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Tastings: August 2006
31 August 2006
85PTS
Hardys Stamp Series Cabernet Merlot 2005
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaSolid red blend with a spicy, cassis and tobacco scented nose. The entry is supple, if sweet, with chocolate, peppery, ripe plums and black fruit flavours flavours. Just enough warmth and texture to appeal to a broad spectrum of drinkers who prefer their reds with a touch of sugar.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
The Black Chook Shiraz Viognier 2005
South Australia, AustraliaVery clean, spicy, peppery, floral nose with licorice, black cherry jam, vanilla, orange peel and ginger aromas. The palate is rich and soft with juicy fruit and light tannins. Big licorice, spicy, pudding, black cherry, vanilla, cardamom, rootsy flavours. A bit warm and acidic on the finish but with good fruit and texture and slightly grippy tannins. Fresh and young and finished with a screwcap.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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30 August 2006
90PTS
Domaine des Soulanes Cuvée Sarrat del Mas 2003
Côtes du Roussillon, Roussillon, Sud de France, FranceAttractive spicy, floral, black raspberry, peppery, gamey nose with some garrigue and tobacco mixed in. Rich, dry, round and full bodied with ripe, grainy tannins. Very warm with black raspberry jam, licorice, orange peel, chocolate, floral, peppery, gamey flavours with some tobacco and garrigue on the finish. Big, ripe, fruity and well blanced with good acidity despite the 14.5% alcohol, not unusual for the vintage. Fine effort.Prices:| BC | $28.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Doudet Naudin Beaune Les Greves 1er Cru 2003
Beaune, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceCherry, barnyard, compost, floral, meaty aromas with a spicy, plum note. Dry, round, elegant but a bit lean. Cherry raspberry, orange, peel, earthy, slightly smoky coffee flavours with some carrot and marmalade on the finish. Young, needs 2-4 years or decant for an hour.Prices:| BC | $51.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Domaine Doudet Savigny-Les-Beaune Les Guettes 1er Cru 2003
Savigny-lès-Beaune, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceSpicy, meaty, black cherry, barnyard, rootsy, smoky, floral aromas. Rich, ripe, round and somewhat tight with balanced tannins. Cherry, plum, coffee, spicy, vanilla, orange peel, carrot top, meaty flavours with floral and celery salt finish. Long, dry, ripe with good extract, needs 2-7 years as this is a robust style.Prices:| BC | $51.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Kaiken Ultra Malbec 2003
Agrelo District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaGamey, meaty, graphite nose with iron, tobacco, rootsy, black cherry jam, olive, peppery, floral aromas. Fat, round, intense and supple but with grippy tannins. Big black cherry, black berry, peppery, spicy, licorice root flavours with a coffee and mushroom finish. A bit warm and rustic but lots of intensity. Needs 3-4 years to settle down but will be fine.Prices:| US | $20.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Kaiken Reserve Malbec 2002
Agrelo District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaBig graphite, mineral, peppery, smoky, tobacco, licorice root, cherry nose. Rich, round, supple and hot with some dry tannin. Lots of black cherry jam, peppery, resin, smoky, earthy, and olive and roasted mushroom flavours. Tight, warm, resiny finish. Needs 3-4 years, a bit unbalanced now.Prices:| US | $20.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Kaiken Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
Agrelo District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaNice improvement on the 2003 with richer riper aromas on the nose and softer textures in the mouth. The fruit is a mix of blackcurrants and black cherries with a streak of savoury tobacco. Firm dry finish. Youthful and should improve through 2010. There a splash of merlot and about 10 per cent malbec in the blend that is aged in 70 per cent American oak.Prices:| US | $10.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Kaiken Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Agrelo District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaFine spicy, peppery, resiny, black olive nose with cassis and licorice nose with some tobacco. Rich, ripe, fat, dry and tannic. Big coffee, vanilla, black berry jam, black olive, cigar flavours with a long, warm, chocolate coffee finish. This is an excellent effort and perhaps would be even better with more French oak and less American.Prices:| US | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Kaiken Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
Agrelo District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaCassis jam, peppery, black olive, minty, tobacco, rootsy, coffee aromas. Round, dry, supple and warm. Lots of black cherry, cassis jam, spicy, minty, resiny, coffee and tobacco flavours. Good structure but a bit young and hot. Needs a few years to reduce the tannins. Drink now through 2008 preferably with a grilled piece of meat.Prices:| US | $20.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Kaiken Reserve Malbec 2003
Agrelo District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaOpen cigar/tobacco, vanilla nose streaked with black cherry kirsch, licorice, peppery, minty garrigue nose. Rich, ripe, fat and round with ripe black cherry jam fruit, black berry, violet, licorice root and smoky cigar flavours. Intense, warm and full-bodied red.Prices:| US | $20.00 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Kaiken Ultra Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Agrelo District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaCorked, try againPrices:| US | $20.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Kaiken Ultra Malbec 2003
Agrelo District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaAurelio Montes has put the magic back into malbec but he had to go to Argentina to do it. His first vintage of Kaiken Ultra, named after the wild goose that flies back and forth over the Andes between Chile and Argentina is a winner. The inaugural premium Malbec is a blend of fruit from Uco, Tupungato, Tunuyan and Consulta. Plenty of new oak soaks up the chocolate coffee and red fruit flavours. It is less fruity than the Chilean labels but their is more structure and coffee chocolate notes. This should turn some heads.Prices:| US | $20.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Kaiken Ultra Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
Agrelo District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaKaiken is a new project for Chilean wine giant Aurelio Montes that takes him to Argentina. "Kaiken" refers to native wild goose that traverses the Andes form both sides much like Montes. The blend 90/10 cabernet sauvignon/malbec is all French oak aged has lovely fruit and less spice than the Kaiken malbec. Big cassis jam, floral, tobacco, black olive, black cherry, smoky resin nose. Look for sweet vanilla, peppery, black berry, cassis jam, resin, mocha flavours with a tobacco, earthy streak. Long, rich, intense and big with great fruit. Fine integration and sophisticated styling allows the fruit to express fully its terroir. Will keep through 2010.Prices:| US | $23.00 | 750ml |
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28 August 2006
86PTS
Domaine de L'Olivette Blanc Organic 2003
Corbières, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceFloral, spicy, butter, ginger, quince and apricot skin aromas. Soft, round, dry palate with a slightly oily texture. Spicy, citrus butter, quince, pear and mineral flavours. A touch warm on the finish but has good balance.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chateau de Chasseloir Muscadet Sevre et Main Sur Lie 2005
Muscadet, Pays Nantais, Loire, FranceMineral, honey, green apple, chalky citrus nose. Dry, round, soft and fresh but ripe. Buttery, citrus, green apple, floral, mineral flavours with a touch of peach pit. Dry but full bodied and elegant with a crisp, balanced finish. A richer style muscadet with good fruit and intensity.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Chateau de Chamilly Bourgogne Rouge 2002
Côte Chalonnaise, Burgundy, FranceStrawberry, cherry, gamey, floral nose. Dry, round, elegant style but light bodied. Licorice root, sour cherry, strawberry and cedar flavours. Fresh, dry finish with a touch of carrot top. Drink now with salmon or lamb.Prices:| BC | $27.95 | 750ml |
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27 August 2006
84PTS
Cline Syrah 2004
California, United StatesSmoky leather, gamey, rootsy, white pepper, spicy nose but somewhat unclean. Dry, tart, fresh palate with light tannins. Floral, peppery, gamey, cherry, licorice flavours. Not up to the usual standard, this is too tart and lean.Prices:| BC | $19.81 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Oak Bay Vineyard Pinot Noir 2004
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLeafy, carrot top, peppery, smoky, vanilla, compost aromas. Dry, tart, slightly lean entry with light tannins. Peppery, resiny, rootsy, smoky flavours with a bit of cedar and rhubarb. Lean, dry palate with resin. Lacks fruit and balance.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Oak Bay Vineyard Gamay Noir 2005
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, cedar, resin, leafy, berry nose. Dry, tart, slightly lean entry with green cedar, resin, earthy, celery salt and green berry flavours. Lacks overall fruit.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Kim Crawford SP Rory Brut Méthode Traditionelle 2003
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandLight yellow colour. Good continuous mousse with cherry, nutty, baked apple, creamy peach aromas. Crisp, dry, full palate with somewhat foamy mousse. Toasty, nutty, cherry, citrus, baked apple and honey flavours. Solid, well balanced if somewhat short in mid-palate concentration.Prices:| AB | $27.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Arrowleaf Pinot Noir 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCool spicy, celery salt, rootsy, rhubarb and strawberry nose. Soft, round, supple palate with rootsy, celery, rhubarb, spicy, smoky flavours. A bit too tart and lean on the finish.Prices:| BC | $15.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Col de' Salici Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Spumante Extra Dry 2005
