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Tastings: February 2006
28 February 2006
90PTS
Magdalena Toso 33 Barrels Selection 2002
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaA blend of 95/5 malbec and cabernet sauvignon selected by winemaker/consultant Paul Hobbs. Big soft textured malbec with a slightly volatile, lifted fruit nose. Soft round warm entry with a sweet and sour plum flavours. Soft with a relatively short finish. More Californian than Argentine this time around.Prices:| BC | $89.99 | 750ml |
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27 February 2006
87PTS
Vinos Pinol Portal Crianza 2003
Terra Alta, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainBig peppery, earthy, tobacco nose with licorice, black cherry and some barnyard notes. Dry, round, warm and full bodied with light tannins. Lots of black cherry, spicy, peppery, tobacco, prune, resiny flavours with menthol, sour cherry finish. Young and still a bit astringent but it should round out in the next year or so.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Martinet Bru 2003
Priorato, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainBig spicy, chocolate, cigar, black cherry jam, floral, coriander, smoky saddle nose with some prune-orange compote. Rich, ripe, round, elegant and dry with supple tannins. Good acidity with peppery, minty, orange peel, black cherry, black raspberry, chocolate, tobacco and resin flavours. Warm, somewhat chewy finish with some garrigue and game notes. Young and well balanced, will improve over the next 2-5 years.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Marti Fabra Seleccio Vinyes Velles 2002
Ampurdain-Costa Brava, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainPrune, dried cherry, smoky, vanilla, tobacco, chocolate nose with some barnyard and cedar. Dry, soft, round palate but a touch lean. Big earthy, tobacco, dark chocolate, peppery, pruny flavours with a smoky, cherry, rootsy finish. A bit old style and warm but a good food wine.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Marti Fabra Carreras Masia Carreras 2001
Ampurdain-Costa Brava, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainBlack cherry, licorice root, tobacco, chocolate, smoky saddle leather, prune vanilla nose with a slightly port-like note. The entry is dry, warm, round and full with somewhat astringent tannins. Big peppery, prune, black cherry kirsch and tobacco flavours with smoky oak and licorice root at the back end. Chewy, warm palate structure with some tannins to shed. Will improve over the next 2-4 years.Prices:| BC | $39.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Allende Rioja 2001
Rioja Alta, Rioja, SpainMinty, spicy, cardamom, plum nose mixed with cherry and smoky gamy tobacco and vanilla notes. Round, ripe, elegant, fresh palate with light, dry tannins. Good cherry, plum, vanilla, peppery, tobacco, minty flavours with a garrigue, juicy, cassis finish. New and Old world style blend with a slightly tart finish designed for food. Solid.Prices:| BC | $34.90 | 750ml |
| ON | $28.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Conde de Caralt Brut NV
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainA true cava with nutty, lemon, toasty, creamy, floral aromas flecked with quince and white peach. Dry, round, fresh and crisp with good effervescence and elegance. More citrus, floral, mineral, nutty, creamy, toasted flavours with a touch of melon and biscuit. Clean and balanced for drinking anytime. Fine value.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Conde de Caralt Blanc de Blancs NV
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainFine mousse. Floral, mineral, spicy, nutty, white peach, perfumy, toasty nose. Dry, crisp, slightly lean entry wit almond, floral, lime, green melon, mineral and toasty lees flavours. Very dry, delicate style but flavourful. Will be best served with seafood and various tapas.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Chivite Gran Fuedo Reserva 2001
Navarra and Basque Country, SpainOpen cherry, peppery, spicy nose with light streaks of cedar, earthy, leather, resiny aromas. Dry, elegant, slightly lean structure with tart cherry, cassis, spicy, cedar bark, smoky leather flavours. Warm, somewhat dry finish, designed to accompany meat.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.95 | 750ml |
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21 February 2006
86PTS
Calona Vineyards Sovereign Opal Artist Series Reserve 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMedium weight wine with green peach, green apple and meaty notes on the nose. Fairly sweet and simple on entry with mineral, green apple, grapey, grassy citrus notes. Much better than a previous bottled tasted. Should be agreat match with Thai food.Prices:| BC | $12.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Robert Allen Lodi Zinfandel 2004
Napa Valley, California, United StatesThe nose is a mix of fresh sawn cedar with vanilla peppery, black cherry and briary notes. The entry is dry soft and fresh with light tannins in the background. On the palate, it's warm with chocolate, plum, briar, tobacco, earthy, spicy clove flavours. Tasty and balanced if a bit cedar-y in the aftertaste.Prices:| BC | $37.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Kenwood Zinfandel 2003
Sonoma County, California, United StatesBlack plum, black cherry, cedar dust, chocolate, peppery, gamey aromas with a vanilla note. Dry, somewhat astringent palate with elevated acidity. Warm, rich entry with big black cherry, plum, clove, peppery, vanilla, licorice flavours with a tobacco, mocha finish. Very warm, somewhat acidic finish. Try with ribs or tomato based pasta.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $21.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Z 52 Clockspring Vineyard Old Vine Amador Zinfandel 2003
Amador County, Sierra Foothills, California, United StatesBig peppery, spicy, sweaty saddle nose with barnyard, blackberry jam, licorice and briary, chocolate notes. Slightly astringent on entry but with light tannins. Tasty almond, black cherry, peppery, menthol, licorice, dark chocolate and vanilla flavours. Dry, somewhat tannic finish but well balanced. Needs 2-4 years.Prices:| BC | $34.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Z 52 Agnes Vineyard Old Vine Lodi Zinfandel 2002
Lodi, Central Valley, California, United StatesOpen sweaty saddle, black cherry jam, barnyard, mocha nose with pruny, briary notes. Soft, round, warm and dry on entry with some cedar sawdust undertones. Peppery, earthy, saddle leather, compost, briar, chocolate flavours. Warm, cooked fruit, resiny finish. Old style zin that will appeal to some but we would like to see a cleaner, fresher character.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Penfolds Grandfather Fine Old Tawny Port NV
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaPale mahogany colour with a touch of green and yellow on the edge. Big spicy, buttery, raisin, rancio, vanilla, tobacco, walnut nose. Fresh, round, elegant and rich with walnut, orange peel, rancio, buttery, cigar, raisin and coffee flavours. Good balance, not too fat or sweet with good acidity. Long coffee, butterscotch, nutty, tobacco finish with good complexity. Fine Australian tawny style. Bravo.Prices:| BC | $84.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Alain Brumont Torus Madiran 2004
