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Tastings: March 2005
29 March 2005
87PTS
Las Rocas de San Alejandro Garnacha 2003
Calatayud, Aragon, SpainWhite pepper, raspberry, mineral, gamey aromas. Rich, ripe, round and dry with light tannins. Big spicy, peppery, licorice, black raspberry, mineral flavours with a touch of acidity at the end. Good intensity should go well with duck or turkey.Prices:| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Valdivieso Malbec Single Vineyard Reserve 2001
Region del Valle Central, ChileConsistently well made the '01 has a spicy, cardamom, plum, and savoury, cedar nose streaked with mocha and cherry notes. Rich, round, ripe and supple with savoury, smoky, spicy, vanilla flavours that mix with cedar, black cherry and leather flavours. Very well balanced and suave. You can drink it now or hold for 2-3 years. Excellent quality.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Melipal Malbec Reserve 2003
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaOpaque black cherry colour. Huge hot, smoky mocha vanilla coffee, barnyard nose with licorice, cardamom, peppery, black cherry jam undertones. Rich, ripe, fat and intense with supple, grainy tannins. Lots of very spicy, cedar, cardamom, smoky vanilla, coffee, black cherry, gamey, savoury flavours. Well balanced if a bit hot and oaky. Will need 2 to 5 years but this is serious malbec.Prices:| BC | $39.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Melipal Malbec 2003
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaVery peppery, smoky mocha, cardamom, black cherry, vanilla, earthy nose. Rich, ripe, round and dry but very elegant with some backbone. Smoky, peppery, cedar-y, vanilla, black cherry, plum, mocha flavours with savoury, licorice finish. Serious malbec for a fair price. Will improve over the next 2 years.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Equis Vinas Viejas 2003
Castilla-La Mancha, SpainTypical Spanish spicy, mineral, licorice nose with gamey, black cherry aromas and a touch of tobacco. Dry, round, slightly tannic entry with black cherry, smoky, peppery, spicy, leather flavours. Good intensity and structure but a bit dry. Should be fine at the dinner table.Prices:| BC | $13.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Racines Malbec (Certified Organic) 2003
Valle del Lontué, Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileEnticing spicy, cardamom, saddle leather, black cherry and plum aromas. Very aromatic but dry and tight on entry with mineral, smoky resin, black cherry, cedar and vanilla flavours. Lacks the palate follow- through that the nose would suggest. Organic but lacks the oomph factor.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Carmen Late Harvest Semillon 2001
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileRipe apricot, honey, egg-y botrytis nose with mineral, waxy/fig notes. Ripe, round and fresh with good acid and sugar balance. Fine honey, orange rind flavours with melon, ripe fig, candied apricot, citrus flavours streaked with tobacco, butter and vanilla on the finish. Ready to drink, good dessert wine at a fine price.Prices:| AB | $13.40 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Montes Malbec Reserve Oak Aged 2003
Region del Valle Central, ChileBig smoky vanilla, cedar, tobacco aromas with black cherry jam and coffee notes. Ripe, round and dry but fairly supple with cigar, cedar, espresso vanilla, chocolate, black cherry flavours. Ripe and oaky but fairly well balanced. Very New World. Good value.Prices:| AB | $12.35 | 750ml |
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83PTS
M. Chapoutier Chateau des Estubier Rosé 2002
Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FrancePale gold rose. Waxy, tobacco, mineral, floral peach aromas. Very dry, round, slightly tart entry with earthy, spicy, mineral, bitter licorice flavours. No real fruit and getting a bit tired.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Fandango Tempranillo 2003
Utiel-Requena, Valencia and Murcia, SpainGamey, black cherry, tobacco aromas with some mineral, barnyard notes. Dry, slightly tannic entry with more mineral, earthy, smoky, black cherry fruit and tobacco flavours. Simple and dry this will require grilled meat for balance. This Fandango is not as animated as the dance.Prices:| BC | $9.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Telmo Rodriguez LZ Lanzeigo de Álava 2003
Rioja, SpainBlack cherry jam, wet tobacco leaf, barnyard, smoky aromas waft from the glass. Rich and smooth LZ comes with light tannins, fine intensity of flavour with big black plum, black cherry, licorice, spicy, tobacco and a touch of chocolate. A bit dry but could use a year or two aging or try with grilled lamb or goat. Good value, fine fruit, well done.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Chateau Napoleon Brut California Champagne NV
California, United StatesLots of mousse, very creamy. Wet cement, green apple skin, citrus aromas. Round, crisp, very creamy, foamy palate with some sweet notes with green apple, citrus, candied peach flavours. Simple sparkler.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Viu Manent Malbec 2003
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileFabulous spicy, savoury, black plum and black cherry nose with complex-ing tobacco and smoky game notes. Rich and super smooth with ripe black cherry, black plum, savoury, grilled mushroom and licorice mocha flavours. Super suave and balanced with great varietal fruit. Outstanding value and a major challenge to nearby Argentina's claim on Malbec.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Znovin de Lux Brut Rocnik 2000
Znojmo, Moravia, Czech RepublicLight yellow colour with raisin-y, honey aromas mixed with strong bruised apple and earthy notes. Elegant and crisp on entry with bruised apple, aldehydic, peach, mineral flavours and a bitter, sherry finish. Oxidation is showing its mark. Needs drinking.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Znovin Palava 2002
Znojmo, Moravia, Czech RepublicFine spicy, floral, peach, apple, mineral aromas. Soft, round, dry entry with spicy, sausage, apricot skin, mineral flavours and a slightly oily texture with some minty notes on the finish. Simple, ready to drink summer sipper.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
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81PTS
Znovin Zweigeltrebe 2002
Znojmo, Moravia, Czech RepublicSmoky, resiny, meaty, green tobacco aromas. Dry, round, elegant style but a bit lean with mineral, smoky, herbal, tobacco, smoky horse flavours. Different in a hybrid kind of way.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Woodbridge Portacinco 1997
Lodi, Central Valley, California, United StatesPortacinco is a blend of five traditional Portuguese grape varieties planted around the winery at Woodbridge and in the case of the 1997 some 75 percent is Touriga. Very warm with tobacco, black cherry kirsch, licorice, chocolate, prune and spicy aromas. Rich, hot, round, sweet and smooth with chocolate, dried fig, prune plum, spicy, marmalade flavours. Long and intense with a hot, fiery finish. Solid non-Portuguese, fortified wine.Prices:| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Woodbridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
California, United StatesFirm dry peppery red with cedar bark, leather and vanilla notes on the nose. Similarly flavoured with soft textures. Simple ordinary cabernet made for the masses. Very commercial.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $26.99 | 1500ml |
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89PTS
Jackson Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2004
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandClassic fresh grapefruit, canned asparagus, smoky jalapeno nose with gooseberry undercurrents. It has a round, full, delicate palate with mineral, smoky asparagus, grassy, gooseberry flavours. The finish is clean and crisp with enough finesse to keep you sipping. Stylish.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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26 March 2005
84PTS
St. Hubertus Riesling 2004
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMineral, green apple, peach, citrus aromas with a touch of burnt matchstick that blows off. Ripe, round, fresh and elegant with slight sweetness. Green apple skin, nectarine, mineral flavours and a slightly bitter citrus rind finish. A bit skinny but there is fine fruit. Good value.Prices:| BC | $11.90 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Little Straw Vineyards Select Harvest Riesling 2003
British Columbia, CanadaMineral, floral, bruised apple, cardboard aromas with some matchstick sulphur and yeast. Round, elegant style but with bitter, green apple, mineral flavours.Prices:| BC | $15.90 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Legacy Red Wine 2001
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesImpressive smoky, peppery, vanilla nose spiked with spicy, cedar, licorice, clove, black olive and cassis jam aromas. Fine and much welcomed complexity. Rich, round, dry, elegant style but quite intense with grainy tannins. Smoky, vanilla, chocolate, licorice, spicy blackberry jam, cassis, minty cedar flavours. Long and warm this will need 3-5 years to soften. A serious Legacy from an excellent year.Prices:| BC | $105.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Valdivieso Caballo Loco Number Seven "V" NV
