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Tastings: February 2005
28 February 2005
83PTS
Caliterra Shiraz 2001
Region del Valle Central, ChileMinty, smoky, cassis, clove, cedar aromas with some black cherry and leafy carmenère-like traits. Round, dry, smooth and warm but very manufactured with woody, smoky, cedar, eucalyptus, leafy, mineral, resiny flavours. A bit like having a Halls cough drop.Prices:| BC | $11.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.00 | 750ml |
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19 February 2005
84PTS
Angove's Bear Crossing Cabernet Shiraz 2002
South Australia, AustraliaBright lifted aromas of blackberry and blueberry mix with sappy cedar bark, blueberry leather and plum fruit flavours that finish warm and acidic. A simple commercial red.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $12.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $13.99 | 750ml |
| NFL | $11.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Angove's Long Row Shiraz 2002
South Australia, AustraliaFunky rubbery peppery nose with resiny, licorice aromas. Very smooth on the palate with black cherry, smoky, minty, sausage flavours. Dry and somewhat thin with elevated acidity peaking through in the finish.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $15.00 | 750ml |
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18 February 2005
88PTS
Concha y Toro Trio Merlot Carmenere Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe latest incarnation of the Trio brand features three grape varieties in this case 65 per cent Rapel merlot mixed with 20 per cent Rapel carmenère and 15 per cent Maipo cabernet sauvignon all made separately and then aged for 14 months in French and American oak. The nose is an intoxicating mix of vanilla black fruit herbs and pepper. The textures are super silky and the finish long. This is an impressive bottle of juice for the price ― this is also real winemaking and the real Chile.Prices:| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.32 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Cuvée de Pena 2003
Les Pyrénées Orientales, Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceYou can excuse Cuvée de Pena for sounding more Spanish than French given its location so near Perpignan and the Spanish border. In fact the everyday hard working vins de pays rouge is French and well worth considering. The blend is suitably carignan, syrah, grenache and mourvèdre; the textures smooth; the flavours strong and rustic. A smoky earthy, peppery red that will suit most grilled meat recipes.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Il Bastardo Sangiovese di Toscana 2003
Tuscany, ItalyFunny name and funny wine. Earthy herbal aromas mix with dried mushroom flavours and plenty of acidity. Simple lean ordinary Tuscan sangiovese whose label holds more appeal than the wine at $12.99.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Avery Lane Merlot 2002
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThe Avery merlot blends fruit from five vineyards (including 25 per cent cabernet sauvignon) and offers good value in a smooth tasting Northwest merlot. Why can't they all be at this price? Look for that savoury Northwest black cherry/blackberry fruit streaked with cedar and mocha. Soft silky, medium-weight and ready to go. Good value.Prices:| BC | $17.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Concha y Toro Trio Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Cabernet Franc 2003
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileThis is big firm youthful juice with mixed aromas of cedar bark, coffee and tasted vanilla. There is plenty of black fruit and leafy cassis notes to accompany the firm dry tannins. This requires a big well marbled steak or another year or two in bottle.Prices:| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
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17 February 2005
88PTS
Cline Ancient Vines Mourvèdre 2002
Contra Costa, Central Coast, California, United StatesThe excellent Ancient Vines series featuring Rhone varietals is priced under $30 across the country and is led, in my estimation by this delicious Mourvèdre or Mataro. Look for a lifted floral, fruity nose spiked with blueberry and pepper aromas. On the palate it is rich and smooth with a sweet mocha/coffee undercurrent and spicy oak. Youthful robust and fun with grippe tannins in the finish. Drink or hold for another five years.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Seghesio Old Vine Zinfandel 2002
Sonoma County, California, United StatesOne of the last remaining Italian families still working with Zinfandel in a big way. Seghesio boasts some 250 acres in Alexander Valley and Dry Creek - with the Home Ranch planted in 1895. You'll love this rich silky red brimming with plummy berry fruit with the obligatory briar and herb undercurrents. Chocolate cigar and dark fruit flavours round out the finish of this delicious wine.Prices:| BC | $63.00 | 750ml |
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16 February 2005
94PTS
Ruffino Romitorio di Santedame 2001
Tuscany, ItalyA blend of 60/40 colorino/merlot. Very spicy, peppery, pencil lead, cigar ash, cherry, plum fruit with floral, gamey notes and a hint of marzipan. Rich, round, dry and tannic but ripe. Huge mineral, black cherry, plum, spicy, peppery, licorice, and coffee pudding flavours with vanilla and tobacco on the finish. Long and complex, has lots of potential but needs 3-7 years.Prices:| ON | $89.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $79.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $88.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Frescobaldi Giramonte 2002