Madiran, Sud-Ouest, FranceSmoky cigar ash, peppery, earthy, licorice root, cassis nose. Dry, round, somewhat rustic tannin entry with peppery, earthy, ash, licorice, meaty, cassis, and tobacco flavours. Chewy, rootsy, cooked prune fruit finish. A dry, country red wine that needs 2-3 years to soften.Prices:| BC | $22.50 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Fetzer Valley Oaks Zinfandel 2002
California, United StatesSpicy, cooked plum, cherry, rhubarb, smoky aromas. Soft, round, dry simple palate with peppery, licorice root, rhubarb, smoky raspberry flavours with some cedar sawdust. Simple pizza wine.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.95 | 750ml |
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19 February 2006
86PTS
Hare's Chase Red Barossa Blend 2003
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaSmoky, pruny, peppery, roasted tomato, black olive, vanilla, cassis nose. Tart, dry, slightly tannic entry but round with smoky vanilla, resiny, blueberry, peppery, black olive, stewed prune flavours. Hot, acidic finish with some green herbaceous notes.Prices:| BC | $31.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Killibinbin Langhorne Creek Blend 2003
Langhorne Creek, South Australia, AustraliaBig white pepper, blueberry, licorice, smoky, black cherry, tobacco, olive nose. Dry, round, fresh with light astringent tannins but good concentration. Black cherry, smoky, chocolate, cassis, leafy tobacco, resin, vanilla flavours. Round, slightly tart finish but good finesse if a bit herbal.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Township 7 Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig pine, cedar, tarry, saddle leather, minty, roasted tomato nose. Soft, smooth, round palate with minty, vanilla, smoky, resiny, chocolate pudding and roasted vegetable flavours. Very smoky, green, oaky finish. Okay with food if you like oak but we like to see more of the fruit peek through.Prices:| BC | $17.90 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Willowglen Shiraz Cabernet 2005
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaWhite pepper, spicy, shoe leather, blackberry, and cigar nose. Soft, round, sweet entry with elevated acidity. Tobacco leaf, cherry, olive, cassis, coffee flavours. Lean, somewhat acidic, green finish. Simple red wine.Prices:| BC | $11.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Fox Creek JSM Shiraz Cabernet Franc 1999
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaSmoky, sweaty saddle leather, blueberry, cola nose with notes of licorice root and bacon. Dry, tart and slightly lean on entry with peppery, smoky, resiny, blueberry, earthy flavours and a warm oaky, resiny, somewhat acidic finish. A strange blend. Needs drinking. Bring on a new vintage.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Dowie Doole Hooley Dooley Red 2004
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaIntense peppery, leafy cassis, tobacco, crushed leaf, licorice nose. Smooth, soft, supple, sleek entry with some acidity. Cassis, peppery, spicy, minty, black olive, smoky tobacco flavours. Fresh sweet and sour finish with cigar notes. Lacks a bit of warmth and generosity on the palate for the money.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Cousiño Macul Finis Terrae 2002
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileClassic Macul. Smoky saddle leather, cassis, black olive, minty, meaty, tobacco aromas. Dry, lean, somewhat astringent palate yet rich. More green olive, pepper, earth and smoky, minty, roasted pepper flavours with cassis, tobacco and vanilla flavours. Dry, acidic, tight finish. Needs time and a steak at the moment. Not a ripe style.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Greg Norman Estates Cabernet Merlot 2002
Limestone Coast, South Australia, AustraliaVery cool fruit nose with green olive, green bean, coffee, smoky vanilla and tobacco/saddle leather. Soft, round, dry, elegant palate but somewhat lean. Peppery, coffee, green bean, olive, resiny, smoky, vanilla flavours with a green tobacco, acidic finish. A little less acidity and a bit more generosity would go a long way to making this a keeper.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $24.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $27.11 | 750ml |
| NS | $30.66 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Vajo Rosso 2001
Verona, Veneto, ItalyOpen nose with a very pruny, spicy, coffee, black tea, smoky, tobacco, dried lychee nose with some barnyard and vanilla cream. Round, dry and somewhat supple with dried prune, tobacco, peppery, rootsy, resin, black cherry jam flavours with a very spicy, peppery, clove finish. The palate is smooth but very dry and acidic at the end.Prices:| BC | $45.95 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Oxford Landing Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz 2003
South Australia, AustraliaTobacco, earthy, black cherry, licorice root, ash aromas. Dry, tannic, lean entry with rootsy, earthy, tobacco leaf, resiny, smoky flavours. Dry, resiny, smoky leather, blueberry finish. Past its prime.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.29 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $13.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Madfish Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot - Cabernet Franc 2002
Western Australia, AustraliaSpicy, peppery, tobacco, rootsy licorice aromas with some smoky, resiny, saddle leather notes. Dry, round, soft, supple style with some acidity. Cassis, earthy, spicy, mineral, tobacco and resin flavours. Starting to age with a dry, somewhat acidic finish.Prices:| BC | $18.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.95 | 750ml |
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17 February 2006
89PTS
Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay Vintner's Reserve 2004
California, United StatesUnbelievably made with all estate grown grapes. Mineral, butter, citrus rind, light lees, peach aromas. Ripe, round, fresh and crisp with green apple, citrus, peach skin, pear, buttery lees flavours with a floral, orange, buttery finish. Nice elegance and balance with some cool fruit characters. Very attractive style for food or sipping. A triumph of grape growing and winemaking repeated for 24 million bottles.Prices:| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Ernest & Julio Gallo Chardonnay Laguna Ranch Vineyard Single Vineyard 2003
Sonoma County, California, United StatesThe fog that lingers at Laguna makes it one of Gallo's coolest sites in Sonoma County. Look for spicy, buttery, bread-y, nutty lees, and mineral, floral, citrus rind nose with a touch of melon. Ripe, round, crisp and elegant with spicy, nutty lees, popcorn, green apple, lime, green melon, vanilla flavours with a grassy, floral note. Well made, fresh and balanced, fine effort.Prices:| BC | $35.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $29.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Ernest & Julio Gallo Chardonnay Two Rock Vineyard 2003
