quicksearch
Tastings: October 2006
31 October 2006
88PTS
Mas de Guiot Grenache Syrah 2005
Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceA 60/40 blend of syrah / grenache with a smoky, spicy, garrigue, floral, black raspberry, gamey, licorice and chocolate nose. Round, warm, fat and dry with light tannins. Good black cherry, chocolate, peppery, licorice, orange peel, thyme and sausage flavours. A bit warm with some acidity showing but has very good intensity and fruit. Good value.Prices:| AB | $13.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Laurent Charles Brotte Côtes du Rhone Les Brottiers 2003
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceSmoky, meaty, gamey, black cherry, black raspberry, garrigue, floral nose with a big whiff of barnyard and prunes. Soft, round, ripe and warm with spicy, tobacco, chocolate, prune, dried cherry, rootsy, peppery flavours. Warm, slightly tart finish, try with lamb stew. Ready to go now.Prices:| BC | $13.87 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Masia M Roussillon Red Wine 2004
Roussillon, Sud de France, FrancePrune, cooked black cherry, floral, spicy, meaty nose. Round, ripe, soft palate with light chunky tannins. Smoky, black cherry jam, resin, lemon thyme, orange peel, chocolate flavours. Solid core of fruit if a bit warm on the finish. A solid, slightly chunky style red great for winter meals.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
83PTS
French Rabbit Family Reserve Red (Tetra Pak) NV
Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceLeafy, tobacco, cedar, barnyard, menthol, stewed cherry. Dry, slighlty tight, slighlty acid entry with tobacco leaf, mnethol, cherry, pruny, mineral flavours. Warm, dry finish with some tannins showing through. A basic French red blend in need of food.Prices:| ON | $18.05 | 1000ml |
Read Full Note
91PTS
Château de Nages Cuvée Joseph Torres Rouge (Syrah) 2001
Costières de Nîmes, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceDeep black cherry colour. Intense peppery, chocolate, black berry jam, vanilla, smoky, savoury, eucalyptus aromas. Rich, ripe, round, full bodied style but has good balance and acidity with ripe, grainy tannins. Vanilla, peppery, smoky, chocolate, black berry, resin, licorice, minty flavours. Long, warm, young wine that will improve over the next 2-5 years. Good value, worth trying and laying away.Prices:| BC | $28.10 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Ogier Côtes du Rhône Heritages Rouge 2004
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceBlack raspberry, black berry, peppery, meaty, prune, savoury nose. Dry, round, slightly tight entry with light tannins. Full with floral, black cherry, licorice, meaty, orange compote flavours. Slightly resiny, garrigue finish with some acidity and orange. Needs a year or so or try with marinated meats.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.04 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Tormaresca Paiara 2003
Puglia, ItalyBig cherry jam, chocolate, sweaty saddle, licorice, spicy tobacco nose. Warm, round, fat, supple style with some light, chewy tannin. Smoky, tobacco, cherry jam, cooked cassis, spicy flavours. Good texture and flavours with a solid fruity finish that is a bit chunky. Great value, try with goat, lamb or beef ribs. Great value from Puglia.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $7.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Du Peloux Terres du Rhone Côtes du Rhône 2004
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceFloral, peppery, black licorice, meaty, smoky, resin and thyme aromas. Ripe, round, slightly fat entry with smoky, peppery, gamey, rootsy, resin, black cherry and orange flavours. Dry, slightly tannic finish. Try now with grilled lamb or pork. Solid meat and pizza wine.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Jérôme Seguin Côtes du Rhône 2004
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceSpicy, smoky, meaty, peppery, black cherry, licorice and compost nose. Dry, tight entry with a touch of acidity. Earthy, black cherry, compost, raspberry, cedar, and rootsy sausage flavours. Warm, slightly tart finish that will be best with food.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Santa Rita Cabernet Sauvignon Medalla Real 2003
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileSimilar to the 2002 edition with sappy, cassis, chocolate and spicy eucalyptus notes mixed with leather and vanilla aromas. Dry, round, elegant and slightly tight with some grippy tannins. Peppery, smoky, minty, cassis fruit flavours with more cedar-y earthy fruit on the palate spiked with blackberry plum notes. Needs another one to two years to fully smooth out but it's well made. Barbecued beef ribs would be a fine choice. Serve through 2008.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.29 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.60 | 750ml |
| NS | $22.60 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Santa Rita Sauvignon Blanc Medalla Real 2004
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChilePassion fruit, mineral, canned asparagus, bell pepper nose reminiscent of Marlborough aromas. Very cool with rich, round, dry but crisp fruit with mineral, grassy, grapefruit rind, asparagus flavours and a very fresh finish. Definitely on the herbaceous side. Made from old vines and the lowest yields. Dry and tight. Serve with oysters or assorted shellfish.Prices:| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.39 | 750ml |
| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.50 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Deinhard Lila Riesling Brut Sekt NV
Rheinhessen, GermanyIt's difficult not to like a sparkling wine that offers taste and style for such a small price, but that's what you get from the Deinhard Lila Riesling Brut Sekt. Its attractive floral nose melts into a dry, round, elegant, but taut, sparkler with green apple, petrol, slate, mineral, citrus and peach flavours. Weddings anyone? Or, try as a kir (with crème de cassis or raspberry liqueur).Prices:| BC | $15.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
29 October 2006
88PTS
Stag's Hollow Renaissance Merlot 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe '04 Renaissance is the first to claim 100 per cent origin from the home vineyard. This is youthful red with black fruit, pepper and plenty of acidity. Expect to find medium, mid-palate weight, with cedar smoky chocolate fruit flavours. The finish is warm and peppery. Needs time to settle down and show its true potential. Serve now with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $29.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Krusovice Imperial Premium Lager NV
Czech RepublicLight amber colour with fine mousse. Clean with earthy, spicy, malt-y, rice aromas and a bit of pear. Dry, elegant, fresh style with light malt, floral, earthy, slightly bitter hops flavours and a slightly fruity, creamy finish. A solid lager with a bit more bitterness and flavour than normal.Prices:| BC | $2.45 | 500ml |
Read Full Note
28 October 2006
90PTS
Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese 2005
Mosel, GermanyRipe peach, red apple, floral, guava, honey, orange peel aromas with a touch of smoke and flint. Ripe, rich round, fresh and elegant with good acidity and sugar. Delicate but intense with red apple, honey, orange, pineapple, floral, lime flavours. A touch sweet on the finish but has fine fruit intensity and delicacy. Drink now or keep for 10-15 years. Solid value.Prices:| BC | $27.75 | 375ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Domaine La Garrigue Cuvée Romaine Côtes du Rhône 2004
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceBig meaty, smoky, sausage, garrigue, barnyard, mineral, black cherry jam aromas. Rich, ripe, round and warm with some grainy tannins. Big mineral, black cherry, spicy, floral, licorice, chocolate, prune flavours. Good concentration and intensity but young. Will improve over the next 1-2 years or try now with duck confit or lamb roast.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Villa Antinori Toscana Rosso 2002
Tuscany, ItalySmoky, pruny, gamey, sweaty saddle leather, black cherry, tobacco nose. Rich, dry, slightly chunky and tight palate. Peppery, smoky, prune, chocolate, resin, mineral, vanilla flavours with a distinctly meaty, cassis note on the finish. A bit chunky but very good effort for the vintage. Needs 1-2 years to soften or try with grilled steak.Prices:| BC | $21.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
26 October 2006
0PTS
Casillero del Diablo Merlot Reserva 2005
Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileCorked, try another bottle.Prices:| BC | $13.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $13.10 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.39 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.85 | 750ml |
| NB | $12.49 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $11.64 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Jackson-Triggs Merlot Proprietors' Reserve 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, peppery, mint, roasted pepper, cherry nose. Dry, round, somewhat tight palate with some light, hard tannin and a bit of acidity. Menthol, cherry, toasty oak, smoky, resin mineral flavours with a stemmy note. Some elegance but needs a year and some meat. Very dry finish.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Jackson-Triggs Cabernet Sauvignon Proprietors' Reserve 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBlack olive, roasted bell pepper, spicy, smoky, vanilla, cassis aromas. Round, fresh entry with grainy tannins and a touch of sweetness. Peppery, cassis, chocolate, smoky, leather, olive flavours with some vanilla pudding. A bit young but solid.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Terramater Altum Single Vineyard Shiraz Reserve 2003
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileSpicy, peppery, meaty, blackberry, smoky, thyme, chocolate aromas. Ripe, round, rich, slightly fat entry with supple if slightly chunky tannins. Big spicy, peppery entry with smoky, gamey, garrigue, vanilla, tobacco and black cherry flavours with a touch of mint and plum on the finish. Young and warm but will improve over the next year or two or try with grilled lamb.Prices:| BC | $29.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $21.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Valdivieso Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Region del Valle Central, ChileSpicy, tea leaf, chocolate, peppery, cassis, leather aromas. Round, dry, slightly chunky palate with cassis, spicy, peppery, cherry, mineral, minty flavours. Warm, elegant style, ready to go. Solid value.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Yellow Tail Shiraz The Reserve 2005
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaMenthol, meaty, stewed plum, leather, mocha, sweet chocolate aromas. Warm, round, fat, supple entry with chocolate, black cherry, blueberry, cedar, menthol, resiny flavours with a hot and somewhat acidic finish.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Alcance Carmenere 2004
