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Tastings: April 2007
23 April 2007
88PTS
Lang Vineyards Farm Reserve Riesling 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLang's most consistent wine hits all the buttons again in 2006. Orange blossom and honey mix with green apple aromas on the nose while the palate is a tangy mix of minerals, baked apple and citrus rind flavours. Not as complex as we would like, especially given the hefty $5 per bottle price increase, but it's fun to sip and should be for sometime now that it is under screwcap.Prices:| BC | $20.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
La Chamiza Chardonnay 2006
Mendoza, ArgentinaSurprisingly fresh and fruity with mineral, pear and a splash of honey. Fresh and clean attack on the palate with green apple, melon and grapefruit flavours. Sweet but balanced and will have mass appeal at this price point. A super patio sipper.Prices:| BC | $7.98 | 750ml |
| AB | $8.75 | 750ml |
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22 April 2007
85PTS
Bouchard Aîné and Fils Pinossimo Pinot Noir 2005
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FrancePinossimo looks like fun but it's more stolid in nature. Look for white pepper and meaty notes on the nose with flecks of black cherry. On the palate it's a mix of sour, dry black cherry flavours with stems. The finish is dry, round and warm spicy sour cherry notes in the aftertaste. Similar to last year.Prices:| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Stone Cellars Chardonnay 2005
California, United StatesStone Cellars has made the effort to modernise its chardonnay and the 2005 is the best yet. The entry is soft and is California approachable but the fruit is fresh. Its creamy lees textures mix well with the acidity in essence making this a much wine for food. Good value in useful, mid-week, chardonnay.Prices:| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $14.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.49 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.15 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $14.95 | 750ml |
| PEI | $15.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Finca Flichman Misterio Chardonnay 2005
Mendoza, ArgentinaA new label from Finca Flichman that explores the mid/entry level chardonnay. A splash of oak adds a vanilla sheen to its floral, nutty fruit flavours. Round soft and very easy sipping. Sip solo or serve with white meats and pasta.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Fleur du Cap Chardonnay 2005
Coastal Region, South AfricaA perennial bargain the 2005 is in a perfect spot in its life right now. The nose is attractive showing nutty toasted notes and citrus fruit that carry through on the palate. Fresh melon nutty flavours with flecks of butterscotch finish clean and vibrant. Fine intensity. Well done. Great value.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Cookoothama Chardonnay 2005
Murray - Darling, AustraliaCookathama takes it's name for the large Riverina vineyard that is home to the fruit. It's owned by the Nugan family who have turned out an affordable everyday. Melon apples and hazelnuts mark the nose and palate with bits of smoky spice. Clean and fresh, if a bit sweet and sour. Easy sipping style chardonnay.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Drostdy-Hof Chardonnay 2005
South AfricaMature grapes from Stellenbosch, Malmesbury and Robertson, planted at 100 to 250 metres deliver a bright, fruity citrus version of chardonnay with a nutty tropical fruit undertone. Fresh and lively. Everything you want in a $10 wine and more. Well done.Prices:| BC | $9.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.95 | 750ml |
| PEI | $10.85 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Juno Chardonnay 2006
Robertson, Breede River Valley, South AfricaFresh melon oaky style chardonnay with butter and orange flecks on the nose. Round entry with more mineral orange and lime rind flavours rind. It's alcoholic for the structure but otherwise sound. An easy sipping chardonnay you should chill down on hot summer day and serve liberally on the patio.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Frontera Chardonnay 2006
Region del Valle Central, ChilePleasant green apple, citrus rind nose with flecks of peach. Dry entry with more of the sweet peachy melon fruit on the mid-palate with a touch of lees and garlic. Drier and more astringent than previous editions. Simple, everyday chardonnay.Prices:| BC | $8.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $8.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $8.25 | 750ml |
| ON | $7.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $8.83 | 750ml |
| NF | $8.87 | 750ml |
| BC | $15.99 | 1500ml |
| ON | $14.99 | 1500ml |
| BC | $15.98 | 1500ml |
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85PTS
Tinhorn Creek Chardonnay 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMineral, butter, floral, peachy fruit nose. The entry is round and lean with a slightly oily texture. More citrus, mineral, green apple skin flavours mix with buttery and nectarine skin notes. The price is fair.Prices:| BC | $15.50 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Seaview Brut Sparkling Wine NV
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaFloral, baked apple, peach, earthy aromas. Fresh mousse, crisp entry in a somewhat sweeter brut style. Peach, candied apple, citrus, mineral flavours with a crisp, green apple skin finish. Solid, affordable fizz for large gatherings.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.50 | 750ml |
| SK | $14.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.50 | 750ml |