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, United StatesCool nose with pink grapefruit, light garlic lees, green apple, quince, floral aromas. Tight, dry, elegant, crisp palate with spicy, garlic lees, mineral, lime rind, green apple, grapefruit flavours. Dry, very crisp finish with a strong floral, popcorn, granny smith streak. Definitely cool-climate style with finesse but will be best with seafood. Unique for Sonoma.Prices:| BC | $35.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $29.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Anakena Chardonnay Reservado 2004
Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileDistinctive all-Casablanca citrus, floral, pear fruit nose with baked apple, vanilla aromas with a touch of honey. Ripe, round, elegant but slightly fat with toasted, buttery, citrus, baked apple and honey flavours. A touch fat and warm on the finish but with fine fruit and finesse for the price.Prices:| BC | $16.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Yellow Tail Chardonnay The Reserve 2003
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaToasty nut, buttery, creamsicle, citrus rind, vanilla nose. Ripe, round, soft palate with buttery, spicy lees, mineral, vanilla, smoky melon flavours. Buttery, warm mineral finish. An intense version of the yellow tail.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.95 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Amayna Chardonnay 2003
Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileFrom Leyda, San Antonio an up and coming region in Chile we get an intense grapefruit/star fruit nose with honey and a waxy, orange flower, butter, anise, garlic lees note streaked with artichoke. On the palate the textures are ripe and round but with elegance. Look for ripe grapefruit, pineapple, butter, vanilla, baked apple flavours with a floral, crème brûlée lees and papaya finish. Very fine. Long and balanced but not heavy. Unique and very Leyda. Well done and ready-to-drink.Prices:| BC | $37.50 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Township 7 Reserve Chardonnay 2004
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGreen apple, floral, popcorn nose with honey, grapefruit, cinnamon and lees aromas all in the crisp, round, elegant style. Somewhat buttery with popcorn, baked apple, citrus, mineral, floral, green apple skin flavours with a nutty, garlic lees, chalky, vanilla finish. Very solid if a bit oaky now. Should improve over the next year as the oak dissipates.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Benziger Chardonnay Los Carneros 2003
Carneros, Sonoma County, California, United StatesBig creamy, spicy lees nose with vanilla, smoky, baked apple and citrus/mango notes with a grassy undertone. Fresh, round, crisp, elegant style on entry with a slight oiliness. Nutty, spicy lees, clove, mango, citrus, baked apple, butterscotch flavours that finish crisp with a long, nutty, baked apple aftertaste. Full, balanced and ready to go. Well done.Prices:| BC | $26.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Tyrrell's Lost Block Chardonnay 2004
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaButtery, toasty, creamy butter, honey, citrus, tropical fruit nose. Round, fresh, slightly lean entry with nutty, toasty lees, butter, chalky citrus, mineral, mango flavours. Simple, standard, easy-drinking style.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Fetzer Chardonnay Valley Oaks 2004
California, United StatesFloral, buttery, peach, honey aromas. Round, fresh, elegant palate with baked apple, buttery, nutt lees flavours with a touch of citrus on the finish. Well made, clean and good value.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Rutherford Ranch Chardonnay 2004
Napa Valley, California, United StatesFloral, honey, tropical fruit, buttery, lees nose. Ripe, rich, round, slightly fat entry with a touch of sweetness. Very spicy, cinnamon lees, ripe mango, honey, red apple, toasty nut flavours. Very attractive commercial style. Inexpensive for Napa chardonnay.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Chanson Pouilly-Fuissé 2003
Pouilly-Fuissé, Mâconnais, Burgundy, FranceVery leesy, floral, honey, baked quince aromas with a touch of smoke and mineral. Dry, round, crisp but full and ripe palate with baked apple, lees, nutty, quince, and lime flavours with a dry, buttery, salty finish. Ready now, good finesse.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.95 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Chanson Montagny Premier Cru 2003
Montagny, Côte Chalonnaise, Burgundy, FranceSlightly corked and oxidized, try another bottle.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chanson Mâcon-Villages Blanc 2004
Mâconnais, Burgundy, FranceLime, baked apple, mineral, grassy, lees nose. Soft, round, fresh and crisp with mineral, lime rind, grassy, pear and lees flavours. Nice elegance, balance and acidity if a touch warm. Fine introduction to white Burgundy.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Township 7 Un-Oaked Chardonnay 2004
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGreen apple, mineral, green melon aromas with a touch of lemon lime. Dry, round, elegant and fresh with some crisp acidity and a touch of oiliness. Green apple, mineral, citrus, green peach flavours with some mineral, lees on the finish. Nice finesse and balance for current drinking.Prices:| BC | $15.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Bonterra Vineyards Chardonnay 2002
Mendocino County, California, United StatesAll grapes in this Mendocino/Lake County blend of 94/6 chardonnay/viognier are organically grown. Leesy, citrus, baked apple, mineral, crème brûlée vanilla nose. Round, soft, dry palate with buttery, nutty lees, citrus, baked pear flavours. The finish is creamy and now mature. Serve with shellfish appetizers or tarragon-roasted chicken.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $22.30 | 750ml |
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16 February 2006
91PTS
Montes Limited Selection Sauvignon Blanc Leyda 2005
Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileLeyda is an emerging cool-climate sub-district of San Antonio located near the Chilean coast just south of Casablanca and it's where the fruit comes from for this impressive new sauvignon blanc. The '05 Limited Selection Leyda sauvignon continues its style - smells a bit like New Zealand and tastes a bit like Sancerre. This is super fresh, very hip sauvignon. There is no oak and the crisp fruit sports flecks of dill, gooseberry and chalky mineral, stony flavours. Bottled under screwcap to protect its fresh characters for years to come.Prices:| US | $16.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Pascual Toso Malbec Reserva Barrancas Vineyards 2003
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaLovely ripe nose of chocolate spice and vanilla with pepper and a meaty, smoky, leather undercurrent. Smooth entry with gobs of sweet black cherry and plum fruit and a long warm alcoholic oaky finish. A big warm ripe red.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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15 February 2006
88PTS
Yellow Tail Shiraz Reserve 2004
