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Tastings: July 2006
31 July 2006
90PTS
Clos de los Siete 2004
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaBig black plum jam, black cherry, chocolate, savoury, spicy, sage nose. Big, rich, ripe full palate with young, chewy tannins. Chocolate, black berry jam, black cherry, vanilla, peppery, savoury, meaty flavours. A bit warm but big structure and intense fruit. Needs 2-4 years to round out. Good value.Prices:| BC | $25.68 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $24.99 | 750ml |
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30 July 2006
87PTS
Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling 2005
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesSte Michelle's so called 'everyday' riesling appears to be reaping some residual benefits from the Ernie Loosen / Stimson Lane Eroica project. Look for a fresh fruit nose that mingles pear and melon with a streak of mineral. Crisp and round the slightly off dry flavours of nectarine and green apple skin should make this perfect with spicy Asian dishes.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Pacific Rim Riesling 2004
Washington, United StatesVery consistent from year to year now with its floral, slate, leesy, green apple skin aromas. It's drier than previous editions a la Austria perhaps but we love the fresh front end with the nectarine/green apple skin, slate-y petrol flavours. The finish is flatter showing slightly bitter lime rind. Very food-friendly.Prices:| BC | $18.82 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Saurus Patagonia Select Chardonnay 2005
Unique citrus, almond, spicy, mineral, honey, green apple skin nose. Round, full, elegant palate with good acidity balance. Floral, mineral, honey, green apple, quince and almond flavours with some buttermilk on the finish. Unusual but pleasant style.Prices:| AB | $18.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Saurus Patagonia Select Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Neuquén, Patagonia, ArgentinaGrapefruit, fig, honey, leesy, garlic nose. Round, soft, fresh palate with grassy, honey, nutty, grapefruit, garlic flavours. Nice finesse and balance but there is a strong, garlic/mercaptan lees character that is a bit disappointing.Prices:| AB | $19.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Saurus Patagonia Select Pinot Noir 2004
San Patricio del Chanar, Neuquén, Patagonia, ArgentinaSpicy, rhubarb, cherry, forest floor, rootsy, saddle leather aromas. Soft, round, elegant, full palate with cherry, cooked rhubarb, smoky vanilla, spicy, licorice root flavours. A bit warm but balanced with some decent pinot character.Prices:| AB | $19.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $24.49 | 750ml |
| MB | $33.18 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Saurus Patagonia Select Malbec 2004
San Patricio del Chanar, Neuquén, Patagonia, ArgentinaVery peppery, spicy, savoury, chocolate, floral, black cherry nose with a hint of game. Round, rich, slightly tannic but ripe entry. Big cherry, plum, spicy, peppery, vanilla, clove, savoury palate with fresh acidity. Good solid fruit core with some ability to improve over the next 2 years.Prices:| AB | $19.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $24.49 | 750ml |
| MB | $33.18 | 750ml |
| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Saurus Patagonia Select Merlot 2004
San Patricio del Chanar, Neuquén, Patagonia, ArgentinaCherry, peppery, smoky, gamey, savoury nose with some reduced notes. Rich, round, dry palate with some light chewy tannin. Black cherry, savoury, spicy, minty, peppery, reduced flavours. Again, good fruit and intensity but has some reduced, off notes that need airing.Prices:| AB | $19.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Diego Murillo Malbec 2005
Alto Valle del Río Negro, Rio Negro, Patagonia, ArgentinaSpicy, peppery, meaty, savoury, slightly rubbery nose. Soft, round, supple palate with cherry, spicy, meaty, savoury, chocolate flavours with a slightly reductive, leafy finish. Good all round barbeque red.Prices:| BC | $9.99 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Humberto Canale Pinot Noir 2005
Alto Valle del Río Negro, Rio Negro, Patagonia, ArgentinaBig compost, animal, sweaty, stewed rhubarb aromas. Round, dry, warm palate with light tannins. Rhubarb, strawberry jam, leafy flavours. Finish is a bit too astringent and hot.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Canale Black River Pinot Noir 2004
Alto Valle del Río Negro, Rio Negro, Patagonia, ArgentinaSmoky, peppery, compost, vanilla, saddle leather nose with some black cherry. Dry, tight, slightly astringent entry with smoky, vanilla, resiny, compost, clove, black cherry flavours. Lacks balance and is too alcoholic and oaky for the variety.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Canale Black River Merlot 2004
Alto Valle del Río Negro, Rio Negro, Patagonia, ArgentinaLeafy, peppery, cherry, smoky, vanilla, spicy nose with some coffee. Dry, round, slightly astringent entry. Cedar, cherry, minty, leafy, peppery, smoky leather flavours. A bit lean and tight but solid meat wine.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Canale Black River Cabernet Franc 2003
Alto Valle del Río Negro, Rio Negro, Patagonia, ArgentinaCorked, try anotherPrices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Trivento Brut Nature NV
Mendoza, ArgentinaMedium fine mousse with floral, honey, mineral, cream, cherry aromas. Fresh, round, elegant palate with medium acidity. Nice creamy, baked apple, honey, nutty, cherry, peach flavours with a toasty finish. Good overall balance in a slightly more fruity style. Well done.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Trivento Tribu Tempranillo 2005
Mendoza, ArgentinaSmoky, tobacco leaf, cherry, reduced mercaptan, rubbery nose. Dry, full, slightly tannic palate with black cherry, smoky, spicy, tobacco, peppery, savoury flavours. Good fruit in the mouth and warm but the nose is a bit too reductive.Prices:| NF/LAB | $10.16 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Trivento Bonarda Reserve 2005
Mendoza, ArgentinaMeaty, smoky, prune, cherry, gamey, peppery nose. Dry, tight, fresh but rich palate with slightly rustic tannins. Peppery, black cherry, meaty, spicy, floral flavours. Good intensity if a bit rustic.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Little Boomey Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
South Australia, AustraliaBig leafy coffee aromas with a touch of pepper and cassis. Soft and round on entry with more cassis, cedar, licorice and leafy notes. A bit sweet for us in the finish showing blueberry and acidic notes. Simple mid-week red at best.Prices:| BC | $9.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $8.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Little Boomey Shiraz 2004
South Australia, AustraliaNo surprises here. Simple straight-up Oz shiraz with a spicy blueberry black cherry fruit. Very warm on the mid-palate and the aftertaste with spicy peppery red fruit finish. Simple everyday quaffer.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $8.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $12.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Rocca delle Macie Vernaiolo Chianti 2004
