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Tastings: May 2005
27 May 2005
89PTS
L'Ecole No 41 Syrah 2002
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesL'Ecole first started messing with syrah in '99. With expanded plantings across the state they have put together a very attractive Columbia Valley version blended from four vineyards: Milbrandt Vineyard (Wahluke Slope); Seven Hills Vineyard (Walla Walla); Bacchus B5 (Columbia Basin); and Willard Family Farms (Prosser). The '02 is the first release and it looks to be a winner with it super slippery tannins and rich plummy black fruit. Its mouth filling spicy fruit flavours are sure to be a hit with consumers. Serve with a grilled lamb chops and Portabello mushrooms.Prices:| BC | $52.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $47.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
L'Ecole No 41 Merlot 2002
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThe Columbia Valley merlot is a blend of vineyards from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain and Yakima Valley. There are small amounts of Seven Hills Vineyard cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon and amazingly carmenère. The nose is very hedonistic. Look for ripe cherries and cream with an all-spice undertone. After that black plums and black raspberries dominate with just enough juicy cranberry fruit to keep the finish interesting. Very solid Washington merlot.Prices:| BC | $52.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $47.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mission Hill Five Vineyards Pinot Blanc 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWinemaker John Simes has nailed the '04 Pinot Blanc and I suspect its all about vineyard control. Mission Hill was painfully slow off the mark to commit to estate vineyards but you can see now why it pays to have complete control over your fruit. This is quintessential British Columbia pinot blanc fresh and lively with bright citrus and pineapple fruit and none of those bitter skin contact fruit cocktail flavours. Best of all the winery has cranked out thousands of cases and it's available in government liquor stores at a price ($12.99) that few if any B.C. wineries can match for the quality. Oysters please or maybe some simply grilled halibut. I do have one question...where's the screw cap?Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $12.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.49 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.90 | 750ml |
| NB | $12.79 | 750ml |
| NS | $11.44 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.95 | 750ml |
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26 May 2005
90PTS
Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
Sonoma County, California, United StatesMany believe 2002 is a better vintage than 2001 in California; the '01 Rodney Strong cab bears out such thinking. The nose is an enticing mix of black fruits and coffee with a strong cherry/vanilla aftertaste. The textures are rich and soft with plenty of ripe cassis and vanilla in the finish. You can drink it now or hold it through 2010 and that is a very good sign. Well done.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.05 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Wellbrook Blue Oak Blueberry NV
British Columbia, CanadaAgeing blueberries in oak may give the wine a fatter richer texture in the mouth but it kills the fruit in our opinion and in this case impregnates the wine with an unpleasant resiny odour and aftertaste. Stick to the pure fruit version.Prices:| BC | $12.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Wellbrook Blueberry NV
British Columbia, CanadaThe un-oaked wine is the winner here with true blueberry pie aromas and minty blueberry fruit flavours. I like its fresh attack on the palate and the acidity tends to keep the sweetness in check. Well done and a relative bargain at $12.95. If you can imagine a blueberry reduction sauce with venison or wild boar you could easily sip this wine along side too.Prices:| BC | $12.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
L'Ecole No 41 Semillon 2003
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesOwner Marty Clubb says they have been tightening up their viticulture over the past seven years and you see it in this juicy sémillon that mixes about 13 per sauvignon blanc into the blend for some extra lift. The Columbia Valley version is a blend of several vineyards including the likes of Klipsun, Yakima Bend Ranch, Fries Desert Wind, Charbonneau Vineyard, Double River Ranch, Vanessa's Vineyard and L'Ecole's estate plot Seven Hills Vineyard. We like the crisp vibrant entry, its fresh green apple skin and kiwi fruit flavours with just a whiff of orange rind and honeysuckle. There's a pinch of resin in its creamy finish.Prices:| BC | $30.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Casa de la Ermita Jumilla (Purple Capsule) 2003
Jumilla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainThe Jumilla wine-growing region is a large area in south-eastern Spain and home to Casa de la Ermita Jumilla (Purple Capsule). The blend is a hefty mix of mourvèdre, merlot, tempranillo, syrah and cabernet sauvignon that is not only tasty but inexplicably $4 less per bottle this year. Look for a robust, chewy red with earthy cooked fruit flavours, rich grainy tannins and a warm spicy, baked cherry fruit finish. Well done.Prices:| BC | $18.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
L'Ecole No 41 Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesTypically big and firm the L'Ecole cabernet has a spicy, peppery, blackberry jam nose with black olive and resin undercurrents. It's rich and round with 'sweet' cassis jam flavours flecked with pepper, coffee and vanilla. Ripe Bordeaux or cool California cabernet take your choice the mix is sublime and well worth drinking. Cellar for another three to five years.Prices:| BC | $52.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $47.95 | 750ml |
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25 May 2005
87PTS
Arrowleaf Red Feather 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRed Feather is a refreshing blend of pinot noir, merlot and auxerrois with a pale salmon colour. The aroma is a mix of mint and strawberry with a hint of minerality. Quite fresh and round with just enough sugar and acidity to keep your interest. A perfect summer patio wine and that's two vintages in a row. Well done.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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23 May 2005
90PTS
Kendall-Jackson Merlot Grand Reserve 2002
California, United StatesSpicy, black cherry, tobacco, olive, cedar aromas with a cherry cola and vanilla undercurrent. The styling is round and supple thanks to a new extended cold soak prior to fermentation. The flavours are a spicy mix of black cherries, with flecks of chocolate and tobacco. Love the balance and weight and it has fine intensity. Drink now or hold for up to three years. The fruit is a rigourous selection of the best lots 45/31/24 from Mendocino / Sonoma and Napa counties.Prices:| BC | $47.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $47.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Esk River Sauvignon Blanc 2004
Hawkes Bay, North Island, New ZealandThe '04 Kiwi vintage was long and warm promoting fine ripeness in this the first ever release of the Esk River sauvignon label. Expect a clean, bone dry sauvignon with plenty of grassy, mineral flavours with classic gooseberry and lime rind touches. Very tightly wound. Would be perfect with oysters. Super fresh and clean. Good value but not a style for all wine consumers.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Rock Rabbit Sauvignon Blanc 2004
Central Coast, California, United StatesRock Rabbit isn't Sancerre nor does it pretend to be. In fact it's just the opposite. A touch of zippy gewürztraminer sets the tone for this ripe fruity sauvignon with the pink grapefruit and peachy honeysuckle fruit flavours. Rich warm and easy sipping it would best with spicy (Indian) food or solo as a party sipper.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Elkhorn Peak Cellars Pinot Noir FCV 2002
