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Tastings: December 2006
31 December 2006
88PTS
Graham's 10 Year Old Tawny Port NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalLight amber, Terra Rossa, tea colour. Spicy, toffee, rancio, nutty, tea, licorice root aromas. Warm, round, slightly fat style and a touch more sweet. Smoky, spicy, cedar, rancio, walnut, dried licorice flavours. A bit hot on the finish and definitely a bit sweeter stylePrices:| BC | $38.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $41.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $39.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $31.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Delta Vineyard Pinot Noir 2005
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandThe '05 Delta PN has better colour and more weight than the '04 and less rhubarb. The style is still fairly dry with spicy sour black cherry fruit aromas flecked with vanilla and orange peel aromas. The palate is richer with darker fruit flavours and more appealing pinot character. It's also fattened up a bit to its benefit. Good solid New World pinot at a great price.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $24.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Wolf Blass Bilyara Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
South Australia, AustraliaThe new Bilyara cabernet is packaged in plastic or a PET bottle with a screwcap. According to Wikipedia, polyethylene terephthalate (aka PET or PETE) is a thermoplastic polymer resin of the polyester family that is used in synthetic fibers; beverage, food and other liquid containers. Smaller, lighter, more transportable and unbreakable it is the latest in wine storage. Look for a slightly vegetative nose with hints of bell pepper, mint and black fruit. The tannins are dry and youthful but offset slightly by bitter chocolate and spicy black cherry fruit. Serve with grilled meats for best results.Prices:| ON | $15.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $14.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Wolf Blass Bilyara Reserve Chardonnay 2005
South Australia, AustraliaA new offering from Wolf Blass packaged in the new PET or polyester resin bottle. The nose is typical Oz chardonnay with buttery melon notes, banana bread and vanilla. The flavours mix sweet ripe tropical fruit, with plenty of oak, citrus and butter. Simple commercial white wine.Prices:| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.41 | 750ml |
| SK | $13.49 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Pirramimma Grenache Shiraz Merlot 2005
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaUsing the latest in technniques the alcohol in this wine has been 'dialled' back from 16 to 11.5 per cent. Look for ayouthful purple colour with bright aromas of raspberries and black cherries. Similar fruit flavours with a dry sour edge mark the palate with some pronounced acidity and dryness in the finish. Will required a grilled entrée, such as lamb chops or chicken, to really shine.Prices:| BC | $21.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.95 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Mad Dogs and Englishman Posh Jumilla 2002
Jumilla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainCorked.Prices:| BC | $18.82 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Tamaya Reserve Merlot - Cabernet Sauvignon - Syrah 2004
Valle del Limari, ChileCool minty leafy aromas with bell pepper and green olive flecks mark the nose and palate of this Limari red. The textures are soft, the merlot suave, while the syrah and cabernet add a spicy mineral, cassis, and tobacco flavour in the finish. Still some youthful tannin but it could easily be dissipated by some grilled sausages, steaks or a roast of beef.Prices:| BC | $17.35 | 750ml |
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30 December 2006
86PTS
Lamberti Santepietre Pinot Grigio 2005
Veneto, ItalyThere's 5 per cent chardonnay in the Lamberti grigio which comes from the Veneto and nearby Trentino. It opens with an earthy mineral nose streaked with green apple. On the palate there is a touch of honey/sugar to add a bit of weight and texture to his clean mineral flavoured white. Perfect for West coast shellfish or pair it up with some linguine and clams.Prices:| BC | $14.11 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.75 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.05 | 750ml |
| NS | $11.90 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Saturna Island Pinot Gris 2005
Southern Gulf Islands, British Columbia, CanadaClean green apple skin with a slightly nutty undercurrent reminiscent of Northern Italy. Fresh and round on entry with grassy,chalky, slate-y, green apple fruit flavours. Certainly the most technically sound wine we have had from Saturna and big step in the right direction. Good value.Prices:| BC | $13.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wild Goose Pinot Gris 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA very consistent performer that seldom hits any low notes or super high ones. A touch of colour signals the pinot gris grape as does its earthy, spicy honey quince nose. Fresh and dry it hits the palate with some weight and more mineral, citrus flavours, earthy, green apple, oily notes and just a hint of ginger in the finish. Well done.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Pinot Gris Organic 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe latest 'Platinum' organic gris from Summerhill comes off Cana Vineyards at Okanagan Falls. It's aged for eight months on its lees to give it a creamy texture and a small portion is aged in French oak to enhance its weight and adds some complexity. The fruit mixes apples and tropical melons with a dusting of honey and earth. Not cheap but perfect for a wide variety of seafood.Prices:| BC | $28.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Torresella Pinot Grigio 2005
Veneto, ItalyTightly strung earthy pinot grigio with hints of grass and citrus. Almost identical on the palate with a grassy, citrus, cardboard finish. A simple wine you can pair with white meats and simple, light fish dishes.Prices:| BC | $15.85 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Church Mouse Pinot Gris Stoney Hill Vineyard 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe former Victoria Estate Winery has been reborn under California winemaker Bill Dyer (ex-Burrowing Owl). The fruit comes off the Black Sage Bench - Stoney Hill Vineyard. Clean and fresh it offers a wealth of fruit and citrus flavours mixing, red apple, mango, earth and buttery notes. The finish is juicy with just the right amount of acidity. A simple straight-up cool climate pinot gris. Excellent value.Prices:| BC | $13.95 | 750ml |
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26 December 2006
85PTS
Osborne Solaz Shiraz Tempranillo 2004
Valdepeñas, Castilla-La Mancha, SpainLight fruity nose with an earthy blueberry underbelly. It's smooth on the palate with some oak and youthful gripp-y wood tannins in the back. Best in a year or two or serve now with strong rustic meat dishes.Prices:| BC | $11.67 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Colle Secco Rubino Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2003
Abruzzo, ItalyTypical gamey, leather, savoury, cigar notes with a dusting of plummy fruit. Quite jammy and some meaty tannins yet to disperse and plenty of spicy smoky, plum and licorice flavours. A bit rustic but this should be just fine with hearty food.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Dancing Bull Zinfandel 2005
Sonoma County, California, United StatesBig reduced mercaptan nose with peppery, briary, cedar aromas. Soft, round, smooth and slightly sweet with black cherry, briar, rootsy, earthy flavours with a touch of blueberry but again some reduced, vegetative mercaptan notes on the finish. Not up to the usual quality.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.95 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Frontera Merlot 2005
Region del Valle Central, ChileSimilar in style to the previous edition with its savoury, cedar, minty, leafy tobacco nose. Its reasonably smooth supple palate with crushed leaf and minty tobacco blueberry flavours. Simple straight-up red that is best used around the barbecue.Prices:| BC | $8.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $15.95 | 1500ml |
| AB | $8.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $8.28 | 750ml |
| NF | $8.97 | 750ml |
| NB | $8.83 | 750ml |
| PEI | $10.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Le Macchiole Bolgheri Rosso 2004
Bolgheri, Tuscany, ItalySpicy, floral, gamey, saddle leather, cherry, cedar, smoky plum aromas with a meaty, rootsy streak. Dry, round, elegant style with light, slightly lean tannins. Cherry, licorice, smoky, gamey, tobacco, black olive, cedar, earthy flavours. Fresh finish but balanced with light tannins. Easy, enjoyable style for food, drink now and over the next 2 years.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $34.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Michel Torino Don David Torrontés Reserve 2006
Cafayate, Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, ArgentinaVery spicy nose with rose, orange, mineral and candied ginger. Fresh, round, elegant and dry with lemon oil, mineral, rose water, spicy, savoury honey flavours. Dry and crisp on the finish with good acidity, a fine match for Indian and Southeast Asian cuisine.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.60 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Emmolo Merlot 2003
Rutherford, Napa Valley, California, United StatesHuge cherry jam, vanilla, smoky, rootsy, kirsch, black olive, tobacco aromas. Ripe, rich, round style with some grainy tannin. Smoky, cherry, plum, floral, orange, coffee, vanilla, cedar flavours. A touch warm and tannic on the finish, will benefit from 2-4 years bottle age. Good effort for Napa and the price is right.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Renwood Zinfandel Old Vines 2003
Amador County, Sierra Foothills, California, United StatesSpicy, cedar, floral, briar, blackberry, peppery, smoky vanilla aromas. Round, dry, slightly tannic entry and warm. Very spicy, peppery, smoky, licorice, resin, bramble berry, vanilla, cherry flavours. A bit chewy and warm on the finish. Will need two to four years more in bottle to fully round out.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Cono Sur Gewurztraminer Limited Release 2006
