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Tastings: June 2005
30 June 2005
91PTS
Darioush Signature Shiraz 2001
Napa Valley, California, United StatesIt's hard to believe there are still a few bottles of this delicious peppery '01 shiraz in the market. It has a very balanced demeanour mixing sweet vanilla undertones with roasted meats, mocha and peppery cola flavours. The finish is long and polished with hints of cedar and tobacco. A stylish salute to owner Darioush Khaledi's homeland in Shiraz, Iran.Prices:| US | $64.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $115.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Darioush Signature Chardonnay 2003
Napa Valley, California, United StatesCalifornia Burgundy is the model here and the creamy leesy textures and 11 months sur-lies ageing with bi-monthly batonage points it in that direction. The palate is succulent and rich, by now Darioush trademark, with spicy nutty notes a la Corton Charlemagne. Similar to the viognier there is a streak of minerality that that keeps it refined and balanced.Prices:| US | $41.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $64.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Darioush Signature Viognier 2004
Napa Valley, California, United StatesThe Darioush viognier comes of the Ashley Vineyard in the Oak Knoll AVA of Napa Valley. Just released the nose is opulent offering persist floral/mineral notes with a powerful (14.9 alcohol) ripe apricot undercurrent. The textures are creamy; the flavours a mix of honeysuckle and mineral flecked with orange rind and more apricot. Well-made and leaner than previous editions making it much more food friendly. Think lobster, roast chicken or even spicy Indian dishes.Prices:| US | $34.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $59.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wynns Coonawarra Estate Chardonnay 2003
Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaWhite peach, melon, vanilla, baked apple aromas with a touch of citrus and smoke. Round elegant, slightly oily texture with a touch of sweetness. Spicy, vanilla, butter, baked apple flavours with some citrus, mineral and canned grapefruit notes. Fresh and ready.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $18.51 | 750ml |
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92PTS
McWilliam's of Coonawarra Stentiford's Old Vine Shiraz 2000
Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaThis super-premium Shiraz is sourced entirely from the original, 111 year-old vines on the acclaimed Laira Vineyard, and is named after Captain Stentiford, the English sea captain who established the vineyard in 1893. Look for big coffee, blackberry jam and licorice aromas streaked with saddle leather, pepper cedar, vanilla and mint. It is ripe, rich, round and dry with fine-grained tannins. An elegant style with elevated acidity and lots of vanilla, toasty oak, cedar, black cherry, rootsy licorice flavours. Nice peppery, tobacco, roasted pepper finish. Not a blockbuster style but has Coonawarra finesse. Will improve over the next 3-5 years.Prices:| BC | $74.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $75.00 | 750ml |
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29 June 2005
84PTS
Sunrise Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Region del Valle Central, ChileCassis, olive, dill, tobacco, leafy aromas. Very dry but smooth with sappy cassis, tobacco, smoky, black olive, briny flavours. Simple, cool style.Prices:| BC | $10.40 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.50 | 750ml |
| MB | $8.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $8.80 | 750ml |
| NB | $9.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $10.45 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Trivento Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Mendoza, ArgentinaBig game, meaty, smoky, black cherry, earthy nose. Rich, round and ripe but chunky with smoky, leather, plum jam, peppery, cassis flavours. Rustic style but good intensity of flavour.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.25 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.28 | 750ml |
| NF | $14.68 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Butterfield Station Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
California, United StatesTobacco, wet earth, smoky, peppery, meaty aromas. Ripe, slightly tart, round, rustic palate with smoky vanilla, blackberry, roasted earth, rootsy flavours. A bit muddled and simple.Prices:| AB | $9.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Santa Rita Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2002
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileIntense sappy, cassis, minty, peppery, tobacco nose. Rich, round, supple but chunk with earthy, cedar, cassis, peppery, olive flavours and a minty, iodine, licorice finish. Young and rustic, needs a year or so.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.86 | 750ml |
| SK | $16.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.53 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Santa Rita Cabernet Sauvignon 120 2003
Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileSappy cassis, saddle leather, smoky tobacco leaf aromas. Soft, round, supple style with cedar, cassis, smoky cigar, peppery olive flavours. A bit tight on the finish but solid.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.75 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.45 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.19 | 750ml |
| SK | $11.94 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Avalon Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
California, United StatesPeppery, smoky, blackberry jam, cassis, spicy vanilla aromas with some resin notes. Soft, round, dry style with light tannins. Very smoky, resiny, vanilla cola, coffee, blackberry flavours with a long, oaky vanilla finish. Warm but attractive consumer style. A bit of char-bucks red for coffee lovers.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
MontGras Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2003
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileVery peppery, minty, cassis jam, smoky earth, vanilla aromas with some olive hints. Dry, tight, slightly tannic and warm entry with resiny, cedar, peppery, smoky vanilla, tobacco, cassis flavour with an herbal, olive finish. Needs time and meat.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Wolf Blass Yellow Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
