quicksearch
Tastings: October 2005
31 October 2005
93PTS
William Fèvre Les Clos Chablis Grand Cru 2003
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceFloral, honey, lemon lime, nutty, light lees, creamy green apple, exotic orange and guava aromas. Dry, round, finely balanced acidity with good crispness and concentration. Nice buttery lees, mineral, floral, lime, guava, chalky flavours with a green apple skin and nectarine finish. Tight, good structure and ripe, a fine effort. Drink now-2008.Prices:| BC | $99.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $86.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
93PTS
Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils Nuits Saint Georges Les Cailles 2003
Nuits-Saint-Georges, Côtes de Nuits, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceBarnyard, saddle leather, raspberry jam, orange, spicy, rootsy, strawberry jam nose with a streak of vanilla. Ripe, round, elegant style with good finesse, acidity and balance. Great raspberry, strawberry, orange peel, smoky vanilla flavours with mineral, celery, compost finish. Good ripe tannins on the supple, grainy finish with length. Needs 3-7 years.Prices:| BC | $97.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
94PTS
Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru 2003
Aloxe-Corton, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceChalky, vanilla, floral, citrus rind, ripe apple, honey, waxy, spicy lees aromas. Rich, ripe, dry, and fairly crisp acidity. Lots of mineral, chalky, green apple skin, honey, peach skin, mango, vanilla flavours with a long buttery, and citrus, spicy lees finish. Fine concentration and balance with good aging potential. Excellent effort for the hot 2003 vintage.Prices:| BC | $150.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Antinori Pèppoli Chianti Classico 2002
Tuscany, ItalySmoky, gamey, resin, black cherry nose with floral, peppery, mocha streak. Dry, round, rich palate with light tannins. Spicy, tobacco, meaty, cherry, mocha pepper flavours. A bit chunky and dry but has good fruit and intensity. Good effort for 2002.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.75 | 750ml |
| BC | $16.99 | 375ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Bolla IGT Sicilia Rosso 2003
Sicily, ItalySpicy, gamey, chocolate, black cherry, smoky aromas. Dry, round, slightly tannic entry with good body. Black cherry jam, licorice, chocolate and spicy, cardamom flavours. Good solid red for everyday drinking. Good value.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Bolla IGT Sicilia Bianco 2004
Sicily, ItalyFloral, candied lemon peel, nutty, nectarine and cooked pear aromas. Fresh, soft, round style with apple skin, mineral, lemon, melon and buttery quince flavours. Simple, easy drinking style for any food.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Planura Vinho Tinto 2002
Alentejo, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalVery gamey, meaty, spicy, floral, chocolate, spice nose. Soft, round, supple wine with roasted meat, spicy, cherry, plum flavours and a tobacco flecked finish. Simple, ready to go barbecue red.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Domaine Sainte Rosé La Garrigue 2002
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceMeaty, spicy, peppery, chocolate, jasmine, blackberry aromas. Soft, round, dry and rich but warm. Big black cherry, plum, spicy, meaty, roasted pepper and chocolate flavours with a smoky, tobacco, cherry finish. A bit dry and chunky at the tail end, try with game meat or keep for a year or so. Good overall finesse.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Anvers Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaA blend of Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale fruit. Lots of smoky, roasted pepper, cassis, black olive, blueberry, resiny, blackberry aromas. Round, supple, forward style with light tannins and balanced acidity. Peppery, tobacco, olive, cassis, and blueberry flavours with a smoky, resiny, green bean finish. Ready to drink now or over the next year or so.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Michel Gassier Lou Coucacardie 2000
Costières de Nîmes, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceVery spicy, chocolate, gamey animal, smoky, garrigue, mint nose with a blackberry, tobacco background. Ripe, round, dry and supple style but a tad lean. Smoky, peppery, licorice, blackberry, bitter chocolate, meaty, cherry flavours dominate. Well balanced for near term consumption but should improve over the next year or two. Try with leg of lamb.Prices:| BC | $49.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $46.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Batasiolo Barbera d'Alba Sovrana 2003
Piedmont, ItalyBig meaty, smoky, mocha, peppery, black cherry and cigar aromas with a prune note. Ripe, round, rich palate with slightly grainy tannins. Lots of black cherry, prune/plum, white pepper, tobacco and mineral flavours. Finish is a bit hot, dry and chunky but good fruit and acidity. Needs a few years to round out. Try with lamb or roast bird.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $21.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Catena Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
Mendoza, ArgentinaTobacco, saddle leather, peppery, blackberry, cassis nose with some earthy, meaty notes. Dry, elegant, slightly lean palate with peppery, earthy, tobacco, cassis and smoky resin flavours. Needs 1-2 years to round out the somewhat Bordelais structure.Prices:| BC | $26.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.75 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Sandhill Cabernet Franc Burrowing Owl Vineyard 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, spicy, tobacco, raspberry, cranberry aromas with a touch of stewed tomato. Dry, round, full bodied style with ripe, round tannins. Lots of tobacco leaf, peppery, earthy, licorice root, cranberry flavours. A bit chunky, should improve over the next 1-3 years.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Quails' Gate Cabernet Sauvignon Limited Release 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, smoky, vanilla, resiny, cassis, stewed plum aromas with a leather, black olive note. Soft, round, dry palate with cassis, peppery, spicy, smoky vanilla and tobacco flavours. A touch warm and acidic on the finish but reasonably balanced. Good value.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
29 October 2005
86PTS
Calona Vineyards Artist Series Pinot Noir Reserve 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, cherry, strawberry jam with a bit of compost and smoke. Round, soft, supple palate with rhubarb, stewed cherry, smoky vanilla, carrot top flavours with a somewhat sweet, warm, dry finish. Very solid effort for the money.Prices:| BC | $12.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.49 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.49 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages Combe aux Jacques 2003
Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceSpicy, peppery, black cherry jam nose with meaty, floral, licorice notes. Ripe, round and dry on entry with fairly supple and light tannins. Meaty, spicy, licorice, black cherry, compost and rhubarb flavours. A fine example of Beaujolais from a warm vintage.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