Valle del Bio-Bio, ChileBig fresh floral, spicy, lychee, grapefruit, honey, orange peel aromas. Fresh, crisp, round entry and fairly dry with good acidity. Elegant with ginger, orange, grapefruit, honey, lychee and mineral flavours. Great food wine and very well balanced with a crisp finish. Try with Indian food, chicken or pork. Incredible value.Prices:| BC | $10.88 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Trentacinquesimo Parallelo Primitivo Del Salento 2005
Puglia, ItalyBig spicy prune-y raspberry aromas with similar flavours. The mix of peppery fruit and gamey flavours is just different enough to grab your interest. There's typical Italian dryness in the finish but that you can banish that with a meat pizza or some pasta with a sausage sauce. Good value again.Prices:| BC | $9.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Old Ghost Old Vine Zinfandel 2003
Lodi, Central Valley, California, United StatesVery ripe nose with black cherry, vanilla, cedar, licorice, smoky, briar aromas. Rich, round, smooth, fat and alcoholic but has good overall intensity. Big spicy, chocolate, black berry jam, peppery, licorice, rootsy, smoky vanilla flavours. Long and flavoursome despite the high alcohol after burn.Prices:| BC | $54.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Bisquertt Casa La Joya Reserve Merlot 2004
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileFragrant minty bay leave nose with spicy green olive notes. Round and smooth on entry with a savoury chocolate/vanilla flavoured mid-palate. A touch sweet and warm but balanced with just enough acidity to freshen the palate.Prices:| BC | $14.76 | 750ml |
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23 December 2006
84PTS
Red Rooster Blanc de Noir 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA sweetish white with a soft round nature. The fruit is a mix of strawberries and baked apples with a touch of caramel. A simple sipper that will appeal to those who prefer a bit of residual sugar in their wine. Might play well with Thai food.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Wild Goose Mystic River Pinot Blanc 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaInviting scented nose of butter and spiced green apple with bits of lemongrass. Soft and round on the palate with pear and buttery floral flavours. Well made white with a mouth-watering finish. Good value.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Sumac Ridge Pinot Blanc Black Sage Vineyard 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRich oaky nose with vanilla and butter aromas flecked with peach and melon. Similar flavours on the palate with a warm, smooth, creamy, vanilla oaky finish. Will have some appeal for those who like their oak front and centre.Prices:| BC | $14.45 | 750ml |
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21 December 2006
87PTS
Bird in Hand Sparkling Pinot Noir 2006
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaShades of pale pink. Floral, perfumy, cherry, fresh granny smith aromas. Continuous mousse but light with cherry, granny smith, floral, citrus, pear flavours. Creamy, somewhat sweet finish. Easy-drinking, fresh style for the holidays.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Black Hills Sequentia 2005
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOrange, baked apple, pear, grassy, honey nose with a touch of lees. Round, elegant, somewhat sweet style with light apricot, butter, lees, honey, canned pineapple, floral flavours with a light grassy, green apple finish. Very solid, fresh late harvest style. The best yet from Black Hills. The '05 blend is 55 semillon and 45 sauvignon blanc.Prices:| BC | $29.90 | 375ml |
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90PTS
Peller Estates Private Reserve Trinity Icewine 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaQuite golden in colour. Marmalade, plasticene, floral, mineral, apricot, baked pear aromas. Ripe, round, fat and sweet with moderate acidity. Honey, orange, green apple, plasticene, petrol, dried apricot flavours. Good intensity but a bit coarse and muddled. Perhaps another year or so will help to integrate the 3 varieties.Prices:| BC | $54.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Concha y Toro Sauvignon Blanc Late Harvest Private Reserve 2003
Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileRich botrytis/egg yolk, honey, cream and nectarine skin aromas. Ripe, round, elegant and fresh with medium acidity but not too sweet. Fine mineral, petrol, apricot, egg yolk, grapefruit and passion fruit flavours. Tasty and fresh with good length. Could use a touch more acidity but well balanced nonetheless. Great value.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 375ml |
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89PTS
Champagne Pol Roger Brut Reserve NV
Champagne, FranceClassic Pol Roger. Tight continuous mousse with floral, toasty, nutty, baked apple and citrus aromas. Dry, crisp round and effervescent with nutty, pear, mineral, citrus, cooked apple skin flavours. The finish is crisp and elegant. A consistent performer.Prices:| BC | $89.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $85.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $98.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $85.55 | 750ml |
| QC | $75.25 | 750ml |
| NS | $85.23 | 750ml |
| PEI | $84.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Premier Cru Réserve Particulière NV
Champagne, FranceConsistent fine mousse. Floral, light cherry, toasty, pear aromas with a touch of quince and citrus. Fresh, elegant, lively palate with cherry, citrus, toasty, creamy quince flavours. Very attractive and crisp yet balanced finish. Its great to have such a fresh blend of 40/20/40 pinot noir/chardonnay/pinot meunier.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $55.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $52.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $50.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Inniskillin Okanagan Vidal Icewine 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHoney, orange rind, mineral, green apple skin, light petrol nose with a touch of plasticene. Ripe, round, rich and elegant style with moderate acidity and sweetness but good balance. Orange marmalade, cream, mineral, passion fruit, plasticene and grapefruit flavours. Rich but elegant with very good acidity on the finish and it's only 9.6% alcohol. A delicious example of vidal icewine.Prices:| BC | $52.99 | 375ml |
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89PTS
Champagne Lanson Le Black Brut NV
Champagne, FranceLots of continuous mousse and fine bubbled. Brioche, baked apple, honey, floral aromas with a touch of citrus. A bit foamy with nutty, cherry, toasty, citrus and mineral flavours. Lots of citrus on the finish. Very consistent, easy-sipping style for any occasion.Prices:| BC | $78.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $67.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $72.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Champagne Duval-Leroy Brut NV
Champagne, FranceGood mousse with creamy, toasty, cherry, honey aromas and a touch of pear. Elegant with creamy, cherry, nutty, mineral, baked pear, honey flavours. Good intensity in a slightly sweeter, fatter brut style.Prices:| BC | $58.14 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Thornhaven Nectar del Sol 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHoney, nutty, butter, spicy, apple core aromas. Light, round, soft style with nutty, buttery, honey, mineral flavours and a slightly bitter apple seed note. Sweet and simple with a somewhat acidic finish.Prices:| BC | $17.90 | 375ml |
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20 December 2006
80PTS
Cookoothama Shiraz 2005
Murray - Darling, AustraliaResiny, licorice, smoky, leather, pruny, medicinal nose. Dry, lean, warm, acidic entry with leather, cedar, smoky, medicinal flavours. No fruit and not much balance. Disappointing acidic red wine.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Drostdy-Hof Shiraz 2004
Western Cape, South AfricaMeaty, sweaty leather, smoky, tobacco, rootsy nose. Round, soft, somewhat sweet entry with mineral, smoky, mushroom, black cherry, cigar, leather flavours. Simple, somewhat herbal style.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Drostdy-Hof Merlot 2005
Western Cape, South AfricaTobacco leaf, green olive, spicy, smoky, coffee grind nose. Soft, round, smooth and a bit sweet with leafy, olive, herbal, smoky, cherry flavours with a smoky, tart finish. Simple straight-up merlot.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Karl Wente The Nth Degree Syrah 2004
Livermore, San Francisco Bay, California, United StatesSmoky, vanilla, mocha, peppery, blackberry, meaty, black licorice aromas but very warm. Dry, rich, somewhat tannic entry with lots of alcohol. Big vanilla, mocha oak, coffee, black cherry kirsch, rootsy, meaty, peppery flavours. Warm, slightly tart finish with lots of oak and berry fruit. Needs a year or two to tame the tannins or try with venison or veal chop.Prices:| BC | $68.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Bird in Hand Shiraz 2005
Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaPruny, baked blackberry, peppery, lifted licorice root nose. Soft, round, dry palate but somewhat acidic and warm. Peppery, pruny, chocolate, black cherry, rootsy, Christmas cake flavours. Very hot, tart finish. The fruit is a bit over ripe and lacks balance.Prices:| BC | $32.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Domaine Saint Préfert Châteauneuf-du-Pape Réserve Auguste Favier 2004
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceBig cherry, white pepper, savoury, barnyard, floral, meaty, red licorice aromas. Dry, round, warm palate but good concentration with some elevated alcohol. Cherry kirsch, almond, spicy, peppery, boysenberry, rootsy, meaty, chocolate flavours. Good elegance but finish shows elevated alcohol heat with some roasted fruit and youthful tannins. Needs 2-4 years.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Penfolds Shiraz Kalimna Bin 28 2003
South Australia, AustraliaCorked, try another bottle.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $31.89 | 750ml |
| MB | $32.98 | 750ml |
| QC | $34.25 | 750ml |
| NS | $39.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $33.98 | 750ml |
| ON | $29.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Penfolds RWT Shiraz 2003