Tuscany, ItalyHarvested before the rains, a real achievement. Big black raspberry jam, plum, cherry fruit nose mixed with spicy, tobacco, vanilla, waxy, smoky pain grille aromas. Rich, ripe, concentrated and fat but quite supple. Very ripe black raspberry jam, spicy vanilla, black cherry kirsch, mocha, pudding flavours with some peppery, clove, candied orange rind flavours on the finish. Long, warm finish with grainy tannins. Try over the next 5-7 years. Fine effort. Improves with each vintage.Prices:| BC | $79.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $86.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $85.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $79.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Frescobaldi Giramonte 2001
Tuscany, ItalySmoky, gamey, black cherry jam, tobacco, mocha cream, waxy vanilla aromas. Rich, ripe, round and fat but quite succulent with grip. Big spicy, black cherry jam, vanilla, peppery, clove, chocolate pudding flavours with a black raspberry finish. Warm, good acid, structured with chalky tannins. Needs 2-5 years to round out. Prices:| BC | $82.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $80.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chateau Teyssier Montagne St. Emilion 2001
Montagne - Saint Emilion, Libourne, Bordeaux, FranceDourthe has been operating this property since 1992 and has a 25 year contract in place. The Teyssier blend is mostly merlot, some 85 per cent with a 12/3 split of cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon which explains the round stylish entry with that leafy, forest floor St. Émilion edge. Currently in a tight mode but with big black cherry fruit and firm but soft tannins. Look for this to emerge with another year or so of bottle age into a solid dinner/restaurant wine.Prices:| BC | $29.75 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Château Clos de la Tour 2002
Bordeaux, FranceTasted in September and recently re-tasted. Similar spicy, green olive, peppery nose with barnyard, cedar aromas and a touch of smoked cherry. Dry, round, slightly tannic entry with more olive, smoky prune, leafy, cedar flavours. Decent balance but finish is dry. Will be better with grilled meats. Simple '02 Bordeaux that is ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $17.40 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.63 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.85 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Penfolds Grange Hermitage Bin 95 Shiraz 1975
South Australia, AustraliaSlightly volatile the oldest Grange in the vertical has a sweaty saddle leather nose and a soft sweet entry. The mid-palate is firm and peppery with plenty of dry tannins still hanging out in the finish. There are some chocolate and mellow notes that grab your interest in this 90 per cent shiraz Grange that blends fruit from Kalimna, Barossa Valley and Coonawarra. The alcohol is a very reasonable 13.4 per cent.Prices:| Canada | $400.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Penfolds Grange Hermitage Bin 95 Shiraz 1980
South Australia, AustraliaStill quite dark in colour with a meaty dried fruit nose. Showing more acidity now than fruit and it's drying out. Firm dry blueberry sour cherry fruit finish. More of a curiosity at this point than star - if you have any 1980 tucked away we suggest you pick an occasion and open it up.Prices:| Canada | $350.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Penfolds Grange Hermitage Bin 95 Shiraz 1983
South Australia, AustraliaNinety-four per cent shiraz makes up Grange in a weird growing season. Extreme heat, drought, flooding and bushfires all plagued the 1983 Grange. The textures 'crushed ants' hearken back to the original descriptions of the early 1950. Cherries a mid-palate freshness dissolves into leathery cedar licorice cocoa finish.Prices:| Canada | $550.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Penfolds Grange Hermitage Bin 95 Shiraz 1986
South Australia, AustraliaThe 1986 was made with 87 per cent shiraz and is a substantial bottle of juice with a chocolate-y prune fruit nose. Described as the perfect vintage it has added power and weight to Grange. This bottle seems a bit tired but it is probably just a poor bottle given other encounters. Blueberry tones and liqueur fruit with dark chocolate will draw you into this Grange like no other.Prices:| Canada | $500.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Penfolds Grange Hermitage Bin 95 Shiraz 1991
South Australia, AustraliaThe '91 Grange is 95 per cent shiraz and blends only fruit from Barossa and McLaren Vale. This is showing more acidity and liveliness with sour cherry fruit and leather flavours streaked with licorice, raspberry and peppery dry fruit. Holding well.Prices:| Canada | $400.00 | 750ml |
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15 February 2005
91PTS
Chateau Roumieu Sauternes 2001
Sauternes, Graves, Bordeaux, FranceGood nectarine, spicy, apricot, honey aromas with some vanilla cream and botrytis. Rich, round, elegant style with good acidity and balance. Honey, butter, creamsicle, nectarine, dried apricot flavours with a vanilla, mineral finish. Fine length and intensity with some finesse. A mid-term wine for drinking over the next 5-10 years.Prices:| BC | $22.90 | 375ml |
| AB | $17.95 | 375ml |
| ON | $21.95 | 750ml |
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13 February 2005