Tuscany, ItalyThe blend is 85/15 sangiovese/canaiolo. Typically gamey, peppery, spicy, leather nose with some floral red licorice notes. Smooth entry with medium weight and floral smoky, peppery, licorice tobacco flavours. Straight-up, savoury red for the likes of spaghetti Bolognese.Prices:| BC | $13.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.50 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.60 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.55 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Bajoz Cano Tinto de Toro 2004
Toro, Castilla-Leon, SpainTinta de Toro means tempranillo and it makes up roughly 75 per cent of this blend the remainder is garnacha. We love the fragrant floral nose and its fresh, bright demeanour. Bajoz is repeatedly mentioned to be at the leading edge of quality in Toro. Its savoury fragrant plummy black cherry fruit flavours with a spicy licorice spin are worth getting to know. Solid red that would be great with sausages. Good value.Prices:| BC | $12.49 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Roc de Mazere Buzet 2004
Buzet, Sud-Ouest, FranceSoft round warm ripe sweet fruit entry. Lovely soft textures pervade the sweet plummy grapey black cherry fruit. Warm smooth and aromatic it should be well-suited to traditional fall fare such as duck or mushrooms and roasted meats. The finish is long and soft.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Caldora Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2004
Abruzzo, ItalyCaldora is the result of a new undertaking in Abruzzi. Modern clean fresh Italian red that will not break the bank. The perfect luncheon wine to be served with cold meats, cheese, olives and fresh bread. A spicy fruity red that delivers for the price.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Flagstone Dragon Tree 2004
Western Cape, South AfricaTypically meaty sweaty leather notes on the nose with smoky, fruity tobacco. Fresh and elegant on the palate with light tannins. The fruit is bright and clean with spicy, leather, plum flavours and like the previous edition some intriguing floral notes. Well made and tasty and should have wide appeal.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Quinta do Crasto Late Bottled Vintage Port Unfiltered 1999
Cima Corga, Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalVery peppery, spicy, cardamom, pruny, floral, licorice, cooked black berry nose. Rich, ripe, round entry with light tannins. Again, very peppery, spicy, floral flavours with black berry, licorice, smoke and tea mixed in. A stylish port style that is neither too fat nor too sweet.Prices:| BC | $27.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $17.50 | 375ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
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29 July 2006
91PTS
Titus Vineyards Zinfandel 2003
Napa Valley, California, United StatesSome 15 per cent petite syrah is mixed in with 85 percent 25-year old dry-farmed zinfandel fruit that spits out naturally low yields. More Hilfiger than Prada thanks to American oak barrels but the petite sirah does help to add interest. Dark fruit and smoke mixes effortlessly with mineral chocolate coffee and licorice. Not your average zinfandel and while it's round and appealing it's also a bit edgy. Rich full-bodied and capable of ageing another few weeks.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $42.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Painter Bridge Zinfandel 2005
California, United StatesFruity blackberry, blueberry fruit with mocha oak and peppery, meaty aromas. The entry is soft and round with mostly supple tannins. On the palate, the fruit is a mix of juicy cedar-y blackberry plum with hints of coal and licorice. A better than average, easy-sipping barbecue red at a fair price.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Barefoot Zinfandel NV
Sonoma County, California, United StatesOpen simple fruity nose with briary rootsy blackberry and cedar cola notes. Similar flavours with spicy berry flavours and a warm (alcoholic) spicy vanilla finish. Simple straight-up rustic hamburger zin.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Rancho Zabaco Sonoma Heritage Vines Zinfandel 2003
Sonoma County, California, United StatesFresh open ripe fruit nose with raspberry and blackberry undertones. Lively on the palate with good acidity that underscores its plummy licorice peppery fruit. Still youthful and while lush it has some rich round tannins as well that have yet to settle out. Try with a grilled T-bone steak today or wait another year or two.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Gallo Sonoma Zinfandel Frei Ranch Vineyard 2002
Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesSome 20 to 30 percent whole berry fermentation gives this impressive Dry Creek zin plenty of underlying fruit without harsh tannins. Fourteen months in American and French oak barrels smooth out the mid-palate taming its dusty blueberry black fruit flavours. Big rich savoury Sonoma zin you can drink or age for another five to seven years. Well done.Prices:| BC | $40.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Gallo Sonoma Zinfandel 2004
Sonoma County, California, United StatesGallo Family Winery is the latest moniker in use on the California wine giant's label. I've lost track of all the name changes both internationally and domestic let's hope this one sticks for a bit. This is excellent Sonoma zin, offering darker fruit flavours less sweet fruit and more concentration and weight. Look for plenty of jammy, black cherry and red plum fruit mixed with a dash of mid-palate toasted oak and spice before finishing long and smooth. Well done.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Rodney Strong Zinfandel Knotty Vines 2003
Sonoma County, California, United StatesRodney Strong has about 15 acres of old, gnarled zinfandel vines that were planted in 1904 and they go into the blend of fruit in this bottle that mixes the appellations of Dry Creek, Russian River and Alexander Valleys. Look for an attractive lush vanilla American oak nose with black cherries and briary licorice tomes. Similar flavours with a warm spicy black fruit finish. Good intensity if a bit warm.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.99 | 750ml |
| US | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Delicato Old Vine Zinfandel 2004
California, United StatesOpen soft, sweet and easy-sipping. This picture postcard zin for the beginner. Ripe fruit flavours of cherries and plum with a spicy sweet vanilla a finish. A barbecue red for the rib crowd.Prices:| BC | $13.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
7 Deadly Zins Zinfandel 2004
