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Tasting Notes

Tastings: January 2006

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27 January 2006

Boolaroo Shiraztext
86PTS

Boolaroo Shiraz 2003

AustraliaRoasted pepper, sausage meat, peppery, mineral, black cherry aromas. Soft, round, supple palate with peppery, licorice, menthol, roasted pepper, leather and cherry flavours. Warm, smooth, balanced finish. Solid value and good table wine.Prices:
BC$14.95750ml
Producer: Pettavel Pty Ltd.
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Doña Paula Malbec Selección de Bodegatext
90PTS

Doña Paula Malbec Selección de Bodega 1999

Ugarteche District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaRoasted Portabello, peppery, smoky, chocolate orange rind nose with rootsy, gamey, black cherry, vanilla black plum pudding notes. Dry, round, slight lean entry but with fine concentration. Peppery, roasted game, mushroom, savoury, cigar, black cherry kirsch flavours with some vanilla, bitter chocolate and orange peel on the finish. Good length with still some tannin to lose over the next 2-3 years. Well made.Prices:
AB$32.00750ml
BC$36.95750ml
Producer: Doña Paula Estate
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Doña Paula Selección de Bodega Chardonnaytext
88PTS

Doña Paula Selección de Bodega Chardonnay 2002

Ugarteche District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaRipe mango, melon, toasty lees, vanilla, smoky, honey butter aromas. Dry, round, slightly lean entry with a touch of oily fatness. Warm with honey, butterscotch, pineapple, mineral, baked red apple flavours with a bit of lanolin on the finish. Riper, fatter fruit style akin to older Napa chardonnays. Ready to drink.Prices:
BC$27.50750ml
AB$24.95750ml
Producer: Doña Paula Estate
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Ted the Mule Whitetext
84PTS

Ted the Mule White 2004

Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceFloral, honey, mineral, spicy, lemon oil aromas with some ginger. Round, soft, dry entry with strong chalky, mineral, lemon oil, floral, spicy flavours. Aftertaste is drying and slightly flat. Needs more fruit and verve.Prices:
BC$14.99750ml
Producer: Vignobles Jeanjean
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Ted the Mule Redtext
86PTS

Ted the Mule Red 2004

Ventoux, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FrancePeppery, licorice root, spicy, gamey, minty, black cherry and raspberry nose. Dry, tight, hot entry but round with black raspberry, cherry, earthy, peppery flavours and a hot, slightly resiny finish with some acidity peaking through. Will be fine with duck or lamb.Prices:
BC$14.99750ml
AB$12.99750ml
Producer: Vignobles Jeanjean
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De Angelis Anghelos Marche Rossotext
88PTS

De Angelis Anghelos Marche Rosso 2003

Marche, ItalySimilar to last vintage with big gamey, animal, black cherry, rootsy, licorice, smoky, vanilla, floral aromas. Very smooth, dry entry but slightly tannic and warm. Huge coffee, vanilla, peppery, prune, black cherry, licorice flavours with a rustic, warm finish. Ripe tannins but big, needs a rare steak or veal chop. A bit old style.Prices:
BC$35.99750ml
Producer: Tenuta De Angelis
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Casa Santos Lima Alfrocheirotext
85PTS

Casa Santos Lima Alfrocheiro 2003

Lisboa, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalSpicy, resiny, black licorice, chocolate, black cherry aromas with some raisin-y notes. Very dry, round, smooth entry but slightly skinny and acidic. Minty, orange peel, cherry menthol, resiny, peppery flavours. Hot, dry finish. Not all that well-balanced.Prices:
BC$21.99750ml
Producer: Casa Santos Lima
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Eximius Vinho Tintotext
83PTS

Eximius Vinho Tinto 2003

Lisboa, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalOpen milk chocolate, cherry aromas with leather, menthol undertones and hints of beeswax. Lean, skinny entry with high acidity. Resiny, minty, cherry flavours with a smooth, hot finish. Inadequate for the price.Prices:
BC$11.99750ml
Producer: Casa Santos Lima
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Pedras do Montes Castelaotext
86PTS

Pedras do Montes Castelao 2004

Vinho Regional Terras do Sado, Setúbal Peninsula, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalBright peppery, floral, meaty, spicy nose with black cherry aromas and smoky plum notes. The entry was dry, round and slightly tannic on entry but with elegance. Big black raspberry, cranberry, clove, peppery, licorice flavours. Quite dry with elevated acidity but with fresh fruit flavours. Will be best with meat dishes.Prices:
AB$11.00750ml
BC$12.99750ml
Producer: DFJ Vinhos Lda
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Mission Hill Reserve Riesling Ice Winetext
93PTS

