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Tastings: June 2008
30 June 2008
87PTS
Selbach S Riesling 2007
Mosel, GermanyFresh green apple skin nose mixed with bits of lemon peach and nectarine skin mixed with slate, honey, and clover aromas with a touch of matchstick. Ripe, round, elegant, creamy acidity on the palate that falls on the sweeter side. Juicy green apple, nectarine skin, slate, petrol, pear and citrus flavours. A fine summer sipping riesling for the patio.Prices:| BC | $17.77 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Magnotta Vidal Icewine 2006
Lake Erie North Shore, Ontario, CanadaNalgene, floral, aldehydic, green apple skin, petrol aromas. Rich, somewhat tart, sweet palate with plastic beach ball, petrol, marmalade, aldehydic, buttery flavours and warm. Seems prematurely aged. Not a very fine example of icewine.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 375ml |
| AB | $40.00 | 375ml |
| SK | $30.00 | 375ml |
| ON | $28.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tinhorn Creek Vineyards Kerner Icewine 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaApricot, waxy, butter, citrus rind, floral, smoky, red apple aromas. Fat, round, rich, soft palate with baked red apple, pear, apricot, waxy, orange floral flavours. Good fruit intensity if a bit fat. More acidity to balance the sweetness would take this to another level.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 200ml |
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90PTS
See Ya Later Ranch Ehrenfelser Icewine 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery floral, spicy, orange, ripe peach baked green apple aromas. Fresh, fat, round, elegant style with moderate acidity. Nalgene, baked green apple, floral, apricot skin, orange rind flavours. Good solid effort if a bit fat and warm.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 200ml |
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85PTS
Equus Carmenere 2006
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileMenthol, tobacco leaf, compost, meaty, herbal, spicy cassis, roasted bell pepper nose. Rich, round, smooth but dry with some grainy tannins. Celery salt, smoky, coffee, peppery, roasted bell pepper, mineral, tobacco leaf, garrigue. Very tobacco leaf, herbal finish. Good structure but very herbal style.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Montalto Nero d'Avola Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Sicily, ItalyMeaty, smoky, barnyard, black cherry, peppery aromas with a sweaty, garrigue edge. Round, supple, slightly tannic entry with smoky, meaty, black cherry jam, licorice, tobacco, peppery, floral flavours. A bit rustic on the finish but solid fruit flavours if a bit fresh. Good value.Prices:| BC | $11.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.15 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Ricossa Barbaresco 2003
Piedmont, ItalySpicy, black cherry, tobacco, roasted mushroom, earthy, coffee aromas. Ripe, round, rich, smoothly tannic entry. Tobacco, peppery, resin, coffee, vanilla, black cherry, smoky flavours with some tannin on the finish. A bit rustic and hot but incredibly cheap for Barbaresco. Needs medium rare beef or a few more years in bottle.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Casillero del Diablo Carmenere 2007
Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChilePeppery, coffee, tobacco leaf, minty, bay, black olive, light cassis nose. Round, dry, somewhat lean entry with coffee, cedar bark, peppery, minty, black olive, tobacco and compost flavours. Too skinny and tart.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.30 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.55 | 750ml |
| NS | $11.54 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Carmen Carmenère 2006
Region del Valle Central, ChilePeppery, black cherry, spicy, tobacco leaf, peppermint, smoky earth, barnyard, coffee aromas. Dry, tart, round palate with smoky, herbal, roasted pepper, coffee, vanilla, tobacco leaf and tea flavours. Solid but tart and herbal on the finish.Prices:| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $10.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $12.98 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Devil's Rock Pfalz Riesling 2006
Pfalz, GermanyPetrol, slate, green apple skin, lemon oil, perfumy aromas. Creamy, round, off dry palate with mineral, slate, petrol, lemon, buttery flavours. Finish is a bit warm and quite tart. A food wine for the summer patio. Good value.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Santa Julia Viognier 2007
Mendoza, ArgentinaLemon rind, oily, ginger, floral, matchstick, petrol aromas. Disappointing dry, tart, lean palate with lemon oil, buttery, ginger, mineral flavours with a warm, bitter edge. Not the best effort.Prices:| BC | $13.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Masi Tupungato Passo Doble 2006
Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaMeaty, smoky, peppery, roasted pepper, licorice root, black cherry, tobacco, black olive nose. Ric, round, dry, somewhat tannic entry that is a bit chunky, warm and fresh. Smoky, black cherry, meaty, floral, licorice root, tobacco, spicy, minty flavours with a bit of a savoury, plum finish. Good solid fruit core but warm, needs a year or so.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $16.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $19.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Wakefield Chardonnay 2007
South Australia, AustraliaMango, leesy, lemon, spicy, buttery, baked apple nose. Round, slightly oily, somewhat sweet entry that is a bit warm with moderate acidity. Pineapple, buttery, vanilla, leesy, spicy, citrus rind flavours. Solid but with a sweet and sour edge on the finish.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Black Hills Carmenère 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, leafy, savoury, sage brush, licorice root, vanilla pudding, menthol, roasted pepper and tobacco aromas. Dry, somewhat austere, grainy entry and warm with peppery, chalky, wet tobacco leaf, herbal, spicy, coffee vanilla, savoury, menthol flavours. Decent but a bit tart and austere. Needs another two to three years in bottle to settle down.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Terra Andina Carmenere 2007
