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Tastings: July 2008
31 July 2008
87PTS
Borges Meia Encosta Dão Vinho Branco 2006
Dão, Northern Portugal, PortugalSpicy, ginger, smoky, melon rind, lemon, cooked nectarine aromas. Dry, round, elegant, fresh palate with ginger, lemon oil, nectarine, quince and butter flavours with a muscat note. Crisp, dry style with some intensity. Will go well with Asian food or fresh seafood. Good value.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Robertson Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Robertson, Breede River Valley, South AfricaChocolate, coffee, smoky saddle leather, pruny, meaty aromas. Round, slightly sweet and sour entry with light tannins. Smoky, saddle leather, roast meat, sour cherry, pruny, candied, coffee flavours with an herbal edge.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Nederburg Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Western Cape, South AfricaSweaty, smoky saddle leather, resin, roasted bell pepper, leafy, menthol, tobacco leaf aromas. Soft, sweet, sour round palate with similar flavours. Very ordinary cabernet.Prices:| ON | $15.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.99 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Trapiche Cabernet Sauvignon Oak Cask 2005
Mendoza, ArgentinaCassis, sappy, spicy, peppery, minty, savoury, rooty aromas. Tart, dry, somewhat tannic entry with peppery, resin, cassis, minty, smoky, coffee flavours. Very warm, tart finish with little mid-palate. OZ in Mendoza.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $12.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
St. Hubertus Pinot Blanc 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLeesy, mineral, butter, green apple, pear skin aromas. Sweet entry with crisp acidity. Melon, peach, candied grapefruit, buttery lees flavours. Simple picnic wine with lots of lees.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Borges Meia Encosta Dão Vinho Branco 2007
Dão, Northern Portugal, PortugalFloral, spicy, ginger, lemon, nectarine, buttery, mineral nose. Dry, elegant, crisp, tight palate with butter, ginger, lemon, spicy, nectarine skin, green apple and mineral flavours. A bit lighter and crisper than the prior vintage but good food wine and value.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Stevenot Danza Roja 2005
California, United StatesBlack raspberry, tobacco, meaty, sausage, peppery, spicy, cedar, licorice root aromas. Fat, rich, round, dry palate with some light, tight tannins. Coffee, vanilla, black raspberry, peppery, orange peel, licorice, meaty, tobacco flavours. Warm, slightly tart finish but good concentration and ripe. Best with duck or lamb.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Little Rebel Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2005
Yarra Valley, Victoria, AustraliaSlightly volatile, cherry jam, meaty, floral, black olive, briny, tobacco aromas. Round, supple and tart palate with a warm edge. Green leafy, tobacco, resin, coffee, black olive, dill brine flavours. Hot, acidic finish. Lacks any balance.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Little Rebel Chardonnay 2006
Yarra Valley, Victoria, AustraliaButtery, pineapple, melon, leesy, green apple aromas. Tart, round, simple palate with similar flavours. Dried green apple skin and butter on the short finish. Little intensity for the money.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Oak Bay Vineyard Chambourcin Merlot 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMeaty, animal, menthol, peppery, resin aromas. Round, dry, somewhat sour and bitter entry with sour cherry, cranberry, earthy, peppery, tobacco leaf, green herbal flavours.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
8th Generation Vineyard Merlot 2005
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMinty, menthol, candied black cherry, spicy, floral, smoky coffee, chocolate, tobacco aromas. Dry, somewhat tart, light tannins and warm palate. Peppery, menthol, bitter chocolate, raisiny, black cherry, tobacco leaf, resin flavours. Youthful but too dry and tart without real fruit flavour intensity.Prices:| BC | $20.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Lake Breeze Tempest 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCoriander, green olive, cherry jam, light volatility, prune, coffee, roasted bell pepper, meaty, animal, peppery aromas. Dry, tart, round palate with light tannins but a bit hard. Cranberry, cherry, coffee, resin, tobacco, cedar, herbal, black olive flavours. Finish is very hot and somewhat tart with a hard edge. Needs time but a bit too stewed.Prices:| BC | $39.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Hester Creek Pinot Gris 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, spicy, green apple, pear, nectarine skin aromas. Round, fresh, elegant style with citrus, nectarine, pear skin, mineral, spicy, ginger flavours. A touch sweet and sour but good fruit intensity and balance. Well done.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Wakefield Promised Land Cabernet Merlot 2006
South Australia, AustraliaVery peppery, spicy, cassis, prune, menthol, black olive, licorice and vanilla aromas. Sweet entry with fresh acidity and light tannins. Menthol, tobacco leaf, peppery, spicy, coffee, stewed cassis, black olive flavours. Sweet and sour and hot.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Wakefield Merlot 2006
Clare Valley, South Australia, AustraliaMenthol, minty, meaty, stewed plum, peppery, tobacco leaf, black olive, licorice, coffee aromas. Ripe, round, full bodied style with some tannins to shed. Peppery, earthy, smoky, tobacco, black olive, menthol, riparian, coffee flavours. Finish is hot and oaky with a touch of acidity and tannins poking out. Lacks finesse and fruit core charm.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Golden Kaan Pinotage 2005
Western Cape, South AfricaMeaty, smoked leather, tar, floral, stewed cherry, menthol, pruny, rubbery aromas. Dry, tart, warm stewed palate with elevated acidity. Bitter cherry, earthy, tobacco, resin, meaty, smoked leather flavours with a very bitter, tart finish. Poor wine.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Golden Kaan Reserve Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Western Cape, South AfricaSmoky, stewed prune, saddle leather, meaty, peppery, minty, black olive, tobacco leaf aromas. Tart, round, slightly tannic entry with smoky leather, resin, peppery, tobacco leaf, cooked bell pepper, olive and cassis flavours. Green, stewed and tart. Of no interest to modern wine drinkers.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Humberto Canale Merlot Gran Reserva 2004
Alto Valle del Río Negro, Rio Negro, Patagonia, ArgentinaSmoky, spicy, peppery, pruny, leather, tobacco, floral aromas. Dry, round, elegant but tight, chewy style with tannins to lose. Cedar, peppery, prune, resin, smoky, tobacco, leather flavours with an oaky, espresso finish. Hard edged, lean and hot style.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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30 July 2008
88PTS
