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Tastings: May 2008
18 May 2008
88PTS
Mirassou Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay 2005
Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesFloral, citrus, pear, green apple skin, buttery, vanilla, guava aromas. Full, round, fresh but somewhat fat and oily. Buttery lees, spicy, vanilla, warm citrus lemon flavours. Finish is a bit hot and fat but solid core. May improve over the next year.Prices:| US | $30.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Mirassou Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay 2004
Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesSpicy, guava, butter, vanilla, baked apple, citrus and light floral aromas. Round, dry, slightly oily, warm texture. Butter, lees, earthy, mineral, citrus, apple skin, pineapple flavours. Decent acidity but finish is a bit flat and hot.Prices:| US | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mirassou Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir 2005
Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesFloral, spicy, strawberry jam, cherry, barnyard, menthol and tobacco leaf aromas. Fresh, dry, round and supple but a bit hot with light tannins. Compost, cherry compote, rhubarb, rooty, leafy flavours. A bit fat and hot but solid.Prices:| US | $30.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Mirassou Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir 2004
Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesSpicy, plum, cherry, smoky, barnyard, compost, orange, rooty aromas but somewhat lifted. Round, dry, fresh and supple palate with strawberry, cherry, spicy, smoky compost, tobacco leaf, vanilla flavours and a cola, rhubarb finish. A bit warm but solid fruit expression and balance with good acidity and a slightly leafy edge.Prices:| US | $30.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Mirassou California Pinot Noir 2006
California, United StatesOpen warm compost, strawberry nose with cherry, rooty, licorice notes. Soft, round, forward, supple palate. Cherry, smoky, strawberry jam, compost, rhubarb flavours. Attractive consumer style with some finesse. Solid value here.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.87 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Fog Head Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesCitrus, butter, baked pear, light lees, buttery aromas and flavours. Light, elegant palate but slightly flat with a touch of guava on the finish. Simple, easy, forward style for current consumption.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Montecillo Seleccion Especial Gran Reserva 1981
Toro, Castilla-Leon, SpainBrick colour. Tobacco, soy, cedar, leather, meaty, barnyard, black olive, spicy nose with a bit of Band-Aid. Dry, round, elegant, mature palate with good finesse and a slightly lean edge. Soy, tobacco, cedar, cherry, plum, barnyard flavours. Good development and freshness with a cherry jam, orange, floral finish. Fully mature but on a plateau.Prices:| QC | $73.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Montecillo Blanco 2006
Rioja, SpainLight floral, earthy, citrus, quince, lemon and grapefruit nose. Light, fresh, crisp and dry palate with lemon, grapefruit, mineral, grassy flavours. Good, simple, elegant white for any seafood. Good value and only 12% alcohol.Prices:| QC | $15.70 | 750ml |
| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Montecillo Gran Reserva 2001
Rioja, SpainAll the wines are in a more Bordelais, restrained style including the use of only French oak and less alcohol than many Rioja wines. Floral, incense, earthy, barnyard, sweaty saddle, smoky, vanilla, meaty aromas with a touch of Band-Aid. Round, dry, elegant and moderately supple with a touch of tight tannins. Peppery, spicy, vanilla, tobacco, carrot, olive, cherry, sour plum flavours. Fresh acidity and a bit lean on the finish which exhibits a bit of oak and coffee. Will improve over the next 1-3 years.Prices:| BC | $35.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $30.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Montecillo Reserva 2002
Rioja, SpainSpicy, vanilla, sweaty saddle leather, cherry jam, cinnamon, tobacco leaf and barnyard aromas. Round, dry, elegant style with light, tight tannins. Smoky, resin, tobacco, black olive, black cherry, cedar, vanilla, Band-Aid, meaty, rooty flavours. Good finesse, but lacks a bit of mid-palate concentration. Needs 1-2 more years in the cellar.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.85 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.35 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.60 | 750ml |
| NF | $17.16 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Tormaresca Neprica 2006
Puglia, ItalyRustic meaty, floral, tobacco, licorice, peppery, black cherry aromas. Rich, full bodied style with some light tannins. Peppery, meaty, floral, black cherry jam, resin, tobacco, cooked carrot flavours. Finish is warm and a touch fresh. Good solid barbeque red.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $14.97 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Humberto Canale Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Alto Valle del Río Negro, Rio Negro, Patagonia, ArgentinaBig garlic lees, sulphur-y, grassy, sweaty grapefruit rind aromas. Soft, somewhat sweet entry with mineral, garlic, grapefruit, gooseberry flavours with a sweet, buttery, tart finish.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Terra Andina Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Region del Valle Central, ChileFloral, mineral, grassy, grapefruit, lime rind aromas. Tart, dry, somewhat austere style. Grassy, bell pepper, grapefruit rind, jalapeno flavours. Tart, somewhat oily finish with a bitter rind note.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Valentin Bianchi Sauvignon Blanc 2006
San Rafael, General Alvear, Southern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaMarzipan, gooseberry, melon, grassy mineral nose. Crisp, round, slightly sweet style with grapefruit rind, melon, lime, vanilla and butter lees flavours. Simple, solid style.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Pascual Toso Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaLemon, grapefruit, gooseberry, grassy, melon aromas. Round, rich, crisp palate with a touch of sweetness. Grapefruit rind, lemon, melon, butter and vanilla flavours. Good solid, flavourful style now under screwcap for easier use.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.60 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Domaines Astruc 'dA' Muscat Sec 2005
Limoux, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceBig spicy, floral, ginger, nectarine, lemon oil, muscat fruit nose. Crisp, round, slightly oily but elegant style with mineral, lemon oil, ginger, honey, peach skin, acacia flavours. Attractive, richer style, try with butter chicken.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Sumac Ridge Meritage Blanc 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig buttery, popcorn, vanilla, cooked grapefruit, melon aromas. Rich, round, oily, slightly sweet entry with baked peach, melon, buttered popcorn, oily lemon, vanilla, nutty lees flavours. Somewhat warm, soupy, over-oaked style.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Flaio Primitivo Salento 2005
Puglia, ItalyAnimal, meaty sausage, earthy, black cherry, tobacco leaf aromas, very rustic. Soft, round, supple palate with a touch of acidity showing. Spicy, floral, rooty, licorice, meaty, sausage flavours. Italiano rustica.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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17 May 2008
84PTS
Lang Vineyards Grand Pinot 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaButter, grapefruit rind, mineral, green apple, floral nose. Soft, round, slightly sweet entry with honey, lemon, mineral, green apple, nectarine flavours with a chalky, grassy note. Finish is quite tart and hard. Simple summer wine.Prices:| BC | $14.90 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Starling Lane Wild Blackberry 2007
Saanich Peninsula, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaGood cherry color. Very riparian, black berry jam nose with a peppery, leafy, earthy note. Sweet, fresh palate with leesy, blackberry jam, porty, minty flavours. Has some fruit strength but finish is a bit too alcoholic and acidic.Prices:| BC | $22.50 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Yalumba Viognier Eden Valley 2006
Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaHoney, apricot, buttery, oatmeal lees nose with some ginger and honeysuckle. Ripe, round, elegant style with good acidity and a touch of sweetness. Buttery lees, vanilla, spicy, ginger, apricot skin, citrus, honey flavours and a citrus rind and melon skin finish. Good solid food style with varietal expression.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
St. Hubertus Dry Riesling 2007
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight floral, green apple, peach pit, soapy, mineral nose with a bit of matchstick. Fresh, elegant style with some acidity but fairly sweet. Leesy, mineral, green apple, chalky, lime flavours with a zesty, tart finish. Good solid style for food or you can sip this solo.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Gray Monk Riesling 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen floral, green apple skin, grapefruit rind, and spicy sausage aromas with a touch of grass. Fresh, tart palate with light sweetness. Lots of grapefruit rind, green apple, lime, mineral and sausage flavours. Well balanced but the sweaty grapefruit rind is a bit dominant.Prices:| BC | $15.49 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Gray Monk Ehrenfelser 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, orange blossom, mineral, grapefruit rind aromas. Light bodied, slightly sweet style with fresh acidity. Grapefruit rind, mineral, green apple, lime, orange flavours. Easy going, crisp summer sipper or with seafood or Chinese.Prices:| BC | $15.49 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Marichel Vineyard Viognier 2007
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFresh leafy, grassy, grapefruit rind, ginger, mineral, green apple skin. Sweet, round, easy sweeter style with grassy, canned grapefruit juice, gooseberry, mineral, ginger flavours. Fresh, tart finish but low on varietal character. All stainless steel production.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