Region del Valle Central, ChileAnother solid Caballo Loco made from an intriguing blend of grapes and vintages (half of the wine comes from the previous vintage and half of that form the previous vintage and so on. Look for a minty cassis, cardamom, spicy, cherry nose streaked with black olive, vanilla, peppery and smoky aromas. It's very aromatic. Rich, round, dry, slightly tannic entry but with its typically elegant structure. Big peppery, smoky vanilla, chocolate, spicy, minty, black cherry, plum jam flavours. Fruit from Chile with finesse and Bordeaux structure. Continued high quality and value. Needs 3-5 years.Prices:| BC | $41.50 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Max Ferdinand Richter Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Spätlese 2003
Mosel, GermanySpicy, mineral, ripe peach, honey, clover, mango aromas. Ripe, fat, round, crisp but fairly sweet with red apple, peach, orange, honey, mineral, slate flavours. Very ripe and a bit fat but very good fruit and intensity.Prices:| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Max Ferd Richter Mülheimer Helenenkloster Riesling Kabinett 2003
Mosel, GermanyBig slate, cement, diesel, green apple aromas. Ripe, round, elegant and delicate with very slate-y, mineral, green apple skin, honey, lees. Good acidity and length but more for current drinking or aging up to 7 years.Prices:| BC | $27.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Max Ferdinand Richter Wehlener Sonnenhur Riesling Kabinett 2003
Mosel, GermanyIntense slate, floral, green apple skin aromas with an undercurrent of Vaseline. Fresh, crisp, delicate and round with medium acidity with Vaseline, slate, green apple, nectarine skin and citrus rind flavours. Very elegant and classy but a bit soft. Good mid-term aging potential or drink now.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Max Ferdinand Richter Wehlener Sonnenhur Riesling Spätlese 2003
Mosel, GermanyVaseline, mineral, slate-y, yeasty, lime rind, green apple, nectarine aromas. Ripe, round, delicious red apple, ripe peach, spicy, honey, and clover flavours. Great ripeness and fruit with balanced acidity but not for long ageing.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Joh. Jos. Christoffel Erben Ürziger Würzgarten Spätlese 2003
Mosel, GermanyVaseline, slate, lime rind, green apple, floral, clover aromas. Super crisp, zesty, crunch style with big red apple, lime, nectarine, floral, spicy, mineral, Vaseline flavours. Great finish and crispness with fruit. A must have for the cellar. Outstanding.Prices:| BC | $43.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $34.25 | 750ml |
| BC | $34.90 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Joh. Jos. Christoffel Erben Ürziger Würzgarten Kabinett 2003
Mosel, GermanyGreen apple, slate, mineral, spicy, citrus aromas. Very crisp, delicate, round and zippy with green apple, orange rind, mineral, green mango, honey flavours. Great fruit and acidity, worth cellaring for 10 years plus.Prices:| BC | $36.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $26.55 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Joh. Jos. Christoffel Erben Erdener Treppchen Kabinett 2003
Mosel, GermanyGreen apple, floral, light peach, mineral with a hint of Vaseline and orange. Ripe apple, citrus, peach, mineral, mango flavours with very good acidity and juiciness. Delicate, ripe and crisp; delicious now or age for 5-7 years. A spätlese in a Kabinett designation.Prices:| BC | $36.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $26.95 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Joh. Jos. Christoffel Erben Erdener Treppchen Spätlese 2003
Mosel, GermanyLook for pronounced mineral, wet cement, floral, orange and green apple skin aromas. It is ripe, round, crisp, fresh and elegant with lots of green apple, lime rind and mineral/wet cement/ and mango flavours. Very good length and acidity. A worthy cellar candidate for a decade or more.Prices:| BC | $43.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $34.25 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Mönchhof Erdener Treppchen Spätlese 2003
Mosel, GermanyFloral, slate, honey, citrus, spicy apricot aromas. Ripe, round, crisp, delicate palate with mineral, orange, mango, granny smith, honey, lime flavours. Great fruit, acidity and finesse. Will keep ain bottle and improve over the next 5 to 10 years.Prices:| BC | $43.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Mönchhof Ürziger Würzgarten Kabinett 2003
Mosel, GermanyFloral, honey, slate-y, green apple skin aromas. Crisp, round, delicate style with fresh acidity. Juicy green apple, green peach, orange, mineral, honey flavours. Super elegant but fruity and long with great acidity. Drink now or keep for 10 years.Prices:| BC | $36.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Montes Alpha M "La Finca Estate" 2001
Apalta Valley, Santa Cruz, Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileSappy, cassis, minty, chocolate, smoky chipotle, spicy, peppery, black cherry aromas with a strong vanilla streak. Rich, round, dry, somewhat tannic entry with good acidity and some heat. Big peppery, spicy, smoky oaky vanilla, cedar, tobacco, black cherry, cassis minty flavours. A bit hot but has good finesse, length and intensity with some tannins to shed. Needs 3-6 years.Prices:| AB | $75.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $88.43 | 750ml |
| QC | $86.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $86.44 | 750ml |
| NS | $83.50 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Quails' Gate Dry Riesling Limited Release 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFairly stark nose of mineral, green apple, green peach and slightly floral aromas. Extremely crisp, dry and fresh on entry with green apple skin, mineral, pear, slightly bitter citrus rind and fruit cocktail flavours. A delicate, dry style we do not mind but it may be too acidic and tart for consumers who shop in this price range.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Santa Rita Triple C 1999
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileTriple C was first released in 1997 and all 200 cases were sold to two customers. The '99 Triple C blends 35 percent cabernet sauvignon, 55 percent cabernet franc and 10 percent carmenère in a very elegant Bordeaux blend orchestrated by winemaker Ilabaca. Great colour. Very spicy, smoky, roasted chili pepper, chocolate, minty, cassis jam, leather flavours with some orange rind and spicy aromas. Rich, round, ripe fruit and a sense of elegance not often encountered in Chile with very spicy, chocolate, chili pepper, vanilla, leather, dried lychee and tobacco flavours. A big step in Chile's rise to international respectability.Prices:| BC | $31.00 | 750ml |
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25 March 2005
87PTS
Morandé Carmenère 2004
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileIt looks as if the '04 is carbon copy of the delicious 02. The fruit is again ripe and juicy with flecks chocolate and pepper. Very carmenère but ripe and the finish is smooth and dry with earthy peppery flavours. Still great value but available in government liquor stores at prices well below what the private store were selling it for.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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24 March 2005
93PTS
Marcarini Barolo Brunate 2001
La Morra, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyVery spicy, cardamom, peppery, floral, smoky tar nose with some black cherry, strawberry and resin. Ripe, round, dry and tannic but elegant. Very peppery, spicy, tobacco entry with lots of prune plum, smoky, mineral, coffee tar flavours. Elegant but quite dry and tannic at the end. Needs 5-7 years.Prices:| BC | $84.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $78.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $79.95 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Marcarini Barolo La Serra 2001
La Morra, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyVery spicy, floral, strawberry, barnyard, leather, prune and smoke aromas. Round, elegant, dry but supple with good finesse. Cherry, peppery, spicy, rein, toffee flavours with a flora, cassis, and prune finish. Warm and chewy with good fruit. A fine example for aging.Prices:| BC | $84.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $78.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $79.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Armador Carmenere 2003
Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileOwner Dan Odfjell, a Norwegian 'armador' (ship-owner) makes this Chilean carmenère with Maule Valley fruit. The colour is intense and the nose ― an enticing mix of pepper and blueberries. The flavours are similar with a touch of jalapeno too. The finish is dry and peppery with just a hint of chocolate. Bring on the pepper steak.Prices:| BC | $17.90 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Mitolo Serpico Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaAn unusual wine made with grapes picked at full ripeness then dried on racks for 5-6 weeks to gain an extra level of power and complexity, similar to Amarone. Fermented and then cooled to spend an extra 10 days on the skins before aging in French oak. Open spicy, leafy, licorice, cassis, chocolate, saddle leather and coffee aromas with some warmth. Rich, round, suave and slightly tannic with a tight core of acidity. Lots of cassis, mint, tobacco, saddle leather, vanilla, spicy licorice flavours with a rootsy, chocolate finish. Fine finesse and elegance but definitely on the warm side at 14.9%. Will need 2-4 years to fully smooth out.Prices:| BC | $70.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Mitolo Savitar Shiraz 2003