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaSpicy, savoury, pencil lead, black cherry, floral, resiny, ash, vanilla. Dry, round, elegant style but somewhat lean with some youthful, tight tannins. Black cherry, coffee, spicy, coriander, savoury, meaty, black olive, resiny, vanilla flavours. Very warm, coffee, cigar finish with some acidity poking through. A bit flat on the palate overall and lacks the fruit and sophistication of some prior vintages. Needs 2-4 years to soften out.Prices:| BC | $119.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $120.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $114.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $199.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $119.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $116.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $145.85 | 750ml |
| NB | $115.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $115.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Château de la Gardine Châteauneuf du Pape 2003
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FrancePruny, smoky, licorice root, black cherry, saddle leather, chocolate, savoury, meaty nose. Dry, round, elegant but somewhat tight entry. Black cherry, smoky, pruny, earthy, savoury, tobacco, kirsch flavours with some ash and chocolate flavours. Very alcoholic finish with some tight tannins. A bit unbalanced, needs 2-4 years to soften.Prices:| BC | $50.14 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $36.70 | 750ml |
| MB | $41.14 | 750ml |
| QC | $34.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Heartland Directors' Cut Shiraz 2005
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaHuge coffee, vanilla, smoky, peppery, blackberry jam nose mixed with some meaty, rootsy, leather notes. Soft, round, dry, slightly tart entry with some young tannins. Again, intense coffee, mocha, vanilla, peppery, black olive flavours with some resiny, blackberry at the end. Finish is alcoholic and acidity is pushing the limits. Needs food.Prices:| BC | $37.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $31.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $34.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $29.95 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Michel Torino Coleccion Tannat 2005
Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, ArgentinaPeppery, resin, roast coffee, savoury, saddle leather, plum jam nose. Dry, lean, slightly tart entry with some tight tannins. Cherry, mineral, spicy, savoury, ash flavours. Finish is very tart and tight. Needs a bit more generosity.Prices:| NS | $21.95 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Church Mouse Syrah Saddle Ridge Vineyard 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDill, roasted bell pepper, smoky, tobacco leaf, herbal, coffee nose. Soft, round, dry, simple palate with herbal, leafy, peppery, smoky, sour cherry flavours. Not a lot of charm or varietal (syrah) character.Prices:| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Seven Sinners Syrah The Ransom 2004
Napa Valley, California, United StatesPeppery, spicy, charred coffee, licorice root, mineral, black cherry aromas with some saddle leather. Dry, tart, alcoholic entry with some lean tannins. Mineral, peppery, black cherry, resiny, black olive, rootsy, coffee vanilla flavours. Has some intensity but lacks balance and finesse.Prices:| BC | $37.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $32.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
The Colonial Estate Explorateur Shiraz 2004
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaLifted (slightly volatile) cherry jam, vanilla, cola, sweaty saddle leather, peppery nose, Not too clean. Soft, round, supple palate with some high alcohol poking through. Peppery, earthy, smoky, resiny, cola, black cherry, vanilla flavours. Smooth, warm, tart finish. Best with meat dishes like lamb chops.Prices:| US | $30.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Kangarilla Road Shiraz Viognier 2004
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaPruny, animal, sweaty leather, resiny, prickly, cigar, barnyard aromas. Soft, round, supple but acidic and alcoholic with some lean tannins at the finish. Floral, black cherry, mineral, licorice, coffee, resiny flavours with a sweaty leather, sour cherry finish. No generosity or balance and the alcohol is out of kilter. Not enough value for the price.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
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19 December 2006
85PTS
Finca Los Primos Syrah 2005
San Rafael, General Alvear, Southern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaA new label from Los Primos. Smoky, peppery, compost, black cherry, meaty, minty aromas with a savoury streak. Dry, round, supple, slightly chunky palate with peppery, compost, menthol, leather, cedar, gamey cherry flavours. Solid, slightly rustic style.Prices:| BC | $9.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Juno Shiraz 2005
Robertson, Breede River Valley, South AfricaSmoky, leather, roasted bell pepper, white pepper nose with a touch of cherry. Dry, round, smooth palate with compost, leafy, spicy, peppery, blueberry and licorice root flavours. Smooth but finish is a bit warm and acidic.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
U'Luvka Vodka NV
The newest brand of super premium vodka from Poland on the market with a unique bent glass, designer bottle. A blend of three grains - rye, wheat and barley, this boasts a spirity, floral, minty, mineral nose and a super smooth, round palate. Similar flavours with a bit of rye showing up on the finish with good viscosity. Again, serve neat or mixed but not inexpensive. For the vodka connoisseur.Prices:| BC | $69.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Excelsior Paddock Shiraz 2004
Robertson, Breede River Valley, South AfricaBoysenberry, plum, peppery, compost, meaty, spicy nose with a touch of resin. Warm, round, moderately rich palate with plum, black cherry, mocha, spicy, licorice flavours. Good intensity with some acidity poking through at the end but well made.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bird in Hand Two in the Bush Shiraz 2005
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaFrom a great vintage comes, a meaty, spicy, eucalyptus, boysenberry, peppery, floral nose with a touch of cedar and leather. Round, fresh, rich, slightly tart entry with black cherry, blueberry, peppery, meaty, roasted pepper and smoky mineral flavours. Great aroma and flavour intensity, and supple tannins but could use less acidity poking through the backend.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Red Bicyclette Syrah 2004
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceThe fruit comes out of the Minervois and Maury appellations of Central and South Eastern Languedoc. Look for spicy, peppery, leafy, menthol, meaty nose. Round, dry, slightly tannic entry with mineral, black cherry, minty, rootsy, iodine, tobacco leaf flavours. A bit warm and acidic on the finish but fine for food. Not as rich as the previous edition.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Wolf Blass Black Label Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
South Australia, AustraliaAged mostly in French oak, this is a 79/21 blend of shiraz and cabernet sauvignon from Barossa, McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills fruit. Smoky, vanilla, spicy, mocha, tobacco, cigar, black berry jam, coriander, olive and cassis aromas with a slight gamey, note. Dry, rich, warm and supple style with smooth tannins. Spicy, peppery, chocolate, mocha, olive, licorice root, and black berry flavours with some olive and vanilla on the finish. Good length but will improve over the next 3-5 years.Prices:| BC | $89.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Wolf Blass Red Label Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaSpicy, peppery, olive, blackberry, rootsy, resin nose. Soft, round, slightly juicy entry but tart. Black olive, cassis, spicy, leather, tobacco flavours. Solid but could use a bit more generosity and less acidity.Prices:| QC | $15.85 | 750ml |
| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $15.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $16.99 | 750ml |
| PEI | $16.35 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Wolf Blass Premium Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
South Australia, AustraliaSpicy, peppery, licorice, saddle leather, blackberry and tobacco aromas with a touch of vanilla. Round, dry, supple palate with some grainy tannin. Peppery, olive, smoky, cassis, spicy vanilla flavours with some tobacco and blueberry on the finish. Good balance but could use a bit more ripeness and less acidity overall.Prices:| BC | $29.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $27.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $24.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $25.85 | 750ml |
| NS | $29.97 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Wolf Blass Gold Label Shiraz 2003
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaNice meaty, peppery, black olive, minty, saddle leather nose mixed with smoke, vanilla and blackberry jam. Soft, round, supple and dry with slightly chunky tannins and fresh acidity. Peppery, clove, mineral, blueberry, earthy, black cherry flavours. A bit tight now but has good fruit and balance. Will improve over the next 1-3 years.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $30.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $29.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $33.65 | 750ml |
| QC | $29.80 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Madfish Shiraz 2003
Western Australia, AustraliaPeppery, poultry spice, licorice, smoky, meaty, black cherry nose with a bit of leafy compost and roasted bell pepper. Ripe, round, supple, slightly tart entry. Big blueberry, black cherry, spicy, mineral, licorice, smoky resin flavours with a touch of cedar and leather on the finish. Good intensity if showing tart acidity on the finish.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Sélection Delas Syrah Vins de Pays des Coteaux de l'Ardèche 2004
FranceMeaty, gamey, savoury, compost, boysenberry aromas with a touch of barnyard. Dry, tight, somewhat tannic palate with cherry, mineral, licorice, meaty, smoky, cedar flavours. Some fruit and intensity but needs meat to balance the tannins.Prices:| BC | $15.49 | 750ml |
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88PTS
The Winner's Tank Shiraz 2005
Langhorne Creek, South Australia, AustraliaBlack pepper, licorice root, meaty, cinnamon, clove oak nose with some blackberry. Round, warm, supple, smooth entry with big meaty, smoky, peppery, chocolate, menthol, mocha flavours with a black cherry, licorice and blueberry finish. Solid, round, easy-drinking style for a winter's tale.Prices:| BC | $21.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Water Wheel Bendigo Shiraz 2003
