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Tastings: August 2005
17 August 2005
87PTS
Mirassou Monterey Pinot Noir 2003
Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesIt's been a while since we've seen any wines from Mirassou. This is a soft friendly style pinot with a slick almost creamy entry. The flavours are a mix of sweet spicy cherries with currants, cedar and a smoky tealeaf finish. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wits End The Procrastinator 2004
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaThey call it The Procrastinator but there is nothing here to put off. The blend is odd at 95 per cent cabernet franc and five per cent shiraz, especially from McLaren Vale but we won't hold that against anyone. The fruit is young and lively more raw at this point than smooth showing dark currant and raspberry flavours with a leafy under current. It is fairly smooth and warm (alcoholic) but what Oz reds aren't. Drink young with hearty stews and casseroles or throw in the cellar for three years and drink it when you are at your "wits end".Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
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15 August 2005
88PTS
Kenwood Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2004
Sonoma County, California, United StatesKenwood has always made a pleasant sauvignon with a bit of zip and a nod to New Zealand. The 2004 continues the tradition offering the dry grapefruit rind aromas mixed with tangy lemon lime notes on the palate. There's even a hint of minerality in the grapefruit finish. Will be fine with a variety of foods.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.05 | 750ml |
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13 August 2005
91PTS
Juve y Camps Gran Reserva Brut Nature Reserva de la Familia 2000
Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainFine mousse. Very nutty, toasty, creamy, citrus peel, mineral nose with some quince notes. Fresh, crisp, clean and dry with creamy, baked pear, nutty, mineral flavours. Nice citrus, toasty, nutty finish. Good length and balance in a somewhat steely style. Spends about 4.5 years en tirage (in the bottle on its yeast). The top cava from Juvé y Camps.Prices:| BC | $29.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Eaglehawk Rosé 2004
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaBright pink colour. Sweet fresh fruit entry mixing cherries and berry fruit. It has an attractive, soft fruity style all in a screwcap package. Chicken or turkey sandwiches would work well here or lightly spiced Asian dishes. Alternatively, you simply sip this one solo on the patio. Good valuePrices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Graham Beck Pinno 2004
Western Cape, South AfricaThere is something about SA pinotage that is always a bit unusual. Look for meaty. sausage notes mix with soft ripe juicy fruit flavours. The super dark colour is a clue this wine can be versatile. More than rosé if it needs to be or cool it down and serve it alfresco with cold chicken. Would be a perfect foil to a fresh toasted field tomato sandwich.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Ninet de Pena Rosé 2003
Pic St Loup, Coteaux du Languedoc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceTired on the nose and not showing it's best. Try another bottle.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Masi Modello Rosato delle Venezie 2003
Verona, Veneto, ItalyDelicious fresh zippy citrus fruit on entry followed up by slightly under ripe black fruit flavours Light airy fresh and très chic this pink Euro is a summertime winner. Be sure to chill it down before serving and serve with a wide variety of appetizers. Great value.Prices:| BC | $9.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Fabiano Amarone della Valpolicella 1998
Verona, Veneto, ItalyVery spicy, black cherry, prune, prickly, licorice, tobacco and pepper nose. Rich, round, supple style but quite warm. Coffee, spicy, smoky, black cherry, mocha flavours with some almond, licorice and game on the finish. A bit warm and tannic on the finish, will improve over the next 2-3 years. The nose is a bit volatile like most old-style Amarone.Prices:| BC | $64.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Tommasi Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2003
Pedemonte Valpolicella, Verona, Veneto, ItalyBig white pepper, gamey, licorice root, tobacco, floral, almond and cherry nose. Dry, round palate with cherry, spicy, plum, almond and tobacco flavours. Good nose but finish is slightly lean and dry. A solid wine overall and fairly consistent.Prices:| BC | $18.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Barone Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico 2002