Lodi, Central Valley, California, United StatesSuper smoky nose streaked with briary, chocolate, blackberry and saddle leather scented fruit. The entry is ultra smooth and satiny the fruit warm spicy and crammed with black cherry jam, chocolate and vanilla flavours. Far more interest here on the mid-palate ― not just fruit but leather cedar and tobacco give it some welcomed complexity. Drink all autumn with any number of mushroom dishes. Made with fruit from seven vineyards.Prices:| BC | $27.90 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Greg Norman North Coast Zinfandel 2002
Lake County, California, United StatesCorked, try anotherPrices:| BC | $23.95 | 750ml |
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26 July 2006
85PTS
Red Rooster Riesling 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSoft fresh, off-dry style riesling with peach/pear mineral fruit and a slightly off dry finish. Not complex but well made and should be perfect with spicy dishes. Simple clean straight-up B.C riesling.Prices:| BC | $14.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Nk'Mip Cellars Riesling 2005
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFriendly open aromatic nose with red apple, nectarine, honey, floral mineral aromas. Very clean, crisp and fresh on the palate but not a lot of riesling character this year. A bit sweet but balanced and as usual fun to sip.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Paul Zinck Riesling 2004
Alsace, FranceAlsace riesling is always much drier in style than anything from across the border in Germany. The Zinck is particularly clean and dry with a floral, dried fruit nose. Very clean and fresh on the palate with a touch of oily citrus rind and pineapple. Four square and dry in the finish. Try with grilled fish.Prices:| BC | $19.45 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Selbach Riesling Dry (Red Fish Label) 2005
Mosel, GermanyBig fresh, juicy clean riesling with hints of Mosel mineral and nectarine skin. It is very crisp on the palate with juicy green apple, white peach and spicy mineral flavours. Well structured with plenty of acidity and perfectly suited to a wide variety of foods. Love the screwcap here.Prices:| BC | $16.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Golden Mile Riesling Luckhurst Family Vineyards 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe first riesling we have tasted from Golden Mile shouts more. Love the fresh, citrus lemon fruit aromas with just a hint of honey and flecks of mineral. Winemaker Michael Bartier uses two German yeasts, ferments the grapes very cold and tosses in a pinch of muscat Ottonel to lift the fruit in what is a very well made wine with texture, weight and a lip-smacking fresh fruit finish. BravoPrices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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25 July 2006
86PTS
Yellow Tail Chardonnay 2005
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaYellowtail continues to fluster the sceptics by delivering a tasty floral, peach-scented buttery white wine with a dusting of vanilla. The entry is round, soft warm and full of sweet, ripe fruit. Look for baked spiced apple, honeydew melon and citrus flavours. The finish is balanced with creamy fresh acidity. Solid value.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Mirassou Monterey Chardonnay 2004
Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesMonterey is home to the perfect, cool-climate for modern-day chardonnay. This entry-level chardonnay has a big toasted citrus nut nose followed by tropical fruit and citrus fruit salad flavours and a slightly oily sour finish. Good effort for the price.Prices:| US | $7.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Lulu B Chardonnay 2004
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceLulu B. chardonnay is sourced from Limoux at the western edge of the Languedoc region. Eighty-five per cent of the wine is fermented in stainless steel the other 15 per cent is age in oak barrels. The result is a crisp clean white with front-end hints of mineral, nutty citrus butter and a touch of creamy honey and croissant in the finish. Impressive for the price and it come sunder screwcap. Worth trying.Prices:| BC | $15.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.50 | 750ml |
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23 July 2006
87PTS
The Fort Wine Co. Green Apple Wine NV
Fraser Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe newest label from The Fort Wine Co.'s may turn out to be one of its best. This wine blends premium British Columbia grown apples and its aromas and the flavour are, well, very apple like. Both ripe and tart this is a delicious wine and one that will interest even the most ardent drinkers of wine made with grapes. Well done.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Lake Breeze Seven Poplars Pinotage 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis the best version of pinotage we have seen from winemaker Garron Elmes yet and better, dare I say, then most of the labels we see from South Africa in this market. Look for a soft meaty spicy red with bits of vanilla, clove, cherry, notes and streaks of earth and licorice. Impressive in the mouth, long and spicy with more fruit, mocha, spicy vanilla, smoky gamy white pepper flavours. Very well done this year.Prices:| BC | $23.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Jacques & Francois Lurton Fumées Blanches 2005
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceClean mineral nose smoky citrus aromas with bits of gooseberry and green peach. Dry elegant mid-palate with green melon, mineral slate-y and grapefruit. Fresh clean and balanced and clean. Second year under screwcap and it all looks good.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.35 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Castillo de Monséran Garnacha 2005
Cariñena, Aragon, SpainMonseran is made with 100 per cent garnacha grapes that are 50 to 100 years old. Look for a fruity aromatic nose with spiked with meaty, spicy, floral hints. The textures are soft and supple making this an easy sipping red with black cherry, plum and licorice flavours. Terrific value in a workhorse hamburger red.Prices:| BC | $9.85 | 750ml |
| QC | $9.05 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Oak Bay Vineyard Marechal Foch 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, resiny, smoky, leafy, meaty, sour cherry nose. Soft, round, supple entry with smoky, tomato leaf, cherry, resiny, gamey flavours. Very warm, slightly acidic finish.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Saumur Champigny 2004
Saumur, Loire, FranceSpicy, leafy, earthy, tobacco, meaty, cherry, peppery nose. Round, dry, slightly tannic entry with leafy, black olive, tobacco, tomato, cranberry, smoky flavours. Some elegance but with cedar-y, dry tannins on the finish. Needs food to show its best.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chateau Saint Martin de la Garrigue Cuvee Bronzinelle 2004
