quicksearch
Tastings: December 2005
29 December 2005
87PTS
J. Lohr Cabernet Sauvignon Seven Oaks 2003
Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, Central Coast, California, United StatesAgain, we like the toned down oak here and the firm peppery, cassis, black cherry nose. The smooth contours of the wine probably result from the 24 per cent of the blend that mixes petite sirah (8), syrah (6), petit verdot (5) along with some carignan, merlot and other varieties. Ripe fruit dominates the palate with a sweet, mocha/chocolate, coffee raisin flavoured finish. A very friendly introduction to cabernet sauvignon. Pricey.Prices:| BC | $22.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $12.99 | 375ml |
| QC | $20.65 | 750ml |
| MB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $21.05 | 750ml |
| QC | $11.30 | 375ml |
| NS | $25.29 | 750ml |
| NF | $25.30 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Wente Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
Livermore, San Francisco Bay, California, United StatesAged in a mix of American and French oak barrels the '02 Wente cab has 7 per cent petit verdot in the mix and you can feel the weight and richness it brings to the blend. The nose has pleasant herbal cedar scents that mix through its dark red fruit flavours of plum and black cherry. The finish is smooth and supple with bits of chocolate and spice. Fine effort and good value.Prices:| BC | $17.75 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Yalumba Cabernet Sauvignon Y Series 2003
South Australia, AustraliaThe 03 version offers fresh tobacco, and olive notes that mix with dark fruit, leather and cedar flavours. The finish is firm and dry. Definitely pair this one with grilled or barbecued meat for best results. It is $4 cheaper in Ontario where we suggest you buy it.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.45 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
24 December 2005
88PTS
J. Lohr Chardonnay Riverstone 2004
Arroyo Seco, Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesSpicy, leesy, honey, baked apple, floral, butterscotch aromas with a touch of citrus. Crisp, round, fresh palate with baked apple, nutty, butterscotch, leesy, citrus flavours. Fresh oily, buttery finish. Attractive consumer style. Great for chicken or turkey. Continued good quality and value.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $12.99 | 375ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $21.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.75 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.75 | 750ml |
| NS | $23.50 | 750ml |
| NF | $22.81 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
92PTS
J. Lohr Chardonnay Arroyo Vista 2003
Arroyo Seco, Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesMineral, spicy lees, pear, baked apple, vanilla, hazelnut, floral aromas with a honey, guava note. Dry, round, slightly oily but fresh palate. Good concentration with mango, baked apple, butter, spicy, nutty lees, citrus, honey flavours. Long, elegant red delicious apple, citrus butter finish. Fine acidity, good balance and excellent value.Prices:| BC | $35.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $40.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
84PTS
Deep Creek Wine Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPlasticene, cassis, minty, leafy, leather, volatile, barnyard aromas. Soft, round, supple palate with leafy, tobacco, stewed prune, dried cherry flavours with a sweet, rootsy, vegetal finish. Bizarre wine for cabernet. Made with organic grapes.Prices:| BC | $49.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Rodney Strong Russian River Pinot Noir Estate Vineyards 2003
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesSaddle leather, barnyard, coffee, vanilla, rootsy, carrot top aromas with some strawberry jam. Ripe, round, dry but elegant with good acidity. Smoky vanilla, stewed rhubarb, orange peel, licorice root, cherry flavours with a touch of resin and compost on the finish. Warm finish with good intensity. A slightly tighter style a la Burgundy needs a year or so or try with turkey or duck. Lovely pinot.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
92PTS
Rodney Strong Pinot Noir Reserve Jane's Vineyard 2002
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesSpicy, Worsteshire, cinnamon, smoky, vanilla, black cherry and compost nose with some celery salt. Ripe, round, supple palate with good acidity. Smoky, compost, vanilla, black cherry, and orange peel flavours with a rootsy, licorice, tealeaf finish. A bit warm but fine intensity and balance. Solid.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
91PTS
Cuvaison Estate Selection Pinot Noir 2002
Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United StatesCompost, coffee, black cherry, Worsteshire, spicy, celery and carrot top aromas with a vanilla and barnyard note. Dry, slightly tannic entry but elegant and full with slight acidity. Spicy, carrot, cherry, vanilla, plum, rootsy, orange rind flavours. Nice finesse but warm (alcoholic) and has some tannins to shed.Prices:| BC | $59.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Cuvaison Pinot Noir 2003
Napa Valley, California, United StatesSpicy, compost, barnyard, black cherry, strawberry jam, celery salt and carrot top aromas. Soft, round, feminine style with cherry, spicy, resin, vanilla, cola, compost flavours with a coffee, rootsy finish. Warm, supple finish. Well balanced, forward style with finesse. Drink now.Prices:| BC | $35.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Kenwood Pinot Noir 2004
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesSpicy, smoky cola, beetroot, cherry, vanilla, strawberry jam aromas. Soft, round, velvety texture with spicy, rootsy, smoky vanilla, cherry jam, orange rind and forest floor flavours. Well balanced, attractive style for current drinking and good value. Think duck or mushroom flavoured dishes.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.55 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.75 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
84PTS
Outback Chase Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaSweaty saddle leather, smoky, leafy, tobacco, cherry nose. Very warm, round, soft palate with light tannins and noticeable sugar. Leafy, tobacco, sweet cherry, vanilla, resiny, leather flavours with a sweet finish. Simple straight-up oz red with a touch of sweetness.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
La Frenz Tawny NV
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is a fortified port style wine with a lovely open, floral, spicy/nutty rancio raisin-y nose with a hint of orange peel and leafy tobacco. The entry is warm and spicy with nutty raisin-y flavours spiked with orange peel, gingerbread and Christmas cake in the background. Impressive effort only available direct from the winery.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Sokol Blosser Pinot Noir Estate Cuvee 2001
Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesMinty, rootsy, carrot top, celery salt aromas mixed with tea leaf. raspberry and barnyard notes. Round, dry, elegant style but fairly textured with fine balance. Very spicy, resiny, rootsy, minty, raspberry, leather, smoky tea leaf flavours. Very warm, dry finish. Could use a touch more sweet fruit.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
23 December 2005
88PTS
Barros Colheita 1996 Porto 1998