Tuscany, ItalySpicy, smoky, vanilla, cedar nose with black cherry and peppery, meaty notes. Dry, elegant style but lean with tobacco, black olive, peppery, sour cherry, resiny vanilla flavours. Shows a lot of oak and lean structure on the finish. Not a great vintage.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Barone Ricasoli Toscana 2002
Tuscany, ItalySpicy, smoky, leather, gamey sour cherry nose. Soft, round palate but dry with licorice root, peppery, spicy, black olive flavours and a touch of sour plum. Typical dry Italian spaghetti red.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Fassati Rosso di Montepulciano Selciaia 2003
Siena, Tuscany, ItalyEarthy, peppery, spicy, leather, chocolate nose with some olive and black cherry notes. Dry, rich palate with some light tannins. Smoky, spicy, black cherry flavours spiked with licorice, tobacco and olive notes. Somewhat dry and alcoholic on the finish.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Fassati Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Salarco Riserva 1999
Siena, Tuscany, ItalySmoky, prune, cedar, licorice root nose with gamey, peppery, dried orange peel notes. It is round and warm on entry with chunky, grainy tannins. The flavours are youthful with big black cherry, peppery, prune, tobacco, licorice flavours and mocha, garrigue finish. Good effort but needs 2-4 years more to improve.Prices:| BC | $39.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Fassati Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Pasiteo 2001
Siena, Tuscany, ItalySmoky, cigar, black cherry, plum and resin nose with some hints of game, orange rind and licorice. Dry, tight palate with tobacco, resiny, spicy, orange peel flavours and a meaty, black cherry finish. Dry, slightly tannic finish with a touch of acidity. Will need another one to three years to smooth out.Prices:| BC | $27.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Bonizio Sangiovese di Maremma 2003
Tuscany, ItalyLook for smoky, resin, gamey, black cherry nose with some floral and leather notes. Soft, round, dry palate with light, cedar tannins. Licorice root, spicy, mineral, sour cherry and olive flavours. A bit lean on the finish but a sound barbecue wine.Prices:| BC | $11.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Rocca delle Macie Vernaiolo Chianti 2003
Tuscany, ItalyGamey, peppery, spicy, leather nose with some red licorice. Dry, smooth palate but very lean entry. Smoky, resin, peppery, licorice flavours. Dry, lean, somewhat acidic finish, not up to a ripe vintage reputation.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Rocca delle Macie Chianti Classico Riserva 2001
Tuscany, ItalyBig black cherry, gamey, peppery, violet, licorice and orange zest nose with some saddle leather and cardamom. Rich, round and ripe with supple, grainy tannins. Lots of ripe black cherry, plum, licorice, clove, tobacco and leather flavours with some cherry pudding on the finish. Young, balanced, and stylish with good elegance. Can age and improve for 2-5 years. A very good riserva at a fair price.Prices:| BC | $32.95 | 750ml |
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11 August 2005
87PTS
Château la Tour d'Aigues Poeme Rosé 2004
Côtes du Lubéron, Provence, Sud de France, FranceClean attractive flowery, cherry, mineral, citrus, almond aromas. Dry, round, elegant, fresh and crisp with mineral, cherry, citrus, baked quince, earth flavours. Well made, fresh and dry for matching with food. Terrific value and surely one of the best pinks in the market. Drink all summer.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Devil's Lair Fifth Leg Rosé 2004
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaGreat looking pink wine in screwcap with the requisite fresh nose of red fruit and flowers. Similar fruit flavours with good acidity and more fresh plum fruit in the finish. Fun summer wine you can sip or serve with grilled pork or chicken.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.50 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.99 | 750ml |
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09 August 2005
90PTS
La Crema Pinot Noir RRV 2003
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesPick in half-ton bins and only 20 percent is re-yeasted it all gets a 5 to 8 day cold soak before fermentation. Look for a fresh cherry/berry nose with super bright fruit flavours. On the palate, it is lively and supple with silky tannins and a touch of tea leave in the finish. Very suave. Excellent value in well-made pinot noir. Should be a restaurant standard.Prices:| BC | $44.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $37.99 | 750ml |
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06 August 2005
89PTS
La Frenz Semillon 2004