Veneto, ItalyOpen peach, floral, honey, red apple, mineral and nutty aromas. Fresh, round, creamy, slightly fizzy mousse. Baked apple, honey, peach, nutty floral flavours. Elegant and creamy, fruity style for any occasion.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Gray Monk Pinot Blanc 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCool citrus rind, green apple skin, mineral, slightly floral nose. Ripe, sweet entry with some acidity with grapefruit rind, baked apple, candied flavours. Patio sipping, commercial style.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Lake Breeze Pinot Blanc 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaButter, peach skin, lees, pear, mineral aromas with a floral, honey note. Round, fresh, crisp, slightly sweet and sour entry with citrus rind, green apple, honey, clove and butter. Tart, fresh, lime finish. Well done.Prices:| BC | $15.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Red Rooster Pinot Blanc 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaButter, pear, citrus, earthy, floral nose. Round, fresh, slightly sweet and sour entry with green apple, pear, citrus, mineral flavours and a touch of butter. Clean, grapefruit rind finish. Solid.Prices:| BC | $15.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Nk'Mip Cellars Pinot Blanc 2005
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, buttery, lees, lime, green apple skin, mineral nose. Fresh, round, crisp entry with mineral, lees, lime, green apple, buttery, soapy floral flavours. Slightly oily, sweet, citrus rind finish. Just a bit muddled in character.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.85 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Nk'Mip Cellars Qwam Qwmt Pinot Noir 2004
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, saddle leather, dried cherry, barnyard, smoky tea aromas. Dry, soft, round with a touch of dryness and some alcohol showing. Spicy, compost, worsteshire, soy, pruny, cooked rhubarb flavours. Tart, warm, dry finish. Could use more suppleness and mid-palate.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Hawthorne Mountain Pinot Noir 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, resiny, peppery, strawberry nose. Soft, round, dry, slightly lean entry with smoky, vanilla, peppery, celery root, resiny, cherry flavours. Warm, dry, slightly tart finish. Try with duck pate.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Soaring Eagle Pinot Blanc Limited Edition 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight gold colour. Buttery, vanilla, honey, mineral, floral nose with some baked green apple skin. Round, fresh, slightly sweet entry with lees, butter, honey, mineral, apple skin flavours. Crisp, warm, honey, leesy finish.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Mistral Pinot Noir 2004
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOxidized, try another.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut NV
Sonoma County, California, United StatesLight yellow colour with lots of continuous mousse. Cherry, strawberry, apple, toasty mineral aromas with a floral, baked pear streak. Rich, crisp, fresh and full but slightly short in the mid-palate. Very toasty, nutty, cherry, peach and citrus flavours with baked apple on the finish. Solid, enjoyable sparkler.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $34.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $27.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $30.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Moillard Côtes de Nuits Villages 2002
Côtes de Nuits, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceSlightly browning colour. Big barnyard, sweaty saddle, compost, earthy, gamey nose and somewhat dirty. Dry, light, somewhat lean entry with resiny, earthy, compost, sweaty game, cedar flavours. Lacks fruit and intensity.Prices:| BC | $29.68 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Moillard Mercurey 2002
Mercurey, Côte Chalonnaise, Burgundy, FranceSweaty, gamey, earthy, leather, rhubarb aromas, unclean. Dry, tight, somewhat lean but elegant palate with orange rind, cedar, resin, compost and game flavours. No real fruit or balance, disappointing for a great vintage?Prices:| BC | $29.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Bridlewood Syrah Reserve 2003
Central Coast, California, United StatesSpicy, peppery, resiny, gamey, cola, blackberry nose. Dry, tart, slightly lean entry with candied sour cherry, peppery, rootsy, minty, cola flavours. Simple, commercial-style syrah. Disappointing for the price.Prices:| US | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Pinot Noir 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSimilar to the 03 with slightly better fruit the 04 pinot offers smoky, spicy, carrot top and black cherry fruit aromas while on the palate, there is more smoky, rhubarb, compost, floral and savoury notes with a touch of plum. Finish is a bit dry and tight but ready to go.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.85 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.59 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $18.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $17.51 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Kaiken Malbec 2004
Agrelo District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaYouthful spicy, ash, black cherry nose flecked with licorice, tobacco, orange peel, violet and mushroom aromas. Rich, supple, round and fat. Somewhat hot with huge peppery, black olive, resin, black cherry jam flavours with hints of cardamom, vanilla and coffee on the finish. Some tannins to shed, needs a few years. Big malbec.Prices:| US | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Kaiken Ultra Malbec 2004
Agrelo District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaPeppery, spicy, dried herb, coffee, licorice, black cherry kirsch and ash aromas. Big, fat, round and supple with some tannic streak. Lots of cassis jam, black cherry, resiny, smoky herb, mushroom flavours with coffee and vanilla at the end. Needs to age, a bit rustic and hot also, 3-5 years.Prices:| US | $20.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Lake Breeze Seven Poplars Pinot Noir 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, compost, spicy vanilla, stewed cherry nose with hints of leafy and saddle leather. Dry, round and elegant but lean and astringent. Spicy, smoky, resiny, tobacco leaf, peppery, licorice flavours. Warm, dry finish. Dry, cedary astringent tannins and not a lot of ripeness or supple textures. Lacks balance and phenolic ripeness.Prices:| BC | $23.90 | 750ml |
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26 August 2006
84PTS
Robert's Rock Chenin Blanc Chardonnay 2005
Western Cape, South AfricaA simple straight-up white blend using grapes from the sizable Western Cape appellation. Slightly skinny on entry with sour green apple skin flavours and warm mineral, citurs rind aftertaste. Soft and both tart and sweet. Try this with clams.Prices:| BC | $9.40 | 750ml |
| ON | $8.05 | 750ml |
| SK | $10.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $8.25 | 750ml |
| NS | $9.90 | 750ml |
| PEI | $11.34 | 750ml |
| NF | $9.63 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Titus Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
Napa Valley, California, United StatesPeppery, hot, pruny, tobacco, saddle leather nose with mineral, rootsy, black olive aromas. Rich, round, smooth and hot on entry with plenty of spicy, blackberry, tobacco, leather, coffee and vanilla flavours. Finish is a mix of smoke and resin that is dry and hot. Intense but a bit too rustic for the price.Prices:| BC | $64.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $56.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Masi Masianco 2005
Verona, Veneto, ItalyThe Masianco blend is 75/25 pinot grigio/verduzzo where the verduzzo is late picked and dried on racks (appassimento) for about three weeks. To increase its intensity and fill out the grigio. Lovely floral, mineral buttery nose with an undercurrent of citrus oil. Both soft and round it easily slides down the palate offering a ripe mix of butter, honey, mineral and warm lemon oil. Fine intensity and length. Serve with white meats and poultry.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.30 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2001
Sonoma County, California, United StatesTight peppery, black olive, smoky, tobacco nose with coffee grains and coriander aromas and a whiff of cassis in the background. Dry, firm warm palate with astringent tannins. Similar spicy, cassis, peppery, smoky, cranberry, tobacco, black olive flavours with some coffee and cherry menthol on the finish. A bit rustic and lean overall with some green notes. Give this vintage a few more years in the bottle to soften.Prices:| BC | $65.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $49.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $59.95 | 750ml |
| US | $40.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Sumac Ridge Pinnacle Méthode Classique 2000
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPale gold/pink colour. Fine mousse with creamy, baked apple, floral, citrus, melon and toasted aromas. Dry, round, elegant entry with baked pear, floral, creamy, green apple, nutty, cherry flavours. Good textures and balance that finishes just a touch short and bitter. Well done and should continue too improve in bottle.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Dow's Vintage Port 2003
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalBig black tea leaf, floral nose with black cherry jam, spicy, licorice, stewed fig aromas with lots of pepper and mint. Intense palate with plenty of tannins and structure. Huge black cherry jam, black berry, licorice, tea, peppery, clove, candied fig flavours with a smoky note. Long, well balanced with good acidity and not too sweet but very young. Will require 12-15 years more in bottle to fully mature. One for the cellar.Prices:| BC | $85.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Dow's Late Bottled Vintage Port 2000