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20 April 2007
88PTS
Southern Most Red 2006
San Patricio del Chanar, Neuquén, Patagonia, ArgentinaI really like this Argentine blend from Bodega Del Fin de Mundo. The end of the earth winery has employed global wine consultant Michel Rolland and he's paying early dividends. The mix is merlot, malbec, and cabernet sauvignon. It has the smoky savoury Argentine notes on the nose and the earthy peppery fruity mid-palate with just enough acidity to keep it interesting. This is a serous contender for the barbecue red of the summer. The price is incredibly sensible for a simple red that over delivers and is so natural it is all but certified organic. Hamburgers, grilled beef, casseroles and stews will all fit the bill.Prices:| BC | $13.03 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Talamonti Moda Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2003
Abruzzo, ItalyI was hoping for a bit more richness from such a warm year but the Moda remains a bit tight and dry on entry with simple, grapey, earthy fruit flavours. More of a tumbler red for a rustic, mid-week meal. Best at a place like Salt in Gastown where the rich, cured meats will tame the acidity and dryness.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bodegas Enguera Dis Tinto 2005
Valencia and Murcia, SpainWhat do you get when you mix tempranillo and syrah 50/50 in a Mediterranean climate and do not use any wood? A pretty decent little red wine with plenty of cherry and blackcurrant notes on the nose mixed with an earthy, coffee black fruit finish with just enough dryness to keep it interesting. Soft and very easy sipping. A fine edition to the mid-week and barbecue red categories.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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19 April 2007
87PTS
Rolling Shiraz 2004
Central Ranges, New South Wales, AustraliaEx-Rosemount winemaker Phillip Shaw is the man behind Rolling Shiraz named for the vineyard 'dips and peaks between both Orange and the Central Ranges regions, mirroring the equilibrium of flavours in the wines.' This is soft, round, juicy shiraz with a prononuced menthol, cedar bark, flavour and acidity poking through at the end. No surprises, no disappointments. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Sunrise Merlot 2006
Region del Valle Central, ChileBack to the 2004 style with more herbaceous notes and spicy, leafy, smoky aromas. The entry is warm and soft with spicy herbal, peppery, tobacco leaf and cedar flavours. Solid if unspectacular.Prices:| BC | $10.25 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.50 | 750ml |
| SK | $10.29 | 750ml |
| MB | $8.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $8.80 | 750ml |
| NB | $9.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $10.02 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Valdespino Solera 1842 Oloroso VOS 20 Anos Sherry NV
Sherry Jerez - Manzanilla, SpainJancis Robinson likens sipping this sherry to drinking history. Don't miss the incredible depth of flavour in this smoky nutty herbal elixir that comes with just a hint of sweetness. The mix is roughly 85/15 palomino fino and pedro ximénez aged via the solera system in old oak for more 20 years. Sip solo or serve with nuts and your favourite hard cheese.Prices:| BC | $30.13 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Valdespino Inocente Extra Dry Fino Sherry NV
Sherry Jerez - Manzanilla, SpainInocente has the requisite pale watery colour and the rich aromatic, slightly oxidative sea salt nose. It's quite smooth and nutty on entry with long smooth stylish aftertaste. Its classic just off, bone-dry calls for deep fried fish dishes or salty snacks. Classic fino sherry but one has to work to acquire a taste for the flor. Once you do you will never go back.Prices:| BC | $18.17 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Sunrise Merlot 2005
Region del Valle Central, ChileLeafy, spicy, smoky nose with bits of black fruit. Round supple mid-palate with a sheen of oak. Spicy vanilla, clove and peppery chocolate herbal flavours. Not a bad little barbecue red. Good value.Prices:| BC | $10.25 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.50 | 750ml |
| SK | $10.29 | 750ml |
| MB | $8.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $8.80 | 750ml |
| NB | $9.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $10.02 | 750ml |
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85PTS
La Chamiza Merlot - Malbec 2005
Mendoza, ArgentinaMixing malbec and merlot will appeal to those who like their sippers soft and this price point who can blame them. Savoury berry fruit and a pinch of pepper make this a very serviceable hamburger red.Prices:| BC | $8.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
La Chamiza Cabernet Merlot 2006
Mendoza, ArgentinaAnother fine edition for this dirt cheap red. Love the savoury gamey chocolate notes with the requisite black fruit. Liable supple palate with more mocha, tobacco, spicy, black cherry meaty flavours. An attractive, inexpensive red wine bargain.Prices:| BC | $8.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $7.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $7.55 | 750ml |
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18 April 2007
88PTS
