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Tastings: August 2008
31 August 2008
86PTS
Twisted Tree Six Vines 2006
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRich soft, entry with leafy smoky, peppery overtones. Similar flavours mark the palate of the rich blend of Bordeaux varieties including some carmenère. The aftertaste is peppery and warm with bits of plum, mocha, leaf and pepper. Simple style but well made and worth trying. Best with roast beef or lamb dishes.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Twisted Tree Syrah 2006
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSimilar to the '05 but slightly fresher and with a bit more acidity. Look for a big spicy sausage meat nose with bits of pepper and tobacco and a touch of Band-Aid/Brett. The entry is ripe (sweet) and round; the flavours a glossy mix of vanilla, black cherry fruit flavours with some generous oak. Nice improvement.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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30 August 2008
87PTS
Road 13 Jackpot Viognier 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight ginger, honey, spicy, floral, light buttery lees aromas. Round, fresh, moderately dry, elegant palate with a slightly oily edge. Buttery, light lees, honey, cooked ginger, spicy, mineral, nectarine skin flavours. Crisp finish and spiciness will allow this to match well with Indian food.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Agriverde Natum Montepulciano D'Abruzzo Organic 2007
Abruzzo, ItalyDeep colour. Peppery, meaty, spicy, chocolate, tobacco aromas with a hint of black cherry. Dry, round, full bodied with some light, grainy tannins. Smoky, floral, mineral, chocolate, peppery, meaty, licorice flavours. Chunky, robust style for grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Natura Carmenere Organic 2007
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileBig spicy, tobacco leaf, peppery, smoky, green olive, cedar, resin aromas. Rich, round and dry with sleek tannins. Chocolate, tobacco leaf, black olive, cedar, earthy, peppery, resin flavours with a riparian edge. Good solid, chunky carmenère with controlled green.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
The Red Sedan Shiraz Malbec 2006
Mineral, raspberry jam, peppery, menthol, tobacco leaf, meaty, olive aromas. Dry, tart, edgy style with light tannins. Spicy, raspberry, cranberry, tobacco leaf, herbal, mineral, resin, orange peel, olive flavours. Somewhat skinny and tart, like raspberry juice, in need of food.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Soleus by MontGras Cabernet Sauvignon Organic 2006
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileTobacco leaf, peppery, riparian, sappy, cassis, menthol, coffee aromas. Dry, round, supple palate but low concentration. Peppery, earthy, tobacco, green olive, chocolate, menthol and cedar flavours. Very leafy style seems more like carmenère.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Rocca delle Macìe Sasyr 2005
Tuscany, ItalyMeaty, peppery, floral, mineral, smoky, rooty, black cherry aromas. Supple, round, dry, easy palate with light tannins. Plum, black cherry, rooty, peppery, meaty, cranberry, rooty flavours. A bit tart on the finish but solid wine for food.Prices:| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Winds of Change Chardonnay Organic 2007
Western Cape, South AfricaLemon, green apple skin, butter, slightly cheesy aromas. Round, soft, somewhat thin palate. Citrus, green apple skin, earthy, buttery flavours. Basic white.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Twisted Tree Merlot 2006
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaChocolate, vanilla, barnyard, tobacco leaf, cherry, resin, minty aromas with a bit of sweaty saddle. Dry, round, full bodied style with supple tannins. Tobacco leaf, minty, coffee, resin, vanilla, cedar bark, cherry flavours. Warm, rich, oaky style but with ripe fruit.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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29 August 2008
86PTS
Wolf Blass Yellow Label Cabernet Shiraz Merlot 40th Anniversary 2005
South Australia, AustraliaDeep dark colour. On the nose it's a bit leafy with black fruit cassis nose with a dusting of oak. A sweet and sour mid-palate of smoky raspberry jam flavours and soft tannins. Simple lean styling. Best with barbecued meats.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
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27 August 2008
90PTS
Laughing Stock Vineyards Portfolio 2006
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAs I mentioned last year, it is usually the latest edition of Portfolio that is the best and the reasons are simple: older vineyards, more vineyard ownership, and more experience in the winery. Winemaker David Enns has made big strides of late shaping the tannins and texture of his flagship red. The out-with-green-and-in-with-the gloss continues and the result is a better wine. Enns uses the five classic Bordeaux grapes in a 61/16/16/2/1/ mix of merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, malbec, petit verdot to shape a very solid wine. Love the ripe black fruit and the savoury mint and the rich textures. The finish is the best yet. Aged in 40 per cent new French oak; the remainder is one and two year old wood from a variety of coopers. Well done. Sensible price too.Prices:| BC | $38.90 | 750ml |
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24 August 2008
83PTS
Round Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