Valle del Maule, ChileSpicy, smoky, cherry, vanilla, floral, tobacco leaf aromas. Rich, round, dry and supple with light grainy tannins. Cherry, menthol, leafy, spicy, coriander flavours with a warm, somewhat acidic finish. Needs a bit more balance and less acidity.Prices:| AB | $24.95 | 750ml |
| US | $14.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Alcance Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Valle del Maule, ChilePruny, cooked cherry, meaty, saddle leather, black olive, resin aromas. Warm, round, slightly fat with some grainy, young tannins. Earthy, spicy, peppery, stewed cherry, menthol, leather, bitter chocolate flavours. A bit warm and chunky on the finish. Requires a year extra ageing in bottle or serve now with a grilled steak.Prices:| AB | $24.95 | 750ml |
| US | $14.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Calina Carmenère Reserva 2004
Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileSmoky, spicy, chocolate, cassis, gamey, leafy nose. Soft, round, supple entry with earthy, spicy, bitter chocolate, leafy, menthol, cherry flavours. Easy drinking style without the usual herbaceous character.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.95 | 750ml |
| US | $7.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Calina Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2002
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileSpicy, sappy cassis, leather, stewed cherry, meaty aromas. Soft, round, supple palate with light tannins. Dusty, cherry, cassis, chocolate, leather and leather flavours. Solid, ready to go with light, chunky tannins on the finish.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Calina Merlot Reserva 2003
Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileCassis, minty, sappy, leather, meaty nose. Medium weight, slightly acidic palate. Dry with spicy, cherry, menthol, coffee flavours with a warm finish. Best with beef.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.95 | 750ml |
| US | $7.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Chateau Canet 2004
Minervois, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceSmoky, spicy sausage, savoury, mineral, black cherry, rootsy, licorice nose. Soft, round, dry, elegant style with spicy, floral, meaty, black raspberry, earthy, cedar flavours. A touch acidic on the finish but has good balance. Solid food wine.Prices:| BC | $18.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Orofino Merlot Cabernet 2004
Cawston, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMinty, orange peel, peppery, compost, tobacco, cherry jam aromas. Dry, round, slightly tannic palate and warm but has some finesse. Light roasted bell pepper, minty, orange, cherry, leafy, black olive, smoky oak and vanilla flavours. A bit hot and tannic but a solid effort. Needs 2-4 years to soften out. Unfined and unfiltered. Prices:| BC | $29.88 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
0PTS
Mistral Grand Reserve 2004
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOxidized bottle, try another.Prices:| BC | $49.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Yellow Tail Shiraz - Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaMenthol, stewed cherry, chocolate, medicinal, thyme aromas. Soft, round, smooth, slightly sweet entry with chocolate, candied cherry, menthol, pudding flavours. Easy-drinking, introductory-style red for beginners.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Valdivieso Merlot Reserve 2003
Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileSmoky, spicy, cassis, sappy, leafy, menthol, peppery nose. Dry, round, full bodied with some slightly grainy, tight tannin. Minty, cherry, coffee, leather, sappy cassis flavours. A bit warm and acidic on the finish but with a solid core of cool fruit.Prices:| BC | $22.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
24 October 2006
86PTS
See Ya Later Ranch Pinot Noir 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLifted fruit aromas, with dry earthy, vanilla, smoky, strawberry notes. Warm round soft textures with vanilla, smoky, resiny, black cherry fruit and a slightly dry finish. A likeable red wine, if not very pinot-like.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
22 October 2006
85PTS
Cookoothama Shiraz 2004
Murray - Darling, AustraliaCookoothama has released a fragrant, cedar-y shiraz that mixes sour cranberry and red fruit flavours with a thin line of acidity throughout. Skinny with a dry leathery finish. Best served with grilled beef. Simple red wine for $16.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
21 October 2006
88PTS
Ruffino Il Ducale 2003
Tuscany, ItalyA new wine from Ruffino that is sure to garner big attention. The Ducale name is well know to Chianti drinker but this 80 per cent sangiovese has a dash of cabernet in it and a twist of modern Tuscany. Fragrant fresh and open on the nose with cherry, meaty, spicy, floral, cassis aromas. Friendly and easy to sip with some light tannins and good fruit, this will be a big hit on restaurant wine lists and at home for consumers who want something balanced and ready. Terrific packaging love the red and cream yellow label that picks up the Ducale history but makes its own statement.Arriving this fall.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| US | $16.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
19 October 2006
87PTS
Vina Chilcaya Chardonnay Reserva Especial 2004
