competition at the 2004 Sydney International Wine Competition ― it's a moniker that suits its Alberta price more than its British Columbia prcie tag. Still the wine is well made and from the warm '01 vintage it has intense plummy, blackberry fruit with spicy, licorice undertones. Soft smooth and rich it delivers from the front end of the palate to the back. Should easily age through 2010.Prices:| BC | $31.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Anvers Shiraz 2001
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaWayne & Myriam Keoghan are the owners of the tiny Anvers Wines boutique of Langhorne Creek and McLaren Vale. They work on a small scale making single-source wines, like this McLaren Vale shiraz. Typically McLaren, this is a milk chocolate shiraz with ripe blackberry, blueberry fruit and smoky peppery undertones. It's round sweet long and concentrated with a delicious spicy finish. Well done.Prices:| BC | $39.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Ram's Leap Shiraz 2002
Western Plains Zone, New South Wales, AustraliaKudos to the leanish structure mixed with a white pepper and a briary, bramble fruit character. Much more southern France than Oz in texture and flavour makes this drier, spicy shiraz a pleasure to sip and undoubtedly well-suited to a variety of grilled meats and fowl.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Peter Lehmann Barossa Shiraz 2002
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThis is all-Barossa and a fine example of what the South Australian valley means to shiraz. The nose is super ripe and awash in plummy blackcurrant fruit. You taste the vanilla/oak, and just a hint of mocha together with plenty of spicy, briary fruity undertones. The finish is typical Oz with that shot of acidity to keep it lively in the back of the throat. You can drink or hold this one over the next three to five years.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Valley of the Moon Syrah 2001
Sonoma County, California, United StatesWith 12 per cent petite syrah in the mix the VOM syrah has a gutsy, earthy, peppery undercurrent. The fruit that comes from Preston Ranch on the western slopes of the Russian River Valley as well as Schaefer and Palo Alto vineyards both located in the Sonoma Valley, is suave and smooth. The flavours are reminiscent of mixed black fruits, pepper and toasted earth, more southern France than Australia. Certainly it's capable of standing up to any number of hardy dishes.Prices:| Estimated BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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20 December 2004
87PTS
Reynolds Vineyards Shiraz 2002
Orange, New South Wales, AustraliaOpen inviting nose of plums and mint streaked with bramble and bacon bits aromas. Very sleek and smooth on the palate with cherries, blueberries, blackberries fruit flavours and a dry savoury meaty undercurrent. Lovely balance and ready to serve for dinner.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Little Boomey Shiraz 2003
New South Wales, AustraliaLittle Boomey '03 gets its fruit from all across South Australia and this shiraz has about 15 per cent cabernet sauvignon in the mix. Like the 02 this little red has a firm, spicy, fleshy texture with good berry fruit flavours that surprise for the price. Good value.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Bouteille Call NV
California, United StatesBouteille Call is relatively new in these parts and in essence is a syrah-based port that boasts delicious cassis and licorice tones. The method, during the fermentation, is to add grape spirits in small increments; and one-week after crush the wine is drained off its skins. Final fortifications include additional grape spirits and Bonny Doon Framboise, Infusion of Raspberries. The fortification kills the yeast and halts the fermentation at roughly 18.5% alcohol and 7% residual sugar. Grahm suggests it is an unguent/boisson that must be slathered about or accompany the tastiest and tender chocolate covered bits one can, well, tender. We couldn't agree more.Prices:| US | $22.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Domaine des Blagueurs Sir-Rah Syrah 2002
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceThis is quite fine syrah made from a blend of Languedoc grapes grown in Costière de Nîmes and Limoux and put together with the help of Michel Escande in Felines-Minervois. The rains that marred most of the Rhone Valley in '02 spared the Minervois until after harvest. There is a touch of viognier in the mix and sure enough it tends to cleave open the syrah revealing its primal meaty, smoky, cassis flavours appropriately streaked with white pepper and a touch of bacon fat. Bravo the 13 per cent alcohol too. As Randall Grahm likes to say, "good syrah goes with any food, and makes any food taste better, any winemaker look smarter, and any sommelier look wiser, and any dinner look swankier."Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Kloovenberg Shiraz 2002
