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Tastings: December 2008
31 December 2008
85PTS
Tinhorn Creek Merlot 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA rounder softer version of the '05 with earthy, tobacco leaf and vanilla notes on the nose. On the palate more earthy tea, black olive flavours with a lean if smooth aftertaste. Solid if unexciting. Needs more fruit. Best with a grilled meat course.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Wild Horse Canyon Merlot 2007
CanadaA blend of juice from California, Washington and British Columbia the '07 is a definite upgrade in cleanliness. The entry is soft and round with spicy, earthy, black fruit and bits of spice and vanilla. The finish is warm and soft and not too dry. Good value for a two country blend.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Nk'Mip Cellars Merlot 2006
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 06 merlot is a warm one but still with a spicy, minty, coffee nose with bits of vanilla and chocolate. The mid-palate entry is firm with a plum, cedar, tobacco, coffee flavours. The finish is dry and resiny and short on fruit.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.50 | 750ml |
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30 December 2008
85PTS
Fuzion Shiraz Malbec 2007
Mendoza, ArgentinaMuch has been written about Fuzion a mostly shiraz-based red from Argentina that is definitely saved by its 20 per cent malbec content. Its appeal is an upfront creaminess or softness with hints of blueberries. Then comes the mid-palate spice and acidity you associate with cheaper Oz wine and a dry earthy finish. The perfect hamburger red no more, no less but we do love the price. This same winery makes the terrific value Santa Julia Viognier and Santa Julia Malbec.Prices:| BC | $9.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $8.49 | 750ml |
| ON | $7.45 | 750ml |
| QC | $8.20 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Casa de Campo Reserve Malbec Shiraz 2006
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaOpen dry savoury nose with meaty, earthy, liquorice and plum jam notes. The entry is dry, with earthy black olive, black cherry and liquorice flavours flecked with resin and toasted vanilla. A solid, workhorse barbecue red at an affordable price. Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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28 December 2008
88PTS
Saracina Syrah 2005
Mendocino County, California, United StatesOpen peppery, spicy, savoury, black berry nose with meaty, tobacco leaf, floral, barnyard aromas. Ripe, round, full bodied style with light, grainy tannins. Warm with meaty, peppery, smoky, vanilla, resin, tobacco, black berry and ash flavours. Light chalky tannins on the finish with lots of chocolate and vanilla. Very New World style.Prices:| US | $32.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Gloria Ferrer Syrah 2004
Carneros, Sonoma County, California, United StatesPeppery, spicy, black cherry, boysenberry, licorice, vanilla, tobacco leaf aromas. Dry, round, warm palate with fresh acidity. Vanilla, peppery, smoky, tobacco leaf, earthy, black cherry, mocha flavours. Good texture and fruit but somewhat lacking in mid-palate extract with a tart edge.Prices:| US | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mendocino Farms Syrah Fairbairn Ranch 2005
Mendocino County, California, United StatesVery spicy, green tobacco leaf, herbal, sour cherry, vanilla - very cool style. Dry, tight, round, elegant palate with light tannins. Cedar bark, tobacco, vanilla, coffee, peppery, cherry, herbal, garrigue flavours. Fresh finish with light tannins to shed - very French in style but has a dominant streak of cedar. Perhaps needs a year or more in bottle.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Beringer Third Century Merlot 2005
Central Coast, California, United StatesBeringer Third Century merlot is a mix of North Coast vineyards including Napa, Sonoma and Lake Counties. The entry is sweet and earthy with some herbal notes. The fruit is spicy with flecks of black cherry and mocha coffee but finishes dry and warm with a touch of cardboard.Prices:| BC | $23.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.00 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Thirty Bench Small Lot Rosé Pinot Meunier 2007
Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaHerbal, sweaty, tobacco, leesy aromas. Dry, thin, tart, herbal flavours. Flat simple rosé of no particular interest at this point.Prices:| ON | $22.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Thirty Bench Small Lot Pinot Gris 2007
Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaLemon, floral, lees, mineral, baked red apple aromas. Round, fresh, slightly soft but dry palate. Honey, floral, canned grapefruit, lemon peel flavours. Crisp, dry finish with some finesse. Good style for food matching but pricey.Prices:| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Thirty Bench Small Lot Riesling Wood Post Vineyard 2007
Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaPetrol, slate, lemon, green apple, light lees nose with a light floral note. Fresh, round, crisp, slightly creamy palate but a bit austere. Lees, petrol, slate, lemon, grassy, grapefruit flavours. Good solid effort with finesse if a bit less mineralPrices:| ON | $28.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Thirty Bench Small Lot Riesling Triangle Vineyard 2007
Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaFloral, lemon, light petrol, slate, mineral, green apple, light lees aromas. Crisp, fresh, delicate palate with good intensity. Petrol, lees, lemon, lime, slate, green apple and butter flavours. Well done - style to pursue with zeal.Prices:| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Thirty Bench Small Lot Riesling Steel Post Vineyard 2007
Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaFloral, slate, lemon, mineral, chalky, peach pit aromas. Very dry, crisp, delicate palate but a bit light. Light lees, butter, mineral, slate, lemon, green apple skin flavours. Tart, crisp style that's just a bit to dry for sipping without food. On track but could use a touch more extract in the back end.Prices:| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Thirty Bench Riesling 2007
Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaKerosene, slate, mineral, floral, green apple, lemon aromas. Dry, crisp, elegant, lean palate but good creamy texture. Lemon, petrol, slate, mineral, green apple, peach pit flavours. A bit austere but has good intensity for a basic level riesling.Prices:| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Nik Weis St. Urbans-Hof Riesling Estate Bottled From Old Vines 2007
Mosel, GermanyVery leesy, garlic, slate, green apple, nectarine skin, honey aromas. Crisp, round, creamy, slightly sweet palate with good finesse. Palate is somewhat leesy and garlicky again with lime, green apple, slate, honey flavours. Good palate and flavours but somewhat dominated by the garlic aromas that reach into its flavours and we are not sure if they will dissipate.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Schloss Gobelsburg Grüner Veltliner 2007
Niederösterreich, Weinland Österreich, AustriaHoney, floral, grassy, green apple skin with a touch of gooseberry. Dry, round, elegant, slightly fat palate with a creamy texture. Lemon, butter, green apple skin, honey, slate, mineral flavours. Although a bit austere it has fine flavour intensity. Should work well with seafood and light meats.Prices:| QC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Viu 1 2006
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileOpen, spicy, vanilla, chocolate, tobacco nose with meaty, barnyard, smoky, saddle leather, savoury notes mixed with black cherry and cassis. Rich, round, warm, dry palate with grainy tannins. Peppery, spicy, cassis, saddle leather, chocolate, vanilla, garrigue, tobacco leaf, meaty, licorice flavours. Despite the obvious alcohol it is well balanced for a big wine. Needs another 3 to 5 years in bottle to round out.Prices:| BC | $70.00 | 750ml |
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27 December 2008
88PTS
Ex Nihilo Satisfaction 2005
Napa Valley, California, United StatesEx Nihilo Vineyards first Napa release is Rolling Stones 'Satisfaction' 2005 a cabernet blend that is made with fruit mostly grown in the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley. The blend is 66/19/6/5/4 cabernet sauvignon, merlot, petit verdot, malbec and petite sirah. The wine is typically dark with aromas of black fruits, vanilla and toasted oak. The palate is fat and warm with spicy cassis, coffee and dried herbs. The finish is long, warm, spicy and smooth. Serve now with leg of lamb or cellar comfortably for five years.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Velletri Le Contrade Bianco 2006
Lazio, ItalySimple straight-up Italian white wine from another era. The colour, body and flavour is light as has been the tradition in an about the hills of Rome the flavours a mix of cardboard, bitter almonds and lemon juice. More of luncheon/ piazza wine for serving with bruschetta-like appetizers. Ordinary as the price.Prices:| BC | $8.25 | 1000ml |
| AB | $8.00 | 1000ml |
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83PTS
Velletri Le Contrade Rosso 2007
Lazio, ItalySimple straight-up Italian red wine from another era. The colour, body and flavour are light and dry with an earthy undertone. The ultimate pizza wine for the Italian traditionalist but 180 degrees from the norm in structure and flavour in North America.Prices:| BC | $8.25 | 1000ml |
| AB | $8.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Ancilla Montepulciano D'Abruzzo 2007
Abruzzo, ItalyLike most Montepulciano d'Abruzzo the Ciavolich has a ruby red colour with scents of violets and earthy red fruits. The palate is fresh and round the textures soft the fruit humble but clean with light sour cherry notes. A simple spaghetti red for mid-week meals.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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23 December 2008
87PTS
See Ya Later Ranch Riesling 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, floral, bubble gum, green apple, peach, citrus, guava aromas. Crisp, round, full style that finishes a bit sweet. Green apple, guava, orange, grassy, grapefruit rind flavours. Good solid consumer style if a bit warm and rindy.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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21 December 2008