Sauvignon Republic Stellenbosch Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South Africa Wow almost riesling, in sauvignon clothing. Brisk minerality, fresh lemon-lime but not overpowering as Marlborough version cam is. Vibrant chalky mid-palate mixing limes, herbs and grass in the finish. Not as intense as some but that probably contributes to its food friendly styling. Sip all summer on the patio with a wide range of appetizers.Prices:| US | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Sauvignon Republic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandIntense canned asparagus with smoky, mineral, minty notes. On the palate the wine is dry and fresh with a bit of the old-style canned jalapeno, asparagus flavours mixed with lemon-lime and grapefruit. Intense full-blown, peppery sauvignon with a touch of sweet and sour juicy lime rind. Green lipped mussels anyone.Prices:| US | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Sauvignon Republic Russian River Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesLove the 'still fresh' character one and half year-old screwcap finished sauvignon that is long on the citrus mineral, and gooseberry flavours. There are bits of grapefruit rind and grassy undertones in the finish of a perfect food wine. Is this an aberration or is California finally getting it? Pair with endless amounts of seafood, chicken dishes and even pork. Anywhere a squeeze of lemon is required. Drink up.Prices:| US | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Quails' Gate Chardonnay Limited Release 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSlightly fresher than the previous edition the '05 Limited Release has an inviting mineral, flinty nose bits of honey and baked apple. The entry is dry with grapefruit, mineral, honey flavours that finish with a dash of citrus oil. It is contemporary, New World chardonnay with the oak under control. Best with food and I like the suggestions of pork tenderloin or West Coast seafood.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Frontera Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2006
Region del Valle Central, ChileBlack cherry, olive, smoky crushed dried leaf nose. Simple dry, earthy rustic black fruit peppery, pressed wine flavours. Barbecued meats are best here.Prices:| BC | $8.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $8.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $8.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $8.28 | 750ml |
| ON | $8.05 | 750ml |
| QC | $9.60 | 750ml |
| NB | $8.83 | 750ml |
| NS | $9.45 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Frontera Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2005
Region del Valle Central, ChileDry earthy, spicy, smoky crushed dried leaf nose. Dry round entry with leafy spicy, cassis and cedar flavours. Warm peppery dry finish. Grilled meat required.Prices:| BC | $8.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $15.99 | 1500ml |
| AB | $8.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $8.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $8.28 | 750ml |
| ON | $8.05 | 750ml |
| QC | $9.60 | 750ml |
| NB | $8.83 | 750ml |
| NS | $9.45 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Frontera Carmenere 2006
Region del Valle Central, ChileCarmenère can be an acquired taste but once you acclimatise to the leafy black olive tobacco aromas and flavours you can usually get plenty of bang for your buck. Definitely dry and earthy but with supple tannins and some black fruit and smoky tobacco notes. A decent barbecue red.Prices:| BC | $8.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Casillero del Diablo Merlot 2005
Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe merlot comes out of Chile's Central valley about 70 per cent is aged in small American oak barrels for 8 months. The style is ripe, sweet, juicy red wine with savoury spiced fruitcake and olive notes. Fine quality for the price.Prices:| AB | $11.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $13.10 | 750ml |
| BC | $13.33 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.39 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.85 | 750ml |
| NB | $12.49 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $11.64 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Casillero del Diablo Carmenere 2005
Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileTypically spicy with that smoky resin, black olive nose but in the case of Casillero always with brighter, fruit, vanilla aromas. This is fun smoky, spicy, cherry flavoured red with tobacco, cedar and coffee notes. Raw but easily tamed by grilled beef.Prices:| BC | $13.98 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.30 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.55 | 750ml |
| NS | $11.54 | 750ml |
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12 April 2007
88PTS
Coldstream Hills Chardonnay Yarra Valley 2003
Yarra Valley, Victoria, AustraliaLeesy, baked apple, light floral, garlic, melon nose. Elegant, crisp, full palate with butter, honey, garlic lees, pear flavours. Solid but a bit short on the finish.Prices:| ON | $27.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $27.70 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Heggies Vineyard Chardonnay 2005
Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaCitrus, spicy lees, green apple, vanilla, grassy aromas. Fresh, elegant, crisp palate with honey, green apple, citrus, light vanilla, spicy lees, slightly toasty flavours. Good finesse and balance and good value.Prices:| BC | $28.07 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.25 | 750ml |
| QC | $23.65 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Red Bicyclette Chardonnay 2005
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceFlinty, butter, honey, garlic, melon aromas. Fairly dry entry with red apple skin, melon, honey, garlic lees, and citrus flavours. Solid, fresh, well balanced.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