Swartland, Coastal Region, South AfricaExcellent colour here with a meaty earthy, dried fruit nose. Lovely soft textures preview a mouthful of spicy black fruit flavours and long warm soft finish. This shiraz the way it was meant to be. It's a pity only Alberta can buy it.Prices:| AB | $21.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sélection Delas Syrah 2003
FranceMedium bodied spicy, white pepper nose with black fruit aromas. Look for youthful raspberry, licorice, black fruit flavours that finish clean and dry. Classic lean Euro-style syrah with a slightly dry, meaty undercurrent; very food friendly.Prices:| BC | $15.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Simon Gilbert Card Series Shiraz 2003
New South Wales, AustraliaEach year brings a consistent shiraz style from the Card Series. Pepper, blackberry, cherry/licorice aromas preview a round, soft entry with obvious acidity and light tannins in the backend. The back end is quite dusty with peppery olive, spicy, fruity/acidic notes. Solid and affordable.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.75 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Nederburg Shiraz 2002
Western Cape, South AfricaThe nose is cleaner than '01 although there remains a touch of animal. The entry is soft but the flavours like last year remain on the sour side. The structure is thin and acidic and in no way appealing to the modern North American drinker. Where's the charm. The grapes were sourced from vineyards in the Paarl, Durbanville, Philadelphia and Stellenbosch regions.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.86 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.45 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Saltram Barossa Shiraz 2003
South Australia, AustraliaRich plummy, black cherry fruit is the story in '03 with just the right amount of oak and spice. There's still that rift of acidity in the sweet finish that makes so many under $15 Oz shiraz taste as if they were made by the same person. Solid everyday red you can use with most grilled meats and poultry.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Red Bicyclette Syrah 2003
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceRed Bicyclette Syrah is a new wine from the Gallo folks from the south of France and it looks like they may have hit a home run. The fruit comes out of the Minervois and Maury appellations of Central and South Eastern Languedoc. The colour is deep. The nose a mix of fresh cassis and spice with richer jammier fruit in the finish. Perfect with most hardy winter dishes or most anything off the grill. Good value. Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Little Boomey Shiraz 2002
New South Wales, AustraliaAnother in a long line of cheesy Down Under labels from Oz that fortunately delivers where it should ― in the glass. The nose is attractive mixing spice and smoky berries. It is super smooth and the textures quite plush for the money. The flavours are similarly berry-like with just a hint of mocha and pepper and the now requisite acid finish.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
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19 December 2004
87PTS
Calona Vineyards Pinot Blanc Artist Series Reserve 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, mineral, pear, slightly leesy aromas with a touch of butter. Soft, round, ripe style with buttery, mineral, citrus, peach and apple skin flavours. Simple, fresh style that should go well with any local seafood or for sipping.Prices:| BC | $13.49 | 750ml |
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16 December 2004
88PTS
Ca' del Solo Big House Red 2002
California, United StatesThere's something about Big House Red that makes you want to root for it. It's a fruit pile of grapes with and an earthy gutsy undercarriage that makes it all work. It has bright acidity to balance off the plummy, black raspberry fruit. Still as big as house on the mid-palate but rich and smooth in the finish. A workhorse red for parties and barbeques and it comes with an easy open screwcap closure.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
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14 December 2004
94PTS
Robert Mondavi Pinot Noir Reserve 2001
Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United StatesMedium red colour. Smoky prune and barnyard nose with less fruit, more licorice root, and more spicy tea leaf. Super ripe and soft and more importantly with great balance. Sweet smoky vanilla and highly polished. I'm not sure you'll want to age this only because it's absolutely delicious now. Serious pinot at a reasonable price.Prices:| AB | $55.50 | 750ml |
| BC | $59.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $59.77 | 750ml |
