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Tastings: September 2006
24 September 2006
84PTS
Castillo de Liria Bobal & Shiraz 2005
Valencia, Valencia and Murcia, SpainBits of fruit marked with dry earth and black cherry mark the nose of this mid-weight, quaffing dry red wine. The acidity keeps it fresh but it will show best with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $8.49 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Hardys VR Shiraz 2004
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaAromatic floral notes mark the nose that is flecked with blueberries and cherry candy floss aromas. Simple dry red with leathery candied undertones. Your basic table red bets served with rustic grilled dishes or stews.Prices:| BC | $8.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sandhill Merlot Sandhill Estate Vineyard 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTypical smoky, spicy rubbery notes with coffee, black cherry, celery salt, and a wisp of tobacco. Dry and firm on the palate with smoky oak, vanilla, resiny, tobacco and cherry flavours. Tight and youthful not showing much charm at this point but should settles down over the next year. Reasonable value but it's nearing the limit for what it is delivering.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Red Rooster Meritage 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIt opens Bordeaux-like with earthy, gravel, smoky cherry, mocha nose. Youthful tannins with plenty of meaty fruit streaked with peppers, black cherry, licorice and more coffee/mocha flavours. A touch warm and simple but this is a solid easy sipping red you can serve all winter.Prices:| BC | $29.90 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Red Rooster Merlot 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMuted nose of red fruits and black licorice with some herbal notes. Smoky earthy overtones with lifted fruit flavours and a touch of green tannin. Lacks balance and warmth. Simple merlot that's lacking warmth and texture.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Jackson-Triggs Meritage Proprietors' Grand Reserve 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFairly tight nose with a youthful spicy, peppery, smoky nose streaked with clove, black cherry jam and vanilla. Stylish round entry with some gripp-y youthful tannins. On the palate it's full-bodied with smoky, coffee mocha, black olive, licorice and savoury notes. Like most JT red editions another 2-4 years will really help settle this down. Solid red wine from the south Okanagan.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $20.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Hawthorne Mountain Merlot 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIt's been a while since we've seen this label but this is a very pleasant surprise from winemaker Dave Carson. The nose has an appealing red currant and spice scent with roasted licorice and vanilla pudding notes. Smooth and round on the palate, 9real merlot texture) with more spicy, smoky plummy fruit. Ripe fruit, fine balance and an attractive price. Real value here.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Sumac Ridge Cabernet Merlot Private Reserve 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen appealing nose of that mixes floral and cherry notes with vanilla and tobacco and olive aromas. Simple styling, easy drinking style with sweet vanilla, coffee, cherry, and savoury tobacco flavours. Soft and round in the finish. Solid, affordable, good value, entry-level red.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.50 | 750ml |
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23 September 2006
86PTS
Arrowleaf Zweigelt 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen smoky lifted fruit nose. Ripe juicy cherry fruit flavours mixed with licorice vanilla and some bitter green notes. A clean, medium-bodied red with a slightly tannic finish that is ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $16.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Tinhorn Creek Cabernet Merlot 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen nose of coffee leather and spice with bits of red fruit. Dry with round soft-ish textures and more spice and saddle leather notes. Look for resiny, black cherry streaked with noted of coffee and a slightly green/herbal finish. Should improve over the next year. Serve now with grilled meat.