Region del Valle Central, ChileMinty, coriander, tobacco leaf, black cherry, spicy, black olive aromas. Round, supple palate with coffee, spicy, peppery, minty, tobacco leaf, bay and cassis. Very warm, smooth finish but a bit acidic.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Ruffino Modus 2005
Tuscany, ItalyPeppery, coffee, vanilla, gamey, saddle leather, black cherry, spicy, dried herb, black olive and warm earth aromas. Rich, round, supple entry with some grainy tannins and a touch of acidity showing. Big smoky, peppery, earthy, leather, meaty, black cherry, black olive, herbal, minty flavours. Very youthful and tight, needs a few years to integrate and soften. Terrific value thanks to a permanent price cut of some $25.Prices:| ON | $28.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $29.75 | 750ml |
| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Domaine Bernard Defaix Chablis 2006
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceLemon, floral, buttery, citrus, nutty, nectarine skin aromas. Round, dry, elegant, somewhat soft palate. Citrus, nutty, leesy, butter, green apple, oyster shell flavours. Good ripeness and finesse for the price but forward and ready to drink now.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
JoieFarm A Noble Blend 2007
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, spicy, lychee, peach skin, green apple skin, candied grapefruit rind aromas. Sweet, round, fresh palate with canned grapefruit, mineral, green apple, lychee, sausage, buttery flavours. A bit rindy and sweet; will be fine with Indian or Asian food.Prices:| BC | $21.40 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Loredan Gasparini Venegazzu 2004
Veneto, ItalyPeppery, tobacco, black olive, green bean, floral, cassis, earthy, vanilla, meaty aromas. Dry, rich, good concentration but slightly hard, young tannins. Smoky, peppery, tobacco, cassis, earthy, black olive, leather, and cedar flavours with a bit of resin and coffee bean on the finish. Youthful, tight style but will improve, needs 2-4 years. Good balance and an attractive style for food. Solid value here.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Masi Tupungato Corbec 2005
Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaBlack cherry, tobacco, resin, garrigue nose with a smoky, meaty note. Rich, ripe, round, dry palate with grainy, supple tannins but very warm. Lots of black cherry, cola, licorice, earthy, tobacco, meaty, peppery, resin, orange peel flavours. A bit hot but has good fruit flavour intensity. Needs 1-2 years.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Finca Flichman Gestos Shiraz 2006
Mendoza, ArgentinaSpicy, licorice, smoky, garrigue, black berry savoury, meaty, rooty, vanilla nose. Rich, round, ripe palate with bright acidity and chewy tannins. Peppery, smoky, resin, vanilla, black cherry, meaty, licorice, leather and black olive flavours. Good concentration and ripeness if a bit rustic and warm. Best with beef or lamb or give it a year or two.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Dievole IGT Pinocchio Nero d'Avola 2005
Sicily, ItalySpicy, peppery, floral, black cherry, meaty, licorice and tobacco aromas. Dry, tart, somewhat hard entry with some skinny tannins. Menthol, resin, sour cherry, mineral, licorice flavours. Unbalanced and tart, needs an adjustment.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Wolf Blass Black Label Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec 2002
South Australia, AustraliaBig spicy, peppery, coffee, vanilla, smoky, blueberry, cassis, black berry, leather and licorice root nose. Rich, round, smooth grained tannins on a warm palate with fresh acidity. Coffee, vanilla, peppery, cassis jam, black berry, licorice, black olive, tobacco and clove flavours. Warm, ripe, fat and intense finish, needs 2-5 years, good effort.Prices:| BC | $99.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Purple Angel by Montes 2005
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileNot quite up to previous editions with a heavier cassis, eucalyptus, tobacco leaf nose mixed with black olive, coffee, barnyard and savoury orange peel aromas. Rich, ripe, round and supple and a bit warm with a touch of acidity showing. Coffee, vanilla, peppery, cassis, minty, herbal, orange peel, saddle leather, roasted pepper flavours. Very warm tobacco leaf, stewed tea, resin finish. Solid but somewhat green.Prices:| BC | $53.95 | 750ml |
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29 June 2008
86PTS
Tarapaca Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileSimple straight-up sauvignon with a touch of residual sugar in its ripe fruit flavours. Pear, melon and mineral motes mark the mid-palate and finish. A gentle version of the aggressive white grape. Good value.Prices:| BC | $11.00 | 750ml |
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28 June 2008
85PTS
Oak Bay Vineyard Gewürztraminer 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSimple, aromatic, floral nose with bits of lychee and soapy, oily undercurrents. Just off-dry, with an earthy summer sausage-Alsace bent, mixed with citrus, lychee and peach fruit. An easy-sipping style if a bit bitter. Serve well chilled.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Skimmerhorn Gewurztraminer 2006
Kootenay River Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe latest Skimmerhorn gewürztraminer opens with as fresh stuck matchstick nose that blows off in the glass. The entry is fat and round with attractive floral, orange bits and spice. The finish is clean and crisp. Only the upfront sulphur mars this otherwise solid effort.Prices:| BC | $14.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Lake Breeze Gewurztraminer 2007
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLast year's LB gewürztraminer was very impressive and the latest version is equally well made. The fruit is bright and well balanced with a creamy well blanced palate. No bitter notes and no soapiness make this a refreshing but sophisticated white with tasty mineral notes and peachy, floral flavours. Food and patio- friendly. Buy this one by the case.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