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPale to medium straw, with high intensity of aromatics, some grassy tones, ripe melon with a touch of tropicality. Dry, medium to full, creamy mouthfeel, rich texture, broad, well balanced, good concentration and long length. Excellent value.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
CedarCreek Merlot Platinum Reserve 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDeep, dark cherry red with youthful purple tinges. Nose is very ripe with vanilla/oak, but not overdone, fruit cake, butter, blueberries, and medium to high intensity but lacking any complexity - which may/should develop. Dry, very dry, with full body, rich ripe fruit, quite structured tannins that are high but fine. Plenty of concentration, good balance, coffee, mocha, black fruits - this is very good to excellent and the tannins will soften out and prevent that initial dryness on the attack. Equivalent to good cru classé right bank Bordeaux in a hot vintage. Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Casa Viva Chardonnay 2004
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileBad bottle, oxidized. Try another.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Chrismont Riesling 2004
King Valley, Victoria, AustraliaKing Valley riesling is not a movement but the cooler heights of the King Valley can help retain the citrus notes that make this riesling appeal. Floral notes mix with green apple skin aromas all end up on the palate with citrus, crab-apple sytone fruit flaovurs and just afleck of petrol. Crisp mouth-watering, ready-to-drink. Finished under screwcap.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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05 August 2005
89PTS
CedarCreek Merlot Classic Series 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery dark with high extraction, strong vanilla oak flavors, pleasant albeit powerful, ripe fruit with high intensity. Blackberries, chocolate, fruit cake, aromas. Dry, very full, with superb tannin texture, quite high acidity, round, soft, fruity, well balanced, medium to long length. Not much complexity but plenty of concentration. Very good to excellent quality of a lesser St Emilion/Pomerol Grand Cru style. Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
CedarCreek Cabernet Merlot 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaQuite a deep red/black cherry red, showing high extraction of color. The aroma has good ripeness, an aroma of stewed fruit, roasted, but in a pleasant way. Dry, very full, ripe, alcoholic, black fruits, balanced tannins, plenty of concentration, balanced acidity, soft mid palate but slightly chewy texture. This is quite impressive - powerful wine with plenty of ripeness and extraction. Very good quality and value.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
CedarCreek Pinot Noir Estate Select 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight-ish color but still attractive in the pinot category, medium intensity with nutmeg, fresh strawberry, cinnamon, cloves. Dry, soft and supple texture, spicy, medium bodied, quite high acidity, moderate extraction and concentration, silky, medium to long length and good overall balance. This is very good quality Pinot equivalent to a lesser Premier Cru in Burgundy. Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
CedarCreek Estate Select Pinot Gris 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLees and biscuit mix with a nose of hazelnuts and butterscotch. Dry, medium-plus bodied, nice texture, soft, but with enough acidity, round, ripe, smooth, good concentration, richness, good weight, some complexity - apple, pear, Burgundy characters. Medium to long length. This is very good.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Vega Sindoa Rosé 2004
Navarra and Basque Country, SpainVinedos Nekeas was struggling with its Greek look-alike name so the Spanish rosé with the bright pale raspberry colour has returned with a new name, Vega Sindoa, and an artful label. The good news is the rosé with its spicy almond earthy notes and raspberry jam fruit flavours is as fine as the last one. A garnacha cabernet blend it has a fairly rich peppery strawberry finish. Big enough for dinner but perfect for that alfresco lunch.Prices:| BC | $12.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
The Little Penguin Chardonnay 2004
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaCooked peach, apple, buttery aromas. Soft, creamy, peach, baked apple, buttery flavours with a warm, sweet butterscotch finish. Very commercial.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.48 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.20 | 750ml |
| NB | $12.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Poderi Castorani Coste delle Plaie Trebbiano d'Abruzzo 2003
Abruzzo, ItalyChalky, mineral, spicy, buttery melon nose. Very soft, round, simple palate with white floral, melon, chalky flavours. Easy, ready to drink basic white.Prices:| AB | $0.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Kendall-Jackson Zinfandel Vintner's Reserve 2001