8th Generation Vineyard Riesling 2006
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight matchstick, lees nose with mineral, butter, peach, citrus, apricot flower and honey aromas. Fresh, round, elegant palate with crisp, zesty acidity and just a hint of sweetness. Green apple, lime, mineral, grapefruit, nectarine flavours with a light nutty, granny smith finish. Very solid styling, should improve in bottle. Needs a bit of air but otherwise well done.Prices:| BC | $21.50 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Domaine de Terrebrune Bonnezeaux 2006
Bonnezeaux, Anjou, Loire, FranceLight egg yolk, dried apricot, red apple, quince, honey and orange aromas. Ripe, round, elegant, moderately sweet palate but delicate with decent acidity. Apricot, butter, mineral, baked apple, honey, lime, lees flavours. Good finesse and length and not too sweet. Can drink with a main course or dessert.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 500ml |
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86PTS
Nk'Mip Cellars Qwam Qwmt Meritage 2005
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaReduced rubbery note with some peppery, smoky, resiny, herbal, vanilla, coffee aromas with a volatile fruit edge and green tobacco. Dry, round, moderately supple with some light, grainy tannin. Cedar bark, tobacco leaf, espresso, vanilla, black olive, cranberry, cherry flavours. Finish is tight and warm with some green edged tea leaf tannins and a lot of coffee oak. Needs a few years.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Sumac Ridge Meritage Black Sage Vineyard 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, savoury, espresso, tobacco leaf, herbal, spicy, cranberry, black olive and licorice aromas. Soft, warm, round palate with smoky espresso oak, vanilla, tobacco leaf, cranberry, cassis, olive flavours with a stewed tea leaf note. Finish is very warm with a sweet and sour edge with light green tannins. More commercially oriented than past vintages.Prices:| BC | $31.99 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Maryhill Syrah 2004
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesPeppery, earthy, chocolate, black berry jam, smoky leather, rooty nose. Sweet entry with some acidity and ripe fruit. Black cherry, chocolate, smoky, vanilla, blueberry, resiny, licorice root flavours. Seems more like Oz than anything with excessive acidity on the finish with intrusive tannins.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Goona Warra Vineyard Shiraz 2003
Victoria, AustraliaMenthol, white pepper, meaty, barnyard, black berry jam, rooty, resin, vanilla aromas with a tobacco ash note. Soft, round, fresh palate with light tannins. Meaty, savoury, menthol, roasted pepper, black berry, tobacco leaf, vanilla, herbal flavours. Finish is somewhat dry and tart - resulting in prominent tannins.Prices:| BC | $36.85 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Black Tractor Shiraz 2006
Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia, AustraliaRooty, minty, savoury, blueberry, earthy, rubbery meat aromas. Sweet, round, hot and tart entry with light tannins. Blueberry, peppery, savoury, meaty, tobacco leaf, black olive, resiny flavours. Finish is acidic and edgy.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Excelsior Purebred Red 2005
Robertson, Breede River Valley, South AfricaSmoky, sausage, peppery, earthy, tobacco leaf, barnyard, shoe leather, cooked carrot aromas. Sweet, round, supple palate with blueberry, sour cherry, mint, barnyard, tobacco leaf, cooked herbs and licorice flavours. Finish is very acidic and sweet with some edgy tannins. Extremely commercial.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Saxenburg Private Collection Shiraz 2004
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaMenthol, earthy, peppery, spicy, Band-Aid, saddle leather, black berry jam aromas. Tart, sweet, tannic and stewed fruit entry. Smoky saddle leather, resin, tobacco leaf, Band-Aid, black cherry flavours. Very edgy, tart, hard finish.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Skillogalee Rosé Cabernet Malbec 2006
Clare, Clare Valley, South Australia, AustraliaLight raspberry colour. Cherry, tobacco leaf, smoky, dill, green olive nose. Sweet, round, slightly heavy wine with tobacco leaf, canned bell pepper, cherry, earthy, smoky dill flavours. A sweeter, somewhat vegetal style.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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15 May 2008
89PTS
Domaine de la Taille aux Loups Vouvray Sec Clos de la Bretonniere 2006
Vouvray, Touraine, Loire, FranceOpen floral, acacia, honey, grassy, smoky, green apple, pear skin nose with a touch of butter. Round, dry, delicate, fresh palate with lime, mineral, smoky lees, green apple and light honey flavours. Crisp, round, mineral citrus finish with some persistence and finesse. Will age but delicious now for seafood.Prices:| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Domaine de la Taille aux Loups Vouvray Sec Les Caburoches 2006
Vouvray, Touraine, Loire, FranceVery mineral, chalky, quince, green apple, lemon nose. Round, dry, full but delicate palate with balanced crisp acidity. Floral, pear, green apple, honey and mineral flavours with a touch of lemon and butter. Good viscosity with a lemon/lime finish. Less open than Le Bretonnière but slightly more viscosity. Again, excellent seafood wine and well priced. Prices:| BC | $29.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Quara Torrontés 2007
Cafayate, Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, ArgentinaHuge spicy, floral, lemon oil, marzipan, nectarine aromas. Rich, round, moderately dry palate. Fresh with lemon oil, orange, ginger, spicy, mineral flavours with some nectarine skin and floral notes on the finish. Good intensity, try with Indian food like a Vindaloo or korma.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Château d'Yquem 1893
Sauternes, Graves, Bordeaux, FranceWinemaker Pierre Lurton, first tasted the 1893 at a recent tasting in London and his first impression was to call it "orgasmic wine." Again, astoundingly fresh, with candied, citrus fruit flavours with crème brûlée and caramel notes. An exquisite old piece of history. The colour is quite deep yellow with brown edges. Records suggest it was a very hot spring with summer weather. Picking began on 28 August and ran through mid-October. The yields were extremely high (25 hectolitre per hectare) for d'Yquem.Prices:| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Château d'Yquem 1976
Sauternes, Graves, Bordeaux, FranceTasted several times now the '76 is fully mature. It was a very dry year until the rain arrived on September 15. Often a so-so or poor red wine year can be good year for Sauternes and 1976 is no exception. There was a long picking after the September rains that ran through a late Indian summer. The nose offers up a fair bit of caramel in what is not really a strong wine or powerful wine but one that is well balanced and possesses fine acidity. The colour is a touch amber. It's ready to drink now and most likely will not be a long-lived vintage for d'Yquem. No technical details were available for this vintage at the tasting.Prices:| US | $1600.00 | 750ml |
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96PTS
Château d'Yquem 1989
Sauternes, Graves, Bordeaux, FranceMore like the 1990, 2003 and 2005 with its dry warm summers. There were high temperatures "and big water problems in the soil to feed the roots". All great vintages are dry and hot according to Lurton. They '89 nose is slightly volatile with warm orange peels and plenty of exotic fruit flavours. Lacks the usual finesse but it comes with super rich, fat fruit flavours. An exceptional year in which 25 per cent of the fruit was lost in July to hail storms. Stylish and deep gold in colour with sweet crystallized and also roasted fruit aromas and flavours. Needs more time. Bottled with 127 grams per litre of sugar with an acidity of 4.0 grams per litre and 13.2 alcohol ― a good level for d'Yquem. Picking began in 25 September finished in 25 October.Prices:| AB | $800.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Mount Riley Savée Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandA bottle fermented sauvignon blanc. Good continuous, creamy mousse. Big grapefruit sorbet, gooseberry, lime, melon, nutty nose. Crisp, zippy, fresh palate with creamy mousse. Light jalapeno, grapefruit, gooseberry, lime, green apple and melon flavours. An unusual style but has good intensity and balance for a sparkling sauvignon. Try it with a bowl of steamed mussels.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Excelsior Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Robertson, Breede River Valley, South AfricaSmoky, meaty, saddle leather, resiny, prune, peppery nose. Sweet, round, somewhat chunky tannins on entry and very warm. Smoky, resiny, saddle leather, meaty, peppery, prune, black berry, porty flavours. Too sweet and clumsy with chunky tannins.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Lucien Albrecht Crémant d'Alsace Brut NV
Alsace, FranceVery foamy mousse but continuous. Light toasty, pear, baked apple, peach, mineral aromas. Rich, round, fresh palate with lots of mousse. Peach, toasty, quince, baked apple, citrus, nutty flavours. Good structure and flavour intensity if a bit sweet on the finish. Prices:| AB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Calona Vineyards Sovereign Opal Artist Series 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSoapy, grapefruit rind, lemon, musky rose-petal aromas. Round, soft, somewhat sweet entry with sweaty grapefruit, mineral, floral, spicy, soapy lemon flavours. Simple summer sipper.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $15.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Château d'Yquem 1921
Sauternes, Graves, Bordeaux, FranceThe descriptors range from soap and Mr. Clean to mandarin oranges and Cointreau in what was a bit bizarre bottle. It's perfect for crepe suzettes. A big spring frost was followed by a very dry weather harvest began early but the picking stretched over six weeks. Bright acidity, caramel, truffle and prune with a lot of finesse. We did not see it on this day. It was re-corked in 1999 but alas it is no longer a prime example of the vintage. No score.1893 - Lurton, first tasted in London his first impression was an orgasmic wine. The colour is quite deep yellow with brown edges. Very hot spring and warm summer weather. It was bottle with a modest 112 grams of sugar per litre and an acidity of 4.7 grams per litre at 12.5 per cent alcohol. Picking began 28 August to the mid-October amid very high yields ― 25 hectolitre per hectare (incredible for d'Yquem). Again astoundingly fresh, with candied citrus fruit flavours with crème brûlée and caramel notes. Exquisite old wines. Based on this bottle no score is given to a year thought to be one of the finest for d'Yquem.Prices:| AB | $14000.00 | 750ml |