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Tinhorn Creek Cabernet Franc 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFine ripe nose of red currants and with an earthy leafy undercurrent. Very franc. The textures are smooth and flavours are complex mixing vanilla, pepper, red fruit and a dash of green. Ultimately it's bit too dry and herbal but it's cabernet franc and will have it's fans. It's affordable.Prices:| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Tinhorn Creek Merlot 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThere's nice jump in quality with the 03 merlot. The mix of smoky oak tobacco leaf, mocha and red fruit is just right. The textures are even more textbook merlot and there's enough acidity and tannin to carry the day. Better than simple this is well made everyday spicy merlot at a very affordable price.Prices:| BC | $17.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Sandhill Cabernet Merlot Sandhill Estate Vineyard 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAttractive open nose of tobacco, earth and black fruit aromas with streaks of vanilla. Dry and warm on entry with vanilla, tobacco shoe polish notes. Fine intensity for the price. It finishes smooth with moderate depth and bits of savoury mocha coffee. Well made and worth holding another year in bottle.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Jackson-Triggs Shiraz Proprietors' Reserve 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTypical JT big blackberry blueberry fruit nose with hints of brambles and black raspberry jam. Big round accessible front end with more peppery, black raspberry, smoky, vanilla flavours streaked with chocolate and ample oak. Big warm gamey finish. This should get better in the bottle over the next 2-3 years. Roast lamb is the ticket here.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.50 | 750ml |
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21 September 2006
90PTS
Frescobaldi Tenuta di Castiglioni 2004
Tuscany, ItalyTenuta di Castiglioni is the oldest Frescobaldi Estate, with roots that date back to 1032. The altitude of the 115-hectare vineyard is 200 meters; the blend of grapes is 45 per cent sangiovese, 45 per cent cabernet sauvignon and 10 per cent merlot and petit verdot. The wine is exceedingly rich and well structured with fruity jammy chocolate overtures and plenty of finesse. A terrific bottle and certainly a bargain in Ontario.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $26.75 | 750ml |
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20 September 2006
89PTS
Goundrey Homestead Chardonnay Unwooded 2005
Great Southern, Western Australia, AustraliaThis is a terrific value white wine that delivers on all accounts without the use of any oak. The fruit comes from south Western Australia, including the cooler Mount Barker region where Homestead is located. We love the cool minerality and tight nervous palate that shows just enough fruit to balance it all out. Not your typical fruit bomb as one judge remarked. Killer value.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.65 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.85 | 750ml |
| NB | $10.89 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Campo Eliseo Tinto de Toro 2003
Toro, Castilla-Leon, SpainEarthy, smoky, licorice, peppery, garrigue nose with chocolate, black cherry, game and tobacco in the background. Warm, rich, fat and strong. Big chocolate, peppery, mocha, black cherry, mineral, red licorice, cigar flavours. Long, bright fresh fruit but very warm and a bit tart on the finish. Very modern take but with a bit too much oak and fat to grab a finesse moniker.Prices:| BC | $99.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Bonne Nouvelle 2003
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaBig leafy, tobacco, spicy, smoky, herbal, cassis nose. Rich, round, dry and supple but a bit rustic. Very peppery, cassis, tobacco leaf, spicy, coffee, black olive, resiny flavours. A bit hot and tart but fleshy overall but still has some of that grassy SA herbaceousness.Prices:| BC | $74.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Yacochuya 2003
Yacochuya, Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, ArgentinaHuge peppery, roasted mushroom, spicy cardamom, bacon, savoury, black cherry nose with some eucalyptus, saddle leather and chocolate throughout. Rich, round, supple and dry but fresh. Mushroom, black cherry, orange, minty, poultry spice, plum, spicy, mocha flavours. Warm, rich and long but fresh with great fruit intensity and high mid-palate extract. Intense an enhanced Uco malbec.Prices:| BC | $79.99 | 750ml |
| ARG | $125.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chateau La Grande Clotte 2004
Bordeaux, FranceWaxy, mineral, grapefruit, floral, grassy nose with some passion fruit, spicy lees and vanilla. Dry, round, fresh and elegant but a bit tart. Mineral, spicy, grapefruit, passion fruit, waxy, fig flavours with creamy lees, floral vanilla finish. Fresh and long but a tad too tart.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Chateau Rolland-Maillet Grand Cru 2004
