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Tastings: July 2005
24 July 2005
93PTS
Conterno Fantino Barolo Parussi 2001
Castiglione Falletto, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyVery spicy, clove, coffee, vanilla, cherry, strawberry jam nose with saddle leather, barnyard, and orange peel throughout. Rich, dry, fairly supple palate with some grainy tannins. Big spice entry with tar, vanilla, pepper, cherry, strawberry, clove flavours. Good concentration and intensity, very ripe but a bit more modern in style. Needs 5-10 years.Prices:| BC | $95.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $88.50 | 750ml |
| QC | $90.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Poderi Marcarini Moscato D'Asti 2003
La Morra, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyVery floral, spicy, mineral, peach, apple skin, perfumed nose with some orange. Light, delicate sparkle and mousse with orange, peach, spicy, floral, apple and mineral flavours. Very delicate fruit with good acidity. Light and fresh for consuming anytime.Prices:| BC | $23.95 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Luigi Einaudi Barolo Costa Grimaldi 2001
Dogliani, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyA single vineyard selection. Good dark cherry colour. Very smoky, peppery, coffee, vanilla, prune nose mixed with black cherry jam, strawberry, barnyard and truffle - excellent aromatics. Rich, round, elegant style gut fairly tight. Good smoky, spicy, peppery, coffee, black cherry, strawberry flavours mixed wit tobacco, tarry licorice notes on the finish. Long, warm and very young with tannins to shed, this has good finesse and is a classic aging style for 7-15 years.Prices:| BC | $99.95 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Bongiovanni Barolo 2001
Castiglione Falletto, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyQuite brick in colour. Big tarry, smoky, barnyard, vanilla, leather, tobacco nose with strawberry jam and spices. Soft, round, smoother style with ripe tannins and finesse. Very good coffee, prune, tobacco, strawberry am, peppery, licorice root flavours. Good length, ripe and balanced but finish is a bit alcoholic. More forward but has structure for 5-7 years.Prices:| BC | $73.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $69.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $71.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Luigi Einaudi Barolo 2001
Dogliani, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyCherry brick colour. Hot with a big barnyard, saddle leather, spicy, prune, licorice root nose with some truffle, tobacco and kirsch. Rich, round, dry and slightly tannic but elegant and tight. Big cherry, mineral, peppery, spicy, resiny, smoky prune flavours with some tobacco, cherry and vanilla on the finish. Good finesse and aromatics, needs 5-7 years. Prices:| BC | $89.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $75.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $84.95 | 750ml |
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22 July 2005
90PTS
Mr. Riggs Shiraz-Viognier 2004
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaBig fruity blackberry, blueberry, licorice, rootsy, black plum, peppery floral nose. Soft, round, warm, smooth palate with lots of licorice, smoky, vanilla cola, blackberry, plum flavours. Warm finish with some acidity but it's fresh with great fruit and an easy drinking texture. Fun.Prices:| BC | $36.90 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Mr. Riggs The Gaffer Shiraz 2004
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaLots of black pepper, blackberry jam, spicy, licorice root aromas with some minty garrigue notes. Very warm, round, supple, soft palate with a big spicy, cardamom, vanilla, licorice, blackberry, black plum jam flavours. Very juicy red fruit with some vanilla finish. Pretty warm but great fruit.Prices:| BC | $33.90 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Mr. Riggs Shiraz 2003
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaSmoky, spicy, vanilla, coffee, bacon, saddle leather aromas with some blackberry jam and licorice. Very warm, dry entry with some acidity. Hot with peppery, smoky vanilla, black cherry, plum, rootsy flavours with some bacon and cedar. Some dry, light tannins on the finish with definitive acidity. Lacks generosity and richness.Prices:| BC | $63.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $55.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Luca Pinot Noir 2001
Mendoza, ArgentinaBarnyard, smoky vanilla, spicy tea, compost, jasmine, cherry aromas. Dry, elegant, somewhat lean palate with elevated acidity. Sour cherry, smoky, resiny, celery salt, mineral, compost flavours. Quite dry finish and not a lot of ripe fruit.Prices:| US | $30.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Luigi Bosca Reserva Malbec 2002
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaTypical smoky, peppery, tobacco leaf nose with vanilla, coffee and cherry jam aromas. Dry, hot, chewy palate with grainy tannins. Very rootsy, tobacco, smoky, vanilla, black cherry, cedar flavours with an herbal, tannic finish. Solid but rustic.Prices:| BC | $21.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Wild Goose Gewurztraminer 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight spicy, mineral, green apple skin, perfumed fruit nose. Drier, fresh, crisp palate but elegant with rose petal, mineral, green apple skin and soapy floral flavours. The finish is crisp showing more citrus rind and a touch of butter. Solid.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wild Goose Mystic River Pinot Blanc 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, green apple, spicy, perfumed fruit nose with some citrus and grass notes. Round, elegant and fresh with mineral, red apple, pear, citrus, buttery floral flavours and a chalky finish. Fine crisp finish. Good value.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Lake Breeze Gewurztraminer 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMineral, perfumed floral, peach, sausage aromas with a bit of lychee and some matchstick notes. Fresh, crisp, leaner style with some sugar. Grapefruit rind, apple skin, floral, mineral flavours and a slightly bittersweet, citrus rind finish. Not their best effort.Prices:| BC | $13.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Sandhill Pinot Blanc Burrowing Owl Vineyard 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy oak, vanilla, butter, pear, mineral aromas with a touch of toasty lees and honey. Round, smooth and fairly dry with butter, vanilla, spicy lees, pear and green apple skin flavours with a nutty, floral finish. Good acidity and balance, should improve over the next year or so.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Sunrise Merlot 2004
Region del Valle Central, ChileVery herbaceous, spicy, leafy, smoky nose. Soft, round, supple palate with smoky oak, spicy vanilla, clove, peppery, tobacco leaf, rootsy herbal flavours. Tastes better than it smells but still green.Prices:| BC | $10.40 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.50 | 750ml |
| SK | $10.29 | 750ml |
| MB | $8.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $8.80 | 750ml |
| NB | $9.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $10.02 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Balthasar Ress Rheingau Riesling Kabinett 2004
Rheingau, GermanyChalky, slate, green apple skin, floral, citrus rind aromas. Fresh, round, elegant and crisp with floral, green apple, chalky, citrus, Vaseline flavours. Lots of finesse in a delicious crisp, fresh style with fruit. A thoroughly modern white for modern times.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Gustav Adolf Schmitt Riesling Classic 2004
Rheinhessen, GermanyOpen floral, ripe red apple, peach, mineral nose mixed with Vaseline notes. Fresh and tangy with elegant mineral, green apple, nectarine skin, citrus flavours and a touch of Vaseline. Well balanced, fresh style for drinking anytime. Good Value.Prices:| BC | $10.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Corona de Castilla Estilo 2003
Ribera del Duero, Castilla-Leon, SpainBig spicy, white pepper nose streaked with black raspberry jam, mocha, barnyard, gamey, meaty aromas. Rich, round, dry and full with grainy tannins. Big black cherry, mocha, peppery, cardamom, smoky, leather and tobacco flavours with a nice spicy vanilla, cherry finish. A bit dry and warm but should improve over the next 1-3 years. Very good value, worth trying.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Herder Merlot 2003
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, peppery, earthy, coffee, vanilla, resin, tobacco aromas. Ripe, rich round but dry with some gritty, grainy tannins. Big spicy, clove, coffee, vanilla, peppery, licorice, black cherry jam flavours with some Christmas pudding notes. Good balance if a bit oaky, tannic and hot at this stage. Keep for 3-5 years. Fine effort.Prices:| BC | $18.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Viu Manent Malbec 2004
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileBig white pepper, licorice root, black cherry jam, tobacco, barnyard nose. Fat, round, super smooth with smoky, peppery, minty, black cherry, chocolate and tobacco flavours. A touch of acidity and warmth on the finish but very good concentration and fruit. Continued fine effort and wonderful value.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Santa Rita Merlot 120 2003
Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileBig tobacco leaf, sappy cassis, minty, leafy, peppery nose. Round, slightly chunky entry with spicy, peppery, cassis, minty, tobacco flavours. A bit lean and hot on the finish with some V8 notesPrices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.15 | 750ml |
| SK | $11.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.20 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Leyda Pinot Noir Reserve Lot 21 2003
Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChilePeppery, leafy, spicy, wild strawberry jam, celery salt, sour cherry, meaty aromas. Warm, round, dry and supple with spicy, celery salt, smoky, rootsy, black cherry, rhubarb and vanilla flavours with a resiny, compost finish. Good intensity if a bit on the cool side. Like a Volnay.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Lake Breeze Pinot Blanc 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFresh mix of pear, mineral, nectarine skin, perfumed fruit nose with a hint of honey lees. Very lively on the palate with citrus, peach, butter, clover, honey and green apple flavours. A touch sweet but has good acidity and fruit intensity. Drink by the case.Prices:| BC | $14.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Villard Pinot Noir Espresion Reserve 2003
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileCelery salt, carrot top, spicy, earthy, rhubarb, gamey nose. Soft, round, supple and smooth with spicy, rootsy, compost, celery, stewed rhubarb, minty herb flavours. Nice textures but a bit lacking in ripe fruit and a bit lean and metallic on the aftertaste.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Cartlidge & Browne Pinot Noir 2004
California, United StatesRipe cherry, plum, spicy, barnyard, compost aromas. Soft, round, simple but supple and elegant. Easy cherry, smoky, rhubarb, compost flavours with a spicy finish. A bit diluted and dry on the finish but sound.Prices:| BC | $18.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Winchester Cellars Pinot Noir Sharp Rock Vineyard 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOxidized, cooked cherry, cedar, leafy, red licorice aromas with some pruny notes. Dry, round, supple palate with dirty, gamey, black cherry, smoky, vanilla, rootsy flavours. The finish is warm with cedar-y notes. Needs drinking.Prices:| BC | $28.95 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Sendas Del Rey 2002
Castilla-Leon, SpainSpicy, white pepper, sausage, meaty, black cherry aromas. Dry, light, slightly lean palate with sour cherry, spicy, earthy, leather flavours. Simple stuff with some acidity on the finish for barbeque meats.Prices:| BC | $7.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $7.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Pedras do Montes Castelao 2003
Vinho Regional Terras do Sado, Setúbal Peninsula, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalPeppery, floral, meaty, spicy, smoky nose with some wild game. Dry, round, light bodied with clove, peppery, black cherry, smoky, meaty flavours. Quite dry with elevated acidity but has good fruit. Needs meat.Prices:| AB | $9.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Calona Vineyards Merlot Artist Series Reserve 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, smoky, clove, stewed tomato aromas. Soft, supple, smooth style with smoky vanilla, peppery, black cherry and stewed tomato flavours. Very dry, warm finish with lots of oak and a bit of acidity. Needs a year or so.Prices:| BC | $13.49 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Finca Los Primos Malbec 2004
San Rafael, General Alvear, Southern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaPeppery, spicy, tobacco, black cherry, roasted mushroom aromas. Soft, supple, smooth and very warm palate with smoky, leather, cigar, peppery, cherry flavours and a bit of acidity on the finish. Solid barbeque meat match.Prices:| BC | $8.95 | 750ml |
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20 July 2005
92PTS
Nicolas Feuillatte Verzy Blanc de Noirs 1996
Champagne, FranceCitrus, spicy, toasty, floral, strawberry, buttery aromas with some green apple skin notes. Rich, ripe, round with good acidity but a bit softer than Ambonnay. Very toasty, butter, earthy, mineral, green apple, wild strawberry flavours. Good acidity, elegance and crispness on the finish with a touch more alcohol than other cuvees.Prices:| BC | $78.99 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Nicolas Feuillatte Ay Blanc de Noirs 1996
Champagne, FranceOpen mineral, cream, toasty, green apple, cherry, red cassis floral nose with some honey and butter, very fine aromas. Rich, round, elegant and powerful with great acidity. Citrus candy, nutty, toasty, chalk, honey, green apple flavours filled out with strawberry, anise and quince on the finish. Great flavours, long and balanced. One to buy for the cellar.Prices:| BC | $78.99 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Nicolas Feuillatte Le Mesnil-Sur-Oger Blanc de Blancs 1996
Champagne, FranceFloral, spicy, chalky, citrus, honey, nutty, green apple aromas. Rich, round, elegant style. Lots of toasty, baked apple, citrus, apple skin, mineral and nut flavours with a long, honey finish. Elegance with power and a touch softer and rounder than the Cramant.Prices:| BC | $78.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Nicolas Feuillatte Chouilly Blanc de Blancs 1996
Champagne, FranceToasty, nutty, pear, floral, creamy, dried citrus aromas. Dryer, crisp, tight style but rich with citrus, very toasty, mineral, apple skin, almond and pear flavours. Delicate, slightly austere finish with lots of green apple and acidity. Needs at least 2-5 years in bottle to mature.Prices:| BC | $78.99 | 750ml |
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81PTS
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Estate Pinot Blanc 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMarzipan, bruised apple, sweaty, old grapefruit rind aromas. Dry, lean, austere palate with some oiliness. Very aged citrus, cooked, bruised apple flavours with a bitter lemon finish. 100 per cent organic but past its prime.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Calona Vineyards Pinot Blanc Artist Series Reserve 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMineral, citrus, spicy oak with vanilla and butterscotch. Warm, round, oily texture and some sweetness. Lots of butterscotch, vanilla, mineral, green apple skin flavours with a bit of honey and melon. Good acidity on the finish. Very sound but a bit sweet and warm.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Lang Vineyards Grand Pinot 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaApple skin, citrus, floral, smoky, dry lees, mineral aromas. Fresh, round, elegant and full with some sweetness. Nice peach, honey, mineral, grapefruit rind, and nectarine flavours with a buttery, earthy note on the finish. Good crispness and juice but a bit warm.Prices:| BC | $14.90 | 750ml |
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19 July 2005
86PTS
Sandhill Merlot Burrowing Owl Vineyard 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig smoky, vanilla, coffee, peppery, black cherry, celery salt, saddle leather nose with a touch of tobacco. Dry, tight, somewhat tannic palate with very smoky oak, vanilla, coffee, peppery, resiny, stewed cherry and tobacco flavours. Very warm, dry, oaky, tannic finish. Needs 2-4 years minimum, very tough style.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Quails' Gate Merlot Limited Release 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, spicy, cardamom, cherry, coffee, vanilla, stewed aromas. Soft, round, dry, slightly tannic entry with very smoky, clove, vanilla, coffee, peppery, cedar flavours with a chewy, cherry, minty finish. A bit young and lean but solid.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $19.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Estate Merlot 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, spicy, stewed vegetable, leafy, oxidized prune aromas. Dry, tight, slightly tannic palate with green tobacco, peppery, mineral, sour cherry, stewed tomato, smoky oak flavours. Very green and not maturing well.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Santa Rita Merlot Reserva 2003