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97PTS
Château d'Yquem 1929
Sauternes, Graves, Bordeaux, France29 Mon dieu, mon dieu, mon dieu, sighed Pierre Lurton upon smelling his glass of '29. It was a dry summer with temperatures above 30 degrees. September was hot and very dry. The harvest started 20 September and lasted 19 days. It was a rich year with potential alcohol estimated at 22 degrees about the maximum for d'Yquem if you want the fermentation to work well according to Lurton. Cocoa and honeyed fruit in an otherwise complex and sophisticated nose. It's fat and sweet on the palate but with high acidity and it is really showing its youth. Seems 20 years younger. A sublime experience. Very impressive. Prices:| AB | $250.00 | 750ml |
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96PTS
Château d'Yquem 1945
Sauternes, Graves, Bordeaux, FranceThe bottled was recently purchased in St. Emilion. An amazingly strong vintage at this point with fabulous fruit and great deal of complexity. A huge wine with big acidity and sugar that will keep it alive for decades. Complexity is more important than fruit at this stage in what is a beautifully balanced bottle. A slightly toned down version of the '47 with a little less cream and a little more acidity and texture. Bottled with 164 g/l of sugar with an acidity of 4.4 grams per litre and 14.4 degrees alcohol. Despite a temperature of only 2 degrees on May 2, the picking began in 9 September finished 13 October.Prices:| AB | $5850.00 | 750ml |
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98PTS
Château d'Yquem 1947
Sauternes, Graves, Bordeaux, FranceAmazing climate: one of the hottest summers recorded in history in Bordeaux. Some 20 to 30 days above 40C during the summer. The heat continued into autumn to create a perfect year for red and white wine. It's crammed full of sweet fat fruit. Fabulous notes of honey and candied pineapple and tarte tatin. In many ways Lurton says it's similar to the 1927 and 1929. Bottled with 145 g/l of sugar with an acidity of 4.5 grams per litre and 14.2 degrees alcohol. Picking began in 13 September finished 13 October.Prices:| AB | $4165.00 | 750ml |
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97PTS
Château d'Yquem 1967
Sauternes, Graves, Bordeaux, FranceWinemaker Pierre Lurton rightly says "people travel the world to taste this wine." It's an amazing vintage and very easy to like. The colour turned amber years ago but once you smell the pure botrytis in the nose from its super ripe grapes the grapes were super ripe. The picking never began until mid-October. It's really a benchmark year for the powerful fat style of d'Yquem although it is shedding a few pounds and showing an amazing structure underneath. A vintage of the complexity. Pure quince paste in the flavour along with honey peaches and sugar apricots. Incredibly youthful. Bottled with 116 g/l of sugar with an acidity of 4.6 grams per litre and 14.7 degrees alcohol. Picking began in mid October.Prices:| AB | $2800.00 | 750ml |
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96PTS
Château d'Yquem 1975
Sauternes, Graves, Bordeaux, FranceComing off a cool spring, 1975 was the first decent year after a run of poor vintages. Tasted several times now the latest reveals a wine that is really coming into its own. The picking began September 29 with what the team calls highly concentrated grapes. The flavour intensity is remarkable with honeyed peaches and pineapple notes. So exotic with candied orange rind flecks in the finish. Bravo and one you can wait on for another decade or two. Fine purity of flavour and balance. A real star. Bottled with 111 g/l of sugar with an acidity of 3.8 grams per litre and 14.1 degrees alcohol. Picking began in 29 September and proceeded with only three passes through the vineyard.Prices:| AB | $1500.00 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Château d'Yquem 1983
Sauternes, Graves, Bordeaux, FranceLove the complex nose with honey, apricot jam and caramel aromas. The palate is full-bodied and very alive on the palate with a good level of acidity. A large proportion of dry grapes are in the blend that adds to the concentration adds a lot of acidity. It's a fresh lively beautiful vintage that is ready to drink but it should hold for decades. Bottled with 119 grams per litre of sugar with an acidity of 5 grams per litre and 13.4 alcohol. Picking began in 20 October and was completed by 10 November.Prices:| AB | $775.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Château d'Yquem 1986
Sauternes, Graves, Bordeaux, FranceCandied grapefruit with big botrytis notes that stem all from a glorious, warm Indian summer. Its golden colour previews a nose of quince paste and dried figs with sweet crystallized grapefruit flavours. The textures are balanced in a year of very low levels of sugar. It was bottle at 97 g/l with acidity of 4.2 grams per litre and 14 degrees of alcohol. A well balanced, medium weight Sauternes that Lurton suggests you could serve with poultry or oysters. Although picking began in late September, rains followed by intense botrytis previewed five waves of picking that lasted through the Indian summer until the 10th of November.Prices:| AB | $625.00 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Château d'Yquem 1988
Sauternes, Graves, Bordeaux, FranceConsidered to be a balanced, "classic" vintage. Four weeks of no rain in October made the year supplying plenty of mango and candied fruit flavours in what is now a maturing Sauternes. It's a super stylish, extremely elegant edition of Yquem for true connoisseurs. Lurton suggests it would be perfect with crepe suzette, no sugar and a slice of orange. It was bottled with a modest 123 grams of sugar per litre and an acidity of 3.8 grams per litre at 13.5 per cent alcohol. The picking began September 29 and finished 25 November ― a long 57 days in which the fruit goes from fruity and bright to fat "and more sick" or botrytised and extremely complex. A solid year and a standout in the vertical for fans of understatement.Prices:| AB | $775.00 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Château d'Yquem 1990
Sauternes, Graves, Bordeaux, FranceThere has been a slight evolution of colour with gold amber edges. Still fresh but complex with rich, lush, tropical fruit characters. An easy picking year that was done over four weeks. An exotic vintage for Bordeaux and winemaker Pierre Lurton says the d'Yquem is equally exotic. Still it's fresh and lively with a slight evolution of colour. Complex flavours of tropical fruit in a rich long body that is both fat and sweet. Warm summer temperatures have given this wine a more advanced "look" at 18 years. Bottled with 126 grams per litre of sugar with an acidity of 3.9 g/l and 12.7 degrees alcohol. Picking began in 17 September finished 10 October.Prices:| AB | $675.00 | 750ml |
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97PTS
Château d'Yquem 1997
Sauternes, Graves, Bordeaux, FranceOne of the fabulous "7" years as in '97, '67, '47, '27 and now, as suggested by winemaker Pierre Lurton, the upcoming 2007. Amazingly, this wine spent 42 months in new oak something Lurton says will not happen with the '07. The '97 is rich to the level of unctuous, but as usual, with the required acidity to balance the package. Slightly closed nose but with time in the glass you taste and smell the honey, mandarin and sensational fruit flecked with orange bits. There is extravagant texture and body here that is destined to live a long time in bottle. Bottled with 120 g/l of sugar and an acidity of 4.8 g/l. Picking began in 4, September finished 4, November.Prices:| AB | $460.00 | 750ml |
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98PTS
Château d'Yquem 2001
Sauternes, Graves, Bordeaux, FranceSugar and botrytis are the story of the 2001 d'Yquem, a vintage of extreme concentration. The bouquet is awash with intense aromas of dried fruits, mandarin, orange, exotic spice with a honeyed crème brûlée finish. The palate is rich and full although amazingly winemaker Pierre Lurton claims it is actually shutting down for the moment. One can only imagine what the power of this wine will be when it fully reopens a few years from now. A blockbuster wine for the next generation, or three. Cellar and forget for 10 years minimum. Bottled with 150 grams of sugar and 4.5 grams per litre of acidity.Prices:| AB | $895.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $662.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $960.00 | 750ml |
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97PTS
Château d'Yquem 2003
Sauternes, Graves, Bordeaux, FranceThe 2003 vintage is said to be one of the warmest ever at d'Yquem and it combines with a hit of clean total botrytis throughout the vineyard. Historically it is the last year before the Lur Saluce family handed off to LVMH and winemaker Pierre Lurton. No shortage of power and weight but with beautiful fruit and surprising acidity candied crystallized peach and apricot with honey and marzipan notes. Almost taut and nervy at this stage. Leave it alone for decade or more as it fattens up and prepares for a long journey in bottle.Prices:| BC | $250.00 | 375ml |
| AB | $140.00 | 375ml |
| ON | $248.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $935.00 | 1500ml |
| QC | $1880.00 | 3000ml |
| QC | $3750.00 | 6000ml |
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82PTS
Nk'Mip Cellars Qwam Qwmt Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery herbaceous, weedy, black olive, dill, resiny, roasted pepper, smoky oak nose. Rich, dry, tannic but tart palate with savoury, sweet vanilla, smoky bell pepper, black olive, dill, herbal, espresso flavours. Unripe, oaky and chunky, not the best example.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sumac Ridge Pinnacle Méthode Classique 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPale yellow with a hint of pink. Small, fine continuous mousse and bead. Toasty, lemon, nutty, buttery, cherry, baked apple aromas. Crisp, fresh, dry and zippy palate with moderate mousse. Lemon, toasty, nutty, mineral, sour cherry, earthy, citrus flavours. More like a Cava in style but solid.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Château Haut Vigneau 2005