90PTS
Clos de los Siete 2003
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaMichel Rolland and Jean-Michel Arcaute (now deceased) were the initiators of the Clos de los Siete adventure. Seven investors, all wine-producers, share the Campo located in the Tunuyan commune, 80 km south of the city of Mendoza. The estate covers 847 hectares of vineyards and is divided into seven wine-cellars hence Clos de los Siete (Vineyard of the Seven). The first vintage was 2002 a solid wine but more than easily surpassed by this terrific 2003. Wow. This is a great year in Argentina and Rolland has totally hit the mark. Ripe sweet blackberry fruit, supple textures and a long smooth silky, signature Rolland finish. Attractive New World flavours but with some European styling. This is the real Argentina, the one we have been waiting for. Great value here. The wine is made at Bodega Monteviejo. Catherine Péré-Vergé, owner of Monteviejo is also owner of the Bordeaux Château Montviel, a 7.5 hectare estate at Pomerol, as well as Château la Gravière, a 6 hectare estate at Lalande de Pomerol.Prices:| BC | $25.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $24.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Chateau de Serame Minervois 2002
Minervois, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceThis is the first release of the Minervois that blends 60 per cent mourvèdre with grenache and carignan for m 70 year-old vines. The wine has a supple sweet ripe fruit entry with soft textures and fine length. Hints of mocha mix with sweet spicy fruit a touch of leather. Long smooth delicious finish. Very Impressive effort and definitely a winner at this price. If this is the new face of the Languedoc we are totally impressed.Prices:| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $17.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Chateau de Serame Corbières 2001
Corbières, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceDourthe is working hard in the south as evidence by the wine coming out of its estate at Serame. This is a solid Corbières from a not so solid vintage. Look for smoky peppery licorice aromas with spicy soft, black cherry fruit. A useful summer barbecue red for those who want to escape the inexpensive sweet, acidic reds of Australia. The blend mixes syrah, grenache and carignan.Prices:| BC | $15.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.25 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.45 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Serame Merlot 2002
Languedoc, Sud de France, FrancePeppery, smoky, resiny nose with a smooth, round palate. More pepper mixed with sweet, smoky, cherry fruit and a streak of chocolate. Soft easy-sipping mid-week red for grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $11.40 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Serame Viognier 2003
Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceThe latest edition of viognier from Serame may be even better than the first. This is first-class inexpensive viognier with a clean floral nose streaked with honey and mineral all of which carries thorough on the palate. This is quiet understated introductory Euro-style viognier. Great value.Prices:| BC | $11.40 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.25 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.95 | 750ml |
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10 February 2005
87PTS
Rodney Strong Pinot Noir 2002
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesCoffee, mint, forest floor, rootsy, strawberry aromas. Dry, round, medium weight with light tannins. Lots of coffee, spicy, cooked rhubarb, strawberry jam, vanilla flavours with a bit of orange peel and rootsy licorice on the finish. Dry, smoky, tobacco finish with some warmth and acidity.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.45 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Rubens Tempranillo 2003
La Mancha, Castilla-La Mancha, SpainSpicy, black raspberry jam, smoky aromas with some gamey animal and reduced rubbery notes. Soft, round, supple entry with chocolate, prunes, black raspberry jam flavours and a coffee, rubbery, meaty finish with some dry dusty tannins. A grilled meat wine or spaghetti and meatballs.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Vina Antigua Sangiovese - Bonarda 2003
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaVery smoky, stewed jasmine tea leaf, floral, briary, spicy leather nose. Dry, round, lighter bodied but smooth with dry, smoky leather, tea, peppery, licorice and black cherry flavours. Simple barbeque meat or pepperoni pizza wine. Good value.Prices:| BC | $8.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Beyerskloof Pinotage 2003
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaSmoky, saddle leather, licorice root, black cherry jam, floral, gamey polish nose. Soft, round, elegant and juicy with sour cherry, black plum, licorice, cigar, smoky cedar flavours with a gamey note. Nice fruit flavours if a bit dry and acid on the finish. Good for ostrich steak or lamb.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Sot Lefriec 2001
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainDark cherry colour. Big smoky, spicy coffee vanilla oak nose with prune, pepper, black berry jam and roasted bell pepper nose. Rich, fat, round, ripe and slightly dry with huge coffee vanilla, pudding, spicy, black cherry jam, cigar, cherry cola, licorice root flavours. Very warm finish with some tannins to shed and a bit dry with high extraction. Needs 2-4 years to soften or have with some hard cheeses. Potentially better than 2000 but this is pretty young yet.Prices:| BC | $79.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Freixenet Ash Tree Estate Shiraz Monastrell 2003