See Ya Later Ranch Pinot Noir 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery oaky, vanilla, smoky, strawberry nose with medicinal, minty aromas. Again, warm alcoholic entry with dry, slightly chunky tannins. Vanilla, smoky, resiny, stewed rhubarb flavours with a chewy, dry, tannic finish. Will need some time to settle down and become whole but this is a big warm pinot.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Quails' Gate Pinot Noir Family Reserve 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, spicy, resiny, vanilla upfront with earthy, herbal, cherry and rhubarb aromas. Dry, warm, slightly tannic entry. Very peppery, spicy, resiny, smoky, vanilla, rootsy, cola, black cherry flavours. Very dry, tannic finish with good acidity but alcoholic. Needs a few years to tame the beast and oak.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
84PTS
Thornhaven Pinot Noir Barrel Reserve 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeppery, floral, rootsy, cedar bark, rhubarb aromas. Dry, soft, round palate with earthy, Worcester, rootsy, cedar, sour cherry flavours. Very simple pinot noir lacking in fruit and intensity.Prices:| BC | $13.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Six Foot Six Pinot Noir 2004
Geelong, Victoria, AustraliaSpicy, peppery, celery root, smoky, meaty, rhubarb aromas with a rubbery note. Dry, round, supple palate but warm with elevated acidity. Stewed rhubarb, sour cherry, herbal, celery, smoky flavours. Too tart in the aftertaste for real pinot fans.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Esser Cellars Pinot Noir 2004
California, United StatesLight gamey, smoky, carrot top, rhubarb, compost aromas. Soft, round, supple palate with sour cherry, smoky, celery, strawberry jam flavours but a warm slightly acidic finish. Simple, forward style pinot that needs food to shine in the glass.Prices:| BC | $16.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Lang Vineyards Pinot Noir 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMeaty, spicy, compost, black cherry, cedar, strawberry aromas. Dry, slightly tannic entry, rustic style with meaty, peppery, spicy, cherry jam flavours with a rootsy, smoky, warm finish. Simple soft pinot.Prices:| BC | $16.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
0PTS
Golden Mile Road Pinot Noir Black Arts Luckhurst Family Vineyards 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, resiny, strawberry nose but is somewhat corked. Try another bottle.Prices:| BC | $34.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Bouchard Aîné & Fils Pinossimo Pinot Noir 2004
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceWhite pepper, sausage, black cherry, rootsy, minty herbal nose. Quite dry on entry but it is round and warm on the palate with smoky, spicy, meaty, sour cherry, tobacco flavours. Solid if unremarkable pinot.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
83PTS
Marley Farm Winery Pinot Noir Reserve 2001
Mount Newton Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaVery gamey, soy, leather, resiny, tired aromas. Dry, slightly tannic, lean palate with earthy, resiny, soy, leafy/compost, vanilla flavours. Dried out, oaky and lean. Past its prime.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
83PTS
Gray Monk Pinot Noir 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRubbery, dank, leafy aromas with a bit of rhubarb. Dry, warm entry with cedar, stewed rhubarb, tobacco, resiny flavours. Lacking in fruit. Not a great effort.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Golden Mile Road Pinot Noir Luckhurst Family Vineyards 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVanilla, strawberry jam, cherry, compost, earthy nose. Soft, supple, round palate with rootsy, stewed rhubarb, smoky, vanilla, cherry flavours. Very warm finish but easy-drinking style.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Main Divide Pinot Noir 2003
Canterbury, South Island, New ZealandRootsy, cola, black cherry, white pepper, celery salt, smoky compost aromas. Soft, supple, round and fresh with black cherry, rhubarb, smoky vanilla, rootsy, leafy, carrot and orange peel flavours. Easy drinking style with elegance and freshness.Prices:| BC | $32.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $33.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
0PTS
Makor de Elviwines ( Kosher) 2003
Utiel-Requena, Valencia and Murcia, SpainCorked, try another bottle.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Gehringer Brothers Optimum Pinot Noir 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, vanilla, cinnamon, carrot top, resiny, licorice nose with a rubbery note. Dry, round, soft entry with black cherry, smoky, resiny, cinnamon, rubbery, lees flavours. A bit unclean but round.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Altos de Temaron 2003
Sausage, rubbery, black cherry, licorice, meaty peppery aromas, quite reduced. Soft, round, dry, easy style with meaty, peppery, licorice, resiny, black cherry and leather flavours. Solid but quite reduced on the nose. Should be decanted for 15 to 30 minutes.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Onix Classic 2004
Priorato, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainVery spicy, meaty, peppery, gamey, cherry kirsch, chocolate, tobacco nose. Soft, rich, round and very warm with chunky tannins. Cooked black cherry, peppery, meaty, gamey, orange peel, mineral, pudding and licorice flavours. Warm, bold and rustic.Prices:| BC | $21.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Valdivieso Pinot Noir Reserve 2003
Valle del Lontué, Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileHerbal, minty, celery salt, rhubarb, cherry, sappy aromas with a gamey note. Soft, round, supple palate with good concentration and smoky vanilla, cinnamon, black cherry, rootsy, floral and licorice flavours. The finish is a mix of minty, black cherry and vanilla. Very attractive style for current drinking if a bit chunky.Prices:| BC | $22.50 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
28 October 2005
89PTS
Quinta do Noval Ten Year Old Tawny Port NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalA blend of several major varieties Noval's Ten-Year Old is a smoky, spicy affair. Pale amber color, intense fruity style. Some oxidation from wood aging. Good length soft smooth tasty.Prices:| BC | $31.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
27 October 2005
91PTS
Noval Unfiltered Late Bottled Vintage Port 1998
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalTasted twice in the last 12 months and it remains delicious. Look for a ripe black cherry, plum, peppery nose with spicy, licorice, chocolate and dried fig aromas. Rich, smooth, round and succulent style with smoky chocolate, black berry jam, tealeaf and spicy licorice root flavours. Complex yet suave. Fine quality and best of all it is ready to drink. Unfiltered.Prices:| BC | $31.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.40 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
24 October 2005
90PTS
Barone Ricasoli Castello di Brolio Chianti Classico 1999
Florence, Tuscany, ItalyPeppery, spicy, meaty, smoky, licorice, savoury nose with black cherry, prune and cigar aromas, very complex. Ripe, round, elegant and supple with some dry tannins. Smoky cigar, earthy, licorice, cassis, cherry, gamey, sage and prune flavours. Good length and balance, nearly ready. Showing well now.Prices:| BC | $54.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Cervaro della Sala 2002
Umbria, ItalyToasty oak, honey, lemon, buttery, baked apple aromas with a touch of marzipan. Ripe, round, soft and warm with a dry, oily texture. Very nutty, Burgundian style with honey, butter, citrus, mineral flavours and a dry, oaky vanilla finish. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $58.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $42.24 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
Penfolds Grange Bin 95 Shiraz 2000
