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Tastings: July 2007
30 July 2007
88PTS
Ridge Santa Cruz Mountain Estate Red 2004
Santa Cruz Mountains, San Francisco Bay, California, United StatesSpicy, tobacco, cedar, blackberry jam, vanilla, mint, cherry, barnyard, light Band-Aid aromas. Dry, tight, more restrained, elegant style with some tannins poking through. Peppery, cedar, olive, chocolate, tobacco, black cherry, clove flavours. A bit young and lean at this point for drinking so be sure to serve with food. Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
| US | $35.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $45.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $51.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Ridge Montebello Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Santa Cruz Mountains, San Francisco Bay, California, United StatesBig spicy, peppery, cassis, chocolate, licorice, vanilla, earthy, clove, briar aromas with a touch of coffee, very good aromatics. Round, supple, dry, slightly tannic entry but good finesse. Cedar, coffee, cassis, spicy, peppery, olive, tobacco, orange peel, mineral flavours with a smoky, licorice finish. Young with good concentration but slightly austere. Needs 5-7 years but will improve. One of the finest efforts from this vineyard.Prices:| AB | $150.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $110.00 | 750ml |
| US | $135.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Ridge Lytton Springs Zinfandel 1999
Sonoma County, California, United StatesSpicy, leather, barnyard, black berry jam, chocolate, peppery, floral aromas. Rich, ripe, round, fat entry with some light tannins but very well balanced. Peppery, spicy, blackberry jam, black cherry, vanilla, violet flavours. Long rootsy, cedar, strawberry finish. Very attractive style. Ready now but will improve for a few more years yet.Prices:| US | $40.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $51.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Ridge Geyserville 1999
Sonoma County, California, United StatesPeppery, leather, spicy, smoky, briar, licorice root, Band-Aid, soy, black cherry jam and iodine aromas. Smooth, rich, round, ripe style with good acidity but a tad warm. Black cherry, tobacco, licorice, earthy, spicy, peppery, resin flavours. Good concentration, length and intensity. Ready now but will improve with a few more years aging.Prices:| US | $0.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Ridge Santa Cruz Mountain Estate Chardonnay 2005
Santa Cruz Mountains, San Francisco Bay, California, United StatesAlmost 100% American oak barrel fermentation with no acidification, using only natural yeast and it goes through full malolactic. After all that this wine has incredibly good acidity balance. We love the pear, spicy, clove nose with streaks of butter, floral and peach skin aromas. The entry is ripe, round and slightly oily with good richness and a touch of warmth. Spicy vanilla, butter, baked pear, citrus, chalky, sappy flavours. Good overall balance if a touch warm. Will improve in bottle over the next 2-3 years.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
| US | $35.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $45.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $47.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Ridge Montebello Chardonnay 2004
Santa Cruz Mountains, San Francisco Bay, California, United StatesAlways a barrel selection of the best lots and it's not made every year. Spicy, citrus rind, ginger, honey, butter. White floral aromas with a touch of baked pear and muscat. Fat, rich, round, moderately elegant style with good acidity but a soft edge. Pear, honey, butter, vanilla, cedar, citrus, mineral, ginger flavours. Good finesse and length if a bit fat given its Burgundian mantra.Prices:| ON | $53.00 | 750ml |
| US | $60.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $90.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Ridge Geyserville 2005
Sonoma County, California, United StatesThis is the 40th vintage of this complex blend of zinfandel, carignane, petite sirah and mataro. Look for huge black cherry jam, blackberry, spicy, floral, vanilla, briar, violet, tobacco and licorice aromas. Rich, round, ripe, slightly tannic palate with good concentration. Big peppery, briar, strawberry jam, blackberry, licorice, resin, spicy, cardamom and vanilla flavours. Young and concentrated with excellent fruit, this needs 3-5 years, but is delicious now.Prices:| AB | $33.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $39.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $48.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $51.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Ridge Three Valleys 2005
Sonoma County, California, United StatesA blend from Dry Creek, Sonoma and Alexander Valleys It opens with bright floral, strawberry jam and spice aromas with barnyard, tobacco, earth and celery notes. Round, supple, dry slightly tannic entry with peppery, spicy, black cherry jam, strawberry, clove, roasted earth and briar flavours. A touch alcoholic but with fine fruit, balance and finesse. Drink now and over the next 2 years.Prices:| BC | $34.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
| US | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $28.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $28.50 | 750ml |
| QC | $31.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Terras Gauda O Rosal 2006
Rías Baixas, Galicia, SpainFloral, melon, citrus, ginger, mineral, slate nose. Ripe, round, elegant palate that is crisp and dry. White floral, nectarine, citrus, green apple skin, chalky, ginger flavours. Good delicacy and richness and fresh. Fine food wine for lighter seafood dishes. Drink while young. Delicious albariño-based white wine.Prices:| BC | $31.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $28.00 | 750ml |
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29 July 2007
90PTS
Ridge Lytton Springs Zinfandel 2005
Sonoma County, California, United StatesThe '05 Lytton Springs is a sophisticated blend of 31 parcels of Dry Creek Valley fruit that blends 77/17/6 zinfandel, petite sirah, and carignane aged in air-dried, American oak barrels. As usual the style is lush but with elegance. The tannins are firm but small-grained and slippery. There are gobs of blueberry black cherry fruit flecked with earthy briary undertones and a squeeze of vanilla. Delicious now but will it keep a decade with ease.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $45.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $51.00 | 750ml |
| US | $33.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Artezin Zinfandel 2005
Mendocino - Amador - Sonoma Counties, North Coast Region, California, United StatesThis is big, warm, spicy, glossy, zinfandel from Mendocino, Amador and Sonoma counties made by the folks at Hess Collection. It's crammed with briary, black fruit with a just enough acidity to keep it fresh and just enough vanilla and berries to keep it attractive. You can serve this crowd pleaser with most grilled meats and roasted poultry.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
McManis Family Vineyards Zinfandel 2005
California, United StatesAnother Lodi sourced zinfandel that delivers upfront with an appealing strawberry vanilla and cedar/blueberry nose. On the palate it's warm and soft with quite a bit of rip, peppery, raspberry and chocolate flavours. A warm but appealing fruit finish.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.85 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Cline Zinfandel 2005
California, United StatesCline mixes Lodi and Contra Costa County fruit in their introductory zinfandel. It's aged in toasted French oak barrels. The Cline style is showy with sweet, glossy peppery fruit and plenty of vanilla and cherry flavours. Very drinkable now but will keep for three to five years. Farmed with zero pesticides. What a bargain in Ontario.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Tamás Estates Zinfandel 2004