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalLBV is wine from a single harvest bottled four to six years out that is ready to drink as soon as it is out of the barrel. Look for an intense style with aromas and flavours of plums and raisins wit a fir streak of mint in the background. Rich sweet and balanced it is the classic fireside wine just add a piece of nutty fruitcake.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 375ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 375ml |
Read Full Note
22 December 2005
84PTS
Oak Bay Vineyard Gamay Noir 2004
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMinty, earthy, cherry, spicy, cedar aromas. Dry, elegant style but somewhat lean with earthy, cherry, cedar bark, licorice root flavours. Simple, dry style that finishes a bit sour.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Stoneleigh Pinot Noir 2004
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandLicorice, black cherry, rootsy, celery salt aromas with a hint of plum and compost. Dry, round, elegant style with spicy, rootsy, rhubarb, carrot top, raspberry and vanilla flavours. Good effort if somewhat dry and lean on the finish. Try with duck or goose.Prices:| AB | $18.50 | 750ml |
| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
84PTS
Mommessin Monternot Saint-Amour Terroirs 2004
Saint-Amour, Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceLeafy, mineral, clay, herbal, sour cherry aromas. Dry, elegant style but lean with light dry tannins. Earthy, sour cherry, leafy, mineral rooty flavours. Not much generosity of fruit and low intensity.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Mommessin Monternot Julienas en Brossaud 2003
Juliénas, Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceThe vineyards of Juliénas are, with Saint-Amour, the northern Cru of the Beaujolais. Big ripe cherry, strawberry jam, spicy, waxy, floral nose. Dry, tight, warm entry with elevated acidity. Spicy, sour cherry, orange peel, rhubarb, cedar and earth flavours. Dry, high acid, tight finish. Has fruit but lacks generosity. Needs food to sing.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
84PTS
Mommessin Monternot Côte de Brouilly La Montagne Bleue 2004
Côte de Brouilly, Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceThe "Côte de Brouilly" appellation was created in 1934, when the owners on the slopes of the Mont de Brouilly feared their wine would be confused with the extension of the adjacent Brouilly appellation. The '04 Mommessin has an herbaceous, leafy, mineral, pyrazine, rootsy nose. It is dry, elegant and soft on entry with earthy, licorice root, leafy, mineral flavours but the finish is dry and somewhat lean and acidic.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Delta Vineyard Pinot Noir 2004
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandOpen smoky, rootsy, celery salt nose with cherry, raspberry, vanilla and orange peel aromas underneath. The style is dry with more celery salt, compost, raspberry, sour cherry, mineral, vanilla and cedar flavours. Fairly lean pinot with a somewhat leafy finish but it does have some intensity. Best accompanied by fowl or goat cheese to smooth out the briary edges.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $24.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
18 December 2005
86PTS
J. Lohr Cypress Merlot 2004
California, United StatesThe second edition of the Cypress Merlot is much like the first offering clean spicy black cherry/ blueberry and tobacco nose with cedar highlights in behind. On the palate, it is merlot 'soft' with a bit of richness and mouthfeel that puts it above the norm. A clean ripe fresh red that delivers for the price.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Red Truck California Red 2003
California, United StatesA blend of syrah, petite sirah, cabernet franc and merlot makes up the 04 Red Truck. Look for a medium to full-bodied red with juicy raspberry-blueberry cedar fruit notes spiked with eucalyptus and pepper. The finish is warm, smooth and spicy. A versatile red to pair with grilled meats. The brand has recently been sold by Cline to a new Sonoma-based wine company.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
16 December 2005
91PTS
Heartland Shiraz 2004
Langhorne Creek - Limestone Coast, South Australia, AustraliaFrom the 'magic' 2004 vintage, this Heartland red defines winemaker Ben Glaetzer's style. Look for a big chewy red with sweet chocolate and black fruit flavours that do not quit. The fruit is a mix of 68% Langhorne Creek and 32% Limestone Coast all finished in French oak for 16 months. The mix of ripe fruit with its cool minty tobacco undertones keep you coming back to the glass for more. Terrific value.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
Heartland Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Langhorne Creek - Limestone Coast, South Australia, AustraliaThe Heartland cabernet is a mix of Langhorne Creek (55) and Limestone Coast (45). It gets a 10 per cent hit of shiraz although its thick almost meaty character suggests it probably doesn't need it. Look for big sour minty cherry fruit and mocha undertones in what is a brawny bold red with stylistic links to Coonawarra. Bring on the steaks.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Heartland Dolcetto Lagrein 2004
Langhorne Creek, South Australia, AustraliaWinemaker Ben Glaetzer refers to his 70% dolcetto 30% lagrein blend as similar in style to grenache but more savoury. The colour is black the nose a mix of volatile 'savoury' aromas of black currants, spice and mint. A rich spice red with a smoky grassy fruity undertones. Fun to drink and would be great to throw into blind tastings to tame the wine wankers.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
Heartland Viognier Pinot Gris 2005
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaWhat a great surprise. This is delicious vibrant, eminently drinkable Oz viognier without any of those overpowering perfumed cloying flavours that can clog up the palate. This 100 per cent Langhorne Creek white does contain a magic ingredient ― 22 per cent pinot gris. Each of the varieties is vinified separately and picked over three harvest dates to provide a spectrum of flavour components. It's cool fermented with some lees contact and bottled early for maximum freshness. It is a kaleidoscope of fresh fruit flavours you should not miss.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $21.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
93PTS
Heartland Directors' Cut Shiraz 2003
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaHeartland Directors' Cut celebrates the pruning or cutting that results in low yields. Eventually the best selection of that low yielding fruit ends up in the Director's Cut ― presumably Heartland's directors need something good to drink around the boardroom table. The 70/30 blend of Limestone Coast /Langhorne Creek shiraz is aged in both French and American oak. This is succulent shiraz with floral coffee, mocha, black fruit flavours streaked with savoury licorice and pepper. Love the slippery tannins and balance. Serious red, great value.Prices:| BC | $37.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $31.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $34.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $29.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
14 December 2005
85PTS
Lindemans Bin 65 Chardonnay 2005