Saint Émilion, Libourne, Bordeaux, FranceSpicy, smoky, gamey, saddle leather, cedar, waxy, black raspberry aromas. Round, elegant, supple style with some tannins and finesse. Good cherry, peppery, spicy, tobacco, orange, olive and vanilla flavours with some licorice root at the end. Needs 2-5 years but has some intensity.Prices:| QC | $33.50 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Le Defi de Fontenil 2005
FranceBig black cherry, plum, spicy, coffee, orange vanilla, Christmas pudding nose with a bit of tobacco and cedar. Rich, ripe, bright and fresh with very peppery, spicy, orange peel, coffee, mocha, black raspberry and plum flavours. Warm, elegant, fresh finish but long and intense. Excellent fruit will need 5-7 years to round out the tannins. (Barrel sample).Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
J. Bouchon Carmenere Syrah Reserva 2005
Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileConsistently well made, the latest version Bouchon blend mixes big mint, cassis and sappy, floral, licorice aromas with floral (lavender), mineral chocolate notes. The palate is suitably round with just a touch of youthful grippy, tannins in the back end but there is plenty of peppery, minty, cassis jam, and chalky Carmenère flavour. Wonderful value.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
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19 September 2006
90PTS
Chateau Le Bon Pasteur 2004
Pomerol, Libourne, Bordeaux, FranceVery spicy, meaty, chocolate, vanilla, waxy, black cherry jam nose with some five spice and mineral notes. Rich, round, elegant and ripe but fresh with supple tannins. Peppery, licorice, cherry, plum, coffee and orange rind flavours with a long waxy, tobacco, mocha finish. A bit warm but has good finesse and balance. Will improve over the next 2-7 years.Prices:| BC | $108.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $60.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $95.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $99.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chateau Bertineau St.-Vincent Lalande-de-Pomerol 2004
Lalande de Pomerol, Libourne, Bordeaux, FranceSpicy, waxy, tobacco, peppery, cherry jam, rootsy aromas with a whiff of game and saddle leather. Dry, round, elegant style but a touch lean. Tobacco leaf, peppery, orange rind, minty, cedar and black olive flavours with some resin and chocolate on the finish. A touch green but is supple and elegant. Drink now or over the next four years.Prices:| BC | $44.99 | 750ml |
| US | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chateau Fontenil 2004
Fronsac, Libourne, Bordeaux, FranceBig spicy, peppery, dark chocolate, bacon, smoky plum and tobacco aromas with a bit of five spice and barnyard thrown in. Ripe, round, dry and slightly tannic with a touch of acidity showing. Cherry, green plum, peppery, spicy, coffee, tobacco and olive flavours. Needs 2-3 years to round out.Prices:| BC | $59.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $33.00 | 750ml |
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17 September 2006
87PTS
Thornhaven Chardonnay 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA fine improvement and a much cleaner character over the preceding year. Dry and round with a nutty mineral entry, fine acidity with flecks of pear apple and melon and just a wisp of butterscotch in the finish.Prices:| BC | $15.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Allan Scott Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandGooseberry, passion fruit, mineral, buttery, lees, seawater, smoky bell pepper nose with a touch of matchstick. Very tart, brisk, dry entry with grapefruit, lemon rind, passion fruit, and green melon flavours with a brisk, smoky mineral finish. Good character but just too acidic overall.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Anakena Viognier 2004
Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileHoney, floral, spicy, ginger, butter, melon rind aromas. Ripe, round, rich, slightly sweet entry with ginger, melon, honey, mango, grapefruit rind flavours. Full, slightly oily finish with crisp acidity. Good intensity and balance. Lots of fun to drink.Prices:| BC | $17.60 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Tamaya VCS Viognier - Chardonnay - Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Valle del Limari, ChileMineral, passion fruit, green apple skin, gooseberry, lemon, floral nose. Round, fresh, crisp, slightly oily texture with green apple, grapefruit, and passion fruit, butter and lime rind flavours. Elegant, dry, crisp finish if just a touch tart. Attractive style, good value.Prices:| BC | $17.35 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Iona Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Elgin, Overberg, South AfricaGrapefruit zest, gooseberry, bell pepper, grassy, sea side nose with a light floral note. Crisp, dry, slightly lean entry with grassy, waxy, gooseberry, passion fruit, iodine, asparagus, lemon oil flavours. Definitely shows unique terroir, will be best with shellfish.Prices:| BC | $21.95 | 750ml |