Coteaux du Languedoc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceThe 04 is a fine improvement over the 03 with its peppery, meaty, garrigue nose flecked with black cherry, smoky, earthy and licorice root. The entry is fresh with soft and supple, ripe tannins. Lots of earthy, licorice, gamey, garrigue and peppery, spicy, floral, cherry flavours. Good concentration and balance if a bit chunky. Solid French country wine.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Hollick Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2005
Coonawarra / Mt. Benson, South Australia, AustraliaThe '05 Sauvignon sémillon is richer than previous editions but packed with gooseberries, lime rind and grassy citrus oil notes. It's crisp and lemony on the palate with fine mineral highlights. Intense white wine that would be perfect with oysters, halibut with a fruit salsa or buttered clams. The winery recommends twice cooked goats cheese soufflé with wild rocket and red onion salad. Mmm that sounds good. Love the screwcap here.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Deep Creek Wine Estate Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon Organic 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, chocolate, earthy, prune, gamey, saddle leather nose. Soft, round, dry, elegant palate. Balsamic, soy, smoky leather, peppery, pruny, gamey flavours. Solid but a bit wild and volatile with some tobacco on the finish.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Domaine du Grand Breviande Chinon 2004
Chinon, Touraine, Loire, FranceBlack olive, dried leaf, peppery, cranberry, earthy nose. Soft, very dry, elegant entry with dried cedar, tobacco leaf, peppery, cranberry, smoky, floral flavours. Some elegance but strong leafy, cedar-y tannin flavours.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Montresor Nero del Nago 2003
Veneto, ItalyCedar, earthy, spicy, chocolate, black cherry, tobacco leaf nose. Soft, round, dry, fresh palate with light tannins. The flavours mix spicy, cedar and cherry, tobacco with peppery, meaty notes. Solid food style wine.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Montresor Campo Madonna Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
Valdadige, Pedemonte Valpolicella, Verona, Veneto, ItalySpicy, leafy, tobacco, cassis, peppery, meaty aromas. Soft, round, dry, slightly tannic palate with medium weight. Cedar, peppery, cassis, spicy, mineral, tobacco flavours. Slightly chunky, fresh finish. Has some elegance, best with grilled steak.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Montresor Capitel della Crosara Valpolicella Ripasso 2003
Veneto, ItalyOpen meaty, compost, licorice, pruny, cherry, smoky aromas. Soft, round, dry, fresh palate with tobacco leaf, peppery, spicy, resiny, chocolate, prune flavours with a mincemeat finish. Solid but pricey. Serve with grilled lamb or pork.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Feather Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesAnother Long Shadows wines that this time involves California mountain cabernet man Randy Dunn. Look for a huge oak vanilla nose with spicy, clove pudding, cedar, tobacco and smoky, black berry jam hints. Rich, ripe, round, full and fat upfront but the palate is elegant with ripe tannins. Lots of chocolate, peppery, cigar, black cherry, black berry, cedar, black olive, vanilla flavours. Long, dry, slightly tight finish. Should improve over the next 3-6 years. Well done.Prices:| BC | $84.99 | 750ml |
| US | $55.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Lang Vineyards Maréchal Foch 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaEarthy, tobacco, meaty, cherry, chocolate nose. Soft, round, slightly sweet entry with cranberry, roasted tomato, leafy, minty, cherry flavours with a smokiness. Soft, easy-sipping style but not a particularly attractive red given the quality of the Lang line-up.Prices:| BC | $15.90 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Château des Charmes Cabernet Silver Label 2003
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaBig tomato, tobacco leaf, peppery, herbal, sweaty game nose. Dry, round, slightly lean palate with cranberry, peppery, leafy, tobacco, herbal flavours. Too green with some dry tannins on the finish to appeal to the modern consumer.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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22 July 2006
89PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Pinot Gris 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMission Hill is dialling in its Reserve gris focusing on a crisp lemony style with plenty of grapefruit and mineral aromas. Lip smacking honeyed grapefruit, green apple, and mineral flavours with some attractive leesy mid-palate textures. Fine intensity with hints of pear in the finish. Food-friendly and well done.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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89PTS
Mission Hill S.L.C. Merlot 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe S.L.C. merlot opens with tight peppery, spicy, cool cherry aromas laced with mint, coffee, garrigue, vanilla and licorice notes. The palate is dry but rich with plenty of youthful grainy tannins. Blueberries, black cherry, smoky vanilla, savoury flavours. Showing a bit of chocolate now and fattening up as we expected. Fine intensity as the tannins settle down. Reminiscent of a semi-modern St. Emilion. Needs 2-3 years to fully develop.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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21 July 2006
91PTS
Signorello Pinot Noir Hyde Vineyard 2004
Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United StatesSuper fresh style here. Rich peppery sour cherry flavours reflect the 72-hour cold maceration in open-top tanks before fermentation on native yeasts. Signorello practices traditional Burgundian techniques. The wine is not filtered or fined. This is rich full-bodied pinot with a plummy spicy black cherry finish. Serious pinot that will easily age five years or more. Certainly one of the best we've tasted from Carneros.Prices:| US | $45.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Signorello Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
Napa Valley, California, United StatesFifteen-year-old Napa Valley hillsides east of the Silverado Trail are the home to Signorello's low yielding cabernet grapes ― less than 2 tons to the acre. Cedar black currant, vanilla and peppery cardamom notes mark the nose and flavours. Supple fine-grained tannins that are the softest we've seen from this winery with chocolate, cassis jam, mocha flavours. A fine effort at fair price.Prices:| BC | $72.99 | 750ml |
| US | $40.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Signorello Chardonnay Vieilles Vignes 2004
Napa Valley, California, United StatesThis is another enticing, attractive sophisticated chardonnay from Signorello. Spicy lees, muted vanilla, and tropical fruit tones mark the nose. The textures are rich yet elegant with fine acidity. Again, the oak is being handled very well and less malolactic (30 per cent) allows the fruit to shine. Look for creamy spicy pear apple fruit flecked with orange rind. This is delicious chardonnay well above the Napa norm.Prices:| BC | $59.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Signorello Seta 2004