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileTypical Chilean mint, cassis, leafy aromas with spicy barnyard, saddle leather notes. Very dry, tight palate with some green tannins. Minty, leafy, smoky, leather, mineral, peppery oak flavours and a very high acid finish. Needs a fat piece of meat.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.85 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.40 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.35 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Hillside Gewürztraminer 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBruised green apple, leesy, mineral, grapefruit rind aromas. Fat, round, warm palate with spicy, floral, citrus rind, mineral, green apple flavours. Crisp finish but warm and slightly dirty.Prices:| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Peller Estates Heritage Series Gewürztraminer 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFresh struck matchstick that ultimately blows off with time in the glass mixes with floral, perfumy, candied apple aromas with a touch of lychee. Soft, somewhat sweet, round palate but elegant with light extract. Spicy, granny smith apple, floral, light melon flavours with a soapy, perfumy finish. Could use some verve and spice.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Jackson-Triggs Gewürztraminer Proprietors' Reserve 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSoapy, floral, mineral, apple skin aromas with some matchstick notes. Soft, round, slightly sweet with floral, spicy, nectarine, green apple skin flavours with a soapy note. Simple, easy sipping white.Prices:| BC | $12.49 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Thornhaven Gewurztraminer 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, lychee, floral, perfumed fruit, mineral, buttery peach aromas. Ripe, round, rich but sweet with peach, floral, citrus, buttery, lychee and grapefruit flavours. Good intensity with a long fruit finish.Prices:| BC | $13.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Sumac Ridge Gewürztraminer Private Reserve 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, peach, mineral, spicy, light sausage aromas with a bit of matchstick. Round, elegant, fresh palate but soft with grapefruit, spicy, floral, soapy, green apple skin flavours. Drink now while fresh.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Mission Hill Gewurztraminer Five Vineyards 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen floral perfumed grapefruit rind nose flecked with green apple and peach skin notes. Fairly dry and crisp with mineral, grapefruit rind, floral, spicy flavours with a very crisp lemony, slightly soapy finish. Lacks a little lift and excitement.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Sebastiani Merlot 2001
Sonoma County, California, United StatesCherry, cream soda, black olive, spicy, cedar, clove and vanilla aromas. Soft, dry, round, rich palate but warm. Lots of smoky, coffee, cherry, peppery, vanilla, licorice root, sandalwood flavours with a tobacco, sweet chocolate finish. A bit chunky with some light tannins to shed but nice intensity.Prices:| US | $17.00 | 750ml |
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79PTS
Telish Merlot 2003
BulgariaGamey, stinky, horse-y, sweaty, pruny, oxidized nose. Commercial red wine with little redeeming value.Prices:| BC | $11.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sunburnt Moose (Joose) Merlot 2003
AustraliaSmoky, celery salt, rootsy, resiny, cherry jam, peppery nose with a strong barnyard undertone. Rich, ripe, round, slightly dry and tannic with almond, cherry, orange peel, peppery, resiny, smoky spice flavours. A dry, slightly acidic finish that still has some tannins to shed.Prices:| BC | $18.95 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Oxford Landing Merlot 2003
South Australia, AustraliaLeafy, resiny, herbal, peppery, smoky leather aromas. Dry, round, fresh palate but lean with strawberry, leafy tobacco, peppery, resiny flavour. Lean, stewed tomato, acidic finish. No joy here.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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18 July 2005
91PTS
Nicolas Feuillatte Vintage Brut 1996
Champagne, FranceCreamy, baked apple, mineral citrus, toasty aromas with a touch of honey. Round, cris, elegant palate with good intensity of nutty, toasty, baked apple, mineral and citrus flavours with a crisp, light honey and pear finish. A bit young, will improve over the next 1-5 years. Fine value for a quality vintage brut.Prices:| BC | $55.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Nicolas Feuillatte Ambonnay Blanc de Noirs 1996
Champagne, FranceFloral, cherry, almond, citrus peel and honey nose mixed with notes of rhubarb and quince. Rich, round, concentrated and full but elegant. Good spicy, citrus peel, honey, floral, rhubarb and green apple flavours. Long, elegant, crisp finish. Very fine finesse that should allow it to age wonderfully.Prices:| BC | $78.99 | 750ml |
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17 July 2005
84PTS
Chateau de Fesles Rosé d'Anjou 2003
Anjou, Loire, FrancePale pink colour. Earthy, tobacco, cherry, mineral, aromas with a floral tone. Round, elegant, dry and crisp with buttery, cherry, citrus, earthy, tobacco flavours. Simple summer sipper.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Township 7 Rosé 2004
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight cherry colour. Rhubarb, strawberry, barnyard, lemon nose. Round, sweet and sour entry with stewed rhubarb, candied citrus peel, tobacco, leafy flavours with a somewhat acidic finish. Summer barbeque on a hot day.Prices:| BC | $13.90 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Domaine de Chaberton Gamay Noir 2004
British Columbia, CanadaSomewhat reductive rubbery nose with earthy peppery vegetal notes. Soft entry but more muddled fruit flavours. Serve chilled with picnic style foods.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Wellbrook White Cran Apple NV
British Columbia, CanadaFloral, peach, apple, fresh cranberry aromas - very good fruit nose. Round, soft, sweet entry with good acidity. Perfumed fruit, citrus, soapy, spicy, red apple and cranberry flavours. Crisp, fruity finish - a very well made fruit wine. Try straight or even in a sangria.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Arrowleaf White Feather 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, floral, white peach, green apple skin aromas with a strong matchstick burn. Soft, round, fresh and fruity with mineral, citrus, spicy, sausage, floral, peach, apple flavours. Crisp, fruity finish. Solid summer sipper on the deck.Prices:| BC | $11.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Garry Oaks Blanc de Noir 2004
Burgoyne Valley, Salt Spring Island, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaLike the '03, this edition sports a pale pink colour and a pleasing earthy, strawberry, spicy nose. The entry is soft and pleasantly off-dry with good acidity and balance and more tasty raspberry and rhubarb flavours. Fun wine.Prices:| BC | $17.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Lang Vineyards Blanc de Noir Pinot Meunier 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAttractive spicy, strawberry fruit nose with flecks of earth and spice. This one is sweet, in the white zinfandel, with spicy, candied apple and cherry flavours. There is good acidity here and it will have wide appeal as a sipper but a drier should be the future direction.Prices:| BC | $12.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Finca el Retiro Tempranillo Reserva Especial 2002
Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaGamey, peppery, tobacco, barnyard, black cherry, smoky, leather aromas. Dry, round, slightly astringent and tannic with peppery, resiny, smoky, black cherry, vanilla, kirsch flavours with an herbaceous, tobacco leaf note. Dry and warm on the finish with chewy tannins and some acidity. Needs 2-4 years to smooth out.Prices:| BC | $17.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Finca el Retiro Malbec Reserva Especial 2002
Mendoza, ArgentinaDeep cherry colour. Very peppery, smoky, meaty, black cherry, coffee, cigar butt aromas. Rich, warm, dry and somewhat astringent with very smoky, resiny, gamey, peppery, black cherry and vanilla flavours. Dry, tannic finish with some acidity showing. Good fruit but needs time, a hunk of meat a la churrasco and some tango.Prices:| BC | $17.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Finca el Retiro Malbec 2002
Mendoza, ArgentinaSmoky, resiny, peppery, black cherry jam, cassis nose with some leather and tobacco. Very warm, dry, chewy palate with good cassis, black cherry, peppery, smoky, rootsy, tobacco flavours. Lots of intensity but with dry tannins and some acidity on the finish.Prices:| BC | $14.90 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Quinta do Crasto Douro Vinho Tinto Reserva Old Vines 2001
Douro Superior, Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalBig peppery, smoky, rootsy, black cherry nose with plum, spicy vanilla, licorice, gamey aromas and a wisp of tobacco and coffee. Rich, dry and somewhat tannic but ripe with smoky, spicy, vanilla, coffee, black cherry jam, plum, mineral, and cedar flavours with a gamey, resiny, licorice finish. Quite tight with some tannins and acidity to shed, needs 2-5 years.Prices:| BC | $31.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.65 | 750ml |
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16 July 2005
89PTS
Mulderbosch Sauvignon Blanc 2004
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaGooseberry, mineral, wet wool, grassy nose with a touch of green pepper, artichoke and apple. Round, elegant, dry and crisp with bell pepper, jalapeno, grassy, gooseberry flavours with a grapefruit rind and mineral finish. Good food and oyster wine.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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15 July 2005
88PTS
Ferrari-Carano Fume Blanc 2004