Napa Valley, California, United StatesAnother vibrant fresh lively pinot from the Jamieson Canyon in southeast Napa. The style is cool and elegant with vibrant black fruit characters and just a hint of spice. The 02 is a complete effort with fine weight and acidity to accompany its silky black fruit flavours. There's just a hint of forest floor in the background to add some depth and texture to its mouthfeel. Certainly a new name to look for in Canada.Prices:| BC | $34.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Finca Antigua Tempranillo 2002
La Mancha, Castilla-La Mancha, SpainFinca Antigua is a new project in La Mancha for Rioja-based Martinez-Bujanda. This is fruity tempranillo with a touch of warmth and a dusting of vanilla and spicy earth. The structure is medium bodied with a touch of dryness in the finish. Break out the cheese, olives and tapas and have a party.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Pago Malarina Vallobera 2002
Rioja Alavesa, Rioja, SpainA bit old style on the nose showing rootsy, earthy forest floor notes mixed with meaty, black fruit scents. The entry is fresh, there is plenty of acidity, and the textures are firm and well balanced throughout. Stylish if simple Rioja Alavesa made for food. Serve with roast pork.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Berberana Dragon Tempranillo 2002
Castilla-Leon, SpainSmoky, resin, spicy, black cherry jam nose with a bit of leather and chocolate. Dry, soft, round entry with very similar flavours. A bit lean on the finish but sound for the barbeque. Grilled chicken pieces would be perfect here.Prices:| BC | $11.80 | 750ml |
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22 May 2005
88PTS
Elkhorn Peak Cellars Pinot Noir FCV 2001
Napa Valley, California, United StatesExpect a fragrant, enticing ripe pinot fruit nose to grab your attention from the start. The flavours are a mix of forest floor and spicy ripe black cherry fruit with a touch of green tea. Supple textures and slippery tannins make this a true mouth-filling pinot. Fine effort and well worth the money.Prices:| BC | $34.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Jacob's Creek Reserve Shiraz 2001
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaWhat a delight to taste Oz shiraz that is ripe yet not over-extracted. The entry is soft and sweet with spicy black fruit undertones. The textures are sleek. The fruit comes off select parcels grown at Padthaway, Clare, Langhorne Creek, Bordertown, McLaren Vale, Barossa and Coonawarra all perfectly melded into a blockbuster red that offers fine value. Well done.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Jacob's Creek Shiraz 2002
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaThis has winemaker Phil Laffer's touch: soft, ripe, sweet plummy fruit with blueberry, cedar bark and spice nuances. Easy to sip or serve with grilled meats or chicken. Good value for inexpensive Oz shiraz.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Delicato California Shiraz 2003
California, United StatesThis 3000 ml box of wine with a high tech spout is a very pleasant style red. The dark fruit flavours with a touch of blueberry are ripe with bits of earth and spice. It has a touch of tannin and dryness in the finish but nothing that would not disappear around the barbecue. Well done.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| Canada | $46.50 | 3000ml |
| AB | $11.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $13.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.45 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.55 | 750ml |
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85PTS
King Fish California Shiraz 2003
California, United StatesAnother bargain California shiraz this time with blueberry and cedar bark notes on the nose and in the flavours. Soft with a bit of mid-palate dryness and a chalky chocolate finish. The perfect summer barbecue red that also comes in a 3000ml Bota box with a high- tech spout. Good value.Prices:| Canada | $36.00 | 3000ml |
| BC | $10.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $9.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.95 | 750ml |
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21 May 2005
89PTS
Pepi Sangiovese 2001
California, United StatesThe first sangiovese in California arrived with Italian immigrants along the North Coast in the late 19th Century. The Pepi sangiovese has an enticing fragrant nose laced with leather and ripe cherry aromas. Similar flavours mark its silky palate with a touch of barbera added to firm up the acidity and finish. Impressive and extremely well suited to a variety foods.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
L'Ecole No 41 Apogee Pepper Bridge 2002
Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesNorm McKibben planted the original ten acres of Pepper Bridge back in 1991 on three feet of wind blown loess over sedimentary rubble. The '02 Apogee a blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc reflects the soil in its elegant Bordeaux style. Look for a fragrant, peppery, black fruit and coffee aromas with more black berry fruit and earthy licorice leather notes. Very refined edges with soft slippery tannins. Impressive mouthfeel and finish.Prices:| BC | $74.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $67.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Elkhorn Peak Cellars Pinot Noir FCV 2000
Napa Valley, California, United StatesSlightly muddled nose with leanish black fruit aromas with forest floor and compost notes. There is some sweet fruit on entry but the flavours remain unclean with a gamy leathery profile. Soft and round but a bit too wild for most palates.Prices:| BC | $27.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $16.50 | 375ml |
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94PTS
Highland Estates Camelot Highlands Chardonnay 2003
Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesIt's hard to understand just how good California chardonnay can be until you taste one that really expresses its terroir. K-J's new Highland Series has whittled down the barrels and vineyards to a single elegant expression of Santa Maria fruit aged in only 30 per cent new French oak barrels. Its flavour intensity is off the scale yet the wine is polished, elegant and eminently worthy of the dinner table. Look for super, tropical fruit flavours and apple pie spiked with cinnamon and lime rind and finished with a creamy lees undercoating. Terrific to say the least. Drink now or through 2006.Prices:| BC | $48.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $36.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Kendall-Jackson Merlot Vintner's Reserve 2002
California, United StatesThe '02 is a tri-county blend of mountain, hillside and bench fruit from Mendocino, Sonoma and Napa counties. Look for cedar plums and spicy anise flavours flecked with dill coffee and cherries, ripe soft tannins and a firm dry peppery finish. Among California's best merlot for the price, it should continue to improve in bottle through 2006.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Gallo Sierra Series White Zinfandel 2004
California, United StatesLook for a pretty, fruit-scented nose of cherries and plums with fine acidity. The entry is fresh and the intensity fine. This is a solid, summer sipper that will double as a versatile food wine around the barbecue.Prices:| BC | $9.99 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Gallo Sierra Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
California, United StatesBits of syrah and zin serve to smooth out the textures of this soft-ish cabernet that doesn't offer a great deal of varietal character. The fruit is soft and sweet with a short finish. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $9.79 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $8.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $8.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $8.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $10.45 | 750ml |