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaFloral, creamy, leesy, butter, mineral, baked apple aromas. Soft, round, oily texture with some acidity and sweetness. Lots of buttery, spicy lees, cream, mineral, baked apple, toasty, vanilla, butterscotch flavours with a salty note in the finish. Certainly more mouthfeel in this edition but there may be a bit too much of the leesy character for the general consumers.Prices:| BC | $10.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $12.49 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.60 | 750ml |
| QC | $12.50 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.26 | 750ml |
| NF | $12.25 | 750ml |
| PEI | $13.54 | 750ml |
| NB | $11.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
Rodney Strong Chardonnay 2004
Sonoma County, California, United StatesVery fresh cool nose with green apple, anise, orange, floral, waxy, vanilla aromas with a touch of spice. Elegant, fresh, crisp, balanced palate with green apple, creamy vanilla, smoky, lime rind, floral, nutty flavours. Juicy, delicate, spicy lees finish. Great style for food or just sipping. Fine effort and value.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
Cuvaison Estate Selection Chardonnay 2002
Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United StatesSmoky, butterscotch, spicy lees, baked apple, pineapple, anise, honey aromas. Fat, round, dry, warm palate with big buttery, vanilla, waxy, spicy lees, mineral, pineapple, citrus flavours. Needs drinking sooner than later.Prices:| BC | $51.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Errazuriz Chardonnay 2004
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileFloral, mineral, green apple skin, creamy lees, vanilla, pineapple aromas. Dry, round, elegant and fresh with baked green apple, pineapple, creamy vanilla, lees, canned grapefruit flavours. Attractive crisper style.Prices:| BC | $14.40 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.60 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.54 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Sebastiani Chardonnay 2003
Sonoma County, California, United StatesSmoky oak, vanilla, butterscotch, baked apple, ripe pear, melon aromas with a spicy, honey note. Ripe, round, slightly fat style with good acidity. Lots of spicy, leesy, smoky vanilla, honey, pineapple, citrus flavours with a floral, waxy finish. Very attractive, riper style from Sonoma. Ready now.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Painter Bridge Chardonnay 2004
California, United StatesCitrus, peach, baked pear, (some freshly struck matchstick), nutty lees aromas. Fresh, round, slightly sweet entry with good acidity. Slightly oily texture with butter, citrus, baked peach, canned fruit salad, mineral flavours. Very solid, easy-drinking consumer style and the price has dropped $2. Buy this one by the case for entertaining.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Herder Chardonnay 2004
Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, bready/yeast style nose with floral, buttery, vanilla aromas. Round, dry, fresh palate with buttery, baked apple, smoky vanilla, citrus and honey flavours. A bit buttery but with structure and fruit. It should improve in bottle. We like the direction this style of chardonnay is headed.Prices:| BC | $16.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Beringer Founders' Estate Chardonnay 2004
California, United StatesCitrus, creamy lees, vanilla, baked apple aromas. Round, somewhat sweet and sour entry with some oiliness. Buttery, mineral, citrus, leesy, spicy, baked apple and honey flavours. Tart, leesy, buttery finish. Solid, leesy style.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $22.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $21.49 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
83PTS
Trivento Reserve Chardonnay 2004
Mendoza, ArgentinaCanned pineapple, matchstick, leesy, melon, candied peach aromas. Sweet, round, round entry with similar flavours. Very commercial style.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
95PTS
Champagne Dom Pérignon 1998
Champagne, FranceFine (small), continuous mousse previews a clean fresh brioche, nutty nose with citrus, cherry, creamy, lemon aromas. Dry, elegant, crisp, and full-bodied on the palate. Fine baked green apple, nutty, toasty, lemon peel flavours streaked with floral, mineral, pear skin notes. Long, elegant and crisp with finesse. Should age well for 3-10 years or enjoyable now. Excellent offering as usual.Prices:| BC | $194.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Toasted Head Chardonnay 2003
California, United StatesBig butterscotch, honey, lees, baked apple aromas. Soft, round, buttery palate with buttered popcorn, pear, baked apple, citrus, sweet honey vanilla flavours. Warm, smoky oaky finish. A bit too commercial for the price.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
83PTS
Donna Paola Salento Chardonnay 2004
Salento, Puglia, ItalyCanned peach, fruit cocktail, mineral aromas. Lean, dry entry with lemony, canned peach, mineral, anise flavours with a slightly nutty/tinny finish. Unusual to say the least.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Leaping Horse Vineyards Chardonnay 2004
Lodi, Central Valley, California, United StatesPear, baked apple, mineral, floral aromas with some matchstick. Round, slightly oily structure with good acidity. Citrus rind, red apple, peach, buttery pineapple flavours with a slight bitter grapefruit rind on the finish. Sound, consumer style without too much sweetness. Well done and good value.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Wente Vineyards Chardonnay 2003
Livermore, San Francisco Bay, California, United StatesIt has been some time since we've tasted any Wente wines but we like the spicy, toffee, leesy, waxy nose spiked with burnt honey and smoky pineapple aromas. Round, elegant and fresh on the palate with more green apple skin, spicy lees, smoky vanilla, nutty, canned pineapple flavours. Good acidity and lees flavours on the finish.Prices:| BC | $17.75 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Peter Lehmann Weighbridge Unwooded Chardonnay 2005
South Australia, AustraliaBright lees, baked apple, citrus rind, floral, pineapple aromas. Crisp, dry entry with mineral, green apple skin, buttery, grapefruit rind, lees flavours. A bit tart and lemon rind-y but fine for food.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
13 December 2005
88PTS
CedarCreek Chardonnay Estate Select 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWinemaker Tom Di Bello has released an attractive, buttery melon and honeysuckle white with fine mid-palate richness and creamy butterscotch notes in the finish. There's also enough acidity, freshness and complexity to hold your interest. A solid value B.C. chardonnay.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
12 December 2005
83PTS
Three Thieves Pinot Noir 2004
California, United StatesRaspberry, leafy, compost, carrot top, leather aromas. Dry, somewhat lean entry with sour cherry, licorice root, compost, celery flavours. Warm, slightly acidic finish. Basic pinot in a one-litre jug.Prices:| AB | $19.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
83PTS
Three Thieves Syrah 2003