Mission Hill Reserve Riesling Ice Wine 2004

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, creamy, mineral, green apple skin, nectarine aromas. Fresh, vibrant, elegant, clean palate with green apple, pear, mineral, orange zest, lime and apricot flavours. Somewhat sweet but fine acidity balanced with balanced intensity. Drink anytime over the next 2-4 years. Released Feb 06 Prices:
BC$59.99750ml
AB$49.99750ml
Producer: Mission Hill Family Estate
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Mission Hill S.L.C. Riesling Icewinetext
95PTS

Mission Hill S.L.C. Riesling Icewine 2004

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery floral, grapefruit, mineral, orange, baked pear, light plasticene/vinyl aromas. Ripe, fresh, crisp but fat with green apple, orange, grapefruit, baked pear, honey flavours and some key lime on the finish. Very good acidity and balance in a more narrower mouth profile. Fine effort. Released Feb 06Prices:
BC$79.99750ml
AB$59.95750ml
Producer: Mission Hill Family Estate
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22 January 2006

Tormaresca Nepricatext
86PTS

Tormaresca Neprica 2003

Puglia, ItalyA bargain red from Antinori's burgeoning southern Italian project, Tormaresca. Neprica hails from Puglia at the heel of Italy's boot. The blend is a mix of NEgromaro, PRimitivo and CAbernet, hence the Neprica moniker and the flavour is fun. Licorice, prunes, and black fruit all wrapped in a warm, round, earthy, inviting style make it irresistible for the price. A solid performer with grilled meats. Good value.Prices:
BC$13.99750ml
AB$12.95750ml
SK$14.97750ml
Producer: Tormaresca
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Pasqua e Fazio MezzoGiorno Nero d'Avola Shiraztext
86PTS

Pasqua e Fazio MezzoGiorno Nero d'Avola Shiraz 2004

Sicily, ItalyMeaty, smoky, peppery, cherry jam, tobacco, floral aromas with some barnyard notes. Soft, round, full bodied with cherry, smoky, rootsy, tobacco, spicy flavours. Warm, slightly tart finish but a solid barbecue red.Prices:
BC$14.99750ml
Producer: Pasqua e Fazio
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19 January 2006

Gos Monastrelltext
86PTS

Gos Monastrell 2004

Jumilla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainSmoky, spicy, peppery, dark chocolate and tobacco aromas with jasmine, game and black cherry jam underneath. Ripe, round, supple style with juicy black cherry, peppery, licorice, garrigue, minty tobacco flavours. Very warm, dry finish with some acidity showing through but good intensity and fine value. The New Spain.Prices:
BC$12.95750ml
Producer: Juan Gil Bodegas Familiares
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12 January 2006

Kendall-Jackson Zinfandel Vintner's Reservetext
87PTS

Kendall-Jackson Zinfandel Vintner's Reserve 2002

California, United StatesThis is workmanlike, solid zinfandel at an affordable price. Winemaker Randy Ullom has upped the ante here with plush balanced jammy flavours flecked with spice and just a touch of sweetness and acidity. Love the balance no heat and no hard tannins. Its 65 per cent Mendocino fruit and 93 power cent zinfandel.Prices:
BC$22.99750ml
Producer: Kendall-Jackson (Jackson Family Wines)
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11 January 2006

CedarCreek Meritage Platinum Reservetext
91PTS

CedarCreek Meritage Platinum Reserve 2002

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTasted several times. Look for pepper, spicy, black olive, saddle leather, cassis, licorice, pencil lead aromas with a streak of B.C. tobacco, green bean and smoke in the background. Ripe, round, supple and warm with fine concentration. Good spicy, orange peel, peppery, vanilla, cigar, licorice flavours with some black cherry and bacon at the end. Nice intensity and finesse, should improve over the next 2-5 years.Prices:
BC$39.99750ml
Producer: CedarCreek Estate Winery
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CedarCreek Merlot Platinum Reservetext
90PTS