Livermore, San Francisco Bay, California, United StatesLook for a soft smooth sweet spicy zinfandel here made with Livermore Valley zinfandel and 10 per cent a barbera. It's aged for about 8 month sin French and American oak to soften the edges of its spicy jammy, brambleberry fruit flavours. Tamas estates was founded by Iván Tamás Fuezy and Steve Mirassou in 1984 and is now part of the Wente Family portfolio.Prices:| BC | $18.06 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Parducci Zinfandel 2004
Mendocino County, California, United StatesParducci's regular label is a fine introduction to the zin variety. The nose is open with black fruits and blueberry aromas that carry through on the palate. It's quite spicy in the finish with a touch of youthful tannin, best now with food. A simple, straight-up, burger red at a fair price.Prices:| BC | $17.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Greg Norman California Estates Lake County Zinfandel 2003
Lake County, California, United StatesThis fruity, showy, all Lake County fruit spends six months in 50 per cent new American oak and 50 used French. Look for plummy black fruit with a streak of blueberry. The mid-palate show has some briary acidity poking through that dries out the finish. A bit coarse for the price. Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $24.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Gnarly Head Old Vine Zin 2005
Lodi, Central Valley, California, United StatesLook for a very sweet style of zinfandel here with plummy/blueberry cedarbark aromas and fruit flavours. The finish is sweet too with hints of spice and chocolate. Simple pizza/ribs style zin. Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Zig Zag Zin 2004
Mendocino County, California, United StatesA big friendly warm zin packed with bright red fruits al la plums cherries and raspberries. On the palate you pick up the pepper and vanilla threads and some soft but chewy tannin in the finish. Certainly food friendly for the likes of smokies, burgers, pizza, and simple pasta dishes.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Shenandoah Zinfandel Special Reserve 2005
Amador County, Sierra Foothills, California, United StatesAs always Shenandoah Amador zin is big and burly zinfandel and often drier than most of its modern counterparts. Its slightly more tannic but with plenty of power and finesse mixed with its sweet black peppery fruit with chocolate and licorice undertones. Perfect for steaks or roasted meats.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Sobon Estate Zinfandel Old Vines 2005
Amador County, Sierra Foothills, California, United StatesA year in bottle has given the Sobon "Old Vines a real sense of harmony and balance often missing in this variety. Fine floral fruity nose with spicy peppery fruit flavours but not over the top. Small amounts of primitivo, grenache and sangiovese add a layer of complexity and flavour missing in so many other zinfandels at this price level. Love the balance and length. Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Sobon Estate Zinfandel Rocky Top 2004
Amador County, Sierra Foothills, California, United StatesThe "Rocky Top" Sobon has a brighter fruit character than the "Old Vines" but a similar sense of harmony. Look for black raspberry fruit aromas and flavours with a warm spicy licorice finish. It's big ripe jammy Amador-zinfandel and for a bonus it is organically grown.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Z 52 Agnes Vineyard Old Vine Lodi Zinfandel 2003
Lodi, Central Valley, California, United StatesYet another Lodi zinfandel made with very old vines. Agnes Vineyard is dry-farmed and head-pruned and the fruit is concentrated. Fresher than the previous version with peppery earthy black fruit laced with licorice and alcohol. Big warm and bold it's well suited to grilled sausages or barbecued back ribs. Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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28 July 2007
87PTS
Deen De Bortoli Vat 4 Petit Verdot 2005
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaThis label continues to speak volumes about what else is possible in Australia. Look for a fresh floral palate with spicy red fruit flavours spiked with blueberry notes. Not as hot and big as last year but there is a touch of acidity poking through the finish.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.99 | 750ml |
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27 July 2007
87PTS
Laroche Syrah 2003
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceFully mature southern syrah from the Mas La Chevaliere project in Languedoc owned by Michel Laroche. Soft grainy tannins permeate this warm red with its spicy peppery plum fruit flavours and just a hint of vanilla. Should be perfect with any number of grilled meats or poultry. Prices:| BC | $17.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.50 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.20 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Château des Aveylans Costières de Nîmes 2003
Costières de Nîmes, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceTypical Costières with its scorched earth and cooked plum nose. The entry is rich and full with dry earthy meaty fruit flavours and a touch of chocolate. There are still some dry tannins to shed otherwise try this with some grilled back ribs.Prices:| BC | $23.50 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Mas des Aveylans Syrah Fruitée 2005
Le Gard, Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceSimilar to the 2004 Cuvee Prestige but the 05 is a bit tighter and has a fruiter spicy undertone perhaps becuase it sees no wood. Typically ripe, sweet, juicy black fruit with a smooth, chocolate aftertaste. It's medium to full-bodied mouth feel reflects its youthful chewy tannins. Buy and hold, or drink now with grilled meat. Well done.Prices:| BC | $27.70 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Mas des Aveylans Cuvée Prestige Syrah 2004
Costières de Nîmes, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceNew to the B.C. landscape this is a Vin de Pays that has been garnering interest in other parts of the wine world for a while now. Look for big, juicy sweet black fruit flavours. It's extremely glossy and smooth with ripe fruit. No spice or meaty characters but many will applaud this style. A crowd pleaser.Prices:| BC | $29.90 | 750ml |
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24 July 2007
87PTS
St. Hubertus Rosé Gamay Noir 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight fresh airy and perfectly tuned for food. The entry is bright and fresh with cranberry cherry citrus fruit flavours spiked with strawberry, mineral, apple skin notes. Tight and fresh on the finish. Well done. Serve liberally on the patio.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Torres De Casta Rosé 2006
Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainThe Torres pink is masterful blend of garnacha tinta and cariñena begun in 1941. The nose is clean and fresh, bursting with black raspberry and cherry scents. On the palate it is agreeably round and crisp with the perfect touch of sweetness. Floral raspberry fruit flavours hold your interest throughout. Perfect with a salade niçoise or corn on the cob.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| US | $10.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Seven Stones Speaking Rock Pinot Rosé 2006
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA new winery from the Similkameen Valley, Seven Stones' pink pinot is patterned after the Provence style rosé with bright strawberry fruit and medium weight mouthfeel. It has an interesting mineral quality that runs throughout the wine as does an elevated acidity that definitely calls for food.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Tantalus Rosé 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaI don't imagine there is much of this around. But it's worth looking for if you can find it. The nose dry and restrained with earthy black fruit undertones reminding one of, at least a little bit, Tavel. On the palate it's clean and fresh with peppery citrus berry fruit flavour. Best with summery small plates and finger food.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Therapy Vineyards Pink Freud 2006
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe latest Pink Freud is a 60/30/10 blend of shiraz/merlot/pinot noir cold soaked and then runoff after 24 hours. Love the fresh, citrus berry fruit nose and flavours and the crisp palate. Lively, fresh and tasty it's all you could want in an $18 rosé.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Talamonti Rosé Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Cerasuolo 2003
Abruzzo, ItalyThis cherry red "Cerasuolo" wine sets up dry and earthy in the classic Euro/Italian style. On the palate the acidity is vibrant in essence highlighting the earthy, black fruit flavours. Perfectly styled for food and likely a wide variety. Think hamburgers and grilled sausages to pasta salads. Great valuePrices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Quails' Gate Rosé 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMade from 100 per cent gamay grown on the Boucherie Bench that was soaked overnight to produce its pink colour. The nose is slightly dirty with reductive garlic aromas. The fruit is fresh and dry but the garlic/sulphur flavours penetrate the palate and sit on the fruit. Aerate well before serving. Disappointing.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Lang Vineyards Blanc de Noir Pinot Noir - Gamay 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight somewhat dull nose with bits of floral and mineral but lacks intensity and fruit lift. Dry-ish palate with strawberry earthy resiny flavours. Fresh but a bit too dull to shine on the patio.Prices:| BC | $18.90 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Herder Blanc de Noir Bellamy Vineyards Keremeos 2005
Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaEvery wine has it time and this blanc de noir 2005 is nearing the end of its life. The nose is slightly oxidative with bruised raspberry strawberry fruit flavours. Soft and a touch sweet but definitely needs drinking. Bring on the '06.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
JoieFarm Pinot Noir Rosé 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Joie wines continue to improve in 2006. The Rosé is fresher with bright, melon notes and a dash of pink grapefruit. The entry is soft with some obvious sugar but the acidity is lively and the flavours fresh. Drink all summer on the restaurant patio, which is about the only place you can buy it.Prices:| BC | $18.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Arrowleaf Red Feather 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBingo. The latest Red Feather hits all the right notes for the patio. The grapes are mostly pinot noir with a dash of chardonnay to lift the nose. The aroma is an earthy mix of strawberry and minerals. On the palate it is fresh and clean with a candied, strawberry fruit flavours and as is their style, there is just add enough sugar and acidity to keep your interest. A perfect summer patio wine again. Love the price.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Cremaschi Furlotti Carmenère Rosé 2006
Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChilePink carmenère, who would have thought. Expect a soft, easy- sipping style with the trademark leafy tobacco aromas and flavours and a liberal dose of residual sugar to balance off the finish. This is a weightier style pink that is best chilled down and served with food. Good value.Prices:| BC | $13.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Seaview Sparkling Shiraz NV
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaIntense black cherry colour with plenty of persisitent red/black mousse. Licorice, black cherry, vanilla, spicy aromas. Rich, fresh palate with black cherry, peppery, licorice, cola, spicy flavours with a bit of tannin and plum on the finish. Somewhat sweet, full style for food. A novelty for sure but it has its fans.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $16.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $13.29 | 750ml |
| NF | $14.50 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Sumac Ridge Rosé Private Reserve 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGreat colour and the nose is attractive mixing citrus and fresh red fruit. It is fairly rich on the palate and more white zin-like than you might expect given its mix of aromatic whites mixed and gamay and pinot noir. Sweet and leafy with a touch of alcohol. Best served well chilled, getting tired.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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21 July 2007
80PTS
Stoneboat Vineyards Pinot Blanc 2005
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCooked and bruised apple nose followed by similar flavours on the palate. Tired, and now well past its prime, if it ever had one. Back to he drawing board for 2006.Prices:| BC | $15.90 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Gray Monk Pinot Auxerrois 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe '06 Twenty Fifth Anniversary Pinot Auxerrois has gone sweet as in super sweet. It's fresh and clean but with a lot of sweet, grapefruit and red apple flavours. You really need to chill this down if you are serving solo on the patio. Otherwise I suggest you pair it with some spicy Asian or Indian dishes and use the sweet fruit to tame the heat in the food.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Marrenon Private Gallery Chardonnay Viognier 2006
Vin de Pays de Vaucluse, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceMost would agree that by adding the viognier to this 80 per cent chardonnay you give the wine an extra added lift in exotic fruit aromas and flavours. Look for a dry supple white wine with peachy melon flavours and bits of orange in the finish. Tasty straight-up French wine with a bit more fruit than you might expect.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Oroya Special for Sushi 2005
Castilla-Leon, SpainOroya " Special for Sushi" is made by Japanese winemaker Yoko Sato, from a blend of aromatic white grapes from Spain. Airen, macabeo and muscat have been blended here in a strong tasting aromatic white with a fair bit of acidity and sweetness. I supposed you could easily see how it might stand up to wasabi and pickled ginger although I'm not sure it's any more effective than an aromatic New Zealand or B.C. white. I do like the idea of tying a food theme to the wine I believe this is extremely useful tool for the public who can be easily overwhelmed when it comes to matching food and wine. Good value.Prices:| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Torres Mas Rabell 2005
Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainBone dry nose with grassy nutty undertones. This mainly parellada with a touch of garnacha is fresh and crisp with citrus and almond flavours. Very clean and begging for simple tapas-style appetizers or light uncomplicated summer menu items. Good value in an everyday summer sipper or luncheon white.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Quails' Gate Chasselas - Pinot Blanc 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIt's been a couple of years since I have this blend and winemaker Grant Stanley has done a nice job cleaning this up and bringing the fruit to the foreground. Look for fresh mineral, floral notes in an otherwise delicious sipping white wine. Do as the winery suggests and serve it with a fresh spinach salad with sun dried cranberries, pea sprouts, toasted almonds and orange poppy seed vinaigrette.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Quails' Gate Chenin Blanc 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen sweaty grapefruit rind with bits of passion fruit. It's super tight and crisp with impressive flavours of juicy green apple, grapefruit rind and honey/mineral flecks. An easy-sipping shellfish white with a small percentage of sauvignon blanc to lift the fruit and a bit of barrel fermented chenin blanc to boost the mouth texture.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Melini Orvieto Classico 2005
Umbria, ItalyTypically light and floral on the nose with a whiff of peaches and almonds. Simple straight-up, fresh white wine to serve with simple, lightly-spiced food. Pesto pasta, potato salad and the like would be perfect matches. Prices:| BC | $9.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Brokenwood Rayner Cricket Pitch White 2005
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaLove the intense grassy, pea shoot nose with a streak of herbs. Lively on the palate with citrus, gooseberry herbal fruit and clean tight finish. Super mussel or clam wine but rich enough to carry a conversation on its own. Finished under screwcap for added freshness.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Weingut Lorch (White Label) Riesling Hochgewachs Bergzaberner Altenberg 2005
Pfalz, GermanyNectarine, green apple petrol, honey aromas with some slate. Firm fresh fruit on the mid-palate with more nectarine, peach, mineral, apple and slate flavours. Consistent with last year's fine effort.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.95 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Torres Mas La Plana 2001
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainMas La Plana's 29 hectares of cabernet are situated at Pacs, in the central Penedès region, once the feudal lands of the Counts of Barcelona. Big bright cassis, coffee, black olive, smoky, tobacco, chocolate pudding aromas with some saddle leather and tobacco underneath - very cabernet sauvignon. The flavours are similar laced with black pepper, garrigue, cassis jam with a long, refined minty, briary finish. Love the elegance here - a recurring theme at Torres of late. An excellent wine that will need a decade to fill out and reach its potential. Get out the steaks and start grilling.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $41.75 | 750ml |
| ON | $39.99 | 750ml |
| US | $50.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $44.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $80.00 | 1500ml |
| MB | $50.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $42.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $43.00 | 750ml |
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20 July 2007
88PTS
Benziger Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Sonoma County, California, United StatesEarthy, tobacco, spicy, peppery, blackberry, chocolate, barnyard aromas. Soft, round, supple palate with light grained tannins. Peppery, smoky, cassis, black berry, earthy, tobacco flavours. Good intensity if a bit warm on the finish. Drink now and over the next 2 years.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Benziger Cabernet Sauvignon Stone Farm Vineyard 2003
Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesVery peppery, spicy, cardamom, mint, blackberry, leather, tobacco, chocolate and resin aromas. Ripe, round, dry and supple with tight grainy tannins. Cassis, peppery, cedar, tobacco, chocolate, licorice and olive flavours. Well structured for 3-5 years of aging.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Concha y Toro Cabernet Sauvignon Don Melchor 2004
Puente Alto, Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileMinty, cassis, cedar, black olive, leather, tobacco aromas with an earthy, chocolate streak. Ripe, round, supple palate with some grainy tannin. Big cassis, smoky, tobacco, leather, black cherry, minty, cranberry, licorice and vanilla flavours with light coffee, olive finish. Good finesse and texture but built to age over the next 3-5 years. Fine effort.Prices:| BC | $59.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $49.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $52.49 | 750ml |
| QC | $52.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Montes Alpha M "La Finca Estate" 2004
Apalta Valley, Santa Cruz, Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileImpressive cassis, minty, plum, tobacco, olive, cardamom, coffee, leather aromas with a hint of licorice and cedar. Rich, round, supple palate but plenty of smooth tannins. Huge minty, sappy cassis, plum, coffee, peppery, vanilla, chocolate, cedar and black olive flavours. Very ripe Bordeaux-style, well structured, a bit warm but excellent concentration and intensity. Needs 3-5 years, but already suave in the mouth. Very fine effort.Prices:| AB | $75.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $86.44 | 750ml |
| QC | $86.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Montes Alpha M "La Finca Estate" 2003
Apalta Valley, Santa Cruz, Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileSmoky, peppery, spicy, olive, blackberry, sappy cassis, savoury, vanilla, cedar aromas with a minty streak. Ripe, round, dry, slightly tight palate with some youthful tannins. Cedar, cassis, black cherry, coffee, vanilla, peppery, minty flavours with a warm, slightly tart edge. Very good but not the extract or balance of the excellent 2004.Prices:| AB | $75.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $86.44 | 750ml |
| QC | $86.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Parducci Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Mendocino County, California, United StatesEarthy, spicy, cedar, resin, leafy blackberry aromas. Round and supple but very dry with elevated acidity. Smoky, resin, black cherry, earthy, cedar flavours. Needs food to soften the acidity.Prices:| BC | $17.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Greg Norman California Estates North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
North Coast, North Coast Region, California, United StatesBig blueberry, cassis, peppery, cedar, spicy, resin and vanilla aromas. Soft, round, slightly tannic entry with a touch of higher acidity. Smoky, spicy, blueberry, cassis, peppery, resin flavours. Solid, easy drinking fruitier style for meat.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $28.00 | 750ml |
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16 July 2007
93PTS
Hartford Court Pinot Noir Fog Dance Vineyards 2003
Green Valley, Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesBig spicy, vanilla, cherry, floral, compost, celery salt, smoky, orange peel aromas. Ripe, round, dry and supple with good finesse and elegance. Cherry, cola, celery, orange, licorice, compost and cumin flavours. More restrained but has fine acidity and alcohol balance. Will improve over the next five years. Bravo.Prices:| BC | $71.49 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Pirouette Red Blend 2004
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesFloral, spicy, licorice, cedar, tobacco leaf, cranberry, plum, vanilla and coffee aromas. Ripe, round, rich, supple and balanced. Very floral, black cherry, raspberry jam, spicy, white pepper, iodine, licorice, coffee and cedar flavours. Big warm and oaky for the moment but should settle down over the next 3-5 years. The blend is 49/27/13/11 cabernet sauvignon, merlot, petit verdot, syrah.Prices:| BC | $85.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Saggi 2004
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesSpicy, tobacco, meaty, black olive, chocolate, cassis, resiny, vanilla aromas. Rich, round, supple but grippy tannins. Floral, smoky, black olive, coffee, vanilla, black cherry, cassis, licorice, meaty flavours. Good fruit intensity and balance with some finesse. Needs 3-6 years to mature and soften a bit further.Prices:| BC | $70.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Chester-Kidder Red Blend 2003
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesCedar, tobacco leaf, cherry, green olive, resin, smoky herb, spicy pepper aromas. Smooth, rich, round and suave with some light, grainy tannins. Peppery, spicy, smoky, coffee, vanilla, black cherry, floral, meaty, cinnamon flavours. Fine length and intensity with some good complexity but very warm on the finish. Young, needs 2-5 yearsPrices:| BC | $80.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
De Bortoli Pinot Noir Yarra Valley 2004
Yarra Valley, Victoria, AustraliaRootsy, celery salt, rhubarb, spicy, barnyard, tobacco, black cherry aromas. Supple, dry, round, slightly tart entry with cola, peppery, orange peel, compost, cherry, celery root flavours. Solid if a bit tart on the finish.Prices:| BC | $37.75 | 750ml |
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86PTS
McManis Family Vineyards Pinot Noir 2006
California, United StatesCola, celery salt, smoky, cooked cherry aromas. Soft, round, slightly sweet entry with strawberry, cola, caramel, smoky, rootsy flavours. Finish is warm and a tad tart but has solid fruit for easy consumption.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.50 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Benziger Pinot Noir Bella Luna Vineyards 2005
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesSpicy, carrot top, black raspberry, floral, plum, vanilla aromas. Ripe, round, supple and fresh with good textures. Carrot, celery root, black raspberry, black cherry, spicy, cola, vanilla flavours with a touch of compost and licorice. Nicely balanced with good intensity and fruit if a bit hot.Prices:Read Full Note
90PTS
Pedestal Merlot 2004
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesChocolate, crushed dried oregano, tobacco leaf, smoky, black olive, cedar, vanilla, resiny, rootsy aromas. Soft, round, suave palate with smooth, grainy tannins. Spicy, coffee, bacon, cedar, tobacco, olive, cardamom, resin and black cherry flavours with floral, espresso finish. Very warm and dry. Needs four to six more years in bottle to develop. Michel Rolland is the consulting winemaker for Pedestal.Prices:| BC | $84.99 | 750ml |
| US | $55.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Penfolds RWT Shiraz 2004
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThe 'anti-Grange,' RWT is a single-region (Barossa) shiraz that is aged in 100 per cent French oak. In the case of the '04 that's 69 per cent new oak and 31 per cent one-year old hogsheads. The colour is nearly opaque. The nose an enticing mix of aromatic, dark red fruits with a blueberry undercurrent - a sure sign of high quality. On the palate the flavours are rich and saturated with vanilla cherry kirsch, floral, plum, licorice, smoky tobacco flavours and spicy, fine grained tannins. More finesse than power. This is a very fine RWT along the lines of the 2002. Seven years on from its first release and 10 years from the inaugural vintage RWT could be considered among the best red wine made at Penfolds. Made for the long haul.Prices:| BC | $122.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $110.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $114.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $199.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $118.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $120.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $145.85 | 750ml |
| NB | $115.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $115.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Montes Folly Syrah 2004
Apalta Valley, Santa Cruz, Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileChocolate, vanilla, white pepper, meaty, black cherry jam, tobacco, barnyard, kirsch aromas. Rich, round, warm, supple palate with light smooth tannins. Black cherry kirsch, plum jam, peppery, spicy, orange peel, tobacco, vanilla, smoky chocolate flavours. Young and very warm on the finish but has fine fruit intensity and tannin ripeness. Needs 3-5 years. Serve in the colder months slightly chilled.Prices:| US | $65.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Maysara Jamsheed Pinot Noir 2003
Oregon, United StatesDark colour. Cologne, black cherry, celery salt, Band-Aid, compost, spicy aromas. Round, dry, slightly chunky entry with light, dry tannins. Smoky, cola, celery salt, spicy, black cherry, gamey flavours. A bit cooked and warm overall. Grapes are farmed bio-dynamically.Prices:| BC | $37.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Kestrel Syrah 2003
Washington, United StatesJasmine, meaty, floral, black cherry, white pepper, tobacco, chocolate, leather aromas. Dry, slightly tart entry with smooth, light tannins. Peppery, spicy, black cherry, kirsch, coffee, meaty flavours. Warm finish with chocolate and licorice. Good solid syrah for drinking over the next 2 years.Prices:| BC | $39.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Brokenwood Rayner Vineyard Shiraz 2003
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaSmoky leather, tobacco, bacon, gamey, vanilla, black cherry aromas. Smooth, round rich palate with supple tannins and a touch of acidity. Leather, chocolate, tobacco, black cherry, cola, bacon, spicy, white pepper flavours with a cedar, olive note on the finish. Not as fruity a style with a touch of acidity but well balanced.Prices:| AB | $59.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $67.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Wolf Blass Platinum Label Shiraz 2003
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaOpen coffee, floral, spicy nose with black cherry, plum and licorice aromas with a touch of meat and smoke. Big, sweet round entry with dry tannins and some elevated acidity. Floral, bacon, smoky, peppery, chocolate, rootsy, smoky cola flavours with a vanilla and cedar finish. Very dry, tight finish with some alcohol and tannins poking through. Should improve in bottle over the next three years.Prices:| BC | $79.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $83.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Hartford Court Pinot Noir Seascape Vineyard 2003
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, United StatesThis is the third vintage of the hard to find Seascape Pinot and perhaps the best yet. The super cool coastal site is just west of Occidental. Celery salt, herbal, peppery, black cherry jam, peppery, cumin aromas with a floral note. Soft, round, dry and supple with vanilla, cherry, strawberry, smoky cola, compost, licorice and celery root flavours. Love the finesse and fruit flavours. Now mature, has improved over the last 2 years.Prices:| BC | $72.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $64.99 | 750ml |
| US | $55.00 | 750ml |
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15 July 2007
84PTS
Elephant Island Orchard Wines Black Currant 2006
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWhat can you say about a wine the winery claims goes well with salt and vinegar chips. Could it be the searing acidity or the fresh cassis, black fruit and leafy notes that scream blackcurrant? Oh well there is always the anti-oxidants. For the curious.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Noble Ridge Pinot Grigio 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIntense green apple skin aromas with bread dough leesy notes. Big sweet red apple, leesy flavours with bits of honey and grass. Quite a bit of residual sugar that is best served well chilled on the patio or to accompany spicy Indian or Asian dishes. Simple.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Red Rooster Reserve Pinot Gris 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaClean fresh citrus flavoured styled gris that tastes more grigio-like this year. It appears the oak has been completely subdued in favour of a fresher, cleaner style. Best with food especially if it needs a squeeze of lemon.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Corte Giara Pinot Grigio 2006
Veneto, ItalyCorte Giara is an Allegrini family project with selected grape growers in Valpolicella. The grigio is 100% pinot grigio, made with no wood that boasts fragrant, floral nose. The attack is dry and fresh with a subtle nutty mineral red apple flavour. Very clean, tight and fresh and clearly thriving under the screwcap. The winery recommends a variety of foods including shellfish, paella, chicken salad, pasta and other light fare.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $12.69 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.69 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Burrowing Owl Pinot Gris 2006
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen honey, mineral, floral aromas with sweet lime rind notes. Rich, ripe and round in the mouth with a brightness and texture that sets B.C. pinot gris apart for its competitors. Fresh juicy mineral fruit with bits of red apple honey and ripe pear fill the palate. The finish is unusually off-dry but with citrus undertones.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Peller Estates Private Reserve Pinot Gris 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCleaner than the' 05 with a fresh mineral, butter, apple skin nose and similar buttery, vanilla, green apple fruit flavours. The finish is dry with bits of peach skin and apricot. Solid fresh example.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $16.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Stoneboat Vineyards Pinot Gris 2005
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig soft, sweet nose of caramel, coffee and leesy fruit. The wine was aged in French oak and it's dominating the palate sitting on the rich, spicy, honeyed, mango custard flavours. The finish is soft and creamy. Needs drinking.Prices:| BC | $18.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Tinhorn Creek Pinot Gris 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis screwcap version is as goods as it gets now. This is light, delicate, pinot gris that is made for summer sipping and it's perfectly revealed in this format. Look for light floral notes mixed with delicious crisp green apple mineral and nectarine notes. The finish is round, soft and dry with just a hint of sweet fruit.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Inniskillin Okanagan Pinot Grigio Reserve 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaInniskillin always makes a flavourful pinot gris and in 2006 it's no exception. Floral, almost orange blossom notes greet the nose. The entry is round and fresh and slightly sweet with red apple, mineral citrus nutty fruit flavours with a touch of lime rind in the finish.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Casal Thaulero Pinot Grigio Osco 2005
Abruzzo, ItalyTypically Northern Italian on the nose with its almond, mineral overtones and bits citrus, grassy, green apple aromas. The entry is soft and almost sweet mixing honey, mineral, nutty, lees flavours. Simple, easy sipping grigio.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $6.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $10.10 | 750ml |
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14 July 2007
85PTS
Red Rooster Pinot Gris 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen earthy, mineral nose with sweet fruit undertones. Slightly candied fruit entry with a mix of mineral and sweet red apple with some residual sugar. The finish is warm and sweet. Serve well chilled with spicy food for best results.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Villa Wolf Pinot Gris 2006
Pfalz, GermanyThis is Mosel guru Ernie Loosen's QBA gris from the Mittlehardt, Pfalz . It's stainless steel fermented and right at the edge of dry and off dry. The fruit is ripe and showy reminiscent pf pears and apples with just a hint of sweetness and fatness that you can feel in the mouth. Well made and elegant for the Pfalz, but then what else does one expect from a Mosel man. Good value.Prices:| BC | $17.98 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Therapy Vineyards Pinot Gris 2006
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight, fun, skinny, pear/ mineral, pinot grigio style gris with a fresh, citrus, aftertaste. Light and simple but well made and if served with the correct food, as in not too powerful, this should be a fun summer sipper. Not cheap.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Laughing Stock Vineyards Pinot Pinot 2006
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLaughing Stock's "Small Caps program is home to this 75/25 mix of pinot gris and pinot blanc. The pinot blanc seems to bolster the otherwise earthy mineral notes of the gris adding a sweet peachy, nectarine skin quality to the fruit which is both spicy, warm and slightly sour in the finish. Only 170 cases were made so they should have no problem moving this at $22 a pop.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Laughing Stock Vineyards Pinot Gris 2006
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig clean and crisp best describes this wooded pinot gris that spends about seven months in second year oak barrels getting plenty of lees contact. The nose is mix of mineral honey and floral notes with a crisp, citrus, fruity mid-palate and a leesy finish. Fine complexity, if but a bit warm in the finish. Made for food and cooler weather.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Villa Teresa Pinot Grigio (Organic) 2006
Veneto, ItalyClean, if slightly cooked, nose of bruised apple and melon. Quite full and round in the mouth with more sweet red apple and pear fruit flavours with mineral and lime rind. Simple straight-up, affordable grigio made from organic grapes.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Saturna Island Pinot Gris 2006
Southern Gulf Islands, British Columbia, CanadaSimilar to the '05 the latest Saturna Gris is fresher with green apple skin and mineral notes but with a big dose of garlic/sulphur. Often a switch to screwcap can cause this problem if the sulphur regime is not adjusted. It will need plenty of airing prior to sipping to release the underlying chalky fresh green apple flavours.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.08 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Parducci Pinot Grigio 2006
California, United StatesParducci works with pinot gris and while the style is fairly rich they prefer to labelled it pinot grigio. The palate is a touch racy with peachy mineral fruit that is flecked with orange bits and spice. Clean fresh and fun it sip you can serve it with a wide variety of dishes from chicken and fish through vegetarian selections.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Lake Breeze Seven Poplars Merlot 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLake Breeze gets a lot of press for their pinotage but this merlot is well worth investigating. Just enough pepper and acidity takes it out of the sweet realm and into the more serious, worth cellaring category. Look for a fragrant dry red with bits of licorice, black fruit, tobacco and smoky resin. Perfect for grill steaks.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Bassermann-Jordan Deidesheimer Paradiesgarten Riesling Kabinett 2004
Pfalz, GermanyGreen apple, lime, mineral, floral nose with a touch of honey and petrol. Fresh, round, elegant and delicate. Ripe apple, honey, orange, lime flavours with a touch of lime. The mouth flavours are much riper than the nose suggests. Very good acidity and balance with some floral, clover, lime notes on the finish. Great effort for a kabinett and in screwcap!Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.95 | 750ml |
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13 July 2007
88PTS
Therapy Vineyards Artist Pinot Gris 2006
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe "Artist" gris from Therapy is a limited production wine that was made to support the "South Okanagan Women in Need Society" (SOWINS). Local artists were asked to submit work based on theme "Woman in the Community" and the winner was Liz Marshall for her piece titled "Bell" that appears on the front label. The wine is great fun. Unoaked it jumps from the glass with a fresh citrus scent and mixed into mineral pear flavours. Bright fresh light and easy drinking it is a perfect summer sipper with a delicious dry finish. Bravo.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Herder Pinot Gris 2006
British Columbia, CanadaThe Herder 2006 Pinot Gris is un-oaked and blends fruit from the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys. Honey earth and pears greet the nose in a delicious mix of fruit and liveliness. If there was ever a poster boy for no oak in Pinot gris this could be it. The plate is packed with green apple fruit bits bread dough mineral and citrus. The finish is lip-smacking fry. Yeah, and long live B.C. pinot gris.Prices:| BC | $18.90 | 750ml |
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09 July 2007
85PTS
Sumac Ridge Gewürztraminer Private Reserve 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA medium to lightweight gewürztraminer designed for patio sipping and light summer foods. The nose is fresh and appealing with hints of green apple, citrus oil and spice. On the palate the fruit is floral with a touch of fragrant soap. The finish is slightly bitter with hints of lime rind. Drink young and well chilled for optimum results.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.45 | 750ml |
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89PTS
JoieFarm A Noble Blend 2006
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2006 Noble Blend swaps out the ehrenfelser for muscat leaving all the previous components: gewürztraminer, riesling, pinot blanc, kerner, and riesling, more or less the same. This is a delicious style of wine that should be widely imitated in the Okanagan. Floral, spicy, sausage notes with peachy, litchi fruit and just a touch of oil in the texture and some residual sweetness make it a delight to sip. Bravo.Prices:| BC | $20.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Arrowleaf Bacchus 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaArrowleaf does a great job of making clean, fault free wine and extracting the best fruit possible in the process. Bacchus will never win a fruit intensity battle but when it is fresh and clean like this one, with hints of roses and grapefruit, it makes for an affordable summer sipper/picnic white you can gulp down or serve alongside a fresh potato salad. Good value.Prices:| BC | $13.90 | 750ml |
| BC | $7.40 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Château des Aveylans Cuvée Les Templiers 2003
Costières de Nîmes, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceA Parker favourite Aveylans' Costière opens with a fragrant, mineral, cherry fruit nose. Bits of white pepper and mineral impregnate the palate and its soft, peppery, cherry fruit flavours. It's definitely medium-bodied with some gripp-y tannins at the back end. Youthful and perfect with roasted chicken.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Château Clos de la Tour Reserve du Chateau 2002
Bordeaux, FranceSpicy, black olive, cassis, smoky, tobacco vanilla aromas. Dry, round style with light tannins. Cedar, coffee, spicy, black cherry flavours with a smoky, olive, vanilla finish. Elegant style and balance, ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $24.40 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $21.71 | 750ml |
| ON | $21.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.75 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.95 | 375ml |
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08 July 2007
86PTS
Laughing Stock Vineyards Blind Trust Red 2005
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, vanilla, smoky, cherry jam, cola, milk chocolate, cedar aromas with a touch of leafy cassis. Dry, slightly tannic entry with a touch of acidity showing. Peppery, cedar, cassis, vanilla cola, cherry, smoky flavours with some tobacco leaf and olive on the finish.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
CedarCreek Select Pinot Noir 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVanilla, cherry jam, spicy, peppery, carrot top, cardamom nose. Warm, dry, slightly lean entry with elevated acidity. Spicy, sweet vanilla, sour cherry, cedar, licorice, celery root flavours. Somewhat unbalanced with acidity poking through the high alcohol.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Fairview Cellars Merlot 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPruny, peppery, spicy, black cherry, dark chocolate, resiny, tobacco, gamey, barnyard aromas. Dry, rich, alcoholic palate with supple tannins. Peppery, black cherry jam, kirsch, chocolate, resiny, licorice root flavours with some tobacco leaf and cedar in the finish. Solid but a bit chunky and hot.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Nk'Mip Cellars Qwam Qwmt Syrah 2005
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaChocolate, sausage, spicy, savoury, black pepper, licorice root, garrigue aromas with a touch of black cherry. Soft, round, dry, slightly tannic palate. Spicy, plum, peppery, licorice, smoky resin, and tobacco leaf flavours. Some light tannins to shed but should be a solid performer for the next 2 years.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Black Hills Nota Bene 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, cranberry, tobacco, leafy, black olive, resiny, slightly rubbery nose. Soft, round, supple, easy sipping style with tarry licorice, cherry, smoky, vanilla flavours spiked with leafy tobacco and olives with a slightly sweet finish. Easy, forward style for near term consumption.Prices:| BC | $37.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Herder Josephine 2005
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSimilar to last year it opens with dill, olive, tobacco and sweet vanilla notes mixed with milk chocolate, cedar, sweaty saddle, gamey aromas. Dry, round, supple palate with slightly dry tannins. Spicy, vanilla, floral, cola, chocolate, cherry jam, resiny, licorice flavours. Good texture and balance, needs a year or so to soften.Prices:| BC | $28.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Herder Pinot Noir Bellamy Vineyards 2005
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen worsteshire, celery salt, cherry cola nose with rhubarb and vanilla aromas. Soft, round, dry entry but warm. Smoky, resin, spicy, vanilla, cherry, celery root and rhubarb flavours. A touch lean on the finish but sound, will improve over the next two years in bottle.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Quails' Gate Pinot Noir Family Reserve 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, celery salt, smoky, rhubarb, cherry, resiny aromas. Ripe, round, supple, slightly dry entry with very light tannins. Celery, strawberry, rhubarb, rootsy, smoky vanilla flavours with a bit of orange rind and resin on the finish. Good solid balance and intensity. Should improve over the next 2-4 years.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Saturna Island Pinot Noir 2005
Southern Gulf Islands, British Columbia, CanadaSkunky, reduced, mercaptan flavours. Faulty. Will try another.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
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07 July 2007
88PTS
Castello Banfi Principessa Gavia 2005
Gavi, Piedmont, ItalyMade from the cortese di Gavi, Principessa is all northern Italian with its light, showy, open floral nose redolent of flowers and almonds. The palate is crisp and clean with delicate red apple flavours and a touch of citrus. Classic summer patio wine perfect for a fresh tomato panini, or light seafood and pasta dishes.Prices:| BC | $25.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Desert Hills Mirage Proprietor's Reserve 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Desert Hills Mirage is a 45/30/15/10 Bordeaux blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, malbec and cabernet franc. The colour of this south Okanagan blend is inky black; the aromas a mix of blueberries and plums. On the palate is smooth, dry and spicy with dried blueberries and milk chocolate flavours finish. The finish is hot and long. Try with barbecued lamb.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tommasi Valpolicella Ripasso 2004
Veneto, ItalyLikes its predecessor the 04 Tomassi 'Ripasso" is big and spicy with floral, vanilla, smoky gamey licorice notes. The palate is super smooth and stylish black cherry, licorice and chocolate flavours and a characteristic peppery, savour pudding finish. Warm but as always with balance. Hold for 3 to 5 years or drink now with heart foods.Prices:| BC | $29.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $24.15 | 750ml |
| MB | $26.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Allesverloren Tinta Barocca 2003
Swartland, Coastal Region, South AfricaThe nose of the Allesverloren touriga national grabs you instantly and pulls you toward the glass. Rich , dark, fruity and smoky undercurrents preview a hefty red wine that can stand up to the biggest of cheeses or the heartiest of dishes. The finish is a bit dry, Italian-style but otherwise this is an impressive SA wine from the Swartland Wine of Origin district, and it's clean. Prices:| ON | $16.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Alto Rouge 2003
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaThey have been making this wine at altitude (500 metres) in Stellenbosch since 1919. The nose is clean if slightly volatile, with a complex earth, fruit and French oak scent. The style is medium-bodied and all is in balance. Tobacco smoky earth and chocolate dominate the palate with a sprig of rosemary in the finish. Drink up with red meats and roasted or grilled. Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Nk'Mip Cellars Qwam Qwmt Meritage 2004
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMuch like last year the 04 opens with a cedar-y - mocha nose with bits of smoky bacon and spice. On the palate it's suave and showing some restraint with fine-grained, dry-ish tannins and plenty of peppery, cedar, olive and black fruit flavours with a twist of garrigue. An impressive young wine, if a bit dry, that dabbles in restraint. Needs thee to five years to fully develop.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Bertani Valpolicella Valpantena 2002
Veneto, ItalyValpantena is the smallest region in Valpolicella with the coolest, darkest soils. Bertani uses the Ripasso method; re-fermenting the juice on the lees of another wine to add weight and power to the Valpolicella normale. The colour is showing some age but he flavours a ripe almost sweet with a soft silky texture. Light dry and yet full-bodied floral, mushroom cherry jam, spicy flavours. Goof value in mature red.Prices:| BC | $18.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.80 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.50 | 750ml |
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06 July 2007
86PTS
Red Rooster Reserve Gewürztraminer 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen mineral, floral citrus nose and flavours with bright acidity and a dash of residual sugar at the back end. Look for a mineral floral fruit finish with just a touch of soap.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Sergio Mionetto MO Vino Spumante Rosé NV
Veneto, ItalyMO Sergio Rosé is made form a blend of raboso and lagrein grapes. Bright pink and only 11 per cent alcohol makes this summer pink fizz perfect for patio sipping. On the palate it's a refreshing mix of floral citrus, grapefruit and cherries. Grilled chicken would be a great fit but any pre dinner appetizers would be equally well received. Very hip packaging but where is the crown cap?Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
De Bortoli Shiraz Cabernet dB Selection 2006
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaLeafy minty cabernet nose that is bit reductive on the nose with bits of cassis. The palate is soft and sweet with spicy plummy fruit and that undercurrent of acidity we see in so many Oz wines. Simple straight up pizza red.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Black Box Tetra Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, Central Coast, California, United StatesBlack Box cabernet meets the crucial standard of being soft and sippable or smooth and easy drinking as they say. The nose reflects its Central Coast origins with more mint and olives than black fruit and chocolate but its otherwise fruity and fine. It's perfectly acceptable with most grilled meat dishes. A hamburger red that doesn't quit, at an affordable price.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Sono Vino Pinot Grigio Chardonnay NV
Sicily, ItalyEarthy honey mineral nose with bits of spice. This has a bit of mid-palate weight with earthy, grassy honeyed fruit and soft finish. Simple, straight-up grigio suitable for summer salads and white meats. Prices:| BC | $13.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Frisky Zebra Seductive Shiraz 2005
Western Cape, South AfricaThe Frisky red doesn't really overcome that meaty earthy SA nose that permeates most red wine from the Cape. The entry mixes blueberries leather and smoky, cigar flavoured fruit that finishes soft and spicy. Simple, red wine at an affordable price.Prices:| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.10 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Frisky Zebra Sensuous Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Western Cape, South AfricaFrom thirsty lizards to frisky zebras there can be no underestimating the power of the original critter brand, Yellowtail. In fact, the Frisky Zebra Sauvignon is a bit friskier than the Thirsty Lizard. The fruit is drier with just a pinch of gooseberry and grapefruit. The intensity is moderate but all in all it too delivers with a floral, citrus flavour and a slightly bitter lime rind finish. A solid summer sipper for the beach, picnics and uncomplicated food.Prices:| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.10 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Andrew Peace Mighty Murray Shiraz (Tetra Prisma) 2005
AustraliaThis is the second time this Andrew Peace boxed wine has impress me. It was tasted earlier this year at the Playhouse Wine Festival and it remains very drinkable. Look for plenty of that spicy, blueberry fruit with and undercurrent of compost and similar peppery, blueberry, tobacco flavours. A ready-to-go versatile barbecue red.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 1000ml |
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05 July 2007
88PTS
Shepherds Ridge Marlborough Pinot Noir 2004
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandSmoky, savoury, licorice, celery salt, carrot top aromas mixed with strawberry and raspberry. Round, dry, elegant, slightly lean palate. Spicy, carrot, caraway, cherry, savoury, mineral, raspberry flavours with a touch of rhubarb and vanilla. Finish has light, dry tannins that should dissipate with a year in bottle.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.95 | 750ml |
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04 July 2007
89PTS
Sandhill Pinot Gris King Family Vineyard 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is the best and the weightiest, Sandhill pinot gris I have tasted and I have had all six vintages and surely it's the best fruit yet from the King Family vineyard in Naramata. It is so round and full-bodied, yet fresh, with smoky, grassy, nutty lime notes. On the palate there is plenty of zest and more mineral, green apple skin and buttery nutty notes. Kudos to the King family and winemaker Howard Soon for getting all of the flavour into the bottle.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.99 | 750ml |
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03 July 2007
86PTS
Cecchi Chianti Natio 2006
Tuscany, ItalyNatio an organic or agricoltura biologica blends 90 per cent sangiovese with 10 per cent canaiolo and colorino all bottled in the month of April following the harvest. The nose is floral and fragrant, in the sangiovese style. On the palate the wine is soft and with a dry hints of dried fruits and mushrooms and a dry earthy finish. Lean Euro-style Chianti sangiovese that needs grilled meat to tame the edges. Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chat-en-Oeuf Côtes du Ventoux 2005
Ventoux, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceI'm a fan of clever labels, especially the originals. In the case of Chat-en-Oeuf, the Châteauneuf-du-Pape sounding label, that actually comes from the less endowed Cotes de Ventoux region I have mixed emotions. I like the wine but the play on words, well; it's been done and done well by the Goats du Roam folks. But back to the wine a juicy, sweet fruit affair that revels in the magic of the 2005 harvest and some delicious tasting grenache and syrah. You shouldn't confuse its soft demeanour with bigger much more robust Châteauneuf-du-Pape but it's well worth buying and drinking. Good value. Look for it at street parties around the province.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
San Pedro Castillo de Molina Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Valle del Lontué, Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileThis super dry version is across between Marlborough and Casablanca. The nose is extremely pungent with herbal gooseberry jalapeno notes followed by a crisp dry lemony palate. An intense sweaty grapefruit aftertaste follows. Very clean and showy and would be fine with mussels or oysters for dedicated sauvignon blanc fans.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Espelt Sauló Garnacha Carinena 2005
Empordà, Ampurdain-Costa Brava, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainEmpordà sits within the Costa Brava region at the north-eastern extremity of Spain. Close to the French border and the Mediterranean, the area was a favourite of Salvador Dali and seems a perfect fit for this modern Catalan winery. The Sauló (the name of the region's decomposed granite) is a blend of garnacha and cariñena and it's a winner in the mouth. The nose is slightly reduced no doubt hindered by its synthetic plug-like stopper. With time the garnacha open up offering that fragrant raspberry fruit nose and flavours before finishing clean and dry. Light almost breezy 13.5 per cent red that is tailor made for small plates and tapas. Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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August 2007