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16 September 2006
87PTS
Pirra Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2005
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaSweet spotted this floral, passion fruit, grassy, kiwi scented white has had its alcohol dialled down or sweet spotted and it's all the better for the process. Its light, round, elegant styling comes with passion fruit, bubble gum, floral, grapefruit flavours and a very lemony, crisp finish. Low alcohol but with flavour intensity. It's a winner.Prices:| BC | $21.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Woop Woop Verdelho 2005
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaLime rind, butter, floral, grapefruit, grassy, honey nose. Round, fresh, sweet entry with honey, grassy, grapefruit, mineral flavours. Fun, simple, easy drinking style with crisp acidity on the finish.Prices:| BC | $14.81 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Matetic EQ Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileAnd now for something completely different, there is Matetic EQ Sauvignon Blanc 2005 from Valle de San Antonio in Chile. Coastal Chile is superbly positioned to grow great sauvignon and Matetic, pronounced ma-tah-TEACH, is one of the best early results. Look for an intense passion fruit nose with smoky, gooseberry, floral, cooked pear aromas with a touch of butter. Ripe, rich, crisp and fresh, it has a huge, smoky, passion fruit, honey and green melon flavour flecked with roasted pepper and pink grapefruit notes. Delicious.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Tamaya Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Valle del Limari, ChileThe Limari Valley remains unknown to most Chilean wine fans, but the valley located well to the north of Aconcagua and Santiago is a hotbed for chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and syrah. At $13.78, you will get your money's worth from this sauvignon with its big grapefruit, lime rind and passion fruit nose to its floral, gooseberry, smoky, lime flavours. Clean fresh, affordable and fun.Prices:| BC | $13.78 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Rodney Strong Sauvignon Blanc Charlotte's 2005
Sonoma County, California, United StatesDespite its natural cork finish the '05 Charlotte's Home boasts sensational aromas of rose petal, gooseberry, passion fruit, lime and honey that entice. Round and elegant, it's awash in grapefruit, lime and grassy, lanolin, mineral flavours. Exotic, delicious and well balanced.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Pascal Jolivet Attitude Sauvignon 2004
Loire, FranceGrassy, bell pepper skin, mineral, lees, grapefruit rind and seaweed aromas. Dry, elegant, somewhat lean style with mineral, smoky, flinty, grassy, bell pepper flavours with a slightly butter, garlic lees finish. Sancerre without the legal definition that could probably benefit from a screw cap.Prices:| BC | $21.75 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.85 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Black Hills Alibi 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe latest Alibi comes with a grapefruit scented nose mixed with lemon, waxy, smoky, mineral floral notes. Round, soft and slightly flat on entry it delivers green melon and grassy, lime rind, mineral, green apple skin flavours. A touch lean on the mid-palate but otherwise solid.Prices:| BC | $23.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Twin Islands Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandNew Zealand's Marlborough district turned sauvignon on its ear 25 years ago with its, cool, intense version of this variety but lately the region's sauvignon is beginning to develop finesse. Twin Islands has a smoky, jalapeno, gooseberry, mineral nose and a slightly oily, but crisp texture. Bits of canned asparagus mix with passion fruit, pink grapefruit and smoky mineral flavours and its slightly bitter, lime-rind finish. Should be perfect with oysters or mussels.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Stellenzicht Golden Triangle Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaLeesy, garlic, buttery, smoky, bell pepper, passion fruit nose. Round, crisp, slightly sweet entry with buttery, garlic lees, peppers, asparagus and grapefruit rind flavours. Very tart, slightly dirty finish. Needs cleaner fruit notes and less lees.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $21.45 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Fairview Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCooked gooseberry, grapefruit, honey, lemon oil aromas with a touch of fresh grass and bell pepper skin. Round, fresh, crisp, slightly sweet fruit entry with grapefruit, lime rind, butter, honey, grassy, mineral flavours. Clean, well balanced if a bit tart on the finish.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Terramater Unusual Cabernet - Shiraz - Zinfandel 2003