CedarCreek Merlot Platinum Reserve 2003

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, black cherry, spicy, vanilla, smoky bacon, black olive, chocolate and tobacco aromas with a gamey, saddle leather streak. Dry, round, slightly astringent palate. Lots of spicy, coffee, black cherry, bacon, tobacco and green olive flavours with a bit of green bean and chocolate on the finish. Good length but some tannins and acidity need to meld. Cellar for minimum three years.Prices:
BC$39.99750ml
Producer: CedarCreek Estate Winery
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Hess Select Cabernet Sauvignontext
88PTS

Hess Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2002

California, United StatesLovely enticing smoky cherry cola vanilla nose with streaks of barnyard and pepper. Very similar on the palate with smooth sweet entry and a round warm smoky blackberry finish. Fun sipping wine but would be fine with most grilled meats.Prices:
BC$29.95750ml
Producer: The Hess Collection Winery
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Domaine Bressy Masson AC Côtes du Rhônetext
87PTS

Domaine Bressy Masson AC Côtes du Rhône 2003

Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceFunky floral cooked raspberry savoury nose with hints of chocolate and spicy meat. On the palate, it has the soft black raspberry and orange rind with a smoky gamey finish. Fine intensity here if not as ripe as the 2004. Drink now over the next year for best results.Prices:
BC$19.99750ml
Producer: Marie-France Masson
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Domaine Bressy Masson AC Côtes du Rhônetext
87PTS

Domaine Bressy Masson AC Côtes du Rhône 2004

Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceFloral meaty sausage nose with fleck soft black raspberry and tobacco, quite enticing. Very soft and rich on the palate, almost New World-like with savoury raspberry jam sausage character and a dry finish. Solid and ready to drink now.Prices:
BC$19.99750ml
Producer: Marie-France Masson
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Hollick Shiraz Cabernettext
86PTS

Hollick Shiraz Cabernet 2003

Limestone Coast, South Australia, AustraliaThe blend is 75/25 shiraz/cabernet sauvignon. Cool celery salt, cranberry, saddle leather marks the nose of this Coonawarra-style red. It is lean and taut on entry with noticeable acidity and bright blueberry cherry fruit with resiny tobacco leaf. Light and ready to go. Serve with hunk of rare roast beef.Prices:
BC$24.99750ml
Producer: Hollick Wines Pty
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Kenwood Cabernet Sauvignon Jack London Vineyardtext
90PTS

Kenwood Cabernet Sauvignon Jack London Vineyard 2002

Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesSpicy smoky tarry savoury nose with a dash of spice and saddle leather. Soft round entry smooth impolite with plenty of chocolate vanilla and smoke blackberry flavours with a bit of tannin and tar in the back end. Well made, savoury red for mid term drinking. Serve now with lamb chop.Prices:
BC$39.99750ml
AB$37.95750ml
ON$43.45750ml
QC$42.75750ml
Producer: Kenwood Vineyards
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Sebastiani Secolo Sonoma Red Winetext
93PTS

Sebastiani Secolo Sonoma Red Wine 2003

Sonoma County, California, United StatesOpen ripe peppery spicy nose with vanilla blackberry and cassis jam nose. Quite intense but with firm mid-palate and slightly elevated acidity. Lots of spicy, clove, cinnamon and blackberry with a smoky fruity coffee in the finish. Rich and warm but it's balanced. Best for near term drinking by can hold for two to five years.Prices:
BC$42.95750ml
Producer: Sebastiani
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Sebastiani Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valleytext
91PTS

Sebastiani Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2003

Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesOpen ripe cherry nose with smoky savoury cardamom and vanilla and wisp of cassis jam. Big full flavoured rich ripe (and slightly volatile) Sebastiani-style with along warm finish. Hedonistic, fat and fun to drink. Big spicy vanilla mocha blackberry finish. Great for restaurants now.Prices:
US$30.00750ml
Producer: Sebastiani
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CedarCreek Cabernet Franc Estate Selecttext
89PTS

CedarCreek Cabernet Franc Estate Select 2003

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLove the smoky, cigar, black cherry, resiny nose with hints of licorice, sage vanilla and cranberry. Tight, full, rich, warm palate with a touch of acidity and defined tannins. More expressive cedar, cranberry, smoky, vanilla pudding, peppery, flavours with some saddle leather and tobacco on the finish. Full and young, this has potential to become affine red wine. Excellent beginning.Prices:
BC$24.99750ml
Producer: CedarCreek Estate Winery
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CedarCreek Meritage Estate Selecttext
88PTS