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaSpicy, peppery, garrigue, savoury, leather, licorice, blackberry, blueberry and vanilla nose. Rich, round, smooth and fat with a touch of alcohol. Very opulent with chocolate, vanilla, blackberry, blueberry, savoury, cardamom flavours and a spicy, earthy, smoky finish. A touch tannic but intense with a chocolate, smoky, peppery earth finish. Should improve over the next 2-5 years.Prices:| BC | $67.60 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Mitolo G.A.M. Shiraz 2003
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaSmoky, peppery, spicy, hot, vanilla, blackberry jam, minty, licorice aromas with floral, bacon notes. Rich, round, soft and a bit alcoholic with very spicy, blackberry jam, vanilla, violet, licorice, minty, smoky flavours. Very smooth, sexy style with some acidity and warmth with a chocolate and coconut finish.Prices:| BC | $54.65 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Mitolo Reiver Shiraz 2003
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaMade from grapes high up in the Barossa Valley hills, this has black licorice, smoky, oak, vanilla, resiny, gamey, black cherry and blackberry jam aromas with a touch of shoe leather. Rich, ripe, round and supple palate. Lots of smoky, vanilla, spicy, blueberry, blackberry, peppery, creamy, rootsy licorice flavours. Nice intensity with a touch of heat and acidity showing on the finish. Drink now style.Prices:| BC | $54.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $59.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Valdivieso Merlot 2003
Region del Valle Central, ChileThis is the seventh vintage of Valdivieso merlot we have reviewed and it remains consistently well made. Look for a ripe nose of cassis, leafy cherry fruit and spice and pepper. Its super soft as merlot should be with juicy fruity spicy black cherry fruit. Minty, tobacco and orange rind mark the finish. Hard to beat for the price.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.25 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Valdivieso Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 1999
Region del Valle Central, ChileBig open vanilla spicy resiny nose with big peppery cassis fruit aromas. Rich entry soft and smooth with barnyard and leather undertones and rich spicy vanilla prune plum flavours. Very impressive and still quite young. We like the extract and weight for the price. Ready to drink over the next 3 to 5 years.Prices:| BC | $21.50 | 750ml |
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22 March 2005
93PTS
Champagne Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle La Cuvée NV
Champagne, FranceVery fine effervescence. Brioche, floral, strawberry, mineral, nutty, toasty baked apple and creamy citrus aromas. Rich, round, crisp and fresh wit very toasty, nutty, creamy, floral, citrus, mineral flavours and a very creamy, quince, citrus finish. Young with finesse but needs 2-5 years to really strut its stuff. A 50/50 blend of pinot and chardonnay all from 100 per cent rated grand cru vineyards. The complexity and persistence are evidence of 3 great vintages blended in the current cuvee - 1996, 1995, 1993Prices:| BC | $122.90 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Laurent Perrier Brut Millésimé 1996
Champagne, FranceFine continuous mousse with a bright floral, green apple, toasted peach nose all mixed with honey, citrus, baked pear and brioche aromas. Rich, round, ripe but delicate and elegant with perfect acidity. Good toasty, baked apple, citrus, nutty, peach, honey, mineral flavours. Fine balance with the ability to improve and age for several years.Prices:| BC | $66.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Champagne Laurent Perrier Ultra Brut NV
Champagne, FranceThere is no dosage in this wine so the grapes are picked a little riper with slightly lower acidity. Light cherry, quince, citrus, pear, baked apple and creamy toast aromas. Very dry, round, elegant and crisp with nutty, toasty, mineral, green apple and citrus peel flavours. A touch simple but has nice finesse. It's mostly 1995 vintage plus some reserve wine (5-15%) so it actually could be vintage champagne.Prices:| BC | $69.90 | 750ml |
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13 March 2005
88PTS
Selaks Founder's Reserve Syrah 2002
Hawkes Bay, North Island, New ZealandBig espresso roast, smoky vanilla, mineral, licorice root, roasted bell pepper aromas with black cherry and saddle leather in the background. Rich, ripe, round and smooth with vanilla, espresso, black cherry, mineral, licorice, spicy, peppery, sausage flavours. Well balanced but a bit alcoholic and oaky with some fresh sour cherry on the finish.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Brancott Vineyards 'O' Chardonnay Ormond Estate 2002
Gisborne - Poverty Bay, North Island, New ZealandHoney, smoky vanilla, buttery, citrus nose with some floral notes. Rich, ripe, round, elegant entry but quite alcoholic with huge vanilla, butterscotch, spicy lees, citrus, baked apple, creamy mineral flavours. Good acidity and balance but somewhat over the top with oak and alcohol.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Matua Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Matheson Vineyard 2002
Hawkes Bay, North Island, New ZealandDeep black cherry colour. Huge green olive, spicy, smoky, tomato leaf, green cassis, vanilla, green cedar aromas. Soft, round, supple palate with elegance. Spicy vanilla, green olive, green bean, smoky coffee, bell pepper, cassis flavours. Nice elegance and balance but just too vegetative.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Oyster Bay Merlot 2002
Hawkes Bay, North Island, New ZealandSmoky oak, vanilla, coffee, cedar, black olive, spicy cherry aromas with a mint note. Rich, round, supple and smooth with very cedar, green bean, black olive, smoky coffee vanilla, pudding, roasted bell pepper flavours. Nice elegance but quite alcoholic on the finish with slightly elevated acidity. Very similar to BC merlot.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Villa Maria Gewurztraminer Private Bin 2004
East Coast, New ZealandRipe lychee, spicy, floral, peach, honey aromas with some clover and honey, very good nose. Ripe, rich, round, elegant style with light sweetness. Honey, floral, mineral, peach, lychee flavours with a long finish. Great for summer sipping or with Indian food.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Sacred Hill Whitecliff Riesling 2004
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandPerfumed, white floral, white peach nose with mineral, slate and green apple notes. Round, elegant, soft palate with floral, green apple, citrus, nectarine skin and slate flavours. Nice acidity, fresh and very elegant. Super attractive style for current drinking.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander's Crown 2001
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesVery spicy, cedar, cardamom, smoky, cherry cassis aromas with some vanilla and black olive. Dry, round, elegant entry with some grainy tannins. Lots of cedar, spicy clove, smoky vanilla, cherry, cassis flavours with a peppery, minty, olive, orange rind finish. A bit warm but full and elegant. Needs 3-5 years to round out.Prices:| BC | $45.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $39.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $39.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Seleccion Torre de Barreda 2001
Castilla-La Mancha, SpainSmoky, bacon, garrigue, minty, black cherry aromas with a sausage note. Rich, ripe, round and warm with light tannins. Very smoky, spicy, sausage, peppery, black cherry, chocolate flavours. Rustic and quite warm.Prices:| BC | $17.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Masia Hill Tempranillo de Penedes 2003
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainSmoky, cherry, tobacco, raspberry leaf, barnyard aromas. Soft, smooth, suave palate with cherry jam, gamey, smoky, licorice and strawberry flavours. Solid and well balanced, every day red from Spain that would pair well with a variety of foods.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Louis Bernard Côtes du Rhône Rouge 2003
Côtes du Rhône Villages, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceCherry, black raspberry, spicy, gamey, rootsy aromas. Rich, ripe, smooth and supple with lots of black cherry, spicy, peppery, mineral and kirsch flavours. Light tannins on the finish with good fruit intensity. Good value, should improve over the next year. Try with grilled ham or cassoulet.Prices:| BC | $14.90 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Bleasdale Frank Potts 2001
Langhorne Creek, South Australia, AustraliaAttractive espresso, coffee, peppery nose with vanilla, cassis jam, cherry, minty, saddle leather and cedar, waxy aromas ― almost Pauillac-like. Rich, ripe, round, supple and fat with some elegance. Lots of cassis, chocolate espresso, smoky vanilla, mineral, black cherry, spicy, black olive flavours. Ripe tannins, well balanced, should improve over the next 2-5 years. Worth trying and laying away.Prices:| BC | $31.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Bleasdale Shiraz / Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