California, United StatesA somewhat disappointing red that tastes more like an inexpensive Oz shiraz than a California cabernet. The nose offers hints of leaf, tobacco and blueberries. The flavours soft and warm with a sweet and sour taste of smoky blueberry cherry fruit. Simple soft red wine.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Jackson-Triggs Sauvignon Blanc Proprietors' Reserve 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is cookie cutter JT sauvignon, as in it is quite similar to previous versions. The nose is bright with plenty of gooseberry grapefruit aromas and flavours all with a touch of sugar and minerality. A bit coarse and rind-y but otherwise a solid summer sipper.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Jackson-Triggs Sauvignon Blanc Proprietors' Grand Reserve 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLonger skin contact sets the PGR apart from the PR edition. Look for floral notes combined with passion fruit and grassy flavours. Fresh and elegant it's more warm climate than cool climate sauvignon but with an attractive easy sipping style. It finishes with a touch of bitter grapefruit calling for prawns or scallops.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Chateau d'Armajan des Ormes Sauternes 2003
Sauternes, Graves, Bordeaux, FranceApricot, floral, spicy, honey, waxy, vanilla, butter, egg yolk nose with some botrytis. Ripe, round, rich, elegant style with good concentration but a bit soft. Waxy, honey, apricot, buttery, vanilla, spicy, dried peach, guava and pineapple flavours. Good finesse and fruit if a bit heavy - could use a bit more acidity but normal for the hot vintage and delicious drinking now.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 375ml |
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86PTS
Sandhill Sauvignon Blanc Sandhill Estate Vineyard 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBitter passion fruit and grassy, aromas mark the nose and flavours. Its round and dry on entry but with a touch of alcohol. It's clean with a strong nettle and citrus flavours flecked with butter. It lacks crispness and finesse. Best with creamy pasta dishes. Now under screwcap.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Big Ass Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Napa Valley, California, United StatesAs you might expect when you buy a wine called Big Ass this red is no shrinking violet. The fruit is bold and dark with a blackberry/ cassis edge and bits of olive and tobacco. There is plenty of youthful tannins in the backend that are better served with grilled meat at this time but that should dissipate in the next two to three years. Solid.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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18 August 2008
89PTS
Moillard Mercurey Clos l'Eveque 1er Cru 2005
Mercurey, Côte Chalonnaise, Burgundy, FranceTobacco leaf, smoky, spicy, gamey, peppery, cherry, raspberry nose with a minty, floral, barnyard note. Round, supple, dry, elegant style with good acidity and elegant tannins. Raspberry, tobacco leaf, gamey, rhubarb, smoky, tea, orange peel, oxo flavours. Good finesse, very solid, attractive style for drinking now and over the next 2-3 years.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
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17 August 2008
88PTS
Taylor Fladgate Late Bottled Vintage Port 2002
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalIt makes good sense that the creator of "Late Bottled Vintage" port is widely accepted to be its best producer. Made from a single vintage blend Taylors LBV ages from four to six years in cask. Look for a perfumed, elegant style port with attractive fiery flavours. Its fragrant nose is highlighted by chocolate and layers of pepper, earth and dried fruit. Its middle-dry finish and smoky, raising notes are perfect for revitalizing the palate after a rich meal. Prices:| NL | $21.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $22.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Taylor Fladgate First Estate Reserve Port NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalTaylor's First Estate is a 'vintage character" blend of selected wine aged in both vats and casks . The ultimate goal is a drinkable port that maintains the famous, full-bodied house style. It is packed with bright, fragrant fruit with just enough liquorice and spice to keep it interesting.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $23.00 | 750ml |
| NFL | $23.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Les Jamelles Naturelles Chardonnay 2007
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceLes Jamelles Naturelles is fresh and that is always a great start for organically grown grapes across the southern Languedoc. There's a bit of new oak mix with one year old for ageing. The goal is Burgundy the output is something less but not disappointing. Lemon and green apples dominate the palate and aftertaste with just a hint of nuttiness. Solid effort should be fun with food.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Crowsnest Stahltank Chardonnay 2006
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSimilar to last year with fresh aromas of slate/mineral and ripe red apple and melon. The entry is sweet but with fairly good acidity to balance in the form of grapefruit flavours with bits of honey and butter. Still a bit too sweet to be considered serious but if well chilled this would be a perfect partner for spicy Indian or Thai.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Herder Chardonnay 2007
Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSuper fresh nose of nectarine skin with bits of citrus and dusty minerality. The entry as suggested is fresh with tight acidity and structure, green apple fruit with flecks of grapefruit and mango. Reserved lean-ish, cool-climate fruit that hits the spot. Should be very good with seafood.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Carabas Chardonnay 2006