Pessac-Léognan, Graves, Bordeaux, FranceMeaty, floral, black cherry, spicy, peppery, tobacco, earthy, iron, black olive aromas. Round, elegant, dry, somewhat tannic palate, very youthful. Smoky, peppery, black olive, tobacco, earthy, black berry, meaty, barnyard flavours. Good intensity but youthful tannins and acidity that should balance out over the next 2-4 years.Prices:| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Robin Ridge Gamay 2006
Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, cherry, mineral, meaty, rooty nose. Soft, round, sweet entry with soft tannins. Mineral, cedar, spicy, mocha, black cherry jam with a resin and oak note. Very warm, sweet vanilla finish. Consumer friendly.Prices:| BC | $18.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Maryhill Sangiovese 2004
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesMeaty, smoky, peppery, licorice, black cherry, floral, sage aromas with a touch of roasted mushroom. Ripe, round, smooth palate but very warm with elevated acidity. Spicy, cherry, meaty, rooty, sage, peppery, tobacco leaf, stewed tea flavours. Finish is warm and tart with some green tannins protruding. Solid but needs food.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Maryhill Winemaker's Red 2006
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesSpicy, vanilla, mocha, resiny, black olive, tobacco, cherry, savoury nose. Rich, round, slightly tannic entry and warm. Sweet vanilla, mocha, savoury, spicy, black olive, peppery, rooty, herbal flavours. Finish has stewed black tea and some green tannins showing a la the Pacific Northwest.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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70PTS
Beviam Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Mendoza, ArgentinaVery reduced, rubbery, dank, resiny nose. Dry, tart, tannic, lean palate with rubber, resiny, earthy flavours. Very poor, should be avoided.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
J. P. Chenet Founder's Reserve Cabernet Merlot 2005
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceCedar bark, green olive, tobacco leaf, rooty, smoky resin aromas. Dry, tart, slightly tannic entry with resin, green olive, tobacco, earthy, barnyard flavours. Somewhat raw, rustic style that is hort on fruit.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Beato Bartolomeo Breganze Prosecco Marzemino Vino Spumante Rosato Extra Dry NV
Veneto, ItalyPale raspberry colour with light mousse. Cherry, floral, pear, nutty, green apple aromas. Crisp, fresh, slightly sweet entry with good acidity. Pear, peach, red apple, mineral, light melon flavours. Delicate, fresh, fruity style.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $50.00 | 1500ml |
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82PTS
Saxenburg Private Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaSmoky, resiny, Band-Aid, saddle leather, black olive, tobacco leaf aromas. Smooth, round, slightly tannic entry and very warm. Resiny, smoky saddle leather, cooked carrot, Band-aid, meaty, black olive, cigar, prune flavours. Very persistent leathery resiny Brettanomyces? finish with stewed tea leaf.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $28.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.80 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Chateau Viranel Saint Chinian 2004
St Chinian, Coteaux du Languedoc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceMeaty, floral, sausage, black cherry jam, raspberry, smoky pepper aromas. Rich, ripe, round and dry with some slightly chunky tannins showing. Peppery, spicy, licorice, black cherry, coffee flavours with some orange peel and vanilla on the finish. Young but with good fruit intensity. Excellent example.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $15.00 | 375ml |
| BC | $60.00 | 1500ml |
| BC | $150.00 | 3000ml |
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86PTS
Match Book Blockhouse Dunnigan Hills 2004
Dunnigan Hills, Yolo County, California, United StatesSpicy, meaty, floral, black cherry aromas with savoury, Oxo-cube, black olive notes all slightly reduced. Soft, round palate but warm and tart. Smoky, tobacco, black olive, cherry, mocha, orange peel, resin, vanilla, meaty flavours. Somewhat chunky, warm palate with some slightly green tannin on the finish.Prices:| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Montecillo Crianza 2003
Rioja, SpainSoft easy tempranillo with floral and cherry notes on the nose. Light-ish, mid-weight red with spicy dried fruits and slightly sour black cherry flavours with just a touch of tannin.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.85 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.40 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.30 | 750ml |
| NF | $17.16 | 750ml |
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14 May 2008
87PTS
Punt Road Pinot Noir 2006
Yarra Valley, Victoria, AustraliaLight vanilla, earthy, compost, tea leaf, licorice, rooty, sour cherry aromas. Dry, tart, slightly tannic entry. Carrot top, sour cherry, rhubarb, minty, compost, tea leaf and tobacco leaf flavours. Finish is tight with some cedar-y tannins. Needs time and food but lacks overall balance.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Twisted Tree Pinot Noir 2006
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTobacco leaf, celery, earthy, soy, beet root, smoky leather aromas. Round, dry, slightly tannic entry with meaty, floral, cooked rhubarb, vanilla, coffee, spicy, orange peel flavours. Very warm, somewhat stewed flavours. Cleaner than the previous effort but lacks refinement and real pinot character.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Bouchard Aîné & Fils Pommard 1er Cru Les Charmots Cuvée Signature 2005
Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceSpicy, smoky, cherry jam, floral, tobacco leaf, barnyard, meaty aromas. Rich, round, elegant palate with good acidity and some youthful tannin. Cherry, orange peel, mineral, floral, celery salt, tobacco leaf, meaty flavours. Good intensity and richness but quite tart and tight now, needs 3-5 years but will improve.Prices:| BC | $85.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Bouchard Aîné & Fils Beaune 1er Cru Les Marconnets Cuvée Signature 2005
Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceOxo/beef bouillion, barnyard, carrot top, rooty, floral, strawberry jam, tobacco leaf compost nose. Dry, round, somewhat tight palate but elegant. Earthy, oxo, compost, celery root, orange peel, tart strawberry flavours. A bit tart and lean on the finish needs 2-3 years.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Bouchard Aîné & Fils Cuvée Signature Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2005
Burgundy, FranceSpicy, smoky, meaty, raspberry, barnyard, floral aromas. Dry, elegant, slightly lean palate with tobacco leaf, oxo (beef bouillon), orange, strawberry rhubarb, compost, barnyard flavours. Tight, dry finish with some tart fruit. Best with food or give it another two years in bottle.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Salamandra 2006
Castilla-Leon, SpainSpain, number one in vineyards but only number three in production. Love the freshness in this dry red with its smoky, meaty, red cherry fruit undertones. This is a wine drinkers red, with dry earthy plummy fruit pick on both sides of the Duero in la Rioja and Ribera del Duero. Grilled beef, lamb kebabs or chicken should subdue the youthful tannins at the dinner table.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Johnny Q Shiraz Viognier 2006
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaOpen intense, floral, peppery, black fruit nose that wafts out of the glass. Similar dark fruit flavours with bits of liquorice and spicy plum fruit with warm peppery floral finish with just a twist of dry, leathery tannins. Think veal chop.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Finca Flichman Misterio Malbec Oak Aged 2007
Mendoza, ArgentinaThere isn't too much Misterio about this malbec. Soft round and definitely ripe it's a drier version of yellow tail with earthy, black fruit flavours. The finish is spicy and dry with a small amount of rustic tannins. A solid hamburger /barbecued ribs red at an affordable price.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Tantalus Pinot Noir 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMinty, fresh brewed tea, licorice, cherry, floral, cedar-y nose. Fresh, dry, slightly tannic entry with some finesse. Raspberry, cedar, rhubarb, smoky, spicy, worsteshire, floral, rooty flavours with a meaty, light barnyard finish. A touch warm, a simple, fresher style for near term consumption. Bottled with a Diam cork.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Oak Bay Vineyard Pinot Noir 2006
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight floral, rhubarb, strawberry, cedar, spicy vanilla aromas. Light, dry, round palate with some dry, light, cedar-y tannins. Celery salt, spicy, tobacco leaf, strawberry, rhubarb and earth flavours with a touch of bitter cedar bark on the finish. A bit hard and warm, best with food.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Little Rebel Pinot Noir 2006
Yarra Valley, Victoria, AustraliaRhubarb, raspberry, floral, earthy, spicy, celery salt nose. Soft, round, limp palate without much concentration and dry. Rhubarb, soy, tobacco leaf, spicy, herbal, orange flavours. Finish is dry and tart with a press tannin edge.Prices:| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Oak Bay Vineyard Pinot Noir Family Barrel Reserve 2005
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVanilla, coffee, creamy cherry, tobacco leaf, rooty, compost aromas. Full, round, slightly tannic entry that is a bit chunky and very dry. Spicy, earthy, chewy, warm cherry, vanilla, compost, tobacco, resiny, rhubarb flavours. Very chunky, hot finish with young tannins. Needs a few years but may be too extracted.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Elephant Island Orchard Wines Apricot Dessert Wine 2007
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPale yellow colour. Spicy, earthy, minty nose with a combination of dried and canned apricot notes. Very crisp, tart entry with mineral, canned apricot, green apple, tinny flavours. Very tart style needs either less acidity or a bit more sweetness to be balanced.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 375ml |