CedarCreek Meritage Estate Select 2003

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig spicy, vanilla, black cherry jam, cassis, olive, tobacco and cedar aromas with a hint of saddle leather. Dry, round, full palate with some tannins. Chocolate, smoky, licorice, rootsy, vanilla, spicy flavours with some black olive and tobacco leaf. A bit bitter and green on the finish and will benefit from a year or two in bottle. Serve now with a medium rare steak.Prices:
BC$28.99750ml
Producer: CedarCreek Estate Winery
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CedarCreek Estate Select Merlottext
87PTS

CedarCreek Estate Select Merlot 2003

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, plum pudding, tobacco, smoky vanilla, black olive aromas. Soft, round, supple palate. Spicy vanilla, sweet cherry, pudding, savoury flavours with green tobacco and black olive on the finish. Dry with good finesse but a bit hot and acidic in the aftertaste.Prices:
BC$26.99750ml
Producer: CedarCreek Estate Winery
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CedarCreek Syrah Estate Selecttext
88PTS

CedarCreek Syrah Estate Select 2003

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen peppery, spicy, floral, chocolate, sausage meat and tobacco aromas with some black cherry and rootsy tobacco notes. Soft, round, supple and warm with a touch of acidity on the end. Suave chocolate, spicy vanilla, plum pudding, gamey, sausage flavours with some licorice root and cardamom on the finish. A forward ready-to-drink style for near term consumption. Excellent first effort.Prices:
BC$27.99750ml
Producer: CedarCreek Estate Winery
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CedarCreek Chardonnay Classictext
86PTS

CedarCreek Chardonnay Classic 2004

British Columbia, CanadaPear, apple skin, citrus, mineral aromas with a touch of creamy lees. Dry, round, and fresh with light butter, citrus, green apple, lees and pineapple flavours. A bit warm but with good acidity and balance. This is solid, everyday, new-style chardonnay. Prices:
BC$16.99750ml
Producer: CedarCreek Estate Winery
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J. Lohr Cypress Cabernet Sauvignontext
85PTS

J. Lohr Cypress Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

California, United StatesBig floral nose of smoky cherry and vanilla licorice root. On the nose, it has a definite sweet cherry cedar bark flavour with dry tannins. It's sweet and soft enough to appeal to most but it lacks real cabernet character. A solid by-the-glass wine for bars and pubs.Prices:
BC$17.99750ml
Producer: J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines
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Sendero Cabernet Sauvignontext
84PTS

Sendero Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

Region del Valle Central, ChileLook for earthy leafy black pepper rubbery notes with black olives and resiny cassis undertones. Sweet and sour on the palate with a smoky black cherry olive flavour and just a touch of tannin. A pizza red of mid-week. Prices:
BC$8.95750ml
Producer: Viña Concha y Toro S.A.
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Beringer Founders' Estate Cabernet Sauvignontext
86PTS

Beringer Founders' Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2002

California, United StatesOpen barnyard saddle leather nose with hints of smoke, spice and manure. Quite a candied sweet entry with a warm palate and a dry tannin finish. Some what flat and unexciting with leafy, resiny, tobacco, cassis finish. Prices:
BC$17.99750ml
AB$18.99750ml
SK$22.99750ml
MB$21.49750ml
ON$19.95750ml
QC$19.95750ml
NF$19.95750ml
Producer: Beringer Napa Valley Vineyards
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Angus The Bull Cabernet Sauvignontext
87PTS

Angus The Bull Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

South Australia, AustraliaBig open generous nose of barnyard tobacco and olive notes with flecks of savoury leather and smoky cassis fruit tones. There is fine richness on the palate with blueberry/cassis fruit and leafy tobacco undercurrents. A solid barbecue red you can serve with steaks.Prices:
BC$19.95750ml
ON$17.95750ml
Producer: Aberdeen Wine Company
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Esser Cellars Cabernet Sauvignontext
84PTS

Esser Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

California, United StatesSavoury vanilla black cherry nose with cedar bark and cassis notes. It's dry on entry with resiny cedar bark cherry flavours and a sweet finish. Simple but somewhat disjointed cabernet sauvignon.Prices:
BC$14.99750ml
AB$11.95750ml
Producer: Esser Wines Ltd.
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05 January 2006

Virgin Vines Chardonnaytext
85PTS

Virgin Vines Chardonnay 2004

California, United StatesPear, vanilla, light lees, baked apple aromas. Soft, round, somewhat sweet entry with baked apple, buttery, pear, honey flavours. Simple consumer style with a sweet finish.Prices:
ON$13.95750ml
Producer: Virgin Vines
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Virgin Vines Shiraztext
86PTS