| ON | $59.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $69.99 | 750ml |
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13 December 2004
86PTS
Lindemans Bin 65 Chardonnay 2004
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaConsistently well made is the story of this expensive chardonnay from Oz. Typical toast butter and melon mark the nose with ripe almost baked apple underneath. Similar flavours with a dusting of mineral lees acid and oak. Good value.Prices:| BC | $11.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $11.97 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.45 | 750ml |
| QC | $12.45 | 750ml |
| NS | $11.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $12.25 | 750ml |
| PEI | $14.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $11.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Turning Leaf Merlot 2002
California, United StatesThis pretty solid entry level merlot showing typical spicy black cherry fruit notes on the nose and similar flavours on the palate. The entry textures are soft with a bit of cedar bark and rootsy dry cedar herbal notes in the finish. At $11 it's difficult to beat for value.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Chamdeville Blancs de Blancs - Brut NV
FranceClean dry, classic French sparkler with a firm underbelly. Green apple skin and flinty flavours with just a hint of nuttiness in the finish. Clean and inexpensive if a bit lean but certainly well priced and perfectly suited to additions like orange juice in the morning or crème de cassis for that early evening apéritif.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $16.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Kenwood Vintage Red 2001
Sonoma County, California, United StatesToo bad you can't buy this one in Canada yet. It's a great vintage so we know the juice is good and given it's mostly Zinfandel make-up it's friendly. Soft round warm easy sipping, spicy red wine with light tannins. Anything grilled on the barbecue will do here.Prices:| Estimated BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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12 December 2004
89PTS
Rodney Strong Merlot Alexander Valley 2000
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesThe fruit for the Rodney Strong Alexander Valley Merlot has been coming off Cake Ranch in Geyserville since the early 1970s. The textures are Alexander Valley-like (soft and rich) but they get a structural boost from the cooler, high-altitude (1000') fruit added from Alden Vineyard. Look for a deep colour and an enticing mix of vanilla spicy, sandalwood fruitcake and coffee/vanilla notes. There's less power in the '00 and some youthful dry tannins to dissipate but we like the smoky mix of dried plums and black cherry fruit in the finish.Prices:| BC | $40.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $38.45 | 750ml |
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11 December 2004
84PTS
Tribal Sauvignon Blanc Colombard 2003
Western Cape, South AfricaClean fresh tart fruit nose with citrus, bell pepper and jalapeno undercurrents. Leanish dry white along the summer sipper style. Inexpensive, clean and ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $8.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Ironstone Vineyards Viognier 2003
California, United StatesDefinitely the best viognier yet from Ironstone and made with grapes grown at family member John Kautz' vineyard. The style is fresher and slightly leaner overall making it easier to sip and serve with food. You get all the tropical, heady, perfumed fruit on the nose and then the mineral pear flavours on the palate. Solid and tasty.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.49 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $18.65 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Fiona Sauvignon Blanc 2004
Western Cape, South AfricaDelicious super intense sauvignon blanc with grassy citrus jalapeno and lemon grass flavours. Ripe grapefruit flavours with an extremely peppery fruity aftertaste. Well balanced and stylish sauvignon for aficionados.Prices:| BC | $21.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Smoking Loon Viognier 2003
California, United StatesThis makes two hits in a row for Smoking Loon Viognier and I like the style of '04 is even better than the 03. It's a touch leaner which is the way to go but it's still packed with juicy honeysuckle orange fruit flavours and with flecks of melon, quince and pineapple throughout. Peking duck jumps to mind but it will also pair well with roast turkey at this time of the year. Good value but could get even better with the rise in the dollar.Prices:| BC | $17.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Carmen Gewurztraminer 2004