Napa Valley, California, United StatesSeta has become one of the most consistent white wines we see from California. The '04 has an oily lime rind entry with honey, passion fruit and spicy fig aromas. On the palate it's dry and elegant with figgy grapefruit, honey, mineral, vanilla flavours. Stylish white wine you can lay down another year or two with no problem. The blend is 60/40 sémillon /sauvignon blanc. There's better oak management here and less oak as Ray Signorello continues to fine-tune this gem.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
| US | $25.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Cave Spring Cellars Riesling Reserve 2005
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThe Reserve comes off the limestone-rich soils of the Beamsville Bench home to the oldest and lowest-yielding vines. Love the nose here very clean and fresh with lime rind and grapefruit flavours. Lovely weight (Pfalz-like) and texture, even at this young age. Very crisp finish that disguises the 10 plus grams of residual sugar. Well made.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $21.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Cave Spring Cellars Riesling Off Dry 2005
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaNot quite as clean as the 2004 at this point but still sporting the same aromatics and that mouth-watering peachy mineral fruit flavours. I suspect this will progress in bottle. Try again in early 2007. Love the price. Should be perfect with a wide variety of spicy Asian dishes.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.98 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Cave Spring Cellars Riesling Reserve 2004
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThe Reserve comes off the limestone-rich soils of the Beamsville Bench home to the oldest and lowest-yielding vines. Traditionally tight and firm when young it has a track record of opening up after three or four years to offer up mineral citrus fruity aromas and similar flavours spiked with grapefruit, lime rind and nectarine skin. Love the structure and firmness here. The finish is just off-dry.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $21.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Cave Spring Cellars Riesling Off Dry 2004
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis fresh all stainless steel fermented riesling with a dash of residual sugar is as good as it gets for the price. In fact, the Ontario price is probably too low for the quality of this wine. Semi-dry it offers a mix of grapefruit with peachy/orange undertones and just enough mineral to keep it interesting. Should be perfect with a wide variety of spicy Asian dishes. good value.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.98 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Peter Lehmann Barossa Shiraz 2004
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaVanilla, coffee pudding, Christmas cake, floral, black cherry, savoury nose. Dry, tart, round entry with meaty, coffee, vanilla pudding, menthol, cherry, leather flavours with a smoky, candied blueberry finish. Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay 2004
Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United StatesNo malolactic fermentation and wild yeast is the story of Red Shoulder Ranch. I would not describe this as New Wave California chardonnay but under the honey and ripe fruit, there is a sense of freshness and while it may not be super lean its refreshing ands stylish in the mouth. Look for tropical notes with lemon and nectarine skin streaks underneath. Long and rich. Delicious is perhaps the best descriptor of this excellent chardonnay.Prices:| BC | $65.99 | 750ml |
| US | $40.00 | 750ml |
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19 July 2006
84PTS
Louis Jadot Couvent des Jacobins Bourgogne Blanc 2001
Burgundy, FranceOld leesy, nutty, mineral, buttery nose. Dry, round, soft palate but lean and somewhat old. Lemon, buttery, nutty, leesy, sweaty rind flavours. Has seen its day with full maturity.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.72 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $21.80 | 750ml |
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86PTS
CedarCreek Pinot Noir Estate Select 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, vanilla, resiny, smoky, black cherry, leather, floral, twiggy nose. Dry, warm, slightly tannic palate with soy, smoky vanilla, black cherry, rhubarb, cardamom and earth flavours. Warm, dry finish that is showing a lot of oak right now. Needs more time in bottle to settle down.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
CedarCreek Pinot Noir Platinum Reserve 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLots of smoky, vanilla, resiny, black cherry jam, cedar, licorice root, peppery nose. Very dry, round, warm palate but has some tannins showing. Black cherry, peppery, smoky, orange, vanilla, rhubarb flavours. A bit dry, tart and tannic this time out and will need 2-3 years more in bottle to integrate.Prices:| BC | $36.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Blue Mountain Reserve Pinot Noir 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCedar, compost, barnyard, cherry, celery salt and vanilla aromas with a slightly rubbery note. Very dry, round, warm entry but elegant with light, tight tannins. Peppery, earthy, cedar-y, smoky vanilla, cherry, stewed rhubarb and carrot top flavours. Good acidity but quite dry on the finish and showing some wood. Needs another 1 to 3 years in bottle. A good effort that is consistent with the winery's style.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Tall Horse Chardonnay 2005
Western Cape, South AfricaMelon, citrus, peach, floral nose. Round, fresh palate with some sweetness and a touch oily. Buttery, melon, peach, grapefruit flavours. Straight up consumer style with a sweet and sour finish.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Smoking Loon Syrah 2004
California, United StatesVery peppery, animal, smoky, rootsy, black cherry, light vanilla aromas. Warm, tart, soft entry with smoky, licorice root, rubbery, vanilla, meaty, blueberry, black cherry flavours. Lots of intensity but a bit meaty and reductive. Decanting for minimum 30 minutes recommended.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $16.55 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Pepperwood Grove Syrah 2004
California, United StatesSmoky, rootsy, peppery, meaty, black berry nose. Round, soft, slightly sweet entry with ripe tannins. Juicy plum, black cherry, peppery, spicy, licorice flavours. A bit tart and warm but has very good fruit and intensity for the money. Solid value.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Firesteed Pinot Noir 2003
Oregon, United StatesPruny, smoky, volatile, stewed rhubarb, earthy aromas. Round, dry, slightly lean entry with smoky, resiny, earthy, dried cherry, rhubarb flavours with some old barrel at the end. Not much pinot character in this edition. More packaging then product.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.60 | 750ml |