CedarCreek Pinot Noir 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA big jump in quality here over last year. Love the juicy fruit and five spice aromas and the sweet black cherry pinot fruit entry. Warm and dry on entry, the palate is fresh and balanced with delicious fruit flavours and no dryness or bitterness in the finish. Bring on the salmon. Well done.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Peller Estates Heritage Series Pinot Gris 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMineral, nutty lees, citrus aromas but low intensity. Round, soft, somewhat sweet palate with apple, citrus, nutty flavours. Simple, easy style but not much intensity.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $13.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Peller Estates Private Reserve Riesling 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLeesy, floral, juicy fruit, apple skin, pear aromas. Moderately dry, crisp and elegant with grapefruit rind, mineral, apple skin, grassy, peach pit flavours. Lacks concentration and varietal character.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Sandhill Merlot Sandhill Estate Vineyard 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, sausage, black cherry, floral, candied, leather, tobacco aromas with a hint of barnyard. Round, dry, supple and warm with a tart edge. Tobacco, peppery, vanilla, coffee, resin flavours. Warm, somewhat oaky style.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Sandhill Cabernet Merlot Sandhill Estate Vineyard 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVanilla, mocha, coffee, leather, black cherry, green olive, leafy aromas with a bit of sweaty saddle. Dry, tight, somewhat tannic palate with smoky, coffee, resin, tobacco, olive, dill and cherry flavours. Decent balance but young and oaky with a green edge.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Red Rooster Gewürztraminer Reserve 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, soapy, mineral, sausage aromas with excess sulphur. Flat, round, easy style with peach, mineral, spicy, sausage flavours. Hot, skinny finish. Not up to par.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.99 | 750ml |
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29 July 2008
91PTS
Doudet Naudin Meursault 2006
Meursault, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceLight yellow colour. Nutty, lees, creamy, lemon, baked green apple, earthy, floral nose. Round, dry, crisp, elegant palate with good acidity and viscosity. Buttery, citrus, vanilla, pear, green apple skin, lemon flavours with a creamy lees finish. Almost juicy on the finish, will improve over the next few years. Fine quality village wine.Prices:| BC | $49.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wakefield Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaGrassy, lemon, grapefruit, gooseberry, mineral nose with a slightly smoky edge. Fresh, crisp, round, full bodied style. Gooseberry, grapefruit, butter, grassy, mineral, granny smith flavours. Good solid, less aggressive style for food.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Ringbolt Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Western Australia, AustraliaTobacco leaf, black olive, cassis, cedar bark, rooty, green bean, dried herb and resin aromas. Round, dry, slightly tannic and tart palate. Coffee, cassis, rooty, tobacco leaf, peppery, cedar and black olive flavours with a bit of vanilla and herbs. Solid but somewhat green and tart.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Blasted Church Pinot Gris 2007
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGrapefruit rind, floral, green apple, nectarine skin aromas. Crisp, round, somewhat sweet and sour entry wit a bit of oiliness. Canned grapefruit, green apple, butter and mineral flavours. Simple, fresh, easy style for the summer.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.49 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Redtree Pinot Grigio 2007
California, United StatesFloral, pear, lemon oil, cardboard nose. Fresh, light, elegant palate that is a bit sweet and sour. Grassy, grapefruit rind, pear skin, lemon flavours. Simple, affordable style.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Guado al Tasso Scalabrone 2006
Bolgheri, Tuscany, ItalyPink orange colour previews a dry, grassy fruity notes. On the palate the fruit is fresh tangy cleaning the palate from front to back and offering up subtle hints of strawberry and mineral. A solid pink for those pre-dinner appetizers on the deck. Dry Euro-style rosé.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Nautilus Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2004
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandSmoky jalapeno, grapefruit, passion fruit, bell pepper, melon rind aromas. Crisp, round, elegant, full palate. Canned grapefruit, jalapeno, gooseberry, mineral, green apple flavours with a touch of asparagus. Good concentration and intensity on the more herbaceous side style.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Oliver's Taranga Vineyards Shiraz 2005
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaOpen spicy, peppery, smoky nose with flecks of coffee, black berry, bacon, leather, floral garrigue notes with a bit of licorice root. Ripe, round, dry, supple palate but warm. Smoky, resin, garrigue, black cherry jam, vanilla, coffee, cedar, peppery flavours with a touch of saddle leather. Fine fruit and finesse with just a hint of acidity and alcohol on the finish.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Scarpantoni Brothers Block Cabernet Sauvignon (2007 Jimmy Watson Trophy) 2006
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaDeep black cherry colour. Smoky, peppery, licorice, black olive, cassis, black berry, tar, tobacco and cedar aromas. Rich, round, dry, somewhat tannic entry that is also very warm and tart on the edge. Black berry jam, cassis, licorice, peppery, black olive, vanilla, coffee, bacon, tobacco leaf flavours. Long coffee, tobacco, cedar, leather finish but very hot.Prices:| BC | $37.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Scarpantoni Block 3 Shiraz 2006
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaRich spicy, savoury, meaty, smoky, bacon, vanilla, tobacco, black berry jam and coriander aromas. Soft, round, supple, full bodied palate that is warm and a bit tart. Lots of spicy, black cherry jam, vanilla, coffee, peppery, plum, cedar and bacon flavours with a meaty, tobacco leaf note. Very good fruit and ripeness but too hot on the finish.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Sandalford Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Reserve 2005
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaSpicy, resin, licorice, cassis, cedar, peppery, tobacco, black olive aromas with a meaty, saddle leather note. Round, dry, supple palate with a tart, tannic edge. Cassis, cranberry, smoky, resin, licorice root, cedar and black olive flavours with a tobacco leaf, herbal finish. A bit edgy and green, could use a bit more fruit.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Lake Breeze Pinot Gris 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBright fresh floral, spicy, pear, citrus, butter, red apple aromas. Round, fresh, slightly sweet, fat palate. Delicious red apple, citrus, butter, pear, strawberry, mineral and grapefruit flavours. Good fruit and intensity. Textbook B.C. gris and one to follow.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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26 July 2008
87PTS
Nk'Mip Cellars Riesling 2007
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAnother year and another pleasant well made riesling from winemaker Randy Picton. Look for tell tale honey notes throughout the bright green apple and peachy fruit that finishes with a touch of sweetness and minerality. Perfect for a Satay. Prices:| BC | $17.09 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Firehose Riesling 2006