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95PTS
Elephant Island Orchard Wines Fortified Framboise 2007
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDeep dark raspberry cherry colour. Incredibly intense fresh raspberry nose with fresh jam, minty, spicy notes. Ripe, round, rich, fresh, somewhat sweet style with good acidity but a tad warm. Again, incredibly intense raspberry/black raspberry, minty, mineral flavours. No lack of intensity here, try on ice cream or chocolate or as a kir. First class.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 375ml |
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86PTS
Nepenthe Charleston Pinot Noir 2006
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaMinty, tobacco leaf, celery root, raspberry, floral, rooty nose, very cool climate edge. Round, tart, dry palate with light, edgy tannins. Green tobacco, cedar, rhubarb, orange, strawberry, leafy, minty flavours. Very warm, tart finish but with some fruit brightness. Needs food to tame the acidity.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Terra Andina Pinot Noir Reserva 2006
Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileDark colour. Raspberry, rubbery, orange peel, peppery, spicy, rooty nose. Dry, round, somewhat tight entry with cedar-y, rooty, tobacco leaf, black raspberry, licorice, herbal flavours with a bit of reduction (rubber notes) on the finish mixed with some sweet vanilla chocolate. An awkward wine but not without potential if it was made in a cleaner style.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Mark West Pinot Noir 2006
California, United StatesSpicy, earthy, resiny, garlic rubbery lees, rooty, floral, black cherry nose. Round, dry, slightly tannic, edgy entry with some sweetness. Very warm with cooked cherry, vanilla, smoky, rooty, tobacco leaf, resiny, cedar bark flavours and a touch of orange. Not up to past vintages.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Robin Ridge Pinot Noir 2006
Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaStemmy, cedar bark, cherry, spicy, floral, rooty aromas. Soft, round, warm palate with cherry, cola, resin, cedar bark, smoky flavours. Very alcoholic finish without much varietal definition. Simple pinot.Prices:| BC | $21.90 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Beato Bartolomeo da Breganze Savardo Pino Nero Superiore 2005
Veneto, ItalySmoky leather, tobacco leaf, raspberry, resiny, compost nose with a touch of Band-aid and roast meat. Dry, warm, somewhat lean palate with light tannins. Raspberry, smoky, resiny, leather, rhubarb, tobacco leaf flavours with a touch of chocolate and dried herbs. Your basic, earthy style pinot that could use a bit more ripe fruit.Prices:| BC | $23.50 | 750ml |
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13 May 2008
88PTS
Dourthe № 1 Sauvignon Blanc 20th Anniversary 2007
Bordeaux, FranceThere is something about sauvignon blanc from Bordeaux that is not only correct, but very drinkable too. Dourthe has done a good job with its Numero One for more than a decade even if it lives in obscurity under the white Bordeaux label. We love its restrained, lightly smoky, fruit flavours flecked with minerals, ripe grapefruit and just a dash of lees or oatmeal. Cool calm and sophisticated it is the perfect solo apéritif or serve with grilled chicken or fish dishes.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Chat-en-Oeuf Vin Blanc de Pays d'Oc 2007
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceI was a fan of the red "cat-on-the-egg" and I am equally impressed with the white. The nose is suitably aromatic given its mix of grenache blanc, marsanne, roussanne and vermentino. More than that there is a thread of minerality and bright acidity that simply makes it fun to drink especially with seafood and tapas style appetizers. Great value too. Stock up. Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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11 May 2008
88PTS
CedarCreek Dry Riesling 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAnother delicious effort from winemaker Tom Di Bello. A reasonably late pick from October 27 to 31, off the home block in Kelowna and Mannhardt Vineyard on the Westside near Kelowna, gives the wine a bright almost crunchy fruit flavour with plenty of zippy acidity and minerality. Just off-dry look in the mouth look for delicious peach and pineapple fruit with flecks of orange. Bottled with a synthetic cork. Buy this one by the case.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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10 May 2008
85PTS
Bouchard Aîné & Fils Fixin La Mazière Cuvée Signature 2005
Fixin, Côtes de Nuits, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceTobacco leaf, Oxo-cube, tea, smoky, spicy, floral, rooty nose. Dry, tart, tight tannin entry. Juicy rhubarb, strawberry, tobacco leaf, meaty, carrot, mineral, black tea flavours. Very warm, dry finish. Needs food to soften the somewhat lean tannins and acidity.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Gray Monk Gewürztraminer 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, floral, green apple, grapefruit, fruit salad nose. Fresh, round, light bodied style with some sweetness but decent acidity. Grapefruit, peach skin, floral, spicy, green apple flavours. Easy going, fresh patio sipper for the summer.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Lello Douro Branco 2007
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalVery floral, lemon, mineral, pear, juicy red apple aromas. Crisp, dry, elegant, somewhat juicy palate with pear, floral, mineral, almond, citrusy, red apple flavours. Crisp and fresh, solid seafood wine with some intensity.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Woop Woop The Black Chook Sparkling Shiraz NV
South Australia, AustraliaDeep black cherry colour with lots of foamy mousse. Spicy, floral, black cherry jam, peppery, licorice aromas. Ripe, moderately rich and sweet with good acidity. A bit fat with black cherry, licorice, spicy, earthy, meaty, cola, coffee flavours. A more restrained style with good fruit.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Nieto Senetiner Cabernet Shiraz Reserva 2005
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaSpicy, meaty, floral, savoury, black cherry, plum, cardamom, smoky nose. Round, dry, slightly tannic but full bodied. Rooty, smoky, resin, floral, plum, vanilla mocha, tobacco, meaty flavours. Warm and fresh with some light tannins on the finish. Best with beef.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.12 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Castello di Gabbiano Alleanza 2004
Tuscany, Italycorked, try anotherPrices:| BC | $70.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Nk'Mip Cellars Qwam Qwmt Chardonnay 2006
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaButtery, floral, baked peach, vanilla, leesy, spicy, nutty aromas. Dry, round, soft, supple palate with butter, lees, nutty, baked pear, smoky, citrus flavours. Good balance if a touch soft. Light oily texture with some finesse makes this a solid effort.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Nk'Mip Cellars Qwam Qwmt Merlot 2005
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig smoky, coffee oak with tobacco, cherry, savoury, spicy, black olive aromas and a light rubbery mercaptan note underneath. Rich, round, fatter style with supple tannins. Smoky, coffee, vanilla, licorice, black cherry, tobacco leaf, Christmas cake flavours. Warm, round finish with some length. Should improve over the next 1-3 years.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Sumac Ridge Cabernet Franc Black Sage Vineyard 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTobacco leaf, green olive, dill, weedy, smoky oak, leather, cranberry nose. Tart, dry, round palate with light, green tannins. Spicy, resiny, espresso oak, olive, briny, dill, cranberry, herbal vanilla flavours with a green tobacco leaf finish. Needs more ripeness.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Herder Merlot Bellamy Vineyards 2006
Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, spicy, peppery, tobacco leaf, light tomato, herbal, olive, cherry nose with a light floral and coffee vanilla note. Round, dry, slightly tight tannin palate but good body. Coffee, vanilla, tobacco leaf, green olive, cherry, cranberry, rooty, meaty flavours. Warm, somewhat tight finish. Needs a few years to soften, just a bit on the herbaceous, oaky side.Prices:| BC | $34.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Herder Merlot 2006
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, tobacco leaf, herbal, olive, coffee, plum, rooty nose with a bit of mercaptan. Rich, round, dense and supple with some light tannins. Tobacco leaf, rooty, coffee, smoked tomato leaf, cherry, Christmas cake flavours. Warm, slightly tart and tannic finish with bits of herbal tobacco leaf notes. Serve with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $34.90 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Herder Cabernet Franc Osoyoos Lake Bench 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, coffee, tobacco leaf, cranberry, olive, resiny, cedar, walnut aromas. Tart, warm, chewy dry tannins on the entry. Green tobacco, olive, resiny, smoky vanilla, herbal, cranberry, dill and espresso flavours. Needs a year or two to soften but this is tart with lean tannins on the finish.Prices:| BC | $31.90 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Maryhill Winemaker's White 2006
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesHoney, ginger, orange blossom, mineral, creamy, quince aromas with a buttery note. Round, fat, sweet entry with low acidity. Orange, pineapple, buttery, honey, creamy lees, ginger flavours. Good fruit but very fat and sweet. Serve well chilled on the patio or with spicy food.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Goona Warra Vineyard Pinot Noir 2005
Victoria, AustraliaTobacco leaf, strawberry jam, spicy, floral, rooty, meaty nose. Round, fresh, slightly tart palate with light tannins. Smoky, spicy, caraway, orange peel, raspberry, vanilla, coffee, rhubarb, tea leaf, soup flavours. Needs food to offset the acidity on the finish but has some fruit. A cooler style.Prices:| BC | $36.85 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Goona Warra Vineyard Semillon Sauvignon 2006