FranceSomewhat old-fashioned Languedoc style of chardonnay with its sweet, floral ripe fruit nose and heavy mid-palate tropical fruit flavours. The finish is a bit sweet and sour. Simple straight-up chardonnay from the warm south of France.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bouchard Aîné & Fils Cuvée Signature Bourgogne Chardonnay 2005
Burgundy, FranceThere is something about this simple but well made Bourgogne that attracts holds and even beguiles. Minerals, citrus red apple aromas with a floral undertone set a sense of balance and elegance that carries thorough the palate. The finish is clean and crisp with bits of honey and more red apple fruit. Very good value for everyday drinking from a great vintage.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThe Ste. Michelle cabernet exudes confidence and style with its sleek peppery nose and spicy, blackberry, black cherry fruit flavours. The entry is round and warm, the tannins small-grained with fine smoky, vanilla black fruit aftertaste. Balanced, affordable New World red with wide appeal.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Taylor Fladgate Special White Port NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalTaylor's pioneered dry white aperitif port some sixty years ago with its Chip Dry label, first blended in 1934. Special White Port is a much sweeter version made from mostly malvasia fina grapes. A versatile aperitif, it may be drunk in the traditional way, chilled in the classic port wine glass, on its own or with a twist of lemon, accompanied by roasted almonds, olives or dry biscuits. I love it served over ice with tonic water and a twist of lime. The colour is pale, the nose sweet, rich and alcoholic. There's a floral anise flavour with just a touch of oak and caramel in the finish. Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $23.00 | 750ml |
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97PTS
Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port 2003
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalWe love the way Taylor is put together. Always so solid with powerful dense fruit, flecked with floral (violet) notes. The color is opaque with a licorice laced, black fruit flavours, brown sugar, spice and molasses. Interminably long in the mouth showing off a youthful finish packed full of plums chocolates and raisins. It seems to linger on the palate forever in perfect balance. Lock and load this into the cellar for the next century.Prices:| BC | $200.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $142.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $199.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Taylor Fladgate 20 Year Old Tawny NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalVanilla toffee and orange rind mark a generous inviting nose. The average age here is 24 years and there is a terrific balance between fruit and alcohol. The flavours are intense and lengthy featuring vanilla, almonds and nutty flavours and a peppery fiery tea finish. It is best served slightly chilled from the fridge.Prices:| BC | $72.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $69.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $69.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $69.75 | 750ml |
| NF | $78.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $90.75 | 750ml |
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16 August 2008
87PTS
Guntrum Dry Riesling 2006
Rheinhessen, GermanyOpen buttery nutty fruit nose with chalky bits. The entry is fresh and dry with mineral, butter, petrol and fresh fruit on the mid-palate finishing slightly dry with a nutty grapefruit, nectarine skin finish. Solid food wine.Prices:| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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15 August 2008
86PTS
Skimmerhorn Pinot Gris 2006
Kootenay River Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNot surprisingly this 06 remains fresh under screwcap with its red apple and sweet fruit aromas. The entry is a touch sweet but that can be easily dealt with by serving it with spicy sushi or Chinese. Fresh round off -dry finish with bits of minerality. Fine potential here; we look forward to tasting the 2007.Prices:| BC | $16.40 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Penfolds Riesling Bin 51 2007
Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaIt's year two for Bin 51 Riesling, the old Reserve Bin Eden Valley, made by the white winemaking team at Penfolds led by Oliver Crawford. The nose is fresh and bright with obvious petrol notes, lemon lime and oyster liqueur scents. The attack is fresh and crisp green apple/fruit salad, mineral flavours and a crisp clean finish. It's good now but will improve under screwcap for years. Versatile sushi, chicken, pork and seafood wine.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $29.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $27.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
CedarCreek Pinot Gris Classic 2007
British Columbia, CanadaSimilar to last year with a fairly tight, green apple notes dusted with citrus and nectarine skin. The entry is fresh and tight with a fairly austere front palate followed up with notes of, mineral, lees and green apple, citrus flavours. The finish is dry and slightly bitter calling for a seafood or pasta salad or grilled chicken.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Trauma Sauvignon 2007
Lisboa, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalDespite its critter label and the unlikely brand name of "Trauma" this Estremadura white is a decent little wine. Fresh and ripe it offs up grapefruit and melons flavours with a twist of lemon lime. Suitably Euro skinny but perfect for a variety of foods. Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Herder Pinot Gris 2007