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalBottled in 2005 the latest Dow LBV has a prune, cooked, black cherry nose with threads of peppery, spicy, black tea and licorice aromas. As you might expect, it is still youthful and somewhat fiery with a ripe, round, slightly tannic attack and fine sugar/acidity balance. More spicy, peppery, black cherry jam, tarry, cardamom, coffee flavours with a touch of smoked leather and cherry mint on the finish. A big, warm LBV with a fine future.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Yellow Tail Merlot 2005
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaOpen spicy, tobacco nose with plum, chocolate and cherry flecks throughout. Soft, round and fresh with sweet chocolate, spicy, clove, minty, tobacco and cherry flavours with just a hint of green in the finish.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
MacMurray Ranch Pinot Noir 2004
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, United StatesBlack cherry, barnyard, forest floor, orange peel, smoky, celery salt with a touch of strawberry. Dry, round, elegant, taut palate with cherry, smoky vanilla, spicy, orange peel, celery salt flavours with a black cherry and licorice root finish. Nicely balanced with solid fruit core.Prices:| US | $17.00 | 750ml |
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25 August 2006
85PTS
La Bastarda Trebbiano Malvasia 2005
Tuscany, ItalyFresh crisp, clean, grassy, mineral, dry Northern Italian white. A simple straight up wine with green apple skin and lime rind notes. Refreshing food-driven style that is a lot skinner that the illustration on the somewhat generous lady on the label might suggest.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Vina Chilcaya Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileSoft round textures mix with grassy tropical fruit notes in fresh but simple straight-up sauvignon from Colchagua. It finishes smooth with light tropical fruit notes and a hint of grass.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $10.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.99 | 750ml |
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23 August 2006
86PTS
CedarCreek Cabernet Sauvignon Platinum Reserve 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, leafy, cassis, green bean aromas mixed with plenty of black olive, saddle leather and resiny tobacco leaf aromas. Dry, tight palate with cedar-y tannins. Soy, cassis, resiny, stewed tomato, tobacco and pepper flavours. Somewhat rootsy, resiny oak finish with some acidity and dryness showing. Lacks the usual ripeness and balance. Must be a victim of the difficult smoky 2003 vintage.Prices:| BC | $44.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSome change since first tasting 10 months ago. Peppery, spicy, black olive, green bean, cassis, smoky aromas. Dry, round, slightly lean entry but fairly soft if angular. Lots of smoky, tar, coffee, cassis, tobacco leaf, black olive, earthy flavours. Tannins have softened but the finish is stil very warm. Should improve over the next year or try with beef.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $21.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.15 | 750ml |
| QC | $21.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $24.22 | 750ml |
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22 August 2006
87PTS
Ca' del Solo Malvasia Bianca 2005
Central Coast, California, United StatesMalvasia Bianca is muscat in Piedmont but this comes form California's central coast courtesy of Bonny Doon. Open sweaty citrus notes on the nose with mint and grapefruit undertones. Rich mineral honey apple flavours dominate its sweetish palate. Serve well chilled on the patio or with spicy cuisine.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.20 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Sumac Ridge Sauvignon Blanc Private Reserve 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFresh melon buttery nose hints of lime rind and smoke and mineral. Sweet and sour on entry with a buttery, vanilla, and honey flavoured mid-palate with bits of grapefruit rind and vanilla throughout the back end. The finish is slightly bitter.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.75 | 750ml |
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21 August 2006
86PTS
Ruffino Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale (Tan Label) 2002
Tuscany, ItalyVery smoky, pruny, barnyard, tobacco, gamey, dried cherry nose. Dry, tight, round palate with earthy, tobacco, sour cherry, mineral, smoky, leather flavours. A bit dry, thin and lean on the palate, typical of the difficult vintage. Drink this one early to mid-term.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Castiglion del Bosco Campo del Drago Brunello di Montalcino 2000
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyPeppery, smoky, gamey, licorice root, spicy, black cherry nose with some black olive, saddle leather, coffee and chocolate in the background. Rich, round, supple style with some elegance. Smoky, black cherry, ash, licorice, plum, orange rind flavours with some coffee and cassis on the finish. Good length, should improve over the next 2-3 years but drinkable now. Well made serious Brunello.Prices:| BC | $89.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $75.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Peller Estates Private Reserve Trinity Icewine 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom a mix of vidal riesling Ehrenfelser, Trinity opens with orange marmalade, plasticene, dried apricot, baked pear, mineral, citrus nose with a floral note. Ripe, rich, round, somewhat unctuous palate with good acidity. Fine ripe peach, orange, honey and green apple flavours with good acidity and freshness on the finish. Perfect drinking now.Prices:| BC | $54.99 | 375ml |
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88PTS
Herder Three Sisters 2005
Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAttractive floral, spicy, perfumy, lychee, green apple, honey nose. Ripe, round, elegant and fresh on the palate with mineral, green apple skin, perfumed, orange, grapefruit skin and honey flavours with a touch of citrus rind in the finish. Fresh, dry, well balanced wine for spicy seafood or chicken.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Saumur Lieu-dit Les Pouches 2005
Saumur, Loire, FranceFresh green apple, mineral, floral, honey, clover and green melon aromas with a smoky note. Lovely full-bodied style with ripe acidity. Lots of green apple, juicy citrus, mineral, honey, almond flavours. Brisk but rich and balanced to have with fresh grilled fish or scallops. Great value.Prices:| BC | $15.85 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Napa Valley Vineyards Merlot 2002
Napa Valley, California, United StatesCorked try anotherPrices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Dancing Bull Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
California, United StatesPeppery, earthy, smoky, barnyard, tobacco nose. Round, soft, slightly sweet and sour entry with pruny, smoky, spicy, peppery, cassis, resiny flavours. Skinny and not very ripe with elevated acidity.Prices:| US | $18.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Ernest & Julio Gallo Cabernet Sauvignon Frei Ranch Vineyard 2002
Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesBig spicy, minty, cassis jam, blackberry, floral, peppery aromas with a touch of dark chocolate and coffee. Rich, round, fresh and smooth with supple grainy tannins. Intense cassis, blackberry, peppery, spicy, cedar, cardamom, bitter chocolate flavours with some resin and vanilla on the finish. Great fruit intensity and richness if a touch acidic on the finish. Needs 3-5 years to hit its stride. Solid sabernet.Prices:| BC | $39.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Gallo of Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon Barrelli Creek Vineyard 2002
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesSmoky, peppery, cedar, tobacco, black olive, leather, cassis nose. Round, dry, elegant, moderately rich palate but dry tannins. Cedar-y, resiny, coffee, prune, earthy, cassis, cardamom flavours. A bit chunky and hot with some acidity showing on the finish. Needs a few years to round out and hopefully tame the acidity.Prices:| BC | $34.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Frei Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2003
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesPeppery, chocolate, cassis, tobacco, cardamom nose. Round, dry, rich, slightly tannic palate. Big vanilla, coffee, cedar, tobacco, blackberry, earthy, meaty, cassis flavours. Very solid, chunky style with some good varietal character.Prices:| US | $19.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Bolla Valpolicella Classico Superiore Le Poiane 2000
Verona, Veneto, ItalyVery lifted smoky, pruny, cigar, sweaty leather, cherry, almond nose. Dry, lean, tight but elegant palate with smoky leather, cigar, prune, earthy, rootsy flavours. High acid, warm finish that is very old style.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bolla Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2003
Pedemonte Valpolicella, Verona, Veneto, ItalyPeppery, spicy, minty, cherry, almond, smoky, tobacco, floral nose but very warm. Warm, dense, round, somewhat tannic palate but warm with some acidity. Big meaty, smoky, cherry, plum, chocolate, leather, almond, minty flavours with a big warm, tobacco finish. Needs some hard cheeses or a venison stew to mellow out the edges.Prices:| BC | $47.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Castello Banfi Poggio Alle Mura Brunello di Montalcino 1999