California, United StatesLicorice root, saddle leather, cedary, peppery, gamey, clove, vanilla, lifted black berry aromas. Round, warm, full bodied style with some acidity. Black cherry, licorice, peppery, leather, candied orange, chocolate vanilla flavours with a warm, slightly acidic, cedar bark finish. Rustle up some lean old burger meat on the barbie. Campfire wine to keep you warm.Prices:| AB | $19.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
83PTS
Three Thieves Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
Napa Valley, California, United StatesTobacco leaf, earthy, peppery, dill, cedar aromas with a raw cassis note. Dry, fresh, lean entry with cedar-y tannins. Chocolate, tobacco leaf, earthy, raw cassis and peppery flavours. Rustic, raw red best served with barbecue meats. Sold in one-litre glass jugs.Prices:| AB | $19.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
83PTS
Three Thieves Bandit Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Available in one-litre Tetra-pack with a plastic screwcap over a pull-tab. Tetra pack. Classic leafy, earthy, tobacco, resiny cabernet nose. Soft, round, slightly bitter entry with minty, earthy, resiny, peppery, cedar bark flavours. Warm, cooked fruit finish. A mid-week barbecue red.Prices:| AB | $12.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $13.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
84PTS
Three Thieves Bandit Merlot 2004
Sold in easy-to-store,1-litre tetra packs that feature a pull-tab opener under a plastic screwcap. Look for a cedar, leafy, tobacco, chocolate, green olive nose. On the palate, it is soft, round and supple with cherry, minty, tobacco, green olive, leather flavours. Warm and slightly sweet in the finish but very drinkable.Prices:| AB | $12.95 | 1000ml |
| BC | $13.95 | 1000ml |
| ON | $11.95 | 1000ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Three Thieves Bandit Pinot Grigio 2004
California, United StatesAvailable in one-litre Tetra-pack with a plastic screwcap over a pull-tab. Look for a bright floral, pear, mineral nose with green apple notes. Light, round, soft palate with green apple, mineral, citrus, pear skin flavours. Crisp, slightly sweet, oily finish. Very sound consumer style wine for picnics and summer drinking. Good value and equivalent $10 per 750 ml.Prices:| BC | $13.95 | 1000ml |
Read Full Note
83PTS
Wild Bunch Red 2003
California, United StatesPeppery, lifted black raspberry, vanilla, licorice root aromas. Very crisp entry with light, dry tannins. Leathery, cedary, mineral, black cherry, orange peel cola flavours. Quite tart and lean on the finish. Designed for barbeque sauces and pulled pork.Prices:| AB | $14.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
10 December 2005
85PTS
Wellbrook Cranberry NV
British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, candied cranberry, canned berry, foxy nose. Round, sweeter style with candied cranberry, spicy, minty, earthy, apple flavours. Easy sipping style fruit wine you could pair with turkey in the same way you do the cranberry sauce.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Viu Manent Secreto Malbec 2004
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileSmoky, savoury, black cherry, tobacco, roasted mushroom aromas with a gamey, mint note. Ripe, round, smooth palate with light, cedar-y tannins. Resiny, smoky oak, vanilla, peppery, tobacco leaf, black cherry, cassis flavours with a cola, savoury finish.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Arrowleaf Vidal Select Late Harvest 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, mineral, peach, nectarine skin, green apple skin, plasticene nose. Fresh, round, elegant and clean with pear, baked peach, mineral, floral, diesel flavours. Well balanced, fresh style that is not too sweet. Excellent work.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 375ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Chateau Roumieu Sauternes 2003
Sauternes, Graves, Bordeaux, FranceMarmalade, roasted apricot, smoky nose with vanilla, honey, baked apple aromas and a wisp of plasticene. Soft and warm on the palate with moderate sweetness. Waxy, marmalade, baked apple, baked peach, honey, mineral flavours with a buttery, plasticene, vanilla finish. Forward, ripe style for near term consumption over the next five years.Prices:| BC | $23.20 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $21.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
Louis Roederer Blanc de Blancs Vintage Champagne 1999
Champagne, FranceThe Blanc de Blancs vintage is only produced in small quantities from top crus in the Côte des Blancs. Lower mousse but fine bubbles. Very toasty, buttery brioche nose with mineral, creamy, baked green apple aromas with floral notes. Dry, elegant, slightly lean palate but fine finesse with lemon, creamy baked apple, mineral, lime rind flavours. Very crisp, dry finish. The reduced mousse and crispness suggests a fizz that would pair well with seafood dishes.Prices:| BC | $75.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
91PTS
Louis Roederer Brut Vintage Champagne 1999
Champagne, FranceBrut Vintage is a blend 66% pinot noir and 34% chardonnay that is matured an average of four years on the lees followed by more than six months after disgorging. Look for continuous, fine mousse. The nose is a mix of floral, creamy, green apple, citrus, lanolin, toasty biscuit aromas― all very fresh. Crisp, dry, round palate with toasty, creamy brioche, baked apple, mineral, citrus flavours. Very elegant, somewhat austere style with a big green apple, nutty finish. Will keep for several years.Prices:| BC | $75.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Du Peloux Ugni Viognier 2004
Vin de Pays de Vaucluse, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceAnother solid effort from Du Peloux's unusual mix of ugni blanc and viognier. The style is fresh (the screwcap is an excellent touch) mixing citrus and apricot notes with mineral ginger and floral aromas and baked apple caramel flavours. Serve solo as an aperitif or with warm chicken or fish salads.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
91PTS
Champagne Moët & Chandon Millésime Blanc Vintage 1998
Champagne, FranceFine, continuous mousse. Very toasty, nutty, floral, green apple, biscuit, creamy nose. Crisp, fresh, fairly dry entry with fine mousse. Elegant with nutty, lemon, creamy, biscuit, earthy, fennel flavours. Fresh, crisp finish in a tighter style that will improve over the next few years.Prices:| BC | $82.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
84PTS
Eximius Vinho Branco 2004
Lisboa, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalHuge floral, lemon oil, marzipan, mineral, pear skin aromas. Dry, lean, crisp palate with lemon oil, mineral, floral, bitter grapefruit rind flavours. Tight, high acid, dry finish. A bit too austere for most palates.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
92PTS
Bonny Doon Framboise NV
Washington, United StatesSuper intense, fresh nose of raspberry jam, raspberry juice and a minty ganache. Ripe, somewhat fat and warm palate but lots of acidity with raspberry jam, canned juice, spicy, minty favours. Try with Christmas cake, ice cream or chocolate volcano cake. Not for the faint of heart - pure delicious concentrated raspberry essence.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
84PTS
Feudo Arancio Grillo 2003
Sicily, ItalyMineral, wet slate, floral, garlic lees aromas. Dry, round, somewhat crisp palate with buttery lees, garlic, green apple, citrus rind flavours with a slightly dirty, rind-y finish. Lacks flavour and weight.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Nk'Mip Cellars Pinot Blanc 2004