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaMocha, dark chocolate, blackberry jam, garrigue aromas. Ripe, round, rich entry with some slightly astringent tannin. Big vanilla, coffee, smoky chocolate, black cherry, pudding flavours. Somewhat astringent, acidic finish with lots of flavour intensity.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Township 7 Syrah 2003
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTobacco leaf, menthol, pruny, cherry, shoe leather, coffee and barnyard aromas with a meaty streak. Dry, round, slightly tannic entry but good elegance. Chocolate, coffee, menthol, cool leafy, olive, tobacco flavours with some cherry mint on the finish. A touch oaky but has good expression and balance.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Hungerford Hill Fishcage Shiraz Viognier 2004
AustraliaVery fruity with black cherry, floral, orange, blackberry, licorice, chocolate nose. Soft, round, supple style with light tannins. Vibrant cherry, orange, blueberry, licorice, chocolate flavours with a long, fruity finish but quite crisp. Very intense fruit character, like a fruit jelly or chocolate cherry.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Wild Pig Syrah 2004
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FrancePruny, cherry, barnyard, meaty, burnt leather aromas. Dry, acidic, tannic entry with licorice root, gamey, pruny, dried cherry, menthol flavours. Lacks balance and not very clean.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Michel Gassier Syrah Les Piliers 2003
Costières de Nîmes, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceMassive black pepper, meaty, garrigue, bitter chocolate aromas with some roasted pepper and black berry. Dry, tight, full palate with chewy, rustic tannins. Big licorice, minty, garrigue, cherry, coriander, chocolate flavours with a very peppery, spicy finish. Rustic and young, needs 2-4 years to soften or rare beef.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Tyrrell's Lost Block Shiraz 2004
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaChocolate, licorice, tobacco, meaty, saddle leather, green olive and cherry aromas. Warm, round, somewhat tannic entry with candied cherry, prune, chocolate, fruity, menthol, tobacco flavours. Somewhat astringent, acidic, candied finish. Solid commercial shiraz.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Craggy Range Syrah Le Sol 2002
Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New ZealandBig black pepper, tarry, garrigue, bitter chocolate, licorice nose with some plum jam and smoky vanilla. Dry, round, warm, full bodied palate with light, astringent tannins. Intense mocha, peppery, sweet plum jam flavours with vanilla, roasted pepper and some minty cola, tobacco leaf on the finish. Good elegance with a touch of acidity and hotness on the finish. Needs 2-3 years to soften the somewhat dry tannins.Prices:| BC | $51.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $45.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Luigi Bosca Reserva Syrah 2002
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaVery peppery, meaty, spicy, garrigue, black berry aromas with some roasted licorice. Ripe, rich, round, slightly astringent entry with tannins to shed. Big black cherry, plum, meaty, minty, garrigue flavours with some chocolate, leather and licorice. Good intensity if warm. Try with a grilled pork or veal chop. Solid.Prices:| BC | $23.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Doña Paula Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Ugarteche District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThis wine consistently opens with a peppery nose sprinkled with hints of barnyard, tobacco, cassis jam and perhaps the signature savoury Argentine notes of black olive and black berry. Somewhat reminiscent of a ripe Bordeaux from Pauillac. The entry is tight, even astringent with big cassis jam, peppery, black berry, licorice and tobacco flavours. The finish mixes savoury coffee vanilla and leather. Young, long and a bit tannic but will repay 3-5 years ageing in the bottle, or do as the Argentines do and serve it now with grilled beef. Good value here.Prices:| BC | $21.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Long Flat Barossa Shiraz 2004
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaSmoky bacon, tobacco, rosemary, resiny, black cherry, candied berry aromas. Rich, round and ripe with elevated acidity and some dry tannins with sugar poking through. Juicy berry, floral, blueberry, minty, red licorice and mocha flavours. Very candied berry, crisp acid finish. A commercial fruity style for casual sippers.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Thorn-Clarke Terra Barossa Shiraz 2003
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaBarnyard, black cherry jam, menthol, pruny, spicy, red licorice nose. Dry, astringent, fresh entry but round with tobacco leaf, cherry, menthol, candied, pruny flavours. Warm finish showing some acidity.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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14 February 2006
90PTS
Amayna Sauvignon Blanc 2004
Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileSmoky, canned asparagus, bell pepper, muskmelon and mineral aromas. Crisp, round, fresh and elegant with grassy, smoky bell pepper, asparagus, grapefruit and gooseberry flavours. Long, intense, balanced finish with a slightly oily, lime rind note. The mouth is much more intense and ripe than the herbal nose suggests. It's Leyda and it's a new cool site you need to get to know.Prices:| BC | $29.65 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Kendall-Jackson Sauvignon Blanc Vintner's Reserve 2004
California, United StatesRipe red apple, grapefruit, melon, grassy aromas. Round, fresh palate with a touch of sweetness. Grapefruit, kiwi, baked apple, green melon skin flavours with a slightly buttery finish. Easy drinking consumer style.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Yellow Tail Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2004
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaLemon, floral, canned grapefruit, gooseberry aromas. Clean, round, fresh palate with bell pepper, grapefruit, grassy, lemon flavours. Crisp, zippy finish for any seafood. The first Yellow Tail under screw cap looks as good as it tastes.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Township 7 Semillon 2004
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPungent grapefruit rind, grassy, mineral, gooseberry nose. Dry, crisp, zesty entry with a huge canned grapefruit, gooseberry, grassy, chalky flavours with a nervy finish.Prices:| BC | $16.90 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Township 7 Sauvignon Blanc 2004
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, lees, roasted bell pepper, buttery, baked grapefruit aromas. Dry, round, elegant and slightly lean on the palate. Buttery, floral, smoky, buttery lees flavours with some green, grassy notes on the finish. Not very clear or clean for sauvignon blanc.Prices:| BC | $16.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Pascual Toso Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaGrassy, floral, grapefruit rind, sweaty mineral nose. Round, fresh, elegant palate with grassy, grapefruit, gooseberry, floral flavours. Crisp, long finish with a quinine, lime note. Very solid sauvignon and good value.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $8.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Benziger Fumé Blanc 2004