California, United StatesFirehose, as in put out the fire in your mouth with this sweet riesling isn't exactly subtle but if the dish is hot this sweet peachy soft white with a dusting of riesling character should get the job done. What I don't get is why this "New Release" is a 2006 and cork finished. It should at least be 2007 and finished under screwcap otherwise what's the point. Nobody young enough or hip enough to drink riesling with Thai, Indian or Chinese food isn't interested in cork finished riesling.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Weingut Lorch (White Label) Riesling Hochgewachs Bergzaberner Altenberg 2007
Pfalz, GermanyYou get a fair amount of riesling for the price here. Look for a fresh dry nose flecked with nectarine and apricot skin and bits of honey. The entry is similar with real freshness nectarines and peachy mineral/slate-y fruit. Fine ripeness.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Jackson-Triggs Riesling Dry Proprietors' Reserve 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFruity orange peel nose with bits of citrus oil and mineral. The entry is dry and slightly rind-y with lemon floral citrus notes and a touch of bitterness in the finish. Simple but rewarding for the price.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Yalumba Riesling Y Series 2006
Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaBig fresh open nose with plenty of lime, grapefruit and honeyed petrol notes. The entry is bone dry and crisp but it remains youthful under screwcap for a 2006. On the palate it is round and with just a hint of sweetness, mineral, apricot and green apple flavours. Fun fresh summer sipping style. Just chill and serve with appetizers on the patio.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.45 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Church & State Wines Chardonnay Gravelbourg Vineyard 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMade for the longer haul the steeped sloped C&S Gravelbourg Vineyard lies midway up the Black Sage Bench. Winemaker Bill Dyer blends two clones, 96 and 76 to shape this chardonnay. Less of that malolactic buttery character helps to reveal a spicy fruit nose with bright flavours of melon, green apple and citrus. Restrained stylish cool climate chardonnay that reflects its origins.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Church & State Wines Syrah Coyote Bowl 2006
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCoyote Bowl Vineyard is located along Oliver's sandy loam Black Sage Bench where its Western edge forms a bowl that drops some 300 feet to a pasture below. Look for a well structured syrah with spicy sweet fruit with a definite sausage meat and liquorice character and a dusting of bench sage. Young and tight but should be fine with a year or two of extra bottle age. Promising.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Church & State Wines Quintessential 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaQuintessential is a mix of all five Bordeaux varieties in this case assembled by wine maker Bill Dyer. We had our first brief glimpse in May and will reserve final judgement until we have tried it again. It has all the Dyer hallmarks. Ripe round and elegant with fine acidity and freshness. Liquorice and black fruit with a touch of smoke and oak carry the current palate. Looks to have fine potential in the years to come. A fine start.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Church & State Wines Merlot Coyote Bowl 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is one hundred percent merlot from Coyote Bowl. The nose is an interesting mix of orange peel and leather coffee and spicy tobacco leaf with a form dose of sweet oak. On the palate more mocha coffee tobacco earth flavours with a big round soft finish with bits of berry and chocolate. Warm and youthful; this needs some time to settle down.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Church & State Wines Gewurztraminer 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is the first C&S gewürztraminer we have tasted. It's perfectly correct with a bright and fresh fruit nose. Bits of orange and spice preview a dry bitter lime rind palate and finish. Clean tight and fresh it's the perfect mid-week white for Indian food.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Church & State Wines Pinot Gris 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBright floral almond, cherry mineral nose with hints of banana. The entry is soft and fresh with typical earthy, dusty, mineral notes with apple skin and stone fruit flavours. Simple well made, gris.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Church Mouse Chardonnay 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen toasty hazelnut nose with plenty of creamy vanilla and ripe fruit. This is winemaker Bill Dyer's "drink now" chardonnay. Big warm, round, fruity with hints of clove and oak. A simple, ready-to-drink, old-fashioned chardonnay.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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21 July 2008
86PTS
Terra Andina Altos Cabernet Franc - Merlot 2004
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileThis is one cool customer offering up that leafy minty cabernet franc/merlot character from start to finish The franc comes from the Lolol area of Colchagua. Earthy peppery minty red fruit flavours dominate along with a warm, peppery finish. It needs big steak to tame its tannin and alcohol and green flavours.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Caminos by Terra Andina Cabernet Merlot 2007
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileBig sappy leafy nose with bits of mint cedar bough and tobacco. Surprisingly round and supple in the mouth with more persistent dried herbs and cran/cherry fruit flavours spiked with cedar and tobacco. Similar to previous editions offering slid value if you don't mind the herbaceous style.Prices:| BC | $9.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Terra Andina Altos Syrah Cabernet 2007
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe Altos range syrah cabernet combination relies on chocolate and cherries to entice along with some searing alcohol. Ripe peppery blackberry fruit mixes with cola but finishes a bit short and dry. Solid if a bit pricey.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Terra Andina Syrah Reserva 2006
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileGive this one a bit of air to blow off some rubbery, reductive notes otherwise it settles down into a serviceable syrah with bits of blueberry and dried fruits and barnyard. The finish is warm and peppery with toasted French barrel notes. Serve with grilled burgers.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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20 July 2008
87PTS
Yalumba Shiraz Viognier Y Series 2006
South Australia, AustraliaThe shiraz and viognier are dry-farmed grapes that are co-fermented. Look for a simple interpretation focused on fruit and varietal character. The nose is a mix of floral fruit with bits of blueberry and liquorice. The palate is fairly fresh with mocha chocolate and black fruit flavours and some light acidity poking through at the bend. Solid everyday style that is best with grilled meats. Prices:| BC | $16.49 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Yalumba Barossa Shiraz Viognier 2004