McWilliam's Hanwood Chardonnay 2004
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaBaked apple, melon, buttered popcorn, pear aromas. Fresh, round, somewhat sweet entry with cream, buttered popcorn, citrus, apple, melon flavours. Good freshness but a bit too sweet and sour.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $14.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $14.99 | 750ml |
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78PTS
Dunavár Merlot 2004
Big Band-Aid, cooked carrot, tobacco compost nose and flavours. It's cheap but that's not a reason to drink it.Prices:| BC | $9.22 | 750ml |
| AB | $8.25 | 750ml |
| SK | $7.70 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Equus Carmenere 2005
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileSpicy, minty, coriander, cassis, tobacco, peppery aromas. Dry, slightly lean, slightly tannic entry with cassis, cedar-y, herbal, minty, chocolate, smoky flavours. Typical carmenère.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Vasse Felix Heytesbury 2002
Margaret River, Western Australia, Australiacorked, try anotherPrices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Inniskillin Okanagan Discovery Series Zinfandel 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBriar, resin, spicy, black berry, cedar, chocolate, vanilla, plum and licorice aromas. Very warm, round but dry with somewhat cedar-y, tight tannins. Peppery, spicy, rootsy, cedar, black raspberry, chocolate flavours. Solid but very dry and tannic on the finish. Needs a few years to round out.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Osoyoos Larose 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, coriander, tobacco, dill, chocolate, cedar, saddle leather, floral aromas. Dry, round, slightly tight entry with chewy tannins. Floral, cherry, tobacco, rootsy, licorice, vanilla, prune, cranberry, and cedar flavours. Improving complexity and balance but the textures and tannins are still quite austere. Needs 2-4 years.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $40.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $40.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Ferngrove Merlot 2004
Franklin River, Great Southern, Western Australia, AustraliaCedar, smoky, tobacco, peppery, olive, cherry nose but a bit reduced. Round, supple, warm palate with cherry, tobacco, peppery, cedar, olive flavours. Good fruit with some finesse if a bit warm and tart.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Wirra Wirra Church Block Cabernet Shiraz Merlot 2004
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaSmoky, peppery, cassis, chocolate, black olive, tobacco aromas. Round, full bodied, dry with a slightly acidic edge and some youthful tannins. Cassis, smoky, chocolate, peppery, tobacco, green bean, olive flavours. Solid if a bit chunky and edgy.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $21.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $23.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Carpineto Chianti Classico 2004
Tuscany, ItalySmoky, leather, prune, soy, sweaty saddle, chocolate, light Band-Aid aromas. Dry, elegant, slightly tannic entry with cooked carrot, sweaty saddle, meaty, resin, and tobacco flavours. Solid but a bit too unclean.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.15 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Solanes Priorat Cims de Porrera 2002
Priorato, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainFloral, spicy, raspberry jam, saddle leather, cedar aromas. Dry, tight, elegant palate with light tannins. Mineral, licorice, cherry, tobacco, leather, prune flavours. Dry, somewhat tannic finish that needs a few years or a steak to soften.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Soaring Eagle Pinot Meunier Limited Edition 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, vanilla, licorice, black cherry, resin aromas. Dry, round, slightly tight entry with cedar-y tannins. Chocolate, cedar, rootsy, herbal, spicy, cherry flavours. A bit dry and cedar-y but solid.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Lang Vineyards Pinot Noir 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, cherry, spicy, rhubarb, rootsy, carrot top nose. Soft, supple, round, slightly sweet entry with a slight acidity edge. Cherry, stewed rhubarb, cedar, orange peel flavours. Warm, somewhat edgy acidic finish. Simple and forward.Prices:| BC | $16.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Waterstone Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
Napa Valley, California, United StatesSpicy, peppery, floral, cedar, cassis, light vanilla aromas with a meaty note. Dry, round, full bodied style but elegant with light tannins. Cassis, black berry, chocolate, cedar, cranberry, tobacco flavours. Good finesse if a bit alcoholic and tight.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Twenty Bench Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Napa Valley, California, United StatesBriar, cassis, minty, peppery, tobacco, smoky, saddle leather aromas. Rich, round, smooth palate with light tannins. Cassis, smoky, chocolate, vanilla pudding, tobacco leaf, black olive, earthy resin flavours. Good intensity.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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81PTS
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Baco Noir 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, vanilla, spicy, meaty, tobacco, stewed tomato aromas. Tart, dry, lean entry with low concentration and fruit. Smoky, oaky vanilla, tobacco and tomato leaf, rhubarb flavours. Back to the drawing board.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.96 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Michel Torino Ciclos Malbec - Merlot 2004
Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, ArgentinaSpicy, chocolate, peppery, floral, cherry, slightly meaty nose with a touch of licorice root. Dry, round, slightly tannic palate but full bodied. Cedar, tobacco, cherry, cassis, leather, licorice, vanilla flavours. Good intensity if a bit rustic and tannic on the finish.Prices:| MB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Michel Torino Altimus 2003
Cafayate, Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, ArgentinaSmoky, saddle leather, tobacco, peppery, savoury, chocolate, vanilla aromas with a bit of cedar bark and cherry jam. Dry, somewhat tight palate with some young, cedar-y tannins. Lots of vanilla, savoury, tobacco, soy, peppery, floral, cedar, cherry, chocolate flavours. A bit dry and austere on the finish with tight tannins. High altitude red malbec blend.Prices:| US | $50.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Red Truck California Red 2004
California, United StatesFloral, cherry jam, confectionary/burnt sugar, meaty, rubbery, raspberry aromas. Sweet entry but round, warm, acid and tannic. Stewed raspberry, leafy, meaty, cranberry, smoky, peppery flavours with a minty note. Very commercial style. Overpriced for the quality.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Stag's Hollow Renaissance Meritage 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, cedar, meaty, saddle leather, cooked carrot, cranberry, vanilla aromas. Dry, round, elegant palate with light tannins. Smoky, resin, peppery, tobacco, cranberry, black olive, vanilla, spicy resin flavours with a leathery, gamey finish. The finish is a bit acidic and dry at this point but it has potential to improve in the bottle. Hold two to three years. Pricey.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Cookoothama Cabernet Merlot 2004
Murray - Darling, AustraliaLicorice, black cherry, sweet vanilla, black olive, tobacco leaf aromas. Tart, slightly tannic entry with anise, olive, green bean, tobacco, cedar flavours. Cool, herbal style.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Water Wheel Memsie Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec 2003
Bendigo, Victoria, AustraliaChocolate, vanilla, smoky, herbal, black cherry, resin and pepper aromas. Smooth, round, slightly sweet entry with vanilla, cedar, cherry jam, cassis, black olive, savoury flavours. Solid commercial style.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.95 | 750ml |
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81PTS
Peller Estates Private Reserve Merlot 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTobacco leaf, rubbery, sausage, spicy nose. Dry, round, slightly tannic entry. Leafy, cedary, herbal, tobacco flavours with a rubbery, resin finish. Not up to snuff for the price.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Henry's Drive Vignerons Pillar Box Red 2004
Padthaway, South Australia, AustraliaBlack olive, briny, tobacco leaf, sausage, smoky nose. Sweet, round entry with light tannins. Herbal, tobacco leaf, earthy, cassis, olive, canned bean flavours. Easy-sipping red but on the lean herbaceous side for the price.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.50 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.54 | 750ml |
| NF | $17.21 | 750ml |
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10 April 2007
87PTS
Rosemount Chardonnay 2006
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaQuintessential everyday chardonnay from Australia with its spicy, buttery, peachy, fruit-cocktail aromas and similar flavours. The synthetic cork delivers a fresher cleaner wine for the money and the new modern looking square bottle (the base) makes holding and pouring the wine a snap.Prices:| BC | $15.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $16.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.49 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.15 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $16.29 | 750ml |
| NF | $14.99 | 750ml |
| NB | $16.08 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Carmen Chardonnay 2005
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileAnother super fresh, floral, green apple scented chardonnay from Carmen. You can taste the cool Casablanca style here mixing green melon, lime rind, mineral and a touch of caramel. Perfect patio wine and the price is hard to beat.Prices:| BC | $13.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $11.98 | 750ml |
| QC | $12.15 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Inniskillin Okanagan Chardonnay Reserve 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLot of toasty, bread dough stirred lees aromas and flavours mark quite a change in style for this wine. The palate is drier with more mineral leesy, nutty buttery flavours with a hint of baked apple. Good value.Prices:| BC | $13.49 | 750ml |
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84PTS
PKNT Semillon - Chardonnay 2005
Region del Valle Central, ChileFloral, baked apple buttery nose with a touch of resin. Soft, round, dry entry with lime rind and citrus predominating. Finishes dry and slightly oily with grapefruit and more lime rind. Simple summer sipper at best.Prices:| NS | $9.32 | 750ml |
| BC | $10.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Red Truck California White 2005
California, United StatesSimple if unremarkable white with floral, perfumed nose. The entry is fresh and clean with sweet floral, candied green apple fruit and bits of orange and butter. The finish is dry with a touch of cardboard.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.99 | 750ml |
