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Tastings: June 2006
30 June 2006
88PTS
Jackson-Triggs Cabernet Sauvignon Proprietors' Grand Reserve 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe '04 is quite aromatic with cherry, cranberry, espresso, smoky tobacco nose with hits of leather. Lively and well balanced on the palate with much riper fruit this year and softer tannins. Well constructed and certainly a cabernet sauvignon that breaks the green bean and olive stereotype that marks so many B.C. cabs.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Jackson-Triggs Shiraz Proprietors' Grand Reserve 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig cedar sausage/meaty peppery shiraz with very fine smooth youthful tannins. Plump and bold in the mouth (very JT) but not without some tannin and obvious oak. Destine to be a fine wine with some more time in the bottle. Hedonistic, if a bit oaky but this is B.C. shiraz at its best.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Yellow Tail Shiraz 2005
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaHuge floral jasmine nose with compost and flecks of pepper. Big soft, simple, round textures with fruity cherry/chocolate flavours. Bigger and smoother than previous editions which should continue to attract a crowd. Yellowtail has stayed the course when it comes to its ripe, sweet, attractive, fruity style and will no doubt be rewarded by its legions of fan.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Lulu B Syrah 2004
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceBig meaty sweaty ripe peppery syrah. Very consumer friendly with gobs of dense soft dark plum flavoured fruit. Ripe and round and a bit simple but doubtless this will be fun to sip around the barbecue. Yellowtail en français.Prices:| BC | $15.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Amayna Pinot Noir 2003
Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileVery smoky, spicy, resiny, rhubarb, compost, orange peel, charred, leesy aromas. Round, dry, soft palate with very light tannins. Lots of carrot top, orange peel, cherry, poultry spice, smoky oak, rhubarb flavours. Good elegance but young and a bit reduced. Give it some air but expect an intense pinot.Prices:| BC | $41.94 | 750ml |
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16 June 2006
88PTS
Mont Tauch Les Douzes Fitou 2004
Fitou, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceMont Tauch is well know as the best Co-op in Fitou, lively energetic modern are but a few descriptors used to describe this producer with a soul. Les Douze is a blend of old vine carignan, grenache and syrah from low yielding vines. This is the fourth vintage made by a dozen of the region's best producers. Look for an intense red wine that mixes leather pepper and plummy, almost overripe fruit. Rich and rustic I enjoyed it with a T-bone but any strong meat dish will do.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Hawthorne Mountain Gewurztraminer 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSoft sweet super ripe entry with aromas and flavours of ripe melons, red apples and bright floral, lychee nut fruit. Soft sweet and eminently sip-able with a sweet fruit spicy oily finish. Solid affordable tasty wine perfect for a spicy curry dish.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Hawthorne Mountain Riesling 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen floral ripe red apple fruit nose with streaks of honey. The entry is fresh with mineral, nectarine skin and peachy citrus fruit flavours. A bit warm (alcoholic) but otherwise well made. It has many food possibilities or simply serve it solo on the patio.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Sumac Ridge Gewürztraminer Private Reserve 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA light style gewürztraminer for patio sipping with a touch of sweetness. Fresh floral, citrus green apple nose with a dash of oil and spice. The finish is soapy with grapefruit and apple skin flavours. Drink now while it's fresh.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.95 | 750ml |
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13 June 2006
90PTS
Chateau d'Armajan des Ormes Sauternes 2001
Sauternes, Graves, Bordeaux, FranceMineral, floral, buttery, egg yolk, brioche, passion fruit, pineapple nose with some leesy notes. Rich, round, concentrated but elegant with good acidity balance. Not too sweet with baked nectarine, vanilla, smoky, pineapple, egg yolk, mineral, honey flavours with some dried apricot and citrus on the finish. Good quality and value for sauternes. Drinkable now but will improve for 3-5 years. Excellent vintage in Sauternes.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 375ml |
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82PTS
Orofino Pinot Gris 2005
Cawston, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaChalky, grapefruit rind, leesy, bruised apple skin, diacetyl nose. Round, dry, zesty palate with bitter grapefruit rind, leesy, cheesy, green apple skin flavours. It is certified organic but lacks balance and overall cleanliness to really sing out B.C. pinot gris.Prices:| BC | $15.88 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Humberto Canale Malbec 2004
Alto Valle del Río Negro, Rio Negro, Patagonia, ArgentinaSmoky, bay leaf, resiny, leather, peppery, black cherry nose with a touch of orange and barnyard. Round, dry, chalky palate but supple with cedar, smoky, licorice, resiny, peppery, spicy flavours. Sound pizza and hamburger red with some balance.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Canale Black River Malbec 2004