South Australia, AustraliaNot always a textbook shiraz Grange remains an icon for buyers vintage after vintage and much is done yearly to keep it that way. In the small, to tiny 2000 vintage Grange is made with 100 per cent old vine Barossa fruit most of which came off the legendary Kalimna vineyard. An all-Barossa Grange is rare, in fact only five others have been released since 1951. I think most will agree this isn't a stellar Grange but it is workman-like and as usual no stone is left unturned when it comes to making the wine. You can look for the customary tobacco, vanilla and black pepper notes with a dollop of herbal black berry fruit aromas. On the palate, it is only a medium body Grange with spicy, black cherry leafy savoury fruit. Not the most exciting Grange but it should serve a purpose in delineating the vintage and filling out collections. Prices:| BC | $299.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $279.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $299.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $299.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $300.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $300.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $300.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
93PTS
Penfolds Cabernet Sauvignon Bin 707 2002
South Australia, AustraliaBin 707 is Penfolds' cabernet equivalent of Grange and it is usually gigantic. As winemaker Peter Gago is fond of saying this is 707 it just happens to be a cabernet, in fact it is a serious red made only in the best years. Since there will not be a 2003 Bin 707 (the winery also skipped in 2000, 1995, 1983 and 1970 to 1975 inclusive), this is your only chance to buy 707 for the next two years. The colour is opaque, the nose brimming with ripe fruity notes of black berries streaked with mocha, coffee and black olive. Dense round and intense, this is another big 707 that should really appeal to cabernet freaks. Made for the long haul the tight, grip-y cedar-y/cassis-flavoured tannins will live well into the next decade. A star in a cool year. The fruit is a blend of Kalimna and Koonunga Hills vineyards in Barossa with some additions from McLaren Vale and Padthaway.Prices:| BC | $109.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $104.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $109.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $109.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $110.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $112.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $110.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
94PTS
Penfolds RWT Shiraz 2002
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaRWT is Penfolds' homage to Hermitage whose initials stand for 'Red Winemaking Trial. Not only is it a rare (company) all French-oak aged shiraz but the all the fruit is source from a single region, namely the Barossa. The '02 spent only 14 months in oak and only 66 per cent of that was new. Compare that to the '98 RWT that spent nearly 13 months in all new French oak. Dial-ing back the wood has really allowed the fruit to shine. The nose has an intense espresso coffee bent mixed with cedar and blueberry jam and a touch of roasted pepper aromas. The palate is firm long and creamy with smoky bacon, jasmine, coffee and ripe blackberry fruit. This wine is on the fast track to superstardom.Prices:| BC | $114.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $110.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $114.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $199.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $118.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $120.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $145.85 | 750ml |
| NB | $115.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $115.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
Penfolds Magill Estate Shiraz 2002
Adelaide Plains, South Australia, AustraliaLeather barnyard and cigars jump from the glass of the 02 Magill - a 5.2-hectare estate surrounded by the town of Adelaide. The fruit at McGill tends to ripen earlier (thanks in part to the warmer nighttime temperatures of its urban vineyard) that lends the wine an inherent ripe fruit character with softer, slippery tannins. Made in open fermented and basket pressed it's 'babied' all the way down the line into its 80/20 US/French oak barrels of which 66 per cent are new. A pretty shiraz with smoky, nutty fruity flavours if abit too much oak. Individual and delicious New World shiraz.Prices:| BC | $74.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $74.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $74.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $74.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $74.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $74.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $74.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
91PTS
Penfolds St. Henri Shiraz 2001
South Australia, AustraliaA historic Penfolds wine whose origins date back to the same period when Max Schubert was designing Grange and the wines were foot-crushed. St Henri spends 16 months in 55 year-old, 2000-litre vats that prevent any new wood flavours from messing with its fruit. The anti-Grange gets better as it ages and I mean age as in 10 to 20 years in bottle. The Penfolds descriptor of fruitcake hits the nail on the head and so too does the word supple. There's a dollop of cabernet in St. Henri to bolster the structure but you would be hard pressed to note it. The 02 is classic - olives, milk chocolate and almost overpowering red currant. The un-wooded fashion maintained for decades "not in arrogant style" but only because the style is so distinctive and dare I say sensational. Winemaker Peter Gago says, "It's the same as Grange in the best vintages." As it is with most young St. Henri, it is under developed. Great value and one for the cellar.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $54.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $39.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $46.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $53.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $55.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $65.48 | 750ml |
| NF | $49.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
93PTS
Penfolds Yattarna Bin 144 Chardonnay 2002
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaThe freshest, leanest, handpicked and gently whole-cluster pressed Yattarna yet. In 2002, only 55 per cent of its French oak was new; the barrel-fermented juice was left on its lees for nine months. Battonage is performed regularly although as time passes the barrel is stirred less and less. There is zero filtration. The nose is an exotic mix of orange peel and nectarine with creamy lees, vanilla, and honey notes. Surprisingly tight and lean this year's chardonnay blend is decidedly Adelaide Hills-based with less than 20 per cent coming out of Tumbarumba. The flavours are citrus and pear with a nectarine skin undercurrent. Tight restrained and getting more Burgundian with every vintage. Very sophisticated and made for food. Love it.Prices:| BC | $89.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $85.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $99.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $99.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $89.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $90.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $90.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
94PTS
Domaine Christian Moreau Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2003
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceMore classic nose with lime rind, slate, honey, nutty, spicy lees and floral aromas with a hint of peach skin. Dry, round, fresh palate with good acidity. Fine mineral, chalky, lemon, citrus butter, honey and nutty lees flavours. A touch warm but fine ripeness and intensity. Softer than 2002 but fine balance and flavours.Prices:| BC | $67.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $59.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