Victoria, AustraliaHay, canned grapefruit, grassy, garlic, petrol, fig aromas. Round, fresh, moderately dry palate with honey, fig, garlic, grapefruit rind, petrol, buttery, lime flavours. Solid but not particularly great value.Prices:| BC | $29.45 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Casa de Campo Reserve 2005
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaSavoury, floral, meaty, tobacco, plum jam, licorice, roasted mushroom aromas. Dry, tart, warm, slightly tannic but supple and soupy. Tobacco, black olive, roasted meat, sour cherry, licorice, savoury, resiny flavours. Finish is too tart and warm, needs food.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Beringer Founders' Estate Merlot 2004
California, United StatesSimple tobacco, meaty, stewed prune nose with spicy, earthy notes. Sweet, somewhat tannic entry with elevated acidity and cedar bark, cocoa, cola, spiced plum, tobacco leaf flavours. Commercial, tart, tannic finish. Disappointing for the price.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $21.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Doña Paula Alluvia Cabernet Franc 2006
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaPeppery, tobacco leaf, poultry spice, cherry, rooty licorice, floral, vanilla aromas with a slight roasted meat note. Rich, round, dry but slightly warm with some youthful, grainy tannins and a touch of fresh acidity. Smoky, peppery, spicy, savoury, tobacco, black olive, floral, black cherry and vanilla flavours. Warm, dry finish with youthful tannins. Needs 2-3 years to soften.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.00 | 750ml |
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09 May 2008
83PTS
Peller Estates Heritage Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTobacco leaf, resin, black olive, herbal, rubbery, cedar bark aromas with a bit of resin and smoky tomato leaf. Round, supple, easy entry with herbal, black olive, stewed prune, smoky tobacco, roasted bell pepper and coffee grind flavours. Simple, easy drinking style with a bit of a sweet, herbaceous finish.Prices:| BC | $14.49 | 750ml |
| SK | $14.29 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Peller Estates Heritage Series Cabernet Merlot 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeppery, spicy, minty, rubbery, cherry, cassis and cedar bark aromas. Round, dry, slightly lean palate with light tannins. Weedy, herbal, spicy, cassis, olive and green bean flavours with a bit of smoky oak resin. Simple, straight up stuff with a warm, slightly tart finish.Prices:| BC | $14.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.29 | 750ml |
| SK | $13.29 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Peller Estates Heritage Series Merlot 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaEarthy, prune, peppery, menthol, resin, tobacco nose with a light rubbery, cedar note. Round, warm, slightly tannic entry with some sweet and sour edges. Cedar, tobacco, cherry jam, spicy, rooty, resin flavours. Hot finish with some fruit and a sweet edge. Fuller than the other versions. Needs a year.Prices:| BC | $14.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.29 | 750ml |
| SK | $13.29 | 750ml |
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08 May 2008
89PTS
De Martino El León Carignan 2006
Maule, Valle del Claro, Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileWe don't see a lot of carignan from Chile (most is used for blending) but this wine suggests we should see more of the Chilean version. The vineyard is dry-farmed over granitic soils; the vines are over 60 years old. We love the bright juicy acidity of this spicy, black cherry flavoured red with a fine skeleton underneath. Again more fine floral aspects and minerality make it a joy to taste and even better with food.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
De Martino Legado Reserva Syrah 2005
Choapa Valley, Coquimbo Region, ChileReally, another exciting syrah from Chile this time from the Choapa Valley in the Coquimbo region in northern Chile. It's the narrowest section of Chile, with just 90 km (56 mi) between the Pacific Ocean and the Argentine border in the Andes Mountains. The vineyards are planted 825 meters (2,707 feet) above sea level in sandy-clay soils dotted with volcanic rock with stones that have not decomposed. The nose is a mix of dried herbs and spice with notes of cigar. It's big rich and dry on the palate with black fruit and tar. Definitely more in the Rhone style with meaty gamey notes in the finish. Well done. Should improve in the bottle as well.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
De Martino Carmenère Alto de Piedras 2006
Isla de Maipo, Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileSimilar to the Reserva in style but far more luscious fruit with better chocolate, cocoa and soft peppery textures. An opulent version of this signature grape with supple textures yet enough acidity to hold your interest on the palate. Would be perfect with roasted meat dished too.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
De Martino Legado Reserva Carmenère 2006
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileThis soft juicy savoury carmenère comes from the De Martino vineyards in Isla de Maipo. The palate is soft and spicy with chocolate cherry mocha flavours and that characteristic savoury leafy thread at the backend. Ripe full-bodied organic carmenère. Well done.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
De Martino Legado Reserva Chardonnay 2006
Valle del Limari, ChileAnother Limarí chardonnay with a big fresh buttery nutty nose and a fine mineral undercurrent. The soils, said to be the only containing calcium (fossils) in Chile, give this chardonnay plenty of chalk and minerality to support the buttery, peach, green apple and vanilla notes. Fine value in a 100 per cent organic wine.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
De Martino Quebrada Seca Chardonnay 2006
Valle del Limari, ChileThe Limarí Valley is the Chilean chardonnay secret weapon. This single vineyard is sculpted in the drier, tighter, more serious style. With a strong thread of minerality. Look for subtle hints of nutty butter, seawater, oyster liqueur and again a fresh clean finish. Impressive styling and a much needed style direction for Chilean chardonnay.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
De Martino Parcela 5 Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileThe cool Casablanca valley is the source of the grapes here and from the coldest sector of the area some 20 kilometres from the Pacific Ocean. The all clone 1 grapes yield low production and big flavours. Look for intense gooseberry and jalapeno notes in a fresh, clean, citrus herbal tightly wound package. A great food wine.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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06 May 2008
87PTS
Teddy Hall Chenin Blanc 2007
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaTeddy Hall is well known in the Cape for producing top Chenin Blanc (Rudera) and perhaps more important fresh wines, the key component of this chenin blanc under screwcap. It has a lightweight fruity entry with a touch of zippy acidity and bits of floral orange blossoms to spice up the finish. Fresh, fun, affordable and clean. Sip solo on the patio or pair it up with small bites before dinner.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Graceland Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaFull marks for a clean nose with a mix of cran-cherry and black fruit with some smoky oak notes underneath. On the palate the entry is supple with mocha cherry chocolate flavours and a streak of acidity and minerality. Young and will need a bit more time to become fully-knit but certainly well made and worth trying.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Simonsig Chenin Blanc 2006
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaSimilar to last year the aromas mix floral notes with ripe peach and pear. The entry is smooth with ripe almost sweet flavours of honey, pineapples melon flecked with minerals. A good wine that really needs a spicy dish to tame the sweet notes. Think Indian or Thai.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.60 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.95 | 750ml |
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83PTS
KWV Roodeberg 2005
Western Cape, South AfricaSmoky, prune, earthy, meaty, rubbery, tobacco leaf, black olive, herbal aromas. Soft, round, supple palate but somewhat acidic and lean in the finish. Peppery, herbal, tobacco, saddle leather, cooked prune, rubbery, leafy, smoky, resiny, cassis flavours. Simple, hot and very acidic with a reduced, rubbery streak.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.55 | 750ml |
| SK | $15.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.59 | 750ml |
| NS | $15.85 | 750ml |
| NB | $14.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.79 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Porcupine Ridge Syrah 2006
Coastal Region, South AfricaWe like consistency and the 06 Porcupine Syrah is almost a carbon copy of the '05or with its smoky, savoury nose and rich roasted peppers and game notes. The entry is soft and warm with plenty of ripe, supple, fruit and peppery, licorice, blueberry fruit with meaty gamey notes in the finish. A serious barbecue red you don't just want to leave on the counter for everyone else to drink. Good value.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $17.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.85 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Golden Kaan Reserve Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Western Cape, South AfricaBig intense open citrus grassy nose with bits of fig and lanolin. The palate is dry and grassy with nettle and lemon flavours and a medium length, dry, crisp finish. Oysters would be the ticket here, or a simple, citrus, chicken dish.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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04 May 2008
88PTS
Chandon Unoaked Pinot Noir Rosé Carneros 2006
Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United StatesA delicious looking wine if that's possible and it tastes as good as it looks. Fresh vibrant wine with a sapid entry and mid-palate. Fine acidity and a crisp dry finish. A shockingly well crafted American rosé. Provence in Napa?Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Domaine Joel Delaunay Touraine 2006