Virgin Vines Shiraz 2004

California, United StatesBlackberry jam, peppery, spicy, licorice, earthy aromas. Fresh, round, elegant entry with licorice root, smoky, cedary, blackberry, tobacco flavours. Sound, ready to go, barbeque red.Prices:
BC$14.95750ml
Producer: Virgin Vines
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Greg Norman Estates Shiraz Limestone Coasttext
88PTS

Greg Norman Estates Shiraz Limestone Coast 2003

Limestone Coast, South Australia, AustraliaSmoky, meaty, sweet blackberry, licorice root, tobacco leaf, resiny, toasty oak aromas. Rich, ripe, round, slightly tannic entry with blackberry jam, mocha, spicy, peppery, minty, tobacco flavours with a roasted pepper, orange rind note. Finish is warm and dry with slight acidity showing. Very young, needs 1-2 years to round out but very solid fruit.Prices:
BC$27.99750ml
AB$23.95750ml
MB$22.99750ml
ON$23.99750ml
Producer: Greg Norman Estates
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J. Lohr Syrah South Ridgetext
86PTS

J. Lohr Syrah South Ridge 2003

Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, Central Coast, California, United StatesSmoky, chocolate, coffee, sausage meat nose with garrigue and black cherry aromas. Dry, slightly tight palate with light tannins and a touch of acidity. Vanilla, peppery, coriander, black cherry, boysenberry flavours with a cedar bark, peppery, tobacco finish. A bit chunky and acidic needs time to meld. Similar to the last edition tasted - great nose but lacking the palate.Prices:
BC$22.99750ml
Producer: J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines
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Jackson-Triggs Sauvignon Blanc Proprietors' Grand Reservetext
87PTS

Jackson-Triggs Sauvignon Blanc Proprietors' Grand Reserve 2004

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPassionfruit, gooseberry, floral, candied green apple, vanilla aromas. Ripe, round, elegant style with some sweetness. Ripe grapefruit, passionfruit, grassy, vanilla, butter flavours with a slightly bitter rind finish. Nice intensity if a touch flabby.Prices:
BC$18.99750ml
Producer: Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Estate
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Robertson Winery Sauvignon Blanctext
84PTS

Robertson Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2005

Robertson, Breede River Valley, South AfricaMineral, canned asparagus, light lees, bell pepper aromas. Soft, round, warm, sweet and sour palate with grapefruit, cooked bell pepper, grassy, grapefruit flavours. Warm, sour finish, somewhat disjointed style.Prices:
BC$9.99750ml
Producer: Robertson Co-operative Winery
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Kenwood Zinfandeltext
0PTS

Kenwood Zinfandel 2002

Sonoma County, California, United StatesCorked, try another bottle. Prices:
BC$22.99750ml
AB$18.95750ml
ON$19.95750ml
QC$21.95750ml
Producer: Kenwood Vineyards
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Lindemans Bin 95 Sauvignon Blanctext
86PTS

Lindemans Bin 95 Sauvignon Blanc 2005

South Eastern Australia, AustraliaGrapefruit rind, pear, grassy, green apple, gooseberry aromas. Fresh, soft, round, elegant style with just a touch of sweetness. Fresh grapefruit, mineral, bell pepper, gooseberry flavours. Well balanced with good intensity and great value.Prices:
BC$11.49750ml
AB$11.50750ml
SK$11.99750ml
MB$10.99750ml
ON$10.60750ml
NS$12.25750ml
NF$12.50750ml
NB$10.99750ml
Producer: Lindemans Wines
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Errazuriz Max Reserva Syrah (Shiraz)text
88PTS

Errazuriz Max Reserva Syrah (Shiraz) 2004

Valle de Aconcagua, Region de Aconcagua, ChileSpicy, minty, briar, blackberry, meaty, smoky, vanilla aromas with a garrigue and jasmine streak. Young, warm, round, slightly tannic entry. Rich boysenberry, vanilla, smoky, peppery, minty, tobacco leaf, smoky tea and garrigue flavours. Warm, fleshy style that needs 1-3 years. Tasty.Prices:
BC$24.90750ml
AB$19.95750ml
MB$15.21750ml
Producer: Viña Errazuriz
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Sebastiani Zinfandeltext
87PTS