North Coast, North Coast Region, California, United StatesChalky, grapefruit, passionfruit, nose with a grassy, herbal note. Fresh, round, crisp palate with grassy, jalapeno, grapefruit and green apple skin flavours. Crisp, round finish with a buttery streak. Continued solid effort here.Prices:| BC | $22.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Craggy Range Sauvignon BlancTe Muna Road Vineyard 2005
Martinborough, Wairarapa, North Island, New ZealandGooseberry, capsicum, chalky, green melon, lime rind aromas with a touch of cheese. Dry, fresh, round and elegant with juicy acidity. Elegant with green apple skin, roasted bell pepper, lime rind and grapefruit flavours with a leafy, passion fruit finish. Crisp, dry, mineral finish.Prices:| AB | $32.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $37.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Finca La Linda Viognier by Luigi Bosca 2005
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaVery fresh orange flower, spicy, mineral, ginger, honey aromas. Dry, round, elegant palate with ginger, sausage, orange, honey and mineral flavours with a touch of lychee. Very crisp with good weight but not oily. Very good effort.Prices:| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Vina Casas del Bosque Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileVery floral, grapefruit rind, canned bell pepper and melon aromas. Ripe, rich, round and crisp but elegant with grapefruit rind, smoky, melon and bell pepper flavour with a kiwi and lime rind finish. Long with good finesse. Good value here.Prices:| BC | $17.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Maria de Molina Rueda Verdejo 2004
Rueda, Castilla-Leon, SpainWhite floral, honey, peach, mineral nose with a touch of orange. Dry, round, slightly oily texture with grapefruit, soapy perfume, honey, lemon oil and peach skin flavours. Crisp, round, oily finish that should go well with grilled fish and cold chicken. Fine intensity for the variety.Prices:| BC | $16.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Fetzer Valley Oaks Fumé Blanc 2004
California, United StatesSmoky, grapefruit rind, gooseberry, melon aromas with a grassy, floral streak. Fresh, round, slightly soft palate with a bit of sweetness. Grapefruit, green melon skin, grassy, bell pepper flavours with a slightly bitter, grapefruit rind finish.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mount Riley Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandMineral, musky, grapefruit rind, smoky bell pepper, floral, lime aromas with some green apple skin and dry leafy notes. Crisp, dry, round and elegant. Ripe gooseberry, grapefruit rind, bell pepper, asparagus flavours with some lemony, grassy aspects on the finish. Full-blown Marlborough.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Graham Beck Viognier Varietal Collection 2004
Western Cape, South AfricaButtery, honey, spicy, ginger peel, sausage, baked Grand Marnier aromas. Very dry, round, elegant and crisp with some oiliness. Sausage, spicy, ginger, lemon oil and honey flavours with a buttery, leesy, creamsicle finish. A bit warm (alcoholic) and unclean but there is otherwise fine intensity.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Thorn-Clarke Terra Barossa Eden Valley Riesling 2003
Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaShowing some bottle age character on the nose with lemon oil, diesel, wet slate, red apple skin aromas. Very crisp, dry, elegant, racy palate with smoky diesel, green apple skin, slate, lemon oil, nutty lees flavours. Good finesse and crispness with a smoky, citrus finish.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Alain Brumont Gros Manseng-Sauvignon 2004
Gascony, FranceBig grapefruit rind, mineral, lime, honey, spicy nose. Dry, crisp, round with a sweet and sour entry. Big canned grapefruit, lime rind, baked pear, buttery flavours. Very zesty, oily lemon finish with some sweetness.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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13 February 2006
87PTS
Castaño Monastrell 2004
Yecla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainBig peppery, meaty, black plum, spicy, licorice nose. Rich, round, dry and supple with grainy tannins. Lots of black cherry, chocolate, licorice, peppery spice flavours. A bit warm and rustic but very good fruit concentration. Terrific value.Prices:| BC | $9.99 | 750ml |
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10 February 2006
91PTS
Mission Hill Vidal Ice Wine Reserve 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight gold colour. Dried apricot, butter, spicy, marmalade, menthol aromas. Ripe, rich, crisp, round palate but quite elegant with good acidity and sugar balance. Big dried apricot, peach, mineral, marmalade, floral, mineral flavours with a green apple finish. Clean and fresh without too much fat. Drink now and over the next 2 years. Well done for vidal, love the freshness.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Claar Cellars White Bluffs Late Harvest Riesling 2003
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesBaked peach, apple, plasticene, buttery nose. Ripe, round, soft entry with baked apple, peach skin, plasticene, mineral, buttery flavours. A bit soft overall but still with some riesling elegance. Drink now.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Van Westen Vineyards Vivacious 2004
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFresh red apple, citrus, nectarine skin, floral, light leesy nose with a bit of butter. Ripe, fresh, crisp palate with baked apple, mineral, grapefruit, lime rind flavours. Crisp apple skin, chalky, buttery finish. Lots of intensity and acidity to balance. Try with Japanese food.Prices:| BC | $17.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Juan Gil Monastrell 2003
Jumilla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainBitter chocolate, black cherry, licorice root, gamey, savoury nose. Rich, round and ripe as it hits the palate with quite grainy, dry tannins. Black cherry jam, coffee, peppery, licorice, spicy, floral, meaty flavours. Warm, astringent and somewhat high in acidity at the finish. Good fruit but needs 2-3 years or try now with roast duck or lamb.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
J. Lohr Valdiguié Wildflower (Gamay) 2004
Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesLicorice, black raspberry, spicy, floral, cassis nose. Soft, round, supple and somewhat sweet with raspberry, candied cherry, blueberry, licorice root flavours. A touch of acidity and dry tannin on the finish. Simple fruity-tutti style for current drinking.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
J. Lohr Merlot Los Osos 2002
Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, Central Coast, California, United StatesMenthol, tobacco, chocolate, compost, cherry aromas with a saddle leather note. Dry, tannic, fresh astringent entry with cherry, mocha, peppery, tobacco leaf, black olive flavours. Much like the last version, it has a cedar-y, bitter, astringent finish. Out of balance and awkward for a merlot. The good news is the price is $2 less than the previous vintage.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $12.99 | 375ml |
