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Tastings: January 2008
31 January 2008
87PTS
Folie à Deux Ménage a Trois White 2006
California, United StatesFloral, spicy ginger, minty, peach skin, lemon zest aromas. Round, slightly sweet entry with some oiliness. Grapefruit rind, mineral, spicy, ginger, grassy, apple skin flavours. Warm, oily finish that is very perfumy. Unique style.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.99 | 750ml |
| NB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| PEI | $19.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $19.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Golden Mile Road 13 White 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, floral, orange skin, mineral, sausage, marzipan, citrus rind nose. Round, fairly dry and crisp with a touch of oiliness. Citrus rind, peach pit, mineral, bitter ginger spice flavours. Crisp, rind-y finish. Simple and zesty.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Lindemans Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
South AfricaHerbal, green olive, tobacco, smoky saddle leather aromas. Dry, round, warm, slightly tart entry with smoky tobacco, resin, rooty, olive, ash flavours. No real fruit and a whole lot of smoke.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.99 | 750ml |
| NB | $12.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $12.99 | 750ml |
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27 January 2008
88PTS
Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec 2006
Mendoza, ArgentinaThis wine is consistently well made so much so it's almost vintage bullet proof. The 06 opens with an attractive, savoury, smoky, vanilla nose with plenty of spice. The entry is wide and rich with more mocha coffee, chocolate, savoury plum fruit. Long warm,showy, vanilla finish.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $27.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $24.00 | 750ml |
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26 January 2008
86PTS
Pretty Sally Shiraz 2004
Victoria, AustraliaThe nose is an attractive cool-climate fresh berry and pepper affair with bits of liquorice and spice. The attack is acidic with a pronounced lemony/tart mid palate and dry leathery finish. You need a big piece of meat to tame this beast.Prices:| BC | $34.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Simonsig Cabernet Shiraz 2005
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaSimonsig's ode to the famous Aussie blend makes it for the price. It warm with a large dollop of sweet fruit followed by smoky meaty, chocolate/cherry, leather (Band-aid) and coffee flavours. Still has bit of that dirty, muddled SA styling that would disappear with food.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.60 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Graham Beck Shiraz 2004
Robertson, Breede River Valley, South AfricaConsistently friendly nose of meaty, floral with bits of tobacco. Cleaner than usual. The entry is soft, mouth filling with supple textures and a mix of peppery, meaty, savoury, mulberry/plum fruit flavours. This is a big showy almost noisy shiraz that should have fairly wide appeal. Try it with barbecued ribs.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Excelsior Paddock Shiraz 2005
Robertson, Breede River Valley, South AfricaSmoky bacon and Band-aid notes open the nose with bits of spice and leather. Blueberry and vanilla mark the mid-palate. It finishes warm and skinny with a dusting of leather and mocha coffee. Needs grilled meat to be at its best. The price is reasonable.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
St. Hallett Blackwell Shiraz 2004
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaA little bit fresher than the previous instalment showing spicy, resiny, cedar, sausage meat nose with bits of plummy black fruit, vanilla and a dusting of spicy floral tones. The entry is clean with smoky floral cedar, plum, and licorice root flavours and a pinch of acidity poking through. Solid.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $30.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Vasse Felix Shiraz 2002
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaMature smoky, licorice, black fruit nose with a vanilla, leather, and meaty undercurrent. On the palate the wine is smooth and elegant with small grained tannins and more plummy black fruit, liquorice and smoky vanilla flavours. Well built yet showing a bit of maturity. Drink now or hold through 2010. Bring on the lamb.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $38.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $36.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $37.00 | 750ml |
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25 January 2008
84PTS
Finca Flichman Syrah 2006
Mendoza, ArgentinaMeaty rubbery notes mark the nose with bits of spice. The entry is smooth with ripe, spicy black fruit, licorice and espresso flavours. Easy sipping everyday red you can serve liberally around the barbecue. Be sure to decant this and give it some air for best results.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $9.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Golden Kaan Shiraz 2005
Western Cape, South AfricaTypical muddled SA nose with resin, rubber and earth. The entry is smooth and dry with spicy peppery cran/cherry fruit. Disappointing flavours for this price point.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.25 | 750ml |
| SK | $12.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $11.95 | 750ml |
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24 January 2008
86PTS
Carpineto Farnito Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
Tuscany, ItalyCoffee, cassis, tobacco leaf, black olive, vanilla, meaty, smoky leather aromas with a touch of garrigue and barnyard. Dry, round, slightly tight palate with light grainy tannins. Coffee, vanilla, peppery, cassis, tobacco leaf, mineral, licorice root, caraway, black olive, briny flavours. A bit dry and chunky on the finish, needs food to balance the green edges.Prices:| BC | $44.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $28.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $40.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $76.00 | 1500ml |
| QC | $163.00 | 3000ml |
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86PTS
Carpineto Chianti Classico 2005
Tuscany, ItalyMeaty, gamey, sweaty saddle leather, Band-Aid, tobacco, spicy, barnyard, cherry jam aromas. Dry, round, supple palate. Tobacco, licorice, meaty, leather, sausage, black cherry flavours. Elegant style with light tannins and a touch of acidity on the finish. Easy style for near term consumption with food.Prices:| BC | $21.80 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.15 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Skillogalee Hand-Picked Riesling 2007
Sevenhill, Clare Valley, South Australia, AustraliaLight yellow colour. Floral, slate, lemon, almond, oyster shell, passion fruit, nectarine skin aromas. Round, elegant, fresh and crisp with good finesse. Lime, slate, orange peel, passion fruit, green apple and butter flavours. Good balance and intensity but with a slightly fatter, warmer style than the previous edition. It actually should have more consumer appeal this time out. Drink while fresh, which is anytime under screw cap.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Sequoia Grove Rutherford Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Rutherford, Napa Valley, California, United StatesPeppery, spicy, floral, barnyard, tobacco, black berry, vanilla, smoky saddle, prune, black olive aromas. Round, elegant, fuller palate with fine grained tannins and good acidity. Chocolate, earthy, tobacco, black berry, smoky prune, olive and cedar flavours with a coffee, black cherry and orange peel finish. A tad tight on the finish but shows good complexity and expresses the Rutherford characters. Will improve over the next 1-3 years.Prices:| ON | $84.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $80.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Sequoia Grove Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Napa Valley, California, United StatesBig spicy, tobacco, earthy, prune, coffee, barnyard, saddle leather, cassis and cedar nose. Dry, elegant style but slightly lean and tight. Black olive, peppery, coriander, cassis, chocolate, spicy, resin, leather and tobacco flavours. Cooler, lighter style.Prices:| ON | $58.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $58.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $46.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Sequoia Grove Chardonnay 2005
Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United StatesPear, honey, waxy, spicy lees, vanilla, citrus, light butterscotch and pineapple aromas. Ripe, round, elegant style with a light oily texture. Mineral, citrus, pear, honey, lees, nutty lemon flavours with a touch of baked apple. Good aromatics if lacking in mid-palate concentration and length. Still solid.Prices:| ON | $35.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Pentâge Winery Riesling 2006