British Columbia, CanadaAn un-oaked blend of fruit from the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys that delivers on all fronts. Look for fresh, honey/citrus aromas and flavours in what is a lively gris with plenty of minerality. A fresh lip-smacking style with bits of fresh bread and citrus in its balanced finish. Very well done.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Burrowing Owl Pinot Gris 2007
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFresh light fruity nose with floral, honey, lime rind notes. The entry is ripe juicy mineral red apple, tangerine rind and honey flavours. The finish is crisp and clean if just a bit off-dry. Well made and food friendly.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Inniskillin Okanagan Pinot Blanc Inkameep Vineyard 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral honey-scented red apple nose with a dusting of grapefruit. Fresh round and a bit rind-y on entry with a touch of heat. On the palate it is warm with spicy, green apple skin, citrus and grassy flavours. The finish is clean if a bit dry.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Inniskillin Okanagan Pinot Grigio 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTypical this grigio is fresh and friendly up front floral, orange blossom notes. The entry is clean with a slightly sweet and sour, lime and lemon flavour with bits of apple, citrus, mineral and almonds. The finish is dry with a touch of citrus rind in the finish.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Peller Estates Private Reserve Pinot Gris 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaClean fresh nose of red apples and apricot and mineral. On the palate it's skinny with lemon mineral sour apple notes. The finish is dry. Solid effort.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Sandhill Pinot Gris King Family Vineyard 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA fine follow up to last year's excellent release once again boasting bright,Naramata, King Family Vineyard fruit. Fresh and lively, it has a grassy, nutty, lemon lime palate that persists from front to back. On the palate more mineral, green apple skin and nutty citrus notes carry it through the finish. Delicious.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Columbia Crest Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesGrand Estates cabernet is grown at Horse Heaven Hills and on the Wahluke Slope. The nose is bright and clean with dark fruits coffee and chocolate dominating the flavours and the aftertaste. Smooth and elegant it is showing style that is a solid notch above the regular. Warm, easy-drinking, northwest cabernet made for meat dishes.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Columbia Crest Merlot 2005
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesLook for a soft soupy warm nose of mocha coffee and spice. On the palate the entry is sweet with smoky cherry jams and a spicy aftertaste. Soft simple, commercial merlot with some acidity and alcohol poking through at the end. Decent for the price.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $13.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Columbia Crest Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesOpen peppery spicy nose mixing olives chocolate and blackberry fruit. On the palate the wine is warm and expansive with dry smooth smoky peppery black fruit flecked with spice. Good value in an approachable cabernet sauvignon. Think grilled meats here for best pairing results.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Chateau Ste. Michelle Merlot Indian Wells Vineyard 2003
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThe Washington wine category has been so mismanaged (on both sides of the border) that you forget how good some of these merlot can be. Indian Wells has a wonderful concentration of fruit and spice all in an elegant Northwest package streaked with mint and sage. Definitely more Euro-style with that early and mid-palate leanness that attracts. This will improve with a few extra years in the cellar.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $26.00 | 750ml |
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12 August 2008
86PTS
Peller Estates Niagara Private Reserve Pinot Gris 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPresented in the tall Italian "grigio" bottle this Niagara effort is crisp with a slightly garlic/lees entry mixed with bits of melon. A solid medium weight white with just enough fresh fruit character to keep your interest. Pleasant affordable grigio that should be under screwcap by now for maximum freshness and holding power.Prices:| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Laughing Stock Vineyards Pinot Gris 2007
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe LFNG gris is a big fruit bomb drenched in honey/pear and ripe orange fruit. A dusting of one year old oak and plenty of lees adds complexity to the finish. Big and different it could be an attractive wine with Indian food or other rich spicy offerings.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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10 August 2008
86PTS
Tinhorn Creek Pinot Gris 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe '07 pinot gris is further leaned out with a tight dry citrus bent. Mineral, green apple skin flavours mark this almost grigio style gris with just a dusting of bitter fruit in the finish. Taut, fresh finish that is perhaps best served with shell fish or a light seafood salad.Prices:| BC | $16.50 | 750ml |
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08 August 2008
91PTS
Domaine Christian Moreau Chablis 1er Cru Vaillon Cuvée Guy Moreau 2006
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceFloral, citrus, oyster shell, green apple skin, light butter, light garlic aromas. Crisp, fresh, round, elegant palate with good intensity. Lemon, green apple skin, butter, floral, sea shell, mineral, grassy flavours. Finish is crisp and long with a light buttery, lime note. Drink now but will improve with the excellent acidity balance.Prices:| BC | $43.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $37.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Domaine Christian Moreau Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2006