CedarCreek Gewurztraminer 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCedarCreek winemaker Tom Di Bello cold-ferments his gewürztraminer in stainless steel before finishing it just off-dry. Look for a fresh, spicy style with lychee fruit and orange notes and just enough citrus to keep the wine interesting through the finish. A great patio sipper or wine you can serve with a variety of spicy Asian or Indian dishes.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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27 June 2008
86PTS
Concha y Toro Trio Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileNot the best Trio we have tasted over the years. The fruit comes off three vineyard sites offering light gooseberry and grapefruit aromas and flavours but it seems to lack the usual super bright fruit and concentration. Drink now. Prices:| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Granite Creek Ehrenfelser 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral rose petal, ripe peach, plasticene, orange aromas. Full, round, sweet palate with medium acidity. Oily with orange, apricot, baked pear, mineral, rose flavours. Somewhat fat and heavy but with fine fruit intensity.Prices:| BC | $17.90 | 750ml |
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16 June 2008
89PTS
Kaiken Malbec 2006
Mendoza, ArgentinaWow texture texture, texture. Chilean master winemaker Aurelio Montes had to go to Argentina, hence "Kaiken," named after the wild goose that flies back and forth over the Andes between Chile and Argentina, but this malbec is simply to delicious . Rich, savoury, elegant flavours streaked with vanilla licorice, chocolate, black cherry jam and cardamom mark the palate of this version of Argentina's signature varietal. Glossy, sleek and yet restrained this is a real bargain for consumers.Prices:| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| US | $10.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Domini Veneti Amarone della Valpolicello Classico 'Milo Manara' 2000
Pedemonte Valpolicella, Verona, Veneto, ItalyA micro cuvee made from the best selection of Jago Amarone aged in barrique and tonneau. The label was designed by Milo Manara, famous for his erotic art comics and designs. Spicy, tobacco, coffee, licorice, vanilla, black cherry jam, plum, flora, waxy, meaty, incense aromas. Big, rich, round, full and warm with some smooth tannins and good acidity. Intense chocolate, coffee, black cherry jam, black plum, licorice, vanilla, leather, clove, cardamom and resin flavours with a bit of roasted meat and saddle leather on the finish. Needs 3-5 years to round out; well balanced at a whopping 16% alcohol.Prices:| BC | $154.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $135.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Domini Veneti Valpolicello Classico Superiore Ripasso 'La Casetta' 2003
Pedemonte Valpolicella, Verona, Veneto, ItalyA more complex wine with 5% cabernet and the lees of the Recioto and Amarone used for the ripasso. Spicy, meaty, tobacco, barnyard, floral, plum, peppery, cassis, truffle, sweaty saddle aromas. Round, rich, dry, slightly tannic palate but full with good acidity. Plum, cherry jam, peppery, spicy, vanilla, tobacco leaf, resin, chocolate, light meaty flavours. Good structure and finesse with big fruit if a bit hot. Good for richer meat foods.Prices:| BC | $33.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $30.20 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Famiglia Bianchi Malbec 2005
San Rafael, General Alvear, Southern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaCrazy smooth and rich with powerful aromas and flavours of coffee, black cherries plums and spicy savoury tobacco. The finish is long and warm but balanced with flecks of orange and black liquorice that keep calling you back to the glass. More of a new World Style versus Euro but should have plenty of fans.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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15 June 2008
87PTS
Pascual Toso Malbec 2006
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaAnother year another solid malbec from Toso. Rich and savoury with plenty of sweet ripe liquorice and black fruit. On the palate it's smooth warm and fat with black cherry, menthol and liquorice notes. Good value in an inexpensive well made malbec. Bring on the steaks.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $0.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Casillero del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Region del Valle Central, ChileThe Casillero sauvignon is harvested from several cool sites and then fermented and aged on its lees in stainless steel tanks. the result is a super fresh style with bright gooseberry scented notes and flecks of honey and citrus and mineral. The palate is refreshing with more gooseberry grapefruit, mineral and citrus notes. The finish is crisp and round the intensity perfect for the price. The perfect shellfish/pasta wine and it's excellent value too.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $12.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.30 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.40 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.50 | 750ml |
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14 June 2008
0PTS
Finca La Linda Malbec by Luigi Bosca 2005
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, Argentinacorked.Prices:| BC | $16.10 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Domini Veneti Soave Classico Superiore 'Ca' de Napa' 2007
Soave, Verona, Veneto, ItalyA single vineyard effort with about 10% chardonnay fermented in large barrels. Lemon, almond, mineral, quince, floral, buttery, pear aromas. Round, dry, elegant style with good finesse and viscosity. Quince, floral, mineral, lemon, nectarine, chalky, honey flavours. Good freshness and flavours, not big but a good seafood wine.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Domini Veneti Amarone Classico Vigneti di Jago 2003
Pedemonte Valpolicella, Verona, Veneto, ItalySpicy, black cherry jam, plum, licorice, floral, peppery, resin, tobacco, meaty, vanilla nose with a bit of saddle leather and truffle. Rich, round, dry, full, somewhat tannic palate with good acidity but quite warm. Big spicy, chocolate, peppery, tobacco, red plum, black cherry, liquorice, coffee, vanilla, flavours with a mineral, resin, incense finish. Fine concentration and fruit with good finesse but somewhat hot at 16% alcohol. Aged in botti and barrique, from the 2004 vintage there will be the first 100% biodynamic Amarone produced here.Prices:| BC | $64.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $55.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Domini Veneti Valpolicello Classico Superiore 2006