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, nectarine, ginger, green apple skin and peach aromas. Ripe, full, fresh palate with good elegance. Juicy mineral, citrus, nectarine, floral, fruit cocktail flavours. A tad flat on the finish but solid fruit in a friendly style.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Carpineto Dogajolo 2005
Tuscany, ItalyPeppery, saddle leather, light cassis, meaty, tobacco, herbal, black olive aromas with a floral, black cherry streak. Elegant, dry, round, slightly tannic palate. Smoky, resin, black olive, cassis, black cherry, sausage meat, coffee, herbal tobacco flavours. Solid beef wine.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $19.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
La Spinetta Barbaresco Vigneto Valeírano 2004
Piedmont, ItalyPeppery, tarry, cherry jam, strawberry, spicy, vanilla, floral, saddle leather and cigar. Rich, ripe, dry and full but elegant with some grainy, youthful tannins. Good acidity with coffee, orange, strawberry, plum jam, vanilla, tarry, resin, licorice and black olive flavours. Long, rich, good finesse but again needs 3-7 years to soften. A slightly more feminine style.Prices:| BC | $160.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
La Spinetta Barolo Campe Della Spinetta 2003
Piedmont, ItalyWaxy, cigar, Band-Aid, leather, tar, black cherry, strawberry jam, licorice root aromas. Rich, full, round, fat and ripe with copious ripe grainy tannins, very chewy. Vanilla, coffee, leather, cigar, plum jam, strawberry, tarry, licorice flavours. Very warm and ripe with a long finish. Needs 5-7 years to tame the tannins but has good potential. More modern use of oak.Prices:| BC | $170.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
La Spinetta Barbaresco Vigneto Starderi 2004
Piedmont, ItalyBig smoky, tarry, black olive, Band-Aid, saddle leather, tobacco, waxy, mineral, licorice root, strawberry jam aromas. Ripe, round, rich, slightly fat entry with ripe grainy tannins. Good acidity balance again with coffee, vanilla, tobacco, licorice, rooty, cherry jam, resin, leather, meaty flavours. A bit too warm on the finish but good intensity. Slightly more forward than the other two editions. Needs -5 years.Made from old vines in the Neive areaPrices:| BC | $160.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
La Spinetta Barbaresco Vigneto Gallina 2004
Piedmont, ItalyTarry, peppery, smoky, tobacco, floral, coffee, dark strawberry jam and sweaty saddle leather aromas. Rich, ripe, round and warm with dry, grainy tannins but very good acidity. Intense mocha, orange peel, strawberry jam, cherry kirsch, tobacco, olive and licorice root with a coffee, earthy, tar and cherry finish. Almost sweet with ripe fruit and oak but very good balance and a long aftertaste. Will improve with 3-7 years aging.Prices:| BC | $160.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
La Spinetta Barbera d'Asti Cà di Pian 2005
Piedmont, ItalyBig spicy, licorice, black cherry jam, smoky, saddle leather, tobacco, thyme and black olive aromas. Rich, ripe, round and supple with good intensity and acidity. Warm licorice, coffee, resin, peppery, black olive, black cherry, vanilla and savoury flavours. Has length and finesse but needs 2-3 years.Prices:| AB | $31.49 | 750ml |
| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
La Spinetta Barbera d'Alba Gallina 2005
Piedmont, ItalyDark black cherry colour. Big spicy, cassis, black plum, savoury, peppery, licorice, mint, orange peel and mineral flavours with a touch of vanilla and coffee. Ripe, rich, round, dry and full but elegant with grainy tannins. Coffee, black cherry jam, plum, peppery, licorice, orange, resin and tobacco with a spicy finish. Good finesse and intensity with the ability to improve over the next 3-5 years. Fine Barbera.Prices:| BC | $70.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
La Spinetta Langhe Nebbiolo 2005
Piedmont, ItalyBig licorice root, red cherry, strawberry jam, coffee, vanilla, peppery, tobacco, orange peel aromas. Ripe, round, suave, rich palate with smooth tannins and good acidity. Coffee, vanilla, orange, black cherry kirsch, licorice, orange peel, eucalyptus, black olive flavours. Fresh acid on the finish but long and balance with some chewy tannins to shed. Very good, needs 3-5 years.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
La Spinetta Pin Monferrato Rosso 2005
Piedmont, ItalySpicy, floral, tobacco, coffee, vanilla, black cherry jam, tarry, licorice aromas with a touch of olive and cedar. Ripe, rich, round, elegant palate with light grainy tannins but a bit dry and very youthful. Coffee, orange marmalade, vanilla, black cherry jam, bitter almond, licorice, tar flavours with a spicy, floral finish. Modern but structured and young, needs 3-4 years to soften.Prices:| BC | $70.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Autari Barbera Oltrepo Pavese 2004
Oltrepò Pavese, Lombardy, ItalySmoky, resin, cherry jam, spicy, orange and savoury notes. Fresh, round, dry, supple with light tannins. Peppery, spicy, resin, dark plum, coffee, licorice flavours. Good intensity and acidity balance for food.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Console Marcello Barbera Oltrepo Pavese 2003
Oltrepò Pavese, Lombardy, ItalyFloral, cedar, black cherry jam, licorice root, smoky resin and sweaty saddle aromas. Ripe, round, rich, supple, full bodied style and dry with some grainy tannins. Peppery, chocolate, plum jam, resin, orange peel, vanilla. Big, warm, more modern ripe style.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Vina Casablanca Nimbus Estate Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileMore reserved style reminiscent of Sancerre with light oyster shell, grassy, mineral, bell pepper, smoky, grapefruit rind aromas. Off dry, crisp, palate with butter, mineral, bell pepper, nettle, gooseberry, grassy flavours. Crisp, elegant finish with a smoky, grapefruit edge. Very solid, more restrained style of sauvignon that would be excellent with shellfish.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Pretty Sally Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Victoria, AustraliaPassion fruit, canned grapefruit juice, light floral, light butter aromas. Ripe, round, slightly sweet palate with candied grapefruit rind, gooseberry, and passion fruit flavours with a crisp, citrus finish. Good solid, commercial style.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Costa Masön Barbera d'Asti 2003
Piedmont, ItalyPeppery, cedar, spicy, black cherry, coffee, orange peel, resin aromas with a bit of barnyard. Round, dry, elegant, slightly lean style but good acidity. Black cherry, smoky, peppery, floral, plum, vanilla, licorice root flavours. Good finesse, ready now.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Waipara Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandMore aggressive herbal style with grassy, passion fruit, canned jalapeno, nettle, sweaty grapefruit rind aromas. Rich, elegant, full palate with crisp acidity and a touch of oiliness. Slightly off dry with smoky, grassy, grapefruit juice, nettle, passion fruit, lime and gooseberry flavours. Good intensity and balance with more fruit showing on the palate than the nose. Good value. Serve with mussels.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.00 | 750ml |
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20 January 2008
87PTS
Moselland Ars Vitis Riesling Qualitätswein 2006
Mosel, GermanyThis is simple straight-up fruity Mosel riesling with a lick of residual sugar. The palate is fresh with light mineral citrus red apple fruit flavours. Think seafood salads or spicy Asian or Indian dishes.Prices:| BC | $17.50 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $15.00 | 750ml |
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19 January 2008
86PTS
Burrowing Owl Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCassis, weedy, carrot, spicy, resin aromas with rooty, black olive, barnyard, game notes. Round, dry, slightly lean palate with light, grainy tannins. Lots of smoky, espresso oak, vanilla, cassis, tobacco leaf, dill and roasted tomato leaf flavours. A warm somewhat herbaceous style of cabernet with a big dose of oak. Good but missing a riper spectrum of flavours. Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTobacco leaf, peppery, black olive, dill, resin, licorice root, cassis nose with coffee vanilla. Round, dry, fairly supple entry. Peppery, cassis, resin, rooty, tobacco, coffee, carrot, barnyard flavours. Better balance and textures than last vintage with a touch more alcohol in the finish.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.15 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Fairview Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaClean spicy, mocha, peppery, vanilla nose with flecks of coffee, black berry, barnyard and smoky compost notes. Ripe, round, dry, slightly tannic palate. Good cassis jam, peppery, spicy, coffee, vanilla, black olive, tobacco leaf flavours. Slightly alcoholic finish but with fine fruit and balance. The best we've had yet from Fairview. Well done.Prices:| BC | $34.90 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Inniskillin Okanagan Discovery Series Chenin Blanc 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNettle, grapefruit, guava, floral, light lees aromas with a grassy, green apple skin note. Ripe, round, slightly fat and sweet entry. Honey, canned grapefruit, floral, leesy, buttery flavours with a tart, bitter rind finish. A bit too commercial in style for a small series release.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Château Gaudrelle 2005