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaA deeper broader version of the Y-Series spicy black and red fruits on the nose and palate. The viognier tends to open up the mid-palate revealing even more peppery, minty mocha fruit flavours. Its spicy warm finish is lengthy.Prices:| AB | $16.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Rodney Strong Estate Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesPeppery, prune, blackberry, spicy, licorice root, smoky leather aromas. Dry, round, slightly tight palate but elegant. Cedar, cassis, peppery, vanilla, smoky, rootsy, cola flavours. Smooth but not as rich as you might expect. Best with a grilled steak.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $28.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $34.00 | 750ml |
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15 July 2008
88PTS
Rodney Strong Sauvignon Blanc Charlotte's Home 2006
Sonoma County, California, United StatesFresh grapefruit, grassy, lemon, spicy, apple skin aromas. Crisp, dry, elegant palate with passion fruit, grapefruit rind, gooseberry, spicy flavours with a touch of butter and slate. Good solid style. Should be under screwcap in the future.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $24.00 | 750ml |
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14 July 2008
89PTS
JoieFarm Muscat 2007
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA carbon copy of the last year's model is good news for consumers. The concept is Northern Italian muscat with its aromatic sweet nose and dry flavours. The palate is pure and grapy with a perfect dose of acidity. Good luck finding this wine, I'm sure restaurants are the only place to find it at this point. Bravo.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Monteviña Terra d'Oro Moscato 2006
Amador County, Sierra Foothills, California, United StatesThe winery speaks of Meyer lemon curd, with a honey laden graham cracker crust, it's all that and sweet to boot with a rich intense Moscato aftertaste. It's not particularly cloying, i.e. there is decent acidity, but I would be tempted to try it with some spicy Indian cuisine or perhaps a spicy Chinese hot pot but it is probably best with a fruit dessert or a nutty cake.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Blasted Church Hatfield's Fuse 2007
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA return to the fresh juicy aromatic style with bits of mineral, green apple and citrus work for me. The attack is fresh with hints of fruit salad and green apple and lime rind. A perfect wine for barbecued spareribs or sipping solo on the patio.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
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13 July 2008
85PTS
Canoe North Bluff Pink 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDomaine Chaberton has a winner with modest zinfandel -based rosé they are calling Canoe North Bluff Pink. The fruit is a mix of strawberry, citrus and plum flavours with a touch of banana and candied fruit. The acidity is just firm enough to keep it fresh. It's bit alcoholic warm but you can negate some of that by serving it cold. Serve this solo or with spicy appetizers.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
San Huberto Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Big leafy, peppery, tarry, rooty, somewhat reduced nose. Soft, round, simple wine with low concentration. Leafy, herbal, tobacco, green olive, rubbery, resin, minty flavours. Very old, herbaceous style with some reduction notes.Prices:| BC | $11.28 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Folie à Deux Ménage a Trois Rosé 2007
California, United StatesYou get a good feeling from this wine the moment it hits your palate. The Ménage a Trois is a delicious mix of red fruits, citrus and yes a bit of sugar but when served well chilled it is the perfect tonic to a warm summer day and many a spicy dish. Good value too.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Chateau de la Galiniere 2007
Côtes de Provence, Provence, Sud de France, FranceLovely fresh open floral nose with hints of strawberries and candied fruits. The entry is soft and all Provence with more strawberries a dash of citrus and surprisingly a bit of alcohol. Drink all summer but have this one with food.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sandhill Syrah Sandhill Estate Vineyard 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, peppery, meaty, sage, black berry, vanilla, coffee aromas. Hot, round, fresh, somewhat tart palate with light tannins. Lots of smoky, sage, meaty, peppery, tobacco, vanilla, cinnamon, resin, tobacco leaf flavours. Less oak than the small lots with some tannins to shed over the next few years. Should improve but needs food.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Marqués de Cáceres Rosé 2006
Rioja, SpainMedium red/pink colour. The nose is a mix of candied fruits with bits of florality. The palate is soft and round with pleasant but soft acidity and candied cherry flavours. You can serve it before dinner to best effect with aperitifs or well chilled on the patio.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Engine Room Shiraz 2005
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaPeppery, liquorice, tarry, black berry jam, smoky coffee, vanilla, cola aromas. Ripe, round, smooth but warm and tart with blueberry, tarry, cherry cola, spicy, vanilla, meaty, tobacco flavours and a touch of reduction. Light tannins on the finish will lend this to lamb or duck sausage. Good value.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
St. John's Road The Dog Walker Greenoch Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Greenock, Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaCassis, tobacco, clove, peppery, dried herb, tarry, cedar aromas with a touch of saddle leather and coffee. Round, smooth, rich palate with a touch of edgy acidity. Tobacco leaf, black olive, vanilla, coffee, peppery, cassis, smoky, coriander and mint flavours. Well balanced with some finesse despite the acid edge.Prices:| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Penny's Hill McLaren Vale Shiraz (Red Dot) 2005
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaTarry, rooty, black pepper, floral, dried herbs, minty, chocolate aromas. Soft, round, moderately dry palate with chocolate, peppery, meaty, garrigue, smoky, eucalyptus, black cherry, vanilla flavours with a touch of tobacco. Warm, slightly tart finish but otherwise solid.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Domaine de Terrebrune Anjou Villages Rouge 2005
Anjou, Loire, FranceSpicy, peppery, cranberry, tobacco leaf, cedar, saddle leather, smoky aromas. Dry, tart, tight palate but full with cedar-y tannins. Cranberry, sour cherry, cedar bark, resin, rooty, smoky, licorice flavours. Very tight, tart style with a warm finish.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Hold Up 2006
Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceSpicy, barnyard, leather, dried maraschino cherry, peppery, medicinal, savoury aromas. Dry, tart, warm, slightly tannic palate with spicy, cherry jam, kirsch, tobacco, licorice root, and peppery, orange peel flavours. Has good fruit but the finish is very tart and hot with nubby tannins. Needs food.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Wanted Gang 2005
Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceVery spicy, peppery, garrigue, tobacco, barnyard, saddle leather, sandalwood, black cherry, kirsch aromas. Ripe, round, supple, elegant palate with light, tight tannins. Peppery, smoky, earthy, leather, cherry jam, cedar, tarry flavours. Finish is tannic and warm, needs 2-3 years or grilled meat to tame the tannins. Rich, Châteauneuf-du-Pape-esque red.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Domaine Alary La Font d'Estévenas Cairanne Blanc Côtes du Rhône Villages 2006
Côtes du Rhône Villages, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceBig floral, orange, butter, mineral, apricot, ginger, quince, lemon oil aromas. Round, ripe, fresh, juicy entry with buttery, lemon, ginger, apricot, orange creamsicle, mineral flavours with a touch of nectarine skin on the finish. Good fruit and acidity, mid-palate is a bit hollow and short. Try with grilled fish and a fruit salsa.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Winds of Change Pinotage Shiraz Organic 2007
Western Cape, South AfricaSmoked meat, dried lychee, saddle leather, barnyard, roasted meat, Band-Aid 'brett' aromas. Somewhat sweet, tannic entry with cigar, smoked earth, smoky leather, bretty flavours. Simple, red wine that is not particularly clean.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Wirra Wirra Scrubby Rise Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon Petit Verdot 2006
Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia, AustraliaSausage meat, blueberry, black cherry, spicy, savoury nose. Soft, somewhat sweet, round, tart palate. Blueberry, spicy, black cherry, smoky, meaty, chocolate and vanilla flavours. Fresh, tangy, fruity finish. Try with barbequed lamb.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Wirra Wirra Church Block Cabernet Shiraz Merlot 2005
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaSpicy, meaty, tobacco, peppery, black berry, black olive, rooty, saddle leather aromas. Soft, sweet, round palate with light tannins. Very warm with peppery, spicy, blueberry, black cherry, tobacco, black olive and vanilla flavours. Sweet, grippy tannin finish and a bit tart. Needs food.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $23.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $21.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Vina Albali Gran Reserva 1999
Valdepeñas, Castilla-La Mancha, SpainSpicy, smoky, floral, meaty, black cherry, saddle leather aromas. Dry, tart, warm palate with black cherry, spicy, meaty, chocolate, earthy, leather flavours. Good concentration but too acidic on the finish.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Golden Mile Road Syrah Black Arts 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHuge toasted, espresso oak vanilla nose with some sausage meat, peppery, tobacco leaf, barnyard aromas. Fresh, round, supple palate with espresso, vanilla pudding, meaty, black cherry jam, black olive, tobacco flavours. Somewhat tart, hot finish with light tannins poking through. Young, has some potential but at this point the smoky espresso oak and acidity rule the day. Serve now with roast lamb.Prices:| BC | $34.90 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Golden Mile Syrah Luckhurst Family Vineyards 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSausage meat, roasted bell pepper, mercaptan, spicy, peppery, black cherry, licorice root aromas. Fresh, very tart palate with some grainy, green tannins. Black cherry, meaty, spicy, smoky, tobacco leaf, sage, coffee, roasted peppery flavours. Has some concentration but the finish is just too tart with accentuated dry tannins.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Sandhill Small Lots Program Cabernet Sauvignon - Syrah Sandhill Estate Vineyard 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRich and full red wine that comes drenched in sage, menthol, tarry, licorice root aromas with bits of scorched earth, roasted bell pepper and smoky, coffee, meaty aromas. The palate is warm but tart with some tight green tannin. Sweet and sour with tarry, smoky, tobacco leaf, spicy, resin, coffee, mocha flavours. Very hot, oaky and tart on the finish. A bit too formulaic showing more oak and smoke than fruit.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
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12 July 2008
85PTS
Laughing Stock Vineyards Blind Trust Red 2006
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeppery, tobacco leaf, black olive, vanilla, espresso, cedar, minty, herbal aromas. Round, dry, smooth palate with light, cedar-y tannins. Smoky, dried herbal, tobacco leaf, espresso, vanilla, cassis, roasted tomato, cedar bark flavours. Finish is a bit tart and tight. This will improve in bottle but will it loose its green notes?Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
La Vieille Ferme Côtes du Ventoux Rosé 2007
Ventoux, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceThe Perrin folks have hit the nail on the head with this rosé now solid each year. The nose is bright and fresh with citrus/mineral, red fruit notes. Not too dry, the entry is crisp and lip smacking with more mineral, raspberry, floral fruit and a clean finish. A winner under screwcap all you need is a picnic basket and a blanket. Good value too.Prices:| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.90 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Jean Bousquet Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaBig barnyard, meaty, smoky, cooked carrot, resin, tarry, pruny nose. Soft, dry, round, slightly tart and hollow. Tobacco, peppery, earthy, cassis, rooty, tarry, black olive flavours. Finish is a bit short and bitter. Try with beef.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Black Hills Nota Bene 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTobacco leaf, herbal, spicy, green olive, riparian, meaty, cooked carrot, sage, resiny, menthol aroma with a bit of tomato leaf. Round, dry, moderately smooth palate with light tannins. Smoky, meaty, tobacco, coffee, peppery, resin, saddle leather, black olive, cassis, dried crushed tomato leaf flavours. Has some finesse but it's still an herbaceous style that you some will take and some will leave.Prices:| BC | $43.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Don Tiburcio 2004
Mendoza, ArgentinaVery peppery, spicy, savoury, black cherry, roasted mushroom, smoky, tarry, tobacco leaf aromas. Ripe, round, smooth grained tannins palate. Very smoky, resin, black cherry jam, roasted mushroom, orange peel, cigar, cedar, licorice and coffee flavours with some milk chocolate on the finish. A bit hot and chunky but will go well with grilled lamb.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Luna Benegas Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Mendoza, ArgentinaPeppery, rooty, black berry, tobacco leaf, prune and saddle leather aromas. Round, dry, rich palate with light, smooth grained tannins but a bit warm. Smoky, peppery, tobacco, black olive, prune, mocha, leather and tar flavours. Good solid food wine with some finesse.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Circus Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Mendoza, ArgentinaCorked, try anotherPrices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Machorre 2003
Bordeaux, FranceSmoky, earthy, saddle leather, rooty, tobacco, cedar bark, roasted meat aromas. Round, tart, warm, slightly tannic entry with meaty, smoky, barnyard, espresso oak, leather, tobacco leaf, and cassis flavours. Rustic style where Starbucks meets the Green Giant in Bordeaux.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Terra Andina Altos Malbec - Petite Verdot 2004