Pedemonte Valpolicella, Verona, Veneto, ItalyAged only in stainless steel for 12 months. Spicy, peppery, meaty, barnyard, black cherry, almond, chocolate aromas. Dry, round, elegant style with good acidity. Cherry, plum, chocolate, tobacco, barnyard, leather flavours with a peppery, mineral, orange peel finish. Just a touch young and tart but good with food.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Mike Weir Chardonnay 2006
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaLight garlic, leesy, spicy, peach pit, green apple, honey, vanilla aromas. Dry, somewhat lean, tight entry but elegant. Citrus, green apple, honey, leesy, mineral, bitter pear skin flavours. A bit tart and hot on the finish without much extract.Prices:| BC | $21.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Cantina di Negrar La Roselle Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2006
Pedemonte Valpolicella, Verona, Veneto, ItalyMade ripasso with Amarone lees only. Spicy, peppery, smoky, black cherry, tobacco, barnyard, licorice, weedy aromas. Ripe, round, dry, fresh palate with some elegance and suppleness. Good cherry, licorice, almond, peppery, tobacco, spicy, plum and leather flavours. Solid value for an everyday wine, especially in Ontario.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.85 | 750ml |
| NS | $20.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Santa Rita Chardonnay 120 2007
Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileI like the way the Chileans have dialled in each varietal. The "120" chardonnay is now fresh, relying on grapefruit and mineral aromas and flavours to carry the mid-palate. The entry is soft and round (approachable) but with the interest of mineral, peach pit, citrus and grapefruit flavours. Almost sauvignon-like but very food friendly.Prices:| AB | $9.75 | 750ml |
| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $11.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $9.90 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.45 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Cantina di Negrar Valpolicella 2006
Pedemonte Valpolicella, Verona, Veneto, ItalySpicy, meaty, tobacco, floral, cherry, mineral aromas. Round, dry, elegant, lighter bodied style with similar flavours. Simple, easy drinking, fresh quaffer for the barbecue or pizza. Good value.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 1000ml |
| BC | $19.99 | 1500ml |
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85PTS
Quara Malbec 2006
Cafayate, Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, ArgentinaSoft peppery style malbec with a bit of that elevated acidity we see a lot in Australia. The mid-palate is fresh and peppery with more licorice and black fruit in the finish. Simple straight up malbec at a fair price. Best with grilled meats off the barbecue.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
LoTengo Malbec 2006
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaLoTengo consistently offers up a slightly darker fruit aromas and flavours mixing smoke and bacon with plums, black cherry and light savoury liquorice elements. Solid quality here for the price in a rustic red.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Doña Paula Los Cardos Malbec 2006
Ugarteche District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaTypically peppery with sweet mocha/chocolate, leather, and black fruit aromas and flavours. On the palate it comes up drier and firmer than you might expect with more smoky leather, chocolate cherry, roasted mushroom notes and the customary savoury thread. Should be just fine with most grilled meats and/or poultry.Prices:| BC | $13.85 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Black Hills Chardonnay 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLeesy, garlic, vanilla, butter, nutty, baked apple nose. Round, dry, slightly fat entry but decent acidity. Nutty, lees, garlic, green apple skin flavours with a slightly oily, bitter citrus rind finish. Solid if leesy and warm.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Circus Malbec 2006
Mendoza, ArgentinaBodegas Escorihuela Gascon are the folks behind Circus another round soft inexpensive savoury Argentine malbec. The fruit flavours are dark along the blackberry, black plum line with plenty of liquorice and a hint of tar. Classic steak wine or just about anything grilled. Warm finish. Good value.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Quails' Gate Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCitrus, green apple, garlic lees, vanilla, butter, pear aromas. Round, full, somewhat oily texture and warm but good acidity. Baked apple, leesy, buttery, spicy, nutty, citrus flavours. Good concentration and flavour intensity despite the very warm, oily, buttery finish. Good solid style akin to Corton Charlemagne. A bit less butter and oil and more acid minerality would make it shine.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Sonoma Vineyards Chardonnay 2006
Sonoma County, California, United StatesSpicy, floral, green apple, citrus, nectarine, light lees and vanilla butter. Crisp, round, slightly oily texture with nectarine, citrus, honey, grapefruit, butter and light lees. Good solid food style and good value.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Beringer Third Century Chardonnay 2006
Central Coast, California, United StatesLeesy, nutty, mineral, citrus, butter, diacetyl aromas. Round, moderately dry, somewhat oily palate but with a tart edge. Very buttery, diacetyl, butterscotch, citrus, leesy, nutty flavours. Overworked leesy, buttery, sour finish, a bit old style and lacks balance.Prices:| BC | $23.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Lake Breeze Seven Poplars Chardonnay 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe new '06 is every bit as good as the previous edition. The nose is an enticing mix of peach, honey, floral, nutty notes while on the palate the wine a touch sweet but elegant. and with some mid-palate fat and flavours of citrus lees mango and spicy, butterscotch. It's also better balanced than the 05.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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13 June 2008