SpainBlack pepper and reduced nose with licorice root, gamey animal, minty, black cherry aromas. Dry, round, elegant, medium weight with a cool texture. Black cherry, minty, cassis, coffee, savoury, meaty flavours. Quite high acidity on the finish. Good flavours but the nose is pretty cool and a bit too animal.Prices:| BC | $11.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Cusumano Syrah 2003
Sicily, ItalyPeppery, blackberry jam, smoky, meaty, spicy, menthol aromas with some vanilla coffee notes. Soft, rich, round and slightly tannic with spicy, blackberry, plum jam, smoky, peppery flavours with a minty, sausage finish. Good intensity with a touch of acidity on the finish. Needs a year or so or serve now with grilled rabbit.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Cusumano Nero d'Avola 2003
Sicily, ItalyAttractive spicy, black cherry and strawberry jam nose laced with smoky, briar aromas. Dry, round, rich, balanced style with smoky, peppery, almond, black cherry jam, plum, cardamom and mocha flavours. A touch dry on the finish but great fruit and intensity—modern-day Italian red.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Benchland Vineyards Zweigelt 2001
Penticton Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSimilar to the previous edition. High-tone berry fruit with a leafy mineral raspberry fruit undercurrent. Quite dry and showing some obvious acidity. Fresh lean leafy red that is not for everyone.Prices:| BC | $15.49 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Mazzei Fonterutoli Chianti Classico 2002
Tuscany, ItalySpicy, black cherry, peppery, gamey, meaty, coffee aromas. Dry, round, elegant, slightly tannic entry with sour black cherry, coffee, vanilla, peppery, smoked meat and leather flavours with a touch of grilled mushroom. Quite dry and somewhat cedar-y on the finish. Not much on value.Prices:| BC | $38.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $33.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Kaesler Stonehorse Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre 2003
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThe "Stonehorse" wines are constructed to highlight the fruit characteristics of the blend with less influence from new oak. Initial reduced, rubbery nose with black cherry, licorice root and gamey hints. With some time in the glass more fruit aromas of strawberry and raspberry jam come forward. Soft, round, supple, slightly tannic entry with juicy acidity and some high alcohol. Big black raspberry jam, orange peel, peppery, spicy, plum and licorice flavours. Ripe and fruity but needs decanting as it's very young.Prices:| BC | $29.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Scurati Nero d'Avola 2003
Sicily, ItalyVery peppery, earthy, dank herbal, licorice root aromas with some hints of mercaptan. Round, soft, dry, rich palate with nice black cherry, almond, peppery, licorice, meaty flavours and some ripe tannins on the finish. Very good mouth feel and flavours but the nose is pretty reduced. Try decanting before drinking.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Lodez Coteaux du Languedoc 2003
Faugères, Coteaux du Languedoc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceThe Jeanjean family is from St-Felix-de-Lodez, a small village in the heart of the Languedoc vineyard and have released a screwcap Coteaux du Languedoc that blend 50 per cent syrah, 30 per cent grenache and 20 per cent carignan. Look for peppery, spicy, gamey, floral, black cherry aromas but a dry structure with light tannins and cedar-y, peppery, cherry, tobacco flavours. Nice nose but needs some cheese or flank steak to balance the dryness.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
De Angelis Anghelos Marche Rosso 2001
Marche, ItalyStrong vanilla, coffee, gamey animal, prune, black cherry, earthy, waxy aromas with some blackberry. Very dry, somewhat tannic but ripe and rich with coffee, peppery, prune plum, vanilla, black cherry, spicy, meaty flavours. Somewhat tight and tannic on the finish with lots of oak, needs 2-3 years or a big, marbled steak. A bit dryer and leaner than prior vintages.Prices:| BC | $35.99 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Tribal Pinotage 2003
Western Cape, South AfricaSpicy, white pepper, cherry licorice aromas. Dry, round, supple style with elevated acidity. Lots of cherry, spicy, smoky pepper flavours but the finish is somewhat hot and quite acidic. Simple everyday.Prices:| BC | $8.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Terra Noble Vineyards Carmenere Gran Reserva 2001
Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileVery intense tobacco leaf, earth and rubbery, resiny aromas on the nose. On the palate it is dry, round and supple with more leafy, cassis, cigar, rubber and spicy mocha cherry flavours. Fine mouth feel but a bit too herbaceous for the modern palate.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Leone Rosso Toscana 2002
Tuscany, ItalySmoky, hot earth, white pepper, meaty, waxy aromas with a touch of cherry. Dry, round, supple palate with more cherry, pepper, tobacco, earth and almond flavours. Nice balance with fairly high acidity.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Navarro López Pergolas Old Vines Tempranillo 2000