Bendigo, Victoria, AustraliaSomewhat reduced initially then opens with savoury, peppery, meaty, blackberry, floral, licorice root, pencil lead and chocolate vanilla aromas. Rich, ripe, round, dry palate with some grainy tannins. Good spicy, peppery, meaty, smoky, mineral, chocolate, blackberry, mocha flavours. Intense, well balanced despite some heat and acidity on the finish. Needs a year or two or try with a slow roasted lamb stew. Great value.Prices:| AB | $19.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Peller Estates Private Reserve Syrah 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, gamey, compost, peppery nose with mocha, coffee, blackberry hints and a touch of menthol and butter. Soft, round, dry, supple style with cedar, smoky, savoury, coffee, mocha, mineral, boysenberry flavours. Solid, drinkable, slightly oaky style but has some good syrah character. Will be good with turkey or a lamb leg.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.99 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Wild Pig Syrah 2005
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FrancePrune mocha, peppery, spicy nose but a bit volatile. Dry, tart, lean entry with peppery, mineral, licorice, iodine, black cherry flavours. Needs more generosity and a cleaner nose.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.50 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Seven Hills Viognier 2005
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesSourced from two vineyards on the Wahluke Slope, the '05 Seven Hills viognier has an enticing butter, honey, ginger, floral nose with a minty nose and a touch of orange creamsicle. Rich, round, fresh and fairly elegant with mineral, butter, marmalade, melon rind, honey and candied ginger flavours. A bit fat but good intensity and balance with a touch of sweetness on the finish. Very attractive mainstream style. Good value.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Burrowing Owl Syrah 2004
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBlack cherry, dried lychee, mineral, smoky, roasted sausage nose with rootsy, chocolate aromas with a touch of compost and bell pepper in the background. Dry, tight, somewhat lean on entry with a bit of acidity poking through. Very meaty, licorice root, medicinal, pruny, menthol, black cherry, gamey, raisin-y, compost flavours. A bit young but lacks the balance of the 2003 with some excess acidity and dryness. This edition has a synthetic cork. Solid if a bit dry.Prices:| BC | $29.90 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Wild Horse Canyon Shiraz 2005
Product of CanadaSpicy, rootsy, mocha, cedar, roasted bell pepper, blueberry nose. Round, soft, slightly sweet entry with blueberry, cedar bark, compost, menthol, mocha flavours. Simple, easy-sipping style.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Nine Stones Hilltops Shiraz 2005
New South Wales, AustraliaSmoky, roasted bell pepper, animal, floral, white pepper, black cherry nose. Round, fresh palate with light tannins but a bit lean. Black cherry, blueberry, licorice, cola, mocha, meaty, savoury flavours with a tart, round, warm finish. Nice fruit flavours but just too much acidity in the end. Best served with rich, fatty meats.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Kangarilla Road Shiraz 2004
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaHuge ripe blackberry, blueberry, licorice, peppery, mocha, bacon, smoky aromas. Rich, ripe, round, warm, slightly tannic entry. Lots of spicy, smoky, meaty, menthol, black cherry, resin, licorice, pencil lead flavours with an iodine and blueberry finish. Lots of intensity here but marred somewhat by a rootsy, medicinal style, high acid, finish.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Outback Chase Shiraz 2003
Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaSpicy, tobacco, cedar, pruny, compost aromas with a strong barnyard, animal streak. Sweet, round entry with black plum, spicy, chocolate, cedar and compost flavours. Warm, sweet finish with prunes and some acidity.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.99 | 750ml |
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17 December 2006
88PTS
Dog Point Vineyard Pinot Noir 2004
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandFloral, cherry, celery salt, smoky, spicy, light barnyard nose with a bit of cola and compost. Soft, round, fresh and supple palate with some elegance. Cherry, celery salt, smoky, carrot, vanilla and mineral flavours with a touch of saddle leather and compost on the finish. Simple, ready to drink pinot with good balance.Prices:| BC | $51.45 | 750ml |
| AB | $42.00 | 750ml |
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16 December 2006
88PTS
Valdivieso Syrah Reserva 2004
Region del Valle Central, ChileIntense eucalyptus, spicy, licorice root, black cherry, and white pepper nose. Soft, round, supple palate with spicy, cherry, menthol, cola, peppery, tobacco flavours. Dry, meaty spicy finish. Has improved in the bottle over the last 8 months and has developed a bit more varietal definition.Prices:| BC | $22.95 | 750ml |
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15 December 2006
85PTS
Selbach Riesling Bereich Bernkastel Qba 2005
Mosel, GermanySlate, mineral, perfumed, green apple aromas. Sweet, fresh, slightly oily palate with floral, lemon lime, peach, honey and lees flavours. Sweet and sour finish, best with Indian food.Prices:| BC | $15.21 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Peller Estates Heritage Series Riesling 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeach, floral, melon, mineral aromas. Soft, sweet, round style with melon, peach, buttery, honey flavours. Simple sweet sipper.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.29 | 750ml |
| SK | $11.59 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Devil's Rock Pfalz Riesling 2004
Pfalz, GermanyFloral, peach, petrol, mineral nose with a touch of citrus. Round, sweet, slightly fat entry with peach, honey, floral, Vaseline flavours. Simple, fresh consumer style for summer afternoons.Prices:| BC | $11.21 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Pewsey Vale Individual Vineyard Selection Riesling 2004
Eden Valley, South Australia, Australia.Tight slate, green apple skin, petrol, honey, peach pit aromas. Rich, round, full bodied style but elegant with a touch of residual. Lees, peach pit, lime rind, smoky, salty flavours. Good intensity in a less fruity stylePrices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $26.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Penfolds Riesling Reserve Bin 2005
Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaGreen apple, seashell, light petrol, mineral, floral nose with a touch of lemon pledge. Crisp, round, slightly fat entry with green apple skin, smoky, grassy, lime rind, seashell, chalky flavours. Good intensity and balance but less fruity and more mineral in style. Needs a few years to show well.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $27.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Wolf Blass Gold Label Riesling 2005
South Australia, AustraliaRipe lime, citrus blossom, mineral, green apple, cement aromas. Dry, tart, fresh, elegant palate with slate, lime rind, green apple skin, floral, smoky flavours. Crisp, round, full style but elegant.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Inniskillin Okanagan Riesling Icewine Dark Horse Vineyard 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGreen apple, lime, apricot, mineral, ripe mango aromas. Sweet, rich, ripe and fat but very good acidity. Baked apple, peach, orange, mango flavours. Very ripe, tropical finish with great fruit.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Gianluca Viberti Langhe Nebbiolo 2004
Langhe, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyVery spicy, menthol, tarry, black cherry, peppery, rose petal aromas, very ripe. Rich, ripe and round with some dry, grainy tannins. Very peppery, tobacco, licorice root, minty, tar, black cherry, bitter chocolate flavours. Good intensity and balance if a bit young. Hold a year or two or try with grilled steak.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Wild Goose Riesling God's Mountain Vineyard 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, mineral, green apple skin, honey nose with a touch of orange and mango. Fresh, round, juicy palate with a touch of oiliness. Light lees, mineral, green apple, peach skin, clover flavours with a crisp, warm finish.Prices:| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Balthasar Ress Rheingau Riesling QBA 2005
Rheingau, GermanyLight petrol, slate, lime, floral, green apple, light asparagus aromas. Ripe, round, somewhat sweet entry with mineral, smoky, slate, green apple skin, lime rind flavours with a floral grassy finish. A bit heavy and sweet but has good intensity.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Rudolf Muller Piesporter Goldtropfchen Riesling Kabinett 2005
Mosel, GermanyVery floral, matchstick, lemon pledge, honey nose. Ripe, round, sweet entry with low acidity. Mango, ripe apple, floral, lemon flavours. Solid but just too soft.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.50 | 750ml |
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85PTS
The Bishop of Riesling 2005
Mosel, GermanyFloral, mineral, baked green apple, citrus rind nose. Fresh, elegant, round style with some sweetness. Mineral, slate, green apple skin, marzipan, peach skin flavours. Easy drinking style for food.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Wild Goose Riesling 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaClover, lees, honey, floral nose. Round, fresh, lively palate and elegant. Green apple skin, lime, floral, leesy, grassy flavours with a touch of honey and mineral. Solid, fresh style.Prices:| BC | $14.50 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Spätlese 2005
Mosel, GermanyRipe peach, orange, mango, green apple, floral aromas. Rich, ripe, sweet and fresh with juicy acidity. Full flavoured with ripe mango, orange, baked pear, green apple, clover, slate flavours. Juicy, ripe orange finish. Nice length and intensity with real finesse.Prices:| BC | $37.67 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Kabinett 2004
Mosel, GermanyLeesy, smoky, slate, green apple skin, floral aromas. Fresh, ripe, round, juicy palate with some sweetness but nice finesse. Green apple, lime, grassy, smoky, slate, peach pit flavours. Good juicy style with flavour intensity and elegance.Prices:| BC | $29.68 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Rabl Riesling Steinhaus 2004