| NB | $8.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $8.98 | 750ml |
| PEI | $10.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $9.95 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Gallo Sierra Series Chardonnay 2003
California, United StatesJust under 80 per cent chardonnay goes into the Sierra Series all of which is "picked on flavour." Look for muddled fruit flavours of apple and pear with a slightly bitter finish. Round soft, simple chardonnay.Prices:| BC | $9.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $9.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $8.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $8.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $11.45 | 750ml |
| NB | $9.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $9.98 | 750ml |
| PE! | $11.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $10.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Gallo Sierra Series Merlot 2003
California, United StatesThere's some grenache and zin in the mix here and it seems to give the merlot just the right amount of juicy fruit character. Soft round easy sipping with an herbal undercurrent the classic barbecue chicken red.Prices:| BC | $9.79 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $8.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $8.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $8.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $10.45 | 750ml |
| NB | $8.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $8.98 | 750ml |
| PEI | $10.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $9.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Gallo Sierra Series Sauvignon Blanc 2003
California, United StatesClean simple fruity style with lime rind and grapefruit undertones. Medium intensity and slightly off-dry flavours give it wide introductory appeal. Good value under $9.Prices:| BC | $8.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.49 | 750ml |
| SK | $9.29 | 750ml |
| MB | $7.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $8.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $10.45 | 750ml |
| NB | $8.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $8.99 | 750ml |
| PEI | $10.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $9.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Kendall-Jackson Cabernet Sauvignon Vintner's Reserve 2000
California, United StatesSpicy, olive, cassis, vanilla aromas with a streak of leather and caraway. Dry, round, lean structure with good peppery, spicy, cassis, black olive and vanilla flavours. Ageing very well at this pint and beginning to smooth out in the finish. A solid cab that is moving into its peak periods for consumption.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Kendall-Jackson Cabernet Sauvignon Vintner's Reserve 2001
California, United StatesA big step up from the 2000 VR. Black peppery, earthy, licorice, black fruit / cassis nose. Round, supple, dry and rich with very spicy, black peppery, vanilla, meaty, cassis flavours and a black olive, licorice, black berry finish. Good texture and concentration and lovely mid-palate weight. Drink now or keep for another couple of years.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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20 May 2005
93PTS
L'Ecole No 41 Perigee Seven Hills Estate 2002
Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesPerigee, a blend of the oldest blocks at Seven Hills mixes 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc into a savoury, cedar aroma with spicy lifted black fruit notes. Its vibrancy carries through onto the palate where more blackberry fruit, black pepper and smoky oak flavours round out the palate. Big and moderately tannic with ripe berry jam, pepper and orange spice notes in the finish. It's youthful and should improve over the next five to seven years. Well done.Prices:| BC | $74.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $67.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Regusci Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California, United StatesBig smoky, tobacco, peppery, olive, cigar, cassis and briar aromas. Rich, round, supple and warm with lots of spicy, cassis jam, blackberry, smoky tobacco, olive, vanilla and leather flavours. Nice elegance and length in a forward, open style ready to drink or hold for 2-4 years.Prices:| BC | $63.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Twenty Bench Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
Napa Valley, California, United StatesTwenty Bench Cab is a Jim Regusci production (Regusci Winery). He's buying top quality Napa grapes from a farm he manages and has his winemaker, Charles Hendricks, bottle it separately at a very affordable price. Look for peppery, spicy, chocolate, blackberry, cassis and leather aromas with a tobacco, smoky vanilla note. It is rich, ripe, soft and round with spicy, peppery, blackberry, black cherry and mocha flavours. Fine intensity and solid if a bit warm and simple. Good value. Drink now.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Township 7 Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen peppery, meaty, spicy nose with smoky, cassis aromas tobacco, mint and black olive. Dry, round, elegant but somewhat tight. Cassis, spicy, leafy, mineral, earthy, tobacco flavours. Nice finesse and balance but needs some additional fruit. Shoul dimprove in bottle over the next two to three years.Prices:| BC | $20.90 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Township 7 Syrah 2002
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky sausage, peppery, spicy, leather, black berry aromas. Soft, round, elegant style with black cherry, spicy, licorice, floral, roasted coffee flavours with a warm, peppery, leather mineral finish. Good finesse, supple, has some Rhone like similarities. An excellent interpretation of B.C. syrah. Sold out.Prices:| BC | $22.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Township 7 White Meritage 2003
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Meritage is 100 barrel fermented and blends 33 per cent sémillon with 67 per cent sauvignon blanc. Look for oaky, vanilla, buttery notes with rich honey, mineral, chalky, canned grapefruit aromas and some attractive fig and waxy lanolin hints underneath. Round, soft, slightly fat style with vanilla, honey, mineral, buttery fig flavours and a touch of bitterness. Lacks integration at this point and a bit of and concentration. Less oak would perhaps better express the fruit. Good effort.Prices:| BC | $17.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Township 7 Semillon 2003
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGrapefruit, melon, grassy, fig and mineral aromas mark the nose of this Black Sage fruit. Soft, round, elegant and fresh with grassy, grapefruit, buttery green melon and mineral flavours. Simple, dry white with a touch of bitterness in the finish.Prices:| BC | $14.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Pepi Chardonnay 2003
California, United StatesLight lees with spicy, green apple, floral and honey aromas mark the nose of this almost all stainless steel fermented chardonnay with an attractive citrus and mineral background. Round, smooth, and elegant with a touch of sweetness. Nutty lees, citrus, honey, spicy baked apple flavours and some orange mineral on the finish. A touch soft but lots of finesse, fruit and the screw cap is a great benefit.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Pepi Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