95PTS
Champagne Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 1998
Champagne, FranceIf there is one champagne we can never get enough of it is the elegant Taittinger Comtes de Champagne. Look for baked apple, citrus, creamy, floral, nutty, brioche, peach, mineral aromas. Very fine mousse on the palate with a creamy texture and persistence. Delicate with creamy, toasty, lees, spicy, baked green apple, mineral and citrus flavours. Fresh, crisp, dryer brut style with great finesse and acidity. A bit tight now, will improve with 3-5 years of age.Prices:| ON | $249.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $240.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $225.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Michel Torino Cuma Organic Torrontés 2008
Cafayate, Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, ArgentinaCuma means "clean and pure" in the language of the Aymara the pre-Incan inhabitants of Cafayate and other highly elevated plains in Argentina. Both viticulture and winemaking at CUMA meet certified organic guidelines. It's hard not to be impressed with the over powering florals that mark the nose of this exotic varietal. Roses, jasmine, nectarine skins all assault the senses as does the orange, green peach and oily fruit. Young bright aromatic and fresh bring on the spicy dishes and or the roasted birds. Good value.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $12.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Quails' Gate Chenin Blanc 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMuch like the previous version this chenin opens with an aromatic grapefruit citrus now with flecks of minerality. It's high strung with super crisp, grapefruit, and green apple fruit with a tart citrus finish. A unique cool-climate look at chenin that calls for food like shellfish. Perfect for oysters on the half shell.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Quails' Gate Chasselas - Pinot Blanc 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAmazingly fresh crisp tight nose of mineral lees while on the palate the fruit is juicy and light offering up bits of citrus fruit and white flowers. Although primarily a summer style sipper you could enjoy this with turkey, chicken or ham sandwich with cranberry chutney. Well done.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Estampa Viognier Chardonnay 2006
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileThis 85/15 blend of viognier and chardonnay opens with a fresh nose of tropical fruits and nectarine skin. The palate is crisp with green melon and green apple skin flavours and a slightly nutty finish. Try with creamy seafood and or pasta dishes. Drink up. Drink up and look for the 2008. Let's hope it's under screwcap.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Mt. Boucherie Family Reserve Summit White 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is my first look at this impressive white that blends chardonnay, sémillon, pinot gris and riesling. It's fermented in French oak followed by 18 months in bottle. The nose is has an attractive toasted pear and nutty scent and it follows through on the palate. Rich peachy fruit with toasted nuts and vanilla wraps up the back end with just enough acidity to keep it interesting. Impressive creamy textures finish off the experience. Well done.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Fuzion Chenin Torrontes 2008
Mendoza, ArgentinaWhat happens when you blend two very aromatic grapes? Fuzion I guess. The mix is chenin blanc and torrontés the result a fresh, aromatic, slightly oily white wine with bit of character and attitude. The price is delightful. More aperitif style but it will do for sushi. A real bargain for white wine drinkers.Prices:| BC | $9.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $8.49 | 750ml |
| QC | $8.20 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Yalumba Y Series Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaA carbon copy of last year's effort as in fresh, grass aromas with a dash of citrus and passion fruit. The palate is clean, with fresh tropical fruit flavours and a refreshing citrus finish. Made for food think about serving this with shellfish, or pesto dishes. Good value.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Red Rooster Bantam 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA blend of white grapes yields a dry-ish aromatic white with dried herbs and citrus/tropical fruit salad. Slightly resiny finish. Simple stuff you could serve with grilled chicken.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Ironstone Vineyards Obsession Symphony 2006
California, United StatesObsession is a cross of muscat d'Alexandria and grenache gris that tastes more like a cross of torrontés and gewürztraminer. The nose is open and rich with a sausage meat and spicy ginger undertone. On the palate the fruit is a mix of peachy, litchi fruit with bits of mineral, banana and passion fruit. The style is dry and crisp with a slightly soapy fruity aftertaste. Thai food would be our suggestion.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Van Westen Vineyards Vivacious 2007