Valle del Curicó, Region del Valle Central, ChileCarmen gewürztraminer is made with mostly Lontué fruit but their can be up to 15 per cent of Casablanca-based grapes in the blend and up to 5 per cent sémillon. The nose is classic rose petal and litchi nut fruit aromas. It's fairly rich on the palate, almost cloying with more intense oily litchi nut fruit flavours and a spicy warm finish. Serve well chilled with Thai or Chinese food.Prices:| BC | $13.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.50 | 750ml |
| NB | $12.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Evolution 2001
Oregon, United StatesEvolution is the ultimate white wine blend that contains everything but the kitchen sink. In all nine grapes are in the mix led by chardonnay, white riesling, müller-thurgau with dashes of pinot gris, pinot blanc gewürztraminer muscat sylvaner and sémillon. The compilation is fresh and juicy with less sweet sugary flavours than you might imagine but just enough to make it food friendly to a wide variety of Pan Asian dishes ― a Conundrum meets Eroica. The perfect wine for many West Coast city restaurants in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle and Vancouver.Prices:| BC | $27.45 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.95 | 750ml |
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10 December 2004
88PTS
Mad Dogs and Englishman Jumilla 2003
Jumilla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainLook for a soft savoury deliciously fruity red with just enough Euro savoir fair to have everyone running for dinner. This is killer value. Love the balance and the polite alcohol levels. Buy this shiraz, cabernet mourvèdre blend by the case.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Peter Lehmann Clancy's Legendary Red 2002
South Australia, AustraliaThe '02 vintage was a cool one and you pick up the leafy cassis notes on the nose and palate. The mix is 54/29/12/5 shiraz / cabernet sauvignon / merlot and cabernet franc. The textures are soft and round with a definite raspberry and plum streak with more leafy notes in the finish. Solid.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Meditrina NV
Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesMeditrina, cousin of Cupid, daughter of Apollo is the Roman Goddess of Wine. It's also a non-vintage blend of pinot noir, syrah and zinfandel made by the folks at Sokol Blosser - in essence a red version of their popular 'Evolution'. The theme is fun and you get that on the nose with its bright raspberry pie aromas. There's' more black cherry pinot fruit and an undercurrent of bramble form the zin. Its round, soft fruity textures finish warm and spicy.Prices:| BC | $26.92 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Ferngrove Shiraz 2001
Franklin River, Great Southern, Western Australia, AustraliaThere was a time when Western Australia red wine in this market was a rare as bargain but not any more. This is delicious, and ripe West Oz shiraz that should have wide appeal. The nose mixes spice, plums and licorice with the typical earthy mocha chocolate notes. Love the rich sweet finish. Moderately priced too, given the appellation and quality.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Stone Cellars Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
California, United StatesWinemaker Mary Sullivan likes to combine the "juicy fruit flavours of the shiraz with the structure and backbone of the cabernet. The result is a juicy red with soft tannins, a touch of spice and just enough freshness to hold your interest. Solid everyday barbecue red.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.25 | 750ml |
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09 December 2004
95PTS
Penfolds Grange Hermitage Bin 95 Shiraz 1976
South Australia, AustraliaI must admit the '76 Grange was a bit of shock to me. So rich and supple yet full of mature dried fruits far more alive than I would have expected. The aromas are complex with just a hint of briar and dried leaves. Both rich and textured it is alive with mocha and black licorice fruit. There's still some time left for this one. Certainly one of the best remaining red wines from the 1976 vintage from anywhere in the world.Prices:| US | $600.00 | 750ml |
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06 December 2004
83PTS
Beringer Sparkling White Zinfandel 2000
California, United StatesPale pink colour. Lots of foamy mousse. Very floral, sweet cherry, mineral, candied citrus aromas. Very sweet, round and warm with lots of bubbles. Candied cherry, canned peach, mineral, baked apple flavours. If you are looking for fruity, sweet, fizzy stuff, this is the ticket.Prices:| AB | $13.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Kloovenberg Chardonnay 2003
Swartland, Coastal Region, South AfricaAttractive smoky, honey nose with mineral, grassy, citrus rind and apple skin notes. Round and fresh with a dry entry and more mineral, grassy, honey, vanilla, spiced baked apple flavours. There's a touch of butterscotch and citrus rind to round out the finish.Prices:| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Firestick Chardonnay 2002