California, United StatesCedar, cassis, black cherry, coffee, saddle leather aromas with some black pepper. Ripe, round and dry with light tannins. Cassis, plum, coffee, peppery, earthy prune flavours with a bit of acidity on the finish. Good fruit and balance but finish is a bit dry and tannic. Will pair well with barbecued lamb or ribs. Contains 22. 6 per cent shiraz and 1 per cent grenache.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $20.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $20.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $20.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Pepi Sauvignon Blanc 2003
California, United StatesSmoky, mineral, grapefruit rind, and delicate pear fruit aromas. Soft, round, forward style with a touch of sweet lemongrass, grapefruit, kiwi, mineral flavours. The finish is slightly warm with a citrus rind thread throughout. Twist off the cap and sip all summer. Well made.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $20.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $20.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $20.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Pepi Shiraz 2002
California, United StatesBig rootsy, licorice, gamey, blackberry, smoky leather nose with a touch of cardamom. Big, rich and dry with ripe black cherry, spicy, sweet vanilla, smoky licorice root and plum pudding flavours. Dry and warm on the finish but quite suave with big fruit. Try with duck or lamb shanks.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $20.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $20.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $20.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Pepi Merlot 2002
California, United StatesCoffee, peppery, prune, cedar and tobacco aromas. Dry, round, elegant style with a touch of acidity and cedar-y tannins. Cherry, prune, coffee, cedar-y earthy flavours and a hint of chocolate in the finish. A solid red wine with a slightly austere finish.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $20.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $20.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $20.95 | 750ml |
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19 May 2005
96PTS
Benziger Tribute 2002
Sonoma Mountain, Sonoma County, California, United StatesThe second release of Tribute may be even better than the very fine inaugural 2001. Year two appears to have a finer tannin structure and a slightly softer demeanour - perhaps it's the increase in merlot from 11 to 21 per cent. The aromas mix licorice black olives and cassis with flecks of milk chocolate and tobacco. The entry is silky, the tannins soft and the flavour packed full of black cherries, earth, chocolate and tobacco. Tribute is aged for 19 months in French oak (35% new barrels) and approximately 1 year in bottle before release. It is unfiltered and unfined. The blend is 51/21/21/7 cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc and petit verdot. This one to lie away for a decade.Prices:| BC | $99.95 | 750ml |
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18 May 2005
91PTS
Palacios Remondo Rioja Propiedad H. Remondo 2001
Rioja, SpainBig spicy vanilla, pepper, licorice, smoky garrigue, leather, black cherry, gamey sausage nose. Rich, ripe, round and supple with smooth tannins. Warm with good acidity to balance, the spicy vanilla, black cherry flavours streaked with cassis, licorice, game and notes of garrigue. Delicious, elegant, round style with a spicy cherry plum vanilla finish. Drink now - five years.Prices:| BC | $42.90 | 750ml |
| ON | $39.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Alvaro Palacios L'Ermita 2002
Priorato, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainThe top wine from Alvaro, made from 80/20 garnacha and cabernet sauvignon and 16 months in new French oak. Floral, mineral, black cherry kirsch, gamey, resiny licorice, vanilla, spicy clove aromas with some black pepper bursts. Rich, round, fat style with ripe tannins but lots of grip and good acidity. Big plum, black cherry, chocolate, minty, mineral, peppery, spicy clove flavours. Balanced, dry and young with some finesse. Needs 3-10 years.Prices:| AB | $1000.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $620.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Alvaro Palacios Finca Dofi 2001
Priorato, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainLicorice, black cherry, smoky, very spicy clove, black olive nose mixed with tobacco, pepper, cassis and gamey vanilla notes. Dry, round, rich but elegant with grainy tannins and good acidity balance. Lots of spicy, black cherry, orange rind, smoky garrigue, tobacco and vanilla flavours with a clove, cinnamon, mineral finish. Nice finesse and length, needs 2-4 years.Prices:| BC | $110.90 | 750ml |
| QC | $113.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Hugel Gentil 2003
Alsace, FranceFloral, apple, mineral, grapefruit aromas. Round, soft, forward style with a slightly oily texture. Baked apple, slate, spicy, citrus rind flavours with a touch of pear. A rich, ripe wine suitable for a variety of spicy menu items.Prices:| BC | $18.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Hugel Gewürztraminer 2002
Alsace, FranceLook for a fine nose of rose petals, spicy sausage, grapefruit, canned lychee and mineral aromas. Round, elegant, soft palate with spicy, mineral, green apple skin, rose petal, sausage flavours and a light honey note on the finish. Delicate and balanced. This is stylish gewürztraminer.Prices:| BC | $27.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Hugel Sylvaner 2002
Alsace, FranceMineral, quince, pear and grapefruit aromas with an earthy streak. Dry, round, slightly lean entry but elegant. Green apple skin, mineral, grapefruit rind flavours with a bitter finish. Lacks ripeness.Prices:| BC | $17.95 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Hugel Pinot Blanc "Blanc de Blancs" 2002
Alsace, FranceCorked, try another bottle.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Domaine Carneros Brut Carneros Sparkling 2001
Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United StatesFine persistent effervescent mousse previews a bright peach, green apple skin nose with floral, nutty mineral notes. Crisp, round and fresh but a somewhat sweeter style brut. Baked apple, peach, mineral, honey, nutty toast flavours with a creamy finish. A bit sweet but full and round. A and very solid attractive style of bubble.Prices:| BC | $36.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $31.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Domaine Carneros Le Reve Carneros Sparkling 1998
Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United StatesLe Rêve, "The Dream" in French, is Claude Taittinger's dream of using the ideal Carneros growing climate to produce an ultra premium sparkling wine. Look for a fine continuous mousse with floral, citrus, nutty, anise and green apple skin aromas with a touch of toast. The styling is delicate and fresh with very citrus, pear, mineral, floral flavours. The finish is crisp and slightly sweet. Good finesse and balance but a bit short.Prices:| BC | $53.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $59.95 | 750ml |
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13 May 2005
93PTS
Atalon Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
Napa Valley, California, United StatesAs usual this is a deep, dark, brooding cabernet. The nose is a mix of mint chocolate and smoky, black berry jam with subtle vanilla edges. The attack is young and aggressive but the tannins are round and well managed. Still a baby but the black berry dusty olives and orange peel spikes speak to the exotic. Like the merlot you can drink this now but patience will be rewarded over the next five to seven years minimum. Solid front to back like the vintage. The fruit comes off a maze of vineyards sources at Veeder Peak, Stagecoach, Peter Michael, Beckstoffer Tokalon and Rutherford, Keyes-Howell Mt., Oakville Home Estate and Diamond Mt.Prices:| AB | $34.00 | 750ml |
| US | $35.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Atalon Merlot 2002