83PTS
Jackson-Triggs Cabernet Franc Rosé Proprietors' Reserve 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen aromatic nose of dried herbs, candied apple and strawberry dipped cigarillos. The entry is light and fairly crisp with more tobacco, strawberry, leafy candied fruit finish. Decent value in a quaffable summer sipper.Prices:| BC | $9.79 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Luigi Bosca Reserva Malbec 2004
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaBlack cherry, plum, peppery, spicy, coriander, tobacco, cedar and resin aromas. Ripe, round, smooth textured entry with good acidity. Spicy vanilla, coffee, plum, black cherry, peppery, savoury tobacco flavours with a touch of licorice and orange on the finish. Nice styling and intensity.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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12 June 2008
85PTS
The Little Penguin Chardonnay 2007
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaStill the best varietal offering from the LP set. Fresh clean and showing hints of peach, butter and honey. The entry is slightly off-dry with more honey and melon notes. A simple, but well made, straight-up Oz chardonnay.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.99 | 750ml |
| NB | $12.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.20 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.20 | 750ml |
| SK | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $14.00 | 750ml |
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10 June 2008
89PTS
Cantina di Negrar Amarone della Valpolicello Classico 2005
Pedemonte Valpolicella, Verona, Veneto, ItalySpicy, dried cherry, jammy, floral, incense, licorice, earthy, peppery, tobacco aromas. Rich, ripe, round palate with good acidity and light tannins. Vanilla, cherry jam, plum, prune, spicy, chocolate, tobacco and licorice flavours with a peppery, incense finish. Good fruit if a bit hot at the end. Good value for shorter term (ageing) Amarone.Prices:| BC | $36.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $32.75 | 750ml |
| NS | $44.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Santa Rita Sauvignon Blanc 120 2007
Valle del Lontué, Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe workhorse Santa Rita sauvignon benefits from the research done at the reserve level and from the high-end Floresta Leyda project. The 120 sauvignon is an 85/15 blend of sauvignon fruit from Maule and Casablanca and it is all stainless steel fermented. The 2007 is now under screwcap making it almost untouchable in its price category for value. Look for fresh citrus bell pepper aromas flecked with grassy, chalky grapefruit notes. Well-made, affordable modern sauvignon.Prices:| BC | $11.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.75 | 750ml |
| QC | $11.95 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Pink Truck California Pink 2006
California, United StatesLight orange. Spicy, peach, candied cherry, matchstick, white pepper, leafy aromas. Sweet, round, candied palate with soapy, floral, citrus, leafy, cranberry flavours. If you like your rosé sweet and soft this is it.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Ornellaia 1988
Bolgheri, Tuscany, ItalyFrom the winery library. Good cherry brick colour. Spicy, peppery, saddle leather, black olive, tobacco, smoky resin, iodine, cassis, earthy, rooty light Band-Aid aromas. Round, dry, elegant palate but slightly chunky with light tannins. Tobacco, resin, spicy, cassis, earthy, licorice, black olive, coffee grind, meaty flavours. Good elegance, mature, holding well but time to drink.Prices:Read Full Note
84PTS
Obikwa Rosé 2007
Western Cape, South AfricaSpicy, citrus, floral, leafy, tobacco, earthy nose with a strong matchstick. Sweet, round, soft palate with earthy, vegetal, citrus, green bean, cherry, bitter almond flavours. Simple, somewhat herbaceous style that finishes a bit unclean.Prices:| AB | $9.25 | 750ml |
| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $8.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Ornellaia 1995
Bolgheri, Tuscany, ItalyTasted from library stock. Earthy, tobacco leaf, black olive, barnyard, sweaty saddle, cassis, spicy, meaty, coffee, savoury, garrigue aromas. Round, dry, elegant, supple style with good finesse and acidity. Cranberry, cassis, earthy, tobacco, black olive, rooty, mineral, leather, spicy flavours. A bit cooler style, very ready but holding well.Prices:| BC | $131.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Le Volte 2006
Tuscany, ItalySpicy, smoky, peppery, meaty, coffee, tobacco, rooty, black berry and cassis nose. Round, ripe, dry and elegant with good acidity balance. Coffee, chocolate, black berry, tobacco, earthy, saddle leather, plum flavours. Good finesse, nearly ready, appealing food style.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $29.50 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Obikwa Chenin Blanc 2006
Western Cape, South AfricaIt's hard to imagine you can make a wine in South Africa and get it to Canada for $9 a bottle and still have something in the glass but this chenin blanc is just that. Dry and fruity with a fruit salad nose and palate punctuated with a bit of honey and dried herbs. Very serviceable and another reason why we should be looking at chenin blanc before chardonnay if it's coming from SA.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.25 | 750ml |
| SK | $10.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $8.49 | 750ml |
| ON | $8.50 | 750ml |
| NS | $9.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Travaglini Gattinara Tre Vigne 2001
Gattinara, Piedmont, ItalyA blend of 3 vineyards from different elevations, exposures and soil types, aged 30 months in Slavonian oak, mostly large barrels, with 25% barrique. Picked and vinified together. Spicy, tobacco leaf, smoky, vanilla, curry, floral, marmalade, garrigue, tar, sweaty saddle leather aromas. Round, dry, elegant but somewhat tannic with good acidity balance. Smoky, tar, curry, vanilla, floral, strawberry jam, mineral, cherry, garrigue flavours. Good finesse but should age well for 3-7 years.Prices:| BC | $57.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $47.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Travaglini Gattinara Riserva 2001