Sonoma County, California, United StatesHoney, nutty lees, kiwi, mineral, passion fruit aromas with a grassy note. Soft, round, easy style with a slightly sweet, honeyed entry. Ripe apple, melon, passion fruit, pink grapefruit and kiwi flavours with a honey, vanilla, butter finish. Well made and tasty but not very varietal.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Lake Breeze Seven Poplars Pinotage 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe only pinotage we know of in North America. Look for a leafy, cherry, tarry, spicy nose with flecks of vanilla and licorice. Soft, ripe, round and supple. Ripe cherry, mocha, spicy vanilla, licorice, white pepper, tobacco leaf flavours. Warm finish and a touch dry and oaky but should improve over the next year or two. Well done.Prices:| BC | $22.90 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Noble Vine Shiraz 2002
South Australia, AustraliaCandied, blackberry, waxy, rootsy aromas. Dry, round, warm and acidic, great for very fatty foods. Peppery, rootsy, gamey, black cherry flavours with a very acidic finish.Prices:| BC | $11.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Quails' Gate Cabernet Sauvignon Family Reserve 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery peppery, smoky vanilla, resiny nose with earthy, blackberry aromas and a bit of a port-like aspect. Rich, round, dry and warm with gritty tannins and peppery, chocolate, vanilla, cedar, blackberry, licorice root and leather flavours. The finish is dry warm and tannic at this point and it's showing plenty oak too. This needs 3-4 years to smooth out and let the fruit shine through.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $35.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Quails' Gate Merlot Family Reserve 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSuper ripe port-like aromas with cloves, pepper, and licorice and black cherry notes - very warm. Dry, tight, somewhat lean tannic entry and very alcoholic on the palate. Big mocha, vanilla, spicy oak and peppery, black cherry, cedar flavours. Long oaky, dry, hot finish with some acidity showing. Not up to past standards and frankly a disappointment for the price. Slated for release in the Fall of 2005.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $40.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $40.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
De Bortoli dB Riverina Shiraz 2002
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaRoasted pepper, candied black cherry / blueberry aromas and a touch of leather boot. Soft, simple, smooth palate with elevated acidity. Spicy, black cherry, smoky, chocolate and cedar flavours with a very warm, somewhat acidic finish.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
McWilliam's Hanwood Shiraz 2003
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaHuge black pepper nose with blueberry, licorice root, rubbery game aromas. Dry, round, warm palate with mocha, black cherry, tobacco, pepper flavours and warm, slightly acidic finish.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $14.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $14.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Herder Pinot Noir 2003
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWorsteshire, celery salt, rhubarb, floral, rootsy aromas. Soft, round, dry entry but warm. Smoky, vanilla, resiny, cherry, worsteshire, celery and stewed rhubarb flavours. A bit lean and spicy like an old style Burgundy village wine.Prices:| BC | $18.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Robert Allen Sauvignon Blanc 2004
Napa Valley, California, United StatesA new wine with a Vancouver connection. Robert Sulatycky former executive chef at Seasons (Four Seasons Hotel Chicago), Four Seasons Toronto and Bacchus Wedgewood Vancouver is moving to Los Angeles to pursue a dream to make wine. He will cook somewhere for the next two years as he waits for his project to take off. The first edition of his new wine venture ― the Robert Allan Sauvignon Blanc ― appears to be on the right track. It has a clean, aromatic nose with passion fruit, green melon, floral, grassy aromas and a touch of bell pepper. It's fresh, round and crisp on entry with a slightly oily texture and a hint of sweetness. Again, passion fruit, grapefruit, melon and jalapeño flavours persistent. Fine styling and intensity - definitely made to enjoy with food.Prices:| BC | $37.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Château Gaudrelle 2003
Vouvray, Touraine, Loire, FranceBig honey, baked apple, pear, clover aromas with a hint of anise, very ripe fruit. Fat, ripe, round, slightly sweet entry with good acidity. Big baked red apple, pear, mineral, honey, buttery lees, quince flavours. Fat, ripe, blowsy finish. Drink now with Indian or Chinese food.Prices:| BC | $25.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $13.95 | 375ml |
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83PTS
Gehringer Brothers Cuvée Noir 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLike the last edition, this has a smoky, meaty, leafy, peppery, foxy nose. Soft, round, easy drinking style with spicy clove, peppery, earthy, tobacco, cassis flavours. A bit alcoholic but otherwise serviceable everyday red from B.C.Prices:| BC | $10.49 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Gehringer Brothers Pinot Noir Private Reserve 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDank, peppery, rootsy, spicy, rubbery, vanilla aromas. Dry, round, warm palate with spicy, vanilla, rootsy, vegetal, cherry, resin flavours. Off balance for a Gehringer wine.Prices:| BC | $13.49 | 750ml |
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79PTS
Scherzinger Vineyards Pinot Noir 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaStinky vegetal, mercaptan, rubbery, earthy nose. Soft, supple palate with some cherry and vegetal, leafy, mocha flavours. Nice texture but far too vegetal and stinky.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Oak Bay Fireman's Red Gamay Noir 2004
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLeafy, sour cherry, cardamom pod and paprika aromas. Dry, slightly lean entry with earthy, leafy, tobacco, cherry and licorice flavours with a dusty, tomato edge.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Garry Oaks Zeta 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLeafy, rhubarb, smoky, rootsy aromas. Dry, slightly lean entry but elegant with mineral, smoky, resin, leafy, stewed rhubarb flavours. Slightly bitter finish with smoke and some cedary tannins.Prices:| BC | $22.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Badia Coltibuono Chianti Classico 'Roberto Stucchi' 2001
Tuscany, ItalyPeppery, floral, black cherry, fruitcake nose with some gamey, licorice notes. Dry, full but somewhat tannic and lean. Good peppery, meaty, black cherry, licorice, earthy tobacco flavours. Well made with good fruit but needs food to balance the dry tannin structure.Prices:| BC | $24.70 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Illuminati Riparosso Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2003
Abruzzo, ItalyMeaty, gamey, sweaty saddle aromas with licorice and dried cherry. Rich, dry and somewhat tannic on entry with meaty, smoky, peppery, licorice, prune plum flavours. Rustic, acidic and warm; needs a roast leg of lamb or ripe cheese to soften its lean dry demeanour.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot 2001
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesCorked.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Stonestreet Merlot 2001
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesTobacco, chocolate, peppery, cedar, smoky vanilla, saddle leather and black olive aromas. Dry, warm, tight entry with some acidity and alcohol showing, a bit clumsy. Dry cedar, clove, mocha, black cherry, black olive, minty leather flavours. Unbalanced, very warm with some acidity.Prices:| BC | $56.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Oxford Landing Sauvignon Blanc 2004
South Australia, AustraliaGrassy, gooseberry, bell pepper aromas with a touch of asparagus and wet wool. Fresh, round and off dry with mineral, grapefruit rind, grassy, bell pepper flavours with a green apple skin and kiwi finish. Easy, crisp style with good varietal definition. Solid value.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.30 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.99 | 750ml |
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14 July 2005
88PTS
Concha y Toro Trio Sauvignon Blanc 2004
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileRipe passion fruit, gooseberry, butter, kiwi aromas with a slightly smoky, grassy edge. Round, soft, elegant and clean with grassy, grapefruit, passion fruit, smoky apple flavours with a hint of artichoke. Crisp and balanced with persistent fruit on the finish. Good value.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Turning Leaf Sauvignon Blanc 2003
California, United StatesSweaty mineral, hay, grapefruit rind aromas. Dry, round, crisp, slightly austere style with mineral, grassy, lees, bitter grapefruit rind flavours. Nice style but lacks some fruit.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.11 | 750ml |
| SK | $10.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $9.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $11.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $11.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Palandri Boundary Road Sauvignon Blanc 2004
Western Australia, AustraliaPassion fruit, lime rind, floral, mineral aromas with a touch of bell pepper. Round, elegant, fresh palate with lemon, mineral, grapefruit rind, gooseberry, chalky flavours. Solid effort.Prices:| AB | $14.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $18.99 | 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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89PTS