South Australia, AustraliaBlack olive, earthy, resin, smoky vanilla, leafy cassis aromas. Very dry, round, somewhat lean style with a slight tartness. Black olive, smoky, leafy, cassis, licorice flavours with a dry, tart finish. Not a lot of weight or plush-ness for the money.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Finca el Retiro Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
Mendoza, ArgentinaBlack cherry, blackberry, smoky vanilla, olive and leathery game notes. Smooth, round, rich style but quite dry with black cherry, licorice, smoky, tobacco, tart cassis flavours. Beefy style, try with a steak. Fair value.Prices:| BC | $13.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Columbia Crest Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesBig peppery, rootsy, black olive, cassis jam, vanilla, smoky coffee aromas. Round, dry smooth style with chocolate, cassis, smoky pepper, vanilla, spicy olive flavours. Warm with a slightly tannic finish, should be good over the next year or so - try with grilled lamb sausages. This wine has drop over $6 in price since the mid-1990s and now offers substantial value for quality cabernet.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Bellingham Our Founder's Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
Coastal Region, South AfricaIntense black olive, dill, leafy tobacco, smoky leather aromas. Very dry, warm palate with very earthy, smoky leather, mushroom, peppery tobacco flavours with an olive resin streak. Simple straight-up cabernet that lacks weight.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
R. H. Phillips Sauvignon Blanc 2003
Dunnigan Hills, Yolo County, California, United StatesSoft, round, fresh and crisp with a touch of sweetness but lacking intensity. Light green apple, canned grapefruit, spicy, mineral flavours. Clean and balanced with a very crisp finish. Solid wine; easy sipping, easy to open twist cap.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.50 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.24 | 750ml |
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28 June 2005
88PTS
MontGras Reserva Quatro 2003
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileBig spicy, minty, smoky, sappy cassis, tobacco, black olive aromas. Rich, round, smooth palate with grainy tannins. Peppery, spicy, smoky vanilla with olive and cassis flavours and a bit of cedar. Good intensity but tannic at the end, needs 2 to 3 more years of bottle age or a big beef dish.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Palandri Boundary Road Shiraz 2002
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaBig meaty, spicy, gamey, chocolate, licorice aromas with some black cherry. Smooth, round, supple style with fragrant dill, tobacco, black cherry, and licorice and smoky meat flavours. The finish is dry and somewhat acidic with just enough plummy notes to hold your interest.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $16.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $16.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Casillero del Diablo Shiraz 2004
Region del Valle Central, ChileVery peppery, spicy, smoky, vanilla, meaty nose with black cherry and mint aromas. Smooth, dry and round with light tannins. Ripe cherry, blackberry fruit dominates the palate with chocolate, gamey, spicy, licorice flavours. Continued fine effort at an excellent price.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.25 | 750ml |
| SK | $13.10 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $12.29 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Smoking Loon Syrah 2003
California, United StatesMeaty, smoky, licorice, black cherry, spicy tobacco nose. Smooth, supple, round style with smoky game, licorice, black cherry jam, tobacco flavours. Rich but this vintage appears more acidic on the finish than the previous ― almost Australia in California.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Jim Barry The Lodge Hill Shiraz 2003
Clare Valley, South Australia, AustraliaRich peppery, spicy, gamey, meaty, barnyard aromas with black olives and blackberry notes. Supple, rich entry with black cherry, pepper, mint, spice and chocolate pudding flavours streaked with a licorice finish. Fine intensity with just a touch of acidity showing on the finish. Will be perfect with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Katnook Founder's Block Cabernet Shiraz 2002
Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaLeafy, dill (Coonawarra), black olive nose with notes of cedar and black cherry. Dry, round and smooth on entry with smoky, cedar, vanilla, sour cherry, cassis, olive, dill flavours. Lean, oaky, slightly acidic style that reflects the difficult vintage. Best with food off the barbecue.Prices:| NS | $16.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Marques de Griñon Dominio de Valdepusa Syrah 2002
Castilla-La Mancha, SpainBig prune, meaty, gamey, blackberry, saddle leather, chocolate aromas with some floral, licorice notes. Smooth, round, dry with grainy tannins. Warm palate with chocolate, pruny, smoky, peppery, rootsy, meaty flavours with a vanilla smoke finish. Very warm and dry on the finish with a fair bit of oak showing. Needs a few years to tame the beast.Prices:| BC | $49.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Caves des Papes Crozes-Hermitage Les Brunnelles 2001
Crozes Hermitage, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceMeaty, gamey, roasted prune nose mixed with dry earth and barnyard aromas. The style is round and elegant but it is a bit lean with licorice, pruny, spicy, saddle leather, and earthy flavours. Seems a bit tired.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Ferngrove Shiraz 2003
Franklin River, Great Southern, Western Australia, AustraliaSaddle leather, smoky, tobacco, barnyard nose mixed with pepper, jasmine and vanilla aromas. Dry, round, slightly austere on entry with black cherry jam, licorice, rootsy flavours with a dank briar, roasted pepper aftertaste. Somewhat lean overall that lacks ripe fruit.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Castaño Syrah 2003
Yecla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainMeaty, pruny, rootsy, roasted pepper nose with hints of licorice. Soft, round, dry and supple with gamey, Euro, roasted pepper, plum, jasmine and saddle leather flavours. Good elegance but quite dry and lean on the finish. Pricey for the quality.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Sandhill Small Lots Program Syrah Phantom Creek Vineyard 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen warm, roasted pepper, tomato leaf and smoky-oak vanilla nose with prune/black cherry notes. Smooth, round, supple and dry on entry with fine spicy, vanilla, smoky oak and peppery, pudding, black cherry and anise flavours. Good ripeness and balance if a touch warm. Drinkable now but should improve in bottle for a year or two. Bravo.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Grant Burge Filsell Shiraz 2002