Valdepeñas, Castilla-La Mancha, SpainCherry jam, spicy, tobacco, saddle leather aromas. Soft, round, dry, supple style with cherry, herbal, vanilla, smoky, tobacco flavours. Easy going lighter style with decent balance and a touch of acidity on the finish.Prices:| BC | $10.40 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Ferrari-Carano Sienna 2001
Sonoma County, California, United StatesPeppery, spicy, black cherry jam, mocha, rootsy, barnyard aromas with a touch of mint and green olive. Dry, rich, slightly tannic with very cedar-y, coffee, peppery, earthy, ash, black cherry and cassis flavours with a smoky, oak finish. Very dry, warm finish. Needs a few years or some cheese to soften up the youthful dry tannins in the finish.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $33.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Firestick Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
South Australia, AustraliaBig berry nose with cassis, blueberry, black cherry and some candied mint notes. Soft, round, slightly sweet entry with blueberry, blackberry jam, and spicy, minty, licorice flavours. Rich modern-style that is both alcoholic and acidic on the finish.Prices:| BC | $18.89 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.95 | 750ml |
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09 February 2005
88PTS
Chateau La Garde 1999
Pessac-Léognan, Graves, Bordeaux, FranceEarthy, iron mineral, peppery, tobacco nose with spicy black cherry and a touch of barnyard aroma. Dry, round, slightly tight entry with an earthy, mineral, black cherry, plum flaovurs mixed with spicy leather and tobacco. A bit lean but quite good for the vintage. Will improve over the next 1-3 years.Prices:| BC | $45.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $34.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $35.95 | 750ml |
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07 February 2005
87PTS
Rosemount Shiraz Cabernet 2004
AustraliaVery open spicy, blueberry, blackberry, mocha nose with a licorice root note. Soft, round, plush palate with black cherry, blueberry, spicy, cassis and licorice flavours with a light vanilla finish. Good fresh consumer style.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $14.98 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.20 | 750ml |
| NS | $15.99 | 750ml |
| NB | $14.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais-Villages 2003
Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceOpen black cherry, wild strawberry, mineral, floral, peppery aromas. Rich, ripe, round and elegant with lots of mineral, cherry, black raspberry, minty, floral, licorice flavours. Good structure with a touch of tannin. Drink now and over the next year.Prices:| BC | $17.20 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais 2003
Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceMineral, spicy, cherry, floral, candied carbonic aromas. Soft, round, dry and elegant with cherry, floral, mineral, spicy, juicy red licorice flavours. Fresh, fruity and fun. An introductory style wine for trying with bird.Prices:| BC | $16.30 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Bouchard Aîné & Fils Beaujolais Les Coteaux 2002
Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceFloral, mineral, cherry jam, minty, earthy aromas. Soft, round, simple and elegant with mineral, strawberry jam, spicy, floral flavours. Delicate and ready to go with balanced acidity.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.00 | 1500ml |
| AB | $7.50 | 375ml |
| SK | $16.89 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Zonin Nero d'Avola 2002
Sicily, ItalyPeppery, chocolate, curry leaf, cardamom, meaty, gamey, black cherry aromas. Rich, round, supple style with light tannins and a touch chunky. Lots of spicy, peppery, black cherry jam, chocolate and licorice root flavours with a touch of almond. Young and well-balanced; perfect for that roast lamb.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Goat - Roti 2003
Western Cape, South AfricaThis is a blended wine made mainly from Shiraz, Grenache, Carignan and Viognier, grown in different areas of the Western Cape. Look for a spicy, gamey, blackberry, licorice aromas with a bit of chocolate and vanilla. Ripe, round, supple and dry with light tannins but quite warm. Coffee vanilla, peppery, pruny, spicy, orange peel, blackberry jam flavours with some cherry licorice. Good intensity but a bit alcoholic and fresh on the finish.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Delas Côtes-du-Ventoux 2003
Ventoux, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceVery peppery, spicy, black cherry, almond, slightly carbonic fruit nose. Ripe, round, rich and a touch fat with light tannins. Big black cherry, smoky, spicy, orange, peppery, licorice flavours. Great intensity and a bit of grip, good value, could even age a year or two. Well done.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.95 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Pisse-Dru Beaujolais 2002
Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceCorked, try another.Prices:| BC | $15.98 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $15.35 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Tommasi Valpolicella Ripasso 2001
Veneto, ItalyBig spicy, coffee, vanilla, smoky nose mixed with leather, prune/plum and gamey, licorice root aromas. Rich, round, supple and dry with tobacco, chocolate, black cherry, prune, licorice flavours and a peppery, savour pudding finish. Warm but very well balanced and supple with light, velvety tannins. Stylish, flavourful and drinkable now or hold for 2-4 years.Prices:| BC | $29.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Catena Malbec 2002