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyChocolate, prune, meaty, gamey, peppery, spicy, leather and barnyard aromas. Rich, round, dry palate with some grainy tannin. Smoky, cigar, licorice, peppery, meaty, coffee, leather flavours. Good intensity, just a bit young and rustic and old style.Prices:| BC | $76.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Kanawinka Ridge Limestone Coast Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Mount Benson, Limestone Coast, South Australia, AustraliaBig leafy tobacco, smoky, peppery, minty, leather nose. Round, soft, smooth palate that is fresh and slightly sweet with cassis, leafy tobacco, earthy, olive flavours. Warm, sweet and sour finish with light tannins.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Ferngrove Merlot 2003
Franklin River, Great Southern, Western Australia, AustraliaPeppery, leafy, smoky, leather, cherry aromas. Dry, round, slightly tannic palate with a touch of acidity and warmth. Tobacco, spicy, dark chocolate, licorice, cherry, leather flavours. Warm, lean finish. Could use more fruit and richness.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wits End The Procrastinator 2005
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaLifted candied, cherry, spicy, tobacco, peppery nose. Soft, round, supple textures on the palate with cherry, smoky, earthy, leafy, cigar flavours. Solid, fruity style but the finish is warm with some acidity showing through. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino 2001
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyBig meaty, waxy, spicy, peppery, black cherry jam, floral, vanilla nose with tobacco, licorice and barnyard in the background. Rich, ripe, full and dry with supple tannins. Lots of black cherry, smoky, rootsy, meaty, orange, vanilla, bitter chocolate, tobacco and mineral flavours. Young tannins but ripe with good acidity balance and a slightly chewy finish. Needs 3-5 years to reach its optimum - from a great vintage too.Prices:| BC | $59.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $56.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mazzei Zisola 2004
Sicily, ItalyJanuary 2006 marked the premier release of Mazzei's Sicilian Estate wine. Floral, spicy, meaty, peppery, black cherry, tobacco nose with some licorice, chocolate and saddle leather mixed in. Ripe, round, smooth and dry with light tannins. Bright cherry, plum clove, peppery, meaty, clove and olive flavours with a touch of licorice and acidity at the end. Ready to drink and a good match for lamb and fowl dishes.Prices:| BC | $29.70 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Mazzei Serrata di Belguardo 2003
Maremma, Tuscany, ItalyFine peppery, gamey, sausage, cardamom nose with vanilla, black cherry, prune and addle leather notes. Rich and round but somewhat dry with some rustic tannins. Black cherry, cola, coffee and peppery, meaty, tarry cassis flavours. Warm, firm finish but nicely balanced. Will improve over the next 1-3 years.Prices:| BC | $29.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.70 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Mazzei Castello di Fonterutoli Chianti Classico 2001
Tuscany, ItalyDeep cherry colour. Big smoky, spicy, coffee, peppery, gamey, cigar nose with black cherry jam, clove and a touch of saddle leather. Dry, round, elegant style with light, grainy supple tannins. Nice peppery, black cherry, licorice, spicy, mocha, peppery, cassis and black olive flavours with a tobacco, coffee, leather finish. Good finesse with slightly tight tannins but try now with grilled meats or stews, but will improve over the next 2-5 years. Fine effort from a fine vintage.Prices:| BC | $69.35 | 750ml |
| AB | $64.95 | 750ml |
| SAQ | $41.25 | 750ml |
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19 August 2006
87PTS
Georges Duboeuf Saint Véran 2003
Saint Véran, Mâconnais, Burgundy, FranceOpen floral honeyed nose with grass, toasted nut and banana/pear aromas and flavours. The palate is dry and firm with just enough acidity and weight to hold your interest. Clean fresh and richer than you might expect.Prices:| BC | $16.30 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Lake Breeze Gewurztraminer 2005
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWinemaker Garron Elmes is changing yeasts and enzymes and the fruit is getting older at Lake Breeze offering more fruit with mineral, floral, peach notes and a hint of summer sausage meat. The style refreshing with juts a dusting of sweet fruit in the finish. A mini Wild Goose.Prices:| BC | $14.90 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Rollingdale 2004 Gewurztraminer 2005
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOily twiggy citrus palate with floral spicy undertones. Dry and earthy and quite tart on the palate. Very much in the French Alsace style albeit with lighter weight and less length. Made with organically grown grapes and designed for food.Prices:| BC | $13.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
See Ya Later Ranch Pinot 3 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery floral, perfumed, mineral, peach pit nose with pear and lime rind aromas. Dry, round, warm, elegant palate with baked pear, mineral, citrus, canned peach flavours with some bitter grapefruit rind on the finish. Ageing gracefully.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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18 August 2006
88PTS
Finca Luzon Jumilla Organic 2005
Jumilla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainOne of the best (and most affordable organic wines in the market) is back and the '05 vintage is even better. Love the rich gamey savoury chocolate, black fruit nose. Ripe and round on entry the textures are supple but with just enough acidity. Long warm, peppery, fruit flavours with more cherry chocolate and earth in the finish.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Bodegas Palacio Glorioso Rioja Crianza 2003
Rioja Alta, Rioja, SpainIf you've had it with blockbuster reds maybe you should consider Rioja and the understated elegance of tempranillo. Soft and silky on entry the 03 Palacio mixes smoky berry fruit with a touch of earth underneath. The people of Rioja love to serve this with lamb.Prices:| BC | $16.84 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Campo Castillo 2004
Campo de Borja, Aragon, SpainA tasty cheap, fruity red wine. Light peppery entry with a sweet raspberry fruit nose and palate. A trace acidic but otherwise a fun little sipper that will repay the pocket book. A party red for the patio.Prices:| BC | $9.99 | 750ml |
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17 August 2006
89PTS
Louis Bernard Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2003
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceSpicy garrigue, peppery, gamey, black cherry, smoky, rootsy nose. Soft, round, dry and elegant style with very light tannins. Bright black cherry, plum, smoky, peppery, spicy, licorice root, mineral flavours. More delicate, spicy style for current drinking or over the next 2 years. Has good acidity to match a meat course like lamb.Prices:| BC | $33.80 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Lake Breeze Semillon 2005
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLeesy, buttery, hay, fig, cooked grapefruit aromas. Dry, round, elegant palate with grassy, grapefruit, mineral, buttery, lime oil flavours. Solid. Ready to drink but you could hold for a year or two.Prices:| BC | $16.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tantalus Riesling 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaInviting floral, orange, peach nose with baked pear notes and a minty, gooseberry streak. Round, full, fresh palate with lime rind, green apple, floral, green peach and mint flavours. Very crisp, lip smacking austere style riesling with a zippy finish that is near dry. Sophisticated styling for food. Well done.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Rollingdale Sweet Tooth Series 2004 Pinot Blanc Icewine 2004
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRipe pear, apricot, red apple, marzipan, egg yolk aromas. Rich, sweet, intense palate with good acidity. Baked peach, apple, orange, creamy, mango and honey flavours. Fine fruit and acidity with good intensity. Well done and a nice surprise for pinot blanc.Prices:| BC | $70.00 | 375ml |
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86PTS
Chateau Les Bertrands 2005
Bordeaux, FranceSmoky, passion fruit, mineral, grassy, floral, lees nose. Dry, round, soft palate with lemon, lees, smoky, mineral, grapefruit rind flavours. Simple, easy style for oysters and mussels. The blend is fairly typical 80/20 sauvignon/muscadelle.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Cape Jaffa Shiraz 2002
Mount Benson, Limestone Coast, South Australia, AustraliaSmoky, peppery, sausage, tobacco, licorice root, vanilla aromas with a touch of black berry and compost. Ripe, round, dry, slightly tannic palate with licorice, floral, spicy, peppery, minty, black cherry, smoky flavours. Finish is a bit tart with some cedar and chocolate but this will improve over tome in the bottle. Currently just give a little extra air-time before serving.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Blasted Church Syrah 2004
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, peppery, chocolate pudding, sausage, boysenberry, garrigue nose. Dry, round, elegant style but a bit light weight with a touch of acidity showing. Floral, smoky, cherry, meaty, clove, vanilla flavours. Fresh, delicate style but needs food to tame the acidity.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Lindemans Bin 50 Shiraz 2005
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaSpicy, blackberry, black cherry aromas with some licorice. Warm, round, soft and ripe with licorice, blackberry, plum and pudding flavours. Fresh, easy style with good fruit and a touch of sweetness.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $13.48 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $12.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $13.49 | 750ml |
| PEI | $14.98 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.48 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Banfi Le Rime Chardonnay & Pinot Grigio 2004
Tuscany, ItalyGrapefruit, mineral, smoky, floral, light melon nose. Crisp, round, dry style with red apple, grapefruit, mineral, almond flavours. Dryer style for grilled fish or shellfish.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Vina Casablanca Syrah Coleccion Privada 2004