93PTS
Domaine Christian Moreau Chablis Grand Cru Valmur 2003
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceJust over half of Valmur is aged in stainless vats. Forty-five per cent is done in barrels (90% in 1, 2 and 3 years old barrels, 10% in new and 1 year old barrels) for a period of six months. Toasty, garlic lees, honey, nutty, melon skin, baked apple aromas with a hint of orange flower. Ripe, round, dry, elegant palate with juicy green apple, mineral, spicy lees, honey, cashew flavours and a mineral, leesy, lemon finish. Fine effort if a bit alcoholic.Prices:| BC | $67.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $59.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
Domaine Christian Moreau Chablis 1er Cru Vaillon 2003
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceHoney, toasty lees, nutty, citrus, light floral aromas with a mineral, baked apple note. Ripe, round, broad palate with nutty lees, green apple skin, honey, baked pear, citrus flavours with a creamy, citrus finish. Quite lively and ripe. Drink now and over the next year or so.Prices:| BC | $41.69 | 750ml |
| AB | $36.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
92PTS
Domaine Christian Moreau Chablis 1er Cru Vaillon Cuvée Guy Moreau 2003
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceCuvée Guy Moreau take sits name from a 70-year-old block planted by Guy Moreau in 1934. It is 60/40 stainless steel/ barrel fermented blend with only 10 percent new wood used -- the rest is a mix of one, two and three year old barrels. Green apple skin, honey, toasty lees, light vanilla, cashew, grapefruit, peach aromas with a wet slate note. Rich, ripe, round, broad palate with good acidity and dry. Citrus, anise, baked pear, mineral, nutty lees flavours with spicy, lemon rind finish. Fine richness and very ripe for Chablis.Prices:| BC | $44.89 | 750ml |
| AB | $39.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Chateau du Cray Montagny 2000
Montagny, Côte Chalonnaise, Burgundy, FranceLight toasty lees, mineral, baked apple aromas. Soft, round, fatter style with honey, garlic lees, spicy, baked apple and citrus flavours and good acidity balance. Nose is a bit tired but the flavours and balance are good.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
La Granacha Côtes du Rhône Villages 2003
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceChocolate, orange compote, black raspberry jam, gamey, spicy, tobacco aromas, fine fruit but warm. Fat, round, supple, smooth palate but very warm. Massive raspberry jam, kirsch, chocolate, peppery, spicy, pudding flavours with a black licorice finish. Very alcoholic but with fine fruit and intensity.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
91PTS
Red Rooster Minus Thirteen Pinot Blanc Special Select Late Harvest 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRipe apricot, baked green apple, orange rind, honey aromas. Very rich, fat, round, sweet style but has good elegance. Plenty of dried apricot, baked pear, mineral, orange, honey and butter flavours. Good fruit and intensity but has soft acidity. Drink while young and fresh.Prices:| BC | $13.90 | 375ml |
Read Full Note
23 October 2005
87PTS
Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet 2002
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaTasted nearly 2 years ago under cork. Resiny, peppery, minty, roasted pepper and chocolate aromas with some cherry and blueberry. Soft, round, supple palate wtih blackberry, tobacco, peppery, smoky, chocolate flavours. Good balance if a bit hot and dry on the finish. Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.49 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.50 | 750ml |
| SK | $17.09 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $15.49 | 750ml |
| NF | $16.99 | 750ml |
| NB | $16.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Penfolds Koonunga Hill Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot 2002
South Australia, AustraliaThis was tasted a year earlier under cork now it is under screwcap. Look for an open cassis, black olive, green bean, leather, peppery, herbal aromas. Dry, round, soft entry with a touch of acidity showing. Peppery, spicy, herbal, resiny, cherry, cassis flavours with a smoky, tobacco finish. A bit lean, dry and leafy.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.49 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Champagne Piper-Heidsieck Cuvee Brut Travel Pack NV
Champagne, FranceFresh brioche, toasty, green apple, citrus nose with a floral highlight. Dry, crisp, fresh style with tighter acidity. Nutty, toasty, green apple skin, citrus, baked pear flavours. Very crisp, dryer, more austere finish. The blend is 40 per cent pinot noir, 30 per cent pinot meunier and 30 per cent chardonnay.Prices:| BC | $69.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $60.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $54.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $61.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $55.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $50.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $50.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $52.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Graham Beck Brut Blanc de Blancs 1999
Robertson, Breede River Valley, South AfricaVery nutty, toasty, leesy, lemon, brioche and spice aromas. Fresh, elegant, crisp palate but dry. Big toasty, nutty, almond, lemon, creamy, baked pear flavours. Full-bodied, full flavoured, dry toasty style.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Villa Teresa Prosecco Veneto 2004
Veneto, ItalyPerfumed, orange, mineral, pear aromas. Dry, crisp, creamy palate with fresh acidity. Creamy, pear, melon skin, mineral flavours with a floral finish. Dry, elegant style and solid. Certified organic.Prices:| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Penfolds Shiraz Kalimna Bin 28 2002
South Australia, AustraliaMocha, peppery, spicy, vanilla, blackberry jam, savoury nose. Dry, round, elegant palate with some dry tannins. A touch warm with chocolate, vanilla, blueberry, sour cherry, licorice, tobacco flavours. Skinny, somewhat acidic finish. Again, lacks the generosity of style for Bin 28.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $31.89 | 750ml |
| MB | $32.98 | 750ml |
| QC | $34.25 | 750ml |
| NS | $39.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $33.98 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Penfolds Shiraz Bin 128 2002
Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaBin 128 one of the few Penfolds reds that isn't a multi-regional blend. The all Coonawarra fruit sees only French oak. Very meaty, smoky, spicy, peppery, blackberry, savoury nose. Very dry entry with somewhat lean tannins. Warm and showing some acidity with peppery, blueberry, green olive, black cherry, resiny, vanilla flavours. Lacks balance and generosity typical to this wine. A difficult vintage to be sure.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $31.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $32.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $34.25 | 750ml |
| NS | $39.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $33.98 | 750ml |
| NB | $36.40 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
92PTS
Guado al Tasso Bolgheri Superiore 2000