Kamptal, Niederösterreich, Weinland Österreich, AustriaBaked green apple, smoky, buttery, petrol aromas. Ripe, round, full bodied but fresh with some sweetness. Nectarine, baked apple, mineral, spicy, floral, buttery flavours. A bit sour on the finish but should be fine with food.Prices:| BC | $21.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Ricossa Antica Casa Barbera d'Asti 2004
Piedmont, ItalyCherry, mineral, leather, tar, smoky, vanilla, coffee nose. Ripe, rich, round and soft with spicy vanilla, coffee, black cherry, licorice, smoky flavours. Very ripe style with some oak and supple tannins. Very good effort and value. Bit of a California bent. Good value.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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14 December 2006
89PTS
Doña Paula Estate Malbec 2005
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaSpicy, meaty, plum pudding, coffee, licorice, savoury aromas. Ripe, rich, soft and round with full flavour intensity but not heavy. Peppery, licorice, black cherry, plum, savoury, vanilla flavours. A bit acidic at the end but has good fruit and suppleness.Prices:| BC | $20.93 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.95 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Doña Paula Malbec Selección de Bodega 2004
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaSmoky, savoury, vanilla, coriander, black cherry, barnyard, saddle leather and plum aromas. Rich, ripe, round and supple, fine grained tannins. Black cherry, plum jam, tobacco, smoky, licorice, meaty, vanilla pudding flavours with some orange peel and allspice on the finish. Good fruit and ripeness with some finesse, will improve over the next 2-5 years.Prices:| AB | $32.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $36.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Rain Organic Vodka NV
Rain is made from organic white corn grown in Illinois and uses a quadruple distillation. Filtration is both activated charcoal and diamond dust. Crystal clear colour with a light smoky, mineral, honey nose but fairly neutral and clean. Quite rich and viscous on the palate and smooth with an almost sweet, corn syrup, mineral flavoured palate. Certainly more body and concentration than most vodkas. Can be drunk neat or mixed.Prices:| BC | $40.55 | 750ml |
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79PTS
Glenugie Christina Noir de Noir Brut Sparkling Wine NV
British Columbia, CanadaPale cherry colour. Leafy, compost, cabbage, prune and cherry nose. Dry, tart, somewhat lean entry with herbal, menthol, compost, vegy, cooked prune flavours with some oxidative notes. Lacks fruit and life.Prices:| BC | $21.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Van Westen Vineyards Viognier 2005
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery floral, perfumy, orange, creamsicle, honey, ginger, leesy nose. Crisp, round, dry, slightly fat entry but good intensity. Mineral, floral, ginger, menthol, buttery, honey, citrus rind flavours. Good effort, a bit young, will improve with a year in bottle.Prices:| BC | $27.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Jules Taylor Wines Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandBig canned jalapeno, grassy, grapefruit rind, smoky, mineral nose with a touch of matchstick. Rich, round, fresh and elegant palate with good intensity and balance. Smoky, canned jalapeno, gooseberry, grapefruit rind flavours with a touch of melon rind and honey. Tart, dry finish, a good match for most seafood.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Fouassier Père et Fils Sancerre Les Romains 2005
Sancerre, Upper Loire, Loire, FranceLees, wet wool, green apple skin, butter, light bell pepper aromas. Dry, round, slightly fat entry but crisp with honey, mineral, lees, butter, green apple skin, smoky, herbal flavours. Nice finesse if a touch hot and short on the finish.Prices:| BC | $27.50 | 750ml |
| BC | $14.75 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Monmousseau Cuvee J.M. Blanc de Blancs Brut 2002
Touraine, Loire, FranceLight mousse. Mineral, lemon, green apple skin, lees aromas with a touch of honey. Dry, crisp, elegant style with somewhat foamy mousse. Green apple, nutty, mineral, honey and lemon flavours. Simple, easy style for current consumption.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Viu Manent Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileMenthol, passion fruit, grapefruit juice, floral, kiwi aromas. Fresh, round, slightly sweet entry with mineral, grapefruit, gooseberry, green apple skin, grassy flavours. A bit lean and tart on the finish but has nice elegance.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Dancing Bull Sauvignon Blanc 2005
California, United StatesCanned asparagus, mineral, melon rind, grapefruit rind aromas. Fresh, round, crisp palate with a hint of sweetness. Mineral, asparagus, jalapeno, grapefruit rind flavours with a tart, grassy, rind-y finish. Solid, more herbaceous style.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Frontera Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Region del Valle Central, ChileMineral, grapefruit rind, candied, matchstick, popcorn aromas. Round, fresh sweet and sour entry with mineral, grapefruit, grassy, candied green apple flavours. Simple, easy consumer style in screwcap.Prices:| BC | $15.45 | 1500ml |
| AB | $12.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $16.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.55 | 750ml |
| NS | $17.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $17.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $8.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Casillero del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Region del Valle Central, ChileFresh gooseberry, grassy, grapefruit rind nose. Fresh, crisp, elegant palate with gooseberry, grassy, light bell pepper, mineral, herbal flavours with grapefruit rind finish. A bit short but nice and fresh for clams and mussels.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.50 | 750ml |
| SK | $12.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.30 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.05 | 750ml |
| NB | $12.42 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Equus Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChilePassion fruit, butter, gooseberry, floral, grapefruit aromas. Ripe, round, broad and fresh with good finesse. Ripe kiwi, passion fruit, grapefruit flavours with a slightly grassy, quinine, lime rind finish. A bit short but good sauvignon character.Prices:| BC | $15.21 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.24 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
MontGras Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2006
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileFloral, gooseberry, grapefruit, sweaty, kiwi aromas with a touch of jalapeno and asparagus. Round, fresh, elegant palate with some nice viscosity. Grassy, jalapeno, grapefruit rind, mineral, and gooseberry flavours. Good intensity and length if a bit tart.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Pasqua Lapaccio Primitivo Salento 2004
Salento, Puglia, ItalyVery gamey, meaty, pruny, sweaty leather, cherry jam, tobacco aromas but very lifted. Dry, slightly tart, slightly tannic entry and warm. Smoky, peppery, gamey, meaty, cherry and prune flavours. Old style Southern Italian red but it has intensity.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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13 December 2006
87PTS
Bottega Petalo Il Vino dell' Amore Moscato NV
Veneto, ItalyFresh, clean spicy, floral, peach, mineral aromas with lots of foamy mousse. Sweet style but delicate with good acidity. Fresh orange, peach, green apple and mineral flavours. Fun, easy drink for an afternoon or after dinner.Prices:| BC | $16.49 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Riggwelter Strong Yorkshire Ale NV
Dark amber colour with fine, creamy amber mousse. Spicy, earthy, malty nose with a fruity, pear note. Dry, crisp, elegant entry and not too heavy. Malty, smoky, earthy, coffee flavours with a bitter hops and nutty finish. Good solid, older style ale that is not too highly carbonated for consumption with food.Prices:| BC | $3.25 | 500ml |
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84PTS
Mionetto Il Rosé NV
Veneto, ItalyLight cherry colour. Light mousse with cherry, mineral, tobacco, spicy nose. Tart, moderately dry entry with low mousse. Cherry, marzipan, tobacco leaf, herbal flavours. Lacks fruit but shows the leaf cab and merlot notes. Looks better than it tastes.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sergio MO Mionetto Spumante Extra Dry NV
Veneto, ItalyLight nutty, floral, green apple, peach skin nose. Dry, round, fresh palate with nutty, leesy, mineral, floral, apple skin and peach skin flavours. A bit foamy but elegant and easy to drink.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Robertson Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Robertson, Breede River Valley, South AfricaPeppery, dill, leafy tobacco, prune and tank aromas. Very dry, tart, lean entry with tank-y, peppery, cassis, leafy, herbal flavours. No joy of any sort here.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Boekenhoutskloof The Wolftrap 2005
Western Cape, South AfricaSmoky, spicy, black cherry, plum, chocolate, floral, meaty aromas. Dry, tart, slightly lean entry but juicy with smoky, cassis, cherry, mineral, peppery, ginger flavours. Good fruit intensity but finish is too acidic to sip without grilled meat. The blend is 63 /19/11/5 syrah/cinsault/mourvedre/viognier.Prices:| BC | $15.21 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Oracle Shiraz 2005
South AfricaSpicy, cherry, smoky, gamey, licorice nose with a sweaty, barnyard note. Soft, round, supple and fresh with a touch of sweetness and acidity. Smoky, resin, mineral, cherry, plum, chocolate flavours. Fresh, smoky finish. Simple, easy style.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Yalumba Viognier Virgilius 2004
Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaBig garlic lees nose with nutty, creamy, ginger, mineral aromas. Round, somwhwat fat but balanced with good acidity and a touch of oiliness. Spicy, ginger, garlic, mineral, creamy, herbal, apple skin and butter flavours. Dry, warm, slightly bitter citrus finish. Lacks the fruit intensity and balance of prior versions and too much lees masking the fruit.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Beyerskloof Pinotage 2005