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMuch like the previous edition look for fresh lime rind, mineral, butter, green apple skin, floral aromas. Soft, round, elegant style with mineral, grapefruit rind, green apple, peach pit flavours with a crisp, buttery finish.Prices:| BC | $14.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.85 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
94PTS
Nk'Mip Cellars Qwam Qwmt Riesling Icewine 2004
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen mineral, pear, vinyl, citrus rind, green apple, peach aromas with a floral note. Ripe, rich, round, slightly fatter style with orange, pear, mineral, baked apple, marmalade flavours. Good acidity and length with some pear, creamsicle flavours on the finish. Well balanced with verve and flavour intensity.Prices:| BC | $59.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Sumac Ridge Cabernet Franc Black Sage Vineyard 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, clove, vanilla and familiar cigar tobacco nose with hints of roasted tomato, cherry and coffee aromas. Very warm entry but round and dry with supple tannins. Cedar, smoky vanilla, peppery, roasted mushroom, resiny, savoury, coffee flavours with some earthy, tobacco leaf, licorice, black cherry on the finish. Solid value.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
0PTS
Sumac Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon Black Sage Vineyard 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCorkedPrices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.45 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Jackson-Triggs Cabernet Sauvignon Sunrock Vineyard 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig smoky vanilla, oak toast, peppery, coffee, black tea, resiny tobacco, cassis aromas. Very dry, hot, astringent entry with stewed tomato leaf, peppery, coffee, vanilla, resiny, black berry, and green olive flavours. Big dry tannins on the finish. Ungainly and alcoholic.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Jackson-Triggs Shiraz Sunrock Vineyard 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaEnticing smoky leather, tobacco leaf nose with vanilla, chocolate pudding, savoury, garrigue and spicy vanilla aromas. Rich, ripe, round but warm and tannic too. Big chocolate, vanilla, cola flavours streaked with coffee, clove and plum jam with a rootsy, tobacco, leathery finish. Lots of tannins on the finish and quite warm, definitely closing down. Will need two or three years to develop in bottle.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
09 December 2005
88PTS
Viu Manent Malbec Reserve Oaked Aged 2003
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileSmoky, black cherry jam, tobacco, leather, black olive, minty vanilla aromas. Dry, round, elegant style with light, dry tannins. Smoky, vanilla, peppery, tobacco, roasted mushroom, coffee, rootsy, black cherry flavours with a savoury finish. A bit warm and rustic but has good intensity and flavours. Needs a year or so to soften or serve now with steak.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
See Ya Later Ranch Jimmy My Pal 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPleasant creamy vanilla, honey and buttered popcorn notes with red apple aromas. Soft, round, buttery palate with vanilla, creamy, baked apple, mineral, grapefruit rind flavours and a slightly bitter oak, apple skin finish. Solid if ordinary.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
See Ya Later Ranch Pinot Gris 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen buttery, vanilla, peach fruit nose with honey, baked pear, mineral and apple skin notes. Ripe, round and soft with honey, buttered pear, mineral, vanilla, green apple flavours. Full warm finish with lots of buttery oak. It is oaky but there is more fruit than previous efforts.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Paisajes VIII 2001
Rioja Alta, Rioja, SpainAppealing white pepper, earthy, tobacco nose with milk chocolate, black raspberry, barnyard, smoky leather aromas. Quite dry but elegant with a lean, tart entry. Black raspberry, earthy, tobacco, smoky vanilla, resiny, peppery flavours with a slightly bitter herbal, chocolate finish. Dry and lean for the price.Prices:| BC | $56.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
84PTS
Calderona Tempranillo 2003
Cigales, Castilla-Leon, SpainIntense floral, candied cherry fruit nose with raspberry jam, milk chocolate aromas and a spicy resin streak. Very, tart, spicy, peppery, coffee, raspberry, licorice flavours with some light, lean tannins on the finish. Old Euro-style red but with fruit.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Thornhaven Sauvignon Blanc Chardonnay 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCanned grapefruit, melon, nectarine aromas with a grassy/asparagus streak. Round, dry, elegant style with some oiliness. Grapefruit rind, mineral, green apple skin, grassy, bell pepper flavours with a warm (alcoholic), green peach, grapefruit rind finish.Prices:| BC | $14.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
07 December 2005
85PTS
Golden Mile Road 13 White Luckhurst Family Vineyards 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSimple summer style white with aromatic floral, perfumy, peach aromas. Soft and flat on the palate with floral, mineral, peach skin flavours but not much length or intensity. Simple ready-to-drink B.C. white.Prices:| BC | $14.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
05 December 2005
88PTS
Sumac Ridge Pinnacle White 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaToasty, spicy, lychee, butter, floral, mineral, nutty, honey aromas. Round, soft, full palate with some oiliness. Vanilla, honey, lemon rind, mineral, floral, spicy, nutty lees flavours with buttery, grassy, gooseberry and grapefruit on the finish. Balanced even if a bit busy with all those varieties floating about. Asian food is natural here.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Stoneleigh Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandBright intense grapefruit rind, canned jalapeno, gooseberry, floral, lime oil aromas. Very fresh, elegant, round and crisp on the palate. Look for smoky, grapefruit rind, gooseberry, green apple and mineral flavours. Tasty, succulent, balanced finish. Check out the new screw cap with its sleek new outer capsule...the threads are hidden on the inside. Fresh.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.35 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.20 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Wild Bunch White 2004
California, United StatesWhite flower, perfumy, grassy nose with green apple and pear aromas. Soft, round, slightly sweet entry with pear, red apple, floral, grassy, spicy flavours. A solid fun sipper for consumers.Prices:| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Sendero Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Region del Valle Central, ChileVery perfumed, floral, lime, grapefruit, guava aromas. Fresh, round, elegant style with grapefruit rind, green apple skin, asparagus flavours. Clean and fresh and you can't beat the price. Great value.Prices:| BC | $8.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Lingenfelder Riesling Bird Series 2004
Pfalz, GermanyPrices:| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Dr. L Riesling 2004