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceFresher floral, lime, green apple, light garlic lees, seashore, buttery nose with a touch of as acacia and artichoke. Crisp, round, fresh and elegant with good finesse and acidity balance. Lemon, green apple skin, grassy, oyster shell, butter, garlic, vanilla, grassy, floral flavours. A more feminine, crisper style than the Valmur, try them side by side.Prices:| BC | $67.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $55.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $65.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Domaine Christian Moreau Chablis Grand Cru Valmur 2006
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceLight garlic, lemon, baked green apple, leesy, floral, oyster shell, butter, quince aromas with a touch of vanilla. Rich, fresh, elegant, crisp palate but good texture and intensity. Sea shell, seaweed, lemon, green apple skin, butter, light honey flavours with a touch of butterscotch and lime rind on the finish. Great length and finesse with intensity. Better than the 2005.Prices:| BC | $67.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $55.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $58.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Domaine Christian Moreau Chablis 1er Cru Vaillon 2006
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceLight nutty, floral, lees, mineral, lemon, green apple skin and butter aromas. Crisp, elegant, round palate with a touch of oiliness. Good mineral, seashell, lemon, buttery, green apple skin, pear and honey flavours. Good consistent quality here, can age 1-3 years.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $38.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Mission Hill S.L.C. Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe best SLC blend we have tasted. This sauvignon blanc sémillon blend is not meant to be an ode to Bordeaux but rather to the ambitious New Zealand sauvignon. Kiwi winemaker John Simes has tweaked this blend to perfection from its bright grapefruit/green melon nose to its rich, smoky, gooseberry, vanilla, lees flavours. Very complex and inviting with taut crisp styling. Good value.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
St. Francis Chardonnay 2005
Sonoma County, California, United StatesButtery, ripe peach, light garlic lees, honey, and toasty apple nose. Round, full but flat palate with oaky, buttery, vanilla, garlic, earthy, honey flavours. Somewhat heavy, mature older style with lots of oak. Drink up.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $21.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $24.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Carmen Syrah Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2005
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileVery pleasant spicy meaty sweet fruit nosed with bits of dried herbs menthol and licorice. Rich and warm on entry with firm, small-grained tannins with more peppery, cassis fruit and black pepper in the finish. Big and solid and will improve with time in the bottle. The blend is an even split of cabernet and syrah. Good value.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.50 | 750ml |
| QC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Carmen Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileRich spicy nose of cassis and bay leaf with bits of tobacco and dark fruit. The entry is soft and dry with some mid-palate grip and with resiny peppery, cedar, olive and chocolate notes with bits of black cherry. The finish is clean a dry. Best served with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.50 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $12.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $12.98 | 750ml |
| NS | $10.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Accordini Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2004
Veneto, ItalySpicy, smoky, peppery, roast meat, black cherry, licorice, tobacco leaf, floral, plum aromas. Ripe, round, rich and smooth with very light tannins. Peppery, floral, plum, black cherry, licorice, spicy cardamom, minty, tobacco flavours. Suave and ripe, just a bit warm and tart on the finish. Should improve over the next few years or try with roast lamb, turkey or pork.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Gustave Lorentz Fleurelle Vin D'Alsace 2005
Alsace, FranceFleurelle is a blend of muscat, pinot blanc and sylvaner handpicked and whole-bunched pressed. Very Euro in styling with its peachy floral notes and citrus mineral sea slat palate. Drier than you think with a bit of that Alsace oil and resin in the finish. Well made sophisticated white for food.Prices:| NS | $26.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Round Hill Merlot 2005
California, United StatesTobacco leaf earth and stemmy notes with bits of vanilla and cherry. The entry is soft and sweet with peppery fruit and a warm alcoholic finish. A sweet, commercial, simple style red best served with hamburgers.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Round Hill Chardonnay 2006
California, United StatesButter, garlic, lime rind, honey, earthy aromas. Soft, round, sweet entry with butter, earthy, baked apple, canned peach, honey flavours. Simple, commercial old-style California chardonnay.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Jackson-Triggs Unoaked Chardonnay Proprietors' Reserve 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCitrus rind, garlic, floral, vanilla, clarified butter nose. Fresh, crisp, dry, slightly oily palate with grapefruit rind, butter, mineral, honey flavours. Finish is quite limey with a bitter, green apple skin note. In the right direction but needs a bit more balance.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Pascual Toso Malbec 2007