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08 April 2007
87PTS
Finca La Linda Tempranillo by Luigi Bosca 2004
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaBig open, black cherry kirsch nose with flecks of pepper and tobacco. Soft and ripe on entry with fine grained tannins. Savoury raspberry, spicy red wine with a dry, leafy aftertaste. A fun easy-sipping style peppery fruity red with ageing potential. Well done.Prices:| BC | $16.10 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Montecillo Reserva 2000
Rioja, SpainElegance is the best descriptor for this wine. The nose is fragrant mixing floral tones with strawberry fruit. The palate is fresh with firm acidity and more dried fruit flavours. Roasted meats or fowl would be the ticket here. Stylish red wine well worth investigating if you have had enough of those blockbuster reds.Prices:| BC | $23.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.85 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.35 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.60 | 750ml |
| NF | $17.16 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Montecillo Crianza 2001
Rioja, SpainYou get a fine $30 Riojan nose here for $19. The wine is leaner on the palate than the nose would but it' sin line with a middle aged Rioja. Dried fruits and spice with just a touch of tannin suggest lamb or beef would be best at this point. If you can accept the dryness this could be a versatile mid-week dinner.Prices:| BC | $17.71 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.85 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.40 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.30 | 750ml |
| NF | $17.16 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Calderona Tempranillo 2004
Cigales, Castilla-Leon, SpainThis is standard tempranillo, stainless steel-fermented and aged mostly in American oak for a year. The nose is fragrant and attractive in a needs food kind of way. On the palate the textures are tempranillo soft but the fruit is tart and finishes dry. This rustic red needs time or food, preferably fatty or both.Prices:| BC | $15.08 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Allende Rioja 2002
Rioja Alta, Rioja, SpainEvery bit as good as the previous version with its spicy, cardamom, plummy notes. Love the round soft tempranillo demeanour with the fragrant fresh palate and dry mid-palate. More plum, cherry spicy minty cherry fruit marks the aftertaste. A little New World and little Old World all wrapped up in one. Dinner anyone.Prices:| BC | $34.75 | 750ml |
| ON | $28.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Ostatu Crianza Rioja Alavesa 2003
Rioja Alavesa, Rioja, SpainThis is delicious stuff. Rich and packed full of fruit yet dry with Euro sophistication. Love the spicy, plummy, black fruit flecked with licorice, vanilla and tobacco. There are still some gripp-y tannins in the finish that will take two to three years to disperse. Solid dinner red for roasted meats.Prices:| BC | $24.77 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Arrocal Ribera del Duero 2004
Ribera del Duero, Castilla-Leon, SpainOld vines (25 years) are the heart of the matter here. This is rich, mouth-filling red from Ribera Del Duero where the tempranillo frame is richer and the textures heavier. Flecks of vanilla, pepper and a dollop of alcohol give a New World feel to its berry fruit flavours but the dryness and the acidity leave it firmly grounded in the Old World. Drink now, or over the next five years. Good value.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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07 April 2007
87PTS
Arrowleaf Gewurztraminer 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTrue to form the Arrowleaf gewürztraminer is offers up a floral nose with light spicy sausage notes flecked with orange rind. Now under screwcap it is super fresh with tinges of minerality and spicy peachy fruit. Clean fresh and unbeatable for the price. Well done. Sip all summer on the patio or serve with Thai food.Prices:| BC | $15.90 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Pelee Island Gewurztraminer 2005
Product of CanadaThis is dirt cheap white wine with a bit of style. Love the litchi and lemon characters on the nose and palate with a touch of green but all with a whack of sugar. More Alsace than Kiwi but otherwise fine if served cold. Use liberally with spicy Asian food.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $10.69 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.15 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Grant Burge Thorn Eden Valley Riesling 2005
Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaEden Valley riesling shone in Vancouver at the 07 Playhouse wine festival and the Grant Burge label is no less impressive with its bright citrus lime rind and honeysuckle fruit aromas. Made from 30 year old vines, half of the fruit is whole-bunch pressed before its run off the skins to settle for 48 hours and then fermented for five weeks at 11 C. Love the bright floral mineral/petrol notes and the limey aftertaste. This will keep a decade but you can serve it now with oysters and squeeze of lemon.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Bisquertt Casa La Joya Reserve Gewurztraminer 2006