Mosel, GermanyGreen apple skin, slate, perfumed, white peach nose. Very fresh, delicate, clean, succulent palate with lime, green apple, slate, perfumed flavours. Crisp, clean finish and extremely consistent. Good value.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Mouton Cadet Blanc 2004
Bordeaux, FranceSlate, lemon, green apple skin, melon skin, floral, grassy nose. Dry, round, light style with grassy, mineral, grapefruit rind, lemon oil flavours with a passion fruit finish. Dryer, Euro style that would benefit from screw cap.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
White Truck White 2004
California, United StatesPear, gooseberry, mineral, floral, perfumed nose. Fresh, round, crisp and clean with a touch of sweetness. Grapefruit, floral, candied green apple, orange, mineral and lees flavours with a touch of butter.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Pacific Rim Riesling 2003
Washington, United StatesOpen floral, slate, leesy, green apple skin aromas. Fresh, round, slightly sweet entry with peach skin, green apple skin, floral, slate flavours with a petrol finish. Solid but could use a bit more verve.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
84PTS
Flagstone Cellar Hand Chenin Blanc 2004
Western Cape, South AfricaGrassy, floral, pear, pea pod and green apple aromas. Dry, slate-y, soapy, green apple, floral, grassy flavours. Not much intensity. Simple commercial white.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Fish Hoek Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Western Cape, South AfricaAttractive smoky, mineral, gooseberry, grapefruit and canned asparagus aromas. Round, fresh, crisp palate with a touch of oiliness. Gooseberry, grapefruit rind, grassy, canned jalapeno flavours with a soft, passion fruit finish. Well balanced.Prices:| BC | $14.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Flagstone Noon Gun 2005
Western Cape, South AfricaPear, floral mineral, grassy, lime aromas. Crisp, fresh palate with dry mineral, grapefruit rind, grassy, green apple flavours with a pronounced citrus rind finish. Fresh, simple easy-sipping style.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Carmen Sauvignon Blanc 2003
Region del Valle Central, ChileBig grapefruit rind, sweaty, lemony, gooseberry and mineral aromas. Very clean, crisp, lean entry with lemon oil, grapefruit rind, gooseberry, mineral and grass, herbal flavours on the finish.Prices:| BC | $13.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.50 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Wirra Wirra Scrubby Rise Sauvignon Blanc Semillon Viognier 2004
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaFloral, honey, vanilla, passion fruit, grapefruit, grassy, fig aromas with a waxy, mineral streak. Fresh, crisp, round palate with green melon, grapefruit, passion fruit, mineral, lime flavours with a touch of creamy, honey vanilla on the finish. Elegant, juicy finish. Consistent quality at fine value. Serve with most seafood dishes.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Inniskillin Okanagan Discovery Series Chenin Blanc 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCandied apple, perfumed, floral, pear, buttered popcorn aromas. Round, full, fresh palate with mineral, green apple, pear skin, soapy, spice flavours. Crisp, clean finish.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Sumac Ridge Sauvignon Blanc Black Sage Vineyard 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery buttery, cedar-y, vanilla, floral, melon, grapefruit aromas. Soft, round, oily texture with big buttery, oaky vanilla, toasty, grapefruit rind and mineral flavours. Very oaky with some bitterness on the finish. Lacks varietal intensity.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Jackson-Triggs Meritage Blanc Proprietors' Grand Reserve 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGrapefruit, grassy, nutty, leesy, vanilla aromas with some floral, cinnamon and canned asparagus notes underneath. Round, elegant, ripe palate with creamy, vanilla, canned grapefruit, kiwi, melon, fig, mineral flavours. A touch soft with some sweetness at the end but good balance. Attractive consumer style.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Columbia Crest Two Vines Riesling 2004
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesFloral, orange, candied green apple, melon aromas. Fresh, round, somewhat sweet style with orange, red apple, lime, mineral, candied peach flavours. Good acidity and fruit but somewhat sweet - attractive sipper and consumer style for Thai food.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
J. Bouchon Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileGrapefruit rind, floral, passion fruit, grassy aromas with a touch of bell pepper. Dry, crisp, fresh style with a lot of grapefruit rind, lime, artichoke and gooseberry flavours. A bit lean and warm but has good freshness.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Nederburg Sauvignon Blanc 2004
Western Cape, South AfricaMineral, gooseberry, asparagus, grassy, citrus rind aromas. very dry, round, elegant, light easy-sipping style with very grassy, asparagus, grapefruit rind flavours and a dry, crisp, canned asparagus finish. Solid effort.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
04 December 2005
86PTS
Chartron et Trébuchet Bourgogne Blanc 2003
Burgundy, FranceCitrus peel, green apple skin, slate and light butter aromas. Round, ripe, soft palate with citrus, pear, green melon and mineral flavours. Elegant, dry finish but a touch lean. Solid oyster and mussel wine.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Chartron et Trébuchet Pouilly-Fuissé 2002
Pouilly-Fuissé, Mâconnais, Burgundy, FranceLime rind, green apple, and floral nose with mineral, buttery notes and a smoky, flinty edge. Rich, ripe, round and fresh with green apple skin, lime, baked pear, green melon skin, flinty butter flavours. Fine acidity with finesse and balance and certainly ready-to-drink. Try with sole or halibut.Prices:| BC | $37.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Segura Viudas Lavit Rosado Brut Cava NV
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainFresh stylish mousse (small bubbles) with an attractive pale raspberry colour. Look for delicate cherry, baked red apple, mineral and lime rind notes with just a hint of toasted earth. This is crisp and fresh with more cherry, mineral, citrus rind, nutty, toasted flavours. As you would expect it is a bit fruitier, creamier and dryer than the Brut Reserva. Serve at most any occasion. The blend is 60/20/20 trepat / garnacha / monastrell.Prices:| BC | $17.49 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.12 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
03 December 2005
88PTS
Viu Manent Merlot Reserve Oaked Aged 2003
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileTobacco, black cherry, smoky, vanilla, barnyard, spicy aromas. Ripe, round, supple style with light, grainy tannins. Smoky, black cherry, peppery, chocolate pudding, mocha, savoury flavours. A touch young but good ripeness and intensity. Well done.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Chateau Saint Martin de la Garrigue Cuvee Bronzinelle 2002
Coteaux du Languedoc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceVery unusual nose with perfumed, floral, milk chocolate, garrigue nose flecked with black raspberry aromas. Soft, dry, slightly rustic tannic entry with some acidity showing through. Chocolate, tobacco, earthy, rootsy, floral, raspberry flavours. High acidity and smoky finish. Needs food and curiosity.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Tall Poppy Petit Verdot 2001