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaBig spicy, minty, black cherry nose mixed with vanilla, cardamom and rootsy plum nose. Rich, ripe, round and dry with elevated acidity and some grainy tannin. Good black cherry, vanilla, floral, peppery, spicy cedar and pudding flavours. Good fruit flavours but finish is just a bit too acidic and dry.Prices:| BC | $39.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $34.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Grant Burge Miamba Shiraz 2003
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaBig blackberry jam, smoky, spicy, chocolate pudding, vanilla, floral, gamey aromas. Dry, round, rich entry with soft grainy tannins. Black cherry jam, smoky vanilla, cardamom, chocolate espresso, cedar and mint flavours. A bit tight, needs a year or two to soften but otherwise solid.Prices:| BC | $29.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Longview Yakka Shiraz Viognier 2003
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaOpen spicy, floral, cool black cherry jam with minty, peppery aromas with gamey, licorice and saddle leather notes. The palate is dry and slightly lean with light tannins in the finish. Smoky, spicy, chocolate, minty, black cherry flavours and a touch of metal with a fair amount of alcohol and acid poking thorough in the finish.Prices:| BC | $34.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.95 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Château de Nages Cuvée Joseph Torres Rouge (Syrah) 2001
Costières de Nîmes, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceCorked, try another bottle.Prices:| BC | $28.10 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Peter Lehmann The Futures Shiraz 2002
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaSmoky, peppery, sweet vanilla nose laced with chocolate, spicy pudding spiked with blackberry jam and cardamom. Dry, round, elegant palate with light tannins. Smoky, spicy vanilla, cedar, pudding, black cherry flavours with some acidity and oak on the finish. Needs a year or two to soften. Solid.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Shiraz 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBlack cherry, cassis, smoky pudding, black pepper and smoked meat aromas. Dry, elegant, lighter bodied style with light tannins. Very smoky, oaky vanilla, peppery, black cherry, licorice root flavours. Elegant but lacks mid-palate concentration with some acidity poking through the finish.Prices:| BC | $21.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $21.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $18.92 | 750ml |
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27 June 2005
87PTS
Fat Bastard Sauvignon Blanc 2003
Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceLight gooseberry, kiwi fruit and mineral, floral melon nose with a hint of grapefruit rind. Round, elegant and a touch soft but balanced with grassy, gooseberry, apple skin flavours and a grapefruit rind finish. Simple, fresh, dry and elegant with good acidity.Prices:| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
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25 June 2005
86PTS
Fetzer Chardonnay Valley Oaks 2003
California, United StatesGreen apple, mineral, light spicy lees, grapefruit, canned peach aromas. Round, soft, fresh and elegant with mineral, green apple, nutty lees, citrus flavours with a touch of buttery melon. Well made, attractive style with just a hint of sweetness. A fine all-round wine.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.95 | 750ml |
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19 June 2005
88PTS
Thorn-Clarke Terra Barossa Shiraz 2002
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaRed licorice, peppery, spicy, blackberry jam with minty rootsy aromas. It soft and round with supple textures and a mix of minty, blackberry, cherry, coffee, gamey, leather flavours. Warm, acidic finish with good fruit but overall and touch on the gamy side.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Bellingham Our Founder's Shiraz 2003
Western Cape, South AfricaTypical meaty sausage, peppery, saddle leather nose spiked with barnyard, spicy aromas. The entry is soft and supple with meaty, gamey, licorice, black cherry jam, cedar flavours and some dry, grippy tannins on the finish. Better in the mouth than the nose might suggest.Prices:| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Woop Woop Shiraz 2004
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaTypical sausage meat, peppery, nutmeg nose with blackberry aromas and a floral note. Soft, round, supple style with light sweetness. Black cherry, floral, spicy, minty, candied plum flavours with light tannins on the finish that has the now customary acidity and leanness we find in many Oz shiraz.Prices:| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sunburnt Moose (Joose) Shiraz 2003
AustraliaCooked blackberry, spicy, tobacco, meaty, peppery, floral aromas. Dry, warm, full palate with some lean, grippy tannins. Cedar, peppery, licorice, mineral, blackberry, smoky vanilla flavours with some acidity on the finish. Good but tight style that will show best with grilled or barbecued meats.Prices:| BC | $18.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Oxford Landing Shiraz 2003
South Australia, AustraliaSpicy, minty, black plum, red licorice aromas. Soft, round, supple style with black berry jam, plum, cedar, pudding and spice flavours. Nice fruit flavours and rich with just a touch of acid. Very solid and good value.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.70 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $13.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Rosemount Shiraz 2003
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaPeppery, spicy, cardamom, blackberry aromas with a slight barnyard and briary herbal note. Ripe, round, supple and soft with coffee, black cherry jam, pudding, floral, spicy flavours. Warm finish with some acidity but good fruit. Solid.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $17.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $17.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $16.99 | 750ml |
| NB | $17.89 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Wyndham Estate Bin 555 Shiraz 2002