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileApple, melon, butter, citrus, floral nose with light peach pit and vanilla. Round, elegant and dry with citrus, green apple skin, melon rind, butter and vanilla flavours. Light citrus, mineral finish. Solid, cooler style that is a bit understated.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $19.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
15 October 2006
85PTS
Yellow Tail Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaFine colour with a tarry, mocha, tobacco, dried herb nose. Black cherries and black olives mark its sweet dense mid-palate and finish. Easy sipping soft textured cabernet with a smooth finish. Friendly and affordable. Pour liberally around the barbecue.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
12 October 2006
86PTS
Emiliana Adobe Chardonnay Reserva Orgánico 2005
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileVOE Vinedos Orgánicos Emiliana is an independent company within the Concha y Toro group like Trivento; the difference is they are focused on organic wine production. Adobe Chardonnay is one of the first VOE wines to come into Canada and it's surprisingly stylish, affordable quality organic wine. Look for an open citrus honey melon fruit nose with a refreshingly lean mid-palate flecked with mineral and more honeyed fruit flavours. It's fairly warm (alcoholic) on the mid-palate but otherwise a decent organic chardonnay. The price is excellent.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Excelsior Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Robertson, Breede River Valley, South AfricaExcelsior Estate is home to the De Wets, Stephen and Freddie, fourth generation South Afrcian wine guys. Look for a mix of plummy, earthy fruit spiked with leather and toasted oak. Fairly acidic on the mid-palate with dry leather notes and a warm alcoholic finish. Best serevd with grilled or barbecued meats. This is basic cabernet with a dry earthy SA twist in the finish.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Flor de Crasto Douro Vinho Tinto 2004
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalI guess in our minds we were hoping for the price of the regular Crasto Douro red to come down but instead we have a new wine: Flor de Crasto that was built for early drinking. The tannins are softer, the fruit a bit more forward but it's still the Douro. The nose is impressive a sort of fragrance you might get if cross a sangiovese with a malbec. On the palate it's a dusty, earthy medium bodied red wine full of vim and vigour not to mention refreshing acidity. Enjoy all winter with grilled meats, stews or wherever the word rustic is used. Good value.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
11 October 2006
92PTS
Gratavinum GV5 2003
Priorato, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainGV5 is a powerful red wine that speaks to the reputation of Priorat. Fragrant fresh and brimming with minerality it excites the senses. The blend is a five mix of 40 per cent garnacha, 27 per cent cariñena, 13 per cent cabernet sauvignon, 13 per cent syrah and 7 per cent merlot. The colour is deep. The nose an enticing mix of flowers and black fruits. Big and powerful on the palate the tannins are firm and ripe. Less than 5000 bottles are made in any one year. Spanish wine is alive and well.Prices:| BC | $79.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $69.42 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
Gratavinum 2πR 2004
Priorato, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainGratavinum is the Priorat project of the Cusiné family of Pares Baltà fame. Two wines have been produced, 2 Pi r and GV5. The idea behind 2 Pi r is to create a soft, early-drinking version of the traditional power house Priorat red. If you recall 2 Pi r is the formula to calculate the circumference of a circle and the wine is supposed to reflect that perfect roundness. The blend is 35/34/21/10 cariñena/garnacha/ cabernet sauvignon/merlot. This intense, fruity, red with big black jammy fruit notes offers freshness and mineral flecks throughout with fine weight and slippery tannins. Surprisingly elegant not unlike the pure mathematical equation it's name after.Prices:| BC | $46.85 | 750ml |
| AB | $39.74 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
91PTS
Parés Baltà Mas Irene 2000
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainThe Mas Irene has a larger merlot component, some 80 per cent versus the Mas Elena at 54 per cent. You feel it immediately on the nose with the hit of black fruit and especially in the mouth where it has a softness and a roundness that makes me think a bit of Pomerol. The fruit is savoury with an inviting, earthy, terroir demeanour. Très elegant and very much in the Bordelais style. Should be perfect with roast leg of lamb.Prices:| BC | $39.60 | 750ml |
| NS | $17.07 | 750ml |
| AB | $34.77 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Parés Baltà Blanc de Pacs 2005
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainA delicious blend of macabeo, parellada and xarello only this time without the bubbles. Look for a floral, mineral citrus nose with hints of pear. This is elegant, dry, wine with a vital mid-section and a crisp clean finish. Fresh oysters, crab cakes while you get the idea. Food wine and fun. Best of all the price has gone down another dollar and it's now certified organic. This is white wine for the sophisticated sipper.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NF-LAB | $13.50 | 750ml |