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85PTS
Yard Dog Red 2004
AustraliaTobacco leaf, menthol, black olive, rootsy, cassis nose with a pruny streak. Round, fresh, crisp and somewhat astringent with peppery, blueberry, cassis, spicy, licorice root flavours with a sweet and sour balance. It finishes with a confected fruity, rootsy cedar-bark note.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Frescobaldi Castello di Nipozzano Chianti Rufina Riserva 2002
Tuscany, ItalyVery peppery, smoky, meaty, black cherry, earthy, clove aromas. Round, rich, dry entry with slightly chunky tannins. Burnt cherry, earthy, peppery, smoky, meaty, licorice flavours. Long, somewhat dry finish with light astringent tannins. Good effort for the vintage. Drink now with grilled meats or over the next 2 years to soften.Prices:| BC | $21.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.50 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.35 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $21.53 | 750ml |
| BC | $13.99 | 375ml |
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82PTS
Marques de Rojas Garnacha 2003
Almansa, Castilla-La Mancha, SpainVery reduced, smoky, rubbery, mercaptan nose with a gamey, black cherry jam note. Round, dry, slightly tannic entry with some acidity. Peppery, gamey, rubbery, black raspberry, leafy compost flavours. Fairly dirty notes overall.Prices:| BC | $9.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Emotion Premières Côtes de Bordeaux Grande Réserve 2000
Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux, Cotes de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, FranceSmoky oak, coffee, leafy, black olive, tobacco, saddle leather nose. Dry, lean, tight entry but elegant. Green tobacco leaf, peppery, earthy, smoky olive flavours. Lacks fruit for the vintage. Disappointing for the price.Prices:| BC | $37.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Quinta do Crasto Douro Vinho Tinto Reserva Old Vines 2002
Douro Superior, Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalSpicy vanilla, clove, cinnamon oak nose with gamey, licorice root, cedar, chocolate, black cherry, plum aromas and a tobacco streak. Dry, elegant, somewhat tannic entry with some acidity showing. Very oaky, vanilla, peppery, cherry, tart plum, smoky, spicy menthol flavours. A bit skinny and showing a lot of oak. Needs 2-3 years to smooth out and integrate.Prices:| BC | $31.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Quinta do Vallado Douro Vinho Tinto 2003
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalBig gamey, smokey, peppery nose with streaks of garrigue, licorice root, black cherry jam aromas and a minty, chocolate thread. Dry, round, slightly astringent palate but elegant. Peppery, licorice, meaty, resiny, black cherry, bitter chocolate flavours with a coffee, tobacco finish. A bit youthful and chewy but has good intensity and balance. Try with roast goat or lamb. Will improve over the next 2-4 years.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Quinta do Crasto Douro Vinho Tinto 2003
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalVery floral, cherry, plum, chocolate, peppery, gamey licorice nose. Ripe, round, dry and elegant with dry, grainy tannins. Ripe cherry, plum, spicy, vanilla, peppery, cardamom and licorice flavours with good acidity and some reduced characters. Youthful with some tannins to dissipate but very good fruit and balance.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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09 February 2006
85PTS
Finca La Linda Rosé by Luigi Bosca 2005
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaTobacco, floral, earthy, cherry nose. Soft, round, slightly sweet entry with an oily texture. Cherry, prune, tobacco, spicy flavours. A heavier style rosé for summer patio foods and picnics.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Dominique Piron & Lafont Chénas Cru Beaujolais 2004
Chénas, Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceBlack raspberry, bell pepper, mineral, floral nose with a cedar bark and leaf streak. Dry, tight, elegant style with cherry, raspberry, leafy, mineral, herbal finish. Well-balanced but somewhat green. Lacks the charm and grace Beaujolais projects.Prices:| BC | $21.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Dominique Piron Beaujolais-Villages Les Vignes de Pierreux 2004
Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceRootsy, cedar, cherry, mineral, leafy floral nose. Dry, elegant style with cherry, licorice root, leafy, mineral, cedar flavours. Simple, straight-ahead style with a slightly tart finish.Prices:| BC | $17.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Fork in the Road Oliver Block 212 White 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA new concept wine from Mission Hill. Look for earthy, mineral, lemon butter, melon aromas with a grassy note. Crisp, round, elegant palate with buttery, lemon meringue, green apple, floral, mineral flavours. A touch oily with crisp acidity and a chalky finish. Should have broad appeal. The blend is 66 per cent chardonnay mixed with 22 sémillon, 11 pinot gris and 5 viognier. To be released in April from the winery and Mark Anthony wine shops and possible select private wine shops.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Jose de Sousa 2001
Alentejo, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalBlack cherry jam, gamey, spicy, rootsy, floral nose with a touch of barnyard. Soft, round, dry, forward style with licorice root, mineral, black cherry, menthol, smoky game flavours. A touch of acidity that should be balanced by a grilled meat dish.Prices:| BC | $15.90 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Fabiano Amarone della Valpolicella 1999
Verona, Veneto, ItalyOpen rich black cherry/prune nose with hints of almond skin, licorice, tobacco and pepper. Round, supple style but quite warm and dry. Peppery, prune, soy, coffee, spicy, smoky, mocha flavours with some almond on the finish. Similar to prior vintages, the nose is a bit volatile like most old-style Amarone. Ready to drink despite its youthful age.Prices:| BC | $64.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Leone Rosso Toscana 2003
Tuscany, ItalyA 60/40 blend of sangiovese and merlot the wine has a peppery, cherry, earthy, coffee, gamey, caraway and floral aromas with a streak of saddle leather. Dry, tight, elegant entry with light, rustic tannins. Peppery, herbal, spicy, gamey, tobacco, coffee flavours with some sour cherry. Rustic style that needs a rare steak.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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07 February 2006
87PTS
Gray Monk Pinot Gris Odyssey 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCanned orange, smoky, mineral, peach, leesy aromas. Rich, ripe, round, dry entry with buttery, red apple, canned orange, mineral, citrus rind flavours. Well-balanced, crisp finish with some length.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Vina Casas del Bosque Pinot Noir Reserve 2004