Mendoza, ArgentinaSpicy, vanilla, mocha, black pepper, black cherry, tangerine, five spice aromas. Rich, round, fat style but balanced with some grainy tannins and some lifted acidity. Bright black cherry, plum, orange, chocolate vanilla, smoky tobacco, prune flavours with a gamey, pudding finish. Very warm and long but just a bit acidic at the very end.Prices:| BC | $26.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Alamos Malbec 2003
Mendoza, ArgentinaSmoky, peppery, gamey, chocolate, tobacco and roasted mushroom with some black cherry. Ripe, round, elegant and supple with big black cherry jam, black raspberry, smoky, peppery, vanilla flavours and a tobacco, chocolate finish. Some tannins on the finish suggest it will age easily for another 3 to 5 years.Prices:| BC | $18.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Nederburg Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2001
Western Cape, South AfricaMeaty, spicy sausage, licorice, saddle leather, farmyard and black cherry. Round, supple style but quite high acid with some sweet notes. Spicy, chocolate, cherry, tobacco, gamey flavours. Out of balance with the acidity and flavour profile.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Stellenzicht Golden Triangle Shiraz 2002
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaBig smoky, resiny, barnyard, gamey, peppery aromas with a big streak of sweaty saddle leather and blackberry jam and a warm note. Rich, round, smooth and rich but quite alcoholic. Big chocolate, peppery, smoky, resiny, prune, licorice root and game flavours but very warm on the finish with some acidity and cooked notes.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $21.45 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Finca Los Primos Malbec 2003
San Rafael, General Alvear, Southern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaBig prune, spicy, black cherry aromas with a strong cigar streak. Rich, round, supple, fat and intense with smoky, peppery, black cherry jam, mushroom and licorice root flavours. Well balanced if a bit warm, excellent value with great intensity. Can't go wrong here.Prices:| BC | $9.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Santa Lucia Castel del Monte Riserva More 2000
Puglia, ItalyUnusual candied watermelon, smoky, saddle leather, gamey, farmyard, almond cherry aromas. Dry, round, somewhat tannic entry with cherry Kool-Aid, watermelon, licorice, meaty, smoky, game flavours. Dry tannins on the finish. Quite weird and difficult to get a handle on the combination.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Canonbah Bridge Drought Reserve Shiraz 2001
New South Wales, AustraliaGamey, chocolate, peppery, prune, smoky, vanilla, black cherry jam and black berry aromas. Dry, elegant, round and slightly tannic. Full flavoured with peppery, black cherry, blackberry, vanilla, coffee, spicy mint flavours with a smoky sausage note. A bit dry and warm on the finish but an attractive style overall that will improve over the next 2-4 years.Prices:| BC | $46.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $36.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Willowglen Petite Sirah 2003
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaVery dark black cherry colour. Big spicy, black pepper, meaty, blackberry, minty, chocolate nose. Rich, round, supple style with slight acidity but good balance. Lots of chocolate, peppery, spicy, tobacco, blackberry and licorice flavours. Simple but full flavoured, attractive style that has a bit of a chunky finish. Possible BBQ pick of the year. Can't beat it with a steak, good value.Prices:| BC | $12.90 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Shardana 1999
Santadi, Cagliari, Sardinia, ItalyNeil Empson and Santadi with winemaker Piero Cella found vineyards of carignano still growing on their own roots - some over 100 years old - growing at the southern tip of Sardegna. The result is this spicy, black cherry jam, exotic tangerine peel, espresso, chocolate meaty nose. It is rich, round, chunky and somewhat tannic with intense espresso, chocolate, prune, licorice root, black cherry jam with an orange pudding, cardamom finish. Big, warm, and still young after all those years. Try with a grilled veal chop or keep for 2-4 more years to soften the evident tannins.Prices:| BC | $39.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
A Mano Primitivo 2002
Castellaneta, Taranto, Puglia, ItalyBig spicy, peppery, cardamom, raspberry jam, savoury, meaty nose. Rich, round, ripe and slightly tannic but beefy style. Lots of peppery, spicy, chocolate, savoury meat, cardamom, black cherry jam flavours with a warm, slightly tannic licorice finish. No lack of intensity this is full-bodied stuff that will cut through the beef.Prices:| BC | $17.45 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Mezzomondo Salento 2003
Puglia, ItalySpicy, gamey, meaty, smoky prune, black cherry aromas with a chocolate and violet streak. Dry, round, slightly chunky style with some tannins. Chalky, meaty, peppery, spicy, smoky red with chocolate and black cherry flavours. It's warm and rustic on the finish with a touch of acidity but all in all a solid barbecue red. Great value.Prices:| BC | $9.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
St. Hallett Gamekeeper's Reserve 2003