Vouvray, Touraine, Loire, FranceOdd floral, grassy, herbal nose with light lees, honey, bees wax, earthy aromas. Ripe, round, rich, slightly sweet entry with grassy, baked apple skin, quince, honey, butter and lees flavours. Solid if a bit overly leesy.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, black olive, garrigue, tobacco, coffee, vanilla, minty, resiny nose. Dry, round, moderately smooth with resin, coffee, tobacco leaf, minty, licorice root, peppery flavours. A bit tart, dry and sharp on the finish with a lot of smoky resin. Lacks fruit and finesse.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.15 | 750ml |
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86PTS
The Winery of Good Hope Chenin Blanc 2006
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaFresh honey, butter, baked pear, mineral, floral, passion fruit aromas. The palate is elegant but dry with moderate acidity. Grapefruit rind, passion fruit, honey, pear, mineral, nutty lees flavours. Good intensity and lively with some length with a fair bit of bitter citrus rind and alcohol on the finish. Good value.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Bramito del Cervo Chardonnay 2006
Umbria, ItalyCheesy, lees, mineral, smoky, floral, nutty, buttery aromas. Round, dry, elegant but full palate with balanced acidity. Nutty, citrus, parmesan, leesy, mineral, honey, buttery diacetyl flavours. Solid if unusual cheesy notes throughout.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Township 7 Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGrassy, artichoke, grapefruit juice, nettle, herbal nose. Dry, tart, slightly austere entry with lemon, grassy, jalapeno, grapefruit juice, light butter and mineral flavours. A more herbaceous, grassy style for oysters.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Township 7 Un-Oaked Chardonnay 2006
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight honey, grassy, grapefruit, light lees aromas. Fresh, round, slightly sweet entry with fresh acidity. Honey, lees, grapefruit, buttery flavours with a touch of baked pear. Yin and yang style but solid.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Township 7 Chardonnay 2006
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLots of buttered popcorn, honey, spicy lees, baked apple aromas. Soft, round, easy palate with vanilla, butter, honey, caramel, grapefruit rind, and lees flavours with a touch of parmesan and bitter citrus rind on the finish. Easy-going, lightly-oaked style.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Township 7 Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHuge espresso, vanilla oak, smoky, peppery, black berry, floral nose with a hint of Band-Aid and barnyard. Round, dry, elegant and smooth palate with light tannins. A touch bitter and tart with smoky, resin, coffee vanilla, peppery, cassis, tobacco, rooty flavours with a touch of Band-Aid and cooked carrot on the finish.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Ganton & Larson Prospect Winery Council's Punch Bowl Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPassion fruit, grapefruit rind, candied lemon and grass aromas. Round, soft, somewhat sweet entry with canned grapefruit, fruit cocktail, mineral, sweet lemon peel flavours. Simple, easy consumer with a sweet and sour finish.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
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18 January 2008
85PTS
Lindemans Merlot 2005
South AfricaSoft dry, round, slightly confected nose but clean. The entry is round with flavours of cedar and cherries with dusty, plummy fruit. Soft clean simple easy-sipping pizza red.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.99 | 750ml |
| NB | $12.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $12.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Philip's Creek Merlot 2005
Olifants River, South AfricaTight spicy, earthy, low fruit nose but thankfully clean. Soft and fairly warm with smooth textures. The palate is dry with spicy, cherry, smoky leather and resin flavours. Smooth round, spicy, fiery red wine. Needs a big piece of meat to tame its dry tannins.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Merlot 2002
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSimilar to the previous version with minty, bell pepper notes on the nose flecked with cherry fruit aromas. The entry is slightly drier with a tangy undertone and more peppery, black fruit flavours. Medium weight lean-ish red that finishes dry. Best with food or another year in bottle.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Baron Philippe de Rothschild Merlot 2005
FranceSmoky, spicy, barnyard nose with bits of leafy,cherry fruit. The entry is dry and acidic the textures lean. The plate is a mix of spicy earthy leafy fruit with dry tannins. Simple red wine that needs food to cut through its dry, acidic aftertaste.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $13.40 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.25 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Township 7 Merlot 2004
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky spicy sagebrush notes with bits of leafy black cherry tobacco notes and a touch of compost. Fairly supple on entry and round with a resiny coffee, smoky mocha cedar flavours and plenty of alcohol showing up on the mid-palate and finish. Standoffish for the moment and dry calling for roasted meats to best tame its youthful edges.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Marrenon Merlot 2005
Vin de Pays de Vaucluse, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceWow, super reductive rubbery nose coming out of this screwcap closed bottle. Practically impossible to taste in this state. There's fruit and lively acidity once the rubbery reductive notes subside. A classic case of making a screw-capped finished wine in the same manner as a cork finished wine and it doesn't work.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
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17 January 2008
89PTS
Rosemount GSM Show Reserve 2004
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaOpen warm 'chocolate bar' nose. The palate is supple with spicy, dense, sweet raspberry fruit flavours with meaty undertones and a slightly confected aftertaste. It finishes dry with a savoury chocolate aftertaste.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $34.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $33.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $34.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $43.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $36.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Rosemount Shiraz Show Reserve 2004
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaSweet round, peppery nose with chocolate, mineral, maritime notes and a touch of vanilla. The entry is dry and warm with minty coffee, tobacco, smoky bacon flavours with a peppery red liquorice finish. Typical McLaren Vale red with a generosity of fruit aged in American and French oak.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $28.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $28.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $30.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $29.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $33.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $35.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Rosemount Chardonnay Show Reserve 2006
Hunter, New South Wales, AustraliaA richer version than the SR Mudgee with its added lanolin, toasted lees and baked apple nose. The textures are soft and creamy with spicy lees, apricot and peach fruit with hits of nutty butter and vanilla in the back end. Solid effort under screwcap.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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16 January 2008
87PTS
Rodney Strong Zinfandel Knotty Vines 2005
Sonoma County, California, United StatesFloral, cherry jam, spicy, peppery, bramble, kirsch, tobacco leaf, gamey nose and warm. Dry, rich, round, somewhat tannic. Peppery, cranberry, spicy, liquorice, bramble, vanilla and caramel flavours. Tart, dry, hot finish with some tannin to shed. Needs rare lamb.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.99 | 750ml |
| US | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Gallo Family Vineyards White Zinfandel 2006
California, United StatesPale ruby colour. Candied cherry, floral, caramel candy nose. Sweet, round, fresh acid palate with soapy cranberry, mineral, floral flavours and a caramel finish. Basic commercial picnic wine.Prices:| BC | $7.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.69 | 750ml |