| NS | $16.70 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Jaffelin Bourgogne Aligoté 2005
Burgundy, FranceSmoky, mineral, apple skin, sweaty lees. Dry, round, somewhat lean palate with buttery, mineral, apple skin, nutty flavours. Old style French white that needs food like oysters.Prices:| BC | $18.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $19.75 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.10 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.60 | 750ml |
| NB | $16.10 | 750ml |
| NF | $17.60 | 750ml |
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86PTS
St. Hallett Poacher's Blend Semillon Sauvignon 2005
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaFloral, sulphur, fig, grapefruit, peachy, honey nose. Very soft, flat, somewhat sweet entry with canned grapefruit, honey, buttery, lime and butter flavours. Solid, zesty finish. A bit sweeter than the past edition but good fruit.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.15 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Concha y Toro Trio Merlot Carmenere Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileWhite pepper, coffee, mocha nose with lots of minty, tobacco leaf, herbal (carmenère) notes. Soft, round, full, crisp palate with tobacco, cedar, minty, vanilla, mocha, espresso and black cherry flavours. The finish is a bit tart with some young tannins but it has plenty of intensity. It needs a rare steak.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.28 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $14.80 | 750ml |
| NS | $15.71 | 750ml |
| NF | $14.91 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Viu Manent Malbec Single Vineyard San Carlos Estate 2004
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileDeep opaque black cherry colour. Spicy, meaty, peppery, black cherry, vanilla, cedar, minty, tobacco, prune, mocha nose. Rich, round, full, dry palate with ripe, chewy tannins. Big black cherry, vanilla, spicy, smoky, coffee, peppery, toasty, orange peel, tobacco and tar flavour. Young, rich but balanced. Needs 2-5 years. Relatively good value.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Viu Manent Malbec Reserve Oaked Aged 2004
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileSmoky, tarry, leather, tobacco, vanilla, cedar, black cherry aromas with some dried orange peel. Rich, round, full bodied style with youthful, ripe tannins. Big black cherry, minty, tobacco, cedar, peppery, roasted flavours with fresh acidity and smoky vanilla on the finish. Good solid, young fruity malbec.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Caldora Pecorino Colle dei Venti 2004
Abruzzo, ItalyButtery, marzipan, vanilla, nutty, citrus peel but some oxidation. Flavours are old and oxidized, try another bottle.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Caldora Trebbiano d'Abruzzo 2004
Abruzzo, ItalyVery floral, lemon, marzipan, matchstick nose. Round, delicate, soft palate with a touch of sweetness. Mineral, lemon, almond, floral flavours. Simple, fresh style. Good value.Prices:| BC | $9.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Tinhorn Creek Pinot Noir 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGamey, rootsy, carrot top, stewed cherry, compost nose. Soft, round, dry entry but tart with earthy, spicy, compost, stewed rhubarb and rootsy flavours. Simple, warm, light style.Prices:| BC | $15.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Long Flat White Semillon Sauvignon 2005
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaFloral, peachy, buttery, lime rind, grapefruit aromas. Soft, round, slightly flat entry with a bit of residual sugar. Oily, grapefruit, lime, waxy, baked apple and mineral flavours. Try with seafood or serve solo on the deck.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.15 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Hainle Vineyards Pinot Noir Adelheid's Vineyard 1996
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBadly acetic and defective and long past it's prime.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Lang Vineyards Pinot Auxerrois 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGreen apple skin, floral, peachy, matchstick nose with a touch of citrus. Soft, round, fresh, slightly sweet entry with pear, green apple skin, melon skin and mineral flavours. Easy-drinking picnic style white.Prices:| BC | $14.90 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Blason de Bourgogne Pinot Noir Bourgogne 2003
Burgundy, FranceCorked, try anotherPrices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Vasse Felix Adam's Road Shiraz 2003
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaPeppery, spicy, vanilla, jasmine, chocolate pudding aromas with some smoky black cherry. Dry, round, elegant but slightly tannic with spicy, vanilla, cardamom, black cherry, mineral, licorice flavours. Has reasonable flavour but the finish is dry and acidic like many other Oz shiraz' in this class.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Concannon Petite Sirah 2003
Central Coast, California, United StatesBig black pepper and smoky sausage notes mix with blackberry, tobacco leaf and iodine aromas mark the nose if this iconic American petite sirah. Soft, rich and round with some dry tannins but there is plenty of cooked prune, stewed cherry, peppery, iodine, mineral meaty flavours and a dry and somewhat acidic finish. Solid chunky red.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.95 | 750ml |
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17 July 2006
84PTS
Calona Vineyards Pinot Blanc Artist Series Reserve 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral soap, mineral, buttery, citrus aromas. Warm, round, oily texture with some sweetness. Buttery, floral, soapy, mineral, green apple skin flavours with some vanilla and a touch of bitterness on the finish.Prices:| AB | $12.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $13.49 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Calona Vineyards Gewurztraminer Artist Series Reserve 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen lychee perfumed floral nose with sausage and intense orange peel. Ripe melon fruit on entry with good sweetness if a touch flat. Elegant style with mineral, green apple, ginger floral fruit with good intensity and acidity well made. Simple but well made. Fine value.Prices:| BC | $13.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Sandhill Pinot Blanc Sandhill Estate Vineyard 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaButtery, nutty, mineral, pear, green apple, leesy, floral nose. Round, slightly oily entry with a touch of sweetness. Mineral, nutty, lees, butter, honey, peach skin and green apple flavours. Finish is a bit sweet with yeasty, nutty streak.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Peller Estates Heritage Series Pinot Grigio 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeller's Heritage grigio tastes more like a gris than a grigio but it's medium to full weight structure and leesy, buttery, pear melon notes should have wide commercial appeal. It's warm (alcoholic) on the finish but not without style. Just do not expect a skinny Italian-style grigio. You can sip this solo. Love the price.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Lulu B Pinot Noir 2004