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaSmoky, saddle leather, cherry, rootsy, plum and rubber nose with some barnyard notes. Dry, tart, juicy entry with black cherry, smoky, resiny, olive, tobacco leaf and chocolate flavours. Some intensity but a bit tart and resiny.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Nederburg Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Western Cape, South AfricaSmoky, tea leaf, peppery, tobacco leaf, cassis and rubber nose. Dry, tart, supple entry with cassis, spicy, leafy, minty, peppery flavours with a dried herb finish. Pretty tart. It will need some fatty meat dishes to excel in the glass.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.45 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Nederburg Pinotage 2003
Western Cape, South AfricaBig smoky, shoe leather, spicy, peppery, black cherry, chocolate nose. Smooth, somewhat lean and tart entry with spicy, mineral, smoky, cherry, plum and chocolate flavours. There is fruit but the lean acidity leaves the whole unbalance.Prices:| AB | $11.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.45 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Nederburg Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2003
Western Cape, South AfricaBig smoky, leather, gamey, meaty, leafy, cassis and prune aromas. Dry, round, supple but dry and somewhat acidic. Spicy, smoky leather, resin, cassis, tobacco leaf flavours. Lacks generosity and ripeness with an acidic finish.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Nederburg Shiraz 2003
Western Cape, South AfricaMenthol, licorice, meaty, peppery, black cherry, barnyard nose. Dry, lean, slightly acidic entry with black cherry, smoky, leather, mineral, earthy, spicy flavours. Very tart, dry finish.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.86 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.45 | 750ml |
| NS | $13.85 | 750ml |
| NF | $14.38 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Viognier Proprietors' Reserve 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, creamy, spicy, ginger, orange honey aromas. Ripe, round, elegant and fresh but delicate. Green apple, citrus, ginger, lemon, mineral and honey flavours. Crisp, delicate finish, well balanced style to match any seafood. Stylish.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Cono Sur Viognier Limited Release 2006
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileFloral, lime, mineral, mango, honey aromas. Ripe, round, rich but elegant with moderate acidity. Spicy, ginger, orange peel, honey and mineral flavours with a touch of citrus rind bitterness. Fine solid, fresh style for white meats and seafood. Great value.Prices:| BC | $10.88 | 750ml |
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85PTS
KWV Roodeberg 2003
Western Cape, South AfricaSmoky, prune, tobacco leaf, black cherry, black olive, herbal and iron aromas. Soft, round, supple palate but somewhat acidic and lean in the finish. Peppery, herbal, tobacco, black olive, resiny, cassis flavours. Simple with good intensity but acidic. Basic red.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.55 | 750ml |
| SK | $15.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.59 | 750ml |
| NS | $15.85 | 750ml |
| NB | $14.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.79 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Robert's Rock Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot 2005
Western Cape, South AfricaSmoky, spicy, peppery, leafy, compost, dried herb nose. Dry, tart, lean entry with leafy, compost, peppery, rubbery, mineral, rootsy flavours. No fruit and has characteristic tart acidity with lean tannins. Simple.Prices:| BC | $9.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.05 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.60 | 1500ml |
| SK | $11.50 | 750ml |
| MB | $9.25 | 750ml |
| NS | $10.89 | 750ml |
| NB | $10.03 | 750ml |
| PEI | $12.50 | 750ml |
| NF | $10.54 | 750ml |
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83PTS
KWV Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
Paarl, Coastal Region, South AfricaSmoky, tobacco leaf, green olive, peppery, resin aromas. Dry, tart, smooth entry but lean and a bit sweet with earthy, tobacco, herbal, leafy cassis, mineral flavours. No generosity or ripeness with elevated acidity in the finish.Prices:| BC | $13.49 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.10 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.49 | 750ml |
| NS | $13.87 | 750ml |
| NB | $13.53 | 750ml |
| PEI | $14.84 | 750ml |
| NF | $12.98 | 750ml |
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85PTS
KWV Shiraz 2004
Paarl, Coastal Region, South AfricaSpicy, smoky, meaty, leather, peppery, black cherry aromas. Dry, round, supple but slightly tight entry. Smoky, meaty, black cherry, licorice, earthy, minty flavours. A bit warm and acidic but should be fine with barbecued ribs.Prices:| BC | $13.49 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.49 | 750ml |
| NB | $13.93 | 750ml |
| NF | $8.91 | 750ml |
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83PTS
KWV Merlot 2004
Western Cape, South AfricaBig leafy, herbal, mineral, green olive, peppery nose with a smoky note. Tart, lean entry with cassis, peppery, smoky, herbal, leafy flavours. Not much to recommend here.Prices:| BC | $13.49 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.95 | 750ml |
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12 December 2006
91PTS
Benziger Chardonnay Los Carneros 2004
Carneros, Sonoma County, California, United StatesThis is a gorgeous wine the Benzigers claim is farmed for flavour. Love the creamy, spicy lees baked apple nose with the honey and vanilla undertones. The entry is fresh and lively the flavours an enticing mix of clove, citrus, red apple and butterscotch. Delicious California chardonnay that is ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $26.87 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.95 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Masseto 2003
Bolgheri, Tuscany, ItalyThis is the full blown meal here made with 100 per cent merlot. It spends 24 months in new French oak barrels and has come out with an intense smoky, black cherry jam, coffee, vanilla, menthol, roasted olive nose flecked with nutmeg, cardamom and tobacco. Classic Rolland, - supple and rich but with finesse and fine acidity that keeps it lively. Cherry, peppery, cardamom, coffee, orange peel, mineral, red licorice, minty, vanilla flavours mix with a tobacco, mocha, Christmas pudding finish. Very good grip, length and intensity but young and quite warm. Needs 3-10 years to really shine. Beautiful Bolgheri.Prices:| AB | $269.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $299.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $225.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $289.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Le Volte 2004
Tuscany, ItalySpicy, smoky, tobacco, eucalyptus, floral, meaty, black cherry nose with a hint of mushroom and leather. Dry, round, elegant and fresh with supple tannins. Cassis, cherry, coffee, minty, meaty, vanilla, licorice and tobacco flavours. Good elegance but slightly dry, rustic young tannins on the finish. Very solid food wine that will improve with a year of bottle age.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $27.35 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Radeberger Pilsener Tall Can NV
GermanyFine creamy mousse. Spicy, floral, earthy hops nose with some apple and pear. Fresh, round, creamy palate with earthy, bitter hops flavours and a spicy, nutty, malt-y, apple skin finish. Refreshing, full bodied style with distinctive bitter hops on the finish.Prices:| BC | $2.40 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Dunavár Pinot Gris 2005
What can you buy for $9? Well the folks that make Dunavár Pinot Gris hope its their wine. Very fresh and clean with lively, citrus notes on the palate. It finishes short and dry.Prices:| BC | $9.22 | 750ml |
| AB | $8.25 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Oak Bay Vineyard Pinot Gris 2005
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe '05 gris, under screwcap is opens with a leesy bread dough nose and it persists on the palate. The wine is fresh with a nutty, fruity mid-palate and more leesy bread dough nutty notes in the finish. Good texture but not as clean as it could be.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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11 December 2006
88PTS
Mionetto Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Frizzante NV
Veneto, ItalyImpressive peach, floral and apple-scented nose with bright minerality and acidity as befits Prosecco from the Veneto's most famous and traditional region Valdobbiadene, right down to its 'spago' or string-tied cork. This is a dry firm gentle sparkler, made using Charmat method that, in this case, best exposes the fruit, thus requiring it to be bottled and drunk young and not aged. Great with light seafood dishes or as an apéritif.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Mionetto Il Prosecco Frizzante NV
Veneto, ItalyOpen floral perfumed nose flecked with rose petals, peaches and apple skin notes. The entry is fresh and dry with more apple, mineral, floral, green peach with a cashew undercurrent. Like most Mionetto wines it is very well balanced and gentle. The perfect apéritif bubble with or without food and good value to boot. Love the yellow crown cap closure you just pop off. No cork taint possible.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mionetto Il Moscato NV
Veneto, ItalyWe love the fresh, floral, spicy, peach nose that is livelier and lighter than you might expect a moscato to be on the palate. This is well balanced bubble with somewhat sweet ripe peach, and spicy baked apple mineral flavours. A nice jump up in class from Spumante. Love the classy blue package and the very hip crown cap you simple pop off with a bottle opener. This is fun stuff to serve with pastries or sneak into your favourite Thai or Indian restaurant.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $20.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $14.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Tolaini Duesanti Tenuta S. Giovanni 2003
Castelnuovo Berardenga, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyBig black cherry, cassis jam, spicy, peppery, meaty, saddle leather aromas with a touch of orange rind and tobacco. Rich, ripe, round and smooth with a hint of grainy tannins. Fresh acidity for the vintage with black cherry, cassis, minty, peppery, orange peel, mineral, licorice root and smoky, meaty flavours. A bit alcoholic but with fine fruit flavours.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $33.90 | 750ml |
| MB | $54.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Peller Estates Sparkling Ice Cuvée Classic NV