Touraine, Loire, FranceA consistent producer turning out fresh crisp sauvignon made for food. After fermentation the sauvignon left on its fine lees for three months to help develop texture and complex the flavours of citrus and nectarine skin. Perfectly clean and fresh you can drink this all summer on the coast. Well done.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Wirra Wirra Scrubby Rise Sauvignon Blanc Semillon Viognier 2007
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaAnother stylish effort from WW. The style is fresh and dry with grassy, green melon, grapefruit, and mineral flavours flecked with mineral, lime rind with a honey. Consistent quality at fine value. Serve with most seafood dishes or solo on the patio all summer.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Bandit Pinot Grigio 2006
California, United StatesAvailable in one-litre Tetra-pack with a plastic screwcap. The first job of any pinot grigio is to be fresh and bright. This 'Bandit" gets both right along with a dose of grass, sweet lemon and green apple notes. The finish is crisp and slightly sweet. Again a sound effort for picnics and summer drinking. Decent value at the equivalent $10 per 750 ml bottle.Prices:| BC | $13.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sumac Ridge Pinnacle White 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPinnacle White can hardly be positioned as the big gun white at Sumac ridge but this 25/20/20/15/10 blend of gewürztraminer/sauvignon blanc/ehrenfelser/chardonnay/pinot blanc/muscat and two percent sémillon is definitely different. In fact, it's an odd blend of aromatic and oak flavours. Fresh, yet resiny, with a strong meaty, resiny gewürztraminer character and a ripe, spicy finish. Okay, if an odd mix of fruit and flavours.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Sumac Ridge Pinot Blanc Black Sage Vineyard 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSumac's pinot blanc is always on the heavy oak side showing plenty of vanilla character with a nutty under current. The entry is rich and soft with buttery, oily fruit with bits of peach and melon. The finish is oily and somewhat over-extracted. Serve with a creamy pasta dish.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Whistler The Black Piper G.S.M. 2005
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaAnother over-the-top GSM that blends 38/37/25 grenache/shiraz/mourvèdre. Once you get by the acidity and upfront pepper this spicy, red delivers gobs of sweet raspberry/plum fruit with a briary, liquorice undercurrent. Attractive and inviting on entry but it's tough to drink a whole bottle. Solid, but consider sharing with four people. Try it with a steak.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Vina Gormaz Ribera del Duero 2005
Ribera del Duero, Castilla-Leon, SpainNo water and much more sensible temperatures shaped the '05 Gormaz with its intense. Low yield peppery fruit. Big black plummy fruit, concentrated by the 50-year old vines it's made from. There's no oak to better deliver the fruit although there is plenty of tannin wrapped up in the dry finish. Buy and hold or drink it now with a roasted leg of lamb.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Sandhill Pinot Blanc Sandhill Estate Vineyard 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaButter, floral, peach, vanilla, lees aromas. Round, soft, full bodied and slightly oily. Canned peach with plenty of butter, vanilla, spice and nutty flavours. Slightly sweet finish should give it wide appeal.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.99 | 750ml |
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03 May 2008
86PTS
Finca Flichman Malbec Oak Aged 2007
Mendoza, ArgentinaMaybe the best of recent vintages for this earthy, smoky red. Look for plenty of soft, smooth edged peppery fruit with bits of liquorice. This is good value red wine you can serve liberally around the barbecue or with pizza, chicken or spaghetti.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
JoieFarm Chardonnay Un-Oaked (ii) 2007
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMineral, grassy, butter, melon, peach skin, lime, grapefruit aromas. Warm, tart, zippy entry with grapefruit skin, gooseberry, butter, honey, mandarin rind flavours with green apple skin. Finish is a bit bitter and rindy and very warm. A bit too aromatic for chardonnay but fun to drink nonetheless.Prices:| BC | $20.40 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Henry's Drive Vignerons Pillar Box White 2006
Padthaway, South Australia, AustraliaLime, mineral, lemon, grassy, grapefruit, peach pit, gooseberry aromas. Fresh, round, crisp, slightly fat entry with grassy, grapefruit, gooseberry, hay, buttery, lemon oil flavours with a touch of cashew and fig. Simple but solid effort with some intensity but tart and warm on the finish.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.50 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.54 | 750ml |
| NF | $17.21 | 750ml |
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83PTS
A Mano Primitivo 2005
Castellaneta, Taranto, Puglia, ItalyVery meaty, smoky, spicy, peppery, prune, savoury, plum and barnyard nose. Tart, somewhat chunky tannic entry with fresh acidity and some sweetness. Cooked plum, smoky, resin, meaty, barnyard, peppery, tobacco flavours. Very warm and tart, not up to past editions.Prices:| AB | $15.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $17.35 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Ram's Leap Shiraz 2005
Western Plains Zone, New South Wales, AustraliaSlightly pruny, oxidized cherry, barnyard, compost, licorice, meaty, savoury nose. Round, sweet, tart, somewhat tannic entry with stewed cherry, tobacco, spicy, weedy, rhubarb flavours. A poor representation of the variety.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Zonin Primo Amore Sangiovese Merlot 2005
Sicily, ItalyPeppery, black cherry, spicy, meaty, tobacco, black olive nose with a floral hint. Round, supple, slightly tart palate with a touch of sweetness. Spicy, licorice, meaty, coffee, peppery, cherry jam flavours. Good solid little pizza red.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Sandhill Small Lots Program One Phantom Creek Vineyard 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWeedy, earthy, herbal, black olive, rooty, licorice, cassis, cranberry and wet tobacco aromas. Dry, round, elegant palate but a bit lean with light, dry tannins and a touch of acidity. Cranberry, tobacco, resin, savoury, mocha oak, sour cherry, licorice and olive flavours. A bit too oaky and tart at the end - needs more fruit intensity and less oak.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $32.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Sandhill Small Lots Program Petit Verdot Phantom Creek Vineyard 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCoffee, vanilla, chocolate, savoury, cooked plum, saddle leather, coconut, licorice root nose. Dry, tart, slightly tannic entry but lacks concentration. Weedy, cranberry, cassis, earthy, savoury, tobacco leaf, green olive, resin, coffee oak flavours. Light and tart, needs food. Not the best PV we have seen formt his vineyard.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Pentâge Cabernet Franc 2005
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, weedy, tobacco, leesy, peppery, barnyard nose. Dry, round, slightly tannic entry with a warm edge. Cranberry, coffee, mocha, peppery, tobacco leaf, black olive, soapy, resin flavours. Warm, oaky, tart finish with some tannins poking through. This will improve in the bottle over the next two years but it really needs more fruit to balance the other components.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Pentâge Winery Red 2004
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLeafy, spicy, prune, peppery, resin, black olive, barnyard, saddle leather nose. Dry, round, slightly tart and tannic entry. Mocha, coffee, vanilla, floral, cranberry, black cherry, resin and prune flavours. Sweet oak finish but tart and hard edged. Lacks charm or finesse.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Van Westen Vineyards Vino Grigio 2006
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, apple skin, honey, light lees, pear, mineral nose. Crisp, fresh, round, elegant style with nectarine skin, green apple, lees, slate, pear and citrus flavours. Solid flavour profile and balance for seafood in the summer time.Prices:| BC | $17.90 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Angus The Bull Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
South Australia, AustraliaRubber, dank earth, reductive, rooty, leather, peppery, resin aromas with a savoury note. Tannic, tart entry and chewy with peppery, blueberry, resin, earthy, rooty, rubbery, tobacco and olive flavours. Needs more fruit and less tannins.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $21.88 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.50 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
JoieFarm Reserve Chardonnay 2005
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, leesy, buttery, honey, matchstick, grapefruit rind, roasted garlic, cheesy nose. Round, light, slightly skinny palate with grapefruit, mineral, lees, butter, green apple skin, honey and cheese rind flavours. Simple and tart on the finish with some bitterness in the finish.Prices:| BC | $27.90 | 750ml |
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81PTS
Robert Mondavi Pinot Noir Private Selection 2006
Central Coast, California, United StatesTobacco, barnyard, leafy, savoury, meaty nose. Dry, tart, thin and lean with floral, meaty, sour cherry, bitter herbs, savoury, barnyard flavours. Lacks balance and fruit. Poor quality.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Tintara Horseshoe Row Shiraz 2006
South Australia, AustraliaRubber boot, dank earth, barnyard, savoury, thyme nose, too reduced. Soft, sweet, tart, round entry with some light tannins. Peppery, leafy, rubber, earthy, raspberry, rhubarb flavours. Very acidic, lacks fruit.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Skillogalee Basket Pressed Shiraz 2004
Clare, Clare Valley, South Australia, AustraliaBlueberry, black cherry, vanilla, savoury, leafy, tobacco, soy, minty nose with a light medicinal note. Warm, tart, smooth but lightly tannic structure. Menthol, medicinal, black raspberry, tobacco leaf, weedy, rhubarb and thyme flavour. Has some fruit but needs to drop the acidity. Needs food.Prices:| BC | $27.90 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Skillogalee The Cabernets Basket Pressed 2003