Langhorne Creek, South Australia, AustraliaRipe cassis, blueberry, spicy, peppery, licorice, minty, vanilla, resiny aromas. Ripe, round, soft supple palate with leathery, chocolate, plum jam, blueberry, spicy, minty, green olive flavours. A bit acidic on the finish but fine fruit intensity and full flavoured. The blend is 68/32 shiraz/cabernet sauvignon. Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Mommessin Côte de Brouilly La Montagne Bleu 2003
Côte de Brouilly, Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceBlack raspberry licorice, spicy, mineral, smoky, floral aromas. Soft, round, dry and supple with mineral, black raspberry, licorice, peppery strawberry flavours. Elegant with a warm, slightly fresh finish.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Domaine de l'Oiselet Vacqueyras 2000
Vacqueyras, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceBlack raspberry licorice, spicy, mineral, smoky, floral aromas. Soft, round, dry and supple with mineral, black raspberry, licorice, peppery strawberry flavours. Elegant with a warm, slightly fresh finish.Prices:| BC | $23.49 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Jérôme Seguin Côtes du Rhône 2003
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceVery peppery, garrigue, sausage, meaty, smoky black cherry nose. Ripe, round, soft and supple with nice black cherry jam, mineral, smoky licorice, spicy game flavours. Solid and well made if a touch dry.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Pas Curtei 2003
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainBig mineral, gamey, licorice root, peppery, cassis, black cherry nose with some barnyard notes. Rich, ripe, chunky and intense with some tannins. Big peppery, spicy, smoky licorice root flavours with some mineral, cherry and cassis fruit finished with some vanilla. Big, rustic, well balanced cooler style for that grilled T-bone or veal chop.Prices:| BC | $18.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Castell de Falset Old Vines Selection 2000
Montsant, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainBlack cherry kirsch, smoky coffee, vanilla, peppery, sweaty saddle, blackberry aromas with some gamey, meaty notes. Rich, ripe, round, chunky palate but with dry tannins. Quite alcoholic and dry more black cherry, smoky coffee vanilla, peppery, licorice, gamey, mineral flavours. A bit disjointed and hot with a bit of acidity showing.Prices:| BC | $26.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Concha y Toro Marqués de Casa Concha Merlot 2002
Puente Alto, Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileBig smoky, minty, leafy, sappy cassis nose with some peppery, vanilla notes. Rich, round, dry and supple palate with very spicy, minty, cassis, cherry, smoky vanilla, peppery, licorice flavours with some coffee on the finish. A bit green overall but has good balance.Prices:| BC | $22.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.50 | 750ml |
| SK | $19.89 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Ridge Quartage 2003
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaSmoky, spicy, vanilla, leafy, cedar, green olive aromas with blackberry and cassis underneath. Dry, rich, round, slightly tannic entry with elevated alcohol. Good smoky, spicy, coffee, vanilla pudding, black cherry, cassis jam, minty pepper flavours. Quite balanced and elegant despite the high alcohol. Good value.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
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12 March 2005
87PTS
Sandhill Small Lots Program Three Burrowing Owl Vineyard 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaButterscotch vanilla pudding, espresso, black cherry jam, kirsch, smoky pepper aromas. Ripe, round, smooth and quite dry on entry with massive smoky, coffee, peppery, vanilla, black licorice and cherry flavours. Quite alcoholic and dry on the finish with big oak. Let's hope the oak recedes over the next few months and let's the fruit really shine thorough.Prices:| BC | $29.49 | 750ml |
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84PTS
La Chamiza Shiraz Malbec 2004
Mendoza, ArgentinaGamey, savoury, spicy, black cherry, barnyard aromas. Soft, round, supple, slightly sweet palate with rootsy, gamey, mineral, black cherry, peppery flavours. A bit alcoholic but has some intensity. A best buy party red.Prices:| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
La Chamiza Cabernet Merlot 2003
Mendoza, ArgentinaEarthy, peppery, rootsy, cassis, smoky nose. Soft, round, supple entry with a touch of sweetness. Ripe cherry, cassis, minty, peppery, spicy licorice flavours. Good intensity and balance for an inexpensive wine. Very good value.Prices:| BC | $7.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $7.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sacred Hill Whitecliff Rosé 2004
New ZealandDeep pink raspberry. Cherry, floral, minty, mineral aromas with some pear notes. Round, elegant, crisp but slightly sweet entry with green apple, citrus, peach, cherry, minty mineral and tomato leaf flavours. Quite crisp finish but well balanced.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Morgadio Albariño 2003
Rías Baixas, Galicia, SpainMorgadío (means only son in Gallego) has that typical Albariño floral, mineral, honey, quince nose streaked with wet slate aromas. Round, delicate, dry, fresh palate with honey, slate, green apple, spicy, white flower flavours. Dry, succulent finish with some finesse. Try with lighter seafood like grilled sole, scallops or light pasta.Prices:| BC | $26.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Kressmann Rouge NV
FranceSpicy, cherry jam, licorice, earthy tobacco aromas. Soft, round, dry style with earthy tobacco, spicy, licorice, black cherry flavours. Simple, easy barbeque or dinner wine.Prices:| BC | $10.40 | 1000ml |
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84PTS
L'Epayrie Rouge NV
FranceCedar, barnyard, earthy, leafy nose. Soft, round, easy sipping red with some cedar-y, tobacco, earthy, light cherry flavours. Simple, entry level Euro-red that is ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $8.40 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Black Opal Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
South Australia, AustraliaPeppery, leafy, gamey, savoury, cassis nose with some bell pepper and rubber. Soft, round, supple palate with cassis, minty, leafy, peppery, blueberry resin flavours. Obvious acidity and alcohol in the finish makes it appear drier than it might be.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Black Opal Cabernet Merlot 2002
South Australia, AustraliaBlueberry, blackberry, licorice root, leafy, slightly rubbery nose. Soft, round, supple and slightly sweet with minty, leafy, cassis, blueberry, licorice, rootsy resin flavours with elevated acidity on the finish. A bit like a cross between cranberry and cassis.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Château Val Joanis Rosé 2003
Côtes du Lubéron, Provence, Sud de France, FranceCitrus, nectarine skin, cherry, mineral, floral, strawberry aromas. Ripe, round, soft, fresh and elegant with nectarine, cherry, mineral, floral, spicy flavours with a crisp, fruity, lengthy finish. A rose with some intensity and good acidity. Bravo.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Langhorne Crossing Dry Red 2003
Langhorne Creek, South Australia, AustraliaSmoky, stewed vegetable aromas with pepper and briary, black berry aromas. Soft, round, slightly tannic on entry with some sweetness and black cherry jam notes. Spicy, licorice, minty, leafy flavours with fresh acidity mark the finish. Like most of its ilk from Australia in this price range but it does come with a screwcap closure.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Santa Carolina Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileSweaty saddle, peppery, leafy, resiny, boot aromas. Soft, round, slightly tannic entry with some sweetness and acidity. Very dry, leafy, tobacco, leather, resiny flavours. Not a lot here ― disappointing.Prices:| BC | $8.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Du Peloux Merlot Carignan 2003
Vin de Pays de Vaucluse, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceCherry, floral, gamey, licorice, tobacco aromas. Soft, round, slightly dry with light tannins. Spicy, cherry, mineral, orange peel and tobacco flavours. Dry, fruity, easy going style with a touch of acidity on the finish.Prices:| BC | $12.98 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Du Peloux Ugni Viognier 2003
Vin de Pays de Vaucluse, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceFloral, ginger, mineral, green apple skin nose with a touch of citrus. Round, soft, warm, almost Alsace style with mineral, baked apple, caramel, floral, spicy, quince flavours. Could use a touch more vibrancy but otherwise solid and it represents fair value.Prices:| BC | $12.98 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Du Peloux Grenache Cinsault Rosé 2003
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceFloral, spicy, burnt sugar, slate, cherry aromas. Round, mouth filling, somewhat sweet style with good acidity. Cherry, quince, floral, mineral spice flavours. Easy going, fresh style with a crisp finish. Summer days and picnics.Prices:| BC | $12.98 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Casillero del Diablo Carmenere 2003