Napa Valley, California, United StatesAtalon appears to be blossoming under winemaker Tom Peffer whose Beringer Howell Mountain work history is proving useful at Atalon. Look for firm, dry earthy notes in the '02 merlot that give way to spicy, earthy, black fruit aromas. Rich and stylish on the palate with super plush textures and a rich fruity fat Napa undercarriage. Its smooth, round tannins dissipate into its warm, spicy mocha, cherry, clove, flavours. The structure is serious for merlot and despite some tantalizing fat supple characters it will require another three to five years to really begin to deliver to its full potential. Impressive merlot.Prices:| AB | $32.00 | 750ml |
| US | $25.00 | 750ml |
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12 May 2005
87PTS
Riscal Tempranillo 2002
Castilla-Leon, SpainMarques de Riscal has taken its Riojan tempranillo knowledge to selected vineyards within the vast Castilla y León region and the results are impressive. The nose is fresh with ripe berry fruit aromas of raspberries and cherries. The palate mixes fragrant, earthy, fruit tones with smoky spicy, black fruit and vanilla flavours with just a touch of heat in the finish. Grilled lamb chops will do here.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Mark West Pinot Noir 2003
Central Coast, California, United StatesCelery, black cherry, spicy, licorice aromas with light compost. Dry, round, supple and elegant with licorice, spicy, black cherry, leafy prune flavours. Easy-sipping style for current consumption.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Domaine de la Vougeraie Gevrey-Chambertin Les Evocelles 2002
Côtes de Nuits, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceGamey, celery, smoky vanilla, orange rind, forest floor, black cherry nose. Rich, round, elegant and dry with very light tannins. Smoky, spicy, celery, licorice, black cherry flavours with a touch of plum jam. Good intensity but young and dry - needs 2-4 years to settle down or serve with duck.Prices:| BC | $89.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Domaine de la Vougeraie Gevrey-Chambertin Bel Air 1er Cru 2002
Côtes de Nuits, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceSpicy, celery seed, smoky, black cherry, compost aromas. Round, medium weight, dry but elegant with light tannins. Nice cherry, plum, orange, raspberry, smoky vanilla flavours with a bit of compost. A bit tart but quite young, good intensity, needs 3-5 years.Prices:| BC | $99.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Domaine Carneros Pinot Noir 2002
Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United StatesIntense celery salt, cherry, orange peel, plum, smoky, barnyard aromas with some vanilla. Rich, round, warm and supple with warm blood orange, black cherry, vanilla, smoky, spicy, celery flavours with some orange pekoe tea on the finish. Fine length and flavours with a bit of dryness on the finish. Will improve over the next year or two.Prices:| BC | $39.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Fromm Clayvin Vineyard Pinot Noir 2002
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandThe Fromm winery has reached cult status in New Zealand famous for its three world-class pinot noirs - Fromm Vineyard, Clayvin Vineyard and the Reserve. Look for spicy, black cherry, barnyard, compost, saddle leather aromas with some celery seed. Soft, round, rich, warm and a touch dry with good acidity. Nice black cherry, cranberry, licorice root, smoky, spicy, celery and vanilla flavours. Good intensity and flavours.Prices:| NZ | $39.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Ata Rangi Pinot Noir 2002
Martinborough, Wairarapa, North Island, New ZealandSmoky, spicy, forest floor, sour cherry, plum. Ripe, round, supple and elegant with celery, raspberry, sour cherry, smoky vanilla and licorice flavours. Juicy, full finish with a touch of cranberry and bacon. Nicely done. Impressive bottle.Prices:| NZ | $60.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Kenwood Pinot Noir 2003
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesSmoky, vanilla cherry cola, compost, celery salt, warm saddle leather nose. Soft, round, supple and fat, very easy drinking. Black raspberry, strawberry jam, peppery, spicy vanilla, orange rind flavours with some licorice and forest floor. Fairly juicy, warm finish and ready to consume with that duck or turkey. Terrific value.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.55 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.75 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Domaine Moillard Pommard-Epenots 1er Cru 2002
Pommard, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceSmoky, cherry, compost and barnyard aromas flecked with vanilla and coffee. Dry, tart, round palate with light tannins. Spicy cedar-y, sour cherry and rhubarb flavours with more smoky vanilla highlights in the finish. It has fruit but it remains tart and dry - a disappointment for the vineyard and vintage.Prices:| BC | $79.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Domaine Moillard Savigny-les-Beaune 2002
Savigny-lès-Beaune, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceSmoky, earthy, spicy, pruny, vanilla, black cherry nose. Dry, tight, cedar-y tannins with light body. Green leaf, spicy, orange peel, cedar, mineral flavours with some rhubarb. Lacks ripeness and concentration. Simple French pinot.Prices:| BC | $35.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Concannon Pinot Noir 2003
Central Coast, California, United StatesCherry, floral, leafy, spicy, smoky aromas. Dry, round, warm palate but slightly tight with black cherry, licorice, floral, raspberry juice, spicy flavours. A touch acidic and resiny on the finish. Simple pinot at best. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $23.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.95 | 750ml |
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11 May 2005
86PTS
Osborne Solaz Tempranillo Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
Valdepeñas, Castilla-La Mancha, SpainExperienced wine drinkers would associate the Osborne name with sherry but this time out it is attached to the Solaz label an 80/20 tempranillo cabernet blend from Tierra de Castilla, Spain. This is a fruit forward tasty mix of grapes reminiscent of plums with a spicy earthy aftertaste. Well-priced to be served liberally around the barbecue.Prices:| BC | $12.35 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Hollick Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2004
Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaIntense 'cat on a gooseberry' bush mixed with thistle, bell pepper and smoky, lemon, seaweed aromas. Round, elegant and very crisp with oyster shell, bell pepper, grapefruit rind, lemony, mineral flavours. Super crisp and perhaps best served with mussels or oysters. Cool looking screwcap package.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Cuvée du Haut-Censy Muscadet Sevre et Main Sur Lie 2003