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaClassic Toso. Rich and savoury with bags of sweet black fruit wrapped in liquorice with just a touch of acidity and pepper poking through on the back end. Big spearmint menthol palate with warm dark fruit peppery finish. A big showy red for the money. Bring on the steaks.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Tinhorn Creek Chardonnay 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeach, butter, citrus, mineral, baked red apple aromas. Crisp, moderately dry, round palate with a touch of oiliness. Green apple skin, butter, apricot, pear, citrus and vanilla lees flavours. A bit warm and fat on the finish but solid, easy-sipping style.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Laughing Stock Vineyards Chardonnay 2007
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLees, buttery, canned peach, baked pear, vanilla, spicy aromas. Round, slightly fat, full bodied style with a touch of sweetness. Ripe peach, red apple, buttery, vanilla, leesy, spicy, grapefruit rind flavours. The finish is very buttery and warm with a bitter rind note. It's going to need more subtlety and finesse to get to the next level.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Fish Eye Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
California, United StatesSimple sweet nose of candied chocolate notes with a dash of vanilla. Soft with bits of leafy cassis and twigs. Very sweet and simple. A yellow tail wannabe.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Fish Eye Chardonnay 2006
California, United StatesMineral, grapefruit rind, peach skin, butter aromas. Soft, round, simple palate with butter, canned peach, grapefruit rind, green apple skin flavours. Somewhat sweet and sour on the finish, very commercial.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Oxford Landing Chardonnay 2007
South Australia, AustraliaLight floral, grapefruit, green apple skin, peach pit, leesy, vanilla nose. Round, somewhat soft palate with a bit of sweet and sour. Buttery, leesy, grapefruit, canned peach, vanilla flavours. Finish is warm, tart and zesty. Fair value.Prices:| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $15.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Marrenon Chardonnay Cepages 2007
Vin de Pays de Vaucluse, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceFloral, green apple skin, mineral, lime, buttery lees aromas. Dry, crisp, fresh palate but quite light and a bit austere. Lime rind, green apple skin, mineral, light butter flavours. The finish is awash in citrus rind signalling a wine that works best with food.Prices:| BC | $13.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Marques de Casa Concha Chardonnay 2006
Pirque, Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileFloral, butter, grapefruit, green apple, pear skin, light lees aromas with an earthy streak. Round, elegant, fresh palate with butter, mineral, green apple, lime rind, lees and a touch of butterscotch. Good solid styling with a crisp, leesy finish. Would be even better under screwcap.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $17.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Casillero del Diablo Chardonnay 2007
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileCool green apple, light garlic lees, vanilla, nectarine skin, floral, citrus rind nose. Round, elegant, fresh palate with a bit of oiliness. Green apple, grapefruit, garlic, vanilla, buttery, honey flavours. Finish is a bit sour with lime rind notes. Solid value, best with food.Prices:| SK | $13.10 | 750ml |
| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.50 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $11.57 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Yalumba Chardonnay Y Series Unwooded 2006
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaTropical fruit, coconut, red apple, peach nose. Somewhat sweet but fresh palate with grapefruit rind, buttery diacetyl, lees, green apple skin, grassy flavours. Simple, easy, commercial style.Prices:| US | $11.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Blasted Church Chardonnay Musqué 2007
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, green apple, pear, citrus, mineral, matchstick, light vanilla and lees with a spicy, muscat streak. Crisp, round, fresh, zesty palate with lime, muscat, nectarine skin, butter, mineral, floral flavours. Delicious, well made chardonnay under screw cap.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Line 39 Petit Sirah 2006
California, United StatesA lifted nose with bits of cherries, earth and a dusting of oak. On the palate it offers up tasty, dark chocolate cherry fruit flavours flecked with meaty earthy notes. Good value red wine produced at the "39th" parallel.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Redtree Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
California, United StatesBland simple red wine with meaty animal notes on the nose and palate. The entry is acidic with bits of black cherry fruit and cedar. The acid penetrates throughout the wine accentuating the dryness in the finish. Ordinary at best.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Cono Sur Chardonnay 2007
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileA vineyard in transition this almost organic chardonnay will please with its green apple, lime, light garlic, vanilla, floral, honey, nectarine aromas. It is deliciously fresh and crisp offering round yet elegant styling with green apple, floral, peach pit, mineral and lime flavours all with a touch of lees and butter in the finish. Excellent finesse for the price. Light, zesty and very good value.Prices:| BC | $14.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Santa Rita Merlot Reserva 2006