MontGras Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2004
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileGrassy, grapefruit, minty, gooseberry, green melon aromas. Rich, round, ripe palate with good crispness. Big mineral, smoky, grassy, grapefruit rind, gooseberry, passion fruit flavours. Long, crisp finishPrices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Santa Rita Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2004
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileLime rind, grapefruit, gooseberry, grassy, smoky mineral aromas with some leesy notes. Rich, round, dry and crisp. Slightly oily texture with grassy, bell pepper, grapefruit, mineral, garlic lees flavours. Very crisp lemony, slightly herbaceous finish.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.91 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.92 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.45 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Santa Rita Sauvignon Blanc 120 2004
Valle del Lontué, Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileGooseberry, sweaty grapefruit rind, mineral, smoky, floral, lime rind aromas. Soft, round, fresh and crisp with passion fruit, gooseberry, pink grapefruit, grassy apple flavours. A touch green but good intensity and value. Serve liberally all summer.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.75 | 750ml |
| MB | $9.89 | 750ml |
| SK | $11.75 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Aliwen Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2004
Region del Valle Central, ChileBig mineral, grassy, lemon, gooseberry aromas. Very dry, round, full palate with chalky mineral, gooseberry, grapefruit rind, lemon flavours and a very crisp, dry finish. A food wine for oysters and clams.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Aliwen Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah Reserva 2003
Region del Valle Central, ChilePeppery, spicy, leafy cassis, sausage, licorice root aromas with some cedar notes. Soft, round, supple entry with some light tannins. Cedary, smoky, peppery, herbal, resiny flavours that lean out in the finish.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Domaine du Tariquet Sauvignon 2003
Gascony, FranceBig perfumed, floral, ripe gooseberry, kiwi, passion fruit and spicy aromas. Rich, viscous entry with chalky, floral, gooseberry, kiwi, passion fruit, honeyed flavours. Long, honey, floral finish. Very unusual sauvignon character but good intensity and ripe.Prices:| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Tamaya Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Valle del Limari, ChileFresh cool-climate nose with bell pepper, grass, grapefruit, floral, passion fruit aromas and a touch of smoke. Ripe, round rich and fresh with gooseberry, mineral, smoky bell pepper, butter, grapefruit and granny smith apple flavours. Quite intense and full and would be perfect for oysters.Prices:| BC | $13.90 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Inniskillin Okanagan Zinfandel Bear Cub Vineyard 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen overt spicy, chocolate vanilla pudding nose with smoky oak and blackberry jam nose. The entry round with grainy, dry tannins. Alcoholic palate with massive smoky oak, charred vanilla, peppery, licorice flavours. Fruit is masked by the oak and a very dry finish. Hopefully the oak will dissipate over the next few years.Prices:| BC | $29.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sandhill Small Lots Program Barbera Burrowing Owl Vineyard 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeppery, saddle leather, resiny oak, tobacco leaf, black cherry, licorice nose. Rich, round, dry and soft but quite high alcohol. Black cherry, cedar, vanilla, peppery, mineral, licorice root flavours with a slightly acidic finish. Solid, very warm.Prices:| BC | $26.49 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Secret Stone Sauvignon Blanc 2004
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandA new wine form Southcorp out of New Zealand. Grassy, canned asparagus, mineral, green pepper nose with grapefruit rind. Round, crisp, fresh entry with canned asparagus, jalapeno, grapefruit, gooseberry flavours and a strong mineral, grapefruit finish with very crisp acidity. Good but pricey.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.95 | 750ml |
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12 July 2005
87PTS
Parés Baltà Blanc de Pacs 2004
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainVery floral, honey, citrus, spicy pear, mineral aromas. Round, dry, elegant and fresh with green melon, floral, spicy, apple, honey flavours. Very good crispness and balance. Solid seafood or sipping white for any occasion. Drink while young.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
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11 July 2005
88PTS
Columbia Crest Two Vines Merlot 2000
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesSmoke vanilla, tobacco and black plum jam make for an inviting Northwest merlot with fine concentration and balance. Peppery, black cherry, licorice and smoky vanilla flavours persist across the palate and throughout its smooth finish. Excellent value.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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10 July 2005
90PTS
Quinta Vale D. Maria Douro Vinho Tinto 2003
Rio Torto, Cima Corga, Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalRipe cherry, plum, strong mineral, licorice root, vanilla, spicy, olive, peppery tobacco nose with a hint of orange rind. Rich, ripe, concentrated with good acidity but slightly tannic and hot. Great spicy, vanilla, cherry, plum, clove, licorice, chocolate and orange peel flavours. Fresh but ripe and rich with some elegance.Prices:| BC | $30.90 | 750ml |
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09 July 2005
0PTS
Michel Gassier Lou Coucacardie Blanc 2001
Costières de Nîmes, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceCorkedPrices:| BC | $49.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $46.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Michel Gassier Viognier Les Piliers 2004
Le Gard, Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceSpicy, ginger/turmeric, honey, mineral, perfume / apricot and citrus aromas but a bit closed and young. Ripe, round, soft and dry but fresh with mineral, ginger, apricot skin, floral, citrus rind, honey flavours. Quite dry and crisp on the finish, needs 1-2 years.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
McManis Family Vineyards Viognier 2004
California, United StatesSpicy ginger, honey, floral, lime rind, creamy, mineral, nectarine aromas. Rich, round, slightly oily palate with good acidity and a touch of sweetness. Nice pear, guava, spicy, ginger, orange, honey and buttery lees flavours. Elegant and fresh with a creamsicle finish. Tasty.Prices:| BC | $22.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Wyndham Estate Bin 555 Sparkling Shiraz NV
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaLots of dark red mousse with spicy, black cherry jam, black pepper, meaty, floral aromas. Creamy, round, black cherry, black pepper, coffee, licorice flavours. Some sweetness and alcohol on the finish but well balanced. Roast turkey is a great match or simply chill down and party on.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Soaring Eagle Viognier Limited Edition 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight garlic lees, mineral, clover, honey, green apple skin aromas. Ripe, round, elegant and fresh with ripe pear, mineral, spicy, honey, guava, jasmine flavours. Just bottled, has great mouthfeel and fruit, the nose needs to open up a bit.Prices:| BC | $24.40 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Serame Viognier 2004
Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceAnother winner form Serame. We love the fresh honey, spicy ginger, chalky butter apricot aromas. It is round and dry but well balanced with floral, honey, citrus, ginger, mineral and fresh guava flavours. Great value and a wine that can be served with most any foods or solo as a sipper.Prices:| BC | $11.40 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.25 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Santa Rita Cabernet Sauvignon Casa Real 1999
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileSappy cassis, minty, sweaty saddle leather, meaty, smoky, peppery, cedar nose. Rich, full bodied and very dry and tannic. Big minty, green cassis, peppery, licorice, smoky, vanilla, peppery, stewed tomato flavours. Warm finish and very dry. Needs another decade. Iconic but probably a bit green and wild in 1999 for most.Prices:| BC | $75.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $49.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $70.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Whitehall Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
Napa Valley, California, United StatesBlack olive, cedar, tobacco leaf, smoky, earthy, peppery cassis aromas. Rich, round and quite dry with astringent tannins. Cedar bark, tobacco leaf, olive, pruny, resiny, mineral flavours. Very dry and puckering with some bitterness.Prices:| BC | $62.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Tamaya Viognier - Chardonnay Reserve 2003