| MB | $8.49 | 750ml |
| NS | $10.21 | 750ml |
| NB | $10.21 | 750ml |
| PEI | $10.21 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Woodbridge Zinfandel 2005
California, United StatesCedar bark, menthol, black licorice, earthy nose. Soft, simple, confected palate with elevated acidity. Cooked licorice, resiny, cedar bark, menthol flavours with a sweet, tart finish. This one misses the mark.Prices:| BC | $13.38 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Ravenswood Sonoma County Old Vine Zinfandel 2004
Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesDried spices, peppery, cooked black cherry, rooty, licorice, cola, meaty, cedar bark aromas. Tart, round, smooth entry with some cedar-y tannins. Dry peppery, resin, cedar bark, acidic cherry, cola, rootsy flavours. DisappointingPrices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel Lodi 2005
Lodi, Central Valley, California, United StatesHot, peppery nose with pruny, black cherry, porty, spicy, meaty, rooty, leafy nose. Dry, tart, hot palate with light tannins. Port-y, stewed bramble berry, peppery, cedar bark, resin, floral, soapy cranberry flavours. Lacks balance with excess alcohol and acidity. Off kilter.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Ravenswood Vintners Blend Old Vine Zinfandel 2005
California, United StatesSpicy, peppery, dried cedar bark, earthy, floral, dried cherry aromas. Chewy, warm, sweet and sour entry with some light cedary tannins. Rooty, smoky, licorice, resin, floral, confected cherry, soapy, cedar bark flavours. Somewhat bitter, tobacco leaf finish and very hot.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Thomas & Vaughan Vidal Icewine 2006
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaDeep gold colour. Smoky, shower curtain, citrus, honey, marmalade, apricot skin, baked apple nose with some matchstick notes. Fat, round, rich, sweet but somewhat flabby style. Mature citrus, honey, baked pear, shower curtain, mineral flavours. Good to drink now.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Monteviña Zinfandel Terra d'Oro SHR 2004
Amador County, Sierra Foothills, California, United StatesChocolate, cooked cherry, meaty, peppery, spicy, prune, floral, licorice aromas. Soft, round, dry, hot palate with light tannins. Peppery, spicy, resin, licorice, black berry, coffee, chocolate, vanilla, and cedar flavours. Decent intensity but hot and a bit tart on the finish. The blend is 80/13/7 zinfandel/petite syrah/barbera.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Gallo Sonoma Zinfandel Frei Ranch Vineyard 2003
Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesMenthol, peppery, barnyard, vanilla, bramble berry, cedar nose with a touch of tobacco and licorice. Round, full, somewhat tannic palate and warm. Spicy, stewed cherry, black berry jam, resin, peppery, tobacco, meaty, licorice flavours. Slightly stewed fruit, peppery finish with some aging potential. Solid.Prices:| BC | $40.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Inniskillin Okanagan Discovery Series Zinfandel 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBlack berry jam, smoky, briar, resin, cooked prune, coffee, barnyard, saddle leather nose. Dry, full bodied, very warm palate with some light, dry tannin. Peppery, resiny, meaty, cooked black cherry, port-y, rooty, licorice flavours with coffee and vanilla. Somewhat over ripe but that only fits in with the California style. Pricey.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Philip's Creek Pinotage 2005
Olifants River, South AfricaLeafy, floral, shoe leather, cherry, barnyard, Bandaid aromas. Tart, round, hot palate with some sugar. Pruny, meaty, gamey, oxo, bandaid, cigar, leather flavours. Dirty, old style.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Ganton & Larson Prospect Winery Ogopogo's Lair Pinot Grigio 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaClean citrus grapefruit rind nose with mineral, honey and pear skin notes. Fresh, round, full style with some residual sugar and a touch of warmth. Honey, baked pear, mineral, grapefruit juice flavours. Good acidity and length with a touch of bitter rind on the finish.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Ganton & Larson Prospect Winery Lost Bars Vidal Icewine 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPale gold colour. Grapefruit, marmalade, honey, 'shower curtain', mineral aromas. Rich, round, fresh and elegant but balanced and juicy. Honey, grapefruit, orange peel, granny smith, lime and more vinyl/plastic flavours. Good acidity balance and length. Well mad, attractive, sleek style.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 200ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 200ml |
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84PTS
Little Rebel Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2004
Yarra Valley, Victoria, AustraliaSmoky, pruny, stewed cherry, tobacco, summer sausage, menthol aromas. Dry, round, smooth palate with dried cherry, tobacco, dill, olive, leather flavours. Finish is very hot with some acidity prevalent.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Vina Casablanca El Bosque Carmenere Winemaker's Choice 2005
Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileDried herbs, coffee, menthol, green olive, tobacco leaf, saddle leather nose. Soft, smooth, round palate but a bit sweet and soupy. Menthol, tobacco leaf, carrots, meaty, dill, olive, coffee, Band-Aid flavours with a warm soupy finish. You have to be a carmenère fan to enjoy the style. Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Francis Ford Coppola Presents Presents Bianco Pinot Grigio 2006
California, United StatesOpen pleasant fresh floral, almond, honey, ripe pear, slate aromas with a bit of matchstick. On the palate it's flabby and soft with honey, creamy pear, baked apple, mineral flavours. Somewhat sweet and fat on the finish. Very commercial American version of the skinny 'grigio'. Last year's leaner version was more interesting.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Anvers Razorback Road Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaSpicy, licorice, tobacco leaf, menthol, black cherry, barnyard, meaty aromas. Rich, round, smooth palate with light tannins. Cool menthol, tobacco leaf, earthy, spicy, rooty, black cherry and cola flavours with some leather and coffee with a somewhat acidic, hot finish. Can you spell boring?Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
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13 January 2008
80PTS
Vista TR 2004
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalA disappointing follow-up to the previous year. The nose has intense minty, animal, Band-aid aromas with a resiny, smoked leather undercurrent. The same aromas dominate the flavours. Not recommended.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Villa Maria Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2005
Hawkes Bay, North Island, New ZealandThis wine typical leafy cassis scented red with similar flavours. It's soft and smooth on the palate with more black fruit and tart, dry herbal/mocha undertones. Solid if simple red wine. No bargain.Prices:| BC | $21.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Little Rebel Pinot Noir 2005
Yarra Valley, Victoria, AustraliaLittle Rebel come appropriately with a little bit of sweet pinot cherry and spicy, carrot top aromas. Soft round and easy-sipping with spicy, plummy, cherry fruit. Good but a bit to simple for the price.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Moillard Pinot Noir Huges le Juste 2006
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceSimple leafy, compost nose with a touch of dried cherry. Similar flavours with black fruit and leafy dried liquorice bits in the aftertaste. The finish is dry, and spicy with sour cherry notes. Best served with roasted fowl.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Francis Ford Coppola Presents Presents Rosso Classic 2005
California, United StatesYellow tail on steroids. Big soft vanilla cherry bomb with sweet brambly black cherry and strawberry fruit flavours. Soft slick and sweet with a whack of vanilla and milk chocolate it the finish. A fun $9 wine which is what is sells for in the US. At $21 Canadian it's too much for a pizza red.Prices:| BC | $21.15 | 750ml |
| NS | $22.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Francis Ford Coppola Presents Diamond Collection Blue Label Merlot 2005
California, United StatesBright blueberry/raspberry nose with bits of animal, milk chocolate and coffee. On the palate it's rich and smooth vanilla undertones and more red berry plum and vanilla flavours. Soft sweet-ish California merlot. Not cheap.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $25.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
High Altitude Malbec Cabernet 2004
Mendoza, ArgentinaLike most wines that sport a solid, plug-like, synthetic cork it's a bit reductive and dank on the nose. It dissipates with time in the glass or decanter. The palate is soft and sweet with leafy, mocha, chocolate flavours with some residual sugar that lingers on the palate. Basic entry level red.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Beyerskloof Pinotage 2006