Muscadet, Pays Nantais, Loire, FranceBig honey, clover, citrus, watermelon, lime aromas. Dry, round, elegant, crisp palate with mineral, light lees, lime rind, green apple skin, and honey flavours. Good intensity and ripeness for Muscadet. A sophisticated drop for curious drinkers. Think oysters.Prices:| BC | $14.85 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Inniskillin Okanagan Pinot Noir Founder's Reserve 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHot, smoky, spicy, cola, black cherry, gamey aromas. Rich, ripe, big and intense but very alcoholic and tannic. Very resiny, smoky, vanilla, cola, peppery, spicy, black cherry flavours. Old fashioned, oaky stuff here and not the best style for pinot.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Inniskillin Okanagan Pinot Noir Dark Horse Estate Vineyard 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLicorice root, black cherry, spicy, smoky, barnyard aromas. Dry, lean, tight entry although reasonably balanced but tannic. Spicy, vanilla, peppery, licorice root, cedar-y, smoky oak flavours. Overly tannic and far too oaky for cool climate pinot.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Pinot Noir 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, spicy, candied, carrot top, cherry aromas. Round, dry, elegant but slightly tannic with smoky vanilla, cola, rhubarb, compost, resiny flavours. Very dry, tannic finish that would suggest it needs a few years to settle down but we would like more pure fruit and those plush pinot characters.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.85 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.59 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $18.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $17.51 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Mission Hill Pinot Noir Five Vineyards 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaStrawberry, cooked rhubarb, cinnamon, spicy, minty aromas. Dry, round, elegant, somewhat lean entry with cedar, rootsy, smoky, resiny, spicy, rhubarb flavours. There are some gamey, mineral notes on the finish. A good effort that is just a bit to tight and too green for pinot.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.50 | 750ml |
| SK | $14.98 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $13.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Orofino Pinot Noir 2003
Cawston, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAttractive floral, cherry, spicy vanilla nose with a smoky, compost undercurrent with a touch of rhubarb. Dry, rich, alcoholic with a chewy tannic structure. Big spicy, smoky vanilla, peppery, black cherry, cedar-y, stewed prune flavours. The nose shows promise but the textures are too dry and tannic. There's promise here especially if they decide to back off the 100 percent new oak.Prices:| BC | $29.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Blue Mountain Reserve Pinot Noir 2002
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, barnyard, cinnamon, smoky nose with streaks of celery top, mushroom/compost aromas and black cherry underneath. Dry, round, elegant palate but still a bit tight with earthy, spicy, smoky, mushroom, barnyard, stewed cherry and rhubarb flavours. Blue Mountain has consistently improved in bottle and we suspect this edition will be no different.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Blue Mountain Pinot Noir 2003
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, bacon, barnyard nose with black cherries, carrot top and licorice notes. The palate is dry and round with some elegance but the flavours are slightly lean mixing more rhubarb, mineral, smoky, resiny, raspberry flavours. The finished is a resiny with stewed cherry fruit. Solid but a bit thin on fruit.Prices:| BC | $23.90 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Blue Mountain Gamay Noir 2003
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRhubarb, sour cherry, earthy, smoky aromas with some reductive rubbery mercaptan notes - unclean. Dry, lean, sour palate and hot with sour cherry, spicy, licorice, resiny flavours. A disappointing effort perhaps due in part to an unusually warm vintage.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Danie de Wet Nature in Concert Pinot Noir 2003
Robertson, Breede River Valley, South AfricaGamey, smoky (South African scent) with raspberry, dried cherry, leather aromas. Very soft, supple round palate but warm with smoky, resiny, spicy, vanilla, gamey, dry compost flavours. Soft easy sipping ready-to-drink pinot.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Avalon Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
Napa Valley, California, United StatesPeppery, chocolate, blackberry jam, black cherry, spicy garrigue, vanilla, tobacco leaf aromas. Rich, round, slightly tannic entry with blackberry, cassis, chocolate, licorice, peppery, leafy tobacco flavours. Solid with lots of flavour but needs a year or so to soften the tannins on the finish.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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10 May 2005
94PTS
Signorello Pinot Noir Las Amigas Vineyard 2001
Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United StatesVery spicy, clove, black cherry, licorice root, compost, smoky cooked rhubarb and cinnamon nose. Rich, round, supple, elegant and warm. Big black cherry jam, peppery, spicy, clove, vanilla, licorice flavours with a touch of stewed rhubarb and strawberry vanilla on the finish. Very suave, well balance Burgundian style with the ability to age 2-7 years. Delicious.Prices:| US | $32.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Edge Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
Napa Valley, California, United StatesThe Edge cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from grapes grown near St. Helena and in the Oak Knoll district of the Napa Valley. look for smoky, black olive, peppery, cassis aromas mixed with sappy leaf and tobacco notes. Soft, round, dry and elegant but quite warm. Dusty cassis, peppery, clove, spicy, vanilla flavours. Good fruit, varietal, but quite young, needs a year or so to soften the grainy tannins. Straight -up Napa cabernet blended with 14 per cent merlot.Prices:| BC | $36.50 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Signorello Chardonnay Vieilles Vignes 2003
Napa Valley, California, United StatesEnticing attractive notes of butter, spicy lees, vanilla, melon, orange and baked green apples mark the nose. Rich, round, elegant and concentrated on the mid-palate with fine acidity. More buttery vanilla, cream, spicy lees and peachy/orange, quince flavours. Fine length and balance if a bit alcoholic in the finish. This is stylish Napa chardonnay.Prices:| BC | $59.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Signorello Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
Napa Valley, California, United StatesRipe peppery, spicy, saddle leather, blackberry jam, cardamom, Christmas pudding nose with some black olive and dusty chocolate highlights. Rich, ripe, concentrated and round with supple but grainy tannins. Big dark chocolate, peppery, cassis jam, blackberry, mocha vanilla flavours with some tobacco with a dusting of cherry cola on the finish. Very long and concentrated in the finish; should continue to improve for at least 10 more years.Prices:| BC | $72.99 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Signorello Padrone 2001
Napa Valley, California, United StatesBig open blackberry jam nose laced with licorice, dark chocolate, cigar, black olive, orange rind, pudding aromas with just a hint of mineral, violet and cassis underneath. Quite rich and concentrated with intense, fat, ripe tannins and more cassis jam, blackberry, chocolate, cigar and spicy orange peel flavours. The finish is a mix of creamy vanilla, toasted licorice with some dusty earth aspects. Ripe, long, warm but balanced with great acidity and length. Primo stuff and relatively good value. The '01 Padrone is a 77/13/10 blend of cabernet sauvignon merlot and cabernet franc.Prices:| BC | $150.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Signorello Seta 2003
Napa Valley, California, United StatesThis wine has become consistently reliable over the years. Look for honey, vanilla, spicy fig, buttery, citrus, dry lees and mineral aromas. Dry, round, elegant style but rich with buttery fig, grapefruit, green melon, honey, vanilla and spicy lees flavours. A bit young at this point to be sipping but it does have fine concentration. It will definitely repay another year or two of bottle ageing in the cellar.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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08 May 2005
87PTS
J. Lohr Cabernet Sauvignon Seven Oaks 2002
Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, Central Coast, California, United StatesLess oak than we can remember marks the peppery floral, cassis, black cherry nose of the '02 Seven Oaks. Most of the fruit comes out of the gravel/clay and limestone soils of Paso Robles. The structure is firm showing a flash of acidity and firm, dry tannins. Still youthful and best served with red meats at this point.Prices:| BC | $22.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $12.99 | 375ml |