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceFloral, barnyard, cedar-y, sour cherry nose. Dry, round, supple palate with floral, perfume, soy, candied rhubarb, compost flavours. Very commercial style that finishes a bit tart and light.Prices:| BC | $15.90 | 750ml |
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15 July 2006
86PTS
Desert Hills Pinot Gris 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig mineral, green apple skin, earthy, fresh citrus rind nose. Very crisp, tight entry but full with light lees, citrus rind, smoky mineral, peach pit flavours. Very fresh, tart finish. Best with mussels.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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14 July 2006
88PTS
Mission Hill Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAttractive bright correct sauvignon nose with a mix of grass and lime rind and tropical fruit characters. On the palate the wine is impressive - full bodied and fresh with a full, fruity mid-palate and finish. This is very solid sauvignon blanc that should turn heads. Myriad food possibilities add to its value. Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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09 July 2006
87PTS
Zunio Rosé 2005
California, United StatesBright orange/cherry red colour. Dry appealing earthy undertones with a softish under belly and a crisp clean finish. This stylish rose does not depend on sugar to make the grade. Certainly capable of accompanying a wide range of food. A pleasant dry rosé in a sea of sweet pink wines. Good value.Prices:| BC | $13.87 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Garry Oaks Blanc de Noir 2005
Burgoyne Valley, Salt Spring Island, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaIt's official Garry Oaks has a penchant for making charming rosé. Similar to the '03 and '04 the latest white from red sports an enticing pale pink hue, and attractive earthy, spicy strawberry, fruit nose. There is just enough fruit and sweetness to balance off the earthy vegetal tones. This is classic summer pink made for the deck or the picnic basket. Well done.Prices:| BC | $17.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Sutter Home White Zinfandel 2004
California, United StatesBright pale pink colour. The nose is a light but fresh blend of red summer berries. On entry, it offers sweet watermelon fruit with just enough acidity to keep it from being cloying. The finish is clean a crisp with out any warm cooked flavours. Light bright and low in alcohol this white zinfandel does the category proud. My food thoughts turn to a spicy curry.Prices:| BC | $8.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Kim Crawford Pansy! Rosé 2003
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandPansy! is a Kiwi ode to pink although in this case the '03 vintage is pressing its limit of freshness. Almost more Beaujolais at this point the merlot cabernet franc blend gets a dash of late harvest chardonnay to add some sweetness to the mix of earthy leafy berry fruit flavours. Credit its screwcap closure with keeping this wine alive. Drink now. We look forward to a new vintage soon.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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03 July 2006
86PTS
Château la Tour d'Aigues Poeme Rosé 2005
Côtes du Lubéron, Provence, Sud de France, FranceThis is Euro-style rose made from grenache and syrah. Lean fresh citrus cherry tones with a leafy undercurrent. The entry is dry and crisp with more mineral, earthy citrus flavours. A bit skinny for sipping but perfect for grilled chicken or pork. The price is very attractive.Prices:| BC | $12.90 | 750ml |
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02 July 2006
88PTS
Cline Zinfandel 2004
California, United StatesTypical Cline style. Dense plush plummy fruit with plenty of warmth and alcohol. Fine blance and length support he sweet fruit and alcohol. Will be a favourite for those who like their zin rich and fruity. A super buy in Ontario.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Inniskillin Okanagan Discovery Series Viognier 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLovely fresh inviting orange blossoms and floral notes with a touch of ginger and citrus. Brighter structure than last year but still with plenty of honey, citrus, orange rind and ginger. Better balanced in 05 with fine intensity. This is a real discovery for B.C.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Chalet Estate Viognier 2005
British Columbia, CanadaClean and fresh nose with lime rind and mineral highlights. Not particularly viognier -like but well made with tropical fruit and more peachy citrus rind notes in the finish. Overall, there has been a fine improvement at this winery this year.Prices:| BC | $17.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Soaring Eagle Viognier Limited Edition 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCould this be better than the very good '04. It would appear the nose is cleaner with plenty of mineral, clover, and green apple skin aromas. Elegant, fresh, and not quite as heavy on the palate as last year. Fresh with ripe pear, mineral, guava and tropical fruit and a dash of citrus. Should be a hit in Thai restaurants or with any spicy dishes.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Bridlewood Viognier Reserve 2003
Central Coast, California, United StatesOpened perfumed nose of floral honeysuckle notes. Full flavoured with peachy melon fruit and just a hint of brioche at the back end. There's just enough mineral and seaweed to keep it all interesting. Could be fun with fresh cracked crab and drawn butter.Prices:| US | $16.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Dancing Bull Zinfandel 2004
Sonoma County, California, United StatesSoft smoky, briary, stewed blackberry nose. The entry is very soft and round with stewed plummy fruit flecked with licorice. This is simple everyday zin you can serve liberally around the barbecue. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.95 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Benton Lane First Class Pinot Noir 2002
Oregon, United StatescorkedPrices:| BC | $54.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Benton Lane Pinot Gris 2005
Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesOpen floral rosewater nose with flecks of mineral. It's picked on flavour not alcohol and goes through no malolactic fermentation. Very clean fresh delicious drinking style with citrus and tropical fruit flavours. Akin to B.C pinot gris on steroids.Prices:| BC | $28.50 | 750ml |
| US | $16.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Benton Lane Pinot Noir 2003