South Australia, AustraliaThe Firestick range of Poole's Rock Wines is entirely South Australian, made from grapes grown on select vineyard sites. The name is said to be inspired by one of nature's most dramatic night time performances, the animated dance of lightning strikes or 'sticks of fire' that illuminate the South Australian landscape. Look for melon, peach, baked apple, spicy butter aromas with some orange rind. It's relatively fat and round with canned grapefruit and peach, mineral, butter melon and lees flavours. There is good acidity on the finish but with a touch of sweetness. Sound if a bit commercial for the price.Prices:| BC | $18.89 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Juve y Camps Gran Reserva Brut Nature Reserva de la Familia 2000
Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainToasty, mineral, nutty, anise, lemon, floral aromas. Fine mousse, dry and fresh on the palate with creamy, lemon, mineral, pear, quince and nutty anise flavours with a floral streak. Fine elegance and flavour intensity but a dryer, more austere style that requires a meal or tapas.Prices:| BC | $29.90 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Feudo Principi di Butera Chardonnay 2003
Sicily, ItalyRipe peach, honey, buttery, lemon, mineral aromas with some anise and nut. Rich, ripe, round and intense with buttery, melon, mineral, citrus, baked pear, lemon and nutty vanilla flavours. Long and rich with good acidity ― quite a mouthful.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Champagne Pommery Brut Royal NV
Champagne, FranceToasty, nutty, creamy, mineral, baked apple aromas with a touch of honey. Lots of mousse if a bit foamy with big baked apple, toasty, nutty, mineral, citrus and creamy honey flavours and a slightly sweeter fruity brut style finish. Royal has a fatter, toastier style with lots of flavour but good acidity. Fun to drink.Prices:| BC | $81.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Alamos Chardonnay 2003
Mendoza, ArgentinaSpicy, leesy, burnt sugar, green apple skin, mineral, matchstick aromas. Fat, ripe, round style with good acidity. Very leesy, buttery, honey, smoky, mineral melon flavours and a citrus, vanilla finish. A bit disjointed with too much lees character in the aftertaste. Not up to its usual standard.Prices:| AB | $15.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $18.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Rodney Strong Chardonnay 2002
Sonoma County, California, United StatesAnother winner from the folks at Rodney strong. Look for fresh green apple scents mixed with floral, mineral, nutty, vanilla notes and just a touch of garlic. Fresh and elegant with baked apple, honey, mineral, citrus, peach and spicy lees flavours with a touch of hazelnut and vanilla on the finish. Nicely balanced with good acidity.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.45 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay 2001
Sonoma County, California, United StatesSpicy lees, green apple, nutty, buttery, honey and melon aromas. Rich, soft and fresh with buttery vanilla, spicy lees, nutty citrus rind, pear and butterscotch flavours. We love the balance and heaps of flavour intensity but it is ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.35 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Soaring Eagle Chardonnay Limited Edition 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRipe peach, mineral, baked apple, honey floral aroma with a bit of burning matchstick. Ripe, round, fat and fairly sweet on entry with smoky, mineral, honey, green apple skin and peach flavours. A bit cloying and perfumed on the finish and warm although good acidity.Prices:| BC | $19.40 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Talus Collection Chardonnay 2003
California, United StatesTalus has always been a good value brand but the new 2003 chardonnay adds a much need update to the California chardonnay category. The wine sports a new label but it's the fresh fruit and zippy flavours that are more attractive. Ponderous oaky chardonnay is dead and the Americans seemed to be the last wine drinkers to get it. Look for a citrus pineapple honey fruit flavoured wine with a clean fresh demeanour. Love the price.Prices:| BC | $12.98 | 750ml |
| AB | $8.89 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.10 | 750ml |
| NS | $13.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Saltram Mamre Brook Barossa Chardonnay 2003
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaVanilla mixed with a dried lees character mineral, honey, citrus and smoky aromas. Soft, round, fat style with honey, buttery vanilla, citrus and baked apple flavours. Easy-drinking. Older style chardonnay with some acidity on the finish.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Red Bicyclette Chardonnay 2003