Tuscany, ItalyTenuta Guado al Tasso is located along the Tuscan coast 60 miles southwest of Florence, in an area known as the Maremma. The property extends from the foothills around the medieval village of Bolgheri down to the sea. Look for spicy, gamey, meaty, peppery, blackberry fruit with roasted pepper and prune aromas and a bit of saddle leather. Dry, somewhat lean entry with tight tannins. Cedar, black plum, smoky, meaty, peppery, savoury, bitter chocolate and cassis flavours. Dry, somewhat tannic finish that needs another two to three years.Prices:| BC | $85.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $49.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $82.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Rosemount Chardonnay/Semillon 2004
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaButter, mineral, pear skin, lime aromas. Soft, round, warm, slightly oily but dry with lime, orange, butter, apple and mineral flavours. Fresh and clean.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $13.98 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $13.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.99 | 750ml |
| PEI | $14.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $12.98 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Quails' Gate Riesling Icewine 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, apricot, orange, honey, lime rind and green apple aromas with a touch of volatility. Ripe, round, rich, juicy palate but a touch soft. Orange, baked apple, pear, mineral, honey and apricot flavours. Very attractive, lighter style with a fresh finish. Well done.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 375ml |
| AB | $54.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Quails' Gate Late Harvest Botrytis Affected Optima 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, perfumed, soapy, plasticene nose with pear, honey and nectarine skin aromas and an underlying a waxy note. Round, elegant, fresh palate with good acidity. Baked peach, mineral, pear, citrus, mineral, honey flavours. Lighter style for current drinking.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 375ml |
| AB | $29.99 | 375ml |
| MB | $29.99 | 375ml |
Read Full Note
83PTS
Soaring Eagle Pinot Meunier Limited Edition 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCherry, floral, leafy, resiny, slightly herbaceous tomato leaf. Very dry, round, alcoholic palate with strawberry, cherry, peppery, resiny oak flavours with an herbal finish. Varietal but lacks overall balance.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
22 October 2005
96PTS
Penfolds Bin 60A 1962
South Australia, AustraliaAnother lovely old bottle in stellar condition (Re-tasted for the fourth tine in October 2005). Considered by many to be one of the greatest Australian wines ever made and while increasingly rare, the bottles I've been lucky enough to taste are still holding up well. Amber cherry brick orange colour. Fully open nose of sweet cherries, tobacco, truffle and leather. Super round and supple on the palate still with balance before it begins to dry out. The finish is persistent offering feint hints of cherry mixed with truffle, cedar, soya and tobacco. A fabulous wine that has gone the distance. Could this eventually be surpassed by the 1990 Bin 90A and the newly minted 2004 Bin60A? Only decades will tell.Prices:| AU | $800.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
21 October 2005
91PTS
Antinori Tignanello 2000
Tuscany, ItalySmoky, cigar, saddle leather, gamey, licorice root and cassis nose mixed with blackberry jam and a touch of prune plum. Moderately rich, dry, warm palate with grainy tannins. Good flavour intensity with cassis, black cherry, spicy, resiny, minty, meaty, peppery flavours and a tobacco, earthy, mocha finish. Warm but well balanced with some rustic tannin to shed. Good effort, give it 2-4 years or try with osso buco.Prices:| BC | $85.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $62.11 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
18 October 2005
93PTS
Antinori Solaia 2001
Tuscany, ItalySmoky, meaty, peppery, spicy, leather, cassis, plum aromas with a cigar and floral undertone. Dry, warm, rich palate with grainy tannins. Ripe cassis, black cherry, licorice root, earthy, tobacco flavours with a peppery, vanilla, meaty chocolate finish. A bit dry, warm and rustic but also young. Needs 2-5 years to soften.Prices:| BC | $150.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $92.25 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
15 October 2005
86PTS
Sella & Mosca Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva 1999
Sardinia, ItalyLight cherry ruby colour. Cherry kirsch, saddle leather, licorice root, spicy game aromas. Dry, round, soft structure with some light, lean tannins. Earthy, cherry, tobacco, spicy, cherry flavours. Very warm, dry finish. Needs drinking.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
13 October 2005
93PTS
Selbach-Oster Riesling Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Auslese 2004
Mosel, GermanyLime, floral, cement and honey mix with peach/citrus, red apple and a touch of botrytis. Lovely elegant and complex white a fresh juicy character. Fine acidity balance with lime, slate, orange, honey, nectarine flavours and a floral, green apple finish. This will age for sometime into the future. Harvested at the same sugar level as '03 but with higher acidity and only 8% alcohol. Superb.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 375ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Spätlese 2004
Mosel, GermanyPeach, orange, slate, light petrol, lime, creamy green apple aromas. Fresh, round, ripe and elegant with juicy, crisp acidity. Mineral, slate, green apple, nectarine flavours with a spicy, lime rind finish. Delicious acidity and length.Prices:| BC | $37.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Selbach Riesling Kabinett (Green Fish Label) 2004
Mosel, GermanyFloral, red apple, smoky slate, lime rind nose with some minerality. Dry, fresh, crisp palate with tasty orange, lime, green apple, nectarine skin flavours. Very elegant, succulent, delicate style with freshness.Prices:| BC | $21.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Selbach Riesling Bereich Bernkastel Qba 2004
Mosel, GermanyMineral, slate, lime, slightly smoky, green apple skin aroma. Round, elegant, moderately dry style with lime rind, granny smith skin, nectarine and slate flavours. Nice finesse in an easy-drinking German riesling.Prices:| BC | $14.75 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Duca di Castelmonte Tripudium Syrah 2002
Sicily, ItalyCherry, violet, gamey, smoky, chocolate, green bean aromas with coriander and a touch of five-spice. Dry, slightly lean but elegant palate and some grainy tannins. Very peppery, spicy, cassis, cherry, chocolate licorice flavours with an earthy, roasted pepper finish. Warm with a touch of acidity and dry tannins showing, needs 1-2 years to soften but has good complexity. Good value.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Villa Pillo Borgoforte IGT Toscana 2002
Tuscany, ItalyMeaty, spicy, black cherry, black pepper aromas with a gamey background. Dry, rich, round palate with chunky, grainy tannins. Very spicy, peppery, black cherry jam, coffee, rootsy game flavours. Chunky and warm but has good intensity. Needs a pork chop.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Poderi Castorani Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2001
Abruzzo, ItalyDark chocolate, prune plum, meaty, smoky, spicy violet nose with some saddle leather notes. Very dry, tight, slightly tart palate with cedar-y tannins. Dry but should be fine with food. Made from forty-year-old organic vines.Prices:| AB | $0.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Poderi Castorani Coste delle Plaie Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2003
Abruzzo, ItalySmoky, peppery, spicy, coffee, black cherry, meaty licorice nose. Dry, chunky entry but rich with some young, grainy tannins. Big black cherry, peppery, gamey, rootsy, smoky, bitter chocolate flavours. Young and rustic but with fine intensity. Serve with grilled game or give it a year or two in bottle.Prices:| AB | $0.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Antinori Badia A Passignano Chianti Classico Riserva 1999