Alto Valle del Río Negro, Rio Negro, Patagonia, ArgentinaBig smoky leather, resin, peppery, black cherry, mocha, earthy nose. Rich, round, dry, chunky rustic style. Cedar, peppery, bitter chocolate, vanilla, orange rind, tobacco flavours. Very warm, dry oaky finish. Best with a steak now or keep another year or two in bottle.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
MacMurray Ranch Pinot Gris 2004
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesButtery, mineral, matchstick, baked pear, perfumed nose. Round, slightly oily texture with a bit of sweetness. Grapefruit rind, honey, buttery, melon flavours with a warm, bitter rind finish.Prices:| US | $17.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Doudet Naudin Savigny-Les-Beaune Vieille Vigne 2002
Savigny-lès-Beaune, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceMeaty, gamey, compost, smoky, black cherry, vanilla nose with a hint of barnyard, violet and cassis. Dry, slightly austere, somewhat rustic tannins but has good balance. Black cherry, orange, raspberry, waxy, smoky, compost flavours with some celery salt and licorice root on the finish. Dry, slightly tannic finish in a classis structure. Needs at least 2-5 years as this wine tends to close in.Prices:| BC | $45.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Doudet Naudin Pommard Les Vignots 2002
Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceEarthy, rootsy, smoky, black cherry, floral, barnyard, compost nose. Dry, round, elegant, supple palate with light, dry tannins. Spicy, peppery, black raspberry, orange, smoky vanilla flavours. Finish shows mineral, compost, cardamom and rootsy notes. Good concentration and elegance but starting to tighten up. Will improve over the next 2-5 years.Prices:| BC | $56.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Doudet Naudin Chassagne Montrachet Rouge 2002
Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceAttractive spicy, plum, raspberry, licorice, vanilla and orange rind nose. Dry, elegant but tight palate with light tannins. Good orange spice, raspberry, sour cherry, licorice and compost flavours. Lighter style but will go well with food. Needs 1-2 years to soften.Prices:| BC | $49.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Doudet Naudin Vicomtée Bourgogne Rouge 2003
Burgundy, FranceBig raspberry, spicy, orange, plum, licorice nose. Dry, round, ripe and elegant with a touch of acidity showing. Good plum, raspberry, peppery, licorice, orange compote flavours. Fresh finish that needs another year to soften the young tannins. Fine fruit and concentration for a basic Bourgogne rouge.Prices:| BC | $27.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Doudet Naudin Meursault 2004
Meursault, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceBig spicy, citrus, vanilla, lees, green apple, floral, grassy nose. Dry, fresh, elegant, crisp palate with green apple skin, lemon, spicy lees, light vanilla and mineral flavours. Not big but has fine elegance. Should improve with 1-3 years of bottle age.Prices:| BC | $49.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Doudet Naudin Chablis Montmains 1er Cru 2003
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceSlate, light floral, citrus, green apple, lemon and lees aromas. Dry, soft, round and fleshy but has elegance with good crispness. Green apple, lime, quince, spicy lees flavours with a chalky, flinty finish. Round, fresh, well balanced. Ready to drink but will improve over the next year.Prices:| BC | $39.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Doudet Naudin Saint Aubin Le Banc 2002
Burgundy, FranceLight honey, green apple, mineral, lees and floral nose. Round, dry, elegant and fresh with good acidity balance. Green apple, flint, honey, citrus, mineral and floral flavours. Good finesse, can age 1-2 years. Similar to a Meursault.Prices:| BC | $41.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Blasted Church Pinot Gris 2005
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSoapy, grapefruit rind, green apple skin, floral, mineral nose. Light, round, somewhat lean palate with grassy, green apple, canned grapefruit flavours. Crisp with some oiliness but light extract.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Lindemans Bin 85 Pinot Grigio 2005
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaFloral, perfumed, fruit cocktail, mineral, light butter aromas with some pear. Tight, round, elegant palate with citrus, mineral, green apple skin, perfumed flavours with some buttery sweetness on the end. Simple, fresh, easy, well constructed, picnic-style wine.Prices:| BC | $11.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $12.49 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $11.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Errazuriz Sauvignon Blanc Late Harvest 2005
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileSpicy, grapefruit, passion fruit, apricot, egg yolk, mineral, honey and vanilla aromas. Round, fresh, crisp palate but light and elegant. Buttery, honey, apricot, grapefruit, vanilla and grassy fig flavours. Good solid fresh dessert style. It's all hand-harvested, dehydrated grapes. Some were frozen to concentrate the flavours; a portion is fermented in used French barrels; another part is kept sur-lie in tank.Prices:| BC | $15.40 | 375ml |
| AB | $14.95 | 375ml |
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89PTS
Melipal Malbec 2004
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaBig black licorice, smoky, savoury, dark chocolate, cedar, black cherry nose. Dry, round, supple but grainy palate. Nice black cherry jam, smoky tobacco, peppery, orange rind, black licorice and coffee flavours. A bit tight on the finish but young with good intensity. Drinkable now with lamb or keep for a year or two.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Melipal Malbec Reserve 2004