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileStewed tealeaf, rootsy, prune, sweaty saddle, soy aromas. Soft, supple, dry palate with soy, tealeaf, pruny, compost, and orange rind flavours. Somewhat dry on the finish with some herbal tones but it has nice elegance.Prices:| BC | $22.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Casas del Bosque Estate Selection Family Reserve 2003
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileCaraway, mineral, rootsy, soy, cassis, peppery, cedar, tobacco, vanilla aromas with some tealeaf. Big, dry, tight entry with cedar-y tannins. Warm with cedar bark, tobacco, minty, leather, soy, prune, earthy, stewed tea flavours. Lean, dry finish with green notes. Should improve over the next few years in bottle, or serve now with a T-bone steak.Prices:| BC | $45.90 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Gran Bosque Cabernet Sauvignon Family Reserve 2002
Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileCorked, try another bottle.Prices:| BC | $62.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Vina Casas del Bosque Pinot Noir Reserve 2005
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileSpicy, caraway, carrot top, cherry, licorice root, cola aromas with a touch of saddle leather. Soft, dry, round, elegant palate with light dry tannins. Cola, spicy, minty, caraway, celery salt, rhubarb flavours with elevated acidity and some cedar bark and carrot through the finish. Like an elegant, Oregon-style, cool. Good value here.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Saint Vincent Chardonnay Private Reserve 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery leesy, mineral, green apple skin, honey, floral nose with a slight diacetyl note. Dry, skinny, tight entry with leesy, buttery, mineral, baked apple skin flavours. Somewhat lean, bitter finish. Lacks fruit.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Saint Vincent Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaShoe leather, peppery, tobacco, pruny, gamey nose. Dry, lean, acidic, astringent entry. Mouth drying with gamey, smoky leather saddle, pruny, tobacco leaf flavours. A bit too funky for us.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Blasted Church Revered Series Chardonnay 2004
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGreen apple, grassy, citrus, melon nose with some matchstick and buttery lees notes. Dry, crisp, round entry but slightly skinny. Green apple skin, lees, green melon, buttery, citrus peel flavours. New fresh style and perfect for seafood. Good effort.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Stag's Hollow Renaissance Merlot 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaChocolate cherry, vanilla, roasted tomato aromas with gamey cocoa and volatile nail polish notes. Dry, lean, tight entry with gamey, herbal, smoky, resiny, stewed tomato flavours. Tannic, volatile finish. Not a great bottle.Prices:| BC | $27.90 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Garry Oaks Pinot Noir Estate 2004
Burgoyne Valley, Salt Spring Island, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaEstate grown on Salt Spring Island. Smoky, worsteshire, compost, licorice root aromas with a touch of strawberry. Soft, round, astringent entry with light tannins. Peppery, rootsy, rhubarb, compost flavours. Elegant but could use less tannin and more fruit. We look forward to future editions. Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Van Westen Vineyards Voluptuous 2003
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig smoky, sweet vanilla, oak, cherry kirsch, tobacco, lifted volatile nose. Very warm and dry with a slightly astringent entry. The flavours mix stewed tomato, smoky, resiny oak, saddle leather, pepper and prunes. Quite astringent, dry finish with some rustic notes. There's potential here; the challenge is to get physiological ripeness in the grapes.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Fork in the Road Oliver Block 249 Red 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig smoky, espresso, leather, vanilla, peppery, roasted tomato nose. Very dry, somewhat tannic entry with a tight profile, Very smoky, burnt espresso, black cherry, tomato leaf, peppery flavours. Dry, resiny, smoky finish with some tannins. Needs some time both ways.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Deep Creek Wine Estate G2 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIntense floral, perfumed nose with spicy, mineral, lychee, apple skin notes. Very dry, light entry with dried lychee, mineral, intense floral soapy flavours. Very dry, slightly bitter rind finish. Unique style. There was a significant collection of harmless tartrate crystals in the bottle suggesting the all-organic wine was not stabilised.Prices:| BC | $14.90 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Deep Creek Wine Estate Z Zweigelt 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCranberry, white pepper, oxidized prune earth aromas. Dry, slightly tannic, round entry with pruny, leafy compost, sour cherry, carrot top flavours. Little generosity here but its organic.Prices:| BC | $22.90 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Deep Creek Wine Estate Z3 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAll organic grape growing and wine making. Cherry, barnyard, licorice root, beet, slightly dirty nose. Dry, supple entry with tomato leaf, compost, licorice, beet, cooked raspberry flavours. Tart, dry finish.Prices:| BC | $14.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Santa Julia Malbec 2005
Mendoza, ArgentinaSpicy, savoury, smoky, sage, black cherry nose with a waxy, licorice note. Round, soft, dry style with tobacco, chocolate, peppery, earthy, savoury, black cherry flavours. Good intensity and balance for an entry level red. Great value.Prices:| BC | $10.90 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Oak Bay Vineyard Chambourcin Merlot 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTomato leaf, cabbage mercaptan, spicy, peppery nose. Dry, round entry with sour, leafy, herbal, tomato leaf flavours. Short and thin and there's no fruit. Disappointing.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Oak Bay Vineyard Pinot Meunier 2004
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFresh cherry, raspberry nose with some mineral, floral, compost notes. Very dry entry with some astringent tannins. Peppery, earthy, tobacco, raspberry flavours. Dry, astringent finish. Out of balance but has good aromas.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Herder Cabernet Franc 2004
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCigar, cedar, cranberry, tomato leaf, saddle leather, smoky aromas. Dry, round, elegant entry with light tannins and some obvious acidic notes. Cedar-y, peppery, tobacco, stewed tomato, cranberry, smoky vanilla flavours. Has reasonable balance but retains some green, slightly acidic characters.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Herder Merlot Bellamy Vineyards 2004
Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMeaty, tomato leaf, smoky, leather, vanilla, coriander, chocolate, tobacco aromas. Rich, ripe, round, supple palate with some grainy tannins. Big espresso, chocolate, vanilla, cherry, tobacco, tomato leaf, spicy, cranberry flavours. Big oak finish. Nicely balanced even with some of the green characters. Should improve over the next few years. Should be at its best with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Garry Oaks Labyrinth 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaUnusual cooked raspberry, spicy, chocolate, leather and floral nose. Round, warm, somewhat tannic entry with earthy, peppery, prune, chokecherry, rootsy, gamey flavours. Dry, astringent, meaty finish with some acidity.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mission Hill S.L.C. Chardonnay 2004
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCitrus peel, buttery, green apple, lime, floral aromas with a touch of lees and vanilla. Round, dry, slightly oily texture but tight with green apple skin, lime, buttery, mineral, floral flavours. Finish is crisp with a grapefruit rind note. More Chablis like than Sonoma. Suitable for fish courses in butter or cream sauces.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $28.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Valdivieso Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2003
Region del Valle Central, ChileStrong minty, leafy compost, black pepper, saddle leather aromas with cassis and briary notes. Round, soft palate with light tannins. Very cabernet with smoky, cassis, peppery, mineral and tobacco flavours with a fresh black cherry finish. Fine weight and supple. Drink now and over the next 2 years.Prices:| BC | $22.95 | 750ml |
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05 February 2006
88PTS
Bonterra Vineyards Viognier 2003
Mendocino County, California, United StatesFresh citrus floral mineral nose. This is a clean modern style viognier from Northern California with peachy honey tones that display a much-welcomed restraint. We like the mix of fruit, floral tones and mineral. Try with spicy Asian dishes.Prices:| BC | $24.94 | 750ml |
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04 February 2006
86PTS
Arrowleaf Pinot Gris 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRipe red apple, pear, floral, mineral aromas. Round, elegant, fresh and ripe with apple, green melon, mineral, nectarine flavours with a slightly oily finish. Good balance and delicacy. Could use a bit of airtime to blow off the touch of sulphur on the nose. Let's get a screwcap on this wine and really feature the fruit.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Antinori Tignanello 2001
Tuscany, ItalySaddle leather, tobacco, black olive, coriander, meaty, black cherry, mocha nose with some licorice and smoke. Rich, round, ripe palate with grainy, slightly tight tannins. Intense tobacco, black cherry jam, resiny, smoky, olive, chocolate, vanilla flavours with a gamey, roast meat finish. Needs 2-5 years to smooth out.Tignanello is the original Super Tuscan. The 47 hectare vineyard at Antinori's Santa Cristina Estate uses 80% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc to make this wine.Prices:| BC | $85.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $62.11 | 750ml |
| ON | $89.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $95.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $209.00 | 1500ml |
| ON | $51.95 | 375ml |
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89PTS
Fabiano Recioto della Valpolicella Classico Rugola 2001
Verona, Veneto, ItalyBig chocolate, cherry, prune, tobacco, dried lychee, floral, rootsy, saddle leather nose. Sweet, round, rich and slightly tannic on entry but ripe. Mocha, rancio, tobacco, peppery, prune, chocolate, dried cherry flavours. Good acidity and balance of sugar, will improve over the next 2-4 years. Much improved bottle from the last one.Prices:| BC | $38.95 | 500ml |
| AB | $32.00 | 500ml |
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88PTS
Scurati Nero d'Avola 2004
Sicily, ItalyDeep black cherry colour. Tealeaf, peppery, tobacco leaf, licorice root, black cherry and floral aromas with a hint of rubber. Rich, round, full and ripe with soft tannins. Chunky with chocolate, peppery, black cherry jam, tobacco, tea and licorice flavours. Very rustic style but lots of intensity. Needs a year or two to soften or try with lamb shanks.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Quinta do Vallado Douro Branco 2004
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalPerfumed, buttery, lemon oil, pear, marzipan nose. Soft, rich entry with mineral, floral, chalky, pear skin, citrus flavours with a nutty, very crisp finish with a hint of bitterness. An unusual combination of indigenous grapes.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Sexto Terra Alta 2004
Terra Alta, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainSpicy, black cherry, raspberry, tobacco, gamey, mineral nose. Very dry, fresh, round and acidic. Big raspberry, cherry, earthy, tobacco, bitter chocolate flavours. Good fruit but finish is a touch too acidic. Sexto is a blend of six grape varieties: grenache, carignan, tempranillo, syrah, cabernet sauvignon and that grape we all hold dear to our hearts - lledoner pelut noir.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Allegrini Valpolicella Classico 2004
Verona, Veneto, ItalyFloral, cherry, meaty, spicy, olive aromas with a touch of cigar. Dry, tight, elegant palate but has some cedar-y tannins. Peppery, spicy, black olive, mineral, smoky, resin flavours with a slightly bitter, smoky, black cherry finish. Elegant but very dry and somewhat tannic. Needs a roasted meat dish.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $14.95 | 375ml |
| AB | $19.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.95 | 375ml |
| ON | $15.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Cecchi Chianti 2004
Tuscany, ItalyMeaty, sausage, peppery, spicy, prune and cherry nose with some cedar bark and barnyard. Dry, light, round style with some light cedar-y tannins. Black cherry, rootsy, peppery, sausage, mineral, cedar flavours. Simple pizza red selling at an attratcive price.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Mad Dogs and Englishman Jumilla 2004
Jumilla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainBlack cherry, stewed tealeaf, floral, peppery, cola nose. Round, chunky, warm, somewhat tannic palate with peppery, chocolate, cigar, stewed tea, cassis jam and vanilla flavours. Very ripe, rustic style for grilled meat. Solid mid-week red.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Flagstone Cellar Hand The Backchat Blend 2004
Western Cape, South AfricaSmoky leather, rubber tire, hot earth nose with tobacco, black berry fruit nuances and peppery, saddle leather highlights. Ripe, smooth, and round on the palate with light tannins. Very smoky, leather, earthy, tobacco, prune, barnyard flavours. A bit dirty, on the finish. Best with barbecued beef.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Rapitalà Nero d'Avola 2003
Sicily, ItalyGamey, sweaty saddle, black cherry jam, licorice, peppery nose with some bitter chocolate. Dry, round, rich palate with some chunky tannins. Peppery, chocolate, black cherry licorice, mineral, meaty flavours. Good intensity but has some rustic tannins to shed on the finish.Prices:| BC | $15.90 | 750ml |
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March 2006