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileBig open "Maipo nose" of bay leaves and dried herbs. Lovely open warm fruit nose with vanilla and dark cherries. On the palate there are hints of ripe, almost sweet fruit flavours followed by leafy olive, tobacco, vanilla, chocolate, earthy flavours. Still a bit too lean and green on the finish for most North Americans.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.40 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Twisted Tree Chardonnay 2007
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRipe peach, honey, butter, citrus rind, leesy-matchstick nose. The entry is fat and ripe with fresh acidity green apple skin and buttery, honey, lees, grapefruit flavours. Zesty, slightly warm butter finish. Solid, easy-sipping consumer style. Well done.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Big Ass Chardonnay 2006
Napa Valley, California, United StatesMineral, buttery, peach skin, vanilla nose. Flat, round, low concentration palate with garlic, butter, grassy, leesy, and sour apple flavours. No real varietal character or richness despite its moniker.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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05 August 2008
88PTS
J. Bookwalter Lot 21 Red Wine NV
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThe nose and entry is sweet with caramel cherry vanilla notes. Milk chocolate, ripe cherries and pepper dominate the mid-palate along with big ripe fine-grained tannins. The finish is long and warm. Lot 21 is 46% cabernet sauvignon, 35% merlot, 11% syrah, 4% cabernet franc and 4% malbec.Prices:| BC | $29.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Gnarly Head Old Vine Zin 2006
Lodi, Central Valley, California, United StatesThis screwcap red has a reductive skunky note upon opening that will scare many off before it blows off after about 30 minutes of air. The entry and palate is soft and sweet fruit with bits of cedar, milk chocolate and acid poking through in the finish. A brambly sweet, commercial zinfandel that lacks direction.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.50 | 750ml |
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04 August 2008
86PTS
Peller Estates Private Reserve Syrah 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, peppery, rooty, meaty, black cherry, cedar, resin, licorice aromas. Round, dry, soft palate but warm with bright acidity. Smoky, peppery, spicy, black cherry, rooty, garrigue, tobacco leaf flavours. Very warm, slightly tart finish but with some solid fruit and balance.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.99 | 750ml |
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03 August 2008
85PTS
Tinhorn Creek Merlot 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTobacco leaf, tea, smoky, tomato leaf, barnyard, dill aromas. Dry, round and elegant style but with a fairly lean mid-palate and finish. Smoky oak, vanilla, green olive and red currant flavours mark the palate the finish is dry with light tannins. Best with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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02 August 2008
86PTS
Sumac Ridge Pinot Blanc Private Reserve 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA fine evolution to no oak and a much fruiter fresh green apple skin style with bits of melon fruit and butter. More floral undertones with crisp acidity make this a much more interesting food wine.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Jackson-Triggs Meritage Blanc Proprietors' Grand Reserve 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA blend of 2/3 sauvignon blanc, 1/3 third sémillon. The nose is a mix of green fruits and asparagus with bits of citrus and toasted oak. A simple lean style white wine with a slightly bitter aftertaste. Try with pasta and fish salads.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Carm Douro Blanco 2006
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalThe new Portuguese white is crisp and fresh without a hint of oxidation. Mineral and red apple fruit flavours mix with citrus and subtle oak with a hint of dried herbs in the finish. A refreshing change from the sweet and sour oaky whites that still dominate the marketplace.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Starling Lane Ortega 2007
Saanich Peninsula, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaLeesy, light sulphur, green apple skin, grassy, ropey nose. Dry, tart, light, and lean with green herbal, grassy, green apple skin, leesy flavours. Not a lot of ripeness or concentration for the variety. Simple.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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01 August 2008
83PTS
Domaine de Chaberton Gewurztraminer 2007
British Columbia, CanadaBriight lemon oil, ginger, spicy, earthy, floral aromas. Tart, slightly sweet, oily palate with lemon oil, resiny, ginger, green apple skin, and bitter herb flavours. A bit dirty and resiny in the finish. Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
See Ya Later Ranch Gewurztraminer 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight floral, peach, spicy, mineral aromas. Soft, fresh, round, slightly sweet palate with grapefruit, buttery, peach pit, ginger, spicy, mineral flavours. Easy going summer sipper.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Sumac Ridge Gewürztraminer Private Reserve 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight sausage, meaty, floral, mineral, grapefruit aromas. Tart but flat, round, slightly sweet entry but light with low concentration. Mineral, smoky, meaty, leesy, buttery, grapefruit flavours. Very sour finish but low fruit and intensity.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.45 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Blasted Church Gewurztraminer 2007