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaIce Cuvée is an easy-sipping bubble with a dose of icewine to smooth out the palate. A traditional sparkler, its green apple skin flavours and bright acidity get a dose of ice wine 'honey' that softens the mid-palate and finish and adds a bit of weight. It's a touch clumsy but will have appeal for those who find the regular edition too acidic. Serve before dinner with cream cheese-style appetizers.Prices:| NB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NF-LAB | $26.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $30.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $32.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $33.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Blason de Bourgogne Crémant de Bourgogne Cuvee Brut NV
Burgundy, FranceThis is simple straight-up bubble from Burgundy rather than Champagne with a firm lean edge. Its strong citrus flavour streaked with honey and firm acidity call out for creamy seafood dishes or young chèvre.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Ornellaia 2002
Bolgheri, Tuscany, ItalySmoky, tobacco, chocolate, minty, green olive, meaty, saddle leather. Dry, round, elegant palate that has some light, slightly lean tannin. Spicy, green olive, cassis, minty, tobacco, earthy, peppery, licorice flavours. Good finesse but somewhat herbaceous. Fine effort for the vintage but will be for near term consumption.Prices:| BC | $130.86 | 750ml |
| AB | $118.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $139.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $149.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Arrowleaf Bacchus 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFresh rose petal, mineral apple aromas. Similar clean fruit flavours with an undercurrent of grapefruit with floral notes in the finish. Simple clean fruity, straight-up, B.C. white wine.Prices:| BC | $13.90 | 750ml |
| BC | $7.40 | 750ml |
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10 December 2006
86PTS
Jackson-Triggs Chardonnay Proprietors' Reserve 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeach, honey, floral, butter, vanilla, marzipan aromas. Ripe, round, fresh and clean with mango, vanilla, creamy melon, honey butter flavours. Ripe, slightly sweet finish but solid consumer style for current drinking. Excellent value here.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Casa Lapostolle Clos Apalta 2003
Apalta Valley, Santa Cruz, Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileApalta is a Colchagua superstar with its sophisticated spicy, chocolate, peppery, orange rind aromas laced with cherry, cardamom, mint, vanilla and saddle leather. Rich, ripe, round and elegant with supple but grainy, dry tannins this is intense wine. Chocolate, peppery, orange rind, black cherry, cardamom, menthol, coffee, licorice flavours draw you into the glass. Young and warm on the finish but again with fine intensity, persistence and finesse. This will definitely improve with 3-7 years of bottle aging.Prices:| BC | $99.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $95.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $75.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $91.02 | 750ml |
| QC | $94.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
J. Lohr Chardonnay Riverstone 2005
Arroyo Seco, Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesBaked green apple, vanilla, light lees, citrus, mineral, buttery nose. Dry, round, elegant palate with light lees, green apple, butterscotch, vanilla, citrus and honey flavours. Solid and consistent.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $21.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.75 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.75 | 750ml |
| NS | $23.50 | 750ml |
| NF | $22.81 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Beringer Founders' Estate Chardonnay 2005
California, United StatesFloral, citrus, creamy lees, light garlic, bake apple nose. Round, oily entry with a sweet and sour edge. Nutty, leesy, creamsicle, citrus, buttered popcorn flavours with a tart finish. Simple, straight up stuff.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $19.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.18 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.90 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Concha y Toro Marqués de Casa Concha Merlot 2004
Puemo, Valle del Cachapoal, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileMinty, cherry, chocolate, peppery, leafy, rubbery, tobacco, saddle leather aromas. Dry, elegant entry with somewhat cedar-y tannins. Peppery, herbal, menthol, cherry, resiny, cedar bark, orange rind and mocha flavours. Young and a bit green, needs a few years in bottle.Prices:| BC | $22.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $19.89 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Marques de Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Puente Alto, Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileSmoky, spicy, peppery, earthy, black berry, cassis, leather, chocolate aromas. Round, elegant, dry palate with light tannins. Cedar, chocolate, peppery, cassis, resin, rootsy, vanilla, minty, tobacco leaf, green bean flavours. A bit lean on the finish, needs 1-2 years to soften.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Concha y Toro Amelia Chardonnay 2005
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileFloral, creamy lees, pear, green apple, citrus, buttery, vanilla aromas. Ripe, round, fresh but warm palate. Grassy, citrus, green apple, mineral, vanilla, creamy lees flavours with a light butterscotch, anise and honey finish. Very solid, cooler style with good finesse.Prices:| AB | $0.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Albis 2003
Valle del Maipo, ChileStrong carmenère spicy, peppery, minty menthol aromas mixed with sappy cassis, smoky, cardamom, fir and leather aromas. Rich, round, fat entry with nice grainy tannins but somewhat hot. Big spicy, minty, cassis, peppery, earthy, tobacco, chocolate, mineral, licorice and cardamom flavour. Good flavour intensity and length but young and grippy. Will improve with 2-4 years of bottle age.Prices:| BC | $59.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $37.19 | 750ml |
| ON | $50.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Segura Viudas Metodo Tradicional Reserva Cava NV
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainSegura Viudas is a consistently solid cava that regales the senses with its nutty, lemon, mineral, toasted biscuit nose. It's fresh, clean and round (the mousse is tight and creamy) with dried pears, citrus, apple, nutty honey almond flavours. A dry (brut) style bubble with lots of flavour. Good value in a sparkler and suited to a variety of food.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $20.49 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $19.79 | 750ml |
| PEI | $18.39 | 750ml |
| NFL | $18.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Haras Elegance Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileBig menthol/eucalyptus, peppery, sappy, cassis, tobacco, chocolate, briar aromas. Rich, round, dry somewhat tannic entry but has balance. Intense peppery, leafy, coffee, resin, green olive, menthol, smoky flavours. Grippy, dry tannins on the finish with high alcohol and acidity. Somewhat herbaceous and resiny overall.Prices:| BC | $43.16 | 750ml |
| AB | $31.56 | 750ml |
| ON | $39.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Nederburg Première Cuvée Brut Sparkling Wine NV
South AfricaMineral, green apple, honey, grassy aromas with some gooseberry in the background. Round, fresh, slightly sweet and foamy entry. Leesy, green apple, citrus rind, kiwi, grassy flavours. Simple, easy stuff.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Lucien Albrecht Crémant d'Alsace Brut NV
Alsace, FranceMineral, nutty, floral, earthy, marzipan aromas. Fresh, zippy, foamy entry in a slightly sweeter brut. Cherry, nutty, mineral, peach skin, toasty flavours. Simple, fresh, juicy, toasty finish. Fine bubble.Prices:| AB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Paul Cheneau Brut Cava NV
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainFresh lemon peel, nectarine, nutty, floral aromas. Round, fresh, elegant style with a touch of sweetness. Nice nutty, toasty, citrus peel, mineral, melon skin and nectarine flavours. Very well balanced, fresh and toasty for cava. Good value.Prices:| BC | $16.90 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Chamdeville Blancs de Blancs - Brut NV
FranceDry, classic French sparkling wine with a firm underbelly. Quite consistent with its green apple skin and flinty nutty flavours. Fresh and inexpensive and well suited to early morning additions like orange juice or crème de cassis for that early evening apéritif. Good value.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $16.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Vina Casas del Bosque Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2004
Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileGreen bean, olive, smoky, resiny, saddle leather, cedar, dill aromas with a touch of leafy cassis. Dry, elegant style but a bit lean and tart. Spicy, smoky, resiny, peppery, leather, green olive, bell pepper flavours. Tart, medicinal finish. Lacks ripeness.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.95 | 750ml |
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09 December 2006
0PTS
Cousiño Macul Antiguas Reservas Chardonnay 2005
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileCorked, try another bottle.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Jackson-Triggs Chardonnay Sunrock Vineyard 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHoney, lemon, lees, melon and butter aromas. Ripe, round, warm and slightly fat on palate. Lemon oil, buttery, toasty, tropical, vanilla, lees flavours. Warm mineral, citrus rind finish. A bit low intensity at this point.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Noble Ridge Chardonnay 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCitronella, floral, buttery, peach, tropical nose. Dry, tart, slightly lean entry with buttery, vanilla, mineral, oaky citrus honey flavours. Very oaky, hot finish. Has potential but lacks balance.Prices:| Bc | $0.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Lake Breeze Seven Poplars Chardonnay 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHoney, floral, peach, creamy lees, nutty, vanilla nose. Ripe, round, fresh palate with some fatness and elegance. Nutty, lees, vanilla, lemon, creamy mango flavours with a spicy, butterscotch, cream finish. Good overall balance if a touch hot.Prices:| BC | $21.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Bollini Chardonnay Barricato 40 2003