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChilePeppery, spicy, black berry, prune, smoky, roasted pepper aromas. Round, soft, dry, supple palate with minty, smoky, plum, peppery, earthy, meaty flavours with a touch of vanilla and clove. Good solid red for the richer dishes of fall and winter. Great value.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
La Frenz Small Lots Riesling 2005
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRipe apple, honey, clover, peach, floral nose. Ripe, round, fresh palate with some sweetness but nice acidity. Baked pear, green peach, lime, mineral and floral flavours with a fresh, tart, fruity finish. Well made wine for food or sipping.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
La Frenz Semillon 2005
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFig, grapefruit, melon, floral, mineral aromas. Round, fresh, elegant palate with a touch of sweetness. Juicy grapefruit, green apple, grassy, melon flavours. Well balanced, fruity, fresh style for current drinking. Another winner and good value.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Kim Crawford Small Parcel SP Bone Dry Marlborough Riesling Anderson Vineyard 2004
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandVaseline, nectarine skin, floral, green apple, lime aromas. Very dry, clean, delicate palate with mineral, green apple skin, smoky, lime rind flavours. Crisp, dry finish. Much like a dry Kabinett.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.65 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Kim Crawford Pinot Gris 2004
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandSmoky, mineral, marzipan, buttery, pear skin and nectarine aromas. Round, dry, rich and elegant with buttery, grapefruit, nectarine, smoky mineral flavours. Delicate balance and stylish with a crisp finish.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.65 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Stellaport Elephant Island NV
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPort-style wine made exclusively from the Stella cherry and aged in French oak. Similar to last edition with big black pepper, intense prune, maraschino, sweaty game, barnyard, cigar aromas. Fat, warm, medium sweetness with good acidity. Very smoky, pruny, dried cherry, meaty, vanilla flavours. High acidity but very intense flavours with some light tannins in a somewhat oxidized style.Prices:| BC | $36.90 | 375ml |
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16 August 2006
85PTS
Desert Hills Syrah 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSomewhat wild nose with gamey, meaty sausage, rubber boot, peppery, spicy, black cherry aromas. Dry, somewhat tight entry with light tannins. Spicy, vanilla, clove, meaty, cherry, peppery, game flavours with some roasted tomato on the finish. A bit tart and warm in the finish.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Mirassou Monterey Pinot Noir 2005
Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesGood colour with cooked strawberry, carrot top, rhubarb, rootsy, leafy aromas. Soft, round, slightly sweet palate with rhubarb, carrot, cherry, compost flavours with light tannins. Easy drinking, simple style.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Stag's Hollow Pinot Noir 2004
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCaraway, rhubarb, rootsy, minty, waxy, cherry nose. Dry, slightly lean entry with light cedar-y tannins. Rhubarb, leafy, resiny, sour cherry, compost, vanilla flavours with a dry, somewhat tart finish. Will be best with food like duck confit.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Kim Crawford Rekka Sweet Wine 2004
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandReka is a Maori word meaning sweet. Floral, egg yolk, honey, plasticene, Vaseline, baked apple aromas. Moderately sweet, ripe entry but elegant with dried apricot, baked apple, orange, Vaseline, mineral flavours. Slightly fat, warm finish but we love the fruit and intensity. Well done.Prices:| NZ | $16.95 | 375ml |
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89PTS
Kim Crawford Dry Riesling 2003
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandWinemaker Kim Crawford uses two Marlborough vineyards that ripen later and offering differing flavour profiles he can use to make this wine. Lots of petrol, Vaseline, orange, smoky, green apple skin nose. Round, elegant, fresh palate and balanced with juicy orange, red apple, Vaseline, lime and apricot flavours. Well balanced, crisp, juicy finish with some fruit intensity. Great wine.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.65 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Georges Duboeuf Juliénas La Trinquée Beaujolais 2004
Juliénas, Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, Francecorked, try another bottle.Prices:| BC | $20.40 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.55 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Golden Mile Cabernet Franc Luckhurst Family Vineyards 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig tobacco ash, rootsy, leafy, cranberry, minty nose with flecks of black olive and resiny oak. Dry, round, supple palate with cranberry, smoky, coffee, tobacco, minty, black olive flavours and a resiny, warm, oak vanilla finish. A bit light weight with a slightly skinny finish.Prices:| BC | $23.90 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Golden Mile Cabernet Syrah Luckhurst Family Vineyards 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery peppery, spicy, sweaty, gamey nose with vanilla, rootsy, leafy, olive notes. The blend is 75/25 cabernet syrah the textures dry and somewhat lean on entry with some acidity showing through. Smoky, resiny, tomato leaf, peppery, vanilla, clove, cranberry flavours. A bit too acidic and lean with oak dominant at this point.Prices:| BC | $23.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Golden Mile Road Sauvignon Blanc Chenin Blanc Luckhurst Family Vineyards 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGrapefruit rind, green apple skin, peach skin, mineral, grassy nose. Round, fresh, slightly sweet entry with grapefruit rind, honey, green apple, citrus, spicy flavours with a touch of gooseberry and bitter rind on the finish. Zippy, fresh style perfect for appetizers or to serve solo on the patio.Prices:| BC | $18.90 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Golden Mile Road 13 White Luckhurst Family Vineyards 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFresh floral, white peach, perfumed, orange, mineral nose with a touch of grapefruit. Fresh, round, sweet and sour entry with grapefruit juice, lime rind, green apple skin, mineral flavours. Fairly dry, zesty, rind-y finish showing more zip than the last vintage.Prices:| BC | $16.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Desert Hills Syrah Select 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCleaner nose than the regular edition with chocolate, espresso, black cherry, gamey, spicy, black pepper aromas and bits of sage and licorice root. Dry, round, supple palate with vanilla, clove, poultry spice, chocolate pudding, cherry flavours and a slightly tart, maraschino, milk chocolate finish.Prices:| BC | $31.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Desert Hills Gamay 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig spicy, black cherry, licorice, meaty aromas with a peppery streak. Soft, round, supple style with clove, spicy, meaty, black cherry, mocha, mineral flavours. Supple and ready to go. One of the better gamays in the valley.Prices:| BC | $16.90 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Desert Hills Meritage 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCorked, try another bottle.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Rodney Strong Russian River Pinot Noir Estate Vineyards 2004
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesVery cool aromas with caraway, carrot top, forest floor, barnyard, minty, clove aromas. Dry, tight palate with some acidity and dry tannins showing. Rhubarb, floral, compost, carrot top, vanilla, clove flavours. Leaner and cooler characters than past vintages.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.50 | 750ml |
| US | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.95 | 750ml |
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15 August 2006
89PTS
Herder Chardonnay Twin Benches 2005
British Columbia, CanadaMineral, lees, spicy, smoky, baked apple, honey and vanilla nose with a touch of citrus. Round, full, soft palate with ripe peach, red apple, honey, creamy lees, vanilla flavours with a nutty, citrus finish. Good solid effort that's ready to drink. Best yet from Lawrence who seems to well understand the nuances of chardonnay. There's 30 per cent of wild ferment juice in the mix.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Jean-Marc Brocard Chablis Montmains 1er Cru 2004
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceSmoky lees, mineral, nutty, toasty, citrus aromas. Round, dry, elegant entry with toasty lees, mineral, green apple skin, citrus and butter flavours. Good finesse but a bit lighter weight in a regular year for Chablis.Prices:| BC | $35.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $33.85 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Louis Latour Ardèche Chardonnay 2004
FranceMineral, nutty, lees, spicy white floral nose. Elegant, dry, soft entry with buttery, leesy, mineral, apple skin flavours. Lean in a French way but solid and at a fair price.Prices:| BC | $13.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Bouchard Aîné & Fils Chardonnay 2005
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceRipe apple, lees, mineral, citrus skin, slightly floral nose. Round, dry, slightly tight but elegant style with green apple, smoky, mineral, light lees flavours with a touch of honey and a crisp finish. Good solid food wine that exhibits chardonnay character. Good value.Prices:| AB | $11.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Laughing Stock Vineyards Chardonnay 2005