| BC | $22.55 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Parés Baltà Mas Elena 2002
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainA 54/38/8 blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc Mas Elena opens with a fragrant nose of plums cloves, tobacco, black cherry and licorice. It's perfectly round and ripe with plenty of silky almost chocolate-y fruit flavours flecked with black pepper, orange peel, and vanilla cassis flavours. Showing extremely well now with just a touch of tannin yet to disburse.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $15.10 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.77 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Parés Baltà Mas Petit 2002
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainMas Petit (the isolated farm house surrounded by a vineyard) is an 80/20 blend of cabernet sauvignon and garnacha. Look for a smoky, black olive, cassis and black fruit nose with bits of tobacco leaf in the background. The style is delicate and soft with gentle supple tannins and spicy, olive, cassis, clove, and eucalyptus flavours. Love the balance and weight of what is a cool character red that hasn't been over oaked. Roast chicken would be a fine match. ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $17.20 | 750ml |
| NS | $11.92 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.84 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
10 October 2006
87PTS
Cousiño Macul Antiguas Reservas Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileReserva Antiguas is a revered label in Chile but green notes and dry leather flavours never quite cut it. The good news is there's a new day at Cousiño Macul and it's all about cleaner wines and better winemaking. The 03 has a new look and taste and it begins with blackberry fruit. There's fine concentration and weight on the palate with grainy tannins and just a hint of leaf and the old rusticity. Well done. Bring on the roast beef.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Viu Manent Malbec 2005
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileViu Manent has a reputation for its fat almost sweet-tasting malbec brimming with licorice, black fruit and tobacco. Smooth and spicy with alcohol and acidity to spare it needs a piece of meat to tame its youthful figure. Hard to beat all that flavour and oomph for the money.Prices:| BC | $12.86 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Cremaschi Furlotti Syrah Reserve 2004
Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileChilean syrah comes with all the smoky roasted pepper and spice you can handle. Add vanilla, blackcurrant fruit and some berry jam flavours and you have the Furlotti edition. It's dry and round on the plate with more smoky leather gamy highlights. You can drink it now with roast lamb or lay it down for two to three years. Solid.Prices:| BC | $16.80 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Terra Andina Cabernet - Merlot 2005
Region del Valle Central, ChileTop years like 2005 usually means there is a better supply of fruit at the lower end of the market and that the case here. Soft sappy cassis fruit dominates the nose and palate. This rustic red with just enough cedar-y fruit to make it a good value under $9.Prices:| BC | $8.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
09 October 2006
92PTS
Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro Chianti Classico Riserva 2001
Tuscany, ItalyBig meaty, sausage, peppery aromas with cherry, tobacco, licorice, prune and leather nose. Rich, round, supple, balanced palate with slightly dusty tannins. Lots of smoky, peppery, meaty, spicy, tobacco, prune, cassis and chocolate flavours. Good intensity with good acidity. Should improve over the next 2-5 years. Expect this label to get a bit richer and cleaner as the new clones and plantings at Ruffino's many estates mature. In general The Ducale Oro Riserva is an 85/15 blend of sangiovese with merlot and colorino.Prices:| BC | $47.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $38.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $110.32 | 750ml |
| SK | $42.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $44.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $128.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $45.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $128.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $56.99 | 750ml |
| NL | $47.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
08 October 2006
88PTS
Oyster Bay Pinot Noir 2005
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandIntense varietal fruit character on the nose with hints of carrot top and spice. Smooth dry, plummy fruit on the palate with spicy, mushroom and earthy undercurrents. Dry and long in the finish. The perfect foil to roasted chicken. Solid if a bit pricey.Prices:| BC | $24.77 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Cono Sur Pinot Noir 2006
Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileThis wine sells so fast it's being rushed to the market each year which isn't necessarily a good thing. The '06 sports a typical spicy, licorice root and black cherry nose with a touch of resin and earth. Fairly tart on the mid-palate in essence calling for that duck confit or roasted chicken. Still solid and the price is a dream.Prices:| BC | $9.89 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Golden Mile Merlot Luckhurst Family Vineyards 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen smoky vanilla, dry cocoa and cherry aromas. Warm on entry with sweet chocolate raspberry fruit with vanilla pepper and savoury fruit notes. Not as fat as the previous edition but there is more tannin at this point. Should improve in bottle over the next year.Prices:| BC | $18.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Golden Mile Road Chardonnay Luckhurst Family Vineyards 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFresh open barrel ferment nose with toasted lees and honey aromas. Bright tangerine pear fruit on entry with hints of buttered popcorn, vanilla and honeyed tropical flavours. Fine acidity and mid-palate weight with a complex smoky oak finish. Tasty and different than most.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Golden Mile Road Pinot Noir Luckhurst Family Vineyards 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig oaky smoky style pinot that sits atop the strawberry plum fruit. Sweet pinot fruit on entry with good acidity. The finish is marred by too much smoke and oak but with time this should come around. Less new oak would be welcomed here. Easy-drinking warm pinot.Prices:| BC | $21.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Thornhaven Divino se Levanto 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaClean spicy, dry, crowd-pleasing style with good fruit and acidity and length. Simple but clean and certainly would fine on the patio or with a cold turkey sandwich.Prices:| BC | $13.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Thornhaven Pinot Noir Barrel Reserve 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA nice improvement over last year although it still has some way to go to develop a true pinot profile. Sweet oak and smoke lend an attractive upfront character to this red but the fruit component is low. More smoky oak and toast mark its smooth dusty oaky finish.Prices:| BC | $16.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
84PTS
Thornhaven Pinot Meunier 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA touch of medicine chest on the nose with cherry leafy notes. Red fruit flavours mixed with coffee and spice. Soft enough and pleasant on entry but a bit too vegetal to carry the day with some animal notes in the finish.Prices:| BC | $16.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
Thornhaven Gewurztraminer 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCould this wine be better than last year? Now one of the best in province on a consistent basis if you like gewürztraminer Thornhaven is the place to get. Look for a bright fresh floral lychee fruit nose and palate with ripe peachy fruit cut by a floral citrus undercurrent. Fine intensity and a clean finish. Terrific wine.Prices:| BC | $13.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Thornhaven Diosa del Sol 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHoney, butter, green apple skin and mineral notes on the nose with some grapefruit. Fresh on the palate with medium weight and sweetness and a pear, grapefruit rind, melon, mineral flavours. Fruity but warm. Chill this down and serve with fresh fruit salads. Simple style.Prices:| BC | $12.90 | 375ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Quails' Gate Merlot Limited Release 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTouch vegetal on the nose with smoky, spicy, cherry/cassis notes and streak of leaf. Fairly dry and firm on entry with more smoky, clove, vanilla, peppery, cool-climate cedar flavours. Tart elegant style that should be fine with food.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $19.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Quails' Gate Old Vines Foch Limited Release 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe iconic red of Quails' gate opens with a smoky meaty clove aroma mixed with resin, leather and tomato leaf notes. The entry is smooth with spicy vanilla and smoky rubbery, gamy stewed tomato and black fruit flavours. Serve with hearty winter stews or big cheeses.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Sandhill Chardonnay Sandhill Estate Vineyard 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen vanilla lees nose with butter, honey melon notes and a touch of garlic. Rich and fat on entry with sweet fruit and more oaky butter melon peach vanilla a fruit flavours. A sweet commercial style that will have wide appeal with consumers.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Sandhill Cabernet Franc Sandhill Estate Vineyard 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is quite an oaky edition with smoky sweet vanilla cherry nose. On the palate it is dry and smooth with fairly supple tannins and cherry and tobacco fruit flavour. The finish is long and flecked with tobacco, pepper, licorice flavours. Youthful and awkward at this point but should improve in the bottle over the next year or two.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Hawthorne Mountain Cabernet Franc 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Hawthorne franc mixes mocha, orange spice, black olive and cherry cigar aromas on the nose. The entry is dry and smooth with plenty of smoky, tobacco, cranberry and black raspberry fruit flavours with a savoury, tobacco undercurrent. More oak than fruit with a spicy dry resiny finish. Needs a bit of time in the bottle or serve around the barbecue. The price is fair.Prices:| BC | $15.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.45 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Camaraderie Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