Isla de Maipo, Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileBig spicy, black cherry, cassis, peppery, smoky, coffee, licorice, cedar, tobacco nose with some minty, saddle leather underneath. Warm, rich, fat but somewhat tannic and dry. Very peppery, spicy, smoky, oaky, vanilla, peppery, resiny, cola, rootsy, blackberry, cassis jam flavours with a long clove, sandalwood finish. Quite dry and chewy on the finish, needs 3-5 years but has good intensity. Definitely "unusual".Prices:| BC | $44.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Valdivieso Caballo Loco No. 7 "V" NV
Region del Valle Central, ChileThe seventh horse comes in with cedar, black berry, black cherry, tobacco, vanilla, coffee, smoky, waxy, meaty aromas. Dry, tight, elegant but a bit lean and nervous. Smoky, resiny, peppery, coffee, cassis, black cherry, rootsy, cola flavours. Not as generous as previous editions.Prices:| BC | $48.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bravura 2001
Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileTobacco, leafy, minty, peppery, smoky, vanilla nose with blackberry and saddle leather streaks. Dry, round, elegant but tart with smoky, vanilla, coffee, tobacco, peppery, cassis, black olive and plum flavours with a touch brine. Disjointed with a warm, somewhat acidic finish.Prices:| AB | $49.95 | 750ml |
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15 September 2006
85PTS
Langhorne Crossing Chardonnay Riesling Verdelho 2005
Langhorne Creek, South Australia, AustraliaThe latest Langhorne Crossing blends chardonnay, riesling and verdelho in a bright crisp fruity white wine. Look for tropical fruit and melon notes with a touch lime rind in the finish. A solid everyday sipper that would be perfect with a turkey or meat sandwich. Good value.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.66 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Castle Lager Long Tom Cans NV
South AfricaPale gold colour with spicy, fruity hops, malt and cooked rice aromas. Fresh, crisp, lively palate with earthy, fruity, slightly bitter hops flavours. Creamy texture and well balanced. A bit more malt-y and bitter than the regular lager and a tad less carbonated make this a good drink or with food. Good value too.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 450ml |
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03 September 2006
88PTS
Shepherds Ridge Marlborough Pinot Noir 2003
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandMade from younger vines. Light cherry ruby colour. Compost, spicy, celery, carrot top, smoky barnyard, black cherry, minty nose. Round, dry, soft but a bit lean and acidic. Spicy, celery salt, compost, sour cherry, rhubarb flavours with some smoky barnyard. Delicate, good complexity but a bit too acidic without the fruit. Screw cap. Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Wither Hills Marlborough Pinot Noir 2004
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandVery spicy, celery salt, smoky, barnyard, saddle leather, compost, black cherry, vanilla nose. Round, dry, smooth and elegant, fresh with finesse in balance. Again, spicy, smoky vanilla, rootsy, compost, celery, black cherry, orange peel, rhubarb compote flavours. Elegant, velvety, fruity finish with good acidity. Fine effort. Screw cap.Prices:| AB | $39.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $47.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Shepherds Ridge Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandGrapefruit, light bell pepper, green apple, grassy, chalky, mineral nose with a touch of sweaty gooseberry. Dry, round, fresh and elegant with chalky, gooseberry, grapefruit, granny smith flavours with a slightly smoky, grapefruit rind, jalapeno finish. Crisp, vibrant, elegant, single vineyard wine bottled under screwcap.Prices:| AB | $17.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Wither Hills Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandGrapefruit, light bell pepper, green apple, grassy, chalky, mineral nose with a touch of sweaty gooseberry. Dry, round, fresh and elegant with chalky, gooseberry, grapefruit, granny smith flavours with a slightly smoky, grapefruit rind, jalapeno finish. Crisp, vibrant, elegant, single vineyard wine bottled under screwcap.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.95 | 750ml |