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaDeep black cherry colour. Big smoky, savoury, bay, clove, vanilla coffee nose with black licorice, black cherry jam and cigar undertones. Rich, ripe, dry and tannic. Lots of very spicy, cedar, cardamom, smoky vanilla, coffee, black cherry, savoury flavours with some orange rind, acidity and tannins showing on the finish. A bit drier and tighter overall than last vintage. Will need 2 to 5 years to round out.Prices:| BC | $39.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Lang Vineyards Grand Pinot 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPerfumed, buttery, mineral, peach skin aromas. Round, soft, slightly sweet entry with butter, baked apple, floral, citrus flavours. Warm, easy-drinking and consistently well-made.Prices:| BC | $14.90 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Deep Creek Wine Estate Z Zweigelt Barrel Aged 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery peppery, spicy, cooked, pruny, coffee nose. Dry, warm, slightly tannic entry. Leather, coffee, resiny, peppery, pruny, cooked berry fruit with a tart, dry, hot finish. A bit too cooked and oxidative in character to really enjoy.Prices:| BC | $29.90 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Château des Charmes Vidal Icewine 2004
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaIntense dried apricot, mandarin marmalade, nalgene, mineral, floral, spicy aromas, very clean vidal. Rich, round, elegant style with good acidity and sugar balance. Lots of marmalade, red apple, spicy, apricot, nectarine skin flavours with a long fruity finish. Very fine vidal icewine.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 200ml |
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89PTS
Château des Charmes Paul Bosc Estate Riesling Icewine 2001
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaDiesel, petrol, mineral, slate, lemon, lees, baked apple nose. Round, sweet, slightly fat style with big acidity. Big petrol, nalgene, baked apple, pear, citrus, smoky slate flavours. Maturing riesling style with some good bottle age characters.Prices:| BC | $59.99 | 375ml |
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87PTS
Granata Malbec 2004
Mendoza, ArgentinaVery spicy, savoury, resiny, barnyard, black plum aromas with a touch of smoky leather. Very soft, round, warm, easy drinking style with light rustic tannins. Peppery, earthy, chocolate, licorice, plum and orange rind flavours. Good intensity.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Winchester Cellars Pinot Noir Sharp Rock Vineyard 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLeafy, compost, smoky, resiny, mushroom, rhubarb nose with a bit of barnyard. Round, dry, soft texture with rhubarb, smoky resin, tomato leaf, spicy vanilla flavours with a coffee finish. An improvement over the prior vintage. Could use a bit more fruit and less oak.Prices:| BC | $28.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
St. Hubertus Chasselas 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGreen apple, grassy, mineral, gooseberry nose. Round, fresh, crisp palate with some sweetness. Fresh floral, mineral, gooseberry, Granny Smith, passion fruit flavours. Elegant sipper that's fun and fresh.Prices:| BC | $14.50 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Fisheye Shiraz 2003
California, United StatesPeppery, resiny, licorice root, vanilla, reductive black berry nose. Soft, round, fresh palate with black licorice, smoky, rootsy, blueberry, menthol flavours. Finish is a bit too tart and lean.Prices:| BC | $9.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $8.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $9.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Mistral Zweigelt 2004
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDeep cherry colour. Spicy, menthol, blueberry, earthy nose. Dry, warm, slightly rustic tannins. Very peppery, earthy, resin, blueberry, rhubarb, smoky flavours. A bit lean on the finish but has some appeal.Prices:| BC | $15.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Laughing Stock Vineyards Pinot Noir 2004
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPale red brick colour. Strawberry jam, coffee, vanilla, compost, leafy, worsteshire nose. Dry, round, warm palate with rhubarb, smoky vanilla, coffee, strawberry flavours. Very warm, dry, cola, coffee oak finish. Fair balance but needs less new oak to better reveal the fruit.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Arrogant Frog Ribet White 2004
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceA 60/40 blend of chardonnay and viognier with a leesy, mineral, butter, spicy nose flecked with ginger, peach skin and a touch of melon. Fresh, round, clean, crisp palate. Mineral, floral, grapefruit, ginger, honey, nectarine skin flavours. Tart and juicy with some elegance and persistence. Try with seafood pasta or Indian food.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Quails' Gate Pinot Noir Limited Release 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, black cherry, resiny, dill, leather, barnyard and compost aromas. Round, soft, supple palate with rhubarb, sour cherry, vanilla, coffee, rootsy, peppery flavours. Warm, slightly tart, oaky finish. Some similarity to many Marlborough pinots.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Pirramimma Petit Verdot 2003