Tuscany, ItalySpicy, meaty, gamey, tobacco, peppery, cherry jam aromas with a resiny, cedar note. Tight, dry, slightly tannic entry with peppery, cedar-y, cherry, tobacco leaf flavours and a gamey, earthy finish. Seems to have dried out a bit. Needs drinking.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.75 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
La Braccesca Sabazio Rosso di Montepulciano 2002
Tuscany, ItalyCedar bark, peppery, gamey, spicy sausage aromas with a touch of cherry. Dry, supple palate with light, dry, cedar tannins. Tobacco, cherry, cedar, spice flavours. Sound effort for the vintage but lacks fruit for a rosso.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.43 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2000
Tuscany, ItalySmoky, meaty, peppery, chocolate, leather and tobacco aromas with some high-toned cherry jam notes. Ripe, round, supple and warm but balanced with light tannins. Nice black cherry, plum, licorice root, smoky, meaty, black peppery flavours. Nearly mature, has good fruit intensity on the finish in an attractive style for current consumption. Well done.Prices:| AB | $31.38 | 750ml |
| BC | $43.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
91PTS
Antinori Pian delle Vigne Brunello di Montalcino 1999
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalySophisticated gamey, cigar ash nose with licorice root, pepper, black cherry jam aromas. Quite rich on the palate with ripe, supple tannins. Earthy, licorice, peppery, gamey, garrigue and orange peel flavours with mocha, blackberry jam and cigar ash in the finish. Good finesse and structure if a bit soft. Best in two to five years. Serve now with roasted meats.Prices:| BC | $70.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $54.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Santa Cristina Antinori Sangiovese 2003
Tuscany, ItalyPeppery, black cherry, gamey, spicy, root beer aromas. Dry, round, soft style with a touch of dry tannins. Good bright cherry, plum, peppery, licorice root flavours with a slightly tart finish. Made for roast meat or spaghetti.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.19 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
12 October 2005
85PTS
Wyndham Estate Bin 222 Chardonnay 2004
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaTypical peachy fruit oz chardonnay nose with some citrus sour drop streaks. There are some malolactic buttery notes showing through what is essentially an easy-sipping, mid-week, chardonnay.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Willowglen Chardonnay 2005
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaLees, mineral, citrus, baked apple, pear skin aromas. Fresh, crisp, round entry with lots of citrus, baked pear, mineral, honey flavours with a touch of butter. A sound, refreshing style of Oz chardonnay that represents good value.Prices:| BC | $12.45 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Twin Fin Chardonnay 2004
California, United StatesGreen apple, cooked citrus, baked quince aromas with a floral, buttery note. Round, sweet and sour entry with buttery, baked apple, tropical fruit flavours and a canned grapefruit juice finish.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
92PTS
Cuvaison Chardonnay 2003
Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United StatesSpicy lees, creamy vanilla, baked apple aromas with a light floral, honey note. Ripe, round, rich, slightly fat palate with good acidity. Intense baked apple, creamy lees, citrus butter, mango, anise and vanilla flavours. A touch warm but great intensity. Good value too.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $37.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $29.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Phoque Blanc 2004
Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceEnticing floral, mineral, green apple, lemon and honey aromas. Fresh, round and soft with a slightly sweet entry of buttery, citrus, anise and baked pear flavours. Fairly weighty and warm with a slightly dry, astringent finish. The vineyard is located in the Côteaux des Baronnies, at an altitude of 300 to 600 meter. Sound for the money.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
84PTS
Kelly's Revenge Chardonnay 2004
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaPeach, baked apple, citrus rind and light lees aromas. Round, soft, somewhat sweet entry with buttery lees, fruit cocktail, canned peach, mineral, apple skin flavours. The finish is somewhat warm with elevated acidity. Very commercial style.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Four Emus Chardonnay 2004
Western Australia, AustraliaReduced style with garlic lees aromas and some green apple. Round, soft, slightly sweet entry with canned fruit cocktail, grapefruit rind, garlic lees flavours. Very crisp, rind-y finish. A bit of yin and yang.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Soaring Eagle Chardonnay Limited Edition 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAppealing ripe peach and baked apple nose streaked with mineral and honey. Very similar flavour profile with a round, fat entry and a heavy handed toasted oak finish. Youthful and refreshing orange flecks but the oak is a bit out of synch at the moment.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Bouchard Aîné & Fils Chardonnay 2003
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceGreen apple skin, chalky, pear, honey aromas. Dry, round, elegant style with pear, honey, creamy mineral, green apple flavours with a slightly leesy finish. Well made, ripe and easy to drink. Good value.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Lineage Chardonnay Unoaked 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTight mineral nutty peach fruit nose. Clean tart Chablis-like entry with a fresh lemony mineral, peach palate. A lean crisp style that should appeal to those drinkers who prefer the Northern Euro-style chardonnay. Shellfish would be a fine match.Prices:| BC | $14.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Madfish Unwooded Chardonnay 2004
Western Australia, AustraliaGreen apple skin, chalky, garlic lees, pear aromas. Round, soft, slightly sweet entry with green apple skin, grapefruit rind, buttery melon flavours and a strong citrus finish.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Casillero del Diablo Chardonnay 2004
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileAnother fine statement from winemaker Marcelo Papa. Green apple, citrus, light vanilla, lees, floral aromas with a touch of butter. Fresh, crisp, round and juicy with green apple, vanilla, butter, citrus peel and mineral flavours. Well balanced, cool-style chardonnay made for food and selling at a great price.Prices:| AB | $11.50 | 750ml |
| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $13.10 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $11.57 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
84PTS
Woodhaven Chardonnay 2004
California, United StatesFloral, creamy, citrus, apple aromas. Round, elegant entry with light sweetness. Lemon, peach, floral, candied apple flavours with a warm, slightly acidic finish. Easy sipping style that is affordable.Prices:| BC | $11.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Bridgewater Mill Three Districts Chardonnay 2002