Region del Valle Central, ChileDark cherry colour. Leafy, minty, peppery, tobacco, chocolate, resin aromas with a touch of cassis. Dry, slightly tannic and chunky entry. Green olive, mineral, minty, smoky, resiny, coffee vanilla flavours with some cedar-y, plum notes. Quite rich, could use a year to tone down.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.30 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Frontera Merlot 2004
Region del Valle Central, ChileSavoury, cedar, minty, leafy tobacco, resiny nose. Very round, smooth supple palate with crushed leaf, minty, spicy, tobacco, smoky flavours and a touch of black fruit on the end. Cool and green but suave and ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $8.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $8.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $8.28 | 750ml |
| NB | $8.83 | 750ml |
| PEI | $10.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $8.97 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Frontera Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2004
Region del Valle Central, ChileBlack olive, minty, earthy, spicy, smoky leather nose. Soft, dry, round entry with very spicy, pepper, cassis, minty, cedar-y flavours. Cheap but cheerful. Try with a flank steak or burger.Prices:| BC | $8.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $15.95 | 1500ml |
| AB | $8.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $8.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $8.28 | 750ml |
| ON | $8.05 | 750ml |
| QC | $9.60 | 750ml |
| NB | $8.83 | 750ml |
| NS | $9.45 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Arrowleaf Zweigelt 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLeafy, minty, orange rind, raspberry nose with some cool vegetal notes. Soft, round, dry and supple with minty, orange, tomato leaf, sour cherry, spicy flavours. Easy-drinking juice with decent balance.Prices:| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Arrowleaf Merlot 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCool caraway seed and minty nose with very smoky oak vanilla, roasted tomato notes. Soft, round, smooth palate with light tannins. Very smoky oak, caraway, cherry, resiny, tomato flavours. Well balanced if somewhat green and oaky.Prices:| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
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11 March 2005
93PTS
Batasiolo Barolo Vigneto Boscareto 2000
Piedmont, ItalyGood nose with very tarry, cigar tobacco, spicy, coffee, chocolate, cedar, cherry jam and a hint of truffle and orange peel. Rich, very ripe and round but with finesse. Fine peppery, spicy, tobacco, tarry, resiny, strawberry jam flavours and a licorice finish. Quite big but good concentration and balance. Needs time, perhaps 5-8 years. A more classic style. Prices:| BC | $77.95 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Batasiolo Barolo Vigneto Bofani 2000
Piedmont, ItalyVery spicy, strawberry jam, floral, violet, tobacco, earthy aromas with some weedy cassis notes. Rich and round with ripe tannins and good acidity structure. Spicy, cherry, strawberry, peppery, tar flavours. Long, rich, and ripe with good finesse and elegance. Prices:| BC | $77.95 | 750ml |
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10 March 2005
88PTS
Batasiolo Barolo 2000
Piedmont, ItalySpicy, floral, resin, tobacco, caraway, cherry and strawberry jam aromas. Rich, ripe, soft tannins but dry. Spicy, tar, licorice, strawberry, peppry ,tobacco flavours. Good concentration but quite dry on the finish. Needs 3-4 years to round out.Prices:| BC | $38.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $38.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Batasiolo Barolo Vigneto Cerequio 2000
Piedmont, ItalyNice spicy, tarry, cedar, tobacco, coffee and strawberry jam aromas with some licorice and green bean notes, quite aromatic. Rich, ripe, round and somewhat tannic but balanced. Cherry, tarry, smoky, cedar, tobacco, peppery licorice flavours fill out the palate. Elegant but dry and classic. Will improve over the next 3-8 years. Prices:| BC | $77.95 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Batasiolo Barolo La Corda della Briccolina 2000
Piedmont, ItalyPeppery, spicy, vanilla, coffee, barnyard, heavy tar, smoky, cherry jam aromas with some mushroom, cedar, licorice and mulberry notes. Rich, concentrated, and big with ripe tannins. Big licorice, peppery, cherry jam, orange rind, spicy, tar and tobacco flavours. Good acid and concentration if a bit hot on the finish. Excellent potential, needs 5-10 years.Prices:| BC | $77.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Cremisse Alto del Carmen NV
ChileA pisco-based coffee, cream liqueur. Rich, fat, round, creamy liqueur with a supple, big creamy, mocha, coffee, prune and dried orange peel flavours. A great alternative to Bailey's and not quite so sweet.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Las Lomas Pais (Organic) 2003
Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileSaddle leather, cherry jam, orange rind, smoky, rootsy, barnyard, slightly cooked prune aromas. Dry, chunky, somewhat tannic entry with smoky, dried lychee, licorice, prune, peppery flavours. Rustic, warm style.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Las Lomas Sauvignon Blanc (Organic) 2004
Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileFloral, melon, mineral, grapefruit rind, light grassy nose but lacks intensity. Dry, round, crisp entry with grapefruit rind, grassy, mineral, minty, herbal flavours. Quite a tart finish with a flinty character. Lacks a fresh fruit character perhaps due to its natural cork closure.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Racines Sauvignon Blanc (Certified Organic) 2004
Valle del Lontué, Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileGrapefruit, grassy, gooseberry, smoky mineral aromas. Round, dry, full entry with a touch of sweetness but good acidity. Good grapefruit, mineral, ripe gooseberry flavours with a smoky, kiwi, grassy finish.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Casa Viva Sauvignon Blanc 2004
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileBig smoky, bell pepper, gooseberry, mineral, light grassy aromas, very like Marlborough. Crisp, round, balanced entry with good elegance. Very good grapefruit, guava, smoky, mineral, gooseberry flavours with a touch of grass and kiwi. Excellent fruit and intensity. Buy by the case; very good value.Prices:| BC | $15.50 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Vina Casas del Bosque Sauvignon Blanc 2004
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileBig smoky, canned jalapeno, gooseberry, grassy, grapefruit aromas with a flinty, green apple note. Crisp, dry, round entry with smoky bell pepper, grapefruit juice, mineral, granny smith flavours and a gooseberry, green melon finish. Very sauvignon, good intensity but a bit more aggressive style.Prices:| BC | $17.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Vina Casas del Bosque Pinot Noir Reserve 2002
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileCool minty, orange rind, stewed rhubarb, smoky vanilla, saddle leather aromas with a spicy, floral, cherry background. Round, dry, elegant entry with very light tannins. Good black cherry, smoky plum, vanilla, rhubarb, minty, spicy flavours with fresh acidity on the finish. Definitely on the cool Casablanca side of pinot but the balance and elegance is attractive in the glass.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Lovelvan ( Organic) 2003
Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileSmoky, barnyard, reductive, sweaty horse and black cherry aromas. Dry, chunky somewhat tannic entry with peppery, spicy, smoky, black cherry, orange flavours and a dry, acidic finish. It may be organic but it needs some cleaner fruit character to impress us.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Martinborough Vineyard Pinot Noir Martinborough Terrace 2002
Martinborough, Wairarapa, North Island, New ZealandBig gamey, rootsy licorice, barnyard, compost, carrot top, candied orange rind and dried cherry nose. Ripe, round, supple and elegant with ripe black cherry, orange peel, spicy, mineral, licorice, smoky oak, worsteshire flavours with a licorice, minty finish. Great mouth feel and balance if a bit funky on the nose.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Pegasus Bay Pinot Noir 2001
Waipara Valley, South Island, New ZealandGreat black cherry colour. Smoky vanilla, spicy, compost, orange aromas with intense black cherry, strawberry jam fruit and a touch of barnyard. Fat, rich, round, supple entry with very good balance and light tannins. Ripe black cherry, licorice, smoky vanilla, spicy, compost flavours with a bit of sour cherry, black raspberry on the finish. Great intensity and balance. Very attractive New World pinot that hits the mark.Prices:| BC | $52.95 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Isabel Sauvignon Blanc 2004
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandCorked, very dull, try another.Prices:| BC | $27.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir 2001
Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesSweaty saddle, minty, stewed veggie, smoky vanilla aromas with some black cherry. Rich, round, chunky entry but some elegance with light tannins. Nice black cherry, orange, rhubarb, minty, smoky vanilla, mineral, barnyard compost flavours. Much better in the mouth with good fruit and balance but the nose is poor. Overpriced for what you get.Prices:| BC | $60.90 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Schug Pinot Noir Carneros 2002
Carneros, Sonoma County, California, United StatesBarnyard, cherry, raspberry jam, smoky, floral, spicy, cardamom aromas. Ripe, round, elegant, delicate style with some dry, light tannins and a bit of alcohol. Smoky vanilla, licorice, black cherry, spicy, carrot flavours with fine intensity but a touch warm and dry in the finish.Prices:| AB | $27.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Quails' Gate Pinot Noir Limited Release 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRipe black cherry, smoky, saddle leather, spicy, vanilla aromas with a peppery note. Rich, round entry but quite dry with some tannins. Very smoky, oaky vanilla, black cherry, worsteshire, prune plum, peppery flavours with a very dry, cedar-y, slightly tannic entry. Lots of promise but we would like to see some of the oak recede and let the pinot fruit slip through.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Pepperwood Grove Pinot Noir 2002
California, United StatesBig minty, stewed rhubarb, smoky vanilla cedar, black cherry, spicy barnyard nose. Rich, soft, round, supple style with smoky vanilla, cedar, black cherry jam, minty, orange rind flavours. A bit too oaky but has good balance and some decent pinot fruit. Good value.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.75 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Firesteed Pinot Noir 2001
Oregon, United StatesSmoky prune, black cherry, candied orange rind, rhubarb nose. Soft, round, supple entry with smoky, strawberry jam, prune flavours with some oak vanilla and stewed rhubarb. Easy-drinking, uncomplicated introductory style pinot noir from Oregon.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
De Loach Pinot Noir 2001
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesTea leaf, smoky, minty, cherry, barnyard, leafy compost aromas. Ripe, round, supple and dry with light tannins. Good cherry, strawberry, smoky vanilla, rhubarb, compost and mint flavours with some tea and mineral. Well balanced, fairly ripe with good pinot character. Good value.Prices:| BC | $26.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.95 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Weibel Green Hungarian NV
California, United StatesFoxy, canned asparagus, grapefruit, sweaty rind aromas. Sweet, round, soft entry with canned grapefruit, candied green apple and sweaty socks. Not our cup of tea.Prices:| BC | $15.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sebastiani Pinot Noir 2003
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, United StatesBlack cherry jam, smoky vanilla, spicy clove, toasty coffee aromas. Rich, ripe, round and supple with smoky, vanilla, spicy, black cherry, cedar, licorice root flavours and some orange rind and cream on the finish. Well balanced and supple if oaky.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Sacred Hill Whitecliff Sauvignon Blanc 2004
New ZealandSmoky, flinty, guava, green melon, grapefruit aromas with a floral, grassy undertone. Ripe, round, elegant palate with some richness. Good acidity with more grapefruit, mineral, smoky green apple and guava fruit flavours. A classy elegant sauvignon with good intensity and a touch of jalapeno on the finish.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
| Alberta | $15.75 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.65 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Coyote's Run Pinot Noir Reserve 2003
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaIntense smoky oak and toasted vanilla nose with leather, stewed plum and spicy, rhubarb nose. Dry, tart, rich entry with very smoky, oaky, resiny, rhubarb, black cherry, leather and spicy flavours. Supple and round but the fruit is totally overpowered by the oak. There is potential here but less new oak or less toasted oak would seem to be the way to go in the future.Prices:| BC | $32.95 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Woodbridge Sauvignon Blanc 2003
California, United StatesSweaty lees, mineral, dirty socks nose with little or no fruit and some burnt matchstick undertones. Round, soft, flat entry with some grapefruit rind, lees and mineral flavours but the fruit intensity is low with a bitter rind finish. No joy here.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Woodbridge Merlot 2002
California, United StatesSimilar to the '01 this mostly Lodi red offers up a spicy, earthy herbaceous nose with a touch of carrot top. The entry is soft and round with cedar-y, leafy, sour cherry fruit flavours. All in all it's an easy-sipping red made for pizza, ribs or chicken.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.25 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.55 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Kressmann Blanc NV
Spicy, floral, bell pepper, grapefruit, grassy aromas. Soft, round, fresh palate with grapefruit, mineral, green melon, light grassy flavours. Simple, round and easy-sipping summer white.Prices:| BC | $9.90 | 1000ml |
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82PTS
L'Epayrie Blanc de Blancs NV
Floral, green apple, spicy lemon oil nose. Soft, round, slightly sweet entry with light apple, spicy lees, mineral, and lemon toast flavours. Simple sipper for big parties and blending.Prices:| BC | $7.68 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Caliterra Sauvignon Blanc 2004
Region del Valle Central, ChileThe latest form Caliterra opens with grapefruit/melon aromas streaked with green peach and mineral. It's a dry crisp, elegant bodied wine with mineral, grapefruit, grassy, gooseberry flavours and a big citrus, green apple finish. An oyster wine with some intensity, if dry.Prices:| BC | $11.40 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Errazuriz Sauvignon Blanc 2003
Valle del Curicó, Region del Valle Central, ChileMineral, light smoky flint, anise, grapefruit, grassy, floral nose. Dry, fresh, round entry with canned grapefruit, mineral, kiwi, grassy anise flavours. A touch bitter and rind-y on the finish but nevertheless a solid white.Prices:| BC | $13.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Casillero del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc 2003
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileGooseberry, mineral, grapefruit aromas with a green melon note. Round, fresh, elegant style with canned jalapeno, grapefruit, mineral flavours with a touch of bitter grapefruit rind on the finish. Well balanced overall and offering good value.Prices:| BC | $12.45 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.50 | 750ml |
| SK | $12.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.30 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $12.42 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Doña Paula Los Cardos Sauvignon Blanc 2004
Ugarteche District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaRoasted jalapeno, grapefruit, lemon, herbal aromas. Dry, round and elegant on entry if a bit lean overall. Good gooseberry, jalapeno, grapefruit, green apple and smoky mineral flavours. A bit too tart on the finish but has with fine finesse and should work well with most seafood dishes.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.50 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Frontera Sauvignon Blanc 2004
Region del Valle Central, ChileClean fresh grapefruit, mineral aromas mixed with green apple and grassy notes. Fairly dry on the palate with big grapefruit rind, mineral, grassy flavours and a light bell pepper, asparagus finish. Clean, fresh crisp and varietal. Excellent value here but they have missed a real opportunity to be in screwcap and assure everyone each bottle is sound.Prices:| BC | $14.94 | 1500ml |
| AB | $12.99 | 1500ml |
| SK | $16.99 | 1500ml |
| MB | $15.55 | 1500ml |
| NS | $17.95 | 1500ml |
| NF | $17.99 | 1500ml |
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89PTS
Batasiolo Barbaresco 2000
Piedmont, ItalyA fine floral, cherry jam, tobacco nose streaked with coffee and spicy, savoury, mushroom notes. Dry, round, elegant Piemontesi style with fairly ripe, grainy tannins. Rich flavours of pepper, spicy, black cherry, coffee, smoky, tobacco and almond flavours. Drinkable now but will be best in 3-5 years.Prices:| BC | $35.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $31.95 | 750ml |
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07 March 2005
90PTS
Howard Park Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
Western Australia, AustraliaTobacco, peppery, smoky, cardamom notes mixed with saddle leather, minty, cassis and coffee vanilla aromas. Round, dry, soft structure with light, supple tannins. Good cassis, spicy, coffee, peppery, cigar, vanilla and cedar flavours with a black olive, cedar-y, and minty finish. Elegant with nice finesse, drink now or will improve for 2-5 years.Prices:| BC | $59.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Howard Park Shiraz Scotsdale 2001