Gattinara, Piedmont, ItalyMade from a selection of the best grapes, aged 3 years in oak of various sizes. Smoky, light tar, curry, garrigue, orange peel, tobacco leaf, sweaty saddle, light barnyard aromas. Dry, round, good concentration with some youthful tannin and good acidity balance. Peppery, tobacco, spicy, orange, cherry jam, vanilla, coffee, and resin flavours with a bit of mineral, Band-Aid and truffle on the finish. A bit more nervy and structured than the Tre Vigne, this is similar to a quality Barbaresco. Needs 3-5 years.Prices:| BC | $59.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $48.65 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Travaglini Gattinara 2003
Gattinara, Piedmont, ItalyA blend of several vineyard sites. Spicy, curry leaf, peppery, tobacco, barnyard, floral, black cherry, licorice aromas with a touch of cooked meat and saddle leather. Rich, round, slightly tannic with good acidity but young. Cherry jam, strawberry, orange peel, smoky tar, resin, curry, mineral, cumin, coffee flavours. Young and a bit dry at this point but well balanced; it needs a few years to settle down.Prices:| BC | $38.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $32.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $29.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Oyster Bay Merlot Rosé 2005
Hawkes Bay, North Island, New ZealandLight raspberry colour. Leafy, earthy, tobacco, canned pepper nose. Crisp, round, fresh palate with some residual sugar. Citrus, earthy, tobacco leaf, strawberry, bell pepper flavours. Elegant, simple, easy style but on the herbaceous side.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Travaglini Nebbiolo Coste della Sesia 2005
Gattinara, Piedmont, ItalyMade from younger vines and declassified Gattinara, this has a spicy, peppery, tobacco, cherry, curry, rooty, plum and barnyard nose. Dry, round, slightly lean and tannic but elegant. Smoky, peppery, resin, tobacco, black cherry, plum, vanilla, soy, rooty flavours. Good balance but a bit young and oaky. Needs 1-3 years or eat with beef.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $28.60 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Weingut Lorch Dornfelder 2005
Pfalz, GermanyMinty, candied black cherry, spicy, earthy, light floral nose. Dry, round, supple, slightly fat entry with peppery, vanilla, earthy, black cherry, slightly foxy, minty flavours. Warm, slightly chalky acid finish. Good effort for a dornfelder, well balanced.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Morandé Pionero Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah Rosé 2007
Region del Valle Central, ChileThe Pionero rosé is a mix of cabernet sauvignon and syrah pressed off after a few hours of skin contact. Look for fresh tangy acidity on the palate subduing any sense of overt sweetness. There is more strawberry cherry fruit behind and a touch of savoury in the finish. Serve well chilled with grilled prawns. Good value at $13.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Skimmerhorn Pinot Rosé 2006
Kootenay River Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight raspberry, salmon colour. Floral, light cherry, mineral, peach aromas. Soft, light, sweet, round, fresh palate with taffy apple, strawberry, leafy, mineral, citrus flavours. Simple, easy picnic and summer deck wine.Prices:| BC | $16.90 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Round Hill White Zinfandel 2006
California, United StatesClassic, sweet-ish, California white zin. Sweet watermelon, strawberries and sugary orange fruit preview its ripe, soft, round characters. This needs to be completely chilled down for best sipping results. The sweetness suggests spicy ribs or even some hot Thai dishes. A simple but effective style that will have many followers.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Croft Original Fine Pale Cream Sherry NV
Sherry Jerez - Manzanilla, SpainCroft Original Fine Pale Cream Sherry is an interesting blend of bone dry, quality Fino Sherry with the added warmth and depth of a cream. The colour is pale. Look for nutty, salty, sweaty, leesy, tobacco, mineral aromas. The somewhat sweet palate is smooth, almost luscious with walnut, baked apple, salty, rancio, raisiny flavours. Serve it chilled and pair it with pate or cheese. It could also substitutes for a light dessert wine.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
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09 June 2008
87PTS
Red Rooster Riesling 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRed apple, lime, floral, peach, honey aromas. Fresh, round, elegant palate on the sweeter side with moderate acidity. Lime, peach, honey, mineral, slightly buttery flavours. Finish is solid but less alcohol and less sugar would help this wine express its fruit better.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.99 | 750ml |
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08 June 2008
85PTS
St. Hubertus Rosé 2007
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe colour is cranberry/pink, the nose fresh and bright with hints of lemon and cherries. If you serve this well chilled it delivers bright fresh cherry/citrus fruit with bits of mineral, good acidity and a floral earthy undercurrent. A very versatile summer sipper.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Mr. Riggs The Gaffer Shiraz 2005
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaSpicy, peppery, coffee, black cherry, blackberry jam, floral, meaty, vanilla nose with some licorice, tobacco, blueberry and chocolate notes. Ripe, round, rich and warm with tart acidity. Chocolate, licorice, blackberry jammy, tobacco, meaty, coffee, tobacco flavours. Big fruit, big acid and big alcohol burn. If you like big alcoholic reds this is for you.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Cline Zinfandel 2006
California, United StatesCline mixes Lodi and Contra Costa County fruit in its introductory zinfandel along with some pretty slick toasted French oak. Big sweet glossy and spicy it's a carbon copy of last year. Big fruity, peppery, brambleberry fruit flavours with vanilla and smooth tannins in the back end. A rich, warm barbecue red.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.50 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wirra Wirra Woodhenge Shiraz 2005