Murray - Darling, AustraliaResiny, peppery, floral, black cherry, menthol, licorice aromas. Round, soft entry with elevated acidity and warmth. Cherry cough drop, licorice, smoky, leather, resin flavours. Commercial red that needs less acidity and alcohol.Prices:| BC | $15.49 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Avonmore Estate Shiraz 2001
Bendigo, Victoria, AustraliaHuge (volatile) nose of vanilla, pepper, black berry, leather, black cherry and game with balsamic undercurrents. Ripe, round, soft, very warm palate with chocolate, peppery, vanilla, black berry compote, tobacco flavours with a huge oaky, smoky, somewhat acidic finish. Had potential but there is too much volatility. It is a bio-dynamic wine.Prices:| BC | $23.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Calem Blue Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2004
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaThe is 80/20 blended of sauvignon/semillon sports a green apple skin, asparagus, mineral nose with pear canned jalapeno and grapefruit rind aromas. Dry, round, elegant style but quite skinny with canned asparagus, passion fruit, grassy, grapefruit flavours. Solid oyster wine.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Cremaschi Furlotti Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2003
Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileFine open smoky, vanilla, chocolate pudding nose streaked with black berry jam, spicy, sappy, minty, cassis aromas and a touch of cigar leaf. Dry, somewhat lean entry with grainy tannins. Very peppery, cardamom, garrigue, minty, vanilla, toffee, cassis flavours with some black olive and leather on the finish. A bit cooler style but ripe and young, needs 1-2 years. Solid value.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Cremaschi Furlotti Syrah Reserve 2003
Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileBig white pepper, smoky, roasted pepper nose with vanilla, gamey, black berry jam aromas all streaked with tobacco and saddle leather. Dry, round, elegant palate with peppery, spicy, vanilla, toffee notes and a meaty, smoky tobacco leaf undercurrent with some black berry and olive on the finish. Needs 1-2 years to settle the dryer tannins down or serve now with roasted meats, lamb would be an excellent choice.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Coyote's Run Cabernet Franc 2004
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaTypical herbaceous Niagara nose nose with smoky, tomato leaf, tobacco, resin, green olive brine aromas. Soft, round, elegant palate with smoky oak vanilla, green olives, resin, stewed tomato, pepper and cigar ash flavours with a touch of acidity and warmth on the finish. Forward style.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
0PTS
Viu Manent Secreto Malbec 2004
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileCorked, try another bottle.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Viu Manent Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Oaked Aged 2003
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileTobacco leaf, earthy, black olive, smoky vanilla, cedar and cassis aromas. Soft, round, slightly sweet entry with cedar, vanilla, toffee, cassis and cigar flavours. Dry, slightly tannic finish. Serve with beef flank steak.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Viu Manent Secreto Syrah 2004
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileBig peppery, meaty nose that mixes garrigue and licorice root with floral, black cherry jam aromas and a touch of saddle leather. Rich, ripe, soft and round with black cherry jam, sweet vanilla, gamey, savoury, minty, peppery flavours. Very high alcohol, smoky, sweet oak finish. Lots here for the winter game dinner - turkey, pork or lamb. Good value.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Yalumba Barossa Shiraz Viognier 2002
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaVery spicy, white peppery, ginger, floral, black cherry, black raspberry jam aromas with some dried orange peel. Soft, round, supple entry but fairly dry with black raspberry jam, orange peel, peppery, vanilla, floral, spicy, ginger flavours. Warm, somewhat acidic with a honey orange finish with a hollow note. Almost grenache-like.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
02 December 2005
95PTS
Chateau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape Roussanne Vieilles Vig 2003
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceThe vieilles vignes are 75-years old and reside in a three ha property between Orange and Avignon. Half the wine is fermented in wood the other 50 per cent in stainless steel. Of the juice in wood only 50 per cent goes into barrique the rest in old vats. The result is a stunning white wine that is made from 100 per cent roussanne. As expected, its super ripe but there is plenty of floral notes and orange spice to keep its honeyed nose and flavours fresh and lively. Tomas Perrin warns that you must drink this wine now when it is young or wait until its 8 to 10-years old before you return to it. I vote for now.Prices:| BC | $125.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $122.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $119.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
97PTS
Château de Beaucastel Hommage à Jacques Perrin 2001
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceThe Hommage à Jacques Perrin is a 60/20/10/10 blend of mourvèdre/grenache/counoise/syrah and in the case of the mourvèdre ― it is all extremely old, low-yielding vines. To say this is a cult wine is an understatement. Just finding some is an accomplishment and getting to taste it even more challenging. But unlike too many 'cult' wines, Hommage delivers. To date it has honoured Jacques Perrin in 1989, '90, '94, '95, '98, '99, 2000 and 2001. I haven't tasted any previous editions but I can tell you the 2001 is the real deal. The '01 is just losing its baby fat and sweet edge as the mourvèdre begins to dominate. Rich dense, clean and with peppery, savoury meaty flavours and soft supple tannins. A monster in waiting that should sleep comfortably for a decade or more in bottle. Drink it if you must but cellar if you can. Approx. 5000 bottles produced.Prices:| BC | $250.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $200.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $239.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $231.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
92PTS
Chateau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2003
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceHow hot is hot. Apparently, in Châteauneuf-du-Pape in '03 it was a scorcher. With alcohol soaring it was important to get the right mix of grapes to avoid making monster reds and cooked flavours. Tomas Perrin says less grenache and no syrah is what was needed to reach the right temperament in 2003 and to that end Beaucastel offers up considerable bright, spicy raspberry fruit on the nose. Very rich on the palate, huge grip with firm tannins. Beaucastel boasts a large percentage of mourvèdre and grenache, about 30% each with 10 per cent syrah and another five per cent of muscardin, vaccarese and cinsault. The remainder is made up of small quantities of the seven other varieties permitted in Châteauneuf du Pape. Rich pepper finish. Impressive.Prices:| BC | $83.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $69.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $81.73 | 750ml |