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSweaty, grapefruit rind, light rose, green apple skin, matchstick aromas. Round, slightly flat, slightly sweet, oily palate with lemon oil, sweaty grapefruit rind, bitter ginger and lees flavours with a bit of summer sausage. Lacks varietal clarity.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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80PTS
The Little Penguin Merlot 2007
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaTobacco leaf, resin, herbal, cedar, floral, riparian nose. Sweet, sour, candied, pruny palate with herbaceous, cedar-y, resiny, tobacco leaf flavours. Disappointing.Prices:| BC | $13.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $13.50 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.15 | 750ml |
| PEI | $14.12 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $12.98 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.20 | 750ml |
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80PTS
The Little Penguin Cabernet Merlot 2005
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaThis edition comes in a screw cap PET bottle. Spicy, floral, cedar bark, aftershave, rooty, tobacco nose. Sweet, tart, round with light tannins. Aftershave, cedar bark, resin, rooty, licorice coffee flavours. Sweet sickly red.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.95 | 750ml |
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83PTS
C'est La Vie Pinot Noir Syrah 2006
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FrancePeppery, resiny, cedar bark, tobacco, pruny, black olive aromas. Dry, tart, light palate with some green tannins. Smoky, sour cherry, resiny, cedar, tobacco leaf, green olive flavours. Light barbecue quaffer with some extra acidity.Prices:| QC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Chateau La Freynelle 2005
Bordeaux, FranceSmoky, meaty, cedar bark, peppery, tobacco leaf aromas. Dry, thin, light and tart palate. Cedar bark, resin, earthy, tobacco leaf, green olive flavours. Very green and light.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Les Jamelles Naturelles Merlot 2006
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceSappy, cassis, coffee, tobacco leaf, herbal aromas. Dry, tart, round, hard palate with green tobacco, sappy, riparian, resin, green cherry flavours. Too tart and lean and green.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Paiara Puglia Bianco 2007
Puglia, ItalyLemon, butter, nectarine skin, quince skin, floral aromas. Dry, fresh, round palate with a salty, citrus, buttery, ginger, cooked peach skin flavours. A bit tart and lean on the palate but fine for seafood.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Lucien Albrecht Gewurztraminer Reserve 2006
Alsace, FranceHoney, spicy, light botrytis, apricot, floral, earthy, light sausage aromas. Ripe, round, full bodied style with some light sweetness. Waxy, honey, buttery, apricot, citrus, Vaseline, lemon oil flavours. Good intensity but quite ripe and heavy. Good for heavier food or cheese and fruit.Prices:| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Yalumba Grenache Barossa Bush Vine 2005
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaPeppery, pruny, black raspberry, licorice root, coffee, cigar. gamey aromas. Dry, round, tart and warm with light tannins. Cedar bark, raspberry, orange peel, pruny, resiny, clove flavours. Somewhat lean and tart, lacks mid-palate.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Villa Antinori Toscana Rosso 2004
Tuscany, ItalyMeaty, gamey, rooty, sweaty leather, pruny, tobacco leaf, earthy nose. Rich, round, dry, chunky and slightly tannic entry. Meaty, smoky, pruny, resiny, coffee, leather, dried cherry and tobacco flavours with a gamey, chocolate finish. A better bottle than last one.Prices:| BC | $21.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $26.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $25.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Yellow Tail Limited Release McLaren Vale Shiraz 2004
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaPeppery, smoky, meaty, cedar bark, coffee, vanilla, black berry jam with a meaty, tobacco streak. Warm, tart, sweet entry with light tannins. Cedar bark, coffee, toasty oak, resin, burnt black berry and tobacco flavours. Too lean and tart.Prices:| US | $20.00 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Oak Bay Vineyard Marechal Foch 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, smoky, tomato leaf, dill, briny nose. Tart, dry, round, thin palate. Herbal, smoky, resiny, tobacco leaf, tomato, green olive flavours. Poor balance and no fruit.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Chalet Estate Pinot Noir 2006
British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, pruny, rooty, black cherry, resin aromas with a strong tobacco leaf note. Very tart, dry and thin palate with sour cherry, mineral, meaty, tobacco leaf, cedar bark flavours. No pinot character here.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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81PTS
Chalet Estate Syrah 2005
British Columbia, CanadaDank, rubbery, mercaptan, meaty, peppery nose. Tart, dry, lean palate with light tannins. Meaty, peppery, earthy, rubbery, tobacco leaf flavours. Little fruit or varietal.Prices:| BC | $21.90 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Gray Monk Merlot 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCedar bark, coffee, resiny, black olive, spicy, meaty aromas. Lean, dry, tart palate with hard tannins. Meaty, green olive, cedar bark, resiny, herbal flavours with a very oaky, coffee finish. No fruit or ripeness.Prices:| BC | $16.49 | 750ml |
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September 2008