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaDeep cherry colour. Big spicy, pencil lead, black cherry, plum, coffee, rootsy, nose with some menthol, jasmine and saddle leather. Rich, round, full, warm palate with dry grainy tannins and good acidity. Big mocha, vanilla, coffee, black berry, cassis flavours with a chalky, meaty, rootsy finish. Young, will improve over the next 1-2 years or try with a rib eye steak.Prices:| BC | $29.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Platinum Series Baco Noir 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, spicy, tobacco leaf, compost, roasted tomato nose. Soft, round, supple palate with smoky, spicy, cedar, compost and cooked rhubarb flavours with a resiny, leafy finish. Not big on fruit but well made baco noir.Prices:| AB | $25.49 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Pyramid Solus 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMeaty, cedar, smoky vanilla, cherry, spicy compost nose. Round, dry, soft and supple with peppery, blueberry, resiny, smoky vanilla flavours with a touch of roast tomato. A bit warm but well balanced for a hybrid.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Finca Los Primos Malbec 2005
San Rafael, General Alvear, Southern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaBlack cherry, rootsy, licorice, savoury aromas. Round, rich, warm supple palate with black cherry, smoky, savoury, licorice and tobacco flavours. A touch rustic but has good fruit and intensity. Great value.Prices:| BC | $8.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Insoglio del Cinghiale 2004
Bolgheri, Tuscany, ItalyDeep black cherry colour. Iodine, meaty, peppery, black cherry, cardamom, smoky, briar nose with a touch of garrigue. Rich, round, supple but dry and balanced with good acidity. Very spicy, meaty, vanilla, sage and tobacco flavours with a bit of black olive and green bean on the finish. A touch rustic but has good fruit and structure. Will improve over the next few years. Well done.Prices:| BC | $34.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Sandhill Small Lots Program Sangiovese Burrowing Owl Vineyard 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery spicy, black cherry, meaty, sage, smoky, coffee and vanilla nose with a bit of compost. Ripe, round, fresh and slightly chewy on the palate. Smoky, vanilla, peppery, rootsy, meaty, cherry flavours with some leather and mocha on the finish. Good intensity and effort but oak is a bit dominant. Needs 1-2 years.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sandhill Small Lots Program Barbera Burrowing Owl Vineyard 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, gamey, resiny, black cherry nose with a floral, coffee, sage streak. Dry, round, supple palate with very light tannins. Warm with spicy, cherry, cooked rhubarb, smoky, tobacco, leather flavours. Fair acidity on the finish, well made but somewhat oaky - tough to tell the variety.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $32.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Inniskillin Okanagan Discovery Series Malbec 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig sappy, sage, black cherry, mocha, licorice, iodine, savoury, meaty nose, very malbec. Rich, round, fat and somewhat tannic and dry but very young. Lots of smoky, cherry, roasted mushroom, savoury, orange, cigar flavours. Well balanced if a bit hot but excellent varietal characters. Fine effort. Almost reminiscent of the Mendoza style.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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12 June 2006
87PTS
Spinyback Sauvignon Blanc 2004
Nelson, South Island, New ZealandJalapeno, grapefruit rind, passion fruit and bell pepper aromas. Round, fresh, crisp style with a touch of sweetness for general appeal. Big grapefruit rind, passion fruit, grassy, granny smith flavours. Solid, easy-drinking style made for food.Prices:| BC | $18.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.65 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Vina Litoral Ventolera Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileImpressive new label from the iconic Chilean winemaker Ignacio Recabarren. Look for big gooseberry, grassy, kiwi, grapefruit nose mixed with canned jalapeno and ripe fig. Ripe, round, crisp, and dry with a slightly oily texture. Zesty palate with grapefruit rind, gooseberry, bell pepper, grassy mineral flavours. Very good acidity and intensity if a touch dry and green. Another fine example of the potential of the Leyda Valley.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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11 June 2006
87PTS
Errazuriz Escultura Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileOriginally a sauvignonasse vineyard it was all grafted over to sauvignon blanc and its all for the better. The '05 is fresh, clean, and peppered with green sweaty herbal citrus undertones. Fresh, food friendly and well balanced. Fabulous value in a 60,000 case brand and another statement about the direction of Chilean sauvignon.Prices:| BC | $14.40 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $9.83 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.60 | 750ml |
| QC | $12.60 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Chalet Estate Pinot Gris 2005
British Columbia, CanadaWhat a pleasant surprise from Vancouver Island. An unfiltered pinot gris with some intensity and life. Yes it's definitely on the sweet side but the honey, mineral and earthy flecks keep it in line as does its juicy acidity. Best of all no it's clean with no funky characters. Well done. Bring on the Thai food.Prices:| BC | $17.90 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Citra Trebbiano d'Abruzzo 2004