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaCorked, try another bottle.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Finca el Retiro Syrah 2002
Mendoza, ArgentinaRubbery, dank, peppery, barnyard aromas. Very dry, warm entry with an acidic edge. Smooth with peppery, mineral, plum jam, sour cherry flavours. Out of balance with the acidic finish.Prices:| BC | $13.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Columbia Crest Two Vines Shiraz 2002
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesPeppery, sausage, minty, chocolate pudding, black licorice aromas. Soft, round, smooth palate with minty, black cherry jam, licorice, vanilla pudding and spicy sausage. Warm with light acidity showing on the finish.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Lindemans Bin 50 Shiraz 2004
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaSpicy, blackberry, black cherry aromas. Warm, round, soft and supple with licorice, blackberry, plum and spice flavours. A bit tart on the finish but good fruit.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $12.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.45 | 750ml |
| NB | $12.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.99 | 750ml |
| PEI | $14.98 | 750ml |
| NF | $12.98 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Lindemans Shiraz Reserve 2003
South Australia, AustraliaBlack cherry jam, spicy, smoky, sausage and saddle leather aromas. Dry, round, elegant style with tobacco, peppery, spicy, black berry, rootsy flavours. A drier leaner style than most of its peers in the price range.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $15.98 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $15.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $16.98 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Barossa Old Vine Shiraz 2002
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaA bit disappointing for such a big ticket shiraz. The nose is very peppery, spicy mix of cedar, mint, blackberry jam, coriander and gamey aromas. Rich, round, supple, elegant palate with light, ripe tannins. Warm with peppery, vanilla pudding, cedar, licorice, coriander, black cherry jam, floral flavours. Fine intensity but the finish is quite dry with elevated acidity ― lacks a bit of lushness and bodied that you expect for the price.Prices:| BC | $129.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $110.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Peter Lehmann Weighbridge Shiraz 2003
South Australia, AustraliaPeppery, earthy, black cherry, smoked meat aromas. Dry, lean, somewhat acidic entry with peppery, cardamom, meaty, black cherry flavours and a vanilla pudding finish. Showing quite an acidic edge on the finish but smooth. Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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18 June 2005
88PTS
Hugel Pinot Blanc "Blanc de Blancs" 2002
Alsace, FranceBaked pear, buttery, mineral, orange rind nose spiked with anise and green apple skin notes. Dry, fresh, round, full-bodied style but elegant with green apple, buttered pear, citrus, earthy quince flavours. Good intensity, slightly fatter style. Well done.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Tamaya Reserve Merlot - Cabernet Sauvignon - Syrah 2003
Valle del Limari, ChileBig cool tomato leaf and mineral aromas with a resiny, olive, bell pepper nose. Dry, round, soft and smooth with more green cassis, olive, tomato, dill and smoky vanilla flavours. We like the textures and suave finish but the flavours are a bit too herbaceous for a modern red.Prices:| BC | $17.50 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Telish Cabernet Sauvingon & Merlot 2003
BulgariaCherry, earthy, very rubbery, dank underbrush aromas. Very dry, somewhat tight palate with rustic tannins. Earthy, cherry, saddle leather, olive, leafy rubbery flavours. Dry, lean finish. Needs fruit and a cleaner nose.Prices:| BC | $11.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Vasse Felix Adam's Road Cabernet Merlot 2003
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaSmoky, spicy, resiny Western Australia aromas with black olive, tealeaf, cassis and peppery notes. Soft, round, dry palate with light tannins. Warm with smoky vanilla, resiny, black olive, spicy, cedar flavours. Finish is very dry and slightly acidic.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Vergelegen Red 2001
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaCoffee, vanilla, gamey, barnyard, leafy cassis nose with some black olive and cedar. Rich, round, elegant style but dry with grainy tannins. Very warm with chocolate, blackberry, cassis, black olive, cedar, vanilla and licorice flavours with a cigar and dry earth finish. Nice intensity and balance but the fruit is a bit green and lean. Needs another 2-4 years in bottle. The blend is 70 per cent cabernet sauvignon with a 26/4 split of merlot and cabernet franc.Prices:| BC | $59.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Vergelegen Mill Race Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaSmoky tomato leaf, dill, green olive, saddle leather, barnyard aromas. Dry, round, slightly tannic palate but full with smoky, vanilla, cedar, tobacco, soy and black olive flavours with quite a dry, tealeaf finish. A bit green for a modern red.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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0PTS
MontGras Reserva Quatro 2003
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileCorked. Try another bottle. 28/28/27/17 carmenere / malbec / cabernet sauvignon /merlotPrices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Castaño (Experiencia 100 Dias) 2004
Yecla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainBig peppery, licorice, black cherry, gamey, meaty nose with a bit of barnyard. Fat, rich, round and supple with ripe black cherry, chocolate, mineral, licorice, christmas pudding flavours. Certainly the most intense and fullest if a bit warm. Winemaker Notes: Castaño has been experimenting on the vinification side with extended maceration times and are excited about using the results in future blends of medium to high end wines. All three samples sporting different maceration times (40, 60 or 100 days) were fermented at 25-26º C. There were careful pump-overs, frequently at the beginning, and less frequent after the third / fourth week. After the alcoholic fermentation they re-filled the tank with finished wine of Monastrell (just to keep it full) and followed that with another weekly pumping over regime.Prices:| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Castaño (Experiencia 40 Dias) 2004