Clare, Clare Valley, South Australia, AustraliaBlueberry, licorice, weedy, tobacco leaf, rooty, minty, rubbery nose. Rich, round, tart entry with some sweetness and chunky tannins. Warm with blueberry, cranberry, peppery, savoury, rooty, licorice, barnyard and tobacco flavours. Has fruit but the acidity is excessive with a warm, rubbery finish.Prices:| BC | $27.90 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Humberto Canale Cabernet Franc Gran Reserva 2005
Alto Valle del Río Negro, Rio Negro, Patagonia, Argentinacorked, try anotherPrices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Don Domenico de Huanacache Syrah 2007
San Juan, ArgentinaEarthy, barnyard, leafy, peppery, black cherry, carrot top, spicy nose. Rich, soft, round and somewhat sweet with light tannins. Leafy, black cherry jam, savoury, earthy, weedy, rubbery coffee flavours. Very warm, tart finish. Your basic bbq red.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Folie à Deux Ménage a Trois Red 2006
California, United StatesMenthol, black cherry, tobacco, peppery, chocolate, mocha, savoury nose. Ripe, soft, round, smooth and sweet entry with some acidity poking through. Mocha, sweet cherry, spicy, savoury, artificial fruit, spicy chocolate flavours. Almost a replica of the "yellowtail" reds with some tannin.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.99 | 750ml |
| NB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| PEI | $19.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $19.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay 2005
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesBig full blown style of chardonnay with spicy lees, baked apple and honey aromas. Fairly rich on the palate with more toasted vanilla, butter, and citrus flavours. The balance is fine, but the cork and the oaky style signals a different era in chardonnay.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Saturna Vintner's Select Pinot Gris 2006
Saturna, Gulf Islands, British Columbia, CanadaEarthy, mineral, floral, pear skin nose with a touch of matchstick and apple seed. Full, round, slightly fat and sweet with cooked green apple, butter, mineral, anise and earth flavours. A simple, easy-sipping style of pinot gris with a bit of sweetness and warmth.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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02 May 2008
84PTS
Morandé Cabernet Sauvignon Pionero 2006
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileTobacco, chocolate, cedar, black olive, sappy cassis, menthol aromas with a bit of crushed bay leaf and herbs. Dry, round, tart, somewhat tannic entry with cassis, peppery, smoky, chocolate, tobacco leaf flavours. A bit herbaceous and chunky but solid.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Undurraga Founder's Collection 2004
Isla de Maipo, Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileSappy cassis, minty, black olive, bay leaf, black cherry, floral, vanilla and cedar aromas. Round, dry, elegant style with light tannins. Cedar bark, dried herb, menthol, sappy cassis, chalky, black olive, rooty flavours. Finish is a bit tart and chalky with some tannins to shed.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $31.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Morandé Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileLeafy, cedar bark, sappy cassis, menthol, black olive aromas. Round, full, slightly tart entry with a chalky texture. Ash, resin, peppery, minty, herbal, sappy cassis flavours. Finish is a bit tart with some tannins poking through. Try with bbq meat.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Gallo Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
California, United StatesFloral, earthy, cedar bark, cooked prune, soupy, black olive aromas. Sweet, round, tart, slightly tannic entry with cherry chocolate, mocha, peppery, earthy, cedar bark flavours. Finish is chalky and somewhat tannic. Cheap commercial red that needs food.Prices:| BC | $9.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $8.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.45 | 750ml |
| QC | $10.45 | 750ml |
| NB | $10.21 | 750ml |
| NS | $10.21 | 750ml |
| PEI | $10.21 | 750ml |
| NF | $10.21 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Pacific Breeze Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Acure Estate 2005
Product of CanadaSpicy, floral, cedar bark, resin, leafy cassis, chocolate, incense aromas. Tart, dry, somewhat tannic entry. Dry cedar, resin, licorice, chalky, coffee, vanilla, cassis, peppery flavours. Finish is tart and warm with tannins poking out. Needs time and beef. Grapes are purchased in California and shipped to Pacific Breeze Winery in New Westminster, British Columbia where the wine is made.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Pacific Breeze Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Signature Series 2005
Product of CanadaThe best of the cabernets made at Pacific Breeze. Look for an enticing floral, incense, cassis jam, and coffee nose with bits of barnyard, iron and earthy tobacco. Dry, full, tart, somewhat tannic entry but good concentration. Coffee, black olive, cassis, mint, tobacco, earthy, vanilla, resin, pencil lead flavours. Good intensity but the finish is somewhat acidic. Needs 3-4 years to soften the tannins. Solid.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Pacific Breeze Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Hawk and Horse Vineyard 2005
Product of CanadaVolatile, pruny nose with peppery, leather, resin, cassis, incense, barnyard and coffee vanilla. Dry, tart, round entry with chalky tannins. Cassis, coffee, vanilla, rooty, licorice, resin, slightly herbal flavours with a cedar-y, dry finish. A bit dirty and tart overall. Grapes are purchased in California and shipped to Pacific Breeze Winery in New Westminster, British Columbia where the wine is made.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Woodbridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
California, United StatesDry cedar bark, cassis, minty, resiny, leafy, olive aromas. Tart, warm, full palate with cedar-y, resin, smoky, spicy, olive, tobacco flavours. Finish is short, tart and lacks fruit.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Ravenswood Vintners Blend Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
California, United StatesCedar bark, licorice, tobacco, earthy, black berry, resin aromas. Round, tart, light entry with slightly green, hard tannins. Olive, cassis, cedar bark, cola, resin, rooty flavours. Simple, pizza red, commercial cab with a warm, tart tongue.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Tintara Horseshoe Row Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
South Australia, AustraliaBlack cherry, medicinal, cedar, coffee, peppery, black olive, rooty aromas. Full, round, tart entry with chalky, dry tannins. Chewy with blueberry, cassis jam, cedar, olive, peppery, cedar, tobacco flavours. Solid but too acidic and tannic. Needs food.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Twin Fin Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
California, United StatesFloral, blackberry, cola, cedar bark, compost, tobacco aromas. Round, warm, tart palate with some dry tannin. Spicy, peppery, floral, cola, black cherry, resin, cedar flavours. A commercial hamburger red with a chalky, cassis, slightly tannic finish. Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.00 | 750ml |
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01 May 2008
82PTS
Starling Lane Pinot Gris 2007
Saanich Peninsula, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaButtery, green apple, mineral aromas. The entry is acidic with intense sour, green apple flavours. It is out of balance with little pinot gris character.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Bodega Lurton Pinot Gris 2007
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaPinot gris/grigio in Argentina makes sense given the Italians in Mendoza but this one is made by the French connection Jacques and Francois Lurton. Plenty of mineral, nectarine aromas move on the super crisp, dry palate that calls for oysters or clams or sushi. Very fine value at less than $13.Prices:| BC | $12.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Mount Riley Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandBig intense passion fruit and lemongrass aromas and flavours. On the palate you pick up the lemon, roasted bell pepper notes with lime rind in the finish. Very intense, iconic Marlborough style. Try with pesto fettuccine dish.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Robin Ridge Chardonnay 2006
Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaButtery, vanilla, oaky, cedar, nutty lees, honey. Soft, round, somewhat sweet entry and very warm with buttery, honey, spicy lees, baked apple flavours. Simple, somewhat sweet consumer style. Love the screwcap but more fruit should be the goal.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Lindemans Bin 85 Pinot Grigio 2007
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaIt's hard to knock this fruity, clean, fresh style of pinot gris for the money. Consider all other wines in this price range and you'll see what I mean. It has just enough fruit and minerality with a generous dollop of sugar to give it wide party appeal. Chill well and serve all summer.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $13.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.45 | 750ml |
| NB | $12.25 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Bollini Pinot Grigio Trentino 2006
Volano, Trento, Trentino- Alto-Adige, ItalyDry, floral, honey/apple aromas with a streak of mineral. The entry is dry and fresh with earthy, citrus, lees, mineral, pear flavours. Soft almost creamy textures with firm acidity. Think creamy pasta dishes and or veal scaloppini.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Zonin Primo Amore Pinot Grigio 2006
Veneto, ItalyNew from Zonin is this ultra fresh, citrus rind-scented grigio with a nutty almond twist. Dry clean fresh pear fruit flavours in the classic, lean Italian style. A completely dry wine that should be perfect for a variety of food styles.A terrific value white wine that won't wear out your palate.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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June 2008