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02 September 2006
0PTS
Michel Torino Altimus 2003
Cafayate, Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, ArgentinaLightly corked and oxidized, try anotherPrices:| US | $50.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Belle Glos Pinot Noir Clark and Telephone Vineyard 2004
Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesBelle Glos Wagner lends her name to this Santa Barbara pinot form the folks at Caymus. Smoky, vanilla, cherry jam, leesy, tea leaf, spicy, compost nose with a touch of licorice, rubber and orange. Soft, round, supple and elegant with sweet fruit. Strawberry, black cherry, tea leaf, spicy, cola, vanilla, rhubarb, lees and carrot flavours. Long, warm, slightly tannic finish but has very good balance and finesse. A fine drink that will improve over the next few years but will need decanting.Prices:| BC | $48.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Arrowleaf Pinot Gris 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, pear, mineral, citrus, matchstick aromas. Fresh, round, crisp with light sweetness. Citrus rind, green apple, pear and nectarine skin flavours. Tart but fresh fruit finish.Prices:| BC | $16.90 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Tinhorn Creek Pinot Noir 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPale raspberry colour. Spicy, compost, leafy, strawberry, green rhubarb aromas. Dry, round, soft entry with a touch of cedar-y tannins. Rhubarb, cedar, smoky, leafy, resiny, cherry flavours with a tart, dry finish. Simple, dry style.Prices:| BC | $15.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Michel Torino Don David Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2004
Cafayate, Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, ArgentinaSmoky, tobacco leaf, minty, peppery, dried herb, saddle leather aromas. Dry, round, warm, slightly tannic palate with peppery, cassis, minty, olive, tobacco leaf and mineral flavours with a touch of walnut and vanilla on the finish with brisk acidity. Similar to last edition.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Anakena Pinot Noir 2004
Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileMinty, tea leaf, earthy, rootsy, spicy, carrot top, rhubarb aromas, very cool climate nose. Smooth, round, dry palate with some light tannin. Brisk with rhubarb, tea, smoky, wild strawberry, spicy, compost flavours with a touch of celery salt and orange rind on the finish. Very cool and quite tart but with pinot character. The price is a bargain.Prices:| BC | $17.50 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Matetic EQ Pinot Noir 2004
Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileBig cherry jam, strawberry, rootsy, celery salt, minty, spicy, smoky nose. Ripe, rich, round and smooth with some elegance. Ripe strawberry jam, plum, spicy, celery salt, smoky vanilla, licorice flavours. A bit warm and tart on the finish but has good balance and intensity with some finesse. Should improve over the next 2 years.Prices:| BC | $39.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Gallo Family Turning Leaf Pinot Noir 2005
California, United StatesLeafy, spicy, strawberry jam, compost aromas. Soft, round, somewhat sweet entry with black cherry, rhubarb, smoky, compost flavours with a clean warm rhubarb finish. Simple, inexpensive and now finally with a screw cap closure that makes it easy to open.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Cartlidge & Browne Pinot Noir 2005
California, United StatesSpicy, barnyard, compost, orange rind, stewed rhubarb, strawberry aromas. Soft, round, smooth and slightly sweet. Smoky, carrot top, barnyard, compost, orange and stewed rhubarb flavours. Solid, easy drinking style with slightly tart finish.Prices:| BC | $21.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
KWV Chenin Blanc 2006
Western Cape, South AfricaBanana, honey, green apple, floral, citrus nose. Soft, round, fresh, slightly sweet entry with red apple, floral, honey, and lime rind flavours with a touch of passion fruit. Simple, easy-sipping, clean style white wine. Good value.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $8.05 | 750ml |
| MB | $8.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $10.89 | 750ml |
| NB | $10.41 | 750ml |
| NF | $10.60 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Simonsig Chenin Blanc 2005
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaVery ripe peach, honey, pear, floral nose. Rich, round, fat and somewhat sweet with honey, baked pear, floral flavours with some quince and mineral. A bit too sweet but has great fruit and ripeness for a sipper or with Indian food.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.60 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Rodney Strong Pinot Noir Reserve Jane's Vineyard 2003