Abruzzo, ItalyCitra is one of several old labels that has benefited from new technology. A straw coloured slightly off dry white is a fresh and as crisp as I can remember. Simply grassy citrus palate with a touch of paper but otherwise clean and drinkable. Good value for a litre bottle. Best with appetizers.Prices:| BC | $8.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Citra Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2004
Abruzzo, ItalyThe '04 Citra Montepulciano enters round and smooth but you immediately notice the earthy, fragrant but lean-ish mid-palate fruit and acidity. Definitely best with food and the more rustic the better. Still decent value in an old-style Euro quaffing red.Prices:| BC | $8.99 | 1000ml |
| BC | $14.99 | 1500ml |
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88PTS
Valdivieso Pinot Noir Reserve 2004
Region del Valle Central, ChileHerbal, minty, smoky leather, celery salt, cherry, sappy cassis nose with a meaty streak. Dry, round, elegant style but slightly tannic and chewy with fresh acidity. Rhubarb, cherry, minty, carrot, celery, orange rind and smoky leather flavours with a cola, stewed tealeaf finish. SolidPrices:| BC | $22.50 | 750ml |
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10 June 2006
86PTS
Château des Charmes Sauvignon Blanc St. Davids Bench Vineyard 2004
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaBig grassy, bell pepper, mineral, smoky, briny nose. Dry, round, elegant style with good texture and acidity. Grapefruit rind, grassy, canned asparagus, buttery, mineral flavours with some green apple skin. Well balanced if a bit on the herbaceous side.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Humberto Canale Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Alto Valle del Río Negro, Rio Negro, Patagonia, ArgentinaFloral, perfumed, grapefruit rind, muskmelon nose. Round, full, tart, slightly oily palate with mineral, gooseberry, grapefruit rind, leesy, apple skin flavours.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Valdivieso Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Region del Valle Central, ChileBell pepper, honey, jalapeno, kiwi and mineral aromas. Very elegant, fresh, dry palate with chalky, mineral, citrus rind, gooseberry, and grapefruit flavours. Some lime and grapefruit rind on the finish. Elegant style for seafood.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Rancho Zabaco Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2004
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesPassion fruit, grassy, light asparagus, honey, vanilla, marzipan nose with some lees. Round, dry, crisp, slightly austere style but well balanced if a bit hot. Lots of lemon, grapefruit rind, honey, lime, smoky jalapeno, vanilla, buttery lees flavours. Good intensity if a bit austere and herbal.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Dancing Bull Sauvignon Blanc 2004
California, United StatesBell pepper, briny, leafy, grapefruit rind aromas. Round, soft, slightly oily texture with good acidity and a touch of sweetness. Big grassy, bell pepper, citrus rind flavours with a slightly bitter grapefruit rind finish. basic Californian sauvignon blanc.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Stag's Hollow Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGooseberry, passion fruit, grapefruit rind, spicy, smoky aromas. Dry, fresh, slightly austere palate with grapefruit rind, mineral, smoky, grassy, gooseberry flavours with a tart, warm, full finish. Well made with good intensity if a bit hot.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Blasted Church Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFresh leesy, bell pepper, smoky mineral, grapefruit rind aromas. Dry, crisp, elegant, lighter style with smoky, slate, green apple skin, bell pepper and a touch of asparagus. Crisp, clean finish in this more reserved style.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
La Frenz Small Lots Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaJust bottled but plenty of burnt matchstick aromas pervade the wine. Definitely needs airing. Very ripe, round, soft, fresh palate with some sweetness. Passion fruit, grapefruit rind, smoky lees and candied lime flavours. Warm, tart finish with a smoky, asparagus finish. Solid if the nose settles down.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Kim Crawford Small Parcel SP Wood Aged Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc Pia Wild Yeast 2004
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandBig smoky, vanilla, smoky bell pepper, canned asparagus nose with a streak of spicy lees and butter. Round, full, elegant palate with smoky lees, bell pepper, canned asparagus, vanilla, butter and passion fruit flavours. Very refined despite the oak and strong herbaceous streak.Prices:| MB | $51.50 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandFresh passion fruit, grapefruit, gooseberry, floral, smoky nose with just a hint of bell pepper. Round, fresh, elegant, juicy palate with a touch of sweetness. Grassy, green apple skin, grapefruit, gooseberry and mineral flavours. Tasty, fresh, elegant and crisp on the finish. Well done.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.65 | 750ml |
| SK | $19.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.20 | 750ml |
| NS | $21.99 | 750ml |
| PEI | $19.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Sandhill Sauvignon Blanc Sandhill Estate Vineyard 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGrapefruit, melon rind, smoky, gooseberry nose. Dry, round, heavier palate with smoky mineral, grassy, lime rind, buttery flavours. Very crisp, dry, rind-y finish. Simple but clean.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
