Tastings: September 2005

29 September 2005

93PTS

Cambria Pinot Noir Bench Break Vineyard 2001

Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesNot the latest release but still it is fun to drink. This is serious big time pinot noir with bits of chocolate white pepper and mint on the nose. Very ripe and round ― mouth filling with spicy jammy dark coloured fruit that best reflects the clones 2A and 23 that are planted in the vineyard. The 2003 is already sold out so we await the 2004.Prices:

US

$30.00

750ml

Producer: Cambria Estate Vineyard & Winery

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91PTS

Cambria Pinot Noir Julia's Vineyard 2003

Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesIronically, already out of stock because of the movie Sideways that never made it up to the spectacular Santa Maria Bench. Look for notes of dill and strawberry mixed with back cherry and rhubarb with a dusting of vanilla. Creamy silky, mid-palate textures preview bits of cinnamon game and black fruit flavours. Stylish, intense pinot.Prices:

BC	$36.50	750ml
AB	$32.50	750ml

Producer: Cambria Estate Vineyard & Winery

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92PTS

Cambria Chardonnay Bench Break Vineyard 2002

Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesBench Break fruit comes off the highest points of the spectacular Santa Maria Bench, surely one of the top ten vineyard sites in the world. Dijon clones, whole cluster pressing and barrel ferments in French Damy make this a superbly textured wine. Creamy tropical fruit flavours spill from the glass flecked with spicy smoky lees and mineral highlights. Lean sophisticated, cool-climate California chardonnay for sipping but even better with food.Prices:

BC	$44.00	750ml
AB	$39.99	750ml

Producer: Cambria Estate Vineyard & Winery

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28 September 2005

91PTS

Cambria Chardonnay Katherine's Vineyard 2003

Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesNamed for proprietor Barbara Banke's eldest daughter, Cambria Katherine's Vineyard is both vineyard designated and estate grown along the Santa Maria Bench in Northern Santa Barbara County. Look for enticing leesy garlic, creamy vanilla, baked apple aromas streaked with melon, citrus a cinnamon notes. Ripe, round, dry and crisp with creamy vanilla, pear, spicy lees, mineral and green apple flavours with an orange rind, buttery finish. Cooler style with great texture and length, drink now or hold for 2-3 years.Prices:

AB	$29.99	750ml
BC	$32.50	750ml

Producer: Cambria Estate Vineyard & Winery

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27 September 2005

92PTS

Hartford Zinfandel Dina's Vineyard 2003

Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesDina's Vineyard is over 95 years old. Today five acres of old gnarly zin vines remain as they were planted at the Arata family home site. Head trained on eight by eight spacing they yield some powerful fruit aromas and flavours. Look for pure black raspberry and chocolate cherry flavouring a round smooth tannic package. Big sweet powerful zinfandel with enough structure and style to carry all the elements.Prices:

BC	$59.99	750ml
AB	$54.99	750ml
US	$29.00	750ml

Producer: Hartford Family Wines

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94PTS

Hartford Zinfandel Highwire Vineyard 2003

Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesDon Hartford describes the spicy character of Highwire as "pyrotechnic." The vineyard trellising is now 50/50 high wire versus head prune and the lots are picked and vinified separately prior to any final blend selection. The wine is big chunky chewy zinfandel swimming in white pepper black fruit and gobs of sweet oak. At 16.1 percent alcohol, it is not for the shy or timid. Zin fans unite!Prices:

BC	$59.99	750ml
AB	$54.99	750ml
US	$39.00	750ml

Producer: Hartford Family Wines

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91PTS

Hartford Zinfandel Hartford Vineyard 2003

Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesDon Hartford is farming this 90-year old vineyard organically. It is located on approximately seven acres in the Russian River appellation of Sonoma County and is head-pruned producing low annual yields of roughly 1.5 tons an acre. Spicy exotic floral nose with blueberry chocolate fruit flavours and just a whiff of minerality.Prices:

BC	$46.95	750ml
AB	$39.99	750ml
US	$39.00	750ml

Producer: Hartford Family Wines

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91PTS

Hartford Court Pinot Noir Arrendell Vineyard 2003

Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesArrendell lies just south of the winery in the coolest part of the Green valley and has been producing pinot for three decades. An inland site with deeper soils lends it a rich texture deep black fruit spiced with celery salt oregano and earthy undertones. Rich and cool with some tannin yet to disperse. Very low yields.Prices:

AB	$64.99	750ml
US	$65.00	750ml

Producer: Hartford Family Wines

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96PTS

Hartford Court Chardonnay Seascape Vineyard 2003

Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, United StatesFog seldom leaves the six-acre coastal vineyard that is one of the coolest and further west in California. Intense green apple skin with floral notes and exotic hints of orange zest make this highly appealing before you sip it. Less than two tons per acre assure the flavours are intense and the cool site keeps them clean and fresh. Look for a nutty citrus, leesy nectarine / orange flavoured chardonnay that make this a one-of-a-kind chardonnay.Prices:

BC	$54.99	750ml
AB	$46.99	750ml
US	$50.00	750ml

Producer: Hartford Family Wines

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93PTS

Hartford Court Chardonnay Stone Côte Vineyard 2003

Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, United StatesStone Cote is a small block within the famous Durrell Vineyard that resides on what amounts to a hanging riverbed up on Sonoma Mountain. The result is s a cool-climate white a powerful mineral and nectarine scent and flavour profile. Wet stone and nutty streaks mark the finish. Impressive, sophisticated terroir-base chardonnay that pushes the limit for California.Prices:

BC	$54.95	46ml
US	$39.00	750ml

Producer: Hartford Family Wines

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91PTS

Hartford Chardonnay Sonoma Coast 2003

Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, United StatesGorgeous California chardonnay picked from a small number of Sonoma Coast sites. It's all barrel fermented employing natural yeast and the result is chardonnay with personality. Spicy lees mixes with peach, pear and baked green apple all with a strong mineral undercurrent. Finesse, style and delicious.Prices:

BC	$39.95	750ml
AB	$34.95	750ml
US	$23.00	750ml

Producer: Hartford Family Wines

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94PTS

Hartford Court Chardonnay Three Jacks Vineyard 2003

Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesNutty, spicy, mineral, creamy vanilla lees, garlic, floral, baked apple aromas with a waxy, honey note. Rich, round, ripe and elegant with a fine oily texture. Intense butterscotch, spicy vanilla, creamy, hazelnut, baked pear, mineral flavours with a long buttered spice finish. A bit warm but wonderful finish. Delicous now but should improve for 2-4 years.Prices:

BC	$54.99	750ml
AB	$46.99	750ml

Producer: Hartford Family Wines

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91PTS

Hartford Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2003

Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, United StatesEarthy, celery salt, sandalwood, 'East Asian spices,' black cherry, gamey, meaty aromas with a hint of strawberry tea. Soft, round, supple and dry with sweet cherry, vanilla, spicy, celery, strawberry jam flavours and a smoky, orange rind finish. Warm but balanced with good acidity. Fine effort and fine value.Prices:

BC	$41.50	750ml
AB	$37.99	750ml
US	$25.00	750ml

Producer: Hartford Family Wines

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26 September 2005

84PTS

Matua Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2002

Hawkes Bay, North Island, New ZealandBig crushed leaf, smoky, roasted pepper, rootsy, port-y nose. Dry, round, elegant style but somewhat hollow. Mineral, V8-juice, cassis, tobacco leaf, and cedar flavours. Herbaceous style.Prices:

BC

$19.95

750ml

Producer: Matua Valley Wines

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81PTS

Thorn-Clarke Terra Barossa Shiraz 2003

Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaVery peppery, spicy, baked prune, high toned rubbery, blackberry, hot, volatile aromas. Fat, ripe, round but with dry tannins and high alcohol. Very cooked, pruny, peppery, and mineral with elevated acidity.Prices:

BC	$19.99	750ml
AB	$15.00	750ml

Producer: Thorn-Clarke Wines

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86PTS

Bouchard Aîné & Fils Beaujolais Les Coteaux 2004

Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceLovely floral fresh mineral fruity nose with cherry jam aromas. Soft fruity entry with good acidity and length. Look for more minty earthy strawberry fruit on the palate. Soft, round, simple and ready to drink. Think pork dishes.Prices:

BC	$14.99	750ml
AB	$13.50	750ml
SK	$15.57	750ml

Producer: Bouchard Aîné & Fils

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85PTS

Long Flat Shiraz 2004

South Eastern Australia, AustraliaSpicy, peppery, tobacco leaf, blueberry, rootsy aromas. Soft, round, supple palate but a bit sweet with some acidity. Big sweet cherry, blueberry, licorice, coffee flavours. Very consumer friendly and fair value.Prices:

BC	$12.99	750ml
AB	$11.00	750ml

Producer: Cheviot Bridge Wine Company

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87PTS

Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais-Villages 2004

Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceNot unlike the previous vintage with an attractive black cherry, wild strawberry nose streaked with mineral and pepper aromas. Youthful fruity and round in the mouth with more mineral, cherry and black raspberry fruit. Very well made. Classic Beaujolais. Drink now or through the winter.Prices:

BC

$17.30

750ml

Producer: Georges Duboeuf

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83PTS

Louis Bernard Côtes du Rhône Villages Rouge 2003

Côtes du Rhône Villages, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceCoriander, meaty, peppery, raspberry and tobacco aromas. Very dry, tight palate with some tannins and acidity. High alcohol with raspberry, chocolate, tobacco and earth flavours. Just too dry and lean. Needs beef tartare dish to balance.Prices:

BC

$16.60

750ml

Producer: Louis Bernard

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93PTS

Champagne Gosset Celebris Rosé 1998

Champagne, FranceA first ever for Gosset, a vintage, Celebris rosé. Look for a striking pale peach copper colour. Very fine effervescence with creamy, toasty, citrus, baked apple and marzipan aromas. Round, elegant, fresh and crisp with weight ― on the drier side of brut. Raspberry, creamy, cherry, nutty, toasty flavours streaked with mineral and citrus. Very fine. Long, slightly leaner style with finesse and concentration. Drinkable now but will age well.Prices:

BC	$167.45	750ml
AB	$149.95	750ml

Producer: Champagne Gosset

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90PTS

Champagne Gosset Grand Rosé Brut NV

Champagne, FranceLight copper orange colour. Toasty, cherry, nutty, citrus peel and baked apple aromas. Very fine mousse with soft, rich, round texture. Very toasty, nutty, stewed cherry, mineral, creamy citrus flavours. Good concentration and balance for current drinking.Prices:

BC	$107.00	750ml
ON	$108.00	750ml

Producer: Champagne Gosset

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90PTS

Champagne Gosset Grande Reserve Brut NV

Champagne, FranceFine mousse. Floral, pear, baked apple, creamy, nutty, toasty cherry aromas. Elegant, round, soft textured style with good acidity. Toasty, nutty, creamy, baked apple and pear flavours. A bit fatter and toastier than a vintage style but on the dry side, has additional texture due to a small percent of barrel aged reserve wine.A blend of chardonnay (46%), pinot noir and pinot meunier (54%) including 12% of reserve wines (average 2 years old).Prices:

BC	$90.00	750ml
ON	$85.80	750ml

Producer: Champagne Gosset

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86PTS

Casa Silva Doña Dominga Shiraz Single Vineyard El Rebaño 2003

Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileMinty, chocolate, black cherry, white pepper, gamey sausage aromas. Ripe, round, dry, full-bodied palate with cedar-y tannins. Black cherry, peppery, tobacco, leather and smoky licorice flavours. A bit rustic but plenty of flavour for the money.Prices:

BC	$12.99	750ml
AB	$11.50	750ml

Producer: Viña Casa Silva

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87PTS

Duca di Castelmonte Notorius Syrah 2002

Sicily, ItalyVery peppery, meaty, gamey, chocolate, cigar aromas with some black cherry. Very ripe, round, warm and dry with peppery, black cherry jam, chocolate, spicy, savoury pudding flavours. Solid, meaty style.Prices:

BC	$12.99	750ml
AB	$13.99	750ml

Producer: Cantine Pellegrino

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84PTS

Round Hill Shiraz 2002

California, United StatesTobacco, chocolate, muddy, licorice, olive aromas. Dry, lean, tight palate with licorice, peppery, spicy, savoury chocolate flavours. A bit lean and dried out on the finish with some acidity. Needs drinking.Prices:

BC

$14.99

750ml

Producer: Round Hill Vineyards & Cellars

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88PTS

Graham Beck Shiraz 2003

Robertson, Breede River Valley, South AfricaVery gamey, meaty, sweaty saddle, floral, tobacco, prune aromas. Soft, round, supple and rich with chocolate, tobacco, prune, plum, peppery, meaty, savoury flavours with a minty, cigar finish. A bit warm but lots of character with some tannin to shed over the next few years. Solid.Prices:

BC	$24.99	750ml
AB	$17.00	750ml
ON	$17.95	750ml

Producer: Graham Beck

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89PTS

St. Hallett Old Block Shiraz 2002

Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaWarm, port-y nose with gamey, chocolate, sausage meat, black pepper, coffee pudding, blackberry jam aromas with some leafy / cedar bark undertones. The entry is warm and dry and showing considerable acid. On the palate more chocolate, pepper, tobacco, mocha, mineral, blackberry and blueberry flavours with some cedar-y, dry tannins on the finish. Not the best Old Block we have tasted.Prices:

BC

$54.00

750ml

Producer: St. Hallet Wines

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0PTS

St. Hallett Blackwell Shiraz 2003

Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaCorked. Will try another bottle.Prices:

BC

$34.95

750ml

Producer: St. Hallet Wines

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89PTS

Lang Vineyards Riesling Late Harvest 2004

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAnother magic moment from Lang. Rich ripe red apple notes mixed with peach, honey and orange aromas and some lingering matchstick notes that blow off in the glass. Very crisp and elegant with light sweetness but perfectly balanced. Ripe orange, mineral, honey, red apple flavours with a touch of grapefruit on the finish. Reminiscent of a German kabinett or spätlese. Delicious with finesse and low alcohol. Bravo and I love the realistic pricing.Prices:

BC

$15.90

750ml

Producer: Lang Vineyards

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86PTS

Hillside Muscat Reserve Late Harvest 2004

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaStrong mineral, slate notes on the nose with spicy, anise and peach skin notes. The style is elegant with light sweetness. Mineral, peach, bruised apple, slate-y, bitter citrus rind flavours with some leesy notes. Solid effort.Prices:

BC

$24.95

375ml

Producer: Hillside Winery

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87PTS

Chateau Joanny Côtes du Rhône Villages 2001

Côtes du Rhône Villages, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceBig gamey, peppery, floral, roasted pepper nose with black raspberry flecks. We like the mature character and the elegant, (low alcohol) structure and light tannins. Tasty chocolate, black raspberry jam, peppery, minty, mineral, licorice flavours. A bit lean on the finish with light tannins but well-balance. Perfect for the dinner table; try with lamb stew.Prices:

BC

$20.99

750ml

Producer: Château Joanny

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86PTS

Saint-Benoit Côtes du Ventoux Lou Magnan 2002

Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceMade predominately with grenache you pick that up on the nose with its blueberry, raspberry, cardamom, peppery notes and just a dusting of meaty, gamey, licorice root notes. The textures are round but chunky with some light tannins. Raspberry, chocolate, peppery, tobacco and licorice root flavours. A bit dry but has good intensity. Pair with rich grilled meats.Prices:

BC

$18.50

750ml

Producer: Domaine Saint-Benoit

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89PTS

Matua Valley Ararimu Merlot Syrah Cabernet 2002

Hawkes Bay, North Island, New ZealandBig coffee, cigar leaf, coriander, chocolate pudding nose with streaks of vanilla, warm spice and peppery, gamey aromas. Rich, dry, somewhat tannic entry but well balanced with black pepper, licorice root, dark chocolate, plum, mineral, spicy flavours. The finish mixes vanilla and cola. Very warm with a touch of acidity and tannin to shed. Try in 2-3 years or with well-marbled steak.Prices:

BC

$49.99

750ml

Producer: Matua Valley Wines

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25 September 2005

88PTS

Boekenhoutskloof The Wolftrap 2004

Western Cape, South AfricaAs fine as the previous vintage was the 04, now in screwcap, is even brighter and fresher in the glass. The blend is syrah/carignan/grenache/cinsault and the result is bright cherry fruit, peppery, clove nose with floral/black raspberry licorice overtones. Round, dry and soft it offers up a mix of gamey, black raspberry fruit with a smoky peppery licorice finish. Rhone-style to be sure at a fair price.Prices:

BC	$16.99	750ml
AB	$10.00	750ml
ON	$13.95	750ml

Producer: Boekenhoutskloof

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24 September 2005

87PTS

Grant Burge Barossa Vines Shiraz 2003

Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaCoffee, chocolate, pruny, black cherry, licorice root and sausage aromas with a strong peppery, leather component. Ripe, round, fresh style but fat with some sweetness and acidity. Floral, black cherry jam, licorice, coffee, vanilla pudding flavours.Prices:

BC	$21.95	750ml
AB	$17.50	750ml
ON	$16.95	750ml

Producer: Grant Burge (Accolade Wines )

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85PTS

Fat Bastard Shiraz 2003

Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceSmoky, mineral, gamey, peppery, black raspberry, poultry spice aromas with a touch of cooked prune. Dry, slightly lean entry with peppery, mineral, raspberry seed, licorice and black cherry flavours. Needs a piece of grilled lamb to counter the dryness.Prices:

BC	$16.95	750ml
AB	$14.95	750ml

Producer: Guy Anderson Wines

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88PTS

Andezon Côtes du Rhône Villages 2003

Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceRipe and rich red that is fat and dry with black cherry kirsch, peppery, mineral, licorice, meaty, spicy orange peel flavours. The finish is very warm and dry with a touch of acidity and some tight tannins. Big time 'Village' wine that needs a lamb leg or a couple years in the bottle. The pure syrah blend is unusual but welcomed.Prices:

BC

$22.95

750ml

Producer: Domaine d'Andezon

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86PTS

St. John's Road Early Settlers' Shiraz 2003

Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaRootsy, peppery, licorice, vanilla, black berry jam, prune aromas with some floral, mocha notes. Fat, round, ripe and warm with a touch of sweetness and acidity showing. Big black berry jam, mocha, prune, peppery, vanilla, cherry pudding flavours with some dry tannins on the finish. Fine but showing both high acidity and alcohol.Prices:

BC

$22.95

750ml

Producer: The St. John's Road Wine Company

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88PTS

Bridgewater Mill Three Districts Millstone Shiraz 2001

AustraliaBig black pepper, black cherry, spicy, rootsy, gamey aromas with a touch of vanilla and clove. Ripe, round, dry but fairly smooth with lots of black pepper, licorice, smoky game, black cherry, mineral, vanilla flavours. Intense flavours with some light tannins but well made. Stylish effort at a very fair price that blend fruit from Adelaide Hills, Wrattonbully and Clare Valley Prices:

BC

$18.95

750ml

Producer: Petaluma Australia

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88PTS

MontGras Limited Edition Syrah 2003

Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileLots of vanilla, smoky, peppery, licorice, rootsy, blackberry jam and prune aromas. Ripe, grainy tannic entry with sweet vanilla, spicy, peppery, black cherry confiture, plum pudding and licorice flavours. Very dry, chewy, hot finish with lots of coffee and vanilla on the finish. An intense version that requires a year or two in bottle to settle down.Prices:

BC	$22.90	750ml
AB	$21.00	750ml

Producer: MontGras

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89PTS

Mission Hill S.L.C. Syrah 2003

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTight coffee, pepper, spicy nose with floral, black cherry, licorice root notes and smoky, vanilla-pudding tones. The entry is soft and rich, the best yet for a young Mission Hill syrah with grainy tannins in the back end. Fine minty, peppery, coffee, smoky vanilla, black cherry and tobacco flavours. Should develop over the next few years to fully integrate and round out. Well made cool climate syrah with some elegance. Prices:

BC	$39.99	750ml
AB	$31.00	750ml
MB	$34.99	750ml
ON	$34.00	750ml

Producer: Mission Hill Family Estate

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90PTS

Stark Shiraz Unfined Unfiltered 2002

Coastal Region, South AfricaBig gamey, meaty, smoky, peppery, tobacco, compost nose streaked with black cherry. Ripe, round, smooth and supple with more black cherry jam, pepper, mint, tobacco, vanilla, mocha, leather and jasmine flavours. Long, warm silky finish with a touch of acidity but well-balanced and flavourful. Very attractive style for current drinking or over the next 2 years.Prices:

BC	$29.99	750ml
AB	$19.99	750ml

Producer: Stark Conde Wines

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87PTS

Summerhill Pyramid Winery Gewürztraminer Organic 2004

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFresh floral, mineral, peach, orange aromas. Crisp and fresh with light sweetness on entry. Citrus rind, mineral, peach, green apple flavours with a zesty finish. Very crisp aftertaste that will make it especially food friendly.Prices:

BC

$15.95

750ml

Producer: Summerhill Pyramid Winery

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86PTS

The Little Penguin Shiraz 2004

South Eastern Australia, AustraliaBlueberry, spicy, peppery, licorice root aromas. Soft, sweet, round, easy sipping wine with blackberry, licorice, mocha, mineral, blueberry flavours. Very easy drinking style with just a touch of acidity on the finish. An improvement over prior vintages.Prices:

BC	$12.99	750ml
AB	$11.99	750ml
NB	$12.99	750ml
MB	$11.48	750ml
ON	$11.95	750ml
NF	$13.20	750ml

Producer: The Little Penguin Wines

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87PTS

Vina Casas del Bosque Syrah Reserve 2003

Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileA cool syrah with a minty, peppery, resiny nose streaked with smoky saddle leather aromas, coriander, vanilla and cherry. Rich, dry and slightly tannic with meaty, vanilla, peppery, minty, smoky resin, cherry and plum flavours. Long herbal, spicy garrigue finish with some acidity. Very aromatic and intense in a cooler style that needs a few years to develop in bottle or decant and serve now with grilled beef.Prices:

BC

$19.99

750ml

Producer: Viña Casas del Bosque Ltd.

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85PTS

Calona Vineyards Sovereign Opal Artist Series Reserve 2004

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGreen peach, green apple, sausage, spicy, mint nose. Fat, round, slightly sweet entry with spicy, mineral, green apple, minty, spicy, baked pear flavours and a slightly grassy, lime note. Solid patio wine.Prices:

BC

$12.49

750ml

Producer: Calona Vineyards

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87PTS

Hillside Muscat Ottonel Reserve 2004

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaClean spicy, floral, ginger, honey nose with a touch of light lees for interest. Crisp, fresh, round and juicy with mineral, spicy, orange peel, ginger, green apple skin flavours with a touch of lime. It has a bit of viognier-like character in the finish. Well done.Prices:

BC

$19.95

750ml

Producer: Hillside Winery

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86PTS

Gehringer Brothers Auxerrois Classic 2004

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, candied apple, perfumed nose with a whiff of nectarine skin. Soft, round, slightly sweet style with nice acidity. Light green apple, floral, peach, buttery mineral flavours with a touch of orange. Fine fresh effort for current drinking and good value.Prices:

BC

$11.99

750ml

Producer: Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery

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23 September 2005

84PTS

Piesporter Treppchen Riesling QbA 2004

Mosel, GermanyMatchstick, mineral, green apple skin, slate aromas. Round, fresh, crisp palate with green apple skin, honey, dirty lees, slate flavours. Elegant style but could be a bit cleaner.Prices:

BC

$12.95

750ml

Producer: Export Union

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84PTS

Josef Drathen Bereich Bernkastel Riesling QBA 2007

Mosel, GermanyMatchstick, mineral, green apple skin, honey, nectarine skin. Soft, round, slightly sweet style with baked apple, slate, pear skin, floral flavours. Easy sipping style for the summer.Prices:

BC	$13.00	750ml
AB	$15.00	750ml

Producer: Josef Drathen

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83PTS

Granite Creek Ehrenfelser 2003

British Columbia, CanadaBaked red apple, floral, heavy perfume, mineral. Fat, sweet, round style with baked apple, cooked grapefruit, floral, mineral flavours. Sweet and a bit bitter on the finish.Prices:

BC

$15.90

750ml

Producer: Granite Creek Estate Wines

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84PTS

Trefethen Dry Riesling 2004

Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley, California, United StatesSmoky petrol, mineral, lime rind nose with floral notes. Warm entry with baked apple, mineral, bitter grapefruit rind, floral flavours. High acid finish but fat "Napa" style that finishes a bit disjointed.Prices:

US

$18.00

750ml

Producer: Trefethen Vineyards

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90PTS

Bassermann-Jordan Deidesheimer Paradiesgarten Riesling Kabinett 2004

Pfalz, GermanyNow with a screwcap the lime, citrus rind, mineral, Granny Smith apple nose jumps from the glass. Crisp, clean entry with a touch of spritz. Ripe apple, orange, mango, green apple, grassy quince flavours. Good zing and fruit throughout. The screw cap will help this one age and stay fresh for a long time.Prices:

BC	$29.00	750ml
AB	$26.95	750ml

Producer: Bassermann-Jordan

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88PTS

Bassermann-Jordan Deidesheimer Paradiesgarten Riesling Kabinett 2003

Pfalz, GermanyCitrus, perfumed, baked pear, clover, honey aromas with some mineral slate. Ripe, round, fat, slightly soft entry with pear, mango, citrus, baked apple, floral flavours. Good fruit but very ripe, drink now while fresh.Prices:

BC	$29.95	750ml
AB	$26.95	750ml

Producer: Bassermann-Jordan

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88PTS

Dr. Pauly - Bergweiler Riesling Bernkastler Badstube Kabinett 2004

Mosel, GermanyGranny Smith, grassy, mineral nose with nectarine skin, floral and slate notes. Crisp palate but juicy with citrus, green apple, floral, slate, light asparagus flavours. Nice intensity with just the right sweetness and acidity. Delicious.Prices:

BC	$29.95	750ml
AB	$26.95	750ml

Producer: Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler

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92PTS

Dr. Pauly - Bergweiler Riesling Bernkastler alte Badstube am Doctorberg Auslese 2004

Mosel, GermanyFloral, perfumed ripe red apple nose with quince/lime aromas and a touch of honey and slate. Fresh, crisp, elegant style with ripe peach, floral, red apple, orange, mineral flavours with a touch of marzipan. Fine balance and acidity but not inexpensive.Prices:

BC	$78.95	750ml
AB	$69.95	750ml

Producer: Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler

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85PTS

Rudolf Muller Riesling Classic 2004

Pfalz, GermanyFloral, Granny Smith skin, citrus oil, slate nose. Dry, crisp, clean entry with floral, pear, lime, nectarine skin flavours. Well balanced, fresh style for Asian food or oysters. Good value.Prices:

BC	$10.99	750ml
AB	$9.49	750ml

Producer: Rudolf Muller

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86PTS

Wild Goose Riesling God's Mountain Vineyard 2004

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight lees, matchstick, mineral, green apple skin, floral, clover, citrus rind aromas. Dry, crisp, elegant, fairly round entry with green apple, smoky mineral, citrus, floral flavours. A bit rind-y and leesy but solid.Prices:

BC

$15.95

750ml

Producer: Wyse Family Vineyards

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85PTS

Wild Goose Autumn Gold 2004

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAutumn Gold is blends riesling, pinot blanc and gewürztraminer and comes up with a ripe apple, baked pear, nectarine and spicy, floral aromas. Soft, fresh, round style with moderate sweetness but good acidity. Mineral, red apple, spicy, baked pear flavours with a touch of lime. A simple, easy sipping wine for summer or a picnic. Good fun.Prices:

BC

$13.95

750ml

Producer: Wyse Family Vineyards

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84PTS

Wild Horse Canyon Left Bank White 2004

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, citrus rind and fruit cocktail aromas. Fresh, round, slightly sweet palate with crisp acidity. Mineral, grapefruit rind, spicy, apple skin flavours. Solid but a touch lean and bitter on the finish.Prices:

BC	$10.99	750ml
AB	$10.00	750ml
SK	$10.99	750ml
MB	$10.99	750ml

Producer: Wild Horse Canyon Vineyards

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19 September 2005

87PTS

Lake Breeze Cabernet Merlot 2003

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery peppery, spicy, clove nose with vanilla, chocolate, black cherry and tobacco highlights. Dry, round, full-bodied with light dry tannins. Smoky, resin, vanilla, peppery, spicy, licorice flavours with stewed cherry and mint. A bit hot and chunky, should improve over the next year or so.Prices:

BC

$0.00

750ml

Producer: Lake Breeze Vineyards

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84PTS

Mission Hill Five Vineyards Cabernet Merlot 2003

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe '03 Five Vineyards Merlot mixes cabernet, merlot and cabernet franc in a 35/45/20 blend. Similar to the 2002 with smoky, olive, roasted pepper, tobacco leaf, and resiny dill aromas. Dry and round with cooked green bean, olive, minty, cherry, smoky resin flavours. A bit warm but it lacks ripeness.Prices:

BC	$15.99	750ml
AB	$14.00	750ml
SK	$15.99	750ml
MB	$15.59	750ml
ON	$14.95	750ml
NS	$14.79	750ml
YK	$16.20	750ml

Producer: Mission Hill Family Estate

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86PTS

Calona Vineyards Artist Series Cabernet Merlot 2003

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky vanilla, chocolate, tobacco leaf, black olive aromas with some cassis. Soft, round, dry, easy drinking style with light tannins. Spicy, peppery, black olive, cassis, smoky vanilla and cedar flavours. Good value red for by-the-glass in restaurants.Prices:

BC	$13.49	750ml
AB	$14.49	750ml
SK	$14.95	750ml
MB	$14.69	750ml

Producer: Calona Vineyards

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90PTS

Summerhill Pyramid Winery Platinum Series Merlot Icewine 2002

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCopper peach colour. Toffee apple, cherry jam, leafy tobacco, plasticene, vinyl aromas. Big sweet entry with caramel, toffee, stewed rhubarb, tobacco, minty, spice flavours. Finish is warm with lots of acidity and tobacco notes. It's merlot but charmingly sweet.Prices:

BC

$108.00

750ml

Producer: Summerhill Pyramid Winery

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85PTS

Sumac Ridge Cabernet Merlot Private Reserve 2003

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, mocha, vanilla, peppery, spicy, tobacco, rootsy olive aromas. Round, supple, easy drinking style with sweet vanilla, peppery, coffee, cherry, tobacco flavours and a bit of Oz sweetness and acidity on the finish. Prices:

BC

$13.99

750ml

Producer: Sumac Ridge Estate Winery

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89PTS

Burgans Albariño Rías Baixas 2004

Rías Baixas, Galicia, SpainThis is delicious albariño. Look for mineral, pear, orange rind aromas flecked with apple skin and floral notes. Dry, crisp, elegant on the palate with succulent green apple, honey, orange skin, floral, mineral, baked nectarine flavours. Refreshing, intense, and flavoursome with a big citrus finish. Dry but well balanced. Think grilled or sautéed seafood. Good value.Prices:

BC

$19.95

750ml

Producer: Martin Codax

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87PTS

Finca Luzon Jumilla Organic 2004

Jumilla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainEasily one of the best inexpensive organic wine in the market. Savoury, chocolate, black cherry jam nose with smoky, garrigue aromas, saddle leather and game. Fat, rich, round and supple with some acidity showing. Warm with peppery, chocolate, earthy, black cherry jam and tobacco flavours. Solid value here.Prices:

BC

$14.99

750ml

Producer: Bodegas Luzon

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88PTS

Batasiolo Bosc Dla Rei Moscato d'Asti 2004

Piedmont, ItalyA light spritz lifts the fresh nose with floral, orange and spicy pear aromas flecked with peach and mineral. Fine acidity but moderately sweet. Classy muscat with ripe peach, apple, spicy, nectarine and orange flavours. Fun and fresh, might be interesting with a warm brioche filled with foie gras or fresh fruit tart for dessert.Prices:

BC	$19.95	750ml
AB	$16.50	750ml

Producer: Beni di Batasiolo

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84PTS

Jacob's Creek Cabernet Merlot 2003

South Eastern Australia, AustraliaLeafy, cedar-y, resiny, cassis, floral, blueberry aromas. Warm, round, slightly tannic entry with elevated acidity. Ripe cassis, floral, blueberry, leafy, licorice flavours. Lean, dry finish.Prices:

BC

$12.99

750ml

Producer: Jacob's Creek

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84PTS

J. J. McWilliam's Cabernet Merlot 2003

South Eastern Australia, AustraliaCoffee, leafy, licorice, smoky, cassis aromas. Soft, somewhat acidic and sweet palate with cedar-y, spicy, vanilla, sour cherry, and cassis flavours with some olive notes. Simple everyday red wine.Prices:

BC	$14.99	750ml
AB	$14.99	750ml
SK	$14.99	750ml
MB	$12.99	750ml
ON	$12.45	750ml
NS	$11.99	750ml

Producer: McWilliam’s Wines

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86PTS

La Chamiza Cabernet Merlot 2004

Mendoza, ArgentinaGamey, chocolate, rubbery, blackberry, spicy mocha nose. Very soft, round, easy sipping style with some sweetness and acidity. Lots of mocha, blackberry, tobacco, spicy, meaty flavours. A well-balanced, attractive consumer style and it offers great value to boot.Prices:

BC	$7.95	750ml
AB	$7.50	750ml

Producer: Trivento Bodegas y Vinedos S.A

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87PTS

Trivento Cabernet Malbec Reserve 2003

Mendoza, ArgentinaBig white pepper, spicy, cardamom, black berry jam, sausage aromas. Rich, fat, round, supple but chunky palate. Big savoury, vanilla, cedar, coffee, peppery, black cherry jam with a smoky, licorice finish. Big flavour intensity here and well balanced. Great value year after year.Prices:

BC	$12.95	750ml
AB	$11.25	750ml
MB	$10.28	750ml
NF	$14.68	750ml

Producer: Trivento Bodegas y Vinedos S.A

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75PTS

Saint Jean de la Pinede 2003

Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceGamey, sweaty saddle, floral, cedar nose. More dank characters on the palate mixed with bizarre talc and perfume overtones. Very cedar-y and acidic. Not a good bottle of wine.Prices: Producer: Domaine Listel

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82PTS

Chartron La Fleur Merlot Cabernet 2003

Bordeaux, FranceCedar, tobacco leaf, meaty, sour cherry aromas. Dry, skinny, elegant palate but thin on flavours with sour cherry, cedar, resiny, mineral, sappy flavours. Skinny French red with a dry finish. Not much generosity here.Prices:

BC

$13.99

750ml

Producer: Schroder & Schyler & Cie

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82PTS

Hillside Mosaic 2003

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig gamey/horse-y, saddle leather nose with stewed prunes, cooked pepper aromas. Soft, round, dry palate with some astringency. A bit sour with very smoky, vanilla, gamey, peppery, black cherry flavours. Hot and rustic at best. Unclean.Prices:

BC

$34.95

750ml

Producer: Hillside Winery

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83PTS

Hillside Cabernet Merlot 2003

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGamey, rubbery, leafy, peppery, chocolate and black cherry aromas. Round, dry, tight palate with some acidity. Very peppery, tobacco leaf, earthy, chocolate cherry flavours with some slightly gamey, bitter notes on the finish. A bit volatile and muddled.Prices:

BC

$18.95

750ml

Producer: Hillside Winery

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17 September 2005

88PTS

Segura Viudas Heredad Brut Reserva NV

Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainVery persistent bead of mousse. Toasty, nutty, floral perfume, light garlic biscuit, peach skin, walnut aromas. Crisp, dry, round, elegant palate with very nutty, mineral, peach, baked pear, caramel, lemon flavours. Very elegant, suave, nutty, slightly sweet finish with slightly more body than most Cava. Best served with seafood tapas and slightly salty light meats.Prices:

BC	$33.99	750ml
AB	$33.99	750ml
SK	$37.99	750ml
MB	$37.99	750ml
ON	$32.95	750ml
QC	$30.95	750ml
NB	$37.29	750ml
NS	$36.95	750ml

Producer: Segura Viudas

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94PTS

Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard 2002

Oakville, Napa Valley, California, United StatesWinemaker Craig Williams hits all the right buttons with his 2002 Backus cabernet. Look for a deep purple colour. Rich blackberry jam, black olive and garrigue notes mix with spicy, waxy, vanilla and pepper aromas with a touch of tobacco and leather. Super rich and smooth on the palate with ripe but chunky tannins and more chocolate, blackberry jam, pepper, mineral, cassis, and tapenade flavours. Dense, ripe black fruit and good balance and a smoky, minty, vanilla finish. Still young and showing slightly rustic tannins but one to put away for a decade.Prices:

AB	$225.00	750ml
BC	$264.95	750ml

Producer: Joseph Phelps Vineyards

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94PTS

Joseph Phelps Insignia 2002

Napa Valley, California, United StatesDeep black cherry colour. Intense blackberry jam and black cherry aromas streaked with smoky, chocolate, vanilla, cardamom, saddle leather notes and hints of black olive, tobacco and licorice. Rich, round, ripe and supple with grainy tannins. Fine peppery, licorice, menthol, bitter chocolate, cassis jam flavours with a long blackberry jam and tobacco finish. Long with fine acidity and balance, needs 3-7 years. An extremely stylish blend of cabernet sauvignon, petit verdot and malbec that will live on for decades.Prices:

ON	$216.00	750ml
MB	$185.00	750ml
AB	$185.00	750ml
BC	$214.95	750ml

Producer: Joseph Phelps Vineyards

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88PTS

Quails' Gate O.V.F. Reserve Old Vines Foch 2003

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig vanilla, spicy, smoky oak, cassis, gamey, bacon aromas. Soft, round, supple entry with ripe tannins. Plenty of chocolate coffee, vanilla, smoky oak, floral, black cherry and green peppercorn flavours. A bit lean on the finish but very well made with lots of oak.Prices:

BC	$35.00	750ml
AB	$35.00	750ml

Producer: Quails' Gate Vineyards Estate Winery

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86PTS

Quails' Gate Old Vines Foch Limited Release 2003

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig smoky, resiny, leather, vanilla, candied tomato nose with some pepper. Ripe, round, supple palate with spicy vanilla, butterscotch, leather, gamey, stewed tomato, cassis flavours. A bit lean on the finish but sound.Prices:

BC	$24.99	750ml
AB	$24.99	750ml
ON	$24.99	750ml

Producer: Quails' Gate Vineyards Estate Winery

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87PTS

Errazuriz Sauvignon Blanc Late Harvest 2004

Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChilePassion fruit, bell pepper, apricot, floral, buttery, grassy nose. Sweet style with good acidity but quite delicate. Plenty of apricot, orange, passion fruit, red apple and butter flavours. A bit simple but fresh with good fruit intensity and succulent. Good value.Prices:

BC

$14.40

375ml

Producer: Viña Errazuriz

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84PTS

Gray Monk Latitude 50 - White 2004

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCanned grapefruit, mineral, candied rose, peach skin aromas. It has a soft, round, easy palate all wrapped up in a sweeter mode with mineral, candied peach, floral, citrus flavours. A simple summer sipper at a very acceptable price.Prices:

BC

$12.49

750ml

Producer: Gray Monk Estate Winery

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86PTS

Lake Breeze Ehrenfelser 2004

Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaEnticing baked peach, apple, and floral nose streaked with honey and mineral aromas. Soft, somewhat sweet palate with floral, baked apple and peach flavours with a buttery, honey, mineral finish. A bit fat and sweet but solid with more of a cooked fruit character versus the leaner fresh fruit style.Prices:

BC

$14.90

750ml

Producer: Lake Breeze Vineyards

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86PTS

Gehringer Brothers Desert Sun 2004

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBright ripe apple, peach aromas with mineral and floral streaks. Mineral, canned pink grapefruit, green apple floral flavours with some orange creamsicle on the finish. Crisp acidity with light sweetness on the finish. Good fruit and balance for summer or serve with Chinese food. Fine value too.Prices:

BC

$9.99

750ml

Producer: Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery

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87PTS

Gehringer Brothers Ehrenfelser Dry Classic 2004

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAlways consistently well made the '04 has a spicy, floral nose flecked with honey, orange and mineral aromas. Ripe, round, slightly fat entry but good acidity with buttery, peach, orange creamsicle, baked apple and mineral flavours. Succulent, fresh style, almost viognier-like. Solid match for Indian or Chinese food and a great buy.Prices:

BC

$11.99

750ml

Producer: Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery

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86PTS

Gehringer Brothers Ehrenfelser Classic 2004

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHoney, creamy, peach, floral, orange aromas. Ripe, round, fresh and juicy with some sweetness but good acidity. Mineral, baked pear, honey, grapefruit and red apple flavours with a floral finish. A little less orange citrus character than the dry version. Very good effort as well. Good value.Prices:

BC

$11.99

750ml

Producer: Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery

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86PTS

J. Bouchon Carmenere Syrah Reserva 2003

Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileBig mint, cassis, sappy, floral, licorice aromas. Soft, dry, round, slightly tannic palate with smoky, chocolate, peppery, minty, cassis jam, chalky flavours. Strong carmenère character and somewhat dry but with fine intensity. Good value.Prices:

Bc

$12.95

750ml

Producer: J Bouchon

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87PTS

Tamaya Muscat of Alexandria 2004

Valle del Limari, ChileSpicy, floral, peach skin nose with mineral notes and a touch of tangerine skin. Ripe, rich, fairly sweet style with baked peach, apple, spicy, floral, mineral, buttery raisin flavours. A bit alcoholic but it has fine varietal character. Serve well chilled with fresh fruit.Prices:

BC

$14.00

375ml

Producer: Tamaya

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86PTS

Marques de Griñon Dominio de Valdepusa Petit Verdot 2002

Castilla-La Mancha, SpainVolatile, gamey, licorice, earthy, vanilla, peppery aromas. Very dry, chunky, warm and tannic in the mouth with peppery, earthy, smoky, licorice, violet, black cherry flavours. The finish is volatile and gamey! Could be a bad bottle?Prices:

BC

$44.90

750ml

Producer: Pagos de Familia Marques de Griñon

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85PTS

Oxford Landing Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz 2002

South Australia, AustraliaLeafy, olive, green bean nose with blueberry and spicy leather aromas. Dry, round and supple on the palate with cedar, leather, smoky resin and black cherry flavours. A bit leafy and chunky but sound and very sip-able.Prices:

BC	$13.99	750ml
AB	$10.99	750ml
ON	$12.99	750ml
MB	$12.99	750ml
NS	$13.99	750ml

Producer: Yalumba Wine Company

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84PTS

Oak Bay Vineyard Maréchal Foch 2004

East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeppery, chocolate, leafy cassis, resiny, green bean nose. Dry, soft and round with licorice, resiny, pepper and black cherry nose spiked with green tomato leaf flavours. A bit warm and acidic on the finish but well balanced for foch.Prices:

BC

$14.99

750ml

Producer: St. Hubertus & Oak Bay Estate Winery

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86PTS

Chateau Vari Monbazillac 2000

Monbazillac, Sud-Ouest, FranceBig floral, perfumed, mineral, plasticene nose with baked peach and vanilla. Fat, soft, round palate with creamy, baked pear, cooked peach flavours with ginger and a touch of iodine on the finish. Solid but could be better with a slightly cleaner taste profile. Ready to drink.Prices:

BC	$15.99	375ml
AB	$12.00	375ml

Producer: Ets. D. Hebrard

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84PTS

Lang Vineyards Maréchal Foch 2004

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTypical stewed tomato and chocolate nose with peppery, spicy, vanilla highlights. Ripe, round and supple on entry with sweet vanilla, cassis, tomato, peppery flavours with just a touch of sweetness. Ripe but the blance is somewhat harsh.Prices:

BC

$13.90

750ml

Producer: Lang Vineyards

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93PTS

Hartford Court Pinot Noir Sevens Bench Vineyard 2001

Carneros, Sonoma County, California, United StatesSmoky, plum, black raspberry, sandalwood, celery salt, barnyard, compost aromas. Rich, round, supple and intense with good acidity and balance. Ripe cherry, vanilla, licorice, smoky, celery salt, orange pekoe, plum and cardamom flavours. Long, warm and intense with great fruit.Prices:

BC

$86.95

750ml

Producer: Hartford Family Wines

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90PTS

Mission Hill Vidal Ice Wine Reserve 2003

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWe definitely prefer the freshness here and the slightly lighter weight on the mid-palate. It's sweet enough to attract all yet there is a luscious edge and an acidity lift at the back end that makes this more drinkable. Look for bright apricot fruit and peach skin flavours throughout. Built for dessert or simply serve solo.Prices:

BC

$49.99

375ml

Producer: Mission Hill Family Estate

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14 September 2005

94PTS

Champagne Gosset Grand Millésime Brut 1996

Champagne, FranceExcellent fine mousse. Toasty, nutty, baked apple, floral, creamy nose spiked with citrus and quince notes. Round, crisp, elegant with very good acidity and concentration. Love the creamy, toasty, nutty, brioche palate with citrus, green apple flavours mixed with pear and anise in the finish. Finesse with power. Needs 2-5 years, excellent balance. A blend of chardonnay (56%) and pinot noir (44%) from Grand and Premier Cru sites.Prices:

BC	$95.95	750ml
AB	$89.95	750ml

Producer: Champagne Gosset

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95PTS

Champagne Gosset Celebris Brut 1995

Champagne, FranceA blend of 46/54 chardonnay and pinot noir all harvested from 100 per cent rated grand cru vineyards. Very fine mousse with a touch of yellow colour. Creamy, toasty, citrus peel, cherry, green apple, baked pear aromas with a floral, anise note. Crisp, fresh, elegant style with great finesse. Lots of green apple, citrus, creamy, pear skin, mineral, flavours. Tight, leaner style but intense with a rich apple, nutty, pear finish. Needs years with the acidity and structure. Lay away for 3-5 years at least. Top stuff here. Hard to imagine what the 1996 will be like.Prices:

BC	$149.95	750ml
AB	$142.96	750ml

Producer: Champagne Gosset

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07 September 2005

94PTS

Felton Road Pinot Noir Block 3 2004

Central Otago, South Island, New ZealandFelton Road's Block 3 vines are the same age as the Block 5 parcel but for some reason this plot has a more earthy spicy attractive quality when it is young. A little less tight a little more chocolate cherry and more spice on the nose and the palate. Soft suave juicy eminently drinkable but with complexity and as good as it gets in New World pinot. It's worth looking for as scarce as it is in Canada. It's bottled under screw cap.Prices:

BC	$95.00	750ml
AB	$77.00	750ml

Producer: Felton Road

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90PTS

Felton Road Pinot Noir 2003

Central Otago, South Island, New ZealandA blend of three vineyards with a rhubarb, black cherry cherry pie, carrot top nose streaked with spicy, mineral aromas. Rich, ripe, round, slightly dry palate with a touch of tannin. Plum, smoky, cran-raspberry, celery root, spicy vanilla flavours with a warm, crisp, juicy smoky finish. Good intensity and roundness in the finish. No fining, no filtering.Prices:

BC	$66.00	750ml
AB	$61.00	750ml

Producer: Felton Road

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06 September 2005

91PTS

La Crema Pinot Noir RRV 2003

Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesThe Russian River pinot is hedonistic in style sporting plenty mixed black fruits on the nose with streaks of barnyard in the background. Rich and and supple it is mouth filling without too much sweetness. The finish is balanced with earthy strawberry notes. Delicious drinking pinot.Prices:

BC	$44.99	750ml
AB	$37.99	750ml

Producer: La Crema (Jackson Family Wines)

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92PTS

La Crema Pinot Noir Nine Barrel 2003

Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesFrom a great vintage, winemaker Melissa Stackhouse delivers a knockout pinot with floral overtones and black fruit undercarriage. The palate mixes spice carrot top tea and tobacco. This rich sensuous complex pinot with enough stuffing to age another five to 7 years. As French as it gets for Russian River.Prices:

BC	$44.99	750ml
AB	$37.99	750ml

Producer: La Crema (Jackson Family Wines)

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03 September 2005

85PTS

Fetzer Valley Oaks Pinot Grigio 2004

California, United StatesThis is light stuff that mixes the classic earthy pinot grigio notes with hints of green apple and citrus fruit rinds. Simple straight up pinot grigio with some floral undertones in the finish. Serve as an aperitif or with white meats.Prices:

BC	$13.99	750ml
AB	$13.50	750ml
ON	$12.95	750ml
QC	$14.95	750ml

Producer: Fetzer Vineyards

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02 September 2005

90PTS

La Crema Pinot Noir RRV 2003

Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesLa Crema Carneros pinot is all about freshness. Bright cherries/raspberries, lively acidity and a smooth, rounded mouth feel let you know its pinot made for fun. The finish is super silky with hints of tealeaves and soya. The perfect salmon wine.Prices:

BC	$44.99	750ml
AB	$37.99	750ml

Producer: La Crema (Jackson Family Wines)

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92PTS

La Crema Chardonnay Nine Barrel 2002

Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesIn fact, the ten best barrels are selected to make "Nine Barrels" before winemaker Melissa Stackhouse and her team perform yet another cull to get down to nine only barrels. The result is a luxurious full-blown Russian River chardonnay. Part of its allure is a roasted marshmallow character mixed with ripe pear spice and vanilla flavours. The finish is long and packed full of super ripe pear flavours. The full meal deal for California chardonnay lovers.Prices:

BC	$39.99	750ml
AB	$34.99	750ml

Producer: La Crema (Jackson Family Wines)

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91PTS

La Crema Russian River Chardonnay 2003

Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesAs you would expect the Russian River chardonnay is bigger and richer on the nose and in the mouth. Creamy lees and lush honey tones mix with ripe apple fruit. Fifteen lots of mostly estate fruit makes up the blend including about 20 percent use of the aromatic Ruid? Clone. This juicy delicious hedonistic chardonnay but all within a modern framework of more fruit and less overt oak. Well done.Prices:

BC	$39.99	750ml
AB	$34.99	750ml

Producer: La Crema (Jackson Family Wines)

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89PTS

La Crema Chardonnay 2003

Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, United StatesLight honey notes on the nose with a touch of lees and cream. Mostly you pick up on the bright apple juicy fruit flavours that deliver more weight in the mouth than you might expect. It is hard to believe La Crema can hit such a high standard when they are making some 140,000 cases. Quintessential everyday modern Sonoma chardonnay.Prices:

BC	$32.99	750ml
AB	$27.99	750ml
ON	$29.99	750ml

Producer: La Crema (Jackson Family Wines)

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October 2005August 2005