Sebastiani Zinfandel 2003

Sonoma County, California, United StatesBig spicy, white pepper, raspberry, black cherry, saddle leather, menthol aromas. Dry, slightly tight entry but rich with cedar bark, cola, peppery, black raspberry, meaty, peppery flavours. A bit lean on the finish but has good fruit. Needs duck or lamb or try in 1-2 years when it softens.Prices:
BC$22.99750ml
Producer: Sebastiani
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Painter Bridge Zinfandeltext
86PTS

Painter Bridge Zinfandel 2004

California, United StatesFruity blackberry, cherry, cola, peppery, cedar bark, meaty aromas. Soft, round, supple style with prune plum, cedar bark, spicy, black berry flavours and a wisp of raisins, cola and licorice. Easy drinking, solid, fruity barbeque wine. Good value and flavours.Prices:
BC$13.99750ml
Producer: J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines
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Terra Andina Semillon Chardonnaytext
85PTS

Terra Andina Semillon Chardonnay 2005

Region del Valle Central, ChileSweaty grapefruit rind, gooseberry, green apple, mineral aromas. Fresh, round, slightly sweet entry with grapefruit rind, gooseberry, melon and honey flavours with a crisp, grassy, rind-y finish. Super value for an introductory white wine.Prices:
BC$8.95750ml
Producer: Sur Andino S.A.
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Gnarly Head Old Vine Zintext
85PTS

Gnarly Head Old Vine Zin 2004

Lodi, Central Valley, California, United StatesCedar bark, chocolate, prune, black cherry, prickly nose. Soft, round, slightly dry entry with warm cedar bark, peppery, mocha, resiny, licorice flavours. Simple commercial dry, red wine with a slightly tannic finish.Prices:
BC$19.95750ml
Producer: Gnarly Head Cellars
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St. Hallett Blackwell Shiraztext
90PTS

St. Hallett Blackwell Shiraz 2003

Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaBig pruny, jammy, sausage meat nose mixed with boysenberry, floral, spicy, chocolate and vanilla notes. Very warm, fat, slightly tannic entry with big vanilla, smoky oak, pruny, plum, blackberry jam, chocolate, licorice root flavours. Good intensity if a bit overripe. Keep 2 to 5 before drinking for best results. Good value.Prices:
BC$34.95750ml
Producer: St. Hallet Wines
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Paul Jaboulet Aîné Crozes-Hermitage Les Jaletstext
86PTS

Paul Jaboulet Aîné Crozes-Hermitage Les Jalets 2002

Crozes Hermitage, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceFairly intense white pepper and licorice root nose with barnyard, meaty, floral note. Soft, round, dry, lean entry with black cherry, licorice, roasted pepper, earthy/curry, leather flavours. Not much fruit intensity and finishes short with some acidity. Needs food.Prices:
BC$24.95750ml
Producer: Domaines Paul Jaboulet Aîné
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Boschkloof Syrahtext
87PTS

Boschkloof Syrah 2003

Coastal Region, South AfricaSmoky, sweaty saddle leather with gamey, sausage, tobacco leaf and spicy blackberry nose with a slightly volatile note. Very warm, dry, fresh palate with light tannins. Pruny, smoky, shoe leather, briar, vanilla, earthy, tobacco flavours. This is an older, more traditional style but worth investigating.Prices:
BC$32.50750ml
Producer: Boschkloof
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Peter Lehmann Barossa Shiraztext
88PTS

Peter Lehmann Barossa Shiraz 2003

Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaLovely ripe 'Barossa' nose with black plum, blackberry, creamy vanilla aromas spiked with peppery, coconut and cola notes. Quite opulent. Fat, ripe, round, soft textured palate with mocha, tobacco, licorice, vanilla, blackberry, blueberry flavours. The finish is long and oaky with some acidity and warmth showing through.Prices:
BC$23.99750ml
Producer: Peter Lehmann Wines Limited
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Wirra Wirra Church Block Cabernet Shiraz Merlottext
88PTS

Wirra Wirra Church Block Cabernet Shiraz Merlot 2003

McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaPeppery, green olive, cassis, leather nose with gamey, cassis aromas flecked with earthy, tobacco, barnyard notes. Soft, round and supple on the palate with prune, vanilla, cassis jam flavours and a coffee leaf, spicy licorice root finish. Good intensity and texture with a fresh acidic finish.Prices:
BC$24.99750ml
Producer: Wirra Wirra Vineyards
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Kenwood Yulupa Zinfandeltext
88PTS