ZED Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandBig bell pepper, canned asparagus, gooseberry nose with some grapefruit underneath. Dry, fresh, crisp palate with good texture. Mineral, grapefruit rind, gooseberry, green apple skin and lemon flavours. Crisp, slightly oily finish. A bit more aggressive, herbaceous style but well balanced. Very Marlborough and well priced. Bring on the mussels.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Kenwood Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Sonoma County, California, United StatesKenwood continues to keep the style fresh with ripe gooseberry, floral, passion fruit, grapefruit rind aromas. Fresh, round, elegant, dry palate with smoky, passion fruit, green apple skin, grapefruit, spicy floral flavours with a touch of butter. Good intensity and balance, very strong effort.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.05 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Ferrari-Carano Fume Blanc 2005
Sonoma County, California, United StatesHoney, smoky, melon, passion fruit, honey, floral, grassy, ginger aromas with a bit of vanilla and butter. Ripe, round, rich, dry palate but crisp with good concentration. Lots of honeydew, butter, vanilla, smoky bell pepper, passion fruit, grapefruit and ginger flavours with a long grassy, melon finish. A big jump in quality and styling with this vintage.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Deep Creek Wine Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDirty garlic, onion, sweaty lees, buttery nose. Full bodied, round, oily palate with garlic, grassy, resiny, buttery, oxidized apple flavours. Not for everyone's taste but it is organic.Prices:| BC | $29.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tohu Sauvignon Blanc 2004
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandVery Marlborough with smoky, canned asparagus, grassy, passion fruit, gooseberry nose. Fresh, dry, round, elegant palate with good acidity balance. Lots of smoky, canned asparagus, grapefruit rind, mineral, gooseberry flavours. Good fresh finish, ready to go.Prices:| BC | $22.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Jackson-Triggs Sauvignon Blanc Proprietors' Reserve 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, canned grapefruit, ripe gooseberry, grassy, citrus rind nose. Round, fresh, slightly fat entry with a touch of sweetness. Lots of canned grapefruit, jalapeno, gooseberry, floral flavours. A bit hot and sweet but very solid consumer picnic style. Much like last year.Prices:| BC | $13.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.45 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Jackson-Triggs Sauvignon Blanc Proprietors' Grand Reserve 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy vanilla, floral, grapefruit rind, passion fruit nose with a touch of butter. Round, fresh, soft but elegant style. Plenty of grapefruit rind, mandarin, vanilla, passion fruit and grass flavours. Attractive, easy-sipping style. Might be fun to tighten this up a bit and make it more food friendly.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Fetzer Sauvignon Blanc Valley Oaks 2004
California, United StatesLeesy, seaweed, grapefruit rind, grassy nose. Round, soft, slightly oily palate with grassy, bell pepper, grapefruit rind and lime rind flavours. Solid but could use a bit more fruit. We love the new screwcap and the fruit that is mostly Mendocino and Monterey, too bad the label bears the mostly meaningless California moniker.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.95 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Dow's Late Bottled Vintage Port 2000
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalUnfortunately corked and oxidized. Try another bottle.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Spiller Estate Apple Black Currant NV
Penticton Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig cassis, fresh, leafy, raspberry like nose. Huge brisk acidity and dry with lots of minty, mineral, cassis, apple skin flavours. Needs roasted bird meat to best tame the acidity.Prices:| BC | $14.90 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Moillard Sauvignon Sur Lie Huges le Juste 2003
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceSpicy, floral, honey, baked pear aromas. Lightweight palate with tart, dry, lemony, mineral, baked green apple flavours. Simple, ready to go oyster wine.Prices:| BC | $9.99 | 750ml |
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08 June 2006
83PTS
Chalet Estate Gewurztraminer 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Chalet gewurz opens with a floral rosewater nose that entices but on the palate the wine is skinny with bitter twiggy oily notes and elevated acidity. A simple white that's bit to skinny to appeal to wide audience.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Oak Bay Vineyard Riesling 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is solid, cool-climate riesling made in a fresh and just off-dry style. Lime rind and honey dominate the palate and the finish. A simple fruity straight-up style that would be a perfect with spicy curry dishes. Finished under screwcap for maximum freshness. Good value.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Miguel Torres Manso de Velasco 2003
Valle del Curicó, Region del Valle Central, ChileManso de Velasco, a single vineyard cabernet sauvignon takes its name from the Spanish governor who founded the city of Curicó in 1743.The 2003 is a blockbuster version of this label and perhaps one of the biggest cabernets of the year in all of Chile. Still big and chunky it remains youthful and firm with ripe plummy dark fruit flavours streaked with cedar, bay leaf and smoky elements. Soft but firm tannins mark its long finish. It will require a full decade of bottle ageing to really come in to its own. A very fine effort.Prices:| ON | $39.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $38.50 | 750ml |