Yecla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainRich, smooth, slightly tannic, nice balance with big black licorice, black cherry, mineral, chocolate flavours. Tannins on the finish a bit rustic but good for agingl. Nice fruit intensity. Winemaker Notes: Castaño has been experimenting on the vinification side with extended maceration times and are excited about using the results in future blends of medium to high end wines. All three samples sporting different maceration times (40, 60 or 100 days) were fermented at 25-26º C. There were careful pump-overs, frequently at the beginning, and less frequent after the third / fourth week. After the alcoholic fermentation they re-filled the tank with finished wine of Monastrell (just to keep it full) and followed that with another weekly pumping over regime.Prices:| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Castaño (Experiencia 60 Dias) 2004
Yecla, Valencia and Murcia, Spain60 days a bit darker in colour. Nose is a bit volatile and oxidized. Bigger, fatter and warmer than 40 with slightly dryer tannins. Lots of black cherry, licorice, plum, prune flavours and lots of peppery, resin, cherry on the finish. More extract, perhaps too dry. Winemaker Notes: Castaño has been experimenting on the vinification side with extended maceration times and are excited about using the results in future blends of medium to high end wines. All three samples sporting different maceration times (40, 60 or 100 days) were fermented at 25-26º C. There were careful pump-overs, frequently at the beginning, and less frequent after the third / fourth week. After the alcoholic fermentation they re-filled the tank with finished wine of Monastrell (just to keep it full) and followed that with another weekly pumping over regime.Prices:| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Terra Sana Vin de Pays d'Oc (Organic) 2003
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceMeaty, sausage, spicy, peppery, saddle leather aromas with a touch of black berry and baked earth. Dry, tight, somewhat austere palate with light tannins. Smoky, meaty, peppery, resiny, licorice root flavours with a mineral, sour cherry finish. Needs food.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Senga 2002
Paarl, Coastal Region, South AfricaSmoky resin, saddle leather, dry cedar nose with tobacco and black cherry aromas. Rich, round, soft entry with light tannins. More smoky, peppery, tobacco, spicy vanilla flavours with a resiny, cedar finish. Full-bodied but somewhat lean in the finish.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Craggy Range Sophia 2002
Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New ZealandLook for a chocolate, balsamic, plum jam nose with mocha vanilla, Christmas pudding and cardamom notes. Rich, round, dry and somewhat tannic but fat. Intense mocha, chocolate pudding, dried orange peel, black cherry and licorice flavours. Finish is dry with some slightly austere tannins. Not as fat as the last vintage but good intensity. A bit more Bordelais, needs 2-5 years to soften.Prices:| BC | $75.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $67.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
House of Morandé Red 2001
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileHouse of Morandé Reserve is made using all Maipo fruit and that explains its big spicy, cassis jam nose with sappy, cedar, cardamom, vanilla and mint aromas with just a whiff of iodine and saddle leather. It has a rich, round, supple style with light, grainy tannins but otherwise well balanced. Warm with chocolate, vanilla, spicy, smoky, cassis jam, black cherry, licorice and cedar flavours. Nicely done, drink now and over the next 3 years.Prices:| BC | $45.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $72.05 | 750ml |
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16 June 2005
84PTS
Hillside Gamay Blush 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSweet and sour entry with mineral, black cherry, fruity notes. Simple earthy, fruity style rose with some vegetal notes and slightly off-dry finish.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 750ml |
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15 June 2005
88PTS
Tinhorn Creek Gewürztraminer 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe latest Tinhorn gewürztraminer follows in the fresh, mineral, floral, ripe, lychee nut fruit, footsteps of its previous edition. This is gewürztraminer with attitude, red apple fruit, spicy, honey, and just a touch of bitter lime rind on the finish. Think Thai or Indian or just pop it open on a warm summer's day. Only the screwcap is missing.Prices:| BC | $14.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Ehrenfelser 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFabulous sweet fruit nose with orange peel and ripe red apples. Similar fruit flavours with flecks of mineral, grapefruit and sweet peachy fruit flavours. A very appealing summer sipper with enough sweet fruit to pair well with spicy Thai or Indian food. One of the best Summerhill wines tasted in years.Prices:| BC | $18.95 | 750ml |
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12 June 2005
89PTS
Leyda Carmenère Reserve 2002
Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileSpicy, vanilla, black cherry, tobacco leaf, cedar, minty, coriander nose. Ripe, round, supple style with black cherry, cranberry, mint, coffee, peppery, vanilla, cigar and leather flavours. Nicely balanced and drinkable now.Prices:| BC | $22.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Terra Noble Vineyards Carmenere Reserva 2003
Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileVery peppery, spicy, minty, cherry, tobacco and cardamom aromas. Soft, supple, round entry with light dry tannins. Garrigue, spicy, peppery, black cherry, minty tobacco flavours with a touch of vanilla. A touch lean on the finish but well balanced. Think lamb or pork.Prices:| BC | $17.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Terra Noble Vineyards Carmenere Gran Reserva 2003
Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileVery spicy, cardamom, cedar chest, minty, plum aromas with some green olive. Dry, round, elegant style but a touch lean. Warm with smoky vanilla, cedar, mint, earthy, sour cherry coffee flavours.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Frontera Carmenere 2004
Region del Valle Central, ChileTobacco leaf, peppery, black olive, smoky aromas. Soft, dry, round, supple style with some peppery, mineral, cherry, smoky tobacco flavours. Simple, solid barbeque red at a fair price.Prices:| BC | $8.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Casillero del Diablo Carmenere 2004
Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileSpicy vanilla, pepper, smoky resin, black olive aromas. Dry, round, smooth entry with light tannins. Big smoky, spicy, tobacco, saddle leather, cherry coffee flavours. Young but gutsy, try with grilled beef.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.30 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Concha y Toro Terrunyo Carmenere 2002
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileBig spicy, vanilla, peppery, coffee, black cherry jam, cigar, saddle leather, minty nose with some coriander. Rich, round, dry and supple with smoky vanilla, black cherry, coffee, licorice, dry cedar, minty, orange peel flavours. Elegant and warm with ripe fruit. Should improve over the next 2-4 years.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Tamaya Chardonnay 2005
Valle del Limari, ChileFresh out of the gate with floral, grassy, citrus, pea pod, green apple aromas. Clean, round, fresh and balanced with light buttery, grapefruit, green apple skin, pear flavours with a slightly grassy finish. Elegant, cool style. Estate bottled and hand-picked.Prices:| BC | $13.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Oxford Landing Chardonnay 2004
South Australia, AustraliaCitrus, green apple skin, peach, light buttery oak vanilla aromas with a slight tropical note. Fresh, clean, round style with light butter, mineral, green apple, lime and peach flavours. Very solid and an improvement over prior vintages.Prices:| AB | $9.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Oak Bay Vineyard Chardonnay 2004
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, mineral, baked apple skin aromas with a touch of matchstick. Dry, round, elegant style with a slightly oily texture. Mineral, citrus rind, green apple flavours with a buttery finish. Simple, dry, food-style wine but well balanced.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Esk River Unoaked Chardonnay 2004
Hawkes Bay, North Island, New ZealandFlinty, mineral, green apple skin aromas with a touch of butter. Fresh, crisp, dry style yet elegant with green apple skin, lime rind, green peach and slate flavours. A bit lean but will be fine for oysters and clams.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Rosemount Chardonnay 2004
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaSpicy, light butter, peach, fruit cocktail aromas. Round, easy style with light sweetness and a touch of oiliness. Peach, green apple, spicy butter flavours with a mineral finish. Solid everyday Oz chardonnay.Prices:| BC | $15.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $16.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.49 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.45 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $16.29 | 750ml |
| NF | $15.25 | 750ml |
| NB | $15.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Peter Lehmann Weighbridge Chardonnay 2004
South Australia, AustraliaGrapefruit, fruit cocktail, butter, green apple skin aromas. Round, soft, forward style with a touch of sweetness. Green apple, mineral, citrus rind flavours. Light concentration. Straight up picnic-style sipper.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Willowglen Chardonnay 2004
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaLight honey, lees, mineral, citrus aromas. Juicy citrus, green melon, buttery baked apple flavours. Soft, easy-sipping style, summer white.Prices:| BC | $12.45 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.00 | 750ml |
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10 June 2005
87PTS
Mission Hill Five Vineyards Pinot Grigio 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaValue for money is not a common descriptor of B.C. wine but Mission Hill appears to be honing in on some varieties that are turning out to be both well made and offering good value. The "Five Vineyards Pinot Gris' is just such a wine with its leesy, flinty, honey, pear aromas spiked with a touch of anise and lime rind. It's both round and elegant on the palate and dry. More lime rind, mineral and baked pear flavours follow with a touch of butter. Very crisp, dry finish. Try with grilled seafood.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Burrowing Owl Pinot Gris 2004
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAnother fine effort from BOV albeit slightly leaner and crisper than in the past and showing a touch more alcohol. Look for a floral, spicy, citrus, light buttery nose with mineral, earthy aromas. Round, dry, elegant palate with grapefruit rind, minerals and spice with light buttery lees and green apple flavours.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Winchester Cellars Pinot Gris 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaYeasty, volatile, honey, diacetyl aromas, second bottle similar but less acetic. Round, dry, buttery, yeasty, apple and mineral flavours. Somewhat off keel and showing some unclean characters.Prices:| BC | $18.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Dunavár Pinot Gris 2003
Lime rind, green apple skin, mineral aromas. Very dry, crisp entry with a slightly oily texture. Flinty, red apple, lime oil, honey and earth flavours. Solid, inexpensive white.Prices:| BC | $8.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $8.25 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Calona Vineyards Pinot Gris Artist Series Reserve 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, leesy, green apple, quince and citrus aromas. Soft, round, fresh entry with slightly oily texture. Spicy, citrus, baked pear, mineral, slate flavours. Crisp citrus finish. An easy sipping style suitable for most any occasion that calls for wine.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Garry Oaks Pinot Gris Estate 2004
Tasted twice, second bottle better. Green apple, mineral, floral, light lees aromas with some matchstick notes. Dry, clean palate with fresh acidity. Lime rind, leesy, buttery, pear, mineral flavours with a green apple skin finish. Balanced if a bit austere.Prices:| BC | $21.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Lang Vineyards Pinot Gris 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, perfumed, citrus rind nose with mineral/pear notes. Dry, round, warm palate with citrus rind, mineral, green apple skin and floral perfumed flavours with a touch of bitterness. We like the wine but it's not very varietal.Prices:| BC | $16.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Montresor Pinot Grigio 2004