Region del Valle Central, ChileVery riparian, bay leaf, sappy cassis, coffee, meaty, sweaty saddle, tobacco aromas. Dry, warm, tart, somewhat tannic entry with floral, cassis, sappy, rooty, coffee, bay leaf, savoury, vanilla flavours. Somewhat candied and savoury - a weird style.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Van Westen Vineyards Voluptuous 2005
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMilk chocolate, peppery, pruny, tobacco, cherry jam, floral, cedar bark nose. Dry, somewhat tart, tannic palate. Cedar bark, sour cherry, chocolate, vanilla, tobacco leaf, earthy, floral flavours. Finish is tart, hard and very dry. Needs several years in bottle but doesn't really have the balance that is required to age gracefully.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Finca Los Primos Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
San Rafael, General Alvear, Southern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaPeppery, earthy, black berry, tobacco leaf, smoky, resin aromas. Soft, round, fresh palate with a touch of sweet and sour. Smoky, tobacco, peppery, black olive, cassis flavours with a touch of reduction. Good solid effort for the money.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
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11 July 2008
86PTS
The Black Chook VMR 2007
South Australia, AustraliaGinger, floral, mineral, honey, orange peel, buttery nose. Soft, round, slightly sweet entry with spicy, mineral, ginger, orange, buttery, quince flavours. Easy style but a bit short and bitter on the finish.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Domaine de Terrebrune Anjou Rouge 2006
Anjou, Loire, FranceBig leafy, tobacco, spicy, earthy, rooty aromas. Dry, round, elegant palate with light, hard, cedar-y tannins. Somewhat tart with cranberry, smoky, earthy, resin, rooty, cedar bark flavours. Very Anjou.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Canoe Cove Shiraz 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCorked and oxidized, try another.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Alain Brumont Tannat - Merlot 2005
Cotes de Gascogne, Sud-Ouest, FranceCorked.Prices:| BC | $22.50 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Vina Albali Reserva 2001
Valdepeñas, Castilla-La Mancha, SpainCorked, try anotherPrices:| BC | $15.75 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Sandhill Small Lots Program Two Sandhill Estate Vineyard 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSimilar to most of the "Small Lots" labels with its spicy, black olive, tobacco leaf, tarry, sage, coffee, vanilla, and cassis aromas. Ripe and rich the mid-palate is warm with some acidity poking through. Hot coffee, mocha, tarry, tobacco leaf, black olive, meaty, roasted tomato flavours. Tight, tart, oaky coffee finish. Needs more times to settle down but the balance is not there.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $38.00 | 750ml |
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10 July 2008
88PTS
Rodney Strong Chardonnay 2006
Sonoma County, California, United StatesVanilla, creamy lees, buttered popcorn, baked apple nose with a touch of peach and citrus. Soft, round, dry entry with citrus, green apple, buttered popcorn, vanilla, nutty lees flavours. Simple, easy, elegant style with a buttery, lemon finish.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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07 July 2008
90PTS
Rogue Dead Guy Ale NV
Oregon, United StatesLight brown colour with fine creamy mousse and bubbles. Spicy, floral, fruity, malty, citrus, earthy nose. Rich, round, creamy palate but softer acidity style. Nutty, malty, earthy, spicy, creamy flavours with a light bitter hops and a nutty finish. Good solid ale for drinking with food or alone, not too bitter or sweet.Prices:| BC | $5.95 | 650ml |
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86PTS
Tinhorn Creek Pinot Noir 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, smoky, resin, rhubarb, rooty nose. Soft, round, dry, easy going palate with spicy, rhubarb, strawberry, orange peel, cedar bark, tobacco leaf flavours. Simple, easy style that should improve slightly over the next year or so.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Sandhill Small Lots Program Barbera Sandhill Estate Vineyard 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBlack cherry jam, peppery, earthy, savoury, licorice, sage, cola and vanilla aromas with a bit of volatility. Dry, warm, round palate with light, cedar-y tannins. Tobacco leaf, black cherry, mocha, peppery, spicy, savoury, smoky oak flavours with a rooty, black olive finish. Forward style, a bit soft and hollow at the back with the oak emphasis.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.99 | 750ml |
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06 July 2008
85PTS
De Bortoli Traminer Riesling 2007
New South Wales, AustraliaSpicy, ginger, lemon oil, nectarine skin, perfumed nose with a grassy note. Sweet, fresh, elegant palate with ginger, lemon oil, grapefruit rind, grassy flavours with a touch of honey and apple skin. Good nose if a bit too sweet. Serve well chilled on the patio or with spicy ribs or Indian food.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Bandit Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
California, United StatesSimple uncomplicated, sweet in the Yellow Tail style, cabernet sauvignon with soft open oaky blueberry blackberry fruit with warm (alcoholic finish). A simple affordable, red in an easy to tote bag-in-the-box format that is difficult to recycle package.Prices:| AB | $12.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $13.95 | 1000ml |
| ON | $11.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Greg Norman Estates Cabernet Merlot 2005
Limestone Coast, South Australia, AustraliaOpen floral spicy cool fruit nose with bits of vanilla olive, smoky vanilla and leather. The entry is dry and supple with peppery, dried herbs, smoky, resiny vanilla flavours with some elevated acid in the finish. Standard Oz finish that is just a bit too dry and lean to attract a big crowd.Prices:| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Quintay Clava Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileTasted several times this year and it remains fresh and delicious. Floral, grapefruit rind, mineral, passion fruit aromas with a touch of lemon. Round, ripe, elegant and fresh with grapefruit, dried herbs, pepper, grassy, passion fruit and light asparagus flavours. Bright and fresh with finesse and balance. Terrific value at this price.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Santa Ana La Mascota 2005
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaPaul Hobbs, the Sonoma-based winemaker who is the man behind Cobos and Pascua Toso is a big believer in Argentine cabernet sauvignon and after tasting La Mascota. I might be inclined to agree with him. Look for a fragrant savoury nose of liquorice and black fruits. The plate is rich and full with more big black fruit, pencil shavings, ash and a spicy, stylish finish with just a twist of refreshing acidity. Still harbouring some youthful tannin but they should disappear with a steak or a few years bottle age. Solid value for the money.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Michel Torino Ciclos Malbec - Merlot 2004
Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, ArgentinaBig sweet spicy, floral chocolate nose with bits of pepper, meaty notes and liquorice. Much like the previous vintage the combination of merlot and malbec from Calchaqui Valley. It's dry on entry and in the finish but any sort of grill meat or poultry should help mitigate the youthful tannins and reveal its core of black fruit, tar, liquorice and vanilla flavours. Stylish and well made for the price.Prices:| MB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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05 July 2008
85PTS
Bonterra Vineyards Zinfandel 2006
Mendocino County, California, United StatesPrune, cedar bark, barnyard, black cherry, riparian, rooty aromas. Dry, lean, somewhat tart entry with cedar bark, black cherry, rhubarb, resin, peppery, earthy, vanilla flavours. Finish is hot and tart with some light tannins.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Gray Monk Kerner Late Harvest 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, matchstick, orange, mango, green apple aromas. Fresh, round, delicate palate with good acidity. Juicy green apple, orange, nectarine, mineral flavours. Good sipper or for Asian food or fruit.Prices:| BC | $16.49 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Arrowleaf Solstice 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaEarthy, tobacco leaf, cherry, rooty, resin, rhubarb aromas. Tangy, tart palate but supple with earthy, spicy, sour cherry, rhubarb, tobacco leaf, rooty, leather flavours. Warm and smooth.Prices:| BC | $22.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Tolaini Valdisanti Tenuta S. Giovanni 2004
Castelnuovo Berardenga, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyBig incense, spicy, floral, cassis jam, cherry, orange rind, saddle leather, meaty, barnyard, coffee, peppery aromas. Dry, tart, lean and somewhat tannic and rustic. Peppery, smoky, coffee, meaty, tobacco leaf, Band-Aid, cooked carrot, saddle leather flavours. Very rustic, young and warm.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $33.90 | 750ml |
| MB | $54.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Odoardi Savuto 2003
Calabria, ItalyBig meaty, smoky, peppery, resiny, Band-Aid, sweaty saddle, chocolate, cherry aromas. Dry, tart, chunky, tannic rustic palate. Spicy, meaty, cooked carrot, Band-Aid, plum, resin, and tobacco leaf flavours. Finish is very tannic, tarry and tart. Somewhat unclean and rustic.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Montes Alpha M "La Finca Estate" 2005
Apalta Valley, Santa Cruz, Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileTobacco leaf, coffee, floral, cassis jam, spicy, cedar, eucalyptus, sappy orange peel aromas. Rich, ripe, round, somewhat tannic entry and very grainy. Big coffee, cassis, sappy, cedar, minty, vanilla, peppery, chocolate, meaty flavours. Finish is very warm with some acidity and tannins to shed. Ripe rich, full-bodied blend that could use a bit of restraint and styling to reach its full potential.Prices:| AB | $75.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $86.44 | 750ml |
| QC | $86.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Golden Mile Zinfandel Luckhurst Family Vineyards 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMeaty, tobacco leaf, smoky oak, licorice root, dirty lees, barnyard aromas. Dry, warm and tart with light tannins. Sour cherry, smoky, resin, peppery, earthy, tobacco leaf, meaty, barnyard flavours with a very oaky, acidic, hot finish. Unclean and unbalanced.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Granite Creek Meritage 2005
British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, smoky, vanilla, coffee, cedar bark, meaty, pruny, tobacco leaf and cooked carrot. Dry, somewhat lean, tight entry. Meaty, barnyard, tobacco, smoky, peppery, resiny flavours. Tart, tannic, lean finish with a dirty edge.Prices:| BC | $29.90 | 750ml |
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79PTS
Granite Creek Cabernet Syrah 2005
British Columbia, CanadaDank tobacco, peppery, barnyard, meaty, resin aromas. Dry, tart, lean palate with little concentration. Rubbery, earthy, peppery, tobacco leaf, meaty, brett and fibreglass flavours. Poor.Prices:| BC | $26.90 | 750ml |
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79PTS
Granite Creek Syrah 2005
British Columbia, CanadaGreen tobacco leaf, resin, earthy, plastic, meaty, dirty leather aromas. Tart, green palate but smooth with plastic fibreglass, meaty, green tobacco, meaty, mousey, Band-Aid flavours. Another poor effort.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
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79PTS
Granite Creek Kerner 2006
British Columbia, CanadaYellow colour. Oxidized, bruised apple, lemon oil nose. Similarly oxidized, dry, lean palate. Well past its best before date.Prices:| BC | $15.90 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Beringer Third Century Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Central Coast, California, United StatesCedar bark, earthy, peppery, tobacco leaf, barnyard, leather, cassis, meaty aromas. Dry, tart, somewhat lean tannic entry with cedar bark, earthy, peppery, tobacco, prune, old oak, rubbery cassis, barnyard, Band-Aid flavours. No joy here.Prices:| BC | $23.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Castello di Gabbiano Chianti 2006
Tuscany, ItalyMeaty, spicy, smoky, prune, floral, licorice root, black cherry aromas with some barnyard. Dry, round, slightly tart entry with very light tannins. Smoky, prune, earthy, meaty, cherry, rooty flavours. Finish is a bit lean and tart and rustic. Simple sangiovese.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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79PTS
Round Hill Zinfandel/Shiraz 2003
California, United StatesStewed cherry, earthy, volatile, Band-Aid, meaty aromas, very dirty. Round, tart, dry palate with light cedar-y tannins. Cedar bark, sour cherry, licorice root, minty flavours. Not much too enjoy here.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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82PTS
JoieFarm PTG 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPruny, meaty, barnyard, stewed cherry, tobacco leaf, resin aromas with a bit of Band-Aid. Tart, light, soft palate with peppery, rhubarb, meaty, cranberry, savoury, tobacco leaf and cooked carrot flavours. Lacks balance and cleanliness. Finish is bitter and somewhat acidic.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
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04 July 2008
86PTS
Gérard Bertrand Classic Viognier 2006
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceLight lees, lemon oil, butter, honey, ginger, creamsicle nose. Dry, round, full palate with canned grapefruit, ginger, mineral, grassy, lemon oil flavours. Finish is a bit buttery but solid. A good effort that only lacks a bit of intensity and fruit.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Tinhorn Creek 2Bench Oldfield Collection White 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen floral, grassy, citrus, buttery nose with spicy, melon and apple skin notes. Soft and round, it is easy-sipping, if a touch bitter. Citrus rind, green apple skin, grassy, mineral, ginger flavours. It finishes a bit tart and rind-y. Serve with seafood.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Jackson-Triggs Viognier Proprietors' Reserve 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHoney, orange rind, ginger, melon, canned grapefruit nose. Round, fresh, easy style with grapefruit rind, mineral, ginger, butter, grassy, soapy flavours. Simple, fresh, easy-sipping style for food.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Hermanos Lurton Rueda Blanco 2006