| US | $32.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Miguel Torres Manso de Velasco 2000
Valle del Curicó, Region del Valle Central, ChileAnother off year in Chile but Velasco's 100-year-old and more vines seem to transcend a lot of vintage variation. Look for a fragrant red wine with a warm rich mid-palate of dark red fruits and a streak of bay leaf. It remains firm and cabernet-ish with a bit of alcohol poking through the coffee, vanilla and plum fruit finish. Solid red wine with an elegant demeanour.Prices:| ON | $39.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Miguel Torres Manso de Velasco 1998
Valle del Curicó, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe 1998 vintage was a tough one in Chile. Plenty of rain made for a disastrous harvest but thanks to 100-year-old dry farmed vines, the five-hectare vineyard of Manso de Velasco, located in Fundo San Francisco Norte, has made a very good wine. Now showing a bit of bottle age, the nose and flavours mix cassis, cigar butt and leather. The tannins are smooth if a bit dry. Needs drinking but otherwise well made for the year.Prices:| ON | $39.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $44.25 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Miguel Torres Manso de Velasco 1999
Valle del Curicó, Region del Valle Central, ChileThis is an excellent version of the Velasco. Big rich ripe and still taut for its age. It is ice to see 1000 per cent varietal cabernet with some bottle age. The fruit is plummy and deep with cedar and mint veins and fine length. The finish is firm but balanced with smoky wild berry overtones. Very well proportioned and will continue to improve in bottle.Prices:| ON | $39.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $41.25 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Miguel Torres Conde de Superunda 2001
Valle del Curicó, Region del Valle Central, ChileHuge minty, sappy, cassis nose with tobacco, coriander, peppery, black cherry and olive notes. The palate is both dry and rich with some tight fin grained tannins in the back end. Plenty of spice, pepper and smoky vanilla mixed with cherry, black olive, cassis flavours. The finish is a mix of meaty tobacco, chocolate and licorice flavours. A rich chunky red with some warmth and complexity. Cellar for at least 3-5 years. This will get better in the bottle. Only 500 cases made.Prices:| US | $53.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $51.00 | 750ml |
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07 June 2006
88PTS
Miguel Torres Santa Digna Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2003
Valle del Curicó, Region del Valle Central, ChileA bit more round and weighty then the 04 but still has plenty of the earthy, resiny cassis and barnyard notes on the nose. Soft and round on entry with warm black fruits and chocolate with spicy cassis undertones. Very classic styling here in a typical Chilean cabernet from a solid vintage. Worth cellaring for 3 to 5 years.Prices:| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.95 | 750ml |
| US | $10.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Miguel Torres Santa Digna Merlot Reserva 2004
Valle del Curicó, Region del Valle Central, ChileThere is a dash of cabernet in this fruity black cherry, minty, red with the smoky dill undertones. The textures are soft and silky with supple tannins. Look for ripe black cherry, plum fruit with spicy light vanilla flavours in the back end. Fresh with fine fruit licorice flavours ( almost no new wood here) and a long soft stylish finish. Well done.Prices:| US | $10.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Miguel Torres Santa Digna Seleccion Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Valle del Curicó, Region del Valle Central, ChileFresh citrus mineral, lime rind with bits of butter, melon and gooseberry. Clean and elegant style reflecting the no wood edict for this Curicó fruit. The flavour is mix of grapefruit, mineral, gooseberry, green apples and bell pepper. Fresh and zippy. Think oysters here. Fine value.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.95 | 750ml |
| US | $9.50 | 750ml |
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06 June 2006
86PTS
Moillard Viognier Huges le Juste 2004
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceQuiet floral spicy nose with some honey and toast notes. Piquant on the palate with oily citrus green peach fruit. Simple but effective viognier that most should enjoy. Good value for an introductory European viognier.Prices:| BC | $11.75 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Fetzer Pinot Gris Valley Oaks 2004
California, United StatesFloral, mineral, quince, lemon, candied apple. Round, soft, slightly sweet entry with lees, mineral, floral, citrus, baked apple flavours. Solid commercial style for any occasion.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Barefoot Pinot Grigio NV
California, United StatesGreen apple, nectarine, mineral, marzipan nose. Round, dry entry with citrus, baked apple, floral flavours with a touch of bitterness and warmth on the finish. A bit too acidic and hot.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Ruffino Lumina Pinot Grigio 2005
Friuli-Venezia Giulia, ItalyFloral, lemon, mineral, perfumed, almond aromas. Dry, round, elegant but slightly austere. Mineral, smoky, green apple skin, lees, chalky, lemon flavours. Very crisp, dry, lemon rind finish. Designed for food.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.42 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.95 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Saturna Island Pinot Gris 2003