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaThis wine is consistently well made with its smoky, saddle leather, vanilla nose and barnyard notes. The entry is soft, round and ripe with a black cherry and a smoky, resiny/tobacco, mocha finish. Good, if a bit dirty by modern standards. Try with ribs. This is first edition under screwcap.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.50 | 750ml |
| NS | $13.00 | 750ml |
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12 January 2008
86PTS
Inniskillin Okanagan Discovery Series Marsanne Roussanne 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery floral, white peach, mineral, gooseberry, lemon oil and citrus aromas. Soft, round, slightly sweet palate with low acidity. Perfumed, baked pear, honey, mineral, marmalade, buttery flavours. Good fruit and ripeness but would be better with a bit more acidity and less residual sugar. Good first effort shows promise for the future. The Discovery series deserves to be more daring and less commercial and given how little of this there is being made why not lean it out and make a real statement about origin and quality.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Township 7 Semillon 2006
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGrassy, soapy, honey, grapefruit rind, light perfume nose. Ripe, round, warm and a bit sweet and sour. Cooked green apple, honey, passion fruit, canned grapefruit, butter flavours. Juicy with a style conundrum - it is both sweet and sour on the finish.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Andretti Fume Blanc 2006
North Coast Region, California, United StatesSweaty grapefruit rind, cheesy, melon, passion fruit nose. Fresh, round, somewhat sweet entry with decent acidity. Melon, cheese, cooked gooseberry, canned grapefruit flavours. Simple, easy consumer quaffer. Old style.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Montecillo Reserva 2001
Rioja, SpainFragrant floral strawberry nose with bits of mushroom and leather. The entry is elegant and it's well-balanced across the mid-palate with tangy dried fruit flavours. Best with lamb or roasted fowl.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.85 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.35 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.60 | 750ml |
| NF | $17.16 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Villa Maria Riesling Private Bin 2006
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandThe fruit comes from two distinct regions in Marlborough: the higher plains of the Awatere Valley and the old river bed of the Wairau Valley. Lime, floral, smoky slate, green apple, peach pit aromas. Round, fresh, crisp, moderately dry and elegant palate. Slate, lime, green apple skin, guava, light diesel and nectarine flavours. Good intensity, aftertaste, balance and very good value.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Nepenthe Tryst Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2005
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaFresh nettle, passion fruit, artichoke, cooked gooseberry, mineral, hay aromas with a nutty, floral note. Fresh, elegant, round, slightly sweet entry with passion fruit, grassy, grapefruit rind, nettle, canned asparagus, nutty, gooseberry flavours. Cooler style with some finesse on the finish.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Brokenwood Semillon 2006
Pokolbin, Hunter, New South Wales, AustraliaYoung sémillon is all the rage in oz and this is a great example why. Grassy, mineral, guava, slate, lime rind aromas. Fresh, elegant, round, juicy palate with slate, lime rind, green apple skin, passion fruit, green guava flavours. Delicate, flavourful style for summer and seafood. Will have wide appeal among savvy, experienced white wine drinkers.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Chamarré Tradition Bordeaux 2003
Bordeaux, FranceFloral, candied cherry, spicy, prune, peppery nose. Soft, round, dry, elegant and simple style with cherry, spicy, prune, coffee bean, rhubarb flavours. Easy going, ready-to-drink style.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Chamarré Shiraz - Merlot 2004
FranceCola, peppery, tobacco, compost, cedar bark, black cherry nose. Round, warm, full with somewhat elevated acidity. Cedar bark, peppery, spicy, compost, tobacco leaf, dill, sausage, smoky flavours. Needs food to tame the tart edge.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Chamarré Cabernet Sauvignon - Grenache 2004
FrancePeppery, tobacco, saddle leather, prune, black cherry, spicy mint nose. Soft, supple, round palate with light tannins and a touch of sweetness. Perfumed, candied black cherry, peppery, tobacco. Fresh candied, easy-sipping, commercial style. The blend is 45/55 cabernet/grenache.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Chamarré Sauvignon Blanc - Chenin Blanc 2005
FranceFloral, grapefruit, green apple, honey, nutty, gooseberry aromas. Round, elegant, light style with medium body. Gooseberry, passion fruit, baked green apple, grassy, honey flavours. Easy going, attractive consumer white. Drink now while young.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
See Ya Later Ranch Semillon 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy lees, baked pear, honey, butter, vanilla nose with a floral note. Ripe, round, fresh, somewhat sweet and fat entry. Vanilla, buttery, spicy lees, baked peach, salty, passion fruit flavours. Solid if non-descript variety wise.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Marques de Griñon Dominio de Valdepusa Svmma Varietalis 2002
Castilla-La Mancha, SpainBig cassis jam, black cherry, smoky, peppery, garrigue, meaty, vanilla, tobacco aromas. Rich, round, ripe, full bodied style with grainy, chalky tannins. Good acidity balance with cassis, coffee, black cherry jam, licorice, peppery, savoury, spicy, cardamom and black olive flavours. A bit alcoholic but with great fruit and intensity without being too overbearing. Needs 3-5 years to fully mature but it is well balanced.Prices:| BC | $42.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Marques de Grinon Dominio de Valdepusa Petit Verdot 2002
Castilla-La Mancha, SpainCoffee, black cherry kirsch, gamey, saddle leather, violet, cassis jam, spicy vanilla and tobacco. Rich, round, lively palate with gripp-y, slightly dry tannins. Big licorice, coffee, vanilla, black berry, peppery, cola, leather and tobacco flavours. Chewy, full, warm but fresh finish with good fruit. Very young, needs 4-7 years to soften out. Fine potential.Prices:| BC | $45.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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11 January 2008
87PTS
Rosemount Mudgee Shiraz Show Reserve 2005
Mudgee, New South Wales, AustraliaThis is cool medium weight shiraz with a citrus/peppery nose. The entry is dry and a little less time on skins and less maceration give it a kinder gentler edge with black cherry/mocha fruit and a soft light tannin finish.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $30.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $27.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Rosemount Mudgee Chardonnay Show Reserve 2006
Mudgee, New South Wales, Australia Nicely rendered with a touch of neutral oak to release the citrus lime characters with a touch of toast. The mid-palate is taut with nutty grapefruit notes with a touch of mineral and resin in the finish. Cool classy chardonnay grown at 550 metres above sea level. Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $21.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $28.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $26.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Rosemount Traditional Show Reserve 2002
South Australia, AustraliaThe latest '02 "Traditional" is a fine follow up to the 2001. The nose is simply a knockout with its rich spice, cassis and rich, cola/black berry notes. On the palate, the entry is mouth-filling, the fruit dense and concentrated but with the elegance that comes from a cooler growing season. Attractive blackberry, coffee and cola flavours and along intense finish. Impressive.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $32.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $33.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $34.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $36.00 | 750ml |
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10 January 2008
91PTS
Yering Station Shiraz Viognier 2006
Yarra Valley, Victoria, AustraliaA regular winner when pitted against straight shiraz in Oz and I know why. Along with the floral viognier traits of roses and orange rind this wine has flavour, weight and balance. The mid-palate is smooth with spicy cinnamon and black fruit with just a hint of blueberry. This is a much better model for shiraz although it could do with even less viognier. Excellent wine.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wirra Wirra Scrubby Rise Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon Petit Verdot 2005
Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia, AustraliaConsistently silky with a slick, blueberry/boysenberry nose and flecks of animal and spicy, white pepper aromas. Extremely smooth on the palate with plenty of black raspberry, chocolate, licorice and spicy pepper flavours. Some mid-palate acidity that runs through the finish but you can fend that off with barbecued or grilled meats. Solid.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $17.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Two Jokers Shiraz 2005
South Australia, AustraliaBig bright shiraz that sees a modest amount of American oak to fill out the mid-palate and they don't overdo the acidity. The palate is soft with dry, but plummy fruit, reasonable density with a slightly sour cherry finish. Yet if you are a shiraz fan and looking for a new label this could be it. Good value.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Yellow Tail Shiraz 2006
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaYellow tail continues to evolve seemingly shedding a touch of sugar for more menthol and licorice. The nose is a mix of florals and pepper. On the entry is supple and softy, the textures round with fruity cherry/chocolate flavours. Yellowtail has stayed the course when it comes to its ripe, attractive, fruity style with just a lick of mid-palate acidity poking through. Still a force.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $13.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Cookoothama Shiraz 2006
Murray - Darling, AustraliaDry, smoky licorice, menthol nose with bits of leather and black fruit. Like so many wines of this ilk it has that unflattering mid-palate, acidic bite that runs through the warm, peppery, tarry black fruit finish. Not unlike previous versions.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Hungerford Hill Fishcage Shiraz Viognier 2005
AustraliaOpen fruity, floral, black cherry aromas with bits of liquorice and chocolate. The soft, round, supple style definitely exhibits a viognier tilt with plenty of spicy, blueberry, liquorice and fruit jelly flavours with a fair amount of acidity poking through in the finish. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Yellow Tail Shiraz The Reserve 2006
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaMuch like the previous edition the '06 has a menthol, meaty, blueberry nose with bits of leather, mocha and coffee. Round and supple but with plenty of mid-palate acidity that fades into its peppery, black cherry, blueberry, menthol, resiny cedar flavours. The finish is hot.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Vina Casablanca El Bosque Syrah Winemaker's Choice 2005
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileThis is a completely different from the Oz version of this grape. Dry lean, spicy, resiny nose with peppery undertones. The entry is almost Euro with peppery, dried, cherry fruit flavours and firm acidity. There is quite bit of tannin here suggesting it might need more time in the bottle. This wine requires food now but its potential and track are correct. I look forward to many further vintages.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Don Miguel Gascon 1884 Reservado Syrah 2004
Mendoza, ArgentinaThere is a lot to like about this syrah if you can make you way past the meaty, animal, goat-y reductive notes on the nose. A good decanting helps to reveal some smoky, black fruit, white pepper and mineral flavours. The finish is dry so make sure you serve it with some grilled meats, poultry or soft cheese.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Man Vintners Shiraz 2006
Western Cape, South AfricaFew inexpensive labels are dependable year in and year out but this one of them. Always well made, its smoky, meaty, peppery aromas preview a similar flavour profile flecked with savoury, liquorice notes. Reasonably clean for South Africa this is a definite barbecue red value at $12.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.99 | 750ml |
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09 January 2008
85PTS
Twisted Tree Syrah 2004
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, meaty, menthol, sausage, peppery nose with bandaid, cooked carrot, tobacco leaf. Round, soft, supple palate with some elegance. Spicy vanilla, coffee, peppery, thyme, smoked leather, gamey, black cherry flavours. Warm and fairly well balanced but with a bit too much oak for the fruit.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Twisted Tree Pinot Noir 2005
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTasted twice this pinot has a slightly brown ruby colour. The nose is a mix of cool, tobacco leaf, dill, carrot top and meaty leather flavours. The palate is dry with more smoky, resiny, herbal, green tea, earthy leaf and celery flavours. Low in fruit and varietal character and a bit unclean.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Nk'Mip Cellars Pinot Noir 2005
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRipe cherry, spicy, vanilla, licorice root, resin, gamey lees and leather aromas. Dry, round, slightly skinny palate. Tobacco leaf, compost, rhubarb, spicy, vanilla, tea, leesy, chocolate flavours. Warm finish with light tannins.Prices:| BC | $14.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $16.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.75 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Megalomaniac Narcissist Riesling 2006
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaFloral citrus blossom, green apple skin, slate, smoky, nectarine pit, buttery, nettle aromas. Crisp, tart, round, juicy palate with light residual. Citrus, green apple skin, lime, slate, sulphur, quince, peach pit, grassy flavours. Juicy, full style but quite dry acidity on the finish.Prices:| AB | $33.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Aurelio Settimo Barolo 1999
La Morra, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyHuge tarry, smoky, resin, liquorice root, black cherry, vanilla, Band-Aid and earth aromas. Rich, round, supple tannins and palate but still youthful and dry. Resin, tarry, smoky, peppery, coffee, peppery, dried herb, licorice, dried cherry and strawberry flavours. Very warm, full finish. Needs 3-5 years.Prices:| AB | $43.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Turkey Flat Barossa Shiraz 2005
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaBig black pepper, licorice root, blackberry jam, vanilla, spicy, floral, damson plum, coffee and tobacco aromas. Rich, round, dry, supple palate with good finesse and supple tannins. Black cherry, tobacco, licorice, coffee, vanilla, plum, spicy, black tea flavours. Good flavour intensity and ripeness but somewhat tart and alcoholic on the finish. Definitely a full style. Made for the adventurous New World taster.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $50.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $52.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $51.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $55.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $70.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Two Hands Bad Impersonator Barossa Shiraz 2006
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaSpicy, floral, garrigue, light sausage, smoky, menthol, gamey, raisiny, sweaty saddle leather aromas with some black berry jam. Soft, supple, rich, fat entry but elevated acidity and very warm. Prune plum, massive vanilla cola, coffee, spicy, licorice, cherry pudding, vanilla, sausage flavours. No lack of intensity or alcohol here - not a wall flower but an over the top style.Prices:| AB | $43.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Canonbah Bridge Drought Reserve Shiraz 2003
New South Wales, AustraliaBig huge pruny, cooked black berry, volatile, sweet vanilla, coffee, mocha, leather, black tea and pepper nose with some gamey animal notes. Dry, rich, round, full-bodied style with some elegance despite some youthful dry tannin. Massive sweet oak vanilla, espresso, black cherry kirsch, meaty, smoky, resin, licorice and tea flavours. Very alcoholic and somewhat baked, raisin-y finish. Not for the fainthearted.Prices:| BC | $47.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $37.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Viña Sastre Roble 2006
Ribera del Duero, Castilla-Leon, SpainBig smoky, meaty, dried black cherry, Bandaid, cooked carrot, menthol, licorice root, dried thyme aromas. Rich, round, full, warm palate with some supple but youthful tannins. Huge black cherry, plum jam fruit with white pepper, tobacco, orange peel, coffee, chocolate flavours. Very warm, tart, full on vanilla finish. Could use some bottle age.Prices:| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Terralsole Rosso di Montalcino 2005
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyCooked cherry, peppery, smoky, gamey, resin, licorice root aromas. Dry, lean, warm, moderately tannic entry. Black cherry, floral, compost, peppery, licorice root, orange peel, perfumy flavours. Finish is dry, very warm and moderately tart with lots of tannin to shed. This is a big chunky bruiser, almost an old style Brunello itself.Prices:| AB | $33.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Reschke Bos Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaCranberry, tobacco leaf, canned black olive, compost, dried herb, smoky nose. Dry, round, supple, moderately elegant palate. Savoury, peppery, cranberry, cassis, tobacco leaf, dill, vanilla, dried herb, thyme flavours. Good intensity and finesse but a bit tart. Definitely a cooler style.Prices:| AB | $36.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Javier Sanz Villa Narcisa Rueda Verdejo 2006
Rueda, Castilla-Leon, SpainGrassy, passion fruit, melon, orange rind, slate aromas with a touch of grapefruit skin. Ripe, round, elegant if a touch fat and sweet. Light soapy, floral, cooked kiwi, passion fruit, melon rind, grapefruit, creamsicle flavours. Lots of flavour intensity with good acidity but a bit hot, heavy and fat.Prices:| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Château Le Bergey Cuvee Prestige Bordeaux Supérieur 2005
Bordeaux, FranceBlack cherry, smoky, resin, light floral, tobacco leaf, cedar, earthy nose. Dry, slightly tannic, fresh palate, young and tight. Smoky, coffee, cedar bark, mineral, earthy, tart cherry, black olive flavours. Young and somewhat lean and tannic, needs a few years but also very tart.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Saturna Vintner's Select Pinot Noir 2006
British Columbia, CanadaSpicy vanilla, tobacco leaf, barnyard, compost, rhubarb, earthy nose. Dry, elegant, fresh palate but very light. Light buttery, rhubarb, raspberry leaf, compost, mineral, orange peel flavours. Very easy, light style with fresh acidity.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Pinot Noir 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVanilla, rhubarb, spicy, resin, compost, rooty, buttery nose. Dry, lean, slightly tannic entry but fat. Buttery, vanilla, cooked strawberry, resin, coffee flavours. Very alcoholic finish. Not much pinot character but there is plenty of oak.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Golden Mile Road Pinot Noir Luckhurst Family Vineyards 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig oaky, coffee, vanilla, tobacco leaf, black cherry, resin, peppery, meaty nose with some reduced characters. Soft, round, supple palate with medium acidity but a bit flat. Warm with stewed rhubarb, slightly dirty, tobacco, leaf and coffee, vanilla, flavours. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Saturna Island Pinot Noir 2006
Southern Gulf Islands, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, rhubarb, tobacco leaf, light rubbery, raspberry leaf aromas. Soft, round, simple palate with cooked rhubarb, strawberry, tobacco leaf and mineral flavours. Easy, ready-to-drink style with a cool pinot character.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Black Widow Oasis Naramata Bench Vineyard 2006
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig floral, spicy, mineral nose flecked with dried lychee and smoky ginger notes. Soft, round, somewhat flabby mid-palate with residual sugar. Lemon, peach skin, spicy, ginger, oily, buttery flavours. Warm, slightly bitter finish.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Black Widow Merlot/Cabernet Naramata Bench Vineyard 2005
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCoffee, smoky, spicy, perfumed, rubbery, vanilla, animal, leather, sweet cherry jam aromas with some licorice and olive. Dry, elegant, slightly lean palate. Very spicy, mocha, vanilla, cedar, pudding, black cherry jam, smoky, licorice root. Warm, oaky chocolate finish. Ripe style.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Black Widow Pinot Gris Naramata Bench Vineyard 2006
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight orange pink tinge. Floral, pear, citrus, mineral aromas. Crisp, juicy, round palate with a slightly oily texture and a bit of sweetness. Baked pear, orange, red apple, buttery, mineral flavours. Very ripe, fatter style but has good intensity if a bit overly alcoholic. Drink now.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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06 January 2008
87PTS
Little Rebel Chardonnay 2005
Yarra Valley, Victoria, AustraliaOpen oaky nutty buttery melon fruit nose with bits of mineral and lees. Rich buttery nutty attack with peachy / stone fruit flavours with a twist of citrus in the finish. Rich and fresh with a dusting of oak all finished under screwcap. Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Montes Alpha Chardonnay Special Cuvée 2005
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileCool Casablanca aromas waft from the glass: pear, nettle, and green peach. On the plate it remains calm and cool with more pear asparagus, apple pie crust and citrus mineral notes. Lean and fresh and ready for most seafood and white meats. Good finesse for the money.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $23.40 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Pillitteri Chardonnay Sur Lie 2006
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaChardonnay can be a star in Ontario as evidenced by this offering from Pillitteri. Winemaker Marc Bradshaw has hit all the right notes with this delicate but flavourful chardonnay. The nose is quiet showing a touch of bread dough, minerals and citrus. On the palate it's has a welcomed restrained nature with crisp lemony, tropical notes with nutty bits in the finish. Well done, serious white wine sold for a pittance. This is the road to success.Prices:| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Francis Ford Coppola Presents Diamond Collection Gold Label Chardonnay 2005
California, United StatesThis chardonnay is all Monterey fruit although somebody at the winery thinks the "California' moniker is a better selling point - not this reviewer. A cool year, this 05 has fine intensity of citrus and tropical fruit flavours mixed with a generous dose of spicy vanilla and oak. The finish is a mix of baked apples and crème brûlée. The New California needs anew name.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $25.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
High Altitude Viognier Chardonnay 2006
Mendoza, ArgentinaThere is something about a viognier chardonnay that works in Argentina. It's the most likely the freshness of the viognier the mineral and floral aspects with the peach and honey of the chardonnay. It all comes together and lifts what could be ordinary to another level. Oh and did I mentioned it works with many different food choices. Good value.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Penfolds Koonunga Hill Cabernet Merlot 2005
South Australia, AustraliaOpen nose of floral mint, leafy, black cherries with a dash of earth and mocha coffee. Medium weight with a sweet-ish mocha/chocolate black fruit flavour and a spicy, dry, leathery finish.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.15 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $17.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Morandé Merlot Pionero 2006
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileOpen warm, white pepper and red currant nose. Similar peppery, red fruits flavours in a soft warm leafy minty package with moderate tannins. Simple straight-up Chile merlot you can serve with the likes of cheese, chicken, pasta or poultry.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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05 January 2008
85PTS
Thornhaven Pinot Gris 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGrassy, apple skin, garlic lees, grapefruit rind aromas. Round, fat, fresh palate with grapefruit, lemon, mineral, granny smith skin, lees and pear flavours. Very citrus finish. Solid effort if a bit leesy or bready.Prices:| BC | $17.90 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Morandé Reserva Pinot Noir 2006
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileCool tobacco leaf, rhubarb, carrot top, vanilla, smoky, floral, strawberry aromas. Round, dry, elegant, slightly lean entry with smoky, spicy, dill, celery salt, sour cherry, rhubarb, licorice root flavours. Simple, ready to go.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Mouton Cadet Blanc 2005
Bordeaux, FranceGrassy, lemon drop, melon skin, butter, nettle aromas. Fat, round, full palate with bitter lime rind, nettle, herbal, buttery, dry lees finish. Clean but lacks a bit of zest.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.25 | 750ml |
| SK | $14.35 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.75 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $13.85 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Twisted Tree Merlot 2005
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen smoky vanilla American oak barrel nose with coffee, menthol undertones. On the palate the fruit black fruit cassis flavours are subdued by the vanilla, coffee, chocolate (the JT formula) with bits of cedar bark and cranberry. Fairly rich and tracking in the right direction but needs a bit more fruit and acidity to sing. Serve with steak for best results.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Laughing Stock Vineyards Chardonnay 2006
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHoney, butter, vanilla, waxy, baked apple, peach aromas with a bit of spicy lees. Ripe, round, slightly fat palate with buttered popcorn, vanilla, melon, honey, light spicy lees flavours with a touch of citrus and peach skin on the finish. Solid, attractive consumer style similar to last vintage.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Morandé Pinot Noir 2006
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileCedar bark, tar, menthol, sour cherry, rhubarb, spicy aromas, unusual. Light, flat, round, easy style with herbal, dill, sour cherry, cola, resiny, tobacco leaf, barnyard flavours. Tart, dry finish. Not up to their normal quality.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Morandé Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Valle del Curicó, Region del Valle Central, ChileLemon, mineral, oyster shell, grassy, light gooseberry nose. Crisp, round, slightly sweet edge with gooseberry, grapefruit rind, seashell, asparagus, grassy flavours. Solid, crisp finish. A bit Loire in style and well priced.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Herder Three Sisters 2006
Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig floral, spicy, rose petal, sausage, lychee, baked apple aromas. Rich, round, elegant style with some residual sugar. Fennel, rose, spicy, ginger, honey, peach skin, baked citrus flavours. A bit fat and oily but a good sipper with lots of character.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Blasted Church Hatfield's Fuse 2006
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, mineral, anise, cheesy, lemon drop. Round, elegant, slightly crisp palate with a touch of sweetness. Grassy, lemon drop, mineral, floral, spicy, cheese curd flavours. A bit bizarre this year.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Blasted Church Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot 2005
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen barnyard, chocolate coffee, Band-aid nose. On the palate, the fruit is softy, warm and savoury with cranberry, chocolate, animal/coffee resin flavours. Expensive for what it delivers.Prices:| BC | $25.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $36.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Blasted Church The Dam Flood 2006
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAn odd blend of the chocolaty/cranberry, animal aromas. On the palate the wine is lively with spicy cranberry pepper notes with undertones of smoky savoury animal notes with bits of tobacco. Even a clever name and package can't really overcome this leftovers blend.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Gehringer Brothers Riesling Late Harvest 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis wine seems to have a signature mineral, bruised apple nose with bits of butterscotch. Soft and round on entry the flavours are mix of baked apple, citrus, butter and minerals. Easy-sipping, late harvest at a fair price.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Gehringer Brothers Pinot Noir Private Reserve 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, clove, rubbery, dill, black cherry, smoky aromas. Fresh, light, round, supple palate with resin, spicy, dill, tea, cherry flavours with a slightly rubbery, peppery finish.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Gehringer Brothers Pinot Noir Optimum 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaResiny, artificial vanilla, coffee bean, cherry, cola, cedar bark aromas. Soft, round, supple palate but a bit flat with smoky cola, coffee, clove, cherry, resiny vanilla flavours with some cedar bark. Not much pinot character thanks to a lot of oak influence.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Trapiche Astica Sauvignon Semillon 2006
Mendoza, ArgentinaSweaty grapefruit rind, butter, grassy, fig, nutty aromas. Soft, fresh, round, slightly sweet style with grapefruit rind, gooseberry, and nutty, buttery, lemon drop flavours. Simple, affordable drink.Prices:| BC | $8.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.25 | 750ml |
| SK | $10.25 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Hillside Pinot Gris Reserve 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig floral, citrus, honey, ginger, mineral, buttery nose with some lees notes. Fat, ripe, round palate with pear, mineral, quince, lemon rind, butter and ginger flavours. Almost a bit like viognier with a steelier palate. Good intensity, drink now.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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04 January 2008
88PTS
Nepenthe Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaThe Adelaide Hills is cool and you can smell it and taste in this wine. The final bottling mixes fruit form 20 sites showing fresh green apple and passion fruit flavours flecked with orange and mineral highlights. Long clean fresh finish that makes you want to have some food . Half Loire, half New Zealand all delicious.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Gehringer Brothers Cuvée Noir 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNot much different form previous editions. The nose is a mix of smoky meaty, peppery fruit with a dose of animal fur. On the palate soft, round, silky alcoholic red with pepper, tobacco, cassis and foxy fruit flavours.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Dry Rock Vineyards Cabernet Merlot 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAlways solid this cab merlot has a cool Bordelais/Okanagan demeanour with bits of cassis, resin and spice in the aromas and flavours. The texture is soft and supple and the balance is perfect. A solid, honest red for the price.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Paradise Ranch Late Harvest Chardonnay Riesling 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen baked apple and honey aromas that morph into similar flavours on the palate. Soft, easy sipping sweet and certainly drinkable. Serve with fresh fruit for best results. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 375ml |
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03 January 2008
87PTS
Robert Mondavi Private Selection Chardonnay 2005
Central Coast, California, United StatesClean fresh citrus nose with cool pear and green apple skin notes. Similar pattern of cool fruit, green apple fruit on the palate with flecks of honey and baked apple. Fresh tight modern style California chardonnay with a slightly sour finish.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Francis Ford Coppola Presents Presents Rosso Shiraz 2005
California, United StatesRosso seems an odd moniker for a shiraz but that's what the Coppola folks are calling this soft, juicy, sweet-ish, blueberry/black fruit red with the jammy textures and flavours. This is round, easy-slurping red wine you can drink while you are barbecuing or after you are finished with most anything off the grill.Prices:| BC | $21.15 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Marques de Grinon Dominio de Valdepusa Syrah 2003
Castilla-La Mancha, SpainThis is plush stuff. Exotic savoury aromas of spice anise and dried herbs. The palate is full and mouth-filling with jammy black fruits white pepper and just enough mineral and acidity to right the course through the long finish. Hedonistic.Prices:| BC | $45.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Long Flat Destinations Barossa Shiraz 2005
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaSomewhat reduced rubbery notes upon opening that eventually fade in the glass. Formulaic shiraz with resiny, acidic, plummy spicy earthy flavours . Best mingled with grilled meats and poultry.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
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01 January 2008
86PTS
Marques de Rojas Garnacha 2006
Almansa, Castilla-La Mancha, SpainFloral, meaty, spicy, black raspberry, barnyard nose with a bit of reduction. Soft, round, plush palate with black raspberry jam, plum, peppery, spicy, mineral flavours. Fresh finish but good fruit core. Give it a bit of air to fully bring out the fruit on the nose. Good solid value.Prices:| BC | $9.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Chateau de Cabriac 2004
Corbières, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceEarthy, spicy, peppery, rootsy, smoky prune nose. Soft, round, supple style with black cherry, licorice root, raspberry, peppery, tobacco flavours. Solid if a bit warm on the finish. the blend is syrah, grenache, carignan, mourvedre.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Trapiche Astica Merlot Malbec 2006
Mendoza, ArgentinaSpicy, sausage, peppery, tobacco, floral, cherry, resin aromas. Soft, round, supple, easy style with cherry, tobacco, plum, spicy game flavours. A bit tart on the finish but good fruit core for a barbecue red.Prices:| BC | $8.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.50 | 750ml |
| SK | $10.25 | 750ml |
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February 2008