Valdadige, Pedemonte Valpolicella, Verona, Veneto, ItalyRipe citrus, pear, mineral, green apple skin with some floral notes. Round, ripe, full-bodied style but dry. Crisp with mineral, lime, green apple skin, anise and spicy lees flavours. Good seafood wine for shellfish. Organic, uses no herbicides, pesticides, fungicides.Prices:| BC | $22.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Inniskillin Okanagan Pinot Grigio Reserve 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSlate, warm mineral, green apple, floral aromas. Very dry, round, crisp style with a touch of oiliness. Green apple skin, citrus, leesy, mineral, pear flavours. Clean straight up B.C. gris.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Inniskillin Okanagan Pinot Blanc Dark Horse Estate Vineyard 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral perfumed, bubblegum, honey-scented nose with red apple, mineral, grapefruit rind aromas. Very fresh. Round, elegant palate with fresh acidity and a touch of oiliness. Spicy, mineral, slate, green apple skin, floral, citrus flavours. Attractive style for drinking or with food. Well done.Prices:| BC | $15.49 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Britzinger Rosenberg Grauer Burgunder Kabinett Trocken 2003
Baden, GermanyFloral, baked pear, mineral, citrus rind aromas. Dry, round, crisp, fresh palate with spicy, orange rind, mineral, green apple skin, floral green peach flavours. Good crisp acidity and fruit.Prices:| BC | $22.75 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Blue Mountain Reserve Pinot Gris 2002
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHoney, citrus rind, mineral, buttered popcorn aromas. Dry, slightly skinny palate with crisp acidity. Buttery diacetyl, oily, mineral, lime rind, green apple skin flavours. Made for oysters.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Villa Teresa Pinot Grigio (Organic) 2004
Veneto, ItalyFloral, anise, matchstick, mineral, apple aromas. Round, full, dry palate with fresh mineral, green apple, lime, anise and pear flavours. Good texture wit some crispness - will be a good food wine with grilled calamari.Prices:| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Sandhill Pinot Gris King Family Vineyard 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGrapefruit, mineral, passion fruit, grassy aromas. Dry, round, slightly lean style with fresh grassy, grapefruit rind, mineral, pear flavours. Crisp, dry finish, well made but not very gris-like.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Palliser Estate Pinot Gris 2004
Martinborough, Wairarapa, North Island, New ZealandEnticing floral, pink grapefruit nose with green apple, honey, wet slate aromas. Round, elegant, fresh, juicy palate with more slate, honey, pink grapefruit and ripe kiwi flavours. A touch of sweetness is evident in the crisp, juicy acidity. Nice intensity, if a bit dry in the back end.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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08 June 2005
91PTS
Highland Estates Alisos Hills Syrah 2002
Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesAn impressive new series from KJ. Look for smoky, licorice, spicy, cardamom, vanilla, and black cherry aromas mixed with floral, tobacco and barnyard notes. Soft, round, elegant entry with good acidity balance. Very spicy, vanilla, tobacco, black licorice, black raspberry, peppery mineral flavours with a smoky, black cherry finish. Good finesse and elegance despite the fact it's made from relatively young vines.Prices:| BC | $54.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Arrowleaf Bacchus 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFresh floral, rose petal, spicy, mineral apple aromas with similar flavours. Clean, light, fruity fresh summer sipper.Prices:| BC | $11.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $6.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Balthasar Ress Riesling Kabinett 2003
Rheingau, GermanyMineral, floral, green apple skin, nectarine, lime rind aromas. Ripe, round, slightly soft palate but very fruity with ripe apple, honey, apricot and mineral flavours. Juicy and delicate with a long finish.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Lang Vineyards Farm Reserve Riesling 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight matchstick with green apple, citrus, honey, and pineapple aromas. Elegant and slightly sweet with mineral, bitter citrus rind, passion fruit, green apple and floral flavours. The crisp acidity gives it a bit of a sweet and sour finish but it should work well with food. It will also improve in bottle for another year or two.Prices:| BC | $13.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Le Bombarde Cannonau di Sardegna 2003
Sardinia, ItalySpicy, meaty, peppery, chocolate, dried orange peel aromas with some raspberry notes. Dry, round, supple entry with slightly elevated acidity. Good orange, raspberry jam, smoky, peppery, meaty licorice flavours. Good fruit for grilled lamb or duck.Prices:| BC | $13.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Fisherman Riesling 2003
Rheinhessen, GermanyLight mineral, green apple skin aromas with a touch of rose. Medium to low extract with citrus, baked apple, mineral, honey flavours and a slightly bitter finish.Prices:| BC | $9.45 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Gustav Adolf Schmitt Niersteiner Riesling Auslese 2002
Rheinhessen, GermanyRipe apricot, citrus, canned pineapple aromas with a floral highlight. Round, elegant, crisp palate but full with apricot, red apple, mineral, citrus and cream flavours. Good value for auslese.Prices:| BC | $13.45 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Gustav Adolf Schmitt Niersteiner Riesling Spatlese Late Harvest 2003
Rheinhessen, GermanyDirty slate, mineral, diesel, green apple skin aromas. Soft, round, full palate with mineral, baked pear, green apple skin flavours with some honey and rose petal notes. Solid if a touch fat and clumsy for riesling.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Gustav Adolf Schmitt Niersteiner Riesling Kabinett 2003
Rheinhessen, GermanyHoney, mango, citrus, mineral aromas. Soft, round, fruity red apple, mineral, baked pear flavours with a slightly bitter citrus rind finish. Good solid summer sipping riesling and inexpensive.Prices:| BC | $10.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Moselland Divinum Riesling Kabinett 2003