Southern Gulf Islands, British Columbia, CanadaMatchstick, green apple skin, marzipan nose. Round, soft, moderately dry and flat with some acidity. Green apple skin, slate, grassy, lees flavours. Simple skinny finish.Prices:| BC | $13.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
CedarCreek Pinot Gris 2005
British Columbia, CanadaFresh floral, green apple, nectarine skin, citrus nose with a touch of matchstick. Dry, tight, round, slightly austere style with light butter, mineral, baked green apple, citrus and lees flavours. Very crisp, dry finish. Good but designed for food.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
CedarCreek Estate Select Pinot Gris 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHoney, floral, butter, smoky lees, mineral nose. Dry, rich, slightly warm entry with a touch of oiliness. Nutty lees, baked apple, citrus skin, mineral, floral, honey and vanilla flavours. Very leesy, crisp finish. Solid.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Blue Mountain Reserve Pinot Gris 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaButtery, nutty, leesy, creamy vanilla, floral nose with a bit of earthy spice. Round, dry, elegant and crisp with nutty lees, citrus, baked apple, vanilla, earthy, buttery, biscuit flavours. Very crisp, warm buttery finish. A fine Burgundian style white but hard to pegged as pinot gris.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Delicato California Pinot Grigio 2004
California, United StatesFloral, creamy, pear, soapy, peach skin nose. Round, slightly sweet entry but very light body and extract. Mineral, baked apple, butter, citrus rind flavours with a tart finish.Prices:| BC | $13.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Lang Vineyards Pinot Gris 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSimilar to last year's with big floral, perfumed, citrus, mineral, spicy, earth nose. Fresh, round, slightly sweet entry with good acidity and balance. Lots of floral, soapy, green apple skin, mineral, spice flavours. Pure style that is crisp and delicate for spicy foods.Prices:| BC | $17.90 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Van Loveren Pinot Grigio 2005
Robertson, Breede River Valley, South AfricaFloral, baked apple, canned citrus, plastic aromas. Round, soft, fresh, slightly sweet palate with green apple, floral, buttery, mineral flavours. Simple, easy style.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Tinhorn Creek Pinot Gris 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, mineral, lees, green apple, nectarine skin. Round, soft, slightly sweet entry with baked apple, lees, mineral, floral flavours with a fresh, tight finish. Solid.Prices:| BC | $15.50 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Deep Creek Wine Estate Pinot Gris 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMineral, bruised green apple nose with a bit of oxidation. Dry, tart, lean entry with oxidized green apple and rancid butter. It's organic but the style is too acidic and lean to be attractive to most consumers.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Herder Pinot Gris 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLemon, leesy, bread dough, matchstick, green apple nose ― a touch unclean. It is round in the mouth with good acidity and a full-bodied style. Lemon, baked apple, lees, butter and honey flavours with some earthy, mineral nuances. Good intensity, crisp finish. Just needs a bit more cleaner style.Prices:| BC | $17.90 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Fisheye Pinot Grigio 2005
California, United StatesVery floral, perfumed, baked apple nose. Round, soft, somewhat sweet palate with floral, spicy, peach, baked pear flavours. Friendly consumer style for the summer patio.Prices:| BC | $9.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Pinot Gris 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGrapefruit, mineral, lees, honey and quince aromas. Round, dry, crisp and fresh but nicely balanced with honey, grapefruit, green apple, spicy, buttery mineral flavours. Nice intensity and fruit but finishes a bit on the dry and tart side. Mature now but holding well.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.25 | 750ml |
| SK | $17.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.59 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $18.69 | 750ml |
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02 June 2006
90PTS
Torres Floralis Moscato Oro NV
Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainMade from muscat of Alexandria, this dessert wine is primarily made from juice with some brandy added to bring the alcohol content up to 15 per cent. Big floral, spicy, apricot, nectarine skin, honey and raisin aromas. Ripe, rich, round and unctuous but has good acidity. Lots of spicy dried apricot, floral, raisin, butter and peach flavours. A touch warm but great fun to drink with a fruit dessert.Prices:| ON | $16.95 | 500ml |
| BC | $20.00 | 500ml |
| MB | $15.95 | 750ml |
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01 June 2006
86PTS
St. Hubertus Pinot Blanc 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, mineral, almond, green apple skin, peach aromas with a touch of citrus and butter. Round, fresh palate with good acidity but some sweetness. Floral, green apple, baked pear, buttery, lime and peach pit flavours. A tad warm and fat but has some elegance and balance. Continued good value and friendly general consumer style.Prices:| BC | $12.50 | 750ml |
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July 2006