Great Southern, Western Australia, AustraliaMade from a single vineyard in Frankland the Scotsdale shiraz sports an excellent dark cherry colour. Open spicy, savoury, black cherry jam, blackberry, smoky, vanilla, roasted pepper nose. Soft, round, supple and elegant if a bit warm. Big black cherry, licorice, smoky, vanilla, white pepper, orange rind, blueberry and leather flavours. Long, flavourful and supple, ready to drink but should keep for 2-5 years. Just a bit acidic on the finish.Prices:| BC | $34.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Madfish Shiraz 2002
Western Australia, AustraliaThis is a better Madfish with raspberry, spicy, white pepper, meaty, leafy floral aromas and a soft dry, smooth texture. Look for big spicy, white pepper, black raspberry, mineral, orange peel flavours streaked with juicy plum and jasmine. It a bit high in acidity but it has balancing fruity confiture flavours. A perfect fit for duck or goose or even turkey. Solid value.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Madfish Sémillon Sauvignon Blanc 2003
Western Australia, AustraliaMadfish hits all the right buttons with its sauvignon sémillon blend. Think fresh white flowers, gooseberry, mineral and green apple notes from the sauvignon with just an undercurrent of honey and grassy grapefruit from the Semillon. On the palate the wine is round with fresh, lively citrus fruit, mineral, melon and grapefruit flavours. Drink it now, good value.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.95 | 750ml |
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05 March 2005
90PTS
Arbor Crest Syrah 2002
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesGreat black cherry, black raspberry, peppery, spicy, licorice, savoury, smoky aromas. Rich, ripe, sweet, round and supple with big spicy vanilla, peppery, black cherry jam, black raspberry, licorice, smoke and nutmeg flavours. A bit alcoholic but great fruit and mouth feel for near term consumption. Good value.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Arbor Crest Merlot 2001
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesSmoky, coffee, bell pepper, green olive, tobacco, peppery, cherry and sandalwood aromas. Rich, round, dry, slightly tannic entry and a touch tight. Resiny, spicy, peppery, vanilla, coffee, black cherry, black olive flavours. A bit young, needs 2-3 years to round out but not big and fruity.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Quails' Gate Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig buttery, smoky oak nose with vanilla, nut and honey aromas. Fat, round, soft entry with buttery, vanilla, hazelnut, spicy lees and honey flavours. Quite warm and oaky with some balance but lacks fruit and freshness overall. There is segment of the market still drinking this style chardonnay but we are looking for more vibrant fruit and acidity.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
De Loach Chardonnay 2002
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesMineral, garlicky lees notes streaked with vanilla, spicy, green apple aromas. Elegant, round, dry entry with more buttery, mineral, spicy lees notes and plenty of nutty, lemon, honey flavours mixed with butterscotch and baked apple. Fine intensity and balance but ready for drinking.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $22.75 | 750ml |
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82PTS
La Chamiza Chardonnay 2003
Mendoza, ArgentinaMineral, peach, almond, light lees aromas. Dry, light bodied, round with mineral, citrus rind, nutty peach flavours. Simple, low intensity and inexpensive.Prices:| BC | $6.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $7.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
David Kinor Chardonnay 2003
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceA fully-certified Kosher (Mevushal) wine. Lemon oil, mineral, honey, spicy peach aromas. Round, soft, elegant palate with mineral, honey, burnt caramel, baked apple flavours and a touch of heat on the finish. Easy drinking, forward style.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Finca Los Primos Chardonnay 2004
San Rafael, General Alvear, Southern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaClean fresh citrus nose with green apple, peach and buttery passion fruit aromas. Round, dry, fresh and zippy with mineral, citrus, green apple, pear and light lees flavours. Solid and inexpensive.Prices:| BC | $8.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay Vintner's Reserve 2003
California, United StatesHoney, citrus, spicy lees, vanilla, baked apple and pineapple aromas. Round, rich, slightly sweet entry with good acidity and freshness. Good smoky, leesy, vanilla, buttery, baked apple, peach and pineapple flavours. Good intensity with a butterscotch and citrus finish, slightly older style. Made with cool Santa Barbara, Monterey and Sonoma fruit.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $12.49 | 375ml |
| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Sebastiani Chardonnay Dutton Ranch 2003
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesCreamy, spicy lees, vanilla, toasty nut, citrus, green apple and honey aromas. Rich, round, oily and fresh but elegant with smoky, buttery, vanilla, creamy nutty lees with baked apple, spice and honey on the finish. Quite intense and fat, great intensity but the acidity is a touch soft. Drink now and enjoy over the next year.Prices:| BC | $42.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Sacred Hill Whitecliff Chardonnay 2004
New ZealandFresh citrus, honey, lemon, peach fruit with a bit of guava fruit and some lees. Dry, elegant, fresh and full flavoured with mineral, green apple, light lees, smoky, nutty, vanilla flavours with a bit of honeyed guava on the finish. Delicious with well balanced acidity. Very good value and all under screw cap. Another reason to pay more attention to New Zealand chardonnay.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Coyote's Run Vidal Icewine 2003
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaBarrel fermented. Big apricot, marmalade, citrus, shower curtain, mineral aromas with a touch of egg yolk and vanilla cream. Rich, ripe, round and fat with sweet peach, creamy vanilla, marmalade, candied citrus peel, pineapple flavours. There is plenty of intensity here in a fat, sweet showy icewine.Prices:| BC | $44.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $40.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Woodbridge Chardonnay 2003
California, United StatesLight leesy, mineral, flinty, green apple nose with floral aromas with a bit of ripe pear. Round, fresh, balanced with a touch of oiliness and some sweetness. Good spicy lees, mineral, baked apple, citrus, nutty flavours. A touch sweet but one of the best Woodbridge Chardonnays we've tasted in sometime.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.55 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Geil Ortega Trockenbeerenauslese Bechtheimer Pilgerfad 2003
Rheinhessen, GermanyMineral, floral, spicy, green apple nose with peach, egg yolk aromas, a hint of nectarine and sweaty grapefruit. It is rich, round and intense on the palate yet elegant with soft acidity. Ripe orange, dried apricot, mineral, nectarine, green apple, citrus peel and cream flavours. Nicely balanced with better acidity showing on the finish with great fruit. Drink this over the next 1-3 years while fresh.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 375ml |
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90PTS
Marques de Casa Concha Chardonnay 2003
Pirque, Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileGreen apple skin, mineral, lees, vanilla, guava aromas with a floral hint. Round, elegant, crisp but slightly oily with mineral, buttery lees, vanilla, green apple, honey and citrus flavours. Quite zippy but well balanced with some finesse. Good value.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $17.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Doña Paula Los Cardos Chardonnay 2004
Ugarteche District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaMineral, grapefruit, green apple, light lees aromas. Ripe, round, fresh and slightly sweet with some oiliness. Grapefruit, mineral, green peach, butter and spicy lees flavours. The finish is dry and tangy but well balanced. This is an attractive entry-level chardonnay especially suited to seafood dishes.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.50 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Frontera Chardonnay 2004
Region del Valle Central, ChileFresh citrus rind, green apple, melon nose with a bit of buttered peach. Soft, round, fresh and slightly sweet with baked apple, mineral, peach and grapefruit rind flavours. Simple, easy, attractive style chardonnay at a very fair price.Prices:| BC | $8.45 | 750ml |
| AB | $8.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $8.25 | 750ml |
| ON | $8.05 | 750ml |
| NB | $8.83 | 750ml |
| NF | $8.87 | 750ml |
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04 March 2005
87PTS
Villiera Chenin Blanc 2004
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaRipe melon, watermelon, guava, mineral, pear, mint aromas. Very fruity and tropical. Round, soft, fresh palate with a touch heat. Light oak, mineral, bell pepper, guava, floral flavours with some butter and grapefruit. Sound, fresh and fun it sip.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Graham Beck Shiraz 2002