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCitrus, buttery, vanilla, waxy, nutty, baked peach aromas with a honey, mineral streak. Soft, round, elegant entry with a touch of sweetness. Creamy, leesy, nutty, vanilla, honey, pineapple flavours with some mineral, apple skin on the finish. Well made, attractive consumer style.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Rollingdale 2004 Chardonnay 2004
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCitrus, lees, butter, mango, bread dough nose with a floral, apple skin note. Dry, tight, slightly austere entry with lees, butter, mineral, green apple skin, citrus flavours. Hot, slightly thin finish with a skinny edge.Prices:| BC | $23.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Soaring Eagle Chardonnay Limited Edition 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHoney, butter, ripe peach, baked apple, lees nose with a hint of nectarine skin. Round, dry, elegant style with good acidity. Simple flavours with green apple, lees, butter and nectarine. Solid performer.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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81PTS
Mistral Chardonnay 2005
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGarlic, lees, matchstick, bread dough aromas. Round, dry, slightly bitter entry with mineral, butter, lees flavours. Not much here to recommend.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Gallo Sonoma Chardonnay 2003
Sonoma County, California, United StatesAn odd collection of garlicky lees, honey, baked peach and maraschino aromas. Dry, round, rich, elegant style on the palate with fine acidity and balance. Honey, green apple, lees, vanilla, citrus flavours with a touch of spicy garlic on the finish. Honest expression, solid styling.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Stag's Hollow Chardonnay 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaButtery, vanilla, leesy, nutty, mineral, slightly matchstick nose. Round, flat, soft entry with buttered popcorn, citrus, baked pear flavours with a slightly bitter, old butter finish. Drink up.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Kim Crawford Chardonnay Unoaked 2004
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandYeasty, mineral, lees, sea water, baked green apple, citrus nose. Dry, slightly lean entry with mineral, citrus rind, apple skin, dried seaweed flavours. Lightweight, cool-climate chardonnay.Prices:| AB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Kim Crawford Pinot Noir 2004
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandSpicy, carrot top, rhubarb, cherry nose. Fresh, round, soft, juicy palate with cherry, earthy, rootsy, orange peel, carrot top and strawberry flavours. Crisp, round, juicy style with good fruit character.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.90 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $23.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $21.94 | 750ml |
| PEI | $21.98 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Saturna Island Chardonnay Un-oaked 2005
Southern Gulf Islands, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, green, minty, herbal artichoke nose with green apple skin undertones. Dry, light, delicate wine with mineral, apple skin, slightly green mint flavours. Clean, easy wine but not much fruit. Needs food. All island fruit.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Barone Ricasoli Torricello Chardonnay di Toscana 2004
Tuscany, ItalySpicy, nutty, leesy, baked apple, floral, mineral nose. Dry, crisp, round entry with hazelnut, spicy, mineral, green apple skin, citrus flavours. Good acidity, slightly austere, lean Italian-style but well made. Try with roasted chicken.Prices:| QC | $26.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Golden Mile Road Chardonnay No Wood Luckhurst Family Vineyards 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCitrus, floral, peach, light butter and mineral aromas. Dry, round, crisp elegant palate with light butter, citrus, mineral, nectarine and honey flavours. Solid, crisp, fresh style. Good value.Prices:| BC | $15.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Desert Hills Unoaked Chardonnay 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, green apple skin, nectarine, cherry skin aromas. Dry, light, elegant palate with green apple skin, mineral, honey, minty flavours. Simple, clean un-wooded style. Drink now.Prices:| BC | $15.90 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Tall Horse Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Western Cape, South AfricaSlightly dirty SA nose of leather and blackberry with earthy spicy undertones. Blueberry and cedar flavours predominate on the palate with more spicy earthy undercurrents. It tastes a lot better in the glass than the nose indicates. An easy-sipping red for mid-week sipping or for just horsing around.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
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14 August 2006
86PTS
Gray Monk Gewürztraminer 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAnother solid effort from Gray Monk that delivers a bright floral fruit nose streaked with peach and spice and just a touch of minerality. It's a lightweight on the mid-palate showing some sweetness and elegance. The finish is a typical mix of meaty sausage mineral flavours with a touch or rosewater. Well made. Think turkey or serve solo as an apéritif.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Oak Bay Vineyard Gewürztraminer 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen, soapy floral nose with lychee fruit and some oily undercurrents. Fairly soft acidity with just a dusting of sweetness. The fruit flavours mix citrus, peach and rootsy licorice bits. Easy-sipping style but not quite as fruity as previous editions.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais 2005
Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceThis is certainly one of the darkest coloured Beaujolais we've seen in years. The much heralded 2005 vintage in France has given this modest fruity quaffer a definite lift. Look for increased intensity and a bit spicier, cherry, floral fruit flavours. There is refreshing acidity throughout to remind you that this is French with juicy black fruit in the finish. It begs for food. Quail would be perfect.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.95 | 750ml |
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13 August 2006
85PTS
Obikwa Rosé 2005
Western Cape, South AfricaObikwa Rosé is made from pinotage cold-soaked overnight and lightly pressed. The entry seems ripe and sweet but there is fine acidity and it tends to balance out the sugar in the back end. Cleaner than most South African reds in the market it offer sup a spicy plummy strawberry fruit flavour. A solid 85 and very affordable.Prices:| BC | $9.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.25 | 750ml |
| ON | $8.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Tormaresca Paiara Rosé 2005
Puglia, ItalyPaiara Rose is made with negroamaro, traditional red grape from southern Italy. In this case the Apulian property is owned by the folks at Antinori which may explain the high acid and dry crisp nature of this rosé. . Perfect for appetizers there is little or no sweet fruit to mess up the food. Very crisp and lip smacking it seems perfect for crab cakes or buttered corn on the cob. Worth tasting.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $7.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Fazi Battaglia Titulus Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico 2004
Marche, ItalyConsistently clean and fresh this verdicchio offers up the standard citrus, mineral almond notes on the nose and in the mouth with slightly oily textures at the back end. Dry, round, elegant. Its light, lemony mineral finish is just what the doctored order when you need a flavourful but light wine. Think clams and or mussels here.Prices:| BC | $14.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Domingos Soares Franco & Christiano van Zeller Domini 2002
Douro Superior, Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalFine dark colour. The regular Domini is fermented in stainless steel mixing fruit from Rio Torto and Pinhão that ages about 6 months in used oak. Look for a soft inviting red with savoury notes and plummy flavours. A little less acidity this year has added to its appeal. Best with grilled or roasted meat dishes.Prices:| BC | $15.90 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Periquita 2002
Vinho Regional Terras do Sado, Setúbal Peninsula, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalPeriquita has really been clean up in the past two vintages smoothing out in the mouth and shedding the animal notes. It's still a Euro style red that calls for sausages and the like but it has enough dry, black cherry fruit flavours to keep it interesting. Still with fresh acidity it's more of barbecue red than a sipper. Fine value.Prices:| BC | $10.90 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.20 | 750ml |
| QC | $12.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
CedarCreek Pinot Blanc 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAnother solid pinot blanc featuring apple/mineral components. A fruit forward easy sipping white with a peach and canned citrus aftertaste with flecks of butterscotch and baked pear. Tasty and ready to drink. Prices:| BC | $14.09 | 750ml |
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89PTS
CedarCreek Platinum Reserve Meritage 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNow quite as ripe as previous version showing peppery, spicy, black olive cassis notes on the nose flecked with green bean and tobacco. The textures are supple if a bit skimpy. On the palate winemaker Tom Di Bello mixes fruit sources to deliver up a peppery, vanilla, cigar box, coffee mocha red with licorice and back cherry. Needs a bit more time in bottle to fatten up.Prices:| BC | $44.99 | 750ml |
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12 August 2006
87PTS
Borsao Selección Tinto Joven 2005 2005