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaBlack cherry jam, barnyard, compost, coffee, chocolate, spicy, rooty aromas. Ripe, round, dry palate with some light, lean tannins and a tart edge. Floral, menthol, black berry jam, blueberry, coffee, vanilla, tobacco, rooty flavours. Tight, warm, somewhat tart finish but some elegance.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $29.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Wirra Wirra Catapult Shiraz Viognier 2006
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaPeppery, spicy, smoky, coffee, black berry, floral, cedar, resin and plum aromas. Round, dry, full, slightly tannic entry with moderate acidity. Chocolate, mocha, tobacco, peppery, vanilla, black cherry jam flavours with a touch of garrigue and floral bits. Finish is a bit tart and warm. Solid if a touch bitter in the finish.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
JoieFarm Rosé 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAnother winner from Joie. The product of a long slow ferment and 10.2 grams of residual sugar that is added in the form of sweet reserve to lush out the mid-palate and balance the acidity and spice. The fruit is bright and lively the way it should be. A well-made versatile, local, pink that is well priced.Prices:| BC | $18.90 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Rutherford Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2004
Napa Valley, California, United StatesClassic Rutherford dust nose with hints of cedar and tobacco. Substantial full flavoured entry with bits of chocolate, cherry, toasted oak and smoke with earthy black cherry fruit. The finish is long, smooth and warm with more Napa fruit and earthy Rutherford notes. Impressive value and should age well for the next five to seven years. Think lamb chops. Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Rutherford Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2003
Napa Valley, California, United StatesBig ripe round cedar-y cigar box scented cabernet with very similar. Ripe mouth-filling and balanced it offers lush mocha, black cherry fruit, with typical Napa Valley cabernet power all with a twist of finesse. Eminently drinkable now and should be a much sought after restaurant wine too. Good value.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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06 June 2008
87PTS
Domaine Le Pive Gris 2007
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceDomaine Le Pive, from the unlikely Vin de Pays des Sables du Golfe du Lion (quick grab an atlas), better yet just drink the wine. When you think of Southern French rosé this it in all its glory, albeit a tad sweeter. The blend is a mix of grenache noir with merlot and cabernet franc. The colour is spot on pink-y/orange with a very aromatic nose if red fruits and dried herbs. The palate is fresh with strawberry citrus leafy notes and a dusting of sweet fruit in the finish. There is just enough acidity to sets of the sweet fruit and keep the finish fresh. Buy this one by the case and party on.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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05 June 2008
87PTS
Michel Torino Don David Syrah Reserve 2005
Cafayate, Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, ArgentinaFloral, spicy, black cherry, vanilla, plum, peppery, licorice, tobacco and leather aromas. Dry, round, ripe but elegant with good acidity. Smoky, spicy, peppery, black cherry, tobacco, vanilla, rooty, earthy, meaty flavours. A bit more Euro-dry with fresh acidity but good finesse. Best with beef.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chateau Camplazens Syrah 2006
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceOpen spicy, floral, meaty, plum, cherry nose with a touch of smoky garrigue, tobacco and barnyard. Dry, supple, elegant, slightly cooler style palate with very light tannins. Tobacco, licorice, black cherry, earthy, rooty, mineral flavours with a light smoky, resin finish. Not big and fruity but well balanced with some intensity - a good food wine.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Wakefield St. Andrews Shiraz 2002
Clare Valley, South Australia, AustraliaPeppery, spicy, mocha, vanilla, prune plum, jammy, earthy, pencil lead, licorice, meaty, tobacco nose. Rich, ripe, round, dry and very warm with light tannins and fresh acidity. Prune, coffee, vanilla, peppery, rooty, mineral, resin, tobacco, coffee, cherry menthol flavours. Finish is hot and somewhat tart but flavourful if a bit bitter. Best with roast lamb or turkey. Nearly ready.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Wakefield Shiraz 2006
Clare Valley, South Australia, AustraliaSpicy, rooty, resin, blueberry, black berry, bay leaf, peppery, cardamom nose. Round, dry, supple, fresh acidity palate with vanilla, coffee, peppery, licorice root, plum jam, orange peel flavours. Very warm, tart finish with light tannins. Solid but needs food. A bit hot and bitter at the end.Prices:| NS | $16.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Woop Woop Shiraz 2006
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaSpicy, black berry, peppery, rooty, leather, aromas with a touch of compost and menthol. Soft, round, rich, ripe palate with an unctuous texture and a touch of sweetness with fresh acidity. Black cherry jam, plum, spicy, menthol, licorice, peppery flavours. Somewhat hot finish but there's lots of fruit intensity if you like the style. An improvement over past editions. Closure is a weird plastic cap cork.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sandalford Shiraz Estate Reserve 2004
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaCoffee, tobacco, cedar, black cherry, spicy, vanilla, smoky licorice aromas with a floral note. Dry, elegant, slightly tannic and tart palate with a warm edge. Black cherry, plum, spicy, vanilla, oak toast, cedar, earthy, rooty, tobacco leaf flavours. Good finesse but the finish is just too edgy from the acidity and alcohol.Prices:| BC | $31.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Layer Cake Shiraz 2006