| ON | $84.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $79.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Trivento Syrah Reserve 2004
Mendoza, ArgentinaVery spicy, blackberry jam, minty, peppery, coffee aromas with a hint of game and sausage, very fragrant. Soft, round, smooth and dry with minty, peppery, coffee, smoky, black cherry, licorice flavours and a touch of vanilla. Suave and ready to go. Great value.Prices:| BC | $13.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
01 December 2005
84PTS
Terre du Levant Côtes-du-Ventoux 2004
Ventoux, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceMeaty, peppery, gamey, garrigue nose with some black cherry jam and sulphur notes. Dry, round, warm, fresh palate with earthy, licorice, meaty flavours. Very hot, acidic finish with more sulphur notes.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
82PTS
Nederburg Pinotage 2002
Western Cape, South AfricaCherry, shoe leather, barnyard, tobacco, gamey aromas. Soft, dry, somewhat tight and acidic entry with sour cherry, tobacco, gamey, earthy, smoked leather flavours. Excessive acidity and heat on the finish. Maybe its acquired taste.Prices:| BC | $13.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.45 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
84PTS
Nederburg Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
Western Cape, South AfricaDried crushed leaf, tobacco, peppery nose with smoky, saddle leather, green olive and barnyard aromas. Warm, round, dry entry that rapidly shows some acidity and tannins. Smoky, animal, peppery, shoe leather, olive and roasted pepper flavours. High acidity, warm finish. Old style cabernet.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.45 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
83PTS
Twin Fin Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
California, United StatesBlackberry, cola, smoky, licorice, tobacco, olive aromas. Slightly tannic and dry entry followed by some sweetness and acidity. Cherry, cedar bark, cassis, green olive, tobacco leaf flavours. Tannic, warm finish with acidity. Lacks any balance.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Casa Dei Sogno Mediterraneo 2003
Tuscany, ItalyThis IGT Toscana wine comes from a 4.5 ha estate in Suvereto and is made from a non-traditional blend of sangiovese, syrah, alicante, petit verdot and cabernet sauvignon. Look for smoky, spicy, oaky vanilla, black olive, peppery, cedar, gamey aromas. Very dry, round, rich palate with elevated acidity and warm. Huge oak vanilla, coffee, peppery, licorice root, resiny, black cherry flavours. Rustic, warm, dry style.Prices:| BC | $42.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
La Poderina Brunello di Montalcino 2000
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyVanilla, smoky, cigar, meaty, black berry jam, plum, floral, licorice root aromas. Warm, dry, slightly tannic entry. Smoky, charred meat, licorice root, vanilla, cigar ash, black cherry flavours. A touch hollow with a dry, tannic, slightly acidic finish. Young, needs 2-3 years to soften but will need grilled meat to tame its youth.Prices:| BC | $74.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Quinta Vale D. Maria Reserve Port Lote No 01 2003
Rio Torto, Cima Corga, Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalCristiano van Zeller's Reserve Port is a Vintage Character (old definition) now called a Ruby Reserve. In reality it is blended and bottled as a Crusted Port but he begins selling it without the minimum requirement of three years in bottle. The blend of the Lote nº 01 is almost all from the 2001 vintage (almost 90%), with a bit of 2000 and 2002 to sparkle it up. The Lote Nº is intended to indicate the base vintage year of the blend (00 for 2000, 01 for 2001, etc.). Look for a peppery, fiery, spicy, black licorice candy, tea, black cherry aromas with some citrus peel. Rich, round, warm and full with some tannins. Chocolate, black cherry jam, tealeaf, raisin square, peppery, black licorice flavours. Good acidity but quite warm on the finish. Needs 3-7 years or try with cheese or a chocolate lava dessert. A hybrid vintage port style.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
83PTS
Kelly's Revenge Shiraz 2004
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaStewed tealeaf, cassis nose with cardamom, orange peel, clove aromas, much like mulled wine spice. Soft, round, sweet style palate with sour cherry, spicy, orange compote, smoky flavours. Not really shiraz but definitely commercial and sweet.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
83PTS
Four Emus Shiraz 2003
Western Australia, AustraliaSpicy, licorice root, black berry, cola, vanilla pudding aromas with a savoury, cedar streak. Fresh, warm palate but quite tannic and astringent. Vanilla, black berry, cola, licorice, rootsy, sour cherry and tobacco leaf flavours. Finish is very astringent with heat, acidity and sweetness. Simple.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
Casa Silva Quinta Generacion 2002
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileBig spicy, minty, cherry, mocha nose with tobacco, cassis, black olive, garrigue and vanilla aromas. Rich, ripe, round and supple with grainy tannins but quite unctuous. Ripe cherry, cassis, smoky, peppery, licorice, resiny, vanilla, cardamom, and compote flavours. Very warm, toffee, pudding finish with some tannins to shed. Needs 2-3 years to soften but has good fruit intensity.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Casa Silva Los Lingues Gran Reserva Carmenère 2002
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileVery rootsy, minty, sappy, cassis, tobacco nose with cedar and liniment aromas. Soft, round, dry and full-bodied with cassis, cherry, peppery, minty, vanilla, smoky, tobacco leaf flavours and a sappy, coffee finish. A touch warm and tannic but well balanced and ripe for carmenère.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Velletri Terre dei Volsci Riserva 1999
Lazio, ItalyBig smoky, gamey, rootsy, peppery, black cherry jam aromas with some chocolate and tobacco notes. Ripe, round, warm and dry with some light, lean tannins. Tobacco, peppery, smoky leather, black cherry, olive, chocolate and licorice root flavours. A bit dry and tannic on the finish with some acidity. Euro.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.50 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
83PTS
Round Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
California, United StatesRoasted bell pepper, tobacco leaf, resiny, leather, rubbery aromas. Round, warm, acidic and sweet entry with tannic edges. Cherry, tobacco leaf, smoky leather, gamey, bell pepper flavours with an astringent, hot finish. No much value here.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
82PTS
Lungarotti Rubesco Rosso di Torgiano 2001
Umbria, ItalyGamey, saddle leather, cedar, cigar, olive, barnyard aromas. Very dry, tight, lean entry with some cedary tannins. Peppery, tobacco, olive, earthy, rootsy, leather flavours with a very dry, tight, warm finish. Think rare beef.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.50 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
January 2006