Campo de Borja, Aragon, SpainA mix of mostly garnacha with tempranillo and cabernet sauvignon from Campo de Borja in the North of Spain. Much riper nose and far better fruit than the '04. The winery move form natural cork in '04 to synthetic in '05 and it looks like a good move. Black fruit dominates the mid-palate with licorice and spicy undertones and good acidity and an almost youthful grapey finish. Should be very appealing to that consumer moving away from the simple, sweet, introductory reds.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Mission Hill Fairmont Chardonnay 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen spicy, vanilla, buttery melon nose with green apple and mineral highlights. Soft, dry and oily on the palate with grapefruit rind, butter, and vanilla and melon fruit flavours. Soft and buttery finish. A bit old fashioned in style but well made.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Vina Chilcaya Chardonnay Reserva 2005
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileViña Chilcaya or 'liquid gem' in native Mapuche is made by Viña Bisquertt for Gallo in Chile's Colchagua Valley. Look for a bright well made chardonnay with creamy pear and mineral flavours flecked with citrus and spice. Fine value.Prices:| AB | $12.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Calina Chardonnay Reserva 2004
Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileIt's been a while since we've seen this Casablanca chardonnay and boy have we been missing out. The reserva term has no official designation but the wine is all quality. Bright tropical fruit with a cool mineral lees streak that just keeps dragging you back into the glass. So fresh and crisp could there be some Limari fruit in here too? Love the creamy mineral finish. First class table wine at a terrific price.Prices:| US | $7.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Cono Sur Visión Riesling 2004
Valle del Bio-Bio, ChileThe Visión Cono Sur riesling comes off the gravel-base Quitralmán Estate in Bio-Bio. This is juicy fruity riesling with red apple and peachy fruit everywhere. Fresh ripe juicy wine with flecks of honey in the back end. This is vibrant, impressive Chilean Riesling that should turn heads in the export market.Prices:| CDN | $18.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Cono Sur Riesling Limited Release 2005
Valle del Bio-Bio, ChileFresh bright simple fresh white wine that is stainless steel fermented. The Limited Release or entry level riesling boasts decent aromatics of fresh citrus fruit with alight mineral streak. Clean easy sipping white that delivers for the price. It's early days for Bio-Bio region but I'm sure you will hear more from this southern region.Prices:| CDN | $9.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Cono Sur Reserve Chardonnay 2005
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileThe Reserve is a blend of Casablanca estates fruit that gets a 60 40 wood versus stainless steel ferment where the wood is 90 new French oak. The style is softer and a bit more open showing ripe melon, mineral and citrus lime rind notes. Creamy but less well defined in the mouth and showing some dryness in the back end. Solid if unexciting compared to the aromatic varietals made at Cono Sur.Prices:| CDN | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Cono Sur 20 Barrels Chardonnay 2005
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileThis is new style chardonnay mixing mineral and citrus side with ripe tropical floral aromatics and a creamy, vanilla underside. Like many top chardonnay it has an exotic touch of orange peel in the back end. Lovely effort and bodes well for the future of Chilean chardonnay. Winemaker Adolfo Hurtado seems to have a fine handle on the balance, oak and structure of this varietal.Prices:| CDN | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Cono Sur 20 Barrels Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileThe 2005 is first 20 barrels sauvignon blanc. Grown within a few kilometres of the cool Pacific it has a big fresh mineral gooseberry nose with a whiff of sea salt. On the palate, it is crisp and extremely clean with fine aromatics reminiscent of lemons, grapefruit, mineral and grass. Big and full with peppery, juicy, citrus fruit in the finish. All stainless steel and a screwcap finish ensure a very fresh example.Prices:| CDN | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Cono Sur Visión Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileThe Visión Cono Sur sauvignon comes off gravel-base vineyards sites: Santa Elisa and Quitralmán Estates. Cool nights and foggy mornings have given this sauvignon a marvellous fresh floral nose streaked with citrus, asparagus and bell pepper. Clean and dry this is classic Casablanca sauvignon. Good value.Prices:| CDN | $18.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Napa Valley Vineyards Chardonnay 2004
Napa Valley, California, United StatesNapa Valley Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay is a sweetish fruity style chardonnay with sweet melon aromas and flavours with streaks of vanilla and pear and orange rind. A bit on the old fashioned side but otherwise solid for the price.Prices:| US | $14.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Frei Brothers Chardonnay Reserve 2004
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesThis is well made Russian River chardonnay with plenty of citrus and lemon highlights and just honey to give it some fine mid-weight length. Fine blance and crisp in the finish. The oak is very well managed. Halibut comes to mind here with a zesty fruit salsa.Prices:| US | $15.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Dancing Bull Chardonnay 2004
Sonoma County, California, United StatesA synthetic cork and minimally oaked chardonnay from Gallo, welcome to the 21st century. This is a fun sipping, cool-climate, melon and citrus flavoured white with just a pinch of spice. The finish is crisp and clean. What's next a screw cap?Prices:| US | $8.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Langhorne Crossing Chardonnay Riesling Verdelho 2004
Langhorne Creek, South Australia, AustraliaGood value here in what is essentially a summer sipper. The Riesling and verdelho appears to lift the fruit in the glass. Bright crisp tropical fruit flavours with a touch o bitterness and alcohol in the finish. Simple straight-up white for a mid-week curry dish.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Cono Sur Viognier Limited Release 2005
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileThis wine goes from strength to strength and the price must be embarrassing to many other wines. The nose is full, spicy open and brimming with orange citrus notes. Only 40 per cent of the wine sees wood the rest is kept in stainless steel. The palate is fresh and dry with honey and mineral flavours. Serve well chilled all summer this is patio superstar. Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Matetic EQ Equlibrio Syrah 2004
Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileHuge garrigue, peppery, licorice root, gamey, smoky, menthol, shoe leather nose with some black cherry in the background. Rich, ripe, round, elegant style with supple tannins but dry. Very smoky, meaty, spicy, menthol, black cherry, cassis, garrigue flavours with a licorice root, cool cherry, roasted bell pepper finish. Very good finesse and balance, similar to a cooler Hermitage. Will improve over the next 2-5 years.Prices:| BC | $42.95 | 750ml |
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09 August 2006
85PTS
Gray Monk Pinot Gris 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight pink hue. Grapefruit, mineral, green apple aromas with a floral note. Round, crisp, fresh with some sweet and sour balance. Candied grapefruit, green apple, pear and citrus flavours. Simple, easy, commercial style for drinking on the patio or as aperitif before dinner.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Lake Breeze Pinot Gris 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMineral, floral, white peach, pear aromas with a slight almond note. Ripe, round, fresh palate with a touch of sweetness. Ripe pear, red apple, citrus, chalky mineral flavours. Good fruity, citrus apple skin and butter finish. Attractive style for food or sipping.Prices:| BC | $15.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Lurton Mendoza Pinot Gris 2005
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaVery floral, perfumy, ripe pear, red apple, mineral nose. Rich, round, fresh, slightly sweet entry with citrus, baked pear, apple flavours and nutty floral finish. Full, good fruit, slightly viscous style. Very good value when compare to B.C.Prices:| BC | $11.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.35 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Terre Palladiane Pinot Grigio delle Venezie 2005
Veneto, ItalyRipe pear, almond, mineral, peach skin nose with a floral note. Soft, round, dry and fresh with similar flavours and some quince and citrus rind on the finish. Solid food wine although a touch leaner than last vintage.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Sandhill Pinot Gris King Family Vineyard 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLime, smoky, grassy, nutty, butter aromas with a slightly herbaceous note. Round, crisp, dry palate with mineral, smoky lime zest, green apple skin, butter and floral flavours. A bit more austere style with a slightly grassy finish.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Laughing Stock Vineyards Pinot Gris 2005
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, mineral, nutty lees, butter, baked pear and cedar aromas with an earthy note. Rich, ripe, round, slightly fat entry with good acidity and a touch of sweetness. Vanilla, butter, citrus, baked pear, earthy mineral flavours with a hint of peach and apple skin on the finish. A bit warm (alcoholic) but stylish and well made.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Red Rooster Pinot Gris 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight pear, floral, butter, mineral, apple skin nose. Round, soft, fresh palate with some sweetness. Pear, mineral, citrus, cooked apple flavours with a clean, fresh finish. Easy-drinking, attractive consumer style.Prices:| BC | $16.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Staete Landt Pinot Gris 2005