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesSpicy, smoky vanilla, coffee, black cherry, rootsy, minty, rhubarb and compost aromas. Ripe, round, supple and dry but balanced and succulent. Lots of strawberry jam, cherry, smoky cola, vanilla, orange peel, rootsy, tea leaf and celery salt flavours. A bit warm and tart on the finish with light tannins but there is fine pinot intensity.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
| US | $35.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Waterstone Carneros Pinot Noir 2003
Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United StatesBlack cherry jam, tea leaf, minty, celery, barnyard, smoky, spicy aromas. Nice supple, round palate with very light tannins. Smoky, black cherry, licorice, cola, carrot top, rootsy, tea leaf, and rhubarb flavours. Very warm, tart, dry finish with some light tannins poking through. Needs a year or two to settle down or try now with duck confit.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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01 September 2006
86PTS
Castaño Monastrell 2005
Yecla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainThis is the ripest, maybe the sweetness Castaño Monastrell we've tasted yet from the region of Yecla. The nose is reminiscent of cherry jam, the textures smooth and supple with heaps of black cherry, chocolate, peppery licorice flavours and a touch of acidity showing through the finish. Almost a bit Yellowtail-like in style.Prices:| BC | $9.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Sheridan Vineyards L'Orage Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesBig warm, port-y nose with blackberry, pepper, incense, licorice, tarry, vanilla and cassis aromas. Warm, dry, supple palate with supple tannins. Big black berry, cassis, spicy, mocha, cedar, tobacco, menthol flavours. Warm, full, slightly tart coffee finish. Needs a few years to integrate. Needs a cold fall or winter day.Prices:| BC | $67.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Barnett Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley, California, United StatesIntense spicy, cassis, smoky leather, cedar, vanilla, plum nose. Rich, ripe, hot and tight with grippy tannins. Cedar, black cherry, cassis jam, peppery, spicy, mocha flavours with a hot menthol, cherry, vanilla finish. Not shy on extract or oak and alcohol but fruity.Prices:| BC | $88.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Barnett Vineyards Merlot 2003
Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley, California, United StatesSpicy, cedar, black cherry, mocha, vanilla, tobacco and saddle leather aromas. Dry, warm, round and full bodied with some grainy, slightly chunky tannins. Cherry jam, minty, incense, peppery, coffee, vanilla, tobacco flavours. Very warm, dry, coffee, smoky finish. Needs 2-3 years to round out.Prices:| BC | $63.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Kestrel Lady in Red 1st Holiday Edition NV
Washington, United StatesSpicy, tobacco leaf, cherry, minty, savoury nose. Warm, dry, round palate with light tannins. Peppery, coffee, black cherry, minty, leafy flavours. Fresh finish with some tannins for the barbeque.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Darioush Signature Shiraz 2003
Napa Valley, California, United StatesHuge spicy, floral, blackberry jam, peppery, meaty, creamy vanilla, lifted nose. Fat, round, rich, warm palate with some good grainy tannins. Fairly fresh with floral, black cherry, blackberry, smoky, licorice, peppery, minty, savoury, vanilla flavours. A no holds barred, Napa style shiraz with a bit of elevated acidity at the end.Prices:| US | $64.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $107.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Reininger Merlot 2002
Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesBig saddle leather, mocha, peppery, spicy, minty nose with some chocolate and black cherry. On the palate it's dry and warm with some grip-y, grainy tannins. Pepper, tobacco leaf, orange, olive, cherry and coffee flavours throughout. A bit chunky and warm and like previous editions needs time to dissipate its youthful tannins.Prices:| BC | $31.95 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Emmolo Merlot 2003
Rutherford, Napa Valley, California, United StatesCorked, try another.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Jurtschitsch Sonnhof GruVe Gruner Veltliner 2005
