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Tastings: August 2007
20 August 2007
95PTS
Penfolds Grange Bin 95 Shiraz 2002
South Australia, AustraliaGrange has always been more icon than textbook shiraz. In 2002 the regional fruit sourcing included Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale. It's 98.5 per cent shiraz with a dusting of cabernet sauvignon. Based on what Max Schubert termed 'a riper spectrum of fruit' production remains low in the 5000 to 8000 case mark. This is a very fine Grange with plenty of chocolate, coffee and ripe black currant aromas spiked with licorice. The palate is no less intense with dense sweet fruit bathed in a youthful sheen of vanilla and soft tannins. Chief winemaker Peter Gago calls it deceptively accessible. It's his first Grange and it's clear the tradition and the challenge has been accepted.Prices:| BC | $329.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $300.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $299.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $310.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $298.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $300.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $320.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $296.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $298.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Penfolds Cabernet Sauvignon Bin 707 2004
South Australia, AustraliaThe 'Grange' cabernet long marked by its big 'sweet,' American oak nose is showing more fruit than ever in 2004 mixing cassis and raspberry with licorice and pepper. Textures are lush and ripe with more black fruits, black pepper, coffee, tobacco and just a hint or orange citrus. Dense and rich, yet only 13.5 per cent alcohol, it is neither jammy nor hot. There was no 2003 Bin 707 just as it was skipped in 2000, 1995, 1983 and 1970 to 1975 inclusive. Clearly attention to detail is what preserves the great labels. Well done.Prices:| BC | $120.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $104.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $110.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $111.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $110.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $111.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $107.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Penfolds Magill Estate Shiraz 2004
Adelaide Plains, South Australia, AustraliaMagill is an important single vineyard wine for Penfolds because it is the only wine grown on the original vineyard at the original winery site and of bit of it still makes its way into Grange. The blocks are so well delineated at Magill that the final wine is in fact a blend. As modern as it tastes the methods are as traditional as the site. The nose is a smoky mix of jammy fruit with cinnamon and clove notes, in part from the new French (60), old French (10) and new American (30) oak barrels. The palate is opulent in 2004 packed with fruit and mocha notes throughout. An impressive effort.Prices:| ON | $75.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $80.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $74.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $75.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $76.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $75.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $76.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Penfolds Shiraz Kalimna Bin 28 2004
South Australia, AustraliaKalimna is a multi-region blend primarily sourced from the Barossa, Clare, McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek regions. The emphasis is on the same lush fruit you see in 389; the oak used is second - and third - use American barrels handed down through the Grange and Bin 389 programmes. Look for rich licorice syrupy, tobacco, meaty red in this the 45th consecutive vintage of Bin 28. This is classic, warm-climate, shiraz with those telltale blueberry notes and just a whiff of smoky bacon. Very fine effort.Prices:| BC | $35.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $32.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $29.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $36.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $33.98 | 750ml |
| ON | $30.15 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Penfolds Thomas Hyland Shiraz 2005
South Australia, AustraliaThomas Hyland shiraz is a made from select parcels of South Australian fruit but the brand is gravitating toward a permanent Adelaide and environs appellation. The fruit is matured in French and American hogsheads for 10 to 15 months. The palate has a lovely pepper quality with dense dry plummy/blueberry fruits. Bits of spicy oak, licorice and a savoury chocolate make this an ideal candidate for restaurant wine lists.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $23.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $24.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz 2005
South Australia, AustraliaThe Koonunga Hill mantra is generous mid-palate, oak without any bitterness and terroir as in multi-region with a healthy whack from Barossa. This '05 has slightly reductive character when opened so give it plenty of air. The fruit is soft and supple with a fair bit of spicy, black, meaty fruit and a smooth enjoyable finish. A solid, mid-week entertainer.Prices:| ON | $16.15 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Penfolds Bin 311 Chardonnay 2006
Tumbarumba, New South Wales, Australia'311' is just the second edition of a new chardonnay that's been inserted in the Penfolds 'Bin' line-up and crafted by white winemaker Oliver Crawford. Bin 311 sees only 'used' wood as in barriques that are one, two, and three years old. Although the '06 is all Tumbarumba fruit, the same as the inaugural 2005, Bin 111 is refreshingly not tied to any region or style. The plan is to simply locate the best chardonnay fruit in any given vintage, after Yattarna is composed. The nose has a bright, clean lees, bread dough quality with plenty of fresh, tropical fruit spiked with orange rind. The aim is to raise the label to the 389 quality level (they may already be there) and market the two as a pair. This is very stylish Oz chardonnay with layers of flavours you can drink or hold for a year or two. Prices:| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Penfolds Koonunga Hill Chardonnay 2006
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaThe chardonnay in Koonunga Hill is still sourced from multiple districts with significant contributions from South Australia GIs Clare and Padthaway. The nose is open the entry is soft with tart apples and citrus aromas, it's all good. On the palate the fruit is bright with peachy, buttery, melon flavours with creamy, oily textures in the finish. A very solid performer.Prices:| NS | $13.50 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $16.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.15 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $15.23 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Bishop's Selection Côtes du Rhone Villages 2005
Ventoux, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceThis is a screwcap southern Rhone blend that according to the label includes syrah, although I'm betting it's mostly grenache. The nose is clean and full of cedar-y, raspberry notes. On the palate it is medium weight with some obvious acidity poking through (it is French) and a dry, leathery finish. Straight-up, affordable, if simple barbecue red. Serve with flank steak or burgers or with a mix of cheeses.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Penfolds Cabernet Sauvignon Bin 407 2004
South Australia, AustraliaUnlike its cousin 707, which Peter Gago describes as "not really cabernet, it's 707," 407 is a varietally expressive as cabernet sauvignon. The fruit taken from McLaren Vale, Padthaway, Coonawarra, Bordertown and Langhorne Creek blended in one (15 per cent), two and three year-old French and American oak. The '04 shows the cedar and mint but it has better density than previous '03 edition. The fruit is fragrant with black olive, black currant and coffee flavours. A firm, mouth-filling cabernet with poise that will be drinkable as early as '08-'09.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $32.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $30.15 | 750ml |
| QC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $34.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Penfolds Cabernet Shiraz Bin 389 2004
South Australia, AustraliaYet another notch above the very fine 2003 the 2004 '389' is juicy plump powerful red wine with increased density and mid-palate weight. Penfolds wants to elevate this wine to its top end and the '04 makes good argument. It's packed full of vanilla, black pepper, cassis and chocolate without any green or leathery aspects. The finish is long with flecks of tobacco, smoky, black fruit and grippy tannins. Built for the long haul this should cellar easily for a decade. The mix is 53/47 cabernet/shiraz. Prices:| BC | $37.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $36.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $35.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $37.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $36.15 | 750ml |
| QC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $44.10 | 750ml |
| NF | $41.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Penfolds Shiraz Bin 128 2003
Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaThe Bin 128 is a Penfolds anomaly, thanks to its single region Coonawarra origin and French oak barrels. In '03 its a peppery, spicy, black licorice, savoury, affair with vanilla, coffee, black olive aromas with bits of leather. It's round, dry and somewhat tight on the palate with light, dry tannins. Similar smoky, resiny, earthy, black olive, blueberry, mineral flavours mark the palate with some vanilla and sour cherry on the finish. Sound but acidity and tannins are a bit stark. Like the '02 vintage, it is not up to past efforts.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $31.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $36.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $36.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $30.15 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Penfolds St. Henri Shiraz 2002
South Australia, AustraliaSt. Henri is meant to be the antithesis of Grange. It's all about texture and ripe floral fruit unadorned with new oak. For some reason the 2002 plays up the pepper, resin and coriander and smoky meat notes well above the fruit. On the palate there is some acidity poking through with bits of leather and olives. This wine always improves with age, and not five years, but more like ten to fifteen, so there is still some hope it will fatten up as the fruit comes roundPrices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $50.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $42.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $47.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $59.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $55.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $49.00 | 750ml |
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11 August 2007
95PTS
Penfolds Yattarna Bin 144 Chardonnay 2004
Henty, Western Victoria, Victoria, AustraliaChief winemaker Peter Gago grins when he says there is zero new oak in the '04 Yattarna now under screwcap. In just over a decade Yattarna has gone from the whole, meal deal blockbuster Oz oak bomb to a sophisticated Burgundian style barrel-fermented in French barriques that you can age. This is a sensational chardonnay from Henty, Western Victoria that is surely at the top of the game in Australia. The nose is the best yet, tightly strung with spicy, creamy, lees characters and the scent of nectarine and limes. Roasted nuts and citrus fruit coat the mid-palate before it finishes long clean and balanced. Elegance and power in a tight package. BravoPrices:| BC | $94.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $90.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $100.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $86.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $90.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $90.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $90.00 | 750ml |
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08 August 2007
86PTS
Gehringer Brothers Riesling Classic 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSimilar to the 'dry' version with its clean fresh nose but on entry there is a bit more weight and mouthfeel. The flavours mixed sweetish, baked apple notes with green apple skin and nectarine hints. A friendlier sipper style you can use with food too.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Gehringer Brothers Dry Riesling Classic 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaClean floral fresh nose. On entry the wine is tart with red and green apple flavours, floral notes and a touch of dryness in the back end. Simple straight-up riesling that is best served with food.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Gehringer Brothers Riesling Private Reserve 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRiesling is the calling card of Gehringer and this latest example has the requisite riesling character with intensity and finesse. Look for peach and green apple notes with a modicum of minerality to balance out the flavours and bits of honey and pear to prevent any bitter undertones in the finish. Good value.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
St. Hallett Faith Shiraz 2004
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaI'm losing faith in Faith. So cedar and peppery with earthy, coffee, blueberry notes on the nose. The attack is light with skinny fairly acidic mid-palate flavours and which persists throughout the finish. Where's the flesh and the density that made this wine so sought after.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.00 | 750ml |
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06 August 2007
88PTS
Poet's Leap Riesling 2005
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesDiesel, candied citrus rind, baked apple, mineral, floral nose. Ripe, round, elegant style but somewhat sweet. Mineral, flowery, baked apple, citrus, light petrol flavours. A slightly heavier style on the finish. The style is forward and ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
| US | $22.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Winchester Cellars Gewurztraminer 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is an odd wine still fermenting in the glass and a bit dirty if in that Alsace way. Look for bits of nectarine and sausage meat on the nose and a dry citrus finish. Be sure to give this wine some air timer upon opening before you serve it for best results.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Blasted Church Gewurztraminer 2006
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMuch like the previous edition look for floral, mineral, rosé petal notes with bits of spicy baked apple. The mid-palate is clean fresh with nectarine, lychee mineral ginger flavours. Perfect for black bean crab dishes. Well done Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
De Bortoli dB Petite Sirah 2006
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaSpicy, peppery, blackberry jam, black cherry nose with a bit of licorice. Soft, round, slightly tannic palate with rootsy, licorice, coffee, black cherry flavours. A bit acidic on the finish but an easy drink.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Gray Monk Gewürztraminer 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGray Monk has hit all the bells this year with this delicious spicy floral peach fruit gewürztraminer. The mid-palate is fresh and clean with fine intensity of fruit flavour a touch of sugar and plenty of elegance. The finish is the usual a mix of mineral, citrus rosewater and leafy meaty flavours. Bravo. Think turkey or serve solo as an apéritif. Good value.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Kabinett 2006
Mosel, GermanyFloral, citrus, orange, mineral, green apple aromas. Fresh, crisp, elegant, juicy style with mineral, peach, floral, green apple skin flavours with a touch of green herb on the finish. Very solid, slightly sweet.Prices:| BC | $32.45 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Dr. L Riesling 2006
Mosel, GermanyLight lees, slate, mineral, green apple skin, herbal, matchstick nose. Fresh, sweet, crisp style with candied lemon, mineral, toasty slate, light lees flavours with a light, bitter citrus rind finish. Simple, food friendly style.Prices:| BC | $17.98 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Therapy Vineyards Gewurztraminer 2006
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is a big, spicy, gewürztraminer and at 14.5 per cent alcohol it has the alcohol to burn too. Look for rich tropical fruit flavours with a sweet spicy, warm finish. It has the weight of Alsace if not the earthy undertones so be sure to serve with food for best enjoyment.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Chateau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2004
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceSpicy, meaty, tobacco, peppery, mercaptan, cherry, chocolate, garrigue aromas. Dry, elegant style but slightly lean and tart with light, youthful tannins. Tobacco, meaty, spicy, floral, peppery, weedy, black cherry, pruny flavours. Very solid but lacks a bit of ripeness in the tannins and fruit. Needs 3-5 years to round out.Prices:| BC | $92.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $77.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $92.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $90.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Bogle Vineyards Petite Sirah 2005
California, United StatesPeppery, cedar, black cherry, resin, slightly smoky aromas. Warm, round, slightly tannic palate with earthy, spicy, black cherry jam, smoky, licorice, prune flavours. A touch tart and tannic, very young but good fruit. Best with beef.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sandalford Shiraz Estate Reserve 2003
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaSmoky, vanilla, coffee, blackberry, resin, licorice root, Christmas cake, mace nose. Dry, slightly tart, tannic entry with spicy vanilla, coffee, black cherry, mocha, and cedar flavours. Needs roasted meat and a few years of age.Prices:| BC | $29.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Sandalford Protégé Shiraz 2004
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaSpicy, peppery, smoky, licorice, light garrigue aromas with a touch of blackberry and clove. Very dry, round palate with slightly skinny, cedary tannins. Cedar, vanilla, coffee, resin, peppery, licorice, blueberry flavours. A bit warm and tart; needs food to balance the tannins and dryness.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Skillogalee Hand-Picked Riesling 2006
Sevenhill, Clare Valley, South Australia, AustraliaLime, nectarine, floral, slate, baked apple skin aromas. Very crisp, delicate, elegant style but more austere with only a slight hint of residual. Slate, lime rind, floral, anise, granny smith flavours. A touch bitter lime rind on the finish, very Clare style.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Dominique Piron Moulin-à-Vent Les Vigne du Vieux Bourg Cru Beaujolais 2005
Moulin-à-Vent, Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceIntense black cherry, gamey, licorice, spicy, mineral aromas. Rich, very dry, slightly tannic entry. Black cherry kirsch, licorice, rootsy, meaty, spicy, floral flavours. Very ripe with good intensity and acidity but needs a few years in bottle to tame the tannins. Has potential, a more serious style.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Dominique Piron Morgon Cote du Py Cru Beaujolais 2005
Morgon, Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceLicorice root, mineral, black cherry, gamey, light Band-Aid aromas. Very dry, round, elegant style with light tannins. Peppery, black cherry, smoky, mineral, sappy, licorice flavours. A bit more finesse than the Moulin but still has some tannins to shed.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Desert Hills Gewurztraminer 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSlightly candied fruit nose with an underlying, spicy earthy grapefruit nose. Similar sweet and sour grapefruit flavours and a short finish. Not a lot of gewürztraminer character. Drink up.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Rabl Riesling Schenkenbichl 2006
Kamptal, Niederösterreich, Weinland Österreich, AustriaFloral, spicy, citrus, baked apple, light mineral aromas. Ripe, round, fresh, slightly fat style with good viscosity. Baked pear, apple skin, floral flavours with a light bitter lime rind finish. Good intensity if a bit weighty in the finish.Prices:| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Rabl Riesling Vinum Optimum 2006
Kamptal, Niederösterreich, Weinland Österreich, AustriaFloral, soapy, apple skin, clover aromas. Soft, fresh, round, slightly sweet style with baked apple, mineral, citrus rind, floral flavours. Simple, easy style for current drinking.Prices:| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
JoieFarm Riesling iv 2006
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, fruit cocktail, cooked peach, grapefruit aromas. Fresh, round, slightly fat style with a sweet and sour balance. Mineral, grapefruit rind, green apple, floral, soapy, spicy flavours. Easy drinking summer style.Prices:Read Full Note
86PTS
Brokenwood Shiraz 2004
Hunter, New South Wales, AustraliaBarnyard, prune, peppery, spicy vanilla, clove, tobacco aromas. Dry, tart, slightly lean palate. Floral, blueberry, clove, vanilla, tobacco leaf, prune, leather flavours. Lacks balance and very warm on the finish.Prices:| BC | $37.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $32.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Rosemount Shiraz Show Reserve 2002
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaBlueberry, plum, floral, meaty sausage, coffee, vanilla aromas. Dry, tart, round, lean entry. Spicy, floral, coffee, blueberry, black cherry, vanilla, smoky bacon flavours. Very tart style with a lot of oak. Lacks weight and density to have wide appeal. Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.75 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $29.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $30.55 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Grant Burge Filsell Shiraz 2003
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaBig floral, blackberry jam, black cherry, vanilla, leather, coffee, prune aromas. Ripe, rich palate but dry with high acidity and some tannins. Prune, blueberry, coffee, mocha, licorice root, floral flavours. Very warm and acidic on the finish which enhances the dry tannins. Lacks balance and grace for the price.Prices:| BC | $35.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $29.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $28.40 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Greg Norman California Estates Paso Robles Petite Sirah 2004
Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, Central Coast, California, United StatesSmoky, spicy, peppery, prune plum, blueberry aromas with a bit of sausage and a hint of reduction. Rich, ripe, round, slightly tannic palate with smoky oak, coffee, blueberry, resin, peppery, roasted bell pepper flavours. A bit tart but solid.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Escudo Rojo 2003
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileTypical menthol, sappy, compost, barnyard, tobacco aromas. Round, supple, slightly tannic palate with smoky tobacco, leather, cedar, menthol, sappy cassis flavours with some sweet and sour notes on the finish. Rich but leafy Maipo red.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $23.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $18.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Carmen Reserve Petite Sirah 2004
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileBig attractive coffee, vanilla, black cherry, smoky nose with pepper, iodine, cassis and leather aromas. Rich, dry, moderately tannic palate with a touch of acidity and hard tannins. Spicy, peppery, blueberry, black cherry, cedar, coffee, smoky, cassis and resin flavours. Very warm with lots of oak and youthful tannins. Needs 2-3 years to soften.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.90 | 750ml |
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05 August 2007
85PTS
Caliterra Merlot Reserva 2005
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileBig intense minty leafy (carmenère-style) merlot. On the palate, the entry is super soft and has plenty of spicy peppery red fruit all with an earthy leafy thread that some will love others will shun. Ready to drink and if you like the style. It does offer big intensity for the price.Prices:| BC | $13.10 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Pommery Champagne Pop Pink Rosé NV
Champagne, FranceThe 187ml split of Pommery POP Rosé is fun fizz, especially if you sip it through accompanying pink straws. No review is really required here but the product is sound and definitely champagne with its tight chiselled palate and firm acidity with just a brush of pink and fruit. Fu, but nevertheless it's champagne, and the it has the intensity of flavour to prove it.Prices:| BC | $18.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Carmen Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileTypical generous leafy minty Maipo nose with ripe cassis and spicy saddle leather. The entry is supple and round with slightly dry, youthful grainy tannins. More intense menthol, smoky cherry, tobacco, black olive flavours. Not as sumptuous as the 03 but should be fine with grilled meat entrées. Prices:| BC | $21.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.50 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.10 | 750ml |
| NF | $19.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
J. Bookwalter Merlot 2004
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesAnother big dark, opaque red wine from Bookwalter. In 2004 the nose and flavours are less overtly sweet which is I hope part of the new direction. Bright plummy sappy fruit with plenty of vanilla and mocha notes underneath and with what is becoming a signature twist of orange in the finish. A merlot the "Sideways" boys never contemplated. The mix is 79/7/7/7 merlot, cabernet sauvignon, malbec and petit verdot.Prices:| BC | $46.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Saxenburg Shiraz 2003
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaThis is a big rich silky shiraz with all the spice and meaty notes you would expect but with a slightly dirty flavour profile that plagues so much of SA's red wines. There is plenty of elegance and acidity but we wish it could a bit cleaner in flavour. Serve with grilled meats for best results.Prices:| BC | $31.95 | 750ml |
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04 August 2007
90PTS
Thornhaven Gewurztraminer 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA carbon copy of last year and well worth searching for if you can locate it. Consistently one of the best gewürztraminer in B.C., I would say it is now easily among the best in North America. Fresh alive packed full of sweet lemon fruit flavours, lychee and a fresh floral citrus undercurrent. Terrific intensity and length. Bravo, again.Prices:| BC | $16.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
McManis Family Vineyards Chardonnay 2006
California, United StatesOpen fresh floral, spicy, baked apple and honey aromas. The entry is round with a pear honey butter pineapple fruit with a bit of caramel. The finish is creamy and soft. Solid.Prices:| BC | $21.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Red Rooster Gewürztraminer 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBright ripe sweet fresh style gewürztraminer with floral, citrus nose and hints of red fruits. Soft ripe mid-palate with bright underlying acidity. Simple summer sipper style.Prices:| BC | $14.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Calona Vineyards Gewurztraminer Artist Series Reserve 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBright fruity lychee fruit nose with bits of sausage and floral notes. On the palate the fruit clean and ripe and a touch drier than previous versions. Simple but well made gewürztraminer mineral, ginger and floral fruit flavours. Fine value.Prices:| BC | $14.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
CedarCreek Gewürztraminer 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMany B.C. producers have reached a watermark in '06 as in not mucking up the fruit. CedarCreek is ahead of that curve and this gewürztraminer is a good example. It's bright and fresh on the palate with a delicious mix of lime and peach with just a touch of sausage meat. The texture is perfectly oily with a spicy (ginger) lemon finish. Very versatile food and patio sipper wine.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Tinhorn Creek Gewürztraminer 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGewurztraminer is always one of the best labels at Tinhorn and the '06 is no exception. The nose is highly perfumed with ginger and lychee notes and its typical orange creamsicle notes. The entry is fresh and clean with more peach spicy fruit flavours. Well balanced, light fun style. Perfect for Indian or Thai cuisine.Prices:| BC | $15.49 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Lang Vineyards Gewurztraminer 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig fresh style gewürztraminer with a sweet honey creamsicle nose. The entry is weight with some obvious residual sugar and plenty of spicy, mineral, floral, peach skin and rose petal flavours. Clean ripe and fresh. Best with spicy food.Prices:| BC | $18.90 | 750ml |
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02 August 2007
85PTS
Vinha do Monte Branco 2006
Alentejo, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalVinha do Monte hails from Alentejano and is made from a blend of roupeiro, antão vaz and arinto. The style is refreshing and aromatic with floral overtones. Drier and crisper than the 2005 and fresher on the palate with citrus and tropical fruit flavours. Dry, solid European style white wine at very affordable price. Best served cool with seafood and summer salads. Drink up.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Fabiano Lugana Argillaia 2005
Lombardy, ItalyFun fresh fruity, mineral style white that blends stainless steel fruit with just a touch of wood finished juice to fill out the mid-palate. Clean well made delicate Italian white wine. Serve with light and moderately spiced dishes or sushi.Prices:| BC | $18.21 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Vinha do Monte Branco 2005
Alentejo, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalVinha do Monte hails from Alentejano and is made from a blend of roupeiro, antão, vaz and arinto. The style is refreshing and aromatic with sweet floral overtones. Look for tropical fruit flavours and a long slightly syrupy finish. Best served cool with seafood and summer salads. Drink up.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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01 August 2007
85PTS
St. Hubertus Riesling 2006
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMineral, green apple, peach, citrus aromas with a touch of burnt matchstick that blows off. Ripe, round, fresh and elegant with slight sweetness. Green apple skin, nectarine, mineral flavours and a slightly bitter citrus rind finish. A bit skinny but there is fine fruit.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tantalus Riesling 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSimilar to the 05 the latest Tantalus has an equally inviting floral, orange blossom peachy nose with a high dose of minerality and a pinch of salt. Almost Mosel-like in its crispness and red apple crunch with more lime rind and green peach flavours in the finish. A crisp, lip smacking style that will appeal to the purists and food lovers.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Peller Estates Heritage Series Riesling 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is simply styled B.C. riesling. Look for sweet peachy, melon fruit with a touch of citrus and melon. Soft, sweet and sour with a buttery honey finish. Lacks crispness.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Balthasar Ress Riesling Kabinett 2006
Rheingau, GermanyRefreshing clean bright mineral nose with flecks of nectarine, orange and grapefruit rind. The attack is fresh with firm acidity followed by honey nectarine red apple fruit and a touch of salt. Solid.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Paxton AAA Shiraz Grenache 2005
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaAAA is a 70/30 blend of shiraz and grenache with an open lifted blueberry nose. The attack is a mix of sweet raspberry fruit sour fruit and salty flavours with notes of smoky spicy cedar, coffee and chocolate. Typical leathery dry finish with some elevated acidity.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Quails' Gate Dry Riesling 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis has a super fresh style packed with floral, green apple skin and grapefruit aromas. On the palate the entry is equally crisp with plenty of citrus and grapefruit flavours flecked with bits of lime oil and mineral. The finish is tart and clean. Made for food and wine aficionados.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Finca Flichman Shiraz Oak Aged 2005
Mendoza, ArgentinaMeaty reductive rubbery notes on the nose. Soft, dry, smooth entry with spicy meaty leafy fruit flavours with bits of black fruit licorice and espresso. Big warm, round and affordable but this needs time to shed some of those meaty rubbery notes upon opening.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Grão Vasco Tinto 2003
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalGrão Vasco is a blend of touriga nacional, jaen, alfrocheiro preto and tinta roriz that in a blind tasting could be confused with a pinot noir. This is gentle affordable red wine with fragrant, spicy, leathery flavours with plenty of acidity that makes it very food friendly. The name, Grão Vasco stems from the name of the great 16th century painter, Vasco Fernandes, whose studio was at Viseu, capital of the Dao region. Good value in a funky red.Prices:| BC | $8.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $12.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $8.20 | 750ml |
| MB | $9.86 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Church & State Wines Syrah 2005
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTasted several times this single vineyard syrah from the south Okanagan is coming into its own. The entry is soft and ripe, the tannins light and the flavours a big mix of peppery, vanilla, chocolate pudding, black cherry and licorice root. Fairly oaky but it appears to be soaking into the wine at this point. I'm a bit surprised to see this in government stores but there you have it. Grab it while you can.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Big Red Shiraz 2005
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaSoft and smooth on entry with sweet leafy spicy fruit with bits of cedar blueberries and leather in the finish. Simple, straight-up Yellowtail look-a like.Prices:| MB | $11.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.99 | 750ml |
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September 2007