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceA new series from Gallo out of the south of France and the chardonnay is a winner. Floral, pear, mineral, baked apple aromas with some light toasted lees character. Fresh, round, slightly sweet entry with good acidity throughout. Mineral, green apple, citrus and pear flavours with a touch of grapefruit rind on the finish. Clean and fresh and will be fine with seafood and or light meats.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Cuvaison Chardonnay 2002
Napa Valley, California, United StatesElegant nose of anise, citrus, creamy vanilla, spicy lees, floral, smoky mineral aromas. Rich, round, elegant and slightly fat with buttery vanilla, citrus, nutty lees, mineral, honey and pineapple flavours and a creamy butterscotch finish. Very suave and long ― all Napa.Prices:| BC | $36.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $32.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Turning Leaf Chardonnay 2002
California, United StatesThe '02 Turning Leaf Chardonnay expresses ripe apple and pear flavours on the nose but it doesn't quite follow through on the palate. The fruit is spicy but dry on the mid-palate and finish. Classic California chardonnay in a cork finished bottle that is beginning to look tired against the competition.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Sunrise Chardonnay 2004
Region del Valle Central, ChileLight grassy mineral green apple fruit nose. Smooth soft, sweet fruit entry that finishes short. Similar fruit flavours finishes with a touch of bitter citrus rind. As has been the case this is simple straight-ahead chardonnay at a fair price.Prices:| BC | $9.45 | 750ml |
| SK | $10.17 | 750ml |
| MB | $8.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $8.80 | 750ml |
| NB | $9.99 | 750ml |
| PE | $12.20 | 750ml |
| NS | $10.45 | 750ml |
| NF | $10.02 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Carmen Wine Maker's Reserve Chardonnay 2003
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileCarmen's top chardonnay has a fresh mineral, green apple, citrus, nose with vanilla, honey and nutty lees aromas. Rich, round, fresh and balanced with creamy, spicy, leesy, mineral, butterscotch flavours mixed with baked apple, vanilla, citrus and a smoky hazelnut finish. Long and balanced, an excellent effort.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Carmen Nativa Chardonnay 2003
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileBright green apple, mineral, smoky vanilla notes streaked with citrus. Rich, round and a little bit fat with good acidity. Lots of honey, buttery vanilla, lees, baked apple and lime rind flavours will attract most sippers. The finish is smoky if a bit alcoholic.Prices:| BC | $21.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Wild Horse Canyon Chardonnay 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is light-hearted stuff from Mission Hill winemaker John Simes that should get a very attentive reception from consumers. Soft and ripe (some might say sweet) and easy sipping ― almost Yellowtail-like. There's enough weight and flavour on the finish to keep your attention. The label talks about Naramata but reads Product of Canada.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.60 | 750ml |
| SK | $12.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Carmen Reserve Chardonnay 2003
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileCool green apple, pear, mineral, citrus, green peach aromas with some light lees and vanilla. Ripe, round, elegant and fresh with good acidity. Lots of green apple skin, mineral, lime, buttery vanilla, honey and lees flavours. Very balanced and attractive style.Prices:| BC | $18.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.60 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Alto de Terra Andina Chardonnay Reserve 2002
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileLeesy, toasted, garlic, mineral, green apple, lime rind aromas. Rich, round, dry entry with a slightly oily texture. Smoky, vanilla, toasty, mineral, baked apple and citrus flavours. Cool citrus and green apple acidity finish. Solid and ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $17.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
See Ya Later Ranch Chardonnay 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRemarkably consistent is the best way to describe the SYL Chardonnay. Typically the nose is toasted and laced with a mineral, honey, vanilla peach scent. On the palate it is rich but dry and round with more honey vanilla all streaked with mineral. A warm year and a rich wine. Well done and fairly priced.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Cremaschi Furlotti Carmenère Reserve 2002
Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe recent emergence of Chilean carmenère due primarily to better ampelography has given the South American country anew varietal to hang its hat on. Look for an aromatic smoky, spicy, minty nose streaked with pepper, tobacco, cardamom and vanilla with sappy cassis notes underneath. Rich, fat, and warm with lots of ripe, grainy tannins this is intense stuff. More minty, cassis and smoky vanilla, peppery, tobacco leaf, licorice and crushed herbs round out the flavours. Round with good balance and ripe but definitely a carmenère.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Palandri Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2002
AustraliaIts rich dark colour previews a ripe cassis, coffee, pepper, minty, black olive and spice nose. Soft and rich on entry with noticeable but balanced tannins. Spicy, pepper, vanilla, cassis, coffee flavours mark the mid-palate with black cherry and a strong cigar tobacco and black olive finish. Still showing some young dry tannin that should dissipate within a year or two. Try with grilled or barbequed meats. Will improve over the next few years.Prices:| BC | $22.46 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $22.70 | 750ml |
| MB | $23.66 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Pommery Champagne Pop Extra Dry NV
Champagne, FranceIn a quarter-bottle format complete with blue glass, POP is authentic non-vintage bubble that's ready to drink when you are. You can drink it through a straw or straight from the bottle club-style. Mature creamy, light baked apple, yeasty, toasty nose. It is very soft and round in a somewhat sweeter style but balanced with toasty, mineral, citrus, baked pear flavours and a crisp apple skin finish. Nothing but fun.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 200ml |
| AB | $17.20 | 750ml |
| MB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.10 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Frescobaldi Danzante Merlot della Sicilia 2001
Sicily, ItalyThe grapes for the Danzante merlot are selected from the province of Agrigento in Sicily. Look for a spicy, peppery, game, cherry jam cedar/saddle leather aromas. Dry, round, slightly tight structure with spicy, cherry and orange rind flavours. This is stylish elegant merlot that sees no wood thus projecting as much fruit as possible. Showing well now.Prices:| BC | $17.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.10 | 750ml |
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04 December 2004
93PTS
Michele Chiarlo Barolo Triumviratum 1996
Piedmont, ItalyBig tarry, smoky, peppery, cigar butt, black cherry, truffle nose with some coffee pudding underneath. Rich, dry, warm and tannic but this is a balanced, more traditional style. Lots of peppery, tarry, cigar, earth, licorice root, prune and black cherry vanilla flavours. Warm and somewhat hard on the finish, needs a good 5 years.Prices:| BC | $119.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $99.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Carmen Sauvignon Blanc 2004
Region del Valle Central, ChilePassion fruit, kiwi, grapefruit rind, mineral aromas with some floral and green apple notes. Fresh, round, elegant and fairly dry wit grassy, grapefruit, passion fruit and mineral flavours. Very clean, crisp style with a grassy, citrus finish. Nicely done, good value.Prices:| BC | $13.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Kenwood Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2003
Sonoma County, California, United StatesGrapefruit rind, grassy, mineral, gooseberry aromas with a touch of wet wool and green apple. Round, crisp, slightly oily texture with a touch of sweetness. Nice mineral, gooseberry, grapefruit juice, buttery mineral flavours. Full and balanced with good acidity. Consistently good wine.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.05 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Benziger Fumé Blanc 2002
North Coast, North Coast Region, California, United StatesButtery, melon, grapefruit, smoky slate, kiwi and passion fruit aromas. Fresh, round, slightly oily palate with grapefruit, kiwi and slate followed by buttery green apple flavours. A touch of apple skin, lime peel and sweetness on the finish make this food friendly and consistent.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.50 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Miguel Torres Santa Digna Sauvignon Blanc 2002
Valle del Curicó, Region del Valle Central, ChileBright lime rind, mineral, grapefruit, jalapeno aromas with some gooseberry and canned artichoke. Soft, round, warm palate with canned jalapeno, grapefruit rind, mineral and asparagus flavours. Very zippy acidity on the finish. Cooler climate style with the somewhat herbaceous nose and palate.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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January 2005