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Tastings: March 2008
31 March 2008
87PTS
Sandhill Cabernet Franc Sandhill Estate Vineyard 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, black cherry, peppery, tobacco, resin, barnyard, poultry spice, black olive and mocha vanilla aromas. Round, dry, elegant but slightly lean with light tannins. Cedar, orange peel, poultry spice, vanilla, tobacco, coffee, tobacco flavours with a cranberry, licorice, oak resin finish. A bit young but has good acidity to age 1-3 years. Good solid effort for this variety that in our opinion could be even better if the was less overt, sweet American oak in the blend.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.99 | 750ml |
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30 March 2008
88PTS
Wild Goose Pinot Gris 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe strength of Wild Goose at this juncture is the consistency with which they turn out their wines. From time to time their neighbours can catch them or even surpass but they stand firm each year. This is classic "gris Goose" with its honeyed, earth notes on the nose, flecked with spice and even some ginger notes. Very fresh and clean on entry with citrus mineral, green pear and a slightly oily sheen on the finish.Prices:| BC | $14.95 | 750ml |
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29 March 2008
86PTS
Boekenhoutskloof The Wolftrap 2006
Western Cape, South AfricaThe Wolftrap blend has altered over the years the current blend is a mix syrah, mourvèdre and viognier. The result is that murky smoky animal nose with floral bits. The entry is soft and round with smoky, cherry, blueberry mineral flavours flecked with pepper earth and leather. Best with grilled meats, our choicer would be hamburger.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.50 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $14.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Little Yering Cabernet Shiraz 2004
Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia"Little" Yering is a third level of wines from the renowned Yering Station that blends the classic Oz duo of cabernet sauvignon and shiraz. The nose has a pronounced fruity aspect with blueberry and dark fruits mixing with pepper and leafy qualities. It's reasonably dry with a warm slightly acidic mid-palate and more peppery red fruit flavours in the finish. Less oak and more French oak when it's used is the mantra at Yering Station and that serves these wines well.Prices:| BC | $18.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Lindemans Shiraz South Africa 2005
South AfricaThis is simple stuff. Warm spicy smoky leather aromas dominate the nose and the palate. Smoky earthy peppery fruit with more leather in the finish. Okay but no real bargain. The chardonnay is a much better call.Prices:| MB | $12.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| NB | $12.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $12.99 | 750ml |
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28 March 2008
94PTS
Telmo Rodriguez Pago La Jara 2005
Toro, Castilla-Leon, SpainMade with old vine tinto de Toro (tempranillo) grapes it has a smoky, bay leaf, minty, licorice, floral, black cherry kirsch, vanilla, coffee, mandarin, tobacco nose. Rich, ripe, round, sweet fruit palate with supple but grainy tannins and balanced fresh acidity. Big spicy, licorice, garrigue, tobacco, stony, black cherry, orange, plum, coffee, vanilla, resin, thyme flavours. A bit rustic and hot on the finish but very fine balance and concentrated fruit, length and intensity. Needs 3-7 years to fully shine but great now.Prices:| BC | $74.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $76.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Telmo Rodriguez Matallana 2004
Ribera del Duero, Castilla-Leon, SpainThe Rodriguez tempranillo pinnacle is made from old vines grown at high altitude. Peppery, floral, cherry kirsch, orange, vanilla, tobacco, meaty, smoky, resin, licorice, rooty, curry, cardamom aromas. Rich, ripe, round and dry but elegant with grainy tannins and very good acidity balance. Youthful orange, mineral, cherry jam, plum, licorice, resin, coffee, vanilla, spicy cardamom and tobacco flavours. Very warm but fresh, intense, elegant and fruity in the finish. Needs 3-5 years to soften the grainy tannins but this refined red winePrices:| ON | $133.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Telmo Rodriguez M2 de Matallana 2004
Ribera del Duero, Castilla-Leon, SpainBig intense smoky, tobacco, black olive, cedar, black cherry, spicy garrigue nose with streaks of meaty, saddle leather. Dry, round, slightly tannic palate but elegant on the palate. Fresh, round, ripe black cherry jam, orange, licorice, mineral, menthol, fig and coffee flavours. Long, fresh, drier style finish that has finesse and elegance. Needs a year or two yet or try with food. Well done, serious modern red.Prices:| BC | $44.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $39.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $44.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Telmo Rodriguez g Dehesa Gago 2005
Toro, Castilla-Leon, SpainAged 50/50 in barrique and foudre. Spicy, peppery, vanilla, licorice root, tobacco, meaty, gamey, smoky, floral nose with garrigue, cardamom, coriander and black cherry throughout. Rich, fat, ripe and round with supple tannins and good acidity balance. Full with cherry, plum, orange, smoky, licorice, tobacco, floral and vanilla flavours. Very warm but well balanced with a long finish. Will improve over the next one to three years. Very good value.Prices:| BC | $34.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $32.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Telmo Rodriguez g Dehesa Gago 2006
Toro, Castilla-Leon, SpainMeaty, mineral, smoky, licorice, floral, black cherry aromas. Ripe, round, supple and full but very warm. Plum, orange peel, peppery, spicy, minty, licorice flavours. Big, fat, fresh and fruity, a rustic style with lots of stuffing for the money. Good value from the New Spain.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Telmo Rodriguez Altos de Lanzaga Grand Vinedo Rioja 2005
Rioja, SpainAltos de Lanzaga is crafted in a style made to age. Spicy, floral, smoky, licorice, gamey, coffee, resin, vanilla, tobacco, black cherry, plum and dried olive aromas, very complex. Rich, ripe, fat and very warm but has good acidity and grainy tannins. Smoky garrigue, plum, orange, coffee, mineral, licorice, meaty, bay leaf and black olive flavours. Full, long, intense and ripe with tannins to shed, needs 4-7 years but will age well.Prices:| BC | $110.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $97.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $107.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Telmo Rodriguez Lanzaga Vinedos en Lanziego 2005
Rioja, SpainImpressive smoky, coffee, licorice, floral, saddle leather nose with flecks of black cherry jam. Warm, dry, tight palate with grainy tannins and good acidity but youthful. Coffee, vanilla, peppery, mineral, saddle leather, tobacco, black olive, cherry and resin flavours. A bit oaky now but with good concentration and length, needs 1-3 years to smooth out. Wil be excellent.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $32.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $33.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Telmo Rodriguez LZ Lanzeigo de Álava 2005
Rioja, SpainSmoky tobacco, licorice, cooked cherry, peppery, spicy, floral nose with a gamey, leather edge. Warm, dry and round with light tannins. Spicy, plum, licorice, rooty, cherry, orange flavours with a smoky, tobacco, gamey finish. A bit warm and rustic, needs a year to settle down but very solid and styled to drink now.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Telmo Rodriguez Viña Ciento Cinco 105 2006
Cigales, Castilla-Leon, SpainBlack cherry, meaty, peppery, rooty, licorice, tobacco nose with a spicy plum, candied orange note. Ripe, round, supple and dry but fresh palate. Black cherry, fresh plum, tobacco, orange and licorice flavours. Good fruit and concentration, try with lamb or turkey.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Telmo Rodriguez Basa Rueda Blanco 2006
Rueda, Castilla-Leon, SpainRueda remains undervalued as a producer of fresh white wine. Look for passion fruit, grapefruit, floral, mineral, butter and lemon aromas. Ripe, round, fresh and crisp but elegant. Lemon lime, passion fruit green melon, butter and quince flavours with a touch of oiliness. Good freshness, intensity and balance and good value.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.50 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Yellow Tail Riesling 2006
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaFloral, earthy, peach, lime rind aromas. Light, round, somewhat sweet with good acidity balance. Baked pear, peach, lime, earthy, light Vaseline flavours. A simple, easy picnic-style white that would doubtless be better served bottled under Stelvin.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Castillo de Liria Bobal & Shiraz 2006
Valencia, Valencia and Murcia, SpainA not so charming red with a tobacco, leather, smoky earth, prune, barnyard nose. The entry is soft and round but light with somewhat elevated acidity. Peppery, earthy, prune, sour cherry, tobacco, leather flavours. A bit skinny and lean on the finish. Disappointing.Prices:| BC | $8.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Rutherford Ranch Chardonnay 2005
Napa Valley, California, United StatesLight yellow colour. Ripe peach, pineapple, red apple, mineral, light lees aromas in a slightly fat but still elegant style. Ripe melon, pineapple, buttery, baked apple, creamy lees flavours with a bit of buttered popcorn and orange on the finish. A tad old fashioned but solid.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Lindemans South Africa Chardonnay 2006
South AfricaFrom a country whose export wines constantly disappoint this writer comes an inexpensive tasty floral, peach-scented chardonnay with cantaloupe, spicy lees and buttery notes made by Australians. It has a round, ripe, fresh, clean palate with buttery, orange creamsicle, melon, peach, buttery flavours and a touch of sweetness on the finish. A fruity, consumer driven style but well balanced. Great value.Prices:| MB | $12.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| NB | $12.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $12.99 | 750ml |
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27 March 2008
0PTS
Barrua Isola dei Nuraghi 2004
Santadi, Cagliari, Sardinia, ItalyCorked, try anotherPrices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Montessu Isola dei Nuraghi 2005
Santadi, Cagliari, Sardinia, ItalyLicorice, baked plum, peppery, savoury, meaty, black tea, spicy nose with a light floral note. Dry, round, full, supple palate with light tannins but a bit chunky. Smoky meat, peppery, vanilla, licorice root, tea, black plum jam, resin flavours. Good intensity and acidity if a bit warm and chunky. Try with roast lamb or goat.Prices:| EU | $13.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Moselland Piesporter Michelsberg Riesling Kabinett 2006
Mosel, GermanyLight Vaseline, petrol, green apple skin, slate aromas. Fresh, bright, clean and quite dry with good acidity. Slate, Vaseline, mineral, lime, green apple, floral flavours. A solid introductory style riesling at a fair price.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Casa de la Ermita Jumilla Petit Verdot 2003
Jumilla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainBig spicy, savoury, black cherry, plum, floral, meaty, menthol, Band-Aid, leather aromas. Dry, full, round, slightly tight palate with good acidity. Meaty, garrigue, savoury, cherry, cassis, spicy menthol, leather, floral flavours. A bit warm and chunky on the finish but with good extract and intensity. A big wine.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $43.80 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Casa de la Ermita Jumilla (Grey Capsule) 2003
Jumilla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainSpicy, meaty, prune plum, cherry, savoury, saddle leather, tobacco, orange peel aromas. Round, dry, elegant, slightly lean but balanced palate with light tannins. Orange peel, vanilla, smoky resin, leather, tobacco, meaty, light Band-Aid, cherry flavours. Good solid red.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Casa de la Ermita Jumilla (Purple Capsule) 2005
Jumilla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainThe Jumilla wine-growing region is a large area in south-eastern Spain and home to Casa de la Ermita Jumilla. The blend is a hefty mix of mourvèdre, merlot, tempranillo, syrah and cabernet sauvignon that offers a meaty, smoky, leather strap, peppery, earthy, spicy nose. It's round and elegant on the palate with light tannins. Smoky, menthol, light Band-Aid (Brett), leather, meaty, cooked carrot, plum and prune flavours. Easy sipping, rustic Spanish red.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.25 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Yering Station Chardonnay 2005
Yarra Valley, Victoria, AustraliaBig garlic lees nose with nutty, spicy, baked pear and vanilla aromas. Dry, fresh, elegant, delicate style with green apple, citrus, vanilla, nutty, butterscotch flavours but still has a dominating garlic lees on the finish. Fine if you like the lees style.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Yellow Tail Chardonnay 2006
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaBaked peach, melon, buttery, floral, leesy nose. Round, clean, fresh palate with light sweetness but crisp acidity. Spicy, creamy lees, baked peach, warm melon, buttery flavours with a slightly rind-y, warm finish. Consistent and now possibly a touch drier than usual. Still $13 which must confound the price-hiking opposition.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Gran Fuedo Edicion Tempranillo 2009
Navarra and Basque Country, SpainSpicy cassis, peppery, plum, cedar, resin, leather aromas. Dry, tight, elegant palate with light tannins. Savoury, peppery, tobacco, smoky leather, resin, Band-Aid, menthol flavours. Solid barbeque wine if somewhat rustic.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $14.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $17.00 | 750ml |
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26 March 2008
86PTS
Burrowing Owl Pinot Noir 2006
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaEarthy, strawberry jam, light compost, cooked rhubarb, orange peel and vanilla aromas. Dry, round, elegant style with very light tannins. Licorice, strawberry jam, rhubarb, smoky, vanilla pudding and tobacco flavours. Simple, elegant, easy style for current consumption.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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25 March 2008
87PTS
Taja Jumilla Reserva 2003
Jumilla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainTaja may be a new release but Bordeaux-based Franck Mahler-Besse has been making this label since 1987. The mid-range Reserva from the DO Jumilla of south-east Spain, is made in the Bordeaux style tradition. The base is monastrell or mourvèdre the result is a smoky sultry soft, mocha chocolate flavoured red with a touch of baked earth and ash. Soft round simple barbecue red. Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Valcanto Syrah 2005
Almansa, Castilla-La Mancha, SpainThis will be an easy hit with most consumers. It's 100% syrah that gets 4 months ageing in American oak barrels so it's more Oz generous, than French peppery, but it remains a bit savoury and well, Spanish. The textures are super soft and slippery with plummy black olive, dried herb, meaty chocolate aromas and flavours. Super ripe and ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Di Lenardo Vineyards Pinot Grigio dal Vigneto Vigne dai Vieris 2006
Friuli-Venezia Giulia, ItalyA medium-yellow colour previews a nutty, honey, floral, baked pear nose. This is a slightly richer, heavier, old-style grigio with weight and heft to work with full-bodied white meat dishes and or heavily sauced fish dishes. The textures are round and full with spicy, earthy, pear fruit flavours. The finish is dry and clean with a touch of acidity.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Redtree Petit Sirah 2005
California, United StatesMost red wine drinkers will like the rich, liquorice, floral, smoky, blueberry notes in petit sirah and it's the story here. Soft and warm there are no edges to offend. Best with ribs or other charred meat dishes for the grill.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Cathedral Cellar Chardonnay 2005
Western Cape, South AfricaThis is the full meal deal New World chardonnay, whole-bunch pressed, fermented and matured in new French oak barrels and lees stirred. The creamy buttery undertones can be found throughout this relatively complex chardonnay with pear fruit and vanilla flavours with a citrusy aftertaste. Well balanced stylish SA chardonnay that over delivers for the price. Best with white meats and shell fish, or creamy pasta dishes. Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
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24 March 2008
91PTS
Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils Beaune Clos de la Mousse 1er Cru 2005
Beaune, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceSpicy, liquorice, orange, vanilla, underbrush, chocolate, leather, light Band-Aid/Brett aromas. Soft, supple, velvety structure. Ripe cherry, strawberry, compost, orange, and liquorice flavours. Long, fresh, round finish with good elegance. Fine effort for a Beaune.Prices:| BC | $57.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils Beaune Marconnets 1er Cru 2005
Beaune, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceToasty oak, vanilla, mineral, black cherry, floral, compost, strawberry, saddle leather aromas. Dry, slightly tight tannic palate with good finesse. Ripe with briar, cherry, strawberry, vanilla, coffee flavours. Good finesse with a touch more concentration, needs 3-5 years.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $49.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils Beaune du Chateau Blanc Premier Cru 2005
Beaune, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceFloral, pear, light vanilla, spicy, lemon, baked apple, honey aromas. Ripe, round, fresh and elegant. Lemon, creamy vanilla, butter, lees, pear flavours. Very good length and roundness if a bit fat. Drink now - 2 years.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils Savigny-Les-Beaunes Les Lavières 2005
Beaune, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceToasty oak, spicy, cherry, gamey, earthy, smoky nose with a touch of leather and tobacco. Dry, slightly tight, round, elegant palate. Cherry, green leaf, toasty oak, vanilla, earthy, meaty, tobacco, mineral flavours. Good acidity and balance but needs 2-4 years.Prices:| BC | $46.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $45.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils Beaune du Chateau Rouge 1er Cru 2005
Beaune, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceCherry, strawberry jam, floral, toasty oak, vanilla, tobacco, meaty, mineral, spicy nose. Dry, round, supple, elegant palate with some structure and acidity but balanced. Spicy, cherry, vanilla, peppery, spicy, leather, meaty, vanilla flavours. Good fruit and freshness with nice finesse. Attractive style for near term drinking but can age.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
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23 March 2008
91PTS
Bouchard Père & Fils Gevrey-Chambertin Lavaux Saint-Jacques 1er Cru 2005
Côtes de Nuits, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceSmoky, cherry, animal, tobacco leaf, floral, licorice, mineral, briar, compost and saddle leather aromas. Dry, round, somewhat tight, fresh structure on the palate. Juicy cherry, raspberry flavours with mineral, toasty oak, vanilla, rhubarb flavours. Complex and delicate but somewhat tight with slightly green astringent tannins to shed. Needs 3-7 years.Prices:| BC | $102.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Bouchard Père & Fils Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Damodes 1er Cru 2005
Nuits-Saint-Georges, Côtes de Nuits, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceSpicy, floral, cherry, compost, strawberry, rooty, minty, sweaty saddle, waxy pepper aromas. Dry, round, fresh, slightly tannic and tight palate. Bright cherry, raspberry, vanilla, spicy, licorice, toasty earth, compost and mint flavours. Good finesse but not big with some bony tannins to subside over 3-5 years.Prices:| BC | $82.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Bouchard Père & Fils Gevrey Chambertin 2005
Côtes de Nuits, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FrancePlum, spicy, licorice, compost, peppery, orange peel, tobacco aromas. Round, dry, tight palate with good acidity and finesse. Raspberry, plum, orange peel, compost, vanilla flavours. Tight, fresh palate, needs 3-5 years to soften.Prices:| BC | $53.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils Meursault 2005
Meursault, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceFloral, honey, spicy, chalky, sappy peach pit, mineral and lemon aromas. Dry, tight, elegant and round with good acidity. Lemon, pear, green apple skin, chalky, nutty, creamy flavours. Good finesse but still a bit tight and youthful. Drink now or over the next three years.Prices:| BC | $53.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils Meursault Genevrières 1er Cru 2005
Meursault, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceBig honey, floral, acacia, citrus, nutty, pear skin, vanilla and butter aromas. Dry, round, elegant and crisp but full palate. Butter, vanilla, nutty lees, lemon, honey, floral, spicy clove flavours. Great finesse and balance. Drink now - 10 years.Prices:| BC | $89.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chono Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Region del Valle Central, ChileSpicy, peppery, barnyard, cassis, smoky, meaty, black berry jam, bay leaf aromas. Round, supple, ripe and warm style with very light tannins. Good cassis jam, peppery, black berry, leather, tobacco, coffee flavours with a vanilla, licorice, gamey berry finish. Somewhat warm on the finish but great fruit and mouth feel for near term consumption. Organic.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Chono Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Region del Valle Central, ChileMenthol, sappy cassis, bay leaf, peppery, earthy, smoky, tobacco, savoury aromas. Soft, round, supple style with very light tannins. Milk chocolate, cedar, minty, cassis, spicy, peppery. Solid, easy drinking style for current consumption.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.50 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Chono San Lorenzo Estate Red 2005
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileBlack plum, black licorice, barnyard, saddle leather, tobacco, peppery, cassis, eucalyptus aromas. Ripe, round, supple palate with slightly grainy tannins. Good acidity with black berry, cassis, licorice, coriander, eucalyptus, tobacco leaf, leather flavours and an earthy thyme note. A touch warm and tart on the finish but solid and youthful.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Greg Norman Estates Shiraz Limestone Coast 2005
Limestone Coast, South Australia, AustraliaFrom a warm, dry vintage the 05 mixes fruit from vineyards in Padthaway and the Coonawarra region. The nose has an attractive smoky character with leafy black fruit, licorice and toasted oak. There's fine density here with plummy mid-palate fruit that previews leafy, earthy, black raspberry in the finish.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $26.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $25.00 | 750ml |
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22 March 2008
85PTS
Orobio Tempranillo Rioja 2004
Rioja Alavesa, Rioja, SpainAlthough this wine comes from a super modern winery this bottle lacks the lift and fruit you might expect from a young Rioja. The fruit flavours are cooked and simple. Typically soft, tempranillo fruit with a short finish. Disappointing for the price.Prices:| US | $14.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Gazela Vinho Verde NV
Vinho Verde, Northern Portugal, PortugalLook for green melon, diesel, mineral, nutty notes in what is an okay vinho verde for the price. With virtually no colour and a pinch of CO2, it pricks your palate throughout. Citrus water is a good description of this wine that if served al fresco with the right, light summer salads can be fun and very refreshing. The easy access Stelvin screw cap adds to its appeal for the price. Perfect with chicken salad sandwiches.Prices:| BC | $9.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sauvignon Republic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandLike the previous version, the '07 is intense with bits of canned asparagus and grassy, mineral, smoky notes. The attack is dry with citrus canned jalapeno, and pungent, tropical grapefruit and gooseberry notes with a touch of asparagus. A boisterous version of the varietal that Marlborough appears to have little problem turning out every year best with mussels, other shellfish and goat cheese.Prices:| US | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Jean Durup Chablis Domaine de l'Eglantière 2005
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceIt is easy to see why this wine is so popular. This introductory style Chablis is just soft enough to entice but with all the pureness and mineral notes you might expect from a crisp, unoaked, Chablis. Well done.Prices:| US | $18.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Frescobaldi Castelgiocondo Brunello di Montalcino 2001
Tuscany, ItalySmoky, rooty, licorice, peppery, black cherry jam, resin, meaty, barnyard, tobacco, mineral aromas. Rich, roiund, warm, dry palate with grainy, smooth tannins. Full with intense black cherry, plum, smoky, coffee, vanilla, licorice, colar, peppery, resin and orange kirsch flavours. Long, warm, young, still tannic with very good fruit, will improve with additional 3-5 years in the bottle. An excellent vintage.Prices:| BC | $52.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $53.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $54.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Frescobaldi Giramonte 2004
Tuscany, ItalyBig spicy, vanilla, plum jam, meaty, black cherry, peppery, mocha, cardamom and tobacco nose with a floral, orange peel note. Rich, ripe, fat and round with good acidity and smooth, grainy tannins, this mostly merlot blend with a touch of sangiovese has an enticing tobacco, black olive, black cherry, barnyard, licorice, plum flavours with a vanilla mocha finish. One of the best yet from Frescobaldi, and easily among a short list of the very best merlot made in the world. Prices:| BC | $79.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $86.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $85.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $79.00 | 750ml |
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21 March 2008
94PTS
William Fèvre Chablis Les Clos Grand Cru 2005
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceIntense seashore, shell, lees, smoky flint, nutty lees, citrus, spicy anise aromas. Round, full, delicate palate with great finesse and acidity. Butter, lees, chalky, seashell, seaweed, lemon, grassy, floral flavours. Great flavours, acid and expression. Fabulous bottle.Prices:| BC | $89.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
William Fèvre Chablis Bougros Grand Cru 2005
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceLemon, floral, honey, lees, seashell, chalky, citrus peel aromas. Full, ripe, round, tight palate with good acidity and concentration but elegant. Good lemon, lees, honey, spicy, floral, chalky, grassy, green apple flavours. Long, ripe, fresh, will age well over the next 2-5 years.Prices:| BC | $64.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
William Fèvre Chablis Fourchaume Premier Cru 2005
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceSeashell, floral, anise, citrus, chalky, lemon peel aromas, nice complexity. Delicate, round, full, crisp palate with finesse. Citrus, green apple, chalky, flinty, seashell, zippy flavours. Long, good acidity, can age. Good value.Prices:| BC | $39.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
William Fèvre Chablis Montmains Premier Cru 2005
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceFlinty, butter, seashell, citrus, floral, apple aromas. Ripe, round, fresh and elegant with good concentration and acidity. Flinty, apple skin, lemon, floral, pear and mineral flavours. Good finesse and elegance with more crispness.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
William Fèvre Chablis Beauroy Premier Cru 2005
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceTypical floral, citrus, butter, chalk, pear skin aromas. Ripe, round, slightly fat but with mid-palate elegance. Mineral, flinty, lemon, butter, apple skin flavours. Good intensity, drink now.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
William Fèvre Chablis Champs Royaux 2006
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceFlinty, mineral, chalky, green apple skin, citrus aromas. Ripe, soft, round, full palate with citrus, pear, flinty, green apple and lemon butter flavours. Good solid ripeness but a bit flabby. Drink while young.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Adami Dei Castel Spumante Extra Dry NV
Treviso, Verona, Veneto, ItalyIn this Prosecco di Valdobbiadene look for pear, floral, mineral and anise aromas. The style is fresh and crisp with good acidity, a bit of sweetness and of course it's frizzante. Peach, apple, mineral, floral flavours mix with a crisp, juicy, creamy finish. Good solid fun style, perhaps a bit fruitier than the brut version and finished with 15 grams of residual sugar per litre.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Adami Bosco Di Gica Spumante Brut NV
Treviso, Verona, Veneto, ItalyMedium bubbles with continuous light mousse. Floral, pear, red apple, mineral aromas. Crisp, dry, effervescent palate with Bosc pear, creamy peach skin, mineral, nutty apple flavours. Simple, fresh style with good intensity. Serve as apéritif or food. Finished with approximately 10 grams of residual sugar per litre.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Cambria Chardonnay Katherine's Vineyard 2005
Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesNamed for proprietor Barbara Banke's eldest daughter, Cambria Katherine's Vineyard is both vineyard designated and estate-grown on the famed Santa Maria Bench in Northern Santa Barbara County. The nose is an attractive mix of honey and baked apple fruits with a streak of lees and bits of spice melon and cinnamon. The entry is round and rich but with good acidity and crisp pear fruit and creamy lees finish. Very sophisticated California chardonnay with a touch of butter and alcohol in the finish. Drink or hold a year or two. Great with spaghetti alle vongole.Prices:| AB | $29.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $32.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Baron Patrick Ladoucette Les Deux Tours Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Touraine, Loire, FranceSoft elegant style of sauvignon. Not a lot of colour with a moderately expressive grapefruit nose and bits of citrus fruit with floral aromas. Dry fresh, lively, mid-palate with good length and finish. Solid mid-week seafood wine that sees no oak.Prices:| US | $18.00 | 750ml |
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18 March 2008
88PTS
Juan Gil Monastrell 2004
Jumilla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainLovely open mocha chocolate with black cherry and liquorice root. The entry is round and ripe, that tannins chalky and easy to assimilate. The fruit is clean and intense under the peppery, cherry jam, coffee, liquorice spicy, floral, meaty flavours. Warm well-balanced red that should be perfect with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Burrowing Owl Chardonnay 2006
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPear, butter, vanilla, lees, citrus, melon aromas. Somewhat sweet, round, warm palate with medium acidity and oily textures. On the palate passion fruit and grapefruit mix with vanilla and buttery, oaky undertones. Solid but too dominated by butter and oak with some bitterness and lees on the finish. Not the best BOV Chardonnay we have tasted.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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17 March 2008
91PTS
Ca' del Bosco Franciacorta Cuvée Prestige NV
Lombardy, ItalyLots of continuous, fine mousse. Unique nose with smoky, toasted hazelnut, buttery, citrus, baked pear, cooked green apple, anise aromas. Crisp, full, elegant palate in a slightly sweet brut style with moderate mousse. Lots of nutty, buttery, spicy, smoky, baked pear, green apple, peach, cooked melon, strawberry, toasty flavours. Very good intensity but very delicate style with finesse. Disgorged the fall of 2007.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $45.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $33.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $48.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $50.00 | 750ml |
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15 March 2008
93PTS
William Fèvre Chablis Bougros Côte Bouguerots Grand Cru 2005
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceHoney, marzipan, seashell, lemon, floral, chalky, anise aromas. Full, ripe, intense palate with good acidity and concentration. Flinty, salty, seashell, lemon, lees, butter, mineral flavours. Very good, long, similar to Bougros with just a touch more structure and complexity.Prices:| BC | $81.99 | 750ml |
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12 March 2008
86PTS
Seaglass Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesFloral, passion fruit, kiwi, grapefruit juice, nettle and herb aromas with a hint of jalapeno. Round, fresh, slightly flat entry with grassy, grapefruit rind, lemon, nettle and artichoke flavours. Crisp finish with a hint of sweetness. Solid and a slightly different profile for California.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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08 March 2008
87PTS
Lagaria Pinot Grigio 2006
Veneto, ItalyFresh pear, nutty, mineral, chalky, lemon oil, lees aromas. Crisp, dry, round, delicate style with juicy apple, chalky, lees, slate, pear and lemon rind flavours. Solid, juicy, succulent style that will go well with food. Finished under screwcap.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| US | $7.00 | 750ml |
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02 March 2008
86PTS
Lindemans Bin 95 Sauvignon Blanc 2007
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaWhat you smell is what you taste is this entry-level sauvignon that hits all the right notes for its price point. Green apple, citrus, floral, aromas preview a similar green apple, lemon and less palate with a touch of grass. Cool clean, fresh and affordable for white meats and seafood.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $13.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.50 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.50 | 750ml |
| NF | $12.50 | 750ml |
| NB | $12.40 | 750ml |
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April 2008