Kamptal, Niederösterreich, Weinland Österreich, AustriaFloral, perfumed, mineral, leesy, green apple skin aromas with a whiff of burnt matchstick. Dry, round, crisp, elegant palate with light lees, chalky, green apple, quince, floral flavours. Dry, tart but balanced finish. Simple food, fish-friendly white. Modern fresh white wine.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Tinhorn Creek Oldfield's Collection Merlot 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen herbal, leafy, tobacco, spicy, meaty nose. Dry spicy lean entry with more smoky, herbal, tobacco leaf, sour cherry, mineral, coffee flavours. Not showing a lot fruit or ripeness at this point and will need three to five years to smooth out. Not the best year for red in the south Okanagan.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Burrowing Owl Merlot 2004
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCooked cherry, pruny, peppery, tobacco leaf, coffee minty nose but somewhat volatile. Dry, round, very warm palate with light tannins. Coffee, black cherry, menthol, tobacco leaf, green olive flavours. Warm, oaky, somewhat green leafy finish. Not ripe enough for prime time.Prices:| BC | $26.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Burrowing Owl Pinot Gris 2005
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, honey, mineral, pear, marzipan, buttery lees aromas. Ripe, round, fresh, slightly sweet entry with grapefruit rind, mineral, pear, buttered green apple skin flavours and a very tart, warm finish. Solid but rind-y bitter finish.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Laurenz V. Und Sophie Singing Grüner Veltliner 2005
Niederösterreich, Weinland Österreich, AustriaFloral, buttery lees, mineral, honey, soapy, lemon oil aromas. Fresh, crisp, round, dry but elegant and succulent with buttery, nutty, honey, lemon, mineral, perfumed soapy flavours. Nice finesse and balance, delicate.Prices:| BC | $19.81 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Laurenz V. Charming Grüner Veltliner 2004
Nutty, mineral, matchstick, lees, floral, pear skin aromas. Rich, round, fresh and crisp with smoky, lees, mineral, citrus rind, pear and butter flavours. Quite fresh and succulent with a perfume citrus finish. Very Chablis-like at half the price.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Laurenz V. Friendly Grüner Veltliner 2005
Kamptal, Niederösterreich, Weinland Österreich, AustriaPerfumed, honey, garlic lees, quince and mineral aromas with a waxy note. Ripe, round, crisp palate but slightly oily texture. Waxy, lees, mineral, passion fruit, perfume, and lemon rind flavours. Elegant, fresh and ready-to-drink. Well made.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Chateau Bonnet Entre-Deux-Mers 2004
Bordeaux, FranceBonnet was built in the 18th century and has belonged to the Andre Lurton family since the end of the 19th century. The vineyard is a blend of 45/45/10 sauvignon blanc/sémillon/muscadelle. Look for a leesy, mineral, grapefruit nose with passion fruit and gooseberry underneath. Fresh, round, dry style with chalky, passion fruit, grapefruit, and gooseberry flavours with a touch of garlic on the finish. Somewhat tart finish will be best with oysters or sole.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.35 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Concannon Merlot 2003
Central Coast, California, United StatesRed currant, cherry, menthol, compost, peppery nose. Soft, round, slightly sweet entry with floral, candied cherry, menthol, leafy flavours with a tart, lean finish with some tannins poking through.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Rollingdale 2004 Rosé Bud Merlot 2005
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, tomato leaf, spicy, minty, resiny aromas. Dry, round, supple, warm palate with spicy, peppery, smoky, resiny, tobacco leaf and vanilla flavours with a warm, somewhat tart finish. Made with Okanagan Falls fruit.Prices:| BC | $28.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Alcance Merlot 2004
Valle del Maule, ChileSappy cassis, cherry, herbal, spicy, chocolate, vanilla nose with some menthol. Dry, round, slightly tight palate with grainy tannins. Warm with peppery, tobacco leaf/menthol, cherry, coffee, vanilla flavours. The finish is tight, somewhat tannic with a bit of acidity showing. Needs time (2-3 years) in bottle to soften.Prices:| AB | $24.95 | 750ml |
| US | $14.99 | 750ml |
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79PTS
Mistral Merlot 2004
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVolatile, port-y, cherry, vanilla, butterscotch, spicy nose. Dry, round, warm but somewhat lean palate with oxidized, port-y fruit like flavours flecked with oak, some tannins with a fiery/hot finish. Over-priced.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
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October 2006