Kenwood Yulupa Zinfandel 2002

California, United StatesMature now but similar attractive peppery, spicy, prune, blackberry, briar, chocolate saddle leather aromas with some licorice root.. Soft, round, supple warm textures. Nice peppery, black raspberry jam, chocolate, briar, earth flavours with some orange peel. We like the flavours and balance for current drinking. Much better than prior tasting 15 months ago.Prices:
BC$18.99750ml
AB$16.95750ml
ON$19.60750ml
Producer: Kenwood Vineyards
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04 January 2006

Joseph Faiveley Bourgogne Pinot Noir Pauleetext
86PTS

Joseph Faiveley Bourgogne Pinot Noir Paulee 2003

Côtes de Nuits, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceBright wild berry, black cherry aromas with gamey, rootsy notes. Dry, round, soft but tart with black raspberry, strawberry, spicy, cedar bark flavours. Good fruit and bright but somewhat acidic in the finis. Built for food and we recommend the classic ― duck confit.Prices:
BC$25.95750ml
QC$22.05750ml
Producer: Domaine Faiveley
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Robertson Winery Shiraztext
84PTS

Robertson Winery Shiraz 2003

Robertson, Breede River Valley, South AfricaSmoky saddle leather, savoury, meaty, prune aromas. Dry, round, soft palate with prune, leather, tobacco, barnyard, smoky flavours with a touch of shoe polish on the finish. Basic red.Prices:
BC$10.99750ml
Producer: Robertson Co-operative Winery
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Fat Bastard Shiraztext
87PTS

Fat Bastard Shiraz 2004

Languedoc, Sud de France, FrancePeppery, cedar, gamey, poultry spice, garrigue aromas with a touch of blackberry. Dry, slightly tight palate but full with tobacco, peppery, roasted pepper, black cherry, licorice flavours with a wild berry note on the finish. Very solid food wine with some light tannin on the finish. Good value.Prices:
BC$16.95750ml
AB$14.95750ml
ON$14.05750ml
Producer: Guy Anderson Wines
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Porcupine Ridge Syrahtext
88PTS

Porcupine Ridge Syrah 2004

Coastal Region, South AfricaWild smoky, garrigue and pepper nose with roasted game, black berry, tobacco jasmine and saddle leather aromas. Rich, ripe, round and supple with peppery, tobacco, licorice, wild berry, gamey, meaty, smoky, chocolate flavours with a smooth, warm, slightly acidic note. Lots of coffee and pepper with some mint on the finish. Well done.Prices:
BC$17.99750ml
AB$17.99750ml
SK$17.99750ml
MB$17.99750ml
ON$13.95750ml
Producer: Boekenhoutskloof
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Donna Paola Salento Rosatotext
86PTS

Donna Paola Salento Rosato 2004

Salento, Puglia, ItalyLight raspberry colour. Floral, cherry, peach, gamey aromas, very fresh. Dry, round, elegant style with cherry, tobacco, spicy, floral, almond flavours. Well balanced fresh style for food.Prices:
BC$16.99750ml
Producer: La Mea di Marco Maci, Az. Agr.
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Cuvee Donna Paola Salentotext
86PTS

Cuvee Donna Paola Salento 2002

Salento, Puglia, ItalyFloral, sweaty game, peppery, cherry kirsch, meaty nose. Soft, round, supple palate but dry with black cherry, licorice, savoury, tobacco, chocolate flavours. A bit dry but good intensity.Prices:
BC$16.99750ml
Producer: La Mea di Marco Maci, Az. Agr.
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Marco Maci Duca D'Atene Rosso Copertinotext
88PTS

Marco Maci Duca D'Atene Rosso Copertino 1997

Salento, Puglia, ItalyMeaty, spicy, black cherry, coffee grain, chocolate, black cherry aromas. Rich, ripe, round, slightly grainy palate. Big black cherry jam, chocolate, spicy, meaty, tobacco, peppery flavours. A bit chunky and chewy on the finish but has lots of flavour intensity.Prices:
BC$32.95750ml
Producer: La Mea di Marco Maci, Az. Agr.
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Marco Maci Bella Mojgantext
87PTS