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaBlack cherry, spicy, gamey, raspberry, licorice, barnyard aromas. Soft, round, somewhat dry with lifted acidity. Black cherry, black raspberry, spicy, white pepper and game flavours with an anise finish. Fresh, frutti-tutti style with some acidity on the finish. Not as rich or meaty as previous versions but is four dollars cheaper.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 750ml |
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06 February 2005
89PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Riesling Ice Wine 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThere's a sense of elegance at Mission Hill that pervades the icewine and in the case of the '03 reserve riesling that translate into a clean fresh nose of apricot mixed with citrus rind that follows through on the palate. More lime and honey greets the mid-palate with some burnt sugar in the finish. Solid mid-weight icewine built for dessert.Prices:| BC | $59.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Mission Hill S.L.C. Riesling Icewine 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNight harvested at minus 12 degrees Celsius has done the trick here. We definitely prefer the freshness here and the slightly lighter weight on the mid-palate. It's sweet enough to attract all yet there is a luscious edge and an acidity lift at the back end that makes this more drinkable. Look for bright apricot fruit and peach skin flavours throughout. Built for dessert but you could serve it solo.Prices:| BC | $79.99 | 375ml |
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91PTS
Inniskillin Okanagan Riesling Icewine Dark Horse Vineyard 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIt's been several years since we've tasted the Inniskillin Riesling Icewine ― presumably they don't need any help selling these $120 per bottle wines. As it happens the wine was a major hit at the Canadian Wine Awards and is progressing just fine since that August tasting. Look for a lifted aromatic nose of pineapple and citrus and peach with a buttery almost shortbread cookie finish. Very rich and weighty ― all Inniskillin.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
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01 February 2005
86PTS
Red Rooster Meritage 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAn aromatic nose of sausage meat, spice, black olive and smoked tomato aroma with a touch of cherry and mocha. Ripe, round, dry and slightly tannic with smoked peppers, black cherry, licorice, cassis, minty and olive mocha flavours. The finish is warm, chunky and rustic.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Chardonnay 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeach, green apple, fruit salad, mineral, honey, floral aromas with a slightly smoky note. Dry, crisp, tight style with elegance. Vanilla, dry lees, mineral, lime rind, green apple skin flavours with a floral, peach pit note. Nice elegance but very French in style.Prices:| BC | $17.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.25 | 750ml |
| SK | $17.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $18.68 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.35 | 750ml |
| YK | $18.95 | 750ml |
| NWT | $16.45 | 750ml |
| NF | $18.45 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Mission Hill Chardonnay Estate 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHoney, floral, spicy, mineral, lime and orange rind, vanilla aromas with a bit of fruit cocktail. Dry, round, crisp palate but balanced with mineral, fruit cocktail, vanilla, nutty lees, honey, green apple flavours with a touch of nectarine and perfume. Nice intensity but definitely more of a food style - not fat or big but stylish. Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $31.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $28.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $29.96 | 750ml |
| YK | $29.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mission Hill S.L.C. Syrah 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy vanilla, mocha, blackberry, black cherry, smoky garrigue and chocolate pudding aromas. Round, dry, slightly tannic, tight entry with boysenberry, licorice, vanilla pudding, mocha, black cherry, peppery sausage flavours. Dry, slightly elevated acidity with a smoky, peppery finish. Fine fruit and French in style but appears to lack mid-palate concentration at this point which could be a function of young vines. Solid effort.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Conde de Siruela Elite 2001
Ribera del Duero, Castilla-Leon, SpainIntense animal smoky nose with pepper, cigar ash, sweaty saddle leather, black cherry and licorice. Rich, intense, fat, alcoholic style red with chunky tannins and very peppery, pruny, mineral, gamey, chocolate/tobacco flavours. Just a bit too feral and alcoholic for most.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Miral Monte Tinto de Toro 2003
Toro, Castilla-Leon, SpainSausage, peppery, gamey, mineral, black cherry aromas with some rubbery notes. Rich, round, dry and slightly tannic with big black cherry, raspberry, peppery, spicy, gamey, coriander flavours. Chunky, intense and full bodied but needs a bit of air before drinking.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tilenus Mencia Crianza 2000
Bierzo, Castilla-Leon, SpainImpressive smoky, espresso vanilla oak nose with licorice, baked earth, black cherry jam, peppery, gamey aromas. Rich, round, supple and dry with savoury, mocha, peppery, spicy, black cherry jam, gamey, black raspberry flavours with a touch of acidity and warmth on the finish. Fairly elegant considering the flavour intensity, drink now or over the next 2 years. Great restaurant wine.Prices:| BC | $30.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Tilenus Pagos de Posada Reserva 2000