Washington, United StatesPeppery, spicy, earthy, black berry, slightly pruny, tobacco nose. Soft, smooth, round palate with a bit of heat and dryness. Smoky, peppery, spicy, resiny, prune flavours with a bit of vanilla. Solid but could use a bit more fruit and less alcohol.Prices:| BC | $33.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
The Fort Wine Co. White Cranberry NV
Fraser Valley, British Columbia, CanadaConsistently well amde the lates cranberry blanc remains spicy with bright mineral, fruity cranberry aromas. The palate is crisp with spicy clove, mineral, minty, cranberry flavours and a refreshing tart finish. Try this with turkey and other fowl dishes.Prices:| BC | $13.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
07 October 2006
91PTS
Matua Valley Estate Series Pinot Noir 2004
Wairau Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandA blend of 5 different clones with 20% new French oak. Cherry, strawberry jam, worsteshire, licorice, rhubarb, forest floor, orange peel aromas with a touch of coriander and celery salt. - Nice bright fruit and very varietal. Dry, round, elegant, supple palate with good acidity. Smoky, rhubarb, strawberry, rootsy, orange peel, and red currant flavours. Good plush texture and balance with a bit of incense and five-spice on the finish. Very attractive style and price.Prices:| BC | $31.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Shingle Peak Pinot Noir 2005
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandCola, spicy, celery, rhubarb, smoky, cherry aromas with a touch of carrot. Soft, round, supple style but somewhat acidic. Rhubarb, sour cherry, orange peel, spicy, cola flavours. Fresh, easy style that is best with food.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
92PTS
Matua Valley Paretai Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Wairau Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandCanned asparagus, light butter, grapefruit rind, green apple skin, floral, passion fruit and lime aromas. Richer, rounder than the regular estate wine. Dry, crisp style with pure grapefruit rind, passion fruit, butter, granny smith, jalapeno flavours. Good balance with sweet passion fruit and kiwi aftertaste but crisp and juicy. A very fine effort.Prices:| BC | $31.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
Burrowing Owl Cabernet Franc 2004
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen cedar-y spicy, sweaty nose with a touch of game leather and tobacco with chocolate cranberry fruit. Round and smooth on the palate with spicy, smoky, cigar, chocolate cherry flavours. Similar to last year this franc is rich and ripe with a long warm oaky finish. Well done for a variety that can be tough to love when it's not ripe.Prices:| BC | $29.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Chateau Greysac Médoc Cru Bourgeois 2002
Médoc, Bordeaux, FranceBig olive, smoky, leafy, peppery, saddle leather nose with a touch of coriander. Dry, tight, slightly lean palate with light tannins. Spicy, black olive, smoky, cassis, sour cherry, tobacco leaf and mint flavours. Elegant style but shows the green notes that mark the vintage.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Chateau Bibian Cru Bourgeois 2004
Listrac, Haut-Médoc, Médoc, Bordeaux, FranceDeep cherry colour. Spicy, coffee, tobacco, sweaty saddle, black cherry, licorice nose with a touch of barnyard. Ripe, round, dry entry with light cedar-y tannins. Black cherry, smoky, coffee, tobacco, cedar and plum flavours with a bit of new oak. Well balanced, will improve over the next 1-2 years and soften. Solid value for Cru Bourgeois, moving in the right direction.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
La Bastide (Rouge) 2005
Vin de Pays d'Hauterive, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceDeep black cherry colour. Spicy, smoky, olive, black cherry, meaty, cedar nose with a touch of kirsch. Ripe, round, soft and balanced with lots of black cherry jam, licorice, meaty, spicy, peppery flavours with a raspberry finish. Great food wine and great value. What a difference compared to the 04. Drink with roast lamb or anything barbecue.Prices:| BC | $9.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Arrowleaf Gewurztraminer 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Arrowleaf gewürztraminer is consistently floral on the nose with light spicy sausage nose flecked with peach. Fresh and breezy on the palate that offers up a simple fruit palate of peach and spicy mineral notes. Certainly an attractive consumer style.Prices:| BC | $15.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Christian Moueix Merlot 2003
Bordeaux, FranceSpicy, peppery, black cherry, smoky, resin, cedar and saddle leather nose. Soft, round, dry and supple but alcoholic. Spicy, cedar, black olive, cherry, and tobacco flavours. Very warm finish with a streak of cedar bark. Fully mature for drinking now.Prices:| BC | $16.84 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Calona Vineyards Merlot Artist Series Reserve 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMedium ruby colour with spicy, smoky, soupy stewed fruit and tomato leaf notes, similar to last year. Supple on entry with weedy peppery, earthy black cherry fruit. Pleasant enough on the palate but quite short in the finish. Simple B.C. red.Prices:| BC | $13.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Chateau Bonnet Rouge Bordeaux Réserve 2002