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileOpen spicy honeyed notes on the nose with floral undertones. Quite spicy and warm on the palate with typical litchi nut tropical fruit flavours with a pinch of rose water. Clean and fresh is served well chilled. Try with curry dishes.Prices:| BC | $14.05 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Wild Goose Gewurztraminer Mystic River Vineyard 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCooler crisper more mineral version of the regular WG gewürztraminer and without the resin or soap. This is a delicious bottle of wine and has myriad food possibilities from curried chicken to Szechuan prawns and beyond. Fresh clean finish. Well done. Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Noble Ridge Meritage 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe first time we have tasted this wine and it's an impressive start. The blend is an 80/20 merlot/cabernet and fine use of cabernet in our estimation. Love the plush dark fruit (okay maybe it's a bit warm and lifted) and the chocolate mint notes on the nose and palate. Lots of vanilla and plenty of alcohol give it a smooth 'sweet' finish. A solid start that should point to better wines as some refinement is brought to the mix. Drink or hold for five years.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Wild Goose Gewurztraminer 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCrisp elegant style gewürztraminer with floral spicy litchi soapy notes. Similar flavours on the palate with some dryness now and a touch of oil in the aftertaste. Getting dry and a bit ropey now, drink up. Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Hillside Mosaic 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCertainly an improvement over the '03. The latest Mosaic blends, merlot, cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, malbec and petit verdot and nine months of French and American oak. The entry is sweet almost JT like with plenty of mocha coffee chocolate highlights and a ripe dark fruit finish. Christmas cake and dried fruit describes the finish. This will have a lot of and although now that it is cleaner than ever we would like to see a slightly drier version.Prices:| BC | $34.95 | 750ml |
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06 April 2007
87PTS
Concha y Toro Trio Merlot Carmenere Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe latest trio red is merlot dominated and comes with a smooth, soft edge. The carmenère and cabernet add leafy tobacco notes and cherry/cassis flavours. It's a warm, soft red with plenty of a spicy black currant and coffee notes in the finish. It should improve in the bottle over the next 18 months. Break out the T-bone steaks.Prices:| BC | $16.98 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.28 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $14.80 | 750ml |
| NS | $15.71 | 750ml |
| NF | $15.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Mapu Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenère 2005
Region del Valle Central, ChileMapu means earth in the native Mapuche language of Chile and it's the earth that highlights the licorice and spice and cigar ash in this red. Made with purchased fruit this is entry-level stuff you can use around the barbecue, any sort of grilled meat dishes should work with it and help smooth out the dry leafy edges.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $12.45 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Nk'Mip Cellars Qwam Qwmt Merlot 2004
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, smoky peppery, clove aromas flecked with black olives, tobacco and black cherry. On the plate it has a sweet fruit character, with coffee cocoa espresso, cherry flavours. Fragrant, warm peppery resiny red with chunky tannins. Well made and should improve over the next 3 to 5 years.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Peller Estates Heritage Series Merlot 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWarm sweet rubbery commercial nose with leafy chocolate aromas. Warm sweet entry with more rubber, cherry leafy flavours. Simple soft easy drinking style. Decent for the price but it needs to be a bit cleaner on the nose and palate to make the best value grade.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.29 | 750ml |
| SK | $13.29 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Inniskillin Okanagan Merlot Reserve 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA fine dark colour previews a rich, open, vanilla minty nose with cherry, pepper, dill and plum flavours. The finish is slightly dry with more licorice, black fruit and good acidity. It's warm (alcoholic) but maturing niclel and is easily tamed by a roasted leg of lamb.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Soaring Eagle Merlot Limited Edition 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBright smoky cedar bark black cherry and resin notes on the nose. Very similar palate with lifted cedar flavours of black cherry fruits and spicy herbal notes. The finish is like and skinny with spicy, vanilla and smoky resin notes.Prices:| BC | $19.40 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Merlot 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCoffee predominates on the nose and palate of what is a well made clean merlot with just enough spicy fruit and acidity to remain balanced. A simple soft, tasty, clean 100 per cent organic merlot that should have broad appeal.Prices:| BC | $18.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Stag's Hollow Estate Merlot 2004
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAnother stylish effort from Stag's Hollow where it seems the funky red syndrome has final left the premises. Not too dark but nevertheless full-flavoured with a big smoky, cherry jam nose with flecks of earth. Bordelais styling with a vibrant mid-palate and in a soft, medium-weight, balanced red. The finish is warm but this is a solid effort for the price. 500 cases produced.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Jackson-Triggs Merlot Proprietors' Grand Reserve 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWinemaker Bruce Nicholson may be gone and this wine will reminds most that he will be missed. Typical JT it is rich, dense and sweet on the nose and the palate. Sweet cherry jam, vanilla and chocolate notes preview a big mouth-filling merlot with just a touch of spicy black olives. Lovely ripe characters pervade the finish with coffee and smoky oak and a dusting of tannin. Should keep well for five to seven years.Prices:| BC | $24.78 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Jackson-Triggs Merlot Sun Rock Vineyard 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLifted, volatile characters on the nose with vanilla spicy, savoury black cherry notes. The entry is lean and hot with gripp-y dry tannins. Fairly dry with smoky vanilla, coffee, pepper and plum flavours. Disjointed at best. Disappointing.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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05 April 2007
86PTS
Chaman de Santa Cruz Carmenere Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileA simple straight-up carmenère cabernet blend with some bright up front fruit. Look for cassis and raspberries followed by some earthy, minty chocolate notes and a touch of cigar ash. A soft easy-sipping red you can serve liberally around the barbecue. Decent value.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Emiliana Novas Carmenere Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChilePretty straightforward stuff here. A soft approachable red wine that blends carmenère and cabernet sauvignon from a certified organic vineyard. The flavours are a mix of earth, chocolate and mint with a dash of raspberry and some grippy tannin in the finish. Best with grilled meat or roasted fowl.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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04 April 2007
89PTS
Nk'Mip Cellars Qwam Qwmt Chardonnay 2005
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWinemaker Randy Picton's latest Q2 chardonnay is a treat to drink. Much like the '04 it has spicy, cinnamon, leesy character on the nose mixed with baked apple and honey notes. The entry is dry, and a touch less fat with nutty lees, mineral, pear and honey flavours with some green apple skin and resin in the aftertaste. The finish is warm, creamy and a touch sweet. You can drink this now or hold it a year or two. Well done.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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03 April 2007
87PTS
Vina Casablanca Sauvignon Blanc Coleccion Privada 2006
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileEdition two is as solid as the previous year and it's great value for $14. The nose is clean and fresh with plenty of lifted gooseberry, green apple and lime rind aromas. It's New Zealand for $5 less. Love the balance and freshness here. Perfect seafood/shellfish wine. Drink all summer.Prices:| BC | $14.06 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Santa Cristina Antinori Sangiovese 2005
Tuscany, ItalyNot a hot year, the '05 Santa Christina is more floral, more acidic and more vibrant. The style is definitely evolving under winemaker Renzo Cotarella. Look for a fragrant red with bright cherry, plum and licorice root flavours all with touch of chocolate. The smoother finish is courtesy of a touch of merlot. Best of all with fruit form Cortona, Bolgheri and Montepulciano it tastes Tuscan. Perfect for roast chicken or spaghetti Bolognese. Solid value and much better than it was five years ago.Prices:| BC | $15.07 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.15 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Carmen Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Valle del Curicó, Region del Valle Central, ChileCarmen winemaker María del Pilar González is doing an excellent job of fine tuning the Carmen varietal range. Sauvignon blanc is the varietal Carmen built a huge following with and after some recent so-so efforts the 2006 is all over the mark. Fresh, clean mineral nose with citrus and melon fruit and now finally closed with a screwcap. It simply doesn't get any better for the money. Ridiculous value here. Drink all spring and summer.Prices:| BC | $13.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.50 | 750ml |
| NB | $12.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $10.99 | 750ml |
| PEI | $12.98 | 750ml |
| NF | $11.98 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Caliterra Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2006
Valle del Curicó, Region del Valle Central, ChileFresh nervy notes mark the nose of this simple white that hails form a cool year in Chile. Tropical fruits with an herbaceous undertone and a touch of passion fruit. Fairly smooth on the palate with lime rind and sweaty, mineral notes on the finish.Prices:| BC | $12.10 | 750ml |
| QC | $11.75 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Santa Carolina Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2006
Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileOpen canned grapefruit nose with flecks of asparagus, lime rind and passion fruit. The palate is a touch soapy but otherwise fresh with more lime rind and grapefruit in the finish. Solid entry level sauvignon.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.75 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.26 | 750ml |
| NF | $11.11 | 750ml |
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May 2007