South Australia, AustraliaAdelaide Hills, Coonawarra and Clare Valley contribute fruit to this "Three District" blend and there are no critters in sight on the label. Look for pineapple, citrus peel, caramel, creamy vanilla/lees with mineral notes. The style is dry and round with good acidity and balance. Creamy lees, vanilla, mineral, green apple skin, citrus rind flavours with a slightly buttery, green mango, resiny finish. Good value and a good food wine. An impressive new brand that speaks to real talent of winemaking in Australia.Prices:| BC | $18.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
84PTS
Malgra M' Chardonnay Piemonte 2003
Piedmont, ItalyLemon balm, almond, candied apple aromas with a minty, green apple note. Fresh, dry, round palate with mineral, lemon lifesaver notes and a chalky, almond, quince flavours with a juicy, slightly bitter citrus finish. Unusual style and not really chardonnay.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Golden Mile Road Chardonnay Luckhurst Family Vineyards 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVanilla, butter lees, honey, toasty oak aromas. Dry, round, fresh entry with buttery, vanilla, toasty oak, honey flavours. Good acidity but a touch sweet and sour on the finish with oak masking the natural fruit.Prices:| BC | $17.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
92PTS
Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay 2003
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesThis is fun to drink. Honey, butterscotch, pineapple, baked pear, vanilla and citrus rind aromas. Ripe, round, crisp palate with a touch of sweetness all melt into a citrus vanilla, creamy butter, mango, melon and honey flavoured palate. Fine ripe style for current drinking a supple lees streaked finish. Well done.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Wild Goose Mystic River Chardonnay 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight lean low extract chardonnay with leesy green apple fruit scents. Similar muddled flavours with more leesy notes and a dry lean finish. We like the concept of the wine but the execution needs some refinement.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
11 October 2005
86PTS
Feudo d'Elimi Nero d'Avola 2003
Sicily, ItalyFine colour with an open fragrant nose of earthy cherries. This is a mid-weight red with plummy cherry vanilla flavours with just enough edge (acidity) to hold your interest. Solid red wine for the fall should be perfect with mushrooms and/or meat.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Vina La Rosa La Palma Merlot 2004
Valle del Cachapoal, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe merlot vines are 40-years plus and you sense that in the mellow nature of the La Palma merlot. This is clean, soft, Chilean merlot with that characteristic mint and cherry profile and a slightly briary, rootsy finish. Easy to sip and best with chicken or pork. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Nieto Senetiner Cabernet Shiraz Reserva 2003
Mendoza, ArgentinaCabernet shiraz may be a classic oz blend but the earthy savoury characters of this red would suggest the shiraz is more syrah. Look for a smooth herbal coffee and red fruit scented nose. The flavours are similar with flecks of vanilla and pepper. Look for more spicy dry savoury notes in the finish.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Casa Silva Doña Dominga Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenère 2004
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileIt's a cabernet/carmenère blend but the carmenère dominates the nose and the flavours with its peppery, earthy, red fruit notes. Fun and fruity with a few youthful tannins to disperse. An all Chile barbecue red.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.50 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Thorn-Clarke Terra Barossa Cuvée 2003
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaWe like the 60/33/7/ blend of shiraz/cabernet sauvignon/mourvèdre (all Barossa fruit) because it gives the wine immediate textural presence in the mouth. There's gobs of black fruit that is equally balanced by plenty of youthful tannins. Leaner than you might expect but more sophisticated. Will get even better with time in the bottle.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
05 October 2005
93PTS
Barossa Old Vine Shiraz 2003
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaAged in French and American oak. Made from a collection of growers with vines over 100 years old that meet strict quality criteria. Blackberry jam, licorice, coffee bean, resin, mineral, saddle leather aromas with some peppery, game tones. Fat, rich warm and round despite some youthful tannin with blackberry jam, coffee, smoky vanilla, peppery, sweet vanilla fruit flavours. Should improve in the bottle. Needs a few years to round out.Prices:| BC | $129.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $110.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
92PTS
Langmeil Shiraz The Freedom 2003
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaWhite pepper, coffee, coriander, vanilla, blackberry, licorice root and saddle leather aromas with a floral note. Rich, ripe, round and slightly tannic and very warm on entry. Fine intensity with coffee, coriander, clove, peppery, blackberry and black cherry jam flavours with a licorice, pencil lead and floral finish. Long and dry with some finesse. Needs 2-4 years.Prices:| BC | $99.60 | 750ml |
| AB | $89.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
Langmeil Shiraz Valley Floor 2003
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaTypical blackberry jam and mocha nose with pepper, spice, coriander and saddle leather flecks. Dry and warm that tannins are grainy with just a touch of acidity. Plenty of black cherry jam, coffee, mineral, vanilla, mocha cream and licorice flavours that finishes with some gamey, sausage notes. Fairly warm and intense but suave. Needs another year or two in bottle to hit its stride.Prices:| BC | $29.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
Langmeil Shiraz Grenache Mourvèdre Three Gardens 2004
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThe new vintage in screw cap. Spicy, sausage, black cherry, strawberry jam, licorice, white peppery aromas. Soft, supple, round and elegant with light, smooth tannins. Sweet cherry jam, plum, spicy, licorice, mineral, orange peel flavours. Dry, elegant finish with a touch of acidity and hotness. Good intensity, ready for food. Suave and sexy. An improvement over 2003 version. Prices:| BC | $29.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
Langmeil Cabernet Sauvignon Barossa 'The Blacksmith' 2003
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaOpen coffee, licorice, blackberry, cassis, vanilla and saddle leather aromas. Rich, ripe, warm and somewhat gritty tannins with some acidity showing. Very spicy, cassis, rootsy, black olive, peppery, garrigue flavours. Dry, elegant despite some acidity and alcohol on the finish. Will need more time in the bottle (two to three years) to round out.Prices:| BC | $29.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
04 October 2005
86PTS
Wyndham Estate Bin 222 Sparkling Chardonnay NV
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaToasty aromatic nose with plenty of cool fruit (Southern Victoria and Padthaway) highlights. Clean crisp tart palate with a slightly nutty underbelly. Solid.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
03 October 2005
90PTS
Pirramimma Old Bush Vine Grenache 2002
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaMade from 60 year old, dry farmed vines. Big open chocolate, cherry jam, licorice nose with white pepper, orange peel and vanilla pudding aromas. Ripe, round, fat, and fresh. Big juicy black raspberry jam, cherry, orange, chocolate, peppery licorice root flavours. The finish is warm but there's plenty of great fruit and concentration. In screw cap, this should age forever.Prices:| BC | $29.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Pirramimma Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaVery peppery with blackberry, vanilla and stewed blackberry notes almost port-like. Rich, round, hot palate with some tight, dry tannins to shed. Cassis jam, chocolate, mocha vanilla flavours with a touch of acidity and chunkiness on the finish. Needs a few years to round out or serve now with a marinated steak.Prices:| BC | $29.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