Marco Maci Bella Mojgan 1999

Salento, Puglia, ItalyGamey, floral, spicy, black cherry, sweaty saddle, sausage, chocolate aromas. Dry, round, warm palate but quite supple. Intense licorice, chocolate, gamey, sausage, black cherry jam flavours. Clean, dry, savoury finish.Prices:
BC$39.99750ml
Producer: La Mea di Marco Maci, Az. Agr.
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Feudo Arancio Syrahtext
87PTS

Feudo Arancio Syrah 2003

Sicily, ItalyChocolate, peppery, tobacco, meaty, animal, black cherry jam aromas. Ripe, round, supple palate but rich. Ripe black berry, chocolate, licorice, spicy, meaty, floral, smoky flavours with a long, tobacco finish. Well made, well balanced and good value.Prices:
BC$15.99750ml
ON$11.95750ml
Producer: Feudo Arancio
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Peter Lehmann Weighbridge Shiraztext
86PTS

Peter Lehmann Weighbridge Shiraz 2004

South Australia, AustraliaBright spicy, minty, resiny, eucalyptus nose flecked with hints of tobacco and black berry jam. Dry, slightly lean entry with floral, black cherry jam, licorice, meaty, eucalyptus flavours. Fresh finish with some light tannins and acidity.Prices:
BC$14.99750ml
Producer: Peter Lehmann Wines Limited
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Peter Lehmann Clancy's Legendary Redtext
87PTS

Peter Lehmann Clancy's Legendary Red 2003

South Australia, AustraliaBig spicy, peppery, raspberry, black cherry, floral nose with a touch of tobacco leaf and cassis. Soft, dry, round, elegant style with tobacco, chocolate, black cherry, earthy, rootsy, raspberry flavours with a leafy, olive note.Prices:
BC$19.99750ml
Producer: Peter Lehmann Wines Limited
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Yalumba Y Series Shiraztext
88PTS

Yalumba Y Series Shiraz 2003

South Australia, AustraliaInviting spicy, mocha, tobacco nose with chocolate, vanilla, floral and black cherry notes. Rich, round, dry and full with tobacco, black cherry, plum, licorice, chocolate, vanilla flavours. Long, fruity, peppery finish with some finesse. Very solid, attractive style and good value too.Prices:
BC$17.99750ml
AB$14.99750ml
ON$13.95750ml
Producer: Yalumba Wine Company
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Baltasar Gracián Garnacha Select Harvesttext
87PTS

Baltasar Gracián Garnacha Select Harvest 2002

Calatayud, Aragon, SpainTypical spicy, gamey, black raspberry (garnacha), barnyard aromas. Soft, round, supple palate with cherry licorice, raspberry, peppery, tobacco leaf, peppery, floral flavours. Quite crisp and warm on the palate with lots of fruit.Prices:
BC$17.95750ml
Producer: Bodegas San Alejandro
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Baltasar Gracián Garnacha Viñas Viejastext
89PTS

Baltasar Gracián Garnacha Viñas Viejas 2003

Calatayud, Aragon, SpainVery peppery, compost, vanilla, black raspberry, rootsy, mineral nose. Rich, round, supple and full with black raspberry jam, spicy, peppery, mocha, licorice root, mineral, creamy cola flavours. Warm, fresh, fruity finish that is quite intense and long. Try with stewed lamb or duck. Good value.Prices:
BC$21.95750ml
AB$18.30750ml
Producer: Bodegas San Alejandro
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Famille Perrin Vacqueyras Les Christinstext
87PTS

Famille Perrin Vacqueyras Les Christins 2002

Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceBig peppery, licorice root, smoky garrigue, herbal, coriander aromas with some gamey, barnyard notes. Round, dry style with light tannins but some elegance. Very peppery, cigar ash, mineral, licorice root, floral, black cherry flavours. Now mature, try with roast beef.Prices:
BC$19.99750ml
AB$19.00750ml
QC$21.95750ml
Producer: Famille Perrin
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01 January 2006

Chateau Reynella Old Cave Fine Old Tawny Porttext
90PTS

Chateau Reynella Old Cave Fine Old Tawny Port NV

McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaMade from Shiraz and Grenache grown in McLaren Vale, aged average of 8 years in small oak casks. Medium amber, touch of red. Very spicy, tea, leather, rancio nut aromas. Rich, intense, sweeter style but very well balanced. Spicy, tea, raisiny, rancio flavours. It has more fruit character on the palate than nose. Prices:
BC$23.95750ml
Producer: Walter Reynell & Sons
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February 2006December 2005