Bordeaux, FranceBlack olive, coffee, mocha, cedar, cassis, black cherry, saddle leather and tobacco aromas. Round, dry, slightly lean entry but well balanced. Peppery, spicy, smoky, cassis, cedar and tobacco flavours. A bit weedy on the finish but solid effort for the vintage.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Calona Vineyards Pinot Gris Artist Series Reserve 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen floral, melon bread dough and citrus aromas. Fresh but soft palate with a fine fruity spicy melon/baked pear palate flecked with mineral slate flavours. Typically well made, easy-sipping style you can pour at most social occasions.Prices:| BC | $13.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Calona Vineyards Artist Series Chardonnay Reserve 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen attractive nose of citrus, melon, smoky apple fruit. On the palate it is soft and forward with buttery, peach, green apple skin flavours. A mid-weight blanced white wine that delivers reasonable value and varietal character.Prices:| BC | $13.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
84PTS
Calona Vineyards Artist Series Cabernet Merlot 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSlightly skunky, rubbery nose with hints of garrigue and leafy, black olive aromas. Soft, round, entry with more herbaceous, green fruit. Not up to usual standards for this easy-drinking series. Spicy, black olive, oaky smoky vanilla and cedar flavours. Simple red at best.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $14.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.69 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
La Bastide (Rouge) 2005
Vin de Pays d'Hauterive, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceCedar, olive, peppery, cherry nose. Soft, round, dry and supple with cherry, plum, olive and licorice flavours. Good dry, fruity finish if a bit warm. Solid food wine and value.Prices:| BC | $9.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Chateau du Taillan 2001
Haut-Médoc, Médoc, Bordeaux, FranceLook for a dry elegant, if a bit tight palate with a tobacco, cassis, black olive, spicy, coffee, resiny, meaty nose touched with a bit of saddle leather. The flavours mix smoky, resin, black olive, tobacco, leafy cassis notes. A bit lean and dry on the finish, now mature, best with beef stew.Prices:| BC | $26.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Chateau de Courteillac 2005
Entre-Deux-Mers, Bordeaux, FranceVery spicy, smoky, black cherry, plum nose with a touch of resin and coffee. Soft, round, dry palate with very light tannins. Cherry, plum, cedar, tobacco, spicy resin flavours. Simple, ripe and ready for dinner - finally, an introductory Bordeaux-style wine that delivers for the moneyPrices:| BC | $11.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
05 October 2006
85PTS
Chateau Haut Perthus Bergerac 2004
Bergerac, Sud-Ouest, FranceSmoky, green olive, coffee, tobacco, saddle leather, spicy herb nose. Dry, round, supple style with very light cedar-y tannins. Spicy, leafy, cedar, black olive, cassis, smoky flavours. Warm, slightly tart finish. Needs a year to come around. Try with beef ribs.Prices:| BC | $13.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
84PTS
Beau-Rivage 2003
Bordeaux, FranceBlack olive, cassis, peppery, tobacco leaf, leather nose. Soft, round, dry and a bit thin on the palate with cedar, tobacco leaf, earthy, minty flavours. Could use a screw cap to tame the cedar-y cork nature and leafy notes.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Bouchard Aîné & Fils Merlot 2005
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceSmoky, black olive, cherry, floral, tar aromas. Dry, round, elegant style with cedar, tobacco leaf, cherry, mineral, floral flavours. Solid, inexpensive merlot without the usual stemmy-ness at this price. Good value.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
03 October 2006
90PTS
Shingle Peak Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandCanned asparagus, grapefruit, passion fruit, smoky, guava aromas. Fresh, crisp, round and elegant palate with grapefruit rind, canned jalapeno, passion fruit, mineral, and gooseberry flavours. Good, crisp, elegant, juicy style with a long flavour finish.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Matua Valley Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Hawkes Bay, North Island, New ZealandGrapefruit rind, passion fruit, bubble gum, lime, floral, nectarine skin. Round, fresh, elegant, delicate style. Grapefruit, light asparagus, mineral, kiwi flavours. Crisp, dry, lemon lime finish but round. Very tasty, attractive style.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
91PTS
Matua Judd Estate Chardonnay 2003
Gisborne - Poverty Bay, North Island, New ZealandToasty oak, nutty, butter, honey, baked peach, apple, floral aromas with a grassy, citrus, waxy, guava streak. Fresh, round, elegant and balanced with spicy lees, creamy vanilla, toasty, green apple, citrus, pineapple flavours with a flinty, nutty, pear finish. Delicate wtih good complexity and acidity. Has improved over the last year in bottle. Should be even better in the next year or two.Prices:| BC | $31.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Matua Valley Bullrush Merlot 2002
Hawkes Bay, North Island, New ZealandTobacco, smoky, olive, cherry, pepery, clove, soy, saddle leather aromas. Warm, soft, supple entry with some light dry tannin. Vanilla, cedar, cherry, soy, tobacco, mineral, earthy, resin flavours. Good balance with a waxy, earthy finish. Good finesse but a bit acidic still.Prices:| BC | $28.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
November 2006