Oregon, United StatesThe estate pinot is a blend of seven all grown at the winery's Southern Willamette Valley location. The nose is open and offers big earthy cherry celery salt rootsy pinot noir with mineral and strawberry flavours at the back end and lively acidity. The finish is soft with hints of mushroom and barnyard. The winery labels it sustainable and salmon safe.Prices:| BC | $34.50 | 750ml |
| US | $20.00 | 750ml |
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01 July 2006
86PTS
Blasted Church Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot 2004
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen cedar, savoury nose with a whiff of barnyard, milk chocolate and coffee. On the palate, the fruit is more fragrant with cranberry and savoury olive notes. A solid everyday red blend that like last year is not nearly as complex as its price. It is closed with a screwcap that should help it to age well. Maybe that will justify the $5 price hike.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Blasted Church Pinot Blanc 2005
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaClean grapefruit rind, leesy nose with hints of honey, pear and mineral. On the palate the wine is round and soft with slightly sweet entry. Apple skin, honey, soapy, grapefruit rind flavours with a touch of butter and bitterness. Simple, easy sipper.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.50 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Di Ezio Cocito Barbaresco Baluchin 2004
Piedmont, ItalySmoky, peppery, maraschino cherry, coffee, vanilla, saddle leather, tarry nose with some earthy, licorice root notes. Complex and aromatic but less fruity. Dry, leaner, tannic style with good concentration. Again peppery, spicy, coffee, compost, tar, cherry and strawberry jam flavours. Long coffee, tar finish. A more traditional style Barolo with a great nose but will need 7-10 years to mellow out the tougher structure.Prices:| BC | $105.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
La Spinetta Barbaresco Vigneto Valeirano 2003
Piedmont, ItalyVery spicy, peppery nose with cherry, floral, smoky, resiny, vanilla, cardamom aromas mixed throughout. Elegant style but tight and somewhat dry. Very peppery, spicy, coffee, licorice, cherry, strawberry jam, mocha and tar flavours. Long, ripe tannins on the finish with good concentration and length. Needs 5-7 years. Not quite as gutsy as the Starderi, but solid.Prices:| BC | $169.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
La Spinetta Barbaresco Vigneto Starderi 2003
Piedmont, ItalyMade from old vines in the Neive area. Warm nose with floral, strawberry, vanilla, spicy, rose, barnyard, black pepper, cumin, leather and tar aromas. Rich, ripe, round tannins but big and concentrated. Lots of spicy, smoky, coffee, black cherry, strawberry jam, peppery, resin, licorice root flavour with some tobacco, cumin and chocolate on the finish. Big aromas, big flavours, big structure but has fine balanced. Needs 7-10 years but designed to age 25 to 30 years.Prices:| BC | $160.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
La Spinetta Barbaresco Vigneto Gallina 2003
Piedmont, ItalyBig black plum, cherry, smoky, garrigue, eucalyptus, strawberry jam, tar, spicy, floral nose. Rich, ripe, round and warm but very good concentration. Very dry, grainy, tannins but ripe. Spicy, coffee, vanilla, strawberry jam, cherry kirsch, tar, mint, peppery, cardamom flavours. Young, warm, good intensity and structure with a great nose. Needs 3-7 years.Prices:| BC | $160.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
La Spinetta Pin Monferrato Rosso 2004
Piedmont, ItalyEssentially Asti Superiore the Pin blend is 65/35 nebbiolo/barbera. Open spicy, smoky, coffee, vanilla, black cherry jam nose with leather, compost aromas with a touch of tar and black olive. Rich, round, dry and somewhat tannic but has some suppleness and the Spinetta's trademark acidity. Bright cherry, plum, floral, smoky, garrigue, vanilla, coffee, tar and compost flavours. Clean, fresh, tight and complex, needs 3-5 years to shed some tannins and integrate the oak.Prices:| BC | $63.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
La Spinetta Langhe Nebbiolo 2004
Piedmont, ItalyWild strawberry jam, red cherry, spicy, licorice, eucalyptus, garrigue, floral aromas, very good aromatics. Dry, slightly tight, chewy and tannic palate. Smoky, tar, garrigue, plum jam, strawberry, floral flavours. Good balance and very good fruit but young and a bit warm. Needs 3-4 years to settle down but will keep for decades.Prices:| BC | $44.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
La Spinetta Barbera d'Alba Gallina 2003
Piedmont, ItalyFrom a classic vintage comes a spicy, gamey, thyme, eucalyptus, floral, black cherry nose flecked with meaty, vanilla and mineral notes. Very complex. Dry, round and elegant on the palate with supple tannins. Lots of coffee, vanilla, licorice, black raspberry and smoky white pepper flavours. Delicious with fine finesse and fresh on the finish with very good fruit. A food wine but very drinkable now, should improve over the next 2-4 years.Prices:| AB | $31.49 | 750ml |
| BC | $79.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Jackson-Triggs Cabernet Sauvignon - Shiraz Proprietors' Grand Reserve 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA 60/40 blend of cabernet sauvignon/shiraz age in French and American wood. It has a youthful charred barrel nose with dense generous smoky, blackberry vanilla and spicy leather notes - a la Oz. Well-balanced attractive style many will like. Another warm year and 40 per cent shiraz appears to be the tonic for the impossible to ripen cabernet.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
La Spinetta Barbera d'Asti Cà di Pian 2004
Piedmont, ItalyLovely floral, mineral cherry kirsch nose with leather, vanilla, licorice and thyme aromas. Round, fresh, elegant and supple. Fine mineral, licorice, cherry, plum, coffee, compost flavours. Good balance with high acidity but will be excellent with food. Stylish.Prices:| AB | $31.49 | 750ml |
| BC | $43.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Blasted Church Chardonnay Musque 2005
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaYouthful nose with some banana highlights and plenty of sweaty, lime rind notes. The musqué clone is aromatic offering a dash of sauvignon blanc character to the mix but it is otherwise fresh. Not as creamy as last year, and the price is a dollar more, but still ripe and peachy on the palate. An aromatic style chardonnay made in stainless steel. Simple clean and made for food.Prices:| BC | $18.07 | 750ml |
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90PTS
La Spinetta Moscato d'Asti Bricco Quaglia 2004
Piedmont, ItalyRefreshing frizzante style with 5.5% alcohol. Big rose petal, perfumed spicy, mandarin skin nose with peach skin notes. Fresh yet somewhat sweet but balanced and elegant with fine mousse. Big mandarin, floral, spicy, anise, candied peach flavours with good acidity. Perfect for a warm afternoon with a fruit salad or sip solo on the deck and enjoy this elegant bubble. Fine quality moscato.Prices:| AB | $29.95 | 750ml |
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August 2006