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandWhite peach, vanilla, earthy, green apple skin, floral, buttery lees nose. Rich, round, elegant and fresh but dry. Butter, pear, lees, mineral, earthy, quince flavours with some citrus and honey on the finish. Very nice balance and freshness. Drink now and over the next 2 years.Prices:| BC | $27.75 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Inniskillin Okanagan Pinot Grigio Reserve 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, grapefruit, apple skin, pear aromas. Round, soft, fresh, slightly sweet entry with red apple, citrus, mineral, floral, nutty pear flavours with a touch of bitterness at the end. Solid.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Peller Estates Private Reserve Pinot Grigio 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMineral, butter, apple skin, soapy floral nose with a touch of matchstick. Soft, round, somewhat dry palate with butter, mineral, vanilla, bitter green apple skin flavours with a touch of peach skin. Could use a bit more fruit and intensity for the price.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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07 August 2006
94PTS
Highland Estates Camelot Highlands Chardonnay 2004
Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesAnother first rate release from KJ's Highland Estate series the Camelot Highlands Chardonnay 2004 from Santa Maria Valley in Santa Barbara County. Stunningly rich and sophisticated, it's 100 percent barrel fermented but by using only 35 per cent new French oak it has both power and elegance wrapped about a tropical fruit tour de force of pineapple, mango, baked apple pie and spicy vanilla. This is the full meal deal without being over the top. One of the best California chardonnay in the market at a highly attractive price. Think crab cakes with a sweet cherry tomato and corn relish.Prices:| BC | $48.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $36.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Kendall-Jackson Merlot Grand Reserve 2003
Sonoma - Napa, California, United StatesAn extended cold soak prior to fermentation continues to enhance the round, supple nature of this merlot with its spicy black fruit nose and cedar-y, olive underbelly. Similar flavours mark the palate with flecked with cherry cola and chocolate. The fruit is a rigourous selection of top lots from Sonoma (77) and Napa (23). Winemaker Randy Ullom is using 23 per cent new French oak here and it's really firm up the mid-plate and finish. Well done.Prices:| BC | $44.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $47.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay Grand Reserve 2004
Monterey - Santa Barbara, California, United StatesThe latest GR chardonnay fruit is split almost evenly between Monterey and Santa Barbara but still only represents about 3 per cent of total chardonnay that comes off all Jackson estates. The nose has a bright fresh fruit character of red apple and honey. On the palate it's luxurious with bits of tropical fruit, coconut, peaches, vanilla and spicy lees. Lovely styling with a bit green fruit in the finish. Definitely less fat in the mouth with more mineral and crisp fruit styling. Impressive.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $33.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
J. Lohr Syrah South Ridge 2004
Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, Central Coast, California, United StatesSmoky meaty garrigue hints on the nose with black cherry. Fairly dry entry and showing some acidity. Not as rich as you might expect with a fair amount of cedar bark, tobacco, boysenberry and black fruit. A bit more Oz than French with the cedar bark minty and acidity predominating.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Taj Mahal Premium Beer NV
IndiaMalt-y, floral, honey, earthy hops nose. Dry, rich, malt-y flavours with some honey, spicy, bitter hops on the finish. Elegant, slightly softer lager style designed for, what else Indian food. Just different enough to justify ordering it in the restaurant or pick some up in liquor stores for your next Indian take-out order.Prices:| BC | $2.10 | 330ml |
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87PTS
Ca' del Solo Big House Red 2004
California, United StatesBig House Red continues to turn my head. It's still a pile of fruit with and an earthy herbal meaty underbelly. There's plenty of acidity to balance off the black raspberry fruit and juniper fruit flavours. Rustic rich and quaffable. Served with grilled sausages or a spicy spaghetti meat sauce. Love the screwcap. The blend is carignan, petite syrah, sangiovese.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Napa Valley Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
Napa Valley, California, United StatesThe Napa Valley Vineyards name was established in St. Helena back in 1949 long before the appellation became famous. Today the Louis Martini label (owned by Gallo) is a full-bodied red wine with a rind-y oily, mulberry spicy nose. The flavours are similar with earthy cedar bark and vanilla finish. Soft round easy-sipping Napa fruit that is ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Gallo Sierra Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
California, United StatesMedium ruby red with a strong leafy earthy nose. Smooth entry warm alcoholic peppery fruit entry with tea leaf and cassis notes. Simple straight-up introductory cabernet without a lot of varietal character.Prices:| BC | $9.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $8.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $8.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $8.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $10.45 | 750ml |
| NB | $8.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $8.98 | 750ml |
| PEI | $10.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $9.95 | 750ml |
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05 August 2006
90PTS
Kendall-Jackson Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Reserve 2003
Napa - Sonoma, California, United StatesBlends fruit from Napa and Sonoma and most of that off top benchland. Look for a rich black fruit nose with spicy, cassis notes. On the palate it's rich ripe and round with coffee, vanilla, peppery blackberry fruit flavours and a long smooth finish with substantial but soft tannins.Prices:| BC | $47.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $51.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $54.00 | 750ml |
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04 August 2006
86PTS
Kendall-Jackson Zinfandel Vintner's Reserve 2004
California, United StatesStandard straight up zinfandel with peppery, smoky saddle leather highlights. Simple fruity jammy style zin with spicy, vanilla and plum and black raspberry. Solid if a bit rustic.Prices:| US | $12.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Kendall-Jackson Merlot Vintner's Reserve 2003
California, United StatesThe '03 continues the tri-county blend of mountain, hillside and bench fruit from Sonoma, Mendocino and Napa counties. This above average merlot with a solid core of cedar-y plumy fruit streaked with cherries and pepper. The finish is well structured with complex flavours and fine-grained tannins.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.95 | 750ml |
| US | $18.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Kendall-Jackson Cabernet Sauvignon Vintner's Reserve 2003
California, United StatesThe delicious fruit you taste in the Kendall-Jackson Cabernet Sauvignon Vintner's Reserve 2003 is 50 per cent Sonoma sourced the rest is a split between Mendocino and Napa. The entry is smooth and well rounded with typical cassis and black fruit and spicy, earthy cedar and blackcurrant flavours. It spends 20 months in oak 15 percent of which is new French. Love the new lower price.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.95 | 750ml |
| US | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Kendall-Jackson Syrah Vintner's Reserve 2003
California, United StatesSoft-ish red fruit aromas with vanilla and cedar black cherry nuances. Not particularly syrah-like showing more fresh fruit and less of the spicy animal meaty tones of a syrah. Well made but simple introductory style.Prices:| US | $14.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Kendall-Jackson Riesling Vintner's Reserve 2005
California, United StatesOpen round sweet fruit nose with apricot and peach aromas. Similar on the palate with sweet orange blossom dried fruits and spice. Winemaker Randy Ullom bolsters his mostly Monterey riesling with 9 per cent gewürztraminer and 8 per cent viognier. Serve well chilled with spicy Asian foods or serve solo as a patio-style sipper.Prices:| US | $10.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Kendall-Jackson Sauvignon Blanc Vintner's Reserve 2005
California, United StatesThis is the best sauvignon we have tasted from the VR series yet. The nose is fresh with fine aromatics mixed with citrus grassy, lime rind aromas. On the palate more lemony fruit with a mineral, seawater undercurrent that really gives it a touch of complexity. The blend is 88/ 9/ 2 sauvignon blanc / sémillon / chardonnay. The fruit is predominately Lake County sourced. Well done and getting more modern.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay Vintner's Reserve 2005
California, United StatesNow 100 per cent Jackson Estates grown this 2 million case brand continues to amaze us. Look for freshness and fruit to dominate this chardonnay with its mango honey pineapple nuances. It's 89 per cent barrel fermented but it only spends 5 months in oak leaving it a fresh, mineral, citrus and peach skin demeanour. Fine elegance as usual thanks to 100 per cent cool coastal fruit. Very attractive new wave California style. Growing Regions include: 45% Monterey, 33% Santa Barbara, 19% Mendocino counties.Prices:| AB | $19.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $21.95 | 750ml |
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September 2006