Pirramimma Petit Verdot 2002
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaLicorice, pepper, violet and cigar ash mix with black cherry jam, vanilla and tealeaf aromas. Bright cassis jam, black cherry, tea, mocha and vanilla flavours. Dry, round, warm style with young tannins and good fruit intensity. Needs 2-3 years or try with some grilled lamb.Prices:| BC | $29.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.95 | 750ml |
| ON 21.95 | $0.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Flagstone Dragon Tree 2003
Western Cape, South AfricaBig smoky, meaty, saddle leather, barnyard nose with streaks of tobacco and prunes. Very warm on the palate with dry elegant light tannins. Bright black cherry, smoky, leather, tobacco, spicy, floral plum flavours. Fresh, warm finish. Good fruit on the palate if gamey but has the balance to boast a wide audience. The blend is cabernet - syrah - merlot and pinotage. Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
02 October 2005
86PTS
Pepperwood Grove Zinfandel 2003
California, United StatesBlackberry, black cherry jam, meaty, licorice, peppery, cedar bark nose. Warm, soft, round, easygoing palate with cedar-y, spicy, peppery, black cherry, gamey flavours. Warm chunky finish for chicken, grilled meats or tomato based sauces. Good value.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
7 Deadly Zins Zinfandel 2003
Lodi, Central Valley, California, United StatesSmoky, resiny, briar, cedar bark nose with streaks of chocolate, blackberry and saddle leather. Soft, smooth, round and warm with peppery, smoky, black cherry jam, chocolate, cedar-y, vanilla flavours. The finish is warm with tobacco and cedar notes. A hearty red for fall and winter.Prices:| BC | $27.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Piccini Tegole 2003
Tuscany, ItalyVery meaty, gamey, smoky, resiny nose with earthy, saddle leather notes. Soft, round, supple entry with licorice root, pepper and tobacco leaf flavours with a meaty, cherry fruit finish. A touch acidic but solid flavour for drinking with pasta and pizza.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
84PTS
Piccini Chianti 2004
Tuscany, ItalySpicy, black cherry, gamey, licorice, smoky meat aromas. Dry, round, light-bodied style with mineral, cherry, rootsy, raspberry, smoky earth flavours. Somewhat light and acidic on the finish.Prices:| BC | $14.50 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Piccini Albus 2004
Tuscany, ItalyFloral, buttery, orange rind, peach aromas. Dry, clean, crisp palate and fresh with mineral, buttery, citrus, quince and green apple skin flavours with a touch of lees on the finish. A fresh lively white wine.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Renwood Zinfandel Old Vines 2002
Amador County, Sierra Foothills, California, United StatesBig blackberry jam, black cherry, smoky, licorice, plum pudding aromas, pure zin. Rich, round, dry palate with some dry, grainy tannin. Very warm with cherry, black raspberry jam, briar, peppery, chocolate and spice flavours. Still needs a few more years in bottle to round out or try with lamb osso buco.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Langmeil Shiraz Grenache Mourvèdre Three Gardens 2003
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaLots of white pepper, gamey, black cherry, and licorice root nose with some vanilla cola and saddle leather. Ripe, round, rich and smooth but warm. Intense black raspberry jam, marmalade, peppery, spicy, rootsy, gamey flavours. Big and bold and warm with lots of fruit.Prices:| BC | $29.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
84PTS
J. J. McWilliam's Shiraz Cabernet 2003
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaRubbery, resiny, peppery, leafy, olive aromas. Soft, sweet, round palate with cooked plums, cassis, spicy, tobacco leaf and olive flavours with a warm, acidic finish. Standard, commercial effort.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 |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet-Shiraz-Merlot 2002
Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaBig green olive, green bean, peppery, tobacco leaf, cassis and vanilla nose. Soft, round, dry, simple style with cedar-y tannins. Briny, olive, green bean, peppery, mineral, cigar, smoky flavours. Dry and somewhat lean and acidic on the finish. Not up to previous efforts. Disappointing.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Folie à Deux Ménage a Trois White 2003
California, United StatesAromatic spicy, floral, buttery, baked apple nose with bits of peach, honey and lemon oil. Ripe, round, soft and fresh with mineral, spicy, quince, pear, baked apple, honey and orange rind flavours. Aromatic, dry style white with some intensity and balance. Should be fine with Asian food, turkey or pork.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Folie à Deux Ménage a Trois Red 2003
California, United StatesBig white peppery, spicy, clove, olive, resiny, black cherry, vanilla aromas. Soft, round, supple and slightly sweet on entry with black cherry, creamy vanilla, mocha, peppery, briar, cassis, smoky flavours. Try with turkey or pork. Solid, attractive consumer style.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
84PTS
Mommessin Les Essettes Côtes du Luberon 2003
Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceBlack cherry, spicy, smoky, tobacco aromas and flavours. Light, elegant, dry style with light cedar-y tannins on the finish. Simple, barbeque wine.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Campo Viejo Crianza 2002
Rioja, SpainSweaty saddle, cherry, tobacco leaf, earthy, gamey nose. Soft, round, smooth palate with cherry, mineral, gamey, tobacco, peppery flavours and a dry, slightly leafy finish. Try with beef stew or pasta.Prices:| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
84PTS
Chateau du Grand Talance Beaujolais Superieur 2003
Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceSoft light smooth entry with an acidic edge. Cooked fruit mixed with sour cherries. Sour cherry fruit flavours dominate the palate and the finish thin and acidic. Simple straight-up Beaujolais that needs food to shine.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
83PTS
Hillside Cabernet Franc 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaResiny, smoky saddle leather, leafy, tobacco, slightly volatile nose with some plum notes. Dry, slightly tannic, rich entry with lean, cedar-y tannins. Peppery, tobacco, spicy, resiny, vanilla flavours with some sweaty saddle and under ripe tomato flavours with a slightly acidic finish.Prices:| BC | $18.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
St. Hubertus Northern Summer 2004
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeppery, spicy, smoky, leafy tobacco vanilla nose. Dry, round, light-bodied style with some light tannin. Tomato leaf, cedar, peppery, black cherry, resin and spice flavours. A bit warm and chunky on the finish but sound.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Willowglen Shiraz Cabernet 2004
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaIt would seem that shiraz cabernet blends, at least at this price point, have a bit more to offer the consumer. Expect soft, juicy cedary blueberry/cherry fruit with some lifted flavours and aromas in the back end. Soft, sippable and affordable. The perfect party red.Prices:| BC | $11.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
November 2005