Valle del Limari, ChileButtery vanilla, honey, ginger, passion fruit aromas. Dry, round, full bodied with lemon, mineral, buttery vanilla, honey, guava and green apple skin flavours. A bit dry and short on the finish but will go well with halibut and fruit salsa.Prices:| BC | $17.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Tamaya Viognier - Chardonnay - Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Valle del Limari, ChileGrapefruit, gooseberry, green melon, passion fruit aromas. Round, fresh, dry entry with gooseberry, mineral, creamy green apple, passion fruit and grassy flavours with a slightly bitter citrus rind finish. A cool fruit blend of 50/35/15 chardonnay/viognier/sauvignon blanc.Prices:| BC | $13.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Martin Codax Albariño Rias Baixas 2004
Rías Baixas, Galicia, SpainSuper fresh with floral, honey, melon, mineral, spicy, pear aromas. Dry, round, elegant and fresh with creamy, green apple, pear, green peach, mineral flavours. A bit tight and crisp but will improve. Try with shellfish or fresh oysters.Prices:| BC | $22.87 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon Alden Vineyards 2001
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesAlden Vineyards sits at 900 to 1100 feet above sea level where prolonged cooler temperatures combined with the overcast mornings in spring and early summer help the fruit to ripen slowly. The '01has smoky oak and vanilla nose with cedar, tobacco, cassis, cardamom, and spicy coffee notes mixed with saddle leather undertones. Round, dry, elegant style with some dry, cedar-y tannins. Cassis, peppery, vanilla, coffee, cedar, tobacco, black olive flavours. Young with dry, slightly astringent tannins. Needs two to four years to smooth out.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $34.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Sélection Delas Viognier 2003
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceLemon, marzipan, mineral, spice aromas. Dry, round, slightly austere style with similar nutty, lemon, mineral, dry spice flavours. Perhaps a bit tired.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sandhill Small Lots Program Viognier Osprey Vineyard 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, mineral, spicy, light honey, pear, citrus aromas with a bit of lees, orange rind and sausage. Dry, round, lighter style with orange, mineral, ginger, green apple skin and sausage flavours. Good acidity and elegance for such young vines.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Longview Beau Sea Viognier 2004
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaBig mineral, chalky, spicy, ginger, lime rind, honey, apricot, guava aromas. Ripe, round, fresh and crisp with honey, lime, ginger, nectarine, orange and creamy lees flavours. Very juicy and zesty, should improve over the next 2 years. Try now with grilled scallops, veal cutlets or turkey.Prices:| BC | $33.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Blue Mountain Gold Label Brut NV
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBlue Mountain sparkling wines are méthode traditionnelle, meaning the traditional techniques for making French Champagne are employed faithfully. Finished dry, these wines are aged sur-lie for two-and-a-half to five years prior to being disgorged. They then receive an additional six to nine months of aging preceding release. Look for fine, creamy mousse. Green apple, floral, creamy, mineral aromas. Dry, round, creamy texture with green apple, citrus, light biscuit, floral, anise flavours. Not big but well balanced with good acidity.Prices:| BC | $31.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $36.85 | 750ml |
| ON | $28.95 | 750ml |
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08 July 2005
84PTS
Noble Vine Chardonnay 2004
South Australia, AustraliaCitrus rind, candied apple, floral, slightly leesy, mineral nose. Round, slightly sweet entry with elevated acidity. Apple skin, citrus peel, mineral, baked pear flavours with a somewhat acidic finish. Ordinary everyday Oz chardonnay.Prices:| BC | $11.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Sandhill Chardonnay Burrowing Owl Vineyard 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHazelnut, spicy lees nose mixed with butter, vanilla, green apple skin and floral notes. Ripe, round, dry palate with buttery, spicy lees, baked apple and honey flavours and touch of citrus and nutty biscuit on the finish. Well made. A leaner, slightly more sophisticated style from Sandhill that we welcome.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils Petit Chablis 2003
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceGreen apple, flinty, buttery, spicy lees, passion fruit aromas. Dry, round, elegant but slightly lean style with flinty, green apple, pear skin and citrus rind flavours. Quite a dry, nutty finish, very Chablis but well balanced. Perfect for oysters and other assorted shellfish.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
McWilliam's Hanwood Chardonnay 2003
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaButtery, melon, pear, citrus and cream aromas. Fresh, round, crisp entry with pear, buttered popcorn, baked apple and citrus flavours with a slightly sweet, tropical finish.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $14.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $14.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Turning Leaf Chardonnay 2003
California, United StatesApple skin, pear, citrus peel, slightly earthy nose. Light, round, fresh palate with apple skin, earthy, mineral, melon flavours and a touch of sweetness.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.03 | 750ml |
| SK | $12.37 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $11.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $11.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Tinhorn Creek Chardonnay 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaButtered popcorn, creamy lees, mineral, anise, green apple aromas. Dry, round, elegant, slightly lean style with green apple, mineral, pear, citrus and buttery vanilla flavours. Simple straight up chardonnay.Prices:| BC | $15.50 | 750ml |
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83PTS
La Chamiza Chardonnay 2004
Mendoza, ArgentinaFloral, melon, candied apple aromas. Soft, round, somewhat sweet entry with baked apple, melon, citrus and mineral flavours. A bit of a sweet and sour balance with a rind-y edge of bitterness. Not bad for $7.Prices:| BC | $6.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $7.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Butterfield Station Chardonnay 2003
California, United StatesGreen peach, leesy, floral, green apple skin aromas. Soft, round, slightly sweet entry with green apple, peach, lees, floral, melon flavours. Good acidity and balance although a touch sweet.Prices:| AB | $9.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Esser Cellars Chardonnay 2004
California, United StatesGreen pear, green apple skin, leesy, citrus nose. Soft, round, elegant style with pear, lees, mineral, citrus rind and baked apple flavours. A solid more reserved style gives it wider appeal at the dinner table.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Gray Monk Chardonnay Unwooded 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFresh clean floral, dry lees, green apple, grapefruit, peach pit aromas. Round, elegant, fresh palate with green apple, fruit cocktail, grapefruit and a touch of buttery lees. Nice crisp, clean style for easy-sipping. A versatile party wine.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Santa Rita Chardonnay 120 2004
Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileGranny Smith apple, gooseberry, citrus rind and mineral nose, quite cool. Round, full but elegant and very crisp with lots of grapefruit, mineral, green apple skin and gooseberry flavours with a dry, rind-y, slightly grassy finish. Cool sauvignon-like chardonnay.Prices:| AB | $9.75 | 750ml |
| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $11.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $9.90 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.45 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Burrowing Owl Merlot 2003
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, resiny, clove aromas spiked with dill, stewed tomato, vanilla bits of black cherry and chocolate. The entry is round, the palate full-bodied with dry tannins. Tobacco leaf, black cherry, tomato, black olive, chocolate pudding, vanilla flavours with a wisp of mineral and a warm, slightly resiny finish. Somewhat reminiscent of St. Émilion. Good but with more green notes and slightly tougher tannins, we have not seen here since the early days. Needs another two to three years in bottle to blossom.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Rodney Strong Chardonnay 2003
Sonoma County, California, United StatesSpicy lees, light garlic, green apple, smoky vanilla aromas with floral, mineral, nutty, citrus notes. Fresh, round, elegant and slightly oily with creamy vanilla, baked apple, honey, buttery vanilla flavours and mineral, citrus undercurrent. Fine spicy finish with a touch of lees and hazelnut. Well balanced with lively acidity. Another fine effort from winemaker Rick Sayre. Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.45 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Sebastiani Chardonnay 2003