California, United StatesSmoky bacon, peppery, blackberry, briar, resiny vanilla nose with a bit of a floral, cherry lift. Fat, round, dry, supple style but warm. Spicy, cherry, raspberry jam, smoky coffee, vanilla flavours. A bit dry but good fruit and balance will go well with grilled pork or lamb.Prices:| AB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Kendall-Jackson Syrah Vintner's Reserve 2002
California, United StatesSmoky, peppery, gamy sausage, vanilla aromas mixed with compost and black cherry. Very soft, supple and round on entry. Smoky, vanilla, peppery, licorice root, black cherry jam and coffee flavours with a light leather, cedar finish. Nicely balanced with good textures.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Kendall-Jackson Pinot Noir Vintner's Reserve 2003
California, United StatesRootsy, barnyard, smoky cola, spicy nose with some tea, black cherry and compost. Dry and round with round and velvety textures. Cola, smoky, vanilla, raspberry tea and tobacco flavours with a spicy, licorice aftertaste. Warm but good intensity.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.50 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Antinori Orvieto Classico "Campogrande" 1997
Umbria, ItalyFloral, mineral, slate-y, citrus rind aromas. Fresh, round, dry, crisp palate with grassy, toasty, mineral, grapefruit and kiwi flavours. Simple, clean, affordable.Prices:| BC | $13.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.35 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Domaine Sainte Rose Le Vent du Nord 2003
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceButtery, nutty, toasty, lees, honey and melon aromas. Big, fat, round, rich and oily with a warm palate. Very buttery, vanilla, mineral, oily, citrus, spicy lees, toasty cashew flavours. No lack of intensity but pretty hot and fat.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.99 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve 2001
Napa Valley, California, United StatesEd Sbragia's 'reserve cab' is always a blend of sources and in '01, nearly half of the fruit came from vineyard manager Bob Steinhauer's Steinhauer Vineyard. This is a big wine but with elegance. On the palate, it has spicy, peppery, blackberry jam flavours flecked with chocolate and vanilla flavours. The textures are supple and the length is substantial. A great bottle of Napa cabernet in a vintage that has turned out to be a little less great than many had hoped. Drink now or hold a decade for further improvement.Prices:| BC | $159.95 | 750ml |
| US | $112.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Appellation Collection 2001
Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesThe '01 Knights Valley cab has a kinder gentler edge that should appeal to many. There's plenty of classic cabernet styling with its bright cassis fruit nose streaked with leafy, lead pencil and cedar plums notes. On the palate, the fruit heats up and mixes in a dollop of chocolate. Fun sipping cabernet you can enjoy now or serve over the next five to seven years.Prices:| BC | $49.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $44.95 | 750ml |
| US | $26.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Beringer Merlot 2001
Napa Valley, California, United StatesThe '01 Beringer Merlot hits most of the right buttons on the nose mixing plums cedar and ripe black cherry aromas. It's open supple sleek and tasty on the palate with slight herbaceous hint in the finish. Solid, middle of the road merlot.Prices:| US | $19.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Beringer Chardonnay Sbragia Limited Release 2003
Napa Valley, California, United StatesGamble Ranch in Yountville is the source of Ed Sbragia's premiere '03 chardonnay. All barrel fermented in new French oak, add malolactic, lees stirring, and you have a big complex creamy white. As big as it is there is less oak and more refinement with a bit more pear and apricot and a little less butter and pineapple then previous versions. Drink now or hold for a year or two and think lobster.Prices:| BC | $75.95 | 750ml |
| US | $40.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Beringer Chardonnay Private Reserve 2003
Napa Valley, California, United StatesThis is classic Napa chardonnay with bold tropical fruit aromas and flavours but nicely updated with flecks acid and minerality. Ripe and round with a smoky citrus nut and sweet melon aftertaste. Long soft and creamy. Delicious style.Prices:| BC | $62.95 | 750ml |
| US | $35.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Beringer Sauvignon Blanc 2004