Robertson, Breede River Valley, South AfricaSmoky, resiny, saddle leather, gamey, blackberry and black cherry aromas. Soft, round, dry and supple with smoky leather, vanilla, spicy chocolate, blackberry jam flavours with a touch of resiny prune on the finish. A bit hot but smooth and good intensity. Has a bit of tannat, viognier and mourvèdre added. Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Warwick Three Cape Ladies 2001
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaThree ladies is a cabernet, merlot pinotage blend. Look for a green bean, olive, cassis nose streaked with peppery, cardamom, vanilla, smoky saddle leather nose with some tobacco. Dry, round, somewhat tight with a bit of acidity and heat. Smoky vanilla, coffee, minty, green olive and green bean flavours mixed with cassis and tobacco. Nice elegance and finesse but fairly oaky, lean and green - more old Bordelaise than cutting edge.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Boekenhoutskloof The Wolftrap 2003
Coastal Region, South AfricaSpicy, gamey, cherry, peppery, clove, floral black raspberry aromas with a touch of cassis and almond. Round, dry, fairly soft palate with some heat showing. Good black cherry jam, gamey, black raspberry kirsch, vanilla, mocha, smoky pepper flavours. A very ripe Rhone-style red, a la Chateauneuf-du-Pape yet elegant with good flavour intensity. Good value here.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Porcupine Ridge Syrah 2002
Coastal Region, South AfricaSpicy, white pepper, resin, smoky black berry nose with some roasted bell pepper and floral notes. Round, elegant, dry with smoky, gamey, roasted pepper flavours with a blackberry, minty, spicy finish. Quite smooth, forward, well balanced if somewhat dry at the end. Good value. Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Fairview Viognier 2003
Paarl, Coastal Region, South AfricaHoney, mineral, ginger, citrus rind, leesy, floral nose. Dry, round, slightly fat texture with good acidity and balance. Spicy, ginger, orange peel, butter, honey mineral flavours with just a hint of bitterness in the finish. We like the fruit and best of all it's not to fat.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Miguel Torres Santa Digna Sauvignon Blanc 2003
Valle del Curicó, Region del Valle Central, ChileSlate-y mineral, lime rind, wet wool notes mark the nose with a smattering of butter, melon and gooseberry and light, bell pepper notes. Rich, round, fresh and elegant with fine grapefruit, mineral, gooseberry, Granny Smith apple flavours and a slight bell pepper, grassy finish. Zippy, fresh and a big step up over the last 2 vintages.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Joseph Drouhin Laforet Bourgogne Chardonnay 2002
Burgundy, FranceMineral, wet wool, leesy, green apple skin and citrus aromas. Dry, round, elegant and fresh with crisp acidity. Nice green apple skin, lees, mineral, pear and anise flavours with some citrus peel on the finish. Attractive and ripe crisper style. Solid inexpensive white Burgundy.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Joseph Drouhin Chablis 2003
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceStrong citrus lime, green apple, slate, mineral, light lees aromas with some peach pit. Rich, ripe, round and crisp but elegant. Concentrated baked green apple, lees, mineral, butter, lime and pear flavours. Classy, ripe and balanced. Textbook.Prices:| BC | $28.25 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Joseph Drouhin Beaune Premier Cru 2000
Beaune, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceTea, black cherry and barnyard aromas mixed with licorice and leather on the nose of this 1er Cru. Soft elegant Beaune style with medium weight, dry French cherry fruit, rootsy smoke flavours and cedar bark in the finish. Some class but ready to drink now.Prices:| BC | $43.90 | 750ml |
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03 March 2005
85PTS
David Kinor Syrah 2002
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceA new kosher wine to the market. Spicy, smoky, prune, cooked berry and barnyard aromas. Soft, round, smooth texture and dry with prune, smoky, cherry, resin, licorice flavours. Very round and ready to go but the fruit is a bit on the cooked side.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Collage Zinfandel - Shiraz 2000
California, United StatesSpicy, peppery, blackberry aromas with a hint of chocolate and earth. Smooth, round, dry and soft with peppery, licorice, black cherry, earthy prune flavours. Tangy finish despite a flat mid-palate. We pine for a younger vintage at this point.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Serame Syrah 2002
Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceCorkedPrices:| AB | $10.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Cape Jaffa Shiraz 2001
Mount Benson, Limestone Coast, South Australia, AustraliaSlightly reduced nose with sausage, gamey, wet tobacco, rootsy, licorice aromas mixed with pepper and cooked blackberry aromas. Dry, rich, smooth with ripe but obvious tannins; will need more time to settle down. Lots of peppery, spicy, smoky vanilla, licorice root, black cherry, eucalyptus flavours. Good intensity and balance but needs a few years to soften the tannins. Best if decanted to express the fruit.Prices:| BC | $25.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
McLarens on the Lake Shiraz 2002
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaSmoky, bacon, blackberry jam, mocha vanilla, minty cedar aromas. Dry, round, soft and a little bit lean but well balanced. Big mocha, spicy cedar, vanilla, peppery, black cherry, licorice smoky resin flavours. Great colour and a touch of acidity on the finish will make this a great barbeque wine. Great value.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Black Opal Shiraz 2002
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaSpicy, black cherry, black berry fruit nose with some vanilla, bacon and pepper. Soft, round, smooth and slightly tannic with light acidity. Smoky, mocha, black cherry, mineral, licorice, vanilla flavours with a touch of sausage. Sound but lacks the excitement factor.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Finca Flichman Syrah 2004
Mendoza, ArgentinaTypical spicy, meaty, gamey, peppery notes with smoky blackberry aromas. Soft, round, dry, smooth palate with meaty sausage, minty, spicy, peppery, black cherry flavours with a mocha juicy finish. Warm and full but well balanced. Great value. Be sure to open 30 minutes early whenever possible and get some air on it.Prices:| BC | $9.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Sebastiani Zinfandel 2001
Sonoma County, California, United StatesRich spicy, white pepper, licorice nose streaked with blackberry jam, and smoky mocha briary notes. Rich, ripe, round and full bodied with some ripe, grainy tannins. Lots of blackberry jam, stewed plum, vanilla, coffee, licorice and pepper flavours. Good old style zin that will benefit from 1-3 years of aging.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Smoking Loon Syrah 2002
California, United StatesJasmine, smoky, meaty, blackberry, peppery, saddle leather aromas. Smooth, warm, round, rich palate with smoky, prune, chocolate, stewed plum, blueberry, minty vanilla flavours and a slightly acidic finish. Attractive for the price.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Thorn-Clarke Terra Barossa Shiraz 2003
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaCooked, stewed fruit, pruny nose with a dry, very warm palate with blackberry, stewed prune, licorice, smoky flavours. Has richness but definitely somewhat oxidized. We will re-taste this one in case the cork was faulty.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Ridge Shiraz 2003
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaRich spicy, white pepper, blackberry, blueberry nose with smoky, vanilla and saddle leather notes. Rich, ripe, round palate with some grainy tannins and very warm finish. Big blackberry jam, rootsy licorice, vanilla, smoky pepper, blueberry flavoured palate. Intense and a bit alcoholic with some acidity and tannins to shed. Needs 1-3 years to soften up. Solid.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Angove's Red Belly Black Shiraz 2002
South Australia, AustraliaCorked.Prices:| BC | $17.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Herder Merlot Bellamy Vineyards 2003
Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLawrence Herder the former Golden Mile winemaker is making his own wine in the Similkameen Valley and his first merlot has an open smoky, mocha, chocolate aromas mixed with leafy, herbal, spicy, dill and noticeable alcohol. Rich, round, dry, supple tannins with big chocolate, vanilla, smoky, pudding and black cherry flavours with some minty, cedar notes. Very warm finish but has lots of flavour and oak. Quite intense and young needs more time to develop in bottle.Prices:| BC | $18.90 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Ironstone Vineyards Old Vine Zinfandel 2001
Lodi, Central Valley, California, United StatesPeppery, spicy, pruny, black berry and prickly chocolate aromas. Soft, round, simple palate with light, dry tannins. Black berry, stewed prune, licorice, cedar bark and chocolate flavours dominate. Finish is very hot, dry and slightly acidic. A big fat commercial zin that would be fine with pizza, ribs et al.Prices:| BC | $19.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.49 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.33 | 750ml |
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April 2005