Trentino- Alto-Adige, ItalyButter, lemon, floral, green apple skin, marzipan aromas with some vanilla and lees at the back. Ripe, round, rich and elegant with lemon, vanilla, mineral, baked green apple, butter, honey lees flavours. A bit warm and fat but has good intensity and finesse.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.75 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
See Ya Later Ranch Chardonnay 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight lees, green apple, floral, lemon, buttery vanilla aromas with a touch of honey. Round, fresh, elegant palate with a touch of oiliness. Warm with buttery, baked apple, nutty, butterscotch, citrus, smoky honey flavours. Good effort with better finesse than past editions.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Church & State Wines Chardonnay Sharp Rock Vineyard 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaToasty, garlic lees, buttery, nutty, diacetyl, vanilla aromas. Round, flat entry with nutty, buttery, toasty, baked apple skin, oily flavours. Too much oak and lees for the fruit. Needs drinking.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Oyster Bay Chardonnay 2005
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandVery nutty, garlic lees nose with baked pear, vanilla, anise and smoky mineral notes. Fresh, round, elegant, juicy palate with baked green apple, lemon, passion fruit, creamy vanilla and lees flavours. Finish is crisp with some garlic lees and honey.Prices:| BC | $18.82 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Burrowing Owl Chardonnay 2005
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig garlic lees, spicy, nutty, toasty nose with some citrus and baked pear. Soft, round, warm entry with very nutty, garlic, toasty lees, citrus flavours. Finish is very leesy and somewhat dirty with an acidic edge. Not up to past editions.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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08 December 2006
86PTS
Beringer Founders' Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
California, United StatesOpen fruity cassis blackberry with flecks of cedar, vanilla, peppery black olive aromas. The entry is supple and slightly sweet on the mid-palate with more black fruit and pepper. Solid entry level cabernet that is easy to sip. Perfect summer barbecue red for flank steak.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $22.49 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.90 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $19.99 | 750ml |
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07 December 2006
87PTS
Casillero del Diablo Shiraz 2005
Region del Valle Central, ChileVery peppery, spicy, smoky, rosemary, sausage meat nose with black cherry and chocolate mixed in. Smooth, dry and round with light tannins. Ripe black cherry fruit with chocolate, minty, rosemary, gamey, spicy, licorice flavours. A bit warm and acidic on the finish but continued fine effort at an excellent price.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.25 | 750ml |
| SK | $13.10 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $12.29 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Haras Character Syrah 2004
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileBig spicy, earthy, peppery, smoky, savoury, cassis, meaty, floral nose with a resiny, garrigue note. Full, rich, ripe palate with young grainy tannins. Peppery, cassis, briary, smoky, meaty, chocolate, vanilla, black cherry flavours with a garrigue, minty finish. Very warm finish but great intensity.Prices:| AB | $21.49 | 750ml |
| BC | $22.67 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
MontGras Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah Reserva 2005
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileCassis, iodine, menthol, meaty, peppery, spicy, tobacco and licorice aromas mark the nose of this 50/50 blend. Rich, ripe, round, supple but a bit chunky with some smooth grainy tannins. Peppery, minty, cherry, black berry, coffee, tobacco, garrigue flavours. A bit hot but has good intensity and balance.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
PKNT Shiraz - Carmenère 2005
Region del Valle Central, ChilePeppery, minty, smoky, roasted pepper, bay leaf aromas. Soft, round, easy style with earthy, peppery, spicy, minty, black cherry, rootsy flavours. Some grip on the finish with a sage and cherry note. Solid, everyday red wine. Good value.Prices:| NS | $9.32 | 750ml |
| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Michel Torino Coleccion Shiraz 2006
Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, ArgentinaMeaty, floral, black cherry, savoury, peppery, licorice root, Christmas cake nose. Rich, round, fresh palate with young gripp-y tannins. Dry entry with leather, licorice, smoky, black cherry, iodine, garrigue flavours with a smoky, tart, sour cherry finish. Unusual intensity but very young, needs a year or two to settle down.Prices:| NS | $21.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Croix du Mayne Cahors 2004
Cahors, Sud-Ouest, FranceVery peppery, spicy, iodine, black cherry, rootsy, resin, garrigue nose. Dry, slightly tart, tight entry with some grainy tannin. Young with peppery, juicy cherry, coffee, mineral, resin, savoury, leather flavours. Very malbec but young, needs 2-4 years to soften and integrate the acidity.Prices:| BC | $22.65 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Emiliana Adobe Syrah Reserva Orgánico 2004
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileImpressive peppery, spicy, chocolate, meaty, rootsy, mineral, black berry nose. Ripe, round, rich, supple palate but with a touch of tannins. Smoky, resin, peppery, black berry, mineral, dark chocolate, coffee grind, meaty flavours. Fleshy and well balanced with some grip. Teriffic value and 100 per cent organic. Well done.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Emiliana Coyam 2004
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileBig minty, cassis, black cherry, peppery, savoury nose flecked with floral, cardamom, coffee notes. Rich, ripe, round and chewy but balanced on entry. Smoky, menthol, black cherry, briar, coffee, poultry spice, vanilla flavours. Very warm finish but with great fruit and a smooth savoury finish. Will improve with 2-3 years in bottle. Good value.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
L'Opera Villerambert Julien Minervois 2004
Minervois, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceLifted nose of white pepper, saddle leather, raspberry jam, orange peel and gamey aromas. Dry, fresh, slightly tannic palate with some chewy textures. Peppery, raspberry, orange, minty, medicinal, cherry skin flavours. Elegant but very dry, slightly tart finish with some youthful tannins to lose. Best served with grilled meat dishes. Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Cuatro Pasos (four steps) Bierzo 2004
Bierzo, Castilla-Leon, SpainSmoky, spicy, sweaty saddle leather, barnyard, pruny nose. Dry, tart, slightly tannic palate and a bit lean but there is bright cherry, pruny, peppery, cardamom notes mixed with mineral, leather, smoky, coffee flavours. Very dry with some tannins poking through. Has good flavours but needs food to tame the dry tannins or age for 2-4 years.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Tarapaca Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz La Cuesta Vineyard 2001
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileSmoky, meaty, peppery, spicy, garrigue, menthol, black cherry nose. Dry, round, slightly tight palate with mineral, menthol, cassis, peppery, smoky leather, briar flavours. Good intensity if a bit on the cool side. Fair value.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Funky Llama Shiraz 2004
Agrelo District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaSavoury, spicy, leather, cherry, minty nose with some pepper and fruit confection. Dry, slightly tannic, tight entry with cherry jam, leather, licorice, peppery, menthol flavours. Simple, chewy barbecued rib wine.Prices:| BC | $9.99 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Funky Llama Malbec 2004
Agrelo District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaPruny, sweaty saddle, chocolate, resin, candied cherry, savoury nose. Round, tart, smooth entry with earthy, pruny, meaty, rubbery, licorice flavours. The finish is tart, slightly sweet and pruny. The "Funky" shiraz is probably a better bet.Prices:| BC | $9.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Fincas Don Martino Violetas Malbec 2003
Agrelo District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaImpressive peppery, cardamom, poultry spice, minty, black cherry nose with a dusting of saddle leather. Rich, round, dry and chewy with fine-grained tannins. Big black cherry, orange peel, white pepper, leather, garrigue, spicy flavours. Warm but with fine intensity and balance. Young and grapey, will improve with 2-3 years bottle age. Well done. Serious malbec.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
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03 December 2006
87PTS
Château Greysac Médoc Cru Bourgeois 2003
Bordeaux, FranceSpicy, smoky, coffee, black cherry, cassis nose with a bit of black olive, barnyard, leather and tobacco. Ripe, round, dry and supple palate. Smoky, peppery, cassis, cedar, black cherry, mineral and tobacco leaf flavours. A bit young but shows the ripeness of the '03 vintage. Should improve for 1-3 years. Fine effort for the price.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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02 December 2006
84PTS
Escudo Rojo 2002
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileRubbery, wet earth, leafy, cedar bark, resiny aromas. Dry, soft, round palate with cedar bark, resin, mineral, cassis, sawdust, rubbery, leafy flavours. Lacks charm and ripeness of flavours.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
| SAQ | $19.90 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Casillero del Diablo Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Region del Valle Central, ChilePeppery, leafy, cassis, smoky leather, coffee grind nose. Dry, round, fresh palate with light tannins. Coffee, cedar, mint, cassis, clove flavours. A solid party red.Prices:| BC | $13.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $13.10 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.85 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.15 | 750ml |
| NB | $12.40 | 750ml |
| PE | $14.90 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $11.64 | 750ml |
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January 2007