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA tighter cleaner fresher style of pinot blanc with green peach and fresh floral minerality. Like last year it fresh and crisp with a lemony, dried herb finish. Vivacious is 96 per cent pinot blanc with just a dusting of pinot gris.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Arniston Bay Chenin Blanc Chardonnay 2007
Western Cape, South AfricaYet another unremarkable white blend that somehow finds itself in Canada. Watered downed flavours of pineapple and melon combine but with little intensity or interest. It's clean and short and that's the good news.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
See Ya Later Ranch Pinot 3 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA blended trio of pinots: blanc, gris and noir, this wine sees no oak and no malolactic fermentation. The style has shifted to more baked apple this year with an undercurrent of nectarines and red fruits. On the palate you pick up the honey, red apple and melon notes. An easy-sipping white that could work with spicy Asian dishes; not cheap.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Sumac Ridge Pinnacle Red 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig open tobacco, black olive nose with bits of coffee, celery, saddle leather and licorice aromas with a cedar, savoury/barnyard note. Round, dry, supple tannins and moderately elegant despite a bit of alcohol. Its flavours mix coffee, licorice, sage, vanilla, black cherry, savoury cassis, south Okanagan flavours. Well balanced with a tobacco, cranberry, coffee finish. This will need another two to three years to settle down. Serve now with roast beef.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $43.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Sumac Ridge Pinnacle White 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, muscat, floral, grapefruit, butter, lychee aromas with flecks of orange, slate and honey. Round, fresh, crisp and soft with good finesse. Soapy, spicy, green apple, lychee, slate and citrus flavours with bits of ginger, butter, nectarine, honey and fennel. Lovely fresh, floral style for current consumption over the next year.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $37.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Sumac Ridge Chardonnay Black Sage Vineyard 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOaky, nutty, leesy, earthy, green apple skin, floral, peach, vanilla aromas. Round, soft, easy style with very buttery, leesy, vanilla, diacetyl, nutty flavours with a bit of peach and lemon. Somewhat warm and hollow on the finish - old fashioned chardonnay.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Domaine de l'Auster Mosaïque 2005
Faugères, Coteaux du Languedoc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceMade from vines grown at an elevation of just under 1000 feet on soils of schist and marble. Love the attractive raspberry and red fruit aromas with its touch of animal from this 40/30/40 blend of syrah, grenache and carignan. The textures are particularly smooth and glossy with spice, liquorice cocoa and black cherry fruit and a fresh balanced finish. Impressive red wine for Europhiles and food wine lovers.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Sumac Ridge Pinot Blanc Black Sage Vineyard 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, butter, vanilla, orange, melon, soapy pear skin aromas. Round, elegant, fresh, slightly oily palate with a bit of sweetness. Buttery, peach, vanilla, lees, nutty, coconut cream flavours. A bit fat and buttery but good elegance overall.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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20 December 2008
93PTS
Champagne Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial Vintage 2000
Champagne, FranceNow ten years of age and looking very fresh the 2000 offers up some intense toasted hazelnuts notes with bits of brioche, citrus, guava, ripe pear, butter and honey aromas. Fine creamy textured mousse in a dryer, crisper style with finesse with nutty, citrus, green apple, brioche, butter, mineral oyster shell flavours. Fine complexity with even better concentration but all in an alluring, austere and delicate style. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $90.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $84.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $86.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Champagne Dom Pérignon 2000
Champagne, FranceCitrus, lemon, floral, pear, quince, nutty, tobacco leaf, strawberry and mineral aromas. Fresh, crisp, creamy palate with fine mousse and good richness. Nutty, almond, rhubarb, strawberry, lemon, honey, quince, toasty, floral flavours. A touch fat but has good acidity and sugar balance with complexity. Finish is long with a toasty, honey, citrus finish. Very fine effort, slightly more forward in style but should improve over the next 3-7 years.Prices:| BC | $213.00 | 750ml |
| US | $119.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $229.00 | 1500ml |
| BC | $553.00 | 1500ml |
| AB | $225.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $224.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut NV
Champagne, FrancePale yellow colour with good fine mousse. Light toasty, nutty, baked apple, citrus, floral aromas. Fresh, crisp, fairