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Tastings: April 2008
30 April 2008
87PTS
Mount Riley Pinot Noir 2007
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandThe Mount Riley Pinot Noir 2007 is a new listing sold only in private wine stores. It is dry and round on the palate with very light tannins. Its pinot flavours are a mix of compost, cedar and earth with spicy, raspberry and licorice root spiked with tea, ginger and orange. The finish is fresh and elegant. It will need a year or so to fatten up.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Borges Meia Encosta Dão Vinho Tinto 2006
Dão, Northern Portugal, PortugalSpicy, smoked meat, floral, black cherry, earth, peppery, black tea, saddle leather nose. Dry, fresh, somewhat tight palate with light tannins. Cranberry, smoky tea, saddle leather, earthy, tobacco flavours. Simple food wine for roast meat.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Lello Douro Tinto 2006
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalChocolate, earthy, tobacco, black cherry, cedar, saddle leather aromas. Dry, tart, lean palate with earthy, peppery, floral, smoky saddle leather, mineral, cranberry flavours. Just a bit too lean and tart.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Gatao Rosé NV
Trás-os-Montes, Northern Portugal, PortugalPale raspberry colour. Cherry, earthy, floral, mineral aromas. Light spritz, delicate, crisp, round palate with earthy, buttery, sour cherry, apple flavours. A delicate, fresh and dry style for any summer occasion.Prices:| BC | $11.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Gatao Vinho Verde NV
Vinho Verde, Northern Portugal, PortugalFloral, light melon, fresh apple, mineral, citrus nose. Clean and fresh and light on the palate with a light spritz. Fresh citrus, apple, mineral, chalky, quince flavours. Delicate, easy, crisp style for summer. Good value.Prices:| BC | $11.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $13.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Dominique Piron Domaine de la Chanaise Régnié Cru Beaujolais 2005
Régnié, Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceBig spicy, Bing cherry jam, floral, licorice, light menthol, mineral nose. Round, supple, dry and elegant with red licorice, black cherry, spicy, rooty, gamey, mineral flavours. Warm finish but well balanced and juicy with some finesse. Very attractive current drinking style with or without food and good value.Prices:| BC | $21.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Vina Robles Red Huerhuero 2006
Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, Central Coast, California, United StatesSomewhat reduced nose with peppery, spicy, black cherry, raspberry jam, gamey, barnyard nose. Round, full, fresh palate with light tannins. Plum jam, savoury, black cherry, barnyard, earthy, peppery, sappy flavours with a touch of barnyard. Good fruit intensity if a bit tannic, dry and chunky on the finish. Needs a year or so or with lamb tagine. Fair value.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Vina Robles Petite Sirah Jardine 2005
Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, Central Coast, California, United StatesPeppery, spicy, iodine, black cherry, plum jam, licorice, rooty, light menthol nose. Dry, tart, somewhat lean palate with rustic tannins. Cedar bark, leather, black cherry, sour plum, mineral, vanilla, cola, rooty, cardamom flavours. The nose is promsing but the palate is just too acidic and dry.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Vina Robles Cabernet Sauvignon Huerhuero 2004
Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, Central Coast, California, United StatesSpicy, licorice root, cedar bark, roasted pepper, earthy, cassis, black olive nose. Dry, somewhat tannic, tart, warm palate with cedar bark, cassis, sappy resin, rooty, tobacco, smoky herb flavours. No generosity and ripeness here.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Wakefield Promised Land Shiraz Cabernet 2005
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaSpicy, peppery, floral, black berry jam, rooty, gamy, green olive nose with a bit of tobacco leaf. Round, soft, slightly sweet entry with spicy, tobacco leaf, green olive, cassis, black cherry, rooty, lees flavours. Easy consumer style a la Yellow Tail but a bit insipid and warm with a green edge.Prices:| NS | $14.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Wakefield Promised Land Riesling 2007
South Australia, AustraliaPeach, floral, honey, lime, mineral aromas. Round, fresh, crisp, off-dry entry with some orange, lime, green apple, chalky, guava, mineral flavours. A tad warm on the finish but a good fruity, juicy style with a crisp edge.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wakefield St. Andrews Riesling 2005
Clare Valley, South Australia, AustraliaPetrol, slate, mineral, floral, lime rind aromas. Dry, delicate, round palate with medium acidity. Slate, petrol, lime rind, green apple skin, spicy, ginger and butter flavours. A somewhat more austere style that would benefit from food accompaniment.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Wakefield St. Andrews Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Clare Valley, South Australia, AustraliaCassis, smoky, tobacco, saddle leather, brine, black olive, peppery aromas. Dry, round, tart, slightly tannic entry with an edge. Tobacco leaf, sappy cassis, smoky, earthy, cedar bark, cranberry flavours. Full but tannic, tart and lean on the finish with some warmth. Not a generous style.Prices:| BC | $48.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Wakefield Riesling Clare Valley 2007
Clare Valley, South Australia, AustraliaLemon oil, ginger, marzipan, lime, floral, mineral nose. Dry, delicate, fresh style with just a touch of sweetness. Floral, maraschino, petrol, lemon oil, green apple skin flavours. Solid, if a bit lean on the finish, although there is a long fruity aftertaste. More of a food style wine rather than a sipper.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Wakefield Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Clare Valley, South Australia, AustraliaSmoky, spicy, tobacco leaf, black olive, cedar, licorice root. Dry, tart, warm, somewhat tannic entry with cranberry, smoky oak vanilla, cedar bark, tobacco leaf, cassis and resin flavours. Somewhat lean, minty, dry finish. Needs more generosity and ripeness, reminiscent of an old style Cote de Bourg from Bordeaux.Prices:| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Nepenthe Rogue Cabernet Merlot Shiraz 2005
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaPeppery, graphite, black cherry, cassis, savoury, floral, tobacco nose. Round, dry, slightly tannic but supple entry. Smoky, liquorice, cassis jam, cherry, vanilla, peppery, tobacco flavours with a black olive, cedar and spicy herb aftertaste. Finish is a bit tart but solid fruit. Needs a year to soften the dry tannins.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Nepenthe Tryst Cabernet Sauvignon Tempranillo Zinfandel 2006
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaTobacco leaf spicy, sappy cassis, floral, green olive, resin, cedar, savoury nose. Round, full, warm, slightly tannic entry with a hint of sweetness and tartness. Coffee, tobacco leaf, cedar, black olive, resin, cassis, spicy, herbal flavours. A bit of a green, acidic finish.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Dominique Piron Moulin-à-Vent Les Vigne du Vieux Bourg Cru Beaujolais 2006
Moulin-à-Vent, Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceFloral, spicy, peppery, red licorice, gamey, Bing cherry, incense and cedar nose, very aromatic. Ripe, round, rich, elegant style with some light tannin to shed. Full black cherry, licorice, rooty, spicy, floral, mineral, ash tobacco and plum flavours. Has the structure to improve over the next 1-3 years but a fine food wine now. Again, good solid value and attractive style for restaurants.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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29 April 2008
86PTS
Spinyback Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Nelson, South Island, New ZealandSolid entry-level Kiwi sauvignon form the Nelson region, north and west of Marlborough. The nose and palate are mix of lime rind, grapefruit and gooseberry with tinned asparagus and citrus rind notes in the finish. Ready to drink now. Think mussels steamed with tomatoes and onion and dried herbs.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.65 | 750ml |
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25 April 2008
88PTS
Benton Lane Pinot Noir 2006
Oregon, United StatesOpen thyme, herbal, spicy, rooty, floral, smoky, rhubarb, sour cherry nose. Soft, round, silky texture with a rooty, herbal, earthy, tobacco leaf, cooked rhubarb, floral, soapy cherry flavours. Fresh, stewed tea leaf finish with a touch of tannins. Earthier style with finesse.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Valdivieso Extra Brut NV
ChileAlmond, nutty, toasty, baked pear, marzipan aromas with a touch of peach. Medium mousse with lots of acidity. Lemon, nutty, toasty, baked apple, earthy, sour cherry flavours. More of a food/tapas-style sparkler with the elevated acidity.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Nepenthe Pinot Gris 2007
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaMineral, slate, butter, green apple skin with bits of earth and pear aromas. Dry, elegant, crisp, fresh entry with ripe pear, butter, apple skin, slate and citrus flavours. Very good intensity in a crisper, dryer food style. Solid value and under screwcap.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tohu Pinot Noir 2006
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandSlightly reduced nose with carrot top, tea leaf, raspberry, orange peel, light plum and tobacco leaf aromas. Round, dry, elegant palate with tobacco leaf, sour cherry, raspberry, carrot top, rooty, smoky, light vanilla and orange peel flavours. Fresh, dry finish in a slightly lean style.Prices:| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Moillard Chorey-les-Beaune 2005
Savigny-lès-Beaune, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceFloral, earthy, strawberry, tobacco leaf, rooty aromas. Dry, round, elegant, slightly tight palate with cedar, earthy, tobacco leaf, earthy, compost, sour cherry flavours. A bit tight and fresh now, needs a year or so to settle down.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Sumac Ridge Gewürztraminer Icewine 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaShower curtain (plastic), spicy, ginger, dried lychee, floral, mineral nose. Ripe, fat, round, sweet entry with a touch of bitterness. Butter, lychee, plasticene, mineral and cooked peach flavours. Solid but a bit ponderous and bitter on the finish.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 200ml |
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87PTS
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Pinot Gris Organic 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRipe pear, citrus, matchstick, earthy, orange blossom nose flecked with slate and a light lees character. Round, full, dry, fresh and crisp palate with earthy, slate, pear, butter, citrus, green apple and ginger flavours. Solid effort.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
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20 April 2008
87PTS
Van Westen Vineyards Vivacious 2006
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA fine improvement over the previous vintage. The floral, mineral, lees aromas are still present but it's cleaner and fresher on the nose and palate. The palate is crisp with bright, okay "vivacious" pear/apple fruit. This 96/4 mix of pinot blanc and pinot gris hits all the right notes for summer.Prices:| BC | $17.90 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Gallo Family Vineyards Chardonnay 2006
California, United StatesCleaner nose than the last edition but still a simple somewhat harsh version of this popular varietal. Look for butter, pear and bitter citrus fruit notes and a fairly warm finish. Very basic white wine at a basic price.Prices:| BC | $9.79 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.29 | 750ml |
| MB | $8.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.45 | 750ml |
| NB | $10.21 | 750ml |
| NS | $10.21 | 750ml |
| PEI | $10.21 | 750ml |
| NF | $10.21 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Woodbridge Sauvignon Blanc 2006
California, United StatesA much better effort this year with a cleaner fresher approach. The aromas and flavours are fresh with a bit of almond, citrus and grass. Simple straight-up sauvignon at an affordable price. Prices:| BC | $11.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $20.00 | 1500ml |
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86PTS
Woodbridge Chardonnay 2006
California, United StatesFollowing the previous year's footsteps a dash of lees and minerality really lifts this inexpensive chardonnay up a notch. The palate is round and buttery with nutty baked apple fruit and just a hint of sweetness. Solid for the price.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.55 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mills Reef Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Hawkes Bay, North Island, New ZealandHawkes Bay sauvignon always gets a fresh reception in Canada where its slightly tempered herbaceous fruit flavours can entice. Gooseberry and passion fruit are the main components here with a dusting of honey, green apple in the finish. A small portion of the wine is fermented in oak to supply texture to what is otherwise a fresh and vivacious wine made for immediate drinking with a variety of fresh seafood dishes.Prices:| AB | $28.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Saxenburg Guinea Fowl Chenin Blanc Viognier 2007
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaYear three for this label features a 68/32 blend of chenin blanc and viognier. The nose is open and fresh with a mix of lees, tropical pineapple fruit and honey aromas. The viognier definitely fattens up the skinny, fresh chenin blanc fruit giving the white wine all the balance it needs. Sip all summer with seafood or solo on the patio. This one is a winner.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Estancia Chardonnay Pinnacles 2005
Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesThere's something very encouraging about modern Monterrey chardonnay. Once the secret weapon of Napa Valley producers the standalone bottlings such as this Estancia label are really worth tracking down. Love the green apple skin citrus mineral aromas and flavours flecked with ripe drops of honey and peach. The finish is crisp and appealing with more lees and citrus highlights. Spaghetti and clams would be absolutely perfect with this bottle.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Fork in the Road Oliver Block 212 White 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe latest Fork in the Road White is a 78/12/10 mix of chardonnay/pinot gris/sémillon from the Mission Hill team that stays the course with its floral, nutty, mineral fruit notes. On the palate the fruit is ripe and intense with bright pineapple and honey flavours flecked with just enough minerality and nutty notes to have plenty of restaurant appeal. Simply prepared halibut or perhaps sole meunière would be fine pairings and it's under screwcap for permanent dependability.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
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19 April 2008
86PTS
Laura Hartwig Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2005
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileChocolate, cedar, peppery, tobacco, cassis, cool cherry, green olive aromas. Round, dry, slightly tannic, warm palate. Cedar, olive, menthol, cassis, light coffee, peppery, rooty flavours. Solid, slightly cooler style with some tannins to shed.Prices:| BC | $17.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Don Domenico Tempranillo El Escondido 2005
San Juan, ArgentinaMeaty, tobacco leaf, barnyard, incense, cherry, saddle leather aromas. Round, dry, supple, slightly tannic palate with cherry, tobacco, smoked meat, floral, peppery flavours. Solid food wine for any occasion.Prices:| BC | $21.05 | 750ml |
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83PTS
San Huberto Cabernet Syrah 2006
Reduced rubbery, earthy, peppery, meaty, tobacco leaf nose. Round, supple, easy style palate with menthol, earthy, peppery, black olive flavours. Simple but too reduced on the nose.Prices:| BC | $11.28 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Bisonte Cabernet Sauvignon Crianza 2005
Earthy, iodine, peppery, cedar, floral, light cassis aromas. Dry, round, slightly lean but elegant palate. Peppery, coffee, earthy, cassis, tobacco, rooty flavours. Good balance and intensity in a somewhat French style edition. Solid value.Prices:| BC | $14.66 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Punters Corner Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaCorked, try another.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Punters Corner Coonawarra Triple Crown 2003
Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaCassis, floral, coffee grind, black olive, carrot top, caraway aromas. Dry, round, tight palate, elegant but tart. Coffee, cassis, black olive, vanilla, black cherry flavours with a tobacco, cedar finish. Solid fruit but it's too acidic.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Errazuriz Max Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Valle de Aconcagua, Region de Aconcagua, ChileSappy cassis, menthol, coffee, black olive, cedar, sandalwood incense. Round, full, warm palate with light tannins. Meaty, peppery, coffee, cassis jam, eucalyptus, vanilla, rooty cherry flavours. Youthful but good intensity in a somewhat cooler style. Good solid cab from Chile. Could use a year to soften or try with beef steak.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.49 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.05 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.05 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Two Up Shiraz 2005
South Australia, AustraliaLicorice root, reduced earthy, resin, peppery, blueberry, and pruny aromas. Round, fresh acid palate with some sweetness. Soapy, floral, blueberry, earthy, cherry, licorice flavours. Very acidic, lean finish.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Gallo Family Vineyards Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Sonoma County, California, United StatesReduced rubbery, earthy, resiny, tobacco, cassis. Dry, lean, somewhat thin with cedary tannins. Earthy, peppery, resin, coffee, rooty, tobacco leaf flavours. No real fruit and a hard, slightly tart finish.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Turning Leaf Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2006
California, United StatesCedar, tomato leaf and roasted coffee and chocolate mark the aromas and flavours of this simple cabernet. It has soft, open, supple styling with muted tannins and big warm spicy hot alcohol. Warm cedar dry finish. Pizza wine. Sold in Ontario in 1-litre Tetra Pak for $13.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.00 | 1000ml |
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87PTS
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Ehrenfelser 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBright fresh enticing nose of orange blossoms and peach. The entry is clean and fresher than previous editions but the flavours a bit dilute. Look for fresh, floral, candied lime and peach flavours. Again like last year it's a bit warm and pricey but otherwise, it is a stylish patio sipper.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Pyramid Cabernets 2003
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTobacco leaf, dill, cedar, olive, resin, coffee aromas. Round, very dry, slightly lean but elegant style. Green tobacco, cedar, earthy, peppery, smoky saddle leather, barnyard flavours. Finish is firm with somewhat hard tannins and a slightly acidic bight. Needs food.Prices:| BC | $18.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Platinum Series Gewürztraminer Organic 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRich meaty floral spicy nose with flecks of ginger. The entry is dry and fresh with bright, zippy ripe fruit flavours streaked with nectarine skin, floral orange notes and bits of spicy sausage meat. Impressive firm lean style with fine balance. Well done.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Yering Station Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Yarra Valley, Victoria, AustraliaIntense sappy cassis, olive brine, dill, tobacco leaf, coffee grind nose. Warm, dry, round but tart with light, lean tannins. Peppery, black olive, resin, coffee grind, tobacco leaf, cranberry, smoky cassis flavours. Lacks balance with a somewhat bitter and acidic finish.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Wente Vineyards Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Livermore, San Francisco Bay, California, United StatesEarthy, cassis, tobacco leaf, black olive, floral aromas. Round, slightly tannic entry with cedar, earthy, peppery, resin, coffee and bitter cranberry flavours. Somewhat tart and lean on the finish or out of synch with what you might expect from California cabernet.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Bleasdale Shiraz / Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Langhorne Creek, South Australia, AustraliaThis 79/21 mix of shiraz/cabernet comes with a tobacco leaf, peppery, rooty nose flecked with smoky, coffee, cassis, liquorice and resiny, earthy notes. Round, dry, tart entry with coffee, resin, blueberry, black cherry, menthol, tobacco leaf, meaty flavours. Solid but like many the mid-plate and finish is acidic which in turn accentuates the dry finish.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Mount Langi Ghiran Billi Billi Shiraz 2004
Victoria, AustraliaIntense blueberry, blackberry, licorice, earthy, resin nose with slightly reduced, tobacco leaf aromas. Round, dry, tart entry and light-bodied. Licorice, resin, vanilla, blueberry, earthy cherry flavours. Has fruit but the acidity is tooth searing and hard marring the overall taste.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
M. Chapoutier Domaine de Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem Rouge 2004
Côtes du Roussillon Villages, Roussillon, Sud de France, FranceA big intense powerful red wine from the Côtes du Roussillon Villages made by Rhone specialist Chapoutier at Domaine Bila Haut. The fruit is bio-dynamically farmed including a handful of 90 year old vines. The floral mineral, burnt earth aromas waft from this grenache, carignan and syrah blend. Lovely black fruit flavours spiked with liquorice and garrigue. Impressive for the price.Prices:| BC | $24.25 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Valdivieso Caballo Loco Number Nine NV
Region del Valle Central, ChileBig coffee, cassis, dry cedar, eucalyptus, black cherry jam, peppery, dried herbs and vanilla aromas. Dry, round, elegant but full with light, grainy tannins. Menthol, sappy cassis, coffee grind, tobacco leaf, cedar, vanilla, cola, dried coriander, cardamom flavours. Solid but somewhat herbaceous on the finish. Needs 2-3 years to round out.Prices:| BC | $48.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Wolf Blass Grey Label Shiraz 2004
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaPeppery, blackberry, coffee, rooty, menthol, cedar aromas. Dry, tart, somewhat lean, tannic entry entry. Pencil lead, licorice root, black cherry, resiny, coffee, tobacco and cedar bark flavours. The finish is just too lean and acidic that elevates the dryness of the tannins.Prices:| BC | $35.07 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $24.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $38.72 | 750ml |
| NF | $28.20 | 750ml |
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18 April 2008
85PTS
Wolf Blass Red Label Cabernet Merlot 2006
South Australia, AustraliaOpen resiny minty liquorice scented nose with bits of briar whole berry fruit tones. It has plenty of soft, round textures with black fruit and tangy mid-palate acidity with a peppery spicy finish. Nothing fancy that is best served with grilled meats to temper the acidity and resin notes.Prices:| BC | $15.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $17.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $18.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Lizard Flat Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2002
AustraliaThe 2002 vintage seems fine in the Tetra Pak, but freshness isn't enough to help this straight-up blend of minty, sweet, cabernet merlot move above the ordinary. Best at the beach with a crowd.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 1000ml |
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84PTS
Spinelli Quartana Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2006
Abruzzo, ItalyThis simple quaffing red comes with slightly higher mid-palate acid and slightly drier tannins than you get in inexpensive New World reds. It spends a few months in large Slavonian oak or 'botti' to soften the edges. Look for cherry and liquorice fruit flavours with just a dusting of spice. Love the price.Prices:| BC | $8.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
MezzaCorona Teroldego Rotaliano Reserva 2003
Trentino- Alto-Adige, ItalyThis northern red opens with mineral notes and bits of dried herbs and black fruit. It has plenty of acidity on the mid-palate with firm dry Italian tannins in the back end. Best with meat dishes or another two to three years in bottle.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bodegas Palacio Glorioso Rioja Crianza 2004
Rioja Alta, Rioja, SpainStyle and elegance is the key to fine tempranillo and good Rioja. Glorioso is made in the soft and silky mode with plenty of smoky, vanilla red berry fruit with just a dusting of tannin. Lovely styling here and freshness. Well done and it will get better with age. Good value.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Chateau Pech-Latt Corbières 2005
Corbières, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceOrganic wine lovers take note: this 30/30/25/15 blend of carignan/syrah/grenache/mourvèdre is made with 100 per cent certified organic grapes. Typically aromatic with notes of floral, garrigue, mineral, blgck fruit flavours aromas. Full-bodied earthy, dry fruit flavours with a dose of tannin. Needs food or more time in the bottle to mellow out, Serve now with a braised lamb shank.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Voga Quattro 2005
Veneto, ItalyThe water-bottle, look-alike comes out of Sicily with an artificial cork hidden beneath its plastic screw top. The nose is warm with plummy, peppery, floral fruit notes. It is softer and cleaner than the previous version with more floral, meaty, black fruit flavours. A solid, everyday, barbecue red.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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17 April 2008
87PTS
Dourthe № 1 Rouge 20th Anniversary 2006
Bordeaux, FranceSmoky new oak in the front end but with the signature Dourthe freshness and balance. Cool balanced Bordeaux red that carries itself with style and elegance and not chocolate and espresso. Designed for early drinking the merlot is dominant in this no make-up version of the merlot cab blend. Best with food.Prices:| BC | $25.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wente Morning Fog Chardonnay 2005
Livermore, San Francisco Bay, California, United StatesMorning Fog is a good example of the new California chardonnay. It has all the ripeness, honey and spicy tropical fruit notes but with much better acidity and verve. The flavours are fresh and clean with a nutty citrus green apple finish. Affordable fun white wine that will have broad appeal.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Saintsbury Carneros Chardonnay 2005
Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United StatesLove the restrained cool fruit nose of green apple skin, mineral and lees. There's oak but you hardly notice it (only 20 percent is new) as you slide into the crisp, crunchy fruit on the mid-palate reminiscent of the aforementioned green apples and pear with a creamy, lees finish. Unfiltered for the final touch. At 15,000 plus cases we can celebrate quality, quantity and years of refinement and experience that delivers a clear vision of the future of California chardonnay.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
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16 April 2008
84PTS
Twin Fin Chardonnay 2005
California, United StatesMuch like the previous edition this comes with cooked apple and citrus aromas - both sweet and sour. On the palate you pick up similar buttery melon notes mixed with tropical fruit and canned citrus. Simple affordable chardonnay.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Turning Leaf Chardonnay 2005
California, United StatesTurning leaf is mostly consistent but at the sweeter end of the spectrum for chardonnay far from the edge of the curve. Look for notes of apple/citrus and butter/melon flavours with a touch of butterscotch. The palate is fresh, despite the sweetness. The price is right.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.03 | 750ml |
| SK | $12.37 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $11.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $11.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Calona Vineyards Unoaked Chardonnay Artist Series Reserve 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen attractive nose of ripe citrus and red apple fruit. Soft and sweet on the entry with more butter, melon, red apple flavours. Simple straight -up clean chardonnay with a sweet fruit finish that will appeal to a wide audience.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.99 | 750ml |
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14 April 2008
85PTS
Nk'Mip Cellars Merlot 2005
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTypically spicy minty vanilla, coffee mocha nose with a streak of leather and resin. Dry, firm tight palate with firm acidity, cedar, tobacco ash and roasted coffee oaky, black olive notes. Best with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Saturna Vintner's Select Merlot 2006
Saturna, Gulf Islands, British Columbia, CanadaLight raspberry, cherry, roasted tomato nose with vanilla flecks. On the palate the entry is soft and sweet and simple. More spicy syrupy sweet commercial flavours mixed with underripe fruit but not a lot of merlot character.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Platinum Series Merlot 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIntense aromatic coffee, cedar resin nose with a dusting of vanilla black fruit. The 100 per cent organic grapes, aged in French oak barrels, come off a vineyard Kaleden just south of Penticton. The palate is heavy with bitter, herbal earthy flavours that finish warm and sour. Disappointing for the price.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Wild Goose Merlot Reserve 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOnly made in years deemed to be exceptional is laudable. This '05 reserve in a slightly more intense version of the regular merlot. The tannins are dense but soft and grainy. The flavours of smoky burnt express are warm (alcoholic) with a low fruit component. More earthy resiny bits mark the finish. Solid effort but needs more fruit and less oak.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Wild Goose Merlot 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaQuite a warm version of merlot with dusty earthy plummy notes and touch of cedar throughout. Fairly dense and dry a firm tannic mid-palate and finish. More classic Bordeaux style but just a bit to dry and firm in the tannin department. Serve now with steak or wait a year or two. On the right track but pricey for the quality.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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13 April 2008
86PTS
Wakefield Promised Land Unwooded Chardonnay 2007
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaBright open honeyed melon fruit nose with a touch of green apple skin. Fresh entry with a sweet and sour palate. Short simple warm finish. Simple everyday chardonnay.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
CedarCreek Ehrenfelser 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFor years I suggested BC aromatic varieties be bottled and ready to go May 1 following the vintage. I would only add a screwcap to my wish list for this otherwise delicious CedarCreek label that is just coming into the market. Love its floral, orange, mineral, spicy, nose and flavours. So fresh and inviting, this just off dry white is an attractive bottle of wine. Think spicy foods, even sweet and sour BBQ spareribs. Less is more here.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Sandhill Rosé Sandhill Estate Vineyard 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, floral, tobacco leaf, light cherry, banana, earthy nose. Fresh, round, somewhat dry entry with tobacco, candied cherry, banana, mineral, cranberry flavours. Easy going picnic style summer drinker.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.99 | 750ml |
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12 April 2008
87PTS
Domaine de Chaberton Barrel Reserve Chardonnay 2006
British Columbia, CanadaHoneyed, green melon, buttery, vanilla, grassy, cedar sawdust, lees and lemon aromas. Rich, round, warm, somewhat sweet entry with leesy, lemon, honey, buttered clove, resin and baked pear flavours. Very warm, buttered popcorn, grassy finish. Needs time to integrate.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Quails' Gate Chardonnay 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight garlic lees, grapefruit rind, mineral, floral, green apple skin aromas with a touch of vanilla and honey. Crisp, cool, moderately dry style with green apple skin, honey, light lees, melon rind flavours with a touch of bitter grapefruit rind on the finish. More modern style to accompany light West coast seafood.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Nk'Mip Cellars Chardonnay 2006
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFresh citrus, melon, light butter, green apple, pear skin aromas. Crisp, clean, elegant style on the cooler side with a touch of sweetness. Green apple, citrus rind, mineral, light butter and lees flavours. A clean, attractive style for current summer drinking. Well done.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Sumac Ridge Chardonnay Black Sage Vineyard 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaButtered popcorn, honey, vanilla, cedar, baked apple aromas. Fat, round, warm style with butterscotch, baked apple, honey, resin, clove and light citrus flavours. Oaky, buttery style lacks balance and true varietal character.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Herder Chardonnay Twin Benches 2006
British Columbia, CanadaMelon, honey, buttery, passion fruit, citrus, vanilla aromas. Fresh, round, fat, somewhat sweet entry with mango, orange, buttery, vanilla, spicy lees, ginger, nectarine flavours. Warm and tropical style, seems to have a bit of viognier like character and some muscat notes. Unique, ripe style.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Peller Estates Private Reserve Chardonnay 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight lees, matchstick, butter, honey, melon, green apple aromas with a touch of vanilla. Fresh, round, slightly oily texture with buttery, honey, melon, lees, spicy, citrus rind flavours. Finish is a touch sweet and sour but otherwise a solid effort.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $18.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Dry Rock Vineyards Chardonnay 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHoney, grapefruit rind, apple skin, floral, matchstick nose. Fresh, round, elegant style with light grapefruit, grassy, green apple, mineral, butter and nectarine skin flavours. Very solid, simple style chardonnay or any occasion. Good value.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Chardonnay 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeach, lees, canned fruit, garlic, grapefruit rind, oyster shell and honey aromas. Round, dry, fairly crisp palate with a touch of oiliness. Buttery, nutty lees, light garlic, grapefruit, orange, canned melon flavours. Crisp, warm finish with some fruti intensity if a bit oaky.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $21.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $21.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.15 | 750ml |
| NB | $18.68 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.35 | 750ml |
| YK | $18.95 | 750ml |
| NWT | $16.45 | 750ml |
| NF | $18.45 | 750ml |
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90PTS
J. Bookwalter Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesIntense smoky, leather, coffee, cola, barnyard, vanilla, blackberry, cassis nose with a touch of mint and licorice. Dry, warm, round, fat and intense with fine grainy tannins. Lots of coffee, smoky, vanilla, black cherry, leather, resiny, black olive flavours. Good smooth textures, should improve over the next 2-4 years. This is cabernet is made in consultation with noted winemaker/consultant Selma Long.Prices:| BC | $59.99 | 750ml |
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11 April 2008
89PTS
Norton Privada 2003
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaNot all malbec is 100 per cent varietal. Privada is made as a Bordeaux blend Argentine style mixing 40/30/30 malbec, cabernet sauvignon and merlot. The origins of this bottling were small amounts that never left the property; today small quantities have been exported. It's quite big red, at least in its youth, with a smoky tarry liquorice nose. The palate is smooth and round with subdued black fruit, red plum flavours and earthy, liquorice notes. It has both density and style and is very food friendly.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Bodega Lurton Gran Lurton Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Mendoza, ArgentinaA 100-percent cabernet sauvignon rife with dark fruits and dried herbs on the nose. The palate is pleasingly smooth and round with more minty red fruit flavours with an earthy bell pepper finish. It will be a hit with certain cabernet drinkers and is best served with steak when young.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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10 April 2008
87PTS
Terra Andina Altos Carmenère - Carignan 2004
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileA unique blend of carmenère from Alto Maipo and carignan from the Cauquenes region that blends the big bold savoury peppery fruit of the carmenère with the sweeter riper reds fruits of the carignan and its acidity. Youthful rough and tumble red for big grilled meat menu items or hard cheeses. Very warm finish. needs time.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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09 April 2008
88PTS
Antonin Guyon Beaune Clos de la Chaume Gaufriot 2005
Beaune, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceRaspberry, tobacco leaf, compost, meaty, carrot, floral, rooty aromas. Dry, elegant, slightly tannic, slightly tart entry, somewhat closed. Raspberry, orange peel, tobacco leaf, mineral, rooty, light compost, rhubarb flavours with smoky oak note. Youthful, big boned Beaune that is just closing down. Decant or keep for 2-4 years until the acidity rounds out.Prices:| BC | $44.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $42.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Antonin Guyon Volnay Clos des Chenes 1er Cru 2005
Volnay, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceHuge rose petal, black cherry jam, menthol, plum, sauvage, tobacco, meaty, carrot top, vanilla, spicy nose. Ripe, round, rich but dry with some light chunky tannins but good acidity. Meaty, rose petal, black cherry, orange peel, tobacco leaf, barnyard, licorice root, coffee and vanilla flavours. Long, ripe and full but big boned and youthful. Needs 4-7 years to mature but should be worth the wait.Prices:| BC | $66.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Antonin Guyon Chambolle-Musigny Les Cras 2005
Côtes de Nuits, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceSpicy, smoky, black cherry, floral, rooty, barnyard, light saddle leather, compost aromas. Round, dry, slightly tight but elegant and structured. Good finesse with black cherry, spicy vanilla, orange, strawberry jam, mineral, tobacco, rooty, compost and barnyard flavours. Has the structure and acidity to age 3-7 years. Very attractive style and value.Prices:| BC | $63.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Galil Mountain Merlot 2006
Upper Galilee, Galilee, IsraelPeppery, earthy, black olive, cherry, floral, briar nose. Round, dry, slightly tart entry with light tannins. Cranberry, cherry, meaty, tobacco, floral, resin flavours. Solid but the finish is warm and tart.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Galil Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Upper Galilee, Galilee, IsraelPeppery, spicy, tobacco leaf, black olive, earthy, light cassis aromas. Round, supple, forward style with cassis, spicy, peppery, tobacco, light vanilla, stewed plum and olive flavours. Solid consumer style.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Yarden Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
Galilee, IsraelPeppery, cassis, black berry, riparian, leather, tobacco, coffee, cedar and beef aromas. Rich, round, slightly tannic with bright acidity. Smoky, black cherry, cassis, resin, black olive, dill, coffee flavours with an herbaceous note on the finish. Solid but quite dry and a bit tart. Needs 1-3 years or try with a steak.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $33.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Yarden Mount Herman 2006
Galilee, IsraelBlack olive, peppery, herbaceous, cassis, saddle leather, spicy cherry nose. Soft, round, supple palate with light tannins and a hint of sweetness with some acidity showing. Green olive, cranberry, sour cherry, earthy, weedy vanilla flavours. Simple, straight up blend.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Dalton Canaan Red 2006
Upper Galilee, Galilee, IsraelGreen olives, weedy, cassis, riparian, tobacco leaf nose. Soft, round, somewhat sweet entry with light, bitter tannins and some acidity showing. Olive, herbaceous, cassis leaf, tobacco leaf, and roasted bell pepper flavours. Sweet and sour warm finish. Reminiscent of Oz.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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08 April 2008
89PTS
Antonin Guyon Gevrey-Chambertin La Justice 2005
Gevrey-Chambertin, Côtes de Nuits, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceTobacco, earthy, light barnyard, black cherry, spicy, smoky, carrot top aromas with a light oak streak. Ripe, round, elegant style with light tannins and good acidity with good finesse. Light coffee, orange, cherry, tobacco, vanilla, spicy compost flavours. Good balance and finesse with bright fruit and a bit of new oak showing. Needs 2-3 years to integrate.Prices:| BC | $61.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Galil Mountain Pinot Noir 2005
Upper Galilee, Galilee, IsraelPruny, warm cherry, tobacco leaf, rooty aromas. Soft, round, easy style but a bit chunky with light tannins. Floral, black cherry, resin, licorice, cranberry, smoky vanilla flavours. Warm, full style with some flavours intensity. Solid effort if quite alcoholic.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Galil Mountain Yiron 2003
Upper Galilee, Galilee, IsraelTobacco, saddle leather, peppery, vanilla, smoky dill, brine, black olive, cedar aromas. Dry, full, slightly lean entry with light, cedary tannins but solid balance. Coffee, black olive, dill, peppery, resin, cassis, vanilla, cedar flavours. Reminiscent of Coonawarra. Needs 2-3 years to soften out and integrate the oak.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Domaine de Força Real Rivesaltes Hors d'Age NV
Rivesaltes, Les Pyrénées Orientales, Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceLight orange gold colour. Baked sherry style nose with nutty, baked pear, orange, spicy, dried apricot nose. Round, elegant, slightly sweet style with good acidity. Nutty, coffee, cooked orange peel, ginger, floral, baked pear flavours. Good balance and intensity if a bit warm. Try with crème caramel or a fruit flan. Solid value dessert wine.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 500ml |
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06 April 2008
86PTS
Ironstone Vineyards Obsession Symphony 2005
California, United StatesA pleasing cross of muscat d'Alexandria and grenache gris yields a spicy, floral, mineral, peachy wine. Not quite as intense as last year but still reasonably crisp, elegant with a touch of Co2 for life. Serve solo on the patio or pair it up with lightly spiced appetizers.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $14.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wild Goose Gewurztraminer 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAlways crisp when young it builds intensity in the bottle mixing spicy litchi fruit flavour with hints of rose oil. 1990. Similar flavours mark the palate that is dry and fragrant. A terrific food wine with few limits. Drink now.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Wild Goose Gewurztraminer Mystic River Vineyard 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMystic River gewürztraminer comes from farther south in a desert wine country vineyard in Oliver. Intensity is the name of the game here with increased floral tropical fruit aromas, minerality and ginger/nutmeg. Fresh, elegant, powerful, first class gewürztraminer.Prices:| BC | $22.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Wild Goose Autumn Gold 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Autumn Gold blend is a delightful blend of riesling, pinot blanc and gewürztraminer that beckons the nose with spicy, floral, baked apple aromas and delicious red apple, mineral fruit with a touch of lime rind. Great value.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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05 April 2008
87PTS
Famille Perrin Côtes du Rhône Rouge Réserve 2006
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceSpicy, floral, chocolate, tobacco, compost, black cherry, almond, meaty aromas. Round, dry, supple, slightly tannic but elegant palate. Black cherry, tobacco, meaty, floral, savoury, mineral flavours. Good solid effort and fine value for the price.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Selbach-Oster Riesling Estate Kabinett 2006
Mosel, GermanySlate, green apple, floral, peach, citrus nose with a touch of honey. Crisp, round, elegant, delicate palate with creamy, juicy acidity. Citrus, slate, smoky, butter, green apple skin and peach skin flavours. Good finesse, ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $22.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Cline Ancient Vines Zinfandel 2006
Contra Costa, Central Coast, California, United StatesSpicy, cedar bark, licorice, blackberry, floral nose. Dry, round, fresh palate with boysenberry, black cherry, cedar, peppery, rooty flavours. Simple, fresh, easy style with light tannins on the finish.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Cline Ancient Vines Mourvèdre 2005
Contra Costa, Central Coast, California, United StatesMeaty, tobacco, peppery, chocolate, mocha, black cherry aromas. Soft, round, supple, slightly sweet entry with black cherry jam, orange, rooty, meaty, coffee, licorice flavours. Good solid consumer style for current consumption.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $21.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $21.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Quails' Gate Pinot Noir 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaReduced rubbery nose with resin, barnyard and rhubarb aromas. Smooth, round, tart palate with green tobacco leaf, rubbery, rhubarb, resiny, carrot top flavours. Fairly smooth and slick on the palate but with somewhat reduced with a tart finish. Definitely decant this one and get some air on it. Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Quails' Gate Stewart Family Reserve Pinot Noir 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmooth, dry, round palate with some finesse and ripeness. Vanilla, mocha, cedar, tobacco leaf notes mixed with rhubarb and raspberry flavours. Solid mid-palate balance but still showing more oak than fruit at this stage with some tartness on the finish. Should improve over the next 2 years in bottle.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Viu Manent Reserva Malbec 2006
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileDeep black cherry colour. Very spicy, savoury, black cherry, smoky vanilla, licorice, tobacco leaf and plum aromas. Rich, concentrated, full, somewhat tannic palate but good acidity balance. Cherry, orange peel, blackberry, licorice, spicy, savoury, tobacco leaf, roasted mushroom, light espresso and vanilla on the finish. Very solid, attractive style. Needs a few years to fully round out but good intensity and value.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec 2007
Mendoza, ArgentinaVery spicy, garrigue, savoury, smoky vanilla, cedar, black cherry, tobacco, light barnyard aromas. Ripe, round, rich, good acidity balance with some grainy tannin. Cedar, vanilla, black cherry, orange, smoky, coffee, cumin, poultry spice, tobacco flavours. Good solid concentration but somewhat dry and tannic on the finish. Best with beef or lamb or age for a few years.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $27.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $24.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Montes Alpha Pinot Noir 2006
Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileMocha, espresso, black cherry, spicy, licorice root, vanilla aromas. Soft, round, full palate with good acidity balance. Coffee, mineral, black cherry, vanilla, licorice, resin, compost flavours. Balanced but too much smoky oak that sits on fairly low pinot character.Prices:| CDN | $25.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Golden Mile Black Arts Pinot Noir 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCherry, tobacco leaf, rhubarb, spicy, carrot aromas. Very warm, round, supple palate with spicy carrot, stewed rhubarb, tobacco leaf, barnyard, orange flavours. Simple, forward style that finishes a touch bitter.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Herder Pinot Noir Bellamy Vineyards 2006
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCherry cola, resin, compost, tobacco leaf, light barnyard, rhubarb aromas but slightly reduced notes. Dry, round, supple but tart with tobacco leaf, orange peel, rhubarb, resiny, cola resin flavours. Warm, slightly lean finish.Prices:| BC | $29.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Yarden Muscat 2005
Galilee, IsraelIntense spicy, floral, candied ginger, peach skin, lemon oil aromas. Fresh, delicate, round palate but quite sweet with low acidity. Candied ginger, floral, orange, lemon oil, mineral, baked peach flavours. An easy sipping, light, dessert style.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Morandé Edición Limitada Pinot Noir 2004
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileSpicy, tobacco leaf, smoky, morello cherry, cassis, sappy, dill, caraway aromas. Soft, round, supple, dry and juicy with tobacco, compost, dill, sour cherry, orange carrot flavours. Solid but hot and tart on the finish.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Cave de Tain Saint Joseph Esprit de Granit 2003
Crozes Hermitage, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceMeaty, savoury, peppery, raspberry, spicy, slightly volatile aromas. Soft, round, dry, slightly tart and hard palate with orange peel, black raspberry, meaty, tobacco leaf, peppery, savoury flavours with a licorice and cooked carrot finish. Solid but needs food.Prices:| BC | $34.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Cave de Tain Crozes-Hermitage Les Hauts du Fief 2003
Crozes Hermitage, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceSpicy, peppery, meaty, chocolate, tobacco, floral, black cherry aromas with a touch of Band-Aid and leather. Ripe, round, supple, slightly dry palate, elegant with bright acidity. Black raspberry, peppery, tobacco, meaty, dark chocolate, resin, licorice, leather flavours with a floral, cherry finish. Still young but good intensity if a bit tart at this point. Good solid effort and price.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chateau Saint Martin de la Garrigue Cuvee Bronzinelle 2005
Coteaux du Languedoc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceBright, floral, meaty nose with cherry, garrigue, tobacco and light barnyard aromas. Soft, supple, round and elegant with good concentration. Spicy, black cherry, tobacco, licorice, meaty, light vanilla, smoky leather flavours. Good solid flavour intensity and balance. Drink with pork or lamb.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.50 | 750ml |
| BC | $39.99 | 1500ml |
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04 April 2008
87PTS
Pascual Toso Malbec Reserva Barrancas Vineyards 2006
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaBig savoury ripe floral nose with bits of spice, resin, black cherry, vanilla and chocolate. On the palate the fruit is a smoky mix of meaty, blackberry and plum fruit with tobacco and vanilla. The finish is long, juicy and warm but with elevated acidity and warm oaky notes. Will be best with a big T-bone steak to tame the acidity A touch Oz-like in structure.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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03 April 2008
84PTS
Woodbridge Merlot 2002
California, United StatesClassic soft, dry, herbal commercial red wine. Ironically the type of wine California vintners used to scoff at when they first toiok on the Europeans in the late 70s. The palate is a mix of earthy herbal spicy notes with a sour cherry finish. A simple straight-up pizza red for the masses. Best at US $5.99 in Costco not marked up 117 percent in Canadian monopolies.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.25 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.55 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Yellow Tail Merlot 2006
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaRipe formulaic merlot from Oz. A curious mix of sweet cherries and chocolate with a strong spicy herbaceous undercurrent. The finish is very sweet and soft with a mix of chocolate, minty and tobacco leaf. Simple soft red you can sip solo or serve with hamburgers.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
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02 April 2008
87PTS
JoieFarm Riesling iv 2007
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen enticing floral, pink grapefruit, spicy, ginger, green apple aromas. Ripe, round, elegant, slightly sweet entry but balanced with moderate acidity. Juicy, floral, citrus rind, ginger, apricot flavours with a green apple finish. This is a terrific style for B.C. and a clear indication we can make riesling that can turn heads. This beats just about everything made in Washington State. Limited production and distribution is this wine's only problem.Prices:| BC | $20.40 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Erath Pinot Noir 2006
Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesBarnyard, compost, tobacco, cooked carrot top, rooty, cherry aromas. Dry, round, elegant, supple palate with rooty, cedar, cherry, vanilla, barnyard, tobacco leaf, orange peel flavours. Forward style for current drinking. Solid effort. Perhaps a bit reduced.Prices:| BC | $32.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Sandhill Small Lots Program Sangiovese Sandhill Estate Vineyard 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, weedy, coffee, black cherry, cough syrup, vanilla, meaty savoury nose. Round, somewhat hollow middle with a touch of acidity and hard tannins showing. Licorice, poultry spice, vanilla, mocha, resiny, weedy flavours. A bit hot and hard on the finish needs a year or so to flesh out.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $33.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Nk'Mip Cellars Pinot Noir 2006
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, mocha, cherry, vanilla, compost, lifted, cedar, tobacco leaf aromas. Dry, slightly tart, slightly tannic entry with an earthy, coffee, vanilla, rhubarb, orange peel, rooty flavours. A tad bitter and tart but solid for food.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $16.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.75 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Errazuriz Chardonnay Wild Ferment 2007
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileNutty, spicy lees, mineral, vanilla, creamy, buttery, baked apple, nectarine skin aromas with a light guava and melon note. Round, medium bodied, elegant palate with a slightly sweet edge with good acidity. Spicy lees, nutty, butterscotch, pineapple, citrus, honey and pear flavours. Well balanced, juicy finish, may improve with a year or two under screw cap.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Galil Mountain Chardonnay 2006
Upper Galilee, Galilee, IsraelFloral, orange, butter, vanilla, mineral, smoky, ginger aromas with a touch of honey. Round, fresh, easy style with a touch of residual sugar but balanced. Buttery, vanilla, peach, baked apple, citrus, honey flavours. A touch warm and chalky on the finish but very solid fruit expression. Rated Kosher for Passover.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Peller Estates Private Reserve Pinot Noir 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, strawberry jam, candied orange peel, carrot top, rooty aromas. Soft, round, easy style with mocha, cedar, strawberry, orange, vanilla, cranberry juice, light compost flavours. Simple, easy style with some fruit and oak.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Humberto Canale Estate Pinot Noir 2006
Alto Valle del Río Negro, Rio Negro, Patagonia, ArgentinaEarthy, floral, rooty, cedar bark, compost, black cherry aromas. Dry, round, slightly tannic palate with resin, cedar, licorice root, rhubarb, coffee flavours. The finish is a bit warm and tart. Simple pinot noir that is best served with food.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Calona Vineyards Artist Series Pinot Noir Reserve 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, stewed rhubarb, compost, smoky resin, light mocha nose. Soft, round, easy style with compost, cherry, stewed rhubarb, coffee and shoe polish flavours. Warm, simple and ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.49 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.49 | 750ml |
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01 April 2008
84PTS
Arrowleaf Pinot Noir 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRhubarb, spicy, balsamic, compost, tobacco leaf aromas. Dry, round, supple, slightly tart entry. Spicy, rhubarb, mineral, smoky, rooty, tobacco leaf, barnyard flavours. Somewhat acidic and hot edge shows. Drink with food.Prices:| BC | $16.90 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Cremaschi Furlotti Pinot Noir Reserva 2006
Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileCedar, rooty, compost, resiny, cherry, tobacco leaf aromas. Round, dry, elegant style with orange peel, cherry, resin, barnyard, Band-Aid/bretty, cedar, rooty flavours. Somewhat unclean style. Disappointing.Prices:| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
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May 2008