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaPeppery, spicy, bay, black cherry, menthol, licorice, vanilla, rosemary, meaty, tobacco nose. Rich, ripe, round, moderately dry palate with fresh acidity and light tight tannins. Very warm with mocha, black berry jam, plum, tobacco, licorice root, meaty, mineral flavours with a bit of reduced characters on the very warm finish. There's some finesse despite the near 15% alcohol and it's not overtly fat but the acidity is somewhat high. Needs a few years to soften and or decant for some time and try with duck or lamb.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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03 June 2008
88PTS
Rutherford Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
Napa Valley, California, United StatesClassic Napa cabernet sauvignon with its intense ripe fruit aromas mixing black cherry and cranberry notes with a dusting of vanilla. Soft round easy sipping entry with more ripe black fruit flavours and touch of leaf and cherry chocolate notes in the finish. Rich round New World red that is ready t drink. Good value.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tohu Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandOpen tropical citrus fruit aromas with bits of grass. On the palate, it offers ripe gooseberry with fine fruit intensity and just a twist of herbaceous. A big fresh, lively sauvignon perfect for freshly steamed mussels.Prices:| BC | $22.79 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tohu Chardonnay Unoaked 2006
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandI love this style of easy sipping clean fresh chardonnay with peach and nectarine skin aromas and flavours with bits of honey underneath. It goes through full malolactic to soften the acidity yet there is plenty to spare. Perfectly composed, served with chicken vindaloo or veal or even halibut to best effect.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Alamos Chardonnay 2006
Mendoza, ArgentinaThe Catena folks continue to hit the mark with this mid-range (price) high-altitude chardonnay has a super cool mineral style with bright fruit and attractive creamy textures. Citrus melon, red apple fruit fill the mid-palate of this stylish white that is reminiscent of some of the new wines coming out of Sonoma Coast.Prices:| AB | $15.75 | 750ml |
| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
St. Hubertus Chasselas 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFresh green apple skin aromas with bits of mineral and citrus. Crisp dry lemony entry with grassy, gooseberry notes and more citrus in the aftertaste. Clean and fresh. Perfect for sushi rolls. A well made B.C. white.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Wakefield Promised Land Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaBright and fresh aromas of tropical fruit streaked with bits of lime and citrus and green apple skin. Just a touch of lemongrass and with more tropical melon notes on the palate. Clean simple styling. Good value here in a versatile food wine.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Rock & Vine Three Ranches Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
California, United StatesA fun, if formulaic mix of sweet cola, mocha, spice and cherry chocolate fruit that is soft and easy to sip. It should appeal to the many that prefer the very ripe New World style. The round supple blend mixes cabernet sauvignon (79), merlot (13, cabernet franc (5), petite verdot (2) and malbec (1). Good value.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Belle Glos Pinot Noir Meiomi Vineyard 2006
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, United StatesMieomi means coast in native Wappo and its use at Belle Glos to signify the cool coastal source of the fruit. I like this effort with its black cherry and spicy celery salt and beetroot aromas and flavours. The palate is soft and supple with earthy black fruits notes in the finish. Best now and over the next year or so with salmon and lighter white meat dishes.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sonoma Vineyards Merlot 2004
Sonoma County, California, United StatesMuch like last year's model with its smoky oak and coffee vanilla notes this is a slightly rustic version of Sonoma merlot. The entry is round and supple with smoky spicy, cherry tobacco flavours with bits of olive and leather. Try with grilled sausages, or a veal chop.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Rutherford Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Napa Valley, California, United StatesA decent year in California if on the cool side and without many heat spikes it gives this fine value cabernet a core of black fruit with a touch of leafy cassis undercurrent. The palate is rich and spicy with more dense and black cherry and vanilla flavours throughout. Textbook introductory Napa cabernet. A T-bone steak would be a perfect match or perhaps a grilled lamb chop. Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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02 June 2008
90PTS
De Martino Las Cruces Old Bush Vines 2006
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe Old Bush Vines, "Las Cruces," is a first for De Martino in the Cachapoal Valley. The vineyards is 60 plus years old and while it is principally covered with malbec and carmenère there are other vines in the vineyard that have yet o be identified. It's dry farmed and the colour is deep. The nose is a mix of floral mineral notes along with black fruits and cocoa. A delicious drinking wine with the kind of structure that begs you to have another glass.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling 2006
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesSte Michelle's commercial riesling satisfies on many fronts as long as you are looking for a little residual sugar in your glass. Look for fresh lime rind aromas and flavours with a dash of petrol, nectarine skin and mineral. Fresh off-dry, stylish white perfectly suited spicy food.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
St. Hubertus Pinot Blanc 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig fresh open nose with bits of floral, butter and sweet peach aromas. The entry is fresh with obvious sweet fruit, green apple skin, butter and peach flavours. Soft ripe easy-sipping pinot blanc.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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July 2008