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07 May 2005
88PTS
Lindemans Verdelho Reserve 2004
South Australia, AustraliaVery floral, aromatic, watermelon, spicy, grapefruit nose. Fresh, round, crisp and elegant but has some light oily textures with a touch of sweetness. Pink grapefruit, mineral, floral, green apple skin, pear flavours with a pleasant fruit finish. Fun summer sipper or serve with spicy Indian cuisine as they do exclusively at Vij's In Vancouver.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Spinelli Quartana Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2003
Abruzzo, ItalyGamey, earthy, cherry, tobacco, prune and sweaty saddle aromas. Smooth round texture but dry and lighter bodied with cherry, licorice, peppery, stewed prune, meaty resin flavours with some light rustic tannins and a bit of acidity on the finish. Simple but very affordable summer barbeque red.Prices:| BC | $7.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Racines Syrah (Certified Organic) 2003
Valle del Lontué, Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileReduced peppery sausage, savoury, saddle leather, licorice root aromas with some blackberry briar notes. Soft, round, supple entry but a bit dry and skinny in the finish. Cooler mineral, peppery, smoky sausage, savoury, blackberry flavours. Lacks a bit of generosity but it does have fine varietal character. The grapes are certified organically grown.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Racines Semillon (Certified Organic) 2003
Valle del Lontué, Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileGrassy, hay, grapefruit juice, mineral nose. Soft, round, elegant entry with fresh melon, grassy, grapefruit, mineral, light bell pepper flavours. Clean, simple style sémillon made with organically grown and certified for current drinking.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Batasiolo Barbaresco 2001
Piedmont, ItalyLight cherry colour. Cherry, floral, mocha, smoky, tobacco, almond and prune aromas. Dry, elegant, slightly austere entry with dry tannins. Nice cherry, floral, spicy, peppery, tarry, licorice flavours. Lighter than prior vintages but lots of tannins to help age. Needs food or keep for 4-7 years.Prices:| BC | $35.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $32.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Montes Folly Syrah 2002
Apalta Valley, Santa Cruz, Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileDark cherry colour. Intense licorice, smoky, peppery, gamey, black cherry, vanilla, saddle leather, garrigue nose. Rich, round, dry, fat and succulent hillside syrah. Very warm with big black cherry, vanilla cola, peppery, gamey fruit mixed with sweet roasted pepper, licorice root and ash. Long and fairly intense with very grippy tannins. Shows great potential but needs 5-7 years to soften.Prices:| AB | $73.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Montes Alpha Syrah 2002
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileBig smoky, peppery, spicy, roasted bell pepper, blackberry, coffee vanilla aromas. Rich, round, full bodied with somewhat aggressive tannins. Lots of smoky, coffee, peppery, black cherry, tea, roasted pepper and mint flavours. Young, well balanced and like most Montes Alpha wines needs 3 to5 years to further open up in bottle. Impressive value.Prices:| BC | $32.08 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.75 | 750ml |
| MB | $29.49 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Montes Limited Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenère Apalta Vineyard 2003
Apalta Valley, Santa Cruz, Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileBig minty, clove, tobacco, peppery, black olive, cool cassis aromas with smoky oak ― aromas not hard to imagine when you mix cabernet and carmenère . Rich, round, dry and slightly tannic. Black olive, minty, spicy, earthy, smoky vanilla flavours with a savoury, peppery coffee finish. Young, dry and bold style that will need a year or so to soften the tannins and oak.Prices:| BC | $20.58 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.61 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Montes Alpha Merlot 2002
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileMinty, spicy, black cherry, coffee, tobacco, resiny saddle leather nose. Rich, round, supple and suave with light grainy tannins. Lots of spicy, clove, vanilla, mocha, peppery, cedar, black cherry flavours with a warm, tight finish. Good intensity but needs 2 to 5 more years in bottle to fully develop.Prices:| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.20 | 750ml |
| US | $23.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Francis Ford Coppola Presents Presents Rosso Classic 2003
California, United StatesBig peppery, smoky, stewed prune, cedar bark, tea leaf, sausage and black cherry aromas. Soft, round, dry palate with light tannins. Warm blackberry, cedar bark, peppery, spicy, smoky resin flavours. Good barbeque wine.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Alpha Zeta 'A' Amarone della Valpolicella 2000
Veneto, ItalyBig smoky, tobacco, coffee, black cherry, meaty, kirsch, vanilla aromas. Rich, ripe, round and warm with very supple, suave but substantial tannins. Intense coffee, black cherry, licorice, tobacco, smoky vanilla flavours. Lots of ripe fruit and intensity with balance but needs 4-7 years. Very good potential. Amarone for the modern wine drinker.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
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06 May 2005
91PTS
LinCourt Pinot Noir 2002
Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesPerhaps the best LinCourt pinot yet the 2002 blends fruit from two Santa Barbara County vineyards; one in the Santa Maria Valley the other from the Santa Ynez Valley. The grapes are fermented in small open-top containers and the cap is punched down by hand several times a day. The result is an absolutely delicious and highly affordable pinot noir. Cherries earth and truffles seem to disappear into a sweet lush, fruity red with mouth filling textures. Buy this one by the case.Prices:| BC | $22.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Domaine de la Vougeraie Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2002
Côtes de Nuits, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceNot every plot of the Clos Vougeot is making the perfect pinot but Boisset's Domaine de la Vougeraie has to be happy with its single hectare parcel situated directly beneath Les Petits Musigny. It's pure silt soil littered with pebbles produces a warmly-coloured ruby red that goes through a 20 day pre-fermentation, cold maceration and eventually is aged for 16 months in 60 per cent new oak barrels. Just a whiff of vanilla fades into a fresh fruit medley of raspberries and black cherries. Rich round spicy long and all in a very youthful package. Long, stylish classic pinot that reminds one of the good old days of Red Burgundy. This will enjoy a long life in bottle.Prices:| BC | $179.99 | 750ml |
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05 May 2005
93PTS
Yalumba The Octavius Edition X 1999
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaAlmost a perfect year '99 was hampered by late season rains that made the harvest challenging. There is plenty of youthful exuberance here with the customary dark fruit cloves and cardamom on what is a tightly strung aromatic lifted nose. Chocolate covered berries preview some super vibrant fruit flavours. It is showing well even at such an early age and should continue to improve for a decade. The fruit sourcing (all shiraz) is 58/42 Barossa/Eden aged in 70 per cent new American oak. This will be a good Octavius.Prices:| BC | $90.95 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Yalumba The Octavius Edition IX 1998