Napa Valley, California, United StatesWinemaker Laurie Hook likes the fresh cool style of sauvignon and has managed to get the job done in '04. Fresh open nose with grapefruit and honey aromas on the nose and palate with a squeeze of grapefruit rind in the finish. Lovely clean crisp style with bright acidity. Definitely headed in the right direction.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| US | $14.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Bertani Soave Superiore 2003
Soave, Verona, Veneto, ItalyThe nose is a mix of baked apple aromas with pear, lemon oil, nutty nose. Fresh, crisp, round and full but elegant with citrus, toasty lees, mineral, lemon and pear flavours. Sound and tasty.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Easy Drinker Côtes de Gascogne 2004
Gascony, FranceFloral, citrus, mineral, green melon, candied apple aromas. Fresh, crisp, round and fruity with green apple, citrus, quince and nectarine flavours. A bit lean and high acid on the finish but has good fruit flavours. Bring on the oysters.Prices:| BC | $10.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Camaraderie Cellars Grace 1998
Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesMature barnyard, leather, mocha, volatile, pruny, smoky pepper nose. Very dry, lean and alcoholic with cedar, tobacco, resiny, vanilla, smoky, pruny, and cooked leather flavours. Past its prime.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Sebastiani Secolo Sonoma Red Wine 2002
Sonoma County, California, United StatesBig ripe blackberry jam, spicy, chocolate, licorice, smoky plum with a big vanilla streak. Rich, round, slightly fat but dry with some grainy tannins. Lots of spicy, clove, cinnamon, vanilla, smoky coffee, peppery flavours with lots of blackberry and black cherry. Nice elegance if a bit hot and oaky. Youthful; needs a couple years to integrate fully.Prices:| BC | $42.95 | 750ml |
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03 August 2005
85PTS
Sumac Ridge Sauvignon Blanc Private Reserve 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGooseberry, melon, canned grapefruit, buttery vanilla nose with a smoky, mineral note. Fat, round, warm palate with buttery, vanilla, honey flavours with spicy, grapefruit, melon rind flavours. Very oaky and full. More chardonnay than sauvignon.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Cave de Saumur Blanc 2004
Saumur, Loire, FranceHoney, green apple, slate-y, clover aromas. Dry, round, oily texture with green apple, nectarine skin, buttery, chalky flavours. Good intensity and concentration but a bit austere. Try with grilled squid or shellfish.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Mount Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2004
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandJalapeno, canned asparagus, gooseberry, mineral, honey aromas with some grapefruit rind underneath. Round, fresh, crisp and elegant with gooseberry, mineral, grapefruit rind and passion fruit flavours with a touch of honey, asparagus and jalapeno on the finish. Much better in the mouth than its somewhat herbaceous nose would indicate.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Tommasi Pinot Grigio Le Rosse 2004
Verona, Veneto, ItalyMineral, white flower, honey, lime rind, nutty, perfumed nose. Ripe, rich, fat and round with honey, buttery, floral, citrus flavours with some baked apple nuances. A bit flabby but solid.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Tinhorn Creek Pinot Gris 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig mineral, slate-y, leesy, buttery, baked pear aromas. Ripe, fat, round entry with buttery, pear, mineral, citrus rind, honey, leesy flavours but quite warm. Lacks clarity and freshness to really sing.Prices:| BC | $15.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Soaring Eagle Pinot Gris Limited Edition 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCitrus, honey, garlicky lees, mineral, floral butter aromas. Fat, round, soft entry with buttery, mineral, bruised apple, vanilla and honey flavours with a very warm, fat finish. A bit too ripe and hot.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Herder Pinot Gris Bellamy Vineyards 2004
Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, mineral, honey, baked pear, citrus rind aromas. Ripe, round, crisp and fresh with spicy lees, mineral, pear, apple skin and honey flavours with a dry, honeyed finish. A bit austere but very fine intensity. Another solid effort from Herder.Prices:| BC | $14.90 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Gray Monk Pinot Gris 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOxidized, try another bottle.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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81PTS