Sonoma County, California, United StatesSmoky vanilla, buttery, honey, peach, baked apple aromas. Round, full but elegant with butterscotch, smoky vanilla, spicy lees, baked peach, mineral and honey flavours. Good acidity and well rounded; another fine effort from Sonoma.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Vergelegen Chardonnay 2004
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaCreamy vanilla, lees, baked apple, mineral, green peach, hazelnut aromas with a bit of butter. Round, elegant, full-bodied with good acidity. Lots of spicy vanilla, creamy, toasted lees and citrus butter baked apple and nectarine flavours. A bit woody right now but its still young. Impressive effort with a Burgundian-like edge. Good value.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Finca el Retiro Chardonnay 2004
Mendoza, ArgentinaCanned gooseberry, marzipan, grapefruit, and apple skin aromas. Round, crisp, citrus-y palate with bruised green apple, muddled mineral, marzipan and gooseberry flavours.Prices:| BC | $13.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Inniskillin Okanagan Pinot Blanc Reserve 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGreen peach, red apple, nectarine, citrus nose with a floral note. Ripe, round, elegant and fresh with vibrant red apple, nectarine, mineral and citrus flavours. Dry and zesty, delicious. Fine value and one of the best pinot blancs in the province.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Grant Burge Barossa Vines Chardonnay 2004
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaFloral, baked apple, citrus, buttery, creamy lees with some tropical fruit notes. Fresh, crisp, round palate with citrus, pineapple, mineral, melon and apple flavours with a buttery finish. Zippy and well balanced and worth the money.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Blue Mountain Reserve Chardonnay 2002
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaButtery, popcorn, flinty, honey, vanilla, green apple skin aromas. Dry, round, elegant, slightly austere style with an oily, buttery, vanilla, baked apple, pear skin, floral citrus palate. The finish is crisp, dry and long.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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07 July 2005
87PTS
Batasiolo Barbera d'Alba 2003
Piedmont, ItalySmoky, mineral, black cherry, black licorice, meaty tobacco nose. Warm, round, soft, sweet fruit entry but quite high acidity. Big cherry, licorice, smoky coffee, mineral, iron, gamey earth flavours. Ripe but crisp, dry finish, will be good with full flavoured grilled meat or age for a few years. Good value.Prices:| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.50 | 750ml |
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06 July 2005
88PTS
Fazi Battaglia San Sisto Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Riserva 2001
Marche, ItalyNutty, vanilla, toasty cream, baked apple, honey aromas with a touch of anise. Dry, round, full-bodied style with decent acidity. Buttery, vanilla, honey spicy roasted nut flavours with a baked pear, citrus finish. Quite intense but the oak somewhat overshadows the natural fruit. Drink now with lobster or prawns.Prices:| BC | $24.40 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Fazi Battaglia Le Moie Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore 2003
Marche, ItalyNutty, creamy, anise, quince aromas with a spicy, baked apple streak. Dry, round, elegant palate with mineral, nutty, creamy, green apple, skin and citrus flavours. Showing well now with good intensity and ripeness. Tasty.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Okanagan Spirits Hyslop Crab Apple Eau de Vie NV
British Columbia, CanadaCrystal clear colour. Mineral, anise, light floral nose with a spirity, soapy streak. Dry, crisp and very fiery with mineral, soapy floral, apple skin flavours. Not big on fruit but very hot.Prices:| BC | $39.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Okanagan Spirits Poire Williams Eau de Vie NV
British Columbia, CanadaThis is intense with big mineral, floral, ripe pear, spicy, latex glue aromas. Dry, round, fiery but rich with intense ripe pear skin, floral, mineral, spicy flavour with a soapy note. Very alcoholic but the real thing for those who love pears.Prices:| BC | $39.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Cecchi Litorale Vermentino 2004
Tuscany, ItalyPear, gooseberry, floral, citrus, mineral aromas with a touch of melon. Dry, fresh, round and elegant with tasty red apple, pear, gooseberry and citrus rind flavours. Nice summer seafood wine or just at the picnic. Good effort. Get it while it's fresh.Prices:| BC | $17.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Paul Jaboulet Aîné Côtes du Ventoux Les Traverses 2003
Ventoux, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FrancePeppery, black cherry, smoky, licorice root nose with some gamey tones. Dry, round, elegant style with light tannins. Warm entry with peppery, licorice root, black cherry, resiny, cedar flavours. The finish is dry and rustic calling for food.Prices:| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Paul Jaboulet Aîné Côtes du Rhône Parallele 45 2003
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceFloral, gamey, peppery, saddle leather and black cherry nose. Dry, round, supple palate with some light tannins showing. Cherry, licorice, earthy, mineral flavours but quite dry on the back end. Better with food.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Clos Saint Martin No 5 2000
Coteaux du Languedoc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FrancePeppery, spicy, cardamom, meaty, smoky vanilla, blackberry aromas with some barnyard notes. Rich, warm, round and fat with ripe grainy tannins. Big meaty, gamey, smoky vanilla, coffee, blackberry and black cherry flavours with a bit of licorice root. Young, intense and alcoholic with a rustic edge, needs 2-4 years to round out.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Chateau Les Graves de Barrau 2002
Bordeaux, FranceBlack olive, spicy, dill, tobacco leaf, earthy aromas. Dry, round, elegant style but a bit hollow with green olive, cedar, resiny, dill and tobacco flavours. Simple stuff that is definitely a bit green due to the vintage.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Pisse-Dru Beaujolais 2003
Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceSpicy, strawberry jam, cherry licorice nose. Soft, round, dry, slightly lean palate with mineral, licorice, strawberry flavours. Simple picnic wine for food.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $15.35 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Lamborghini Trescone 2002
Umbria, ItalyBlack olive, smoky, gamey, tobacco, mushroom and black cherry nose with some saddle leather and resin notes. Dry, round, smooth entry with very light tannins. Spicy, gamey, cassis, vanilla, black olive and garrigue flavours. Chunky, slightly rustic finish but solid effort for the vintage.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Franco Molino Dolcetto d'Alba Zuncai 2003
Alba, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyPeppery, garrigue, smoky leather, tobacco aromas mixed with black cherry, plum and some floral notes. Dry, round, slightly astringent palate but young. Good ripe black plum, black cherry, peppery, licorice and tobacco flavours. A bit rustic but fruity. Try in a year or so or with beef.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Franco Molino Barbera d'Alba Sarmassa 2000
Alba, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyCherry, smoky, tobacco, rootsy, black licorice aromas with a bit of saddle leather. Dry, soft, round elegant style with spicy, peppery, prune, cherry and smoky licorice flavours. Well balanced, ready to drink style.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Serame Merlot 2003
Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceResiny, black cherry, spicy, saddle leather and pepper nose. Dry, somewhat lean entry with light tannins. Cherry, strawberry, cedar, earthy leather flavours. Simple, ultra-lean, Euro-style merlot.Prices:| BC | $11.40 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chanson Mâcon-Villages Blanc 2003
Mâconnais, Burgundy, FranceLight lees, toasty nut, floral, citrus rind aromas with a mineral apple skin note. Ripe, round and dry with spicy lees, mineral, baked apple, nutty, pear skin flavours. Quite ripe and dry with solid balance. Fine effort.Prices:| BC | $20.40 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Famila Castano Casa C Cisca Monastrell 2003
Yecla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainFrom a tiny old vines vineyard comes this big white pepper, spicy, smoky vanilla red with black plum, cassis, cigar and meaty garrigue notes. The palate is ripe with grainy but slippery tannins. Intense smoky cigar, peppery, chocolate, vanilla, licorice root flavours with a black cherry, orange rind finish. Quite young and potent with a chunky, rustic edge but will improve over the next 2-5 years.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Castaño Colección Cepas Viejas 2003
Yecla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainVery peppery, spicy, garrigue, black plum, olive and tobacco aromas with a bit of cedar and game. Ripe, round dry and elegant with smoky, peppery, licorice, vanilla, black cherry flavours and a bit of cassis and chocolate. The cabernet is a bit overpowering now but it remains well-balanced for current drinking.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Castaño Hecula 2003