Bierzo, Castilla-Leon, SpainIntense black pepper, spicy, licorice, meaty, smoky vanilla nose streaked with coriander, black cherry, mineral aromas and a touch of brambleberry. Very rich, round, fat, supple and dry yet well balanced. Peppery/chocolate and spicy/coffee with vanilla, black cherry jam and a smoky, boysenberry, minty finish. Long and full but not over-powering. Drink now with a lamb leg or hold for 2-5 years. excellent red wine. Viva EspanaPrices:| BC | $59.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Carmen Syrah Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2002
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileBig spicy, peppery, blueberry, blackberry and cassis fruit nose with meaty, gamey, saddle leather and leafy olive aromas. Both complex and intense. We love the rich, round, fat and intense flavours of cassis, pepper, black olive, game and smoky vanilla mixed with mocha, black cherry, tobacco/mint and leather. No lack of intensity here and will benefit from a few years of aging. Try with a buffalo/bison steak. Love the blend of these two varietals South American style.Prices:| BC | $25.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Carmen Carmenère Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2002
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileDense black cherry colour. Huge minty, dill, cassis juice, leafy, black olive, peppery smoky nose. Big smoky on the palate with sappy, mocha, vanilla, minty, cassis, tobacco leaf flavours and a strong coffee, minty, cassis finish. Not elegant but lots of intensity and warm ― a unique style of wine. A bit over the top but certainly lots of stuffing.Prices:| BC | $22.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Wild Horse Canyon Cabernet Merlot 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBlack olive, black pepper, spicy, dill, leafy, saddle leather aromas. Soft, round, somewhat dry and warm with smoky, black cherry, black olive, espresso, cassis and mint flavours. A touch oaky but decent balance and pretty good value.Prices:| BC | $14.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.19 | 750ml |
| SK | $14.49 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.49 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Mission Hill S.L.C. Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRestrained grassy, mineral, grapefruit mixed with green fig, clover and smoky mineral aromas with a hint of honey and vanilla lees. It's made in an elegant dry style with grassy, vanilla, creamy fig, grapefruit rind flavours with a light kiwi, smoky mineral finish. Fine crispness on the finish. Think Graves meeting the Loire in British Columbia. A fine first effort, especially given the smoke and fires that wreaked havoc in Okanagan vineyards.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Poplar Grove Reserve 2001
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe blend is 80/20 merlot/cabernet franc. Look for a peppery, spicy, licorice root nose streaked with earthy, clove, mocha and light blackberry notes. It's dry and round on the palate with moderate tannins and fine concentration. Black pepper, chocolate, licorice, and vanilla flavours mix with a smoky, spicy earthy finish. Good intensity if a bit hot and chunky. It still needs a couple of years but not too long. Better with food.Prices:| BC | $34.90 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Mission Hill S.L.C. Merlot 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe latest edition to B.C.'s roster of elite wines is Mission Hill S.L.C. Merlot 2002. Mission Hill's picture perfect winery has garnered a lifetime of accolades for its architecture but now they have a wine with similar impressive structure. Spice, smoky garrigue and licorice root aromas mix easily with black cherry pudding, vanilla, black olive and coriander. The merlot is perfectly ripe with concentrated fruit and supple tannins. Restrained spicy, black cherry jam and chocolate pudding flavours laced with mint, olive, resin and coriander finish long and stylishly. This is the best wine John Simes has made in B.C. and his vineyards are only beginning to fill out.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Henry of Pelham Meritage 2002
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaDill, spicy, tomato leaf, peppery, smoky meat aromas. Soft, round, elegant entry with light tannins. Minty, chalky, mocha, peppery, cassis flavours with some green olive and spice on the finish. There is fine extract, structure and balance to offset the green tinges in the finish.Prices:| BC | $15.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Mission Hill Syrah Estate Bottled 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery spicy, sausage, big black pepper licorice resiny nose with a wisp of blackberry and black cherry in the background. Very dry on entry with a touch of acid showing through. Spicy, peppery, resiny, blackberry, licorice root flavours with a smoky note. All the elements are here for a great wine but it lacks the extract and fruit to carry it through to the finish. Needs a few years yet or grilled meat to tame its dry edge.Prices:| BC | $29.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $28.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $29.90 | 750ml |
| NB | $29.96 | 750ml |
| Yukon | $29.90 | 750ml |
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March 2005