Hillside Pinot Gris Reserve 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBruised apple, cement, dirty lees, and buttery aromas. Rich, round, ripe palate but quite oily with buttery, dirty lees, mineral, vanilla, over ripe melon flavours. Out of balance.Prices:| BC | $17.95 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Peller Estates Heritage Series Pinot Grigio 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHighly perfumed/floral nose with peach and barber shop aromas. Fat, round and alcoholic with canned peach and perfumed flavours. A bizarre, ungainly wine.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wild Goose Pinot Gris 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGreen apple skin, pear, honey, spicy earth aromas. Ripe, round, fresh and fat with baked apple, melon, citrus, spicy pear flavours. Dry, juicy finish with good citrus and pear flavours. Well made.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Lake Breeze Pinot Gris 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig perfumed-floral, mineral, baked pear, honey aromas with a touch of bruised apple and marzipan underneath. Ripe, round, crisp palate with bruised apple, citrus, honey, canned peach, spicy mineral flavours and a leesy, citrus, perfumed finish.Prices:| BC | $14.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Lake Breeze Semillon 2004
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFresh grapefruit, gooseberry, melon, grassy butter aromas, very fresh. Clean, crisp, round palate with a light oiliness. Grassy, bell pepper, gooseberry, grapefruit flavours with a mineral, slightly sweet finish. Well done.Prices:| BC | $15.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Gehringer Brothers Pinot Gris Private Reserve 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, pear, red apple, honey, slightly leesy aromas. Ripe, round, dry palate but elegant with green apple, honey, citrus rind, gooseberry and floral flavours with a crisp finish. Solid and very good value.Prices:| BC | $13.49 | 750ml |
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02 August 2005
88PTS
Fagan Creek Syrah Horsley Vineyard 2001
Dunnigan Hills, Yolo County, California, United StatesA fun style syrah with a hint of Rhone in it. Soft supple entry, with fat plummy spicy raspberry fruit and sensuous textures. Fun to drink now but probably will not go the distance. Good value.Prices:| BC | $20.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Fagan Creek Syrah Horsley Vineyard 2002
Dunnigan Hills, Yolo County, California, United StatesFresh peppery Rhone-like nose with fine intensity and length. The palate is weighty with full-bodied meaty peppery fruit flavours. Fine length with rich sophisticates styling. Surprising and impressive for Dunnigan Hills fruit. Somebody is paying attention to viticulture and winemaking. Well done.Prices:| BC | $23.95 | 750ml |
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01 August 2005
96PTS
Jim Barry The Armagh Shiraz 2002
Clare Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThe dense colour signals another big Armagh It may not be as firm as previous editions but rich, lush, weighty and intense are all fine descriptors. The black pepper and blueberry aromas continue on the palate with a touch of cola and smoky leather. The consummate blockbuster that actually has the stuffing to back it up. You can drink it now or hold it for a decade. Very fine.Prices:| BC | $125.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $125.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Sumac Ridge Rosé Private Reserve 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis has an attractive citrus and fresh fruit nose that pulls you quickly into the glass. The entry is sweetish a la white zinfandel but it the zippy acidity helps to hold it all together. The style is commercial but I have little doubt there is wide audience for this true summer sipper. Just add sunshine and tapas for a party.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Sumac Ridge Chardonnay Private Reserve 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen honey apple toasted oak nose. Round buttery green apple fruit with along smooth warm finish. Crisp and mostly fresh with just a hint of bitterness in the finish. Well done and fair value too.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Jim Barry The McRae Wood Shiraz 2002
Clare Valley, South Australia, AustraliaBig serious rich intense all describe the latest The McRae Wood Shiraz. The nose is bright and full of plum fruit that is sweet and spicy. On the palate, the wine offers similar notes of spicy cardamom and raspberry fruit with chocolate and just a hint of sweaty leather in the finish. Big plump, juicy and rich this will need another three to 5 years to mature in bottle.Prices:| BC | $47.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $42.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $42.95 | 750ml |
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September 2005