Yecla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainAnother home run for Castaño. Ripe plum, black cherry, licorice, gamey, rootsy smoky tobacco nose. Rich, round, smooth entry with supple tannins. Lots of spicy, plum jam, boysenberry, chocolate and tobacco flavours. Warm but balanced and flavourful.Prices:| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.45 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Terra Sana Vin de Pays Charentais 2003
Cognac, FranceCitrus, pear, floral, peach aromas with a bit of gooseberry and mineral. Fresh, round full but crisp palate. Good grapefruit, pear, floral, green apple flavours with a touch of melon. Clean, simple but attractive style with good fruit and balance. Fine value effort.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Coyote's Run Cabernet Franc 2003
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaMocha, smoky, tomato leaf, tobacco, green olive and spicy nose. Soft, supple, round style with smoky prune, tobacco leaf, and green olive, smoky vanilla flavours. Elegant but quite oaky and stemmy too. Needs more bottle time or a big pepper steak to tame some its green edges.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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05 July 2005
89PTS
Juve y Camps Gran Reserva Brut Nature Reserva de la Familia 2001
Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainLight toasty nut, anise, lemon, floral aromas. Fine mousse with creamy, lemon, mineral, pear, nutty biscuit flavours with a floral streak. Fine elegance and flavour intensity but a dryer, more austere style but elegant that is great with food and easy to drink.Prices:| BC | $29.90 | 750ml |
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04 July 2005
91PTS
Quails' Gate Merlot Family Reserve 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSuper spicy, vanilla, clove nose with notes of coffee and pudding. Rich, round, ripe smooth tannins with big alcohol and lifted fruit flavours. On the palate look for big smoky oak, coffee, vanilla flavours with streaks of licorice and cedar. A very warm year has left this a bit over ripe but it's well worth cellaring to see how it develops over the next few years.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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03 July 2005
94PTS
Darius II Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
Napa Valley, California, United States"Darius II" is the pinnacle of wine making at Darioush. The all Mt Veeder Estate vineyard label is a 75/22/1.5/1.5/ mix of cabernet sauvignon / merlot/ petit verdot and cabernet franc. It is all small lots and it's only made in superior years. In 2001, it represents a mere 1 per cent of the Darioush Estate lots. The fruit is super suave with heaps of black plum spice and blackberry flavours. It the supple slippery tannins that make this such a treat to sip and while it appears ready to drink, it should hold effortlessly through 2010 and beyond. Refined elegant styling within wonderful Napa weight.Prices:| BC | $179.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
CedarCreek Dry Riesling 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWinemaker Tom DiBello demonstrates a fine touch here exposing the juicy fruit of this variety. Look for a super fresh entry mixing green apple, green peach aromas juicy ripe citrus, red apple, and mineral lime rind flavours that are lip-smacking good. Very cool B.C. white that will work with a wide variety of west coast dishes. Excellent value.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Gehringer Brothers Riesling Private Reserve 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA whiff of matchstick sulphur blows off quickly to reveal another impressive fresh riesling from Gehringer sporting green apple skin, green peach and mineral aromas. The entry is juicy and crisp with more green apple and green peach flavours with flecks of baked pear, honey and mineral. Fine freshness and balance that is what we come to expect form Gehringer. Super value.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Gehringer Brothers Riesling Classic 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight floral, peachy mineral aromas. It is fresh on entry with solid peachy baked pear fruit balanced with just a hint of mineral and honeys. A bit warm but well balanced in a slightly sweet style. As always good value.Prices:| BC | $12.49 | 750ml |
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02 July 2005
91PTS
Bommarito Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
Napa Valley, California, United StatesRun do not walk to your local wine shop and pick up some '01 Bommarito. The nose is pretty, the flavours delicious and the price for Napa cabernet unheard of in B.C. Plums vanilla cherries and all in a super ripe easy sipping package. There is about 20 per cent merlot in the blend perhaps contributing to its suave demeanour. Wow. Buy and drink.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Marques de Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
Puente Alto, Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileFamiliar rich spicy, sappy cassis jam nose mixed with vanilla, chocolate, barnyard and leather. Much more approachable in 02 with soft tannins and a generous lengthy finish. Look for black cherry, coffee mocha flavours with a pinch of spice. Fine intensity and length but soft and ready to drink now and over the next three years.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
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01 July 2005
92PTS
Darioush Signature Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
Napa Valley, California, United StatesLook for voluptuous fragrant aromatics of licorice blackberries and coffee intermingled with cassis fruit and vanillin. A typical '01 it has power and length and delicious cedar-y black fruit with just a slightly lighter leaner than normal mid-palate. The fruit is an 84/10/2/2/2 mix of cabernet sauvignon / merlot / malbec/ petit verdot and cabernet franc from Mt. Veeder and Atlas Peak. It will hold for another 3 to 5 years but it is showing exceptionally well now.Prices:| US | $64.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $114.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Angus The Bull Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
AustraliaAngus the Bull is a blend of cool Victoria fruit and selected parcels from about South Australia. It fresh fragrant spicy, bell pepper nose with blueberry/cassis fruit in the background. It enters with promise but mid-palate acidity and tannins tend to dry out the finish. Young and youthful you will need to tame this red with a rack of prime ribs. Should improve in bottle.Prices:| BC | $21.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Santa Rita Cabernet Sauvignon Medalla Real 2002
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileSappy, rootsy eucalyptus and cassis nose flecked with mineral, chocolate and pepper. More cedar-y earthy fruit on the palate with blackberry plum notes underneath. Typical minty Maipo red that is always best with food. Barbecued beef ribs would be a fine choice. Serve through 2008.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.40 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.25 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Montes Limited Selection Sauvignon Blanc Leyda 2004
Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileLeyda is an emerging cool-climate region along Chile's coast just to the south of Casablanca. It's also home to a very exciting new sauvignon blanc from Aurelio Montes. The '04 Limited Selection Leyda sauvignon smells a bit like New Zealand and tastes a bit like Sancerre. Described as the only vineyard in Chile where you can taste wines and watch the sunset into the Pacific this is super fresh, very hip sauvignon. There is no oak and the crisp fruit sports flecks of dill, gooseberry chalky mineral stony flavours. With over 200 days of hang-time the fruit has intensity but without any aggressive edges. Bravo. Prices:| US | $16.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Columbia Crest Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThe suave Grand Estates cabernet is made with fruit grown at Horse Heaven Hills and Wahluke Slope (aromatics and complexity). Typically about 10 of the berries remain whole lending the wine bright fruit character. The flavours are a mix of cherry and chocolate with a whiff of coffee. The textures smooth and sleek and the acidity well balanced. Easy sipping and showing enough mature bottle flavours. Well-done and fine value.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Doña Paula Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
Ugarteche District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaMuch like the '02, the latest cabernet from Dona Paula has an attractive peppery cassis fruit nose, and if anything in '03, it's riper and showing less gamey hints. The entry is rich with a modicum of dry tannins to deal with. Plenty of chocolate, blackberry jam and pepper on the finish. A dense warm rich red made for steaks. Well done.Prices:| BC | $20.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.95 | 750ml |
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August 2005