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaLike the 1996 the '98 Octavius made with 100 per cent shiraz split 71/29 between Barossa and Eden Valley benefited from a perfect growing season. It was aged 22 months in 70 per cent new American oak and for the first time a touch of French oak. The wine has a strong muscular youthful edge with elevated tones of Christmas cake, cloves, and spicy floral fruit. This is a big powerful rich fruity red with gobs of sweet ripe fruit that will need a decade to settle down. Should be excellent.Prices:| BC | $72.95 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Yalumba The Octavius Edition V 1994
Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaMade with 80 per cent new American oak and 100 per cent shiraz split 53/47 between Barossa/Eden the 94 Octavius remains a blockbuster. The nose is intense with sweet cherry and vanilla scents. The fruit is highly concentrated showing more ripe cherry, licorice chocolate and plenty of power. Big warm and long in the finish. Should continue to plateau for another four to five years.Prices:| BC | $72.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Castillo de Almansa Seleccion 2000
Almansa, Castilla-La Mancha, SpainPeppery, licorice root, spicy clove, dark chocolate aromas streaked with saddle leather, black cherry and cedar. Dry, round and full on the palate with ripe tannins and grip. The flavours are spicy, black cherry, black raspberry, coffee and tobacco with some earthy, cooked berry notes. A bit warm on the finish but well balanced and showing some elegance. Fine length and good fruit flavours too. Drink now or over the next year or two.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Yalumba The Octavius Edition VIII 1997
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThe odd year vintage curse strikes again with '97. Little winter rain and above average summer temperatures challenged the vines of this 70/30 Barossa/Eden mix. Only 65 per cent new American oak went into this 100 per cent shiraz offering. Anise and pepper mark the nose while the flavour spectrum is pepper, licorice, tar, mint and vanilla. Not as polished as the good years but still intense and smooth; it should settled down into a fine old red over the next three years.Prices:| BC | $90.95 | 750ml |
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96PTS
Yalumba The Octavius Edition VII 1996
Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia A perfect season in Barossa accounts for the 72/38 fruit split between Barossa and Eden Valley. The colour is still dark and the nose ebullient. Look for vanilla chocolate, plums figs licorice and spice. On the palate, the textures are sleek and supple with gorgeous fine slippery tannins. Love the deep berry fruit flavours and the warm long velvety finish. Outstanding and one of the first year's to take advantage of the on-site seasoned wood.Prices:| BC | $72.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Yalumba The Octavius Edition VI 1995
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaA difficult drought year in Barossa left only the oldest vines capable of making it through the year. The '95 Octavius is 100 per cent shiraz all from Barossa aged in 70 per cent new American oak. Described by winemaker Jane Ferrari as 'dragging its chain' the '95 is slipping away. Dried resiny fruit flavours without much fruit at this point and a warm spicy finish. Almost port-like with caramel flavours in the finish. Drink upPrices:| BC | $72.95 | 750ml |
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03 May 2005
94PTS
Yalumba The Octavius Edition XIII 2002
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaJust bottled but already showing great promise - surely this will be a great Octavius. A perfect year it boasts dark brooding fruit with huge plummy, smoky, fruit aromas and flavours. Love the growing French oak presence (now 25 per cent) that tightens up the fruit and lengthens the palate. Lovely long smooth slippery tannins mark its ripe fruit and cherry vanilla finish. Super looking wine that will need a minimum decade to settle in. Won't be released until mid-2006.Prices:| CDN | $99.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Yalumba The Octavius Edition XII 2001
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaLook for a ripe dancing Christmas cake fruit nose with a mix of cedar, licorice and floral notes. Big young ripe the tannins are substantial yet fine grained adding to its velvety muscular structure. Just a baby but it has all the hallmarks of becoming something special in a decade. One to buy and lay away for a minimum five years. Definitely more restrained and focused with nearly 20 per cent new French oak.Prices:| CDN | $99.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Yalumba The Octavius Edition XI 2000
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThe millennium edition of Octavius looks as if it will be one to drink sooner, rather than later. Another challenging growing season albeit in an even year, 2000 ended with significant March rains. Its lifted savoury ripe fruit aromas are spiked with pepper, cloves and mocha. The flavours border on the resiny, licorice, cedar side with hints of raw black fruit. There is 10 per cent new French oak here (60 American) and it spent 18 months in barrel. You could drink it now or over the next five years. Prices:| CDN | $99.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Yalumba The Octavius Edition IV 1993
Eden Valley, South Australia, Australia A slight style change here with more Eden Valley fruit (70 per cent) versus 30 per cent Barossa in the blend and only 5 per cent cabernet. The nose is mature with plenty of vanilla, plums, licorice and prominent sweet oak - there was 75 per cent new American oak in the blend. Dense on the palate and still some gritty tannins on the finish. It's beginning to dry out showing some leanness on the mid-palate but still overall in good shape with some attractive chocolate notes in the finish.Prices:| CDN | $69.95 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Purple Angel by Montes 2003
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileI think most would agree that the Montes Purple Angel 2003, a mix of 92 per cent carmenère and 8 per cent petit verdot, has been well worth the wait. In the end Montes chose to blend of carmenère fruit that originates half from the home Apalta Estate and half from the exciting new plantings due west near the coast in a region called Marchigue. Montes says carmenère is a tricky variety. With its naturally low acidity and need to ripen very late if you wait to long it can be flabby but if you pick to soon it's too peppery and herbaceous. It would explain his decision to blend cooler Marchigue fruit to improve the structure and acidity of the super ripe mountain fruit of Apalta. The nose is an enticing mix of cherry vanilla aromas and savoury carmenère notes. Montes known for using French oak employs 50 per cent American wood with the carmenère because he thought the wine was sturdy enough and spicy enough to stand up to the powerful American oak. The wine itself is luxurious red with silky smooth textures and plenty of spicy, chocolate, black fruit and tobacco notes. Its suggested retail price is the US is $48. It is expected to appear in limited quantities in Canada before Christmas.Prices:| US | $48.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Montes Folly Syrah 2000
Apalta Valley, Santa Cruz, Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileListening to Aurelio Montes articulate his passion for his craft, you sense that "Montes Folly" was destined to be the name of this super Syrah from the moment he was told it could not be done in South America. Now five years down the road the original release has developed magnificently. More Rhone-like than ever it has become a rich, peppery red, brimming with sleek black fruit, licorice and chocolate flavours. Drink now or through 2010.Prices:| CDN | $80.00 | 750ml |
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June 2005