Rueda, Castilla-Leon, SpainCanned grapefruit, grassy, lemon oil, green melon skin, slate, gooseberry aromas. Round, dry, slightly tart entry with grapefruit rind, gooseberry, grassy, lemon peel, and butter flavours with a touch of a bitter, ginger note on the finish. Surprisingly fat and lifeless for a Lurton wine. Needs a screwcap.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Les Meridiennes 2007
Vin de Pays de Vaucluse, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceSlate, mineral, floral, quince, spicy nose with a touch of honey. Dry, light, fresh palate and a bit austere. Butter, melon rind, ginger, slate, floral, spicy, quince flavours. Solid food wine for the summer.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve MIs en Cave 2004 NV
Champagne, FranceFine, continuous mousse. Toasty, nutty, baked apple, spicy, slightly floral nose. Full, round, somewhat fatter style but elegant with very toasty, nutty, spicy, baked apple, pear and citrus flavours. Good intensity but a tad soft and sweet. Good solid style.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $55.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $59.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
St. Hallett Poacher's Blend Semillon Sauvignon 2007
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaGrassy, spicy, ginger, melon rind, fig, grapefruit, jalapeno aromas. Fresh, round, crisp, slightly sweet entry and lighter style. Grapefruit rind, grassy, butter, gooseberry, ginger flavours. Easy going food style.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.15 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $15.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.10 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sandhill Small Lots Program Viognier Osprey Vineyard 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHoney, floral, perfumy, waxy, leesy, butter, ginger aromas. Round, full, riper style but a bit soft. Soapy floral, spicy, lemon oil, ginger, honey, buttery, grassy flavours. Good solid styling and effort.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
La Vieille Ferme Côtes du Luberon Blanc 2007
Côtes du Lubéron, Provence, Sud de France, FranceFloral, perfumed, ginger, mineral, citrus, quince skin nose. Soft, round, elegant palate with a hint of sweetness. Very floral, citrus rind, apple skin, ginger flavours with a warm, slightly bitter, grassy finish. Solid for food.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.30 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.30 | 750ml |
| NS | $11.66 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Yalumba Y Series Viognier 2007
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaFloral, spicy, ginger, light lees, lemon, honey. Dry, fresh, crisp, elegant palate. Light butter, ginger, spicy, honey, grassy, lemon flavours. Fresh style but lacks fruit intensity and concentration.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.45 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $18.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Twisted Tree Viognier Roussanne 2007
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBready, honey, citrus, ginger, butter, slate aromas. Ripe, warm, round entry with a touch of sweetness. Floral, spicy, buttery, honey, lemon oil, ginger, bready lees flavours. Solid but could be a bit cleaner.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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01 July 2008
86PTS
Oxford Landing Sauvignon Blanc 2007
South Australia, AustraliaOxford Landing takes its name from a mooring along the flat Murray River district but the fruit for this wine comes from a much wider area. Generally crisp in style with mouth-watering acidity, obvious grassy notes and clean in the finish. Friendly and affordable summer sipper for potato salads, cold chicken and seafood. Prices:| BC | $11.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.30 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Santa Rita Sauvignon Blanc Medalla Real Gran Reserva 2007
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileLook for more intensity in the Santa Rita Sauvignon Blanc Medalla Real 2007 where old vines and low yields deliver an intense experience in the mouth. The fruit comes off a single Casablanca site that is cooled by the nearby Pacific. The entry is cool and sleek with intense mineral, tinned asparagus juice, sweaty grapefruit and gooseberry aromas with flavours of grapefruit, mineral mixed with a touch of dried herbs. Best with mussels or oysters.Prices:| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.39 | 750ml |
| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Santa Rita Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2007
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileThe Santa Rita Reserva is consistently well made now with its grapefruit and cassis aromas and flavours. A true Casablanca style that makes you think New Zealand thanks to the ripe fruit, the gooseberry undercurrent and the leafy finish. Grilled prawns and a very reasonable price make this a winner.Prices:| AB | $12.80 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.92 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.45 | 750ml |
| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Nederburg Sauvignon Blanc The Winemaster's Reserve 2007
Western Cape, South AfricaPungent gooseberry sweaty grapefruit nose with almost identical fruit on the palate. Softer and rounder than you might expect with more gooseberry and jalapeno highlights that helps to make it palatable through the finish. Herby, lemon-lime notes mark its soft finish. Good value.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Yalumba Y Series Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThe style is simple here with a tight, fresh, cut grass nose and a dollop of passion fruit. The palate is fresh with fairly tight, zippy acidity and a big citrus finish. Simple straight-up sauvignon that would be fine with a bowl of buttered clams or steamed mussels.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.45 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $18.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
See Saw Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Australia-New ZealandDescribed as cross regional and bi-national this wine features sémillon grown in the Hunter Valley (Australia) and sauvignon blanc is grown in Marlborough (New Zealand). The wine is skinny and tight to say the least complete with grassy, grapefruit bits and a hint of figs. Almost white Bordeaux-like in its restraint and need for food. Well made.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
TYDY Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Loire, FranceDeclassified Loire sauvignon, for lack of better description, is a large untapped source of delicious wine as ably pointed out by this modern French sauvignon that still delivers a bit of the old chiselled Loire acidity and minerality. Fresh bright food -friendly and price accordingly. Drink all summer with oysters and or assorted shellfish.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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August 2008