Mosel, GermanyHoney, guava, citrus, light petrol aromas. Fresh, round, elegant palate with mineral, slate-y, citrus, peach, baked pear flavours. Tasty and well balanced.Prices:| BC | $15.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Moselland Insignum Bernkastler Badstube Riesling Kabinett 2003
Mosel, GermanyRipe citrus, floral, honey, guava aromas. Sweet but juicy palate with ripe red apple, mineral, pineapple, honey and floral flavours. A touch soft but good fruit and balance.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Moselland Piesporter Michelsberg Riesling Kabinett 2003
Mosel, GermanyBright and light floral, lime rind notes with mineral, honey aromas. Soft, round, fresh palate with green apple, lime rind, floral flavours and a touch of bitterness on the finish. Delicate, crisp style.Prices:| BC | $12.49 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Lurton Mendoza Bonarda 2004
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaRustic rubbery/leather, prune and earth aromas. Dry, round, slightly lean palate with spicy, prune and leather flavours with a smoky earthy finish. A bit too resiny for prime time.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
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07 June 2005
87PTS
Borgo di Colloredo Molise Montepulciano 2001
Molise, ItalyExpect a fragrant nose with fairly intense fruity aromas reminiscent of raspberries, cherries and cranberries. The entry is extremely smooth and silky with more plummy raspberry fruit flavours. Some may be put off by the biting acidity and dry finish but all in all this is a solid red wine for the dinner table.Prices:| BC | $16.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Gironia Biferno Rosso 2000
Molise, ItalyThis montepulciano / aglianico mix offers up more intensity and mouthfeel than the solo Molise montepulciano of Borgo di Colloredo. I like the riper fruit characters too and the toned down acidity. Its black fruit flavours with a touch of blueberry slide down easily. The finish is well balanced.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
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06 June 2005
86PTS
Arrowleaf Gewurztraminer 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, perfumed, light spicy sausage nose with some peach notes. Round, fresh, soft, somewhat sweet style with ripe peach, mineral, spicy, floral flavours. Good lighter style for current drinking.Prices:| BC | $14.50 | 750ml |
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79PTS
Scherzinger Vineyards Gewurztraminer Semi-dry 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLeesy, mineral, sulphur-y, sausage nose, quite dirty. Sweeter style with mineral and slightly vegetative, meaty flavours. Ripe but marred by the sulphur.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Calona Vineyards Gewurztraminer Artist Series Reserve 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSausage, orange peel, meaty, mineral, green apple skin aromas. Light-bodied, elegant style with mineral, green apple, floral, honey, and sausage flavours. Crisp finish with some sweetness but well balanced. Needs 2-3 months more bottle age but will be a fine food wine for late summer and fall.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Garry Oaks Fetish 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCherry, vanilla, peppery, spicy, tobacco, resiny aromas. Ripe, round, dry and slightly tannic with good cherry jam, peppery, spicy, licorice, smoky vanilla flavours. Very dry finish with somewhat tight tannins and acidity. Needs 2-4 years to fully round out.Prices:| BC | $27.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Garry Oaks Gewurztraminer 2004
Green peach, honey, mineral, floral, light lychee aromas. Light, round, soft palate but fairly dry with green apple skin, mineral, nectarine, honey and grass flavours. A bit skinny but attractive for food.Prices:| BC | $17.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Lang Vineyards Gewurztraminer 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMineral, floral, green apple skin, honey clover aromas with light spice. Round, soft, somewhat sweet with honey, mineral, green apple, nectarine flavours. A bit hot, but ripe and ready.Prices:| BC | $14.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sandhill Cabernet Merlot Burrowing Owl Vineyard 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTobacco, spicy, earthy, green olive, cassis aromas with some tomato leaf streaks. Round, dry, warm entry with smoky vanilla, tobacco leaf, mineral, cassis, cedar, chocolate flavours. Finish is quite dry with young, grainy, chewy tannins. Should improve over the next 2-3 years.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Orofino Merlot Cabernet 2003
Cawston, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig chocolate vanilla, tobacco nose mixed with smoky pepper, mineral, cherry and saddle leather aromas. Rich, round, structured and ripe with grainy tannins. Lots of smoky vanilla, chocolate espresso, tobacco, black cherry flavours. Chunky, chewy finish - very young, should improve over the next 2-5 years. Good effort.Prices:| BC | $29.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Lawson's Dry Hills Gewurztraminer 2004
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandVery floral rose, perfumed, spicy sausage aromas with dried lychee. Ripe, round, soft and oily but fairly rich with rose water, mineral, lychee, sausage and cooked peaches and cream flavours. Elegant but fat. Nicely done.Prices:| US | $14.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Millton Chenin Blanc Te Arai Vineyard 2004
Gisborne - Poverty Bay, North Island, New ZealandInviting creamy green apple, canned peach fruit nose with honey and grapefruit rind aromas. The palate is rich, crisp and fresh with grapefruit, mineral, nectarine, green apple flavours and just a hint of spearmint. Its crisp, long zippy finish should age well. Try with grilled prawns. Bio-dynamically grown since 1983.Prices:| NZ | $21.75 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chateau Carignan Prima 2001
Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux, Cotes de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, FranceTasted twice. A deep dark cherry red colour previews a smoky vanilla, coffee nose with peppery, black cherry, cardamom notes. Moderately rich and round with some youthful but soft tannins, it has a spicy, smoky espresso mid-palate with vanilla, black cherry, licorice and clove flavours. A bit lean on the finish and quite young but with fine intensity. Needs 2-3 years but it is quite drinkable now. Good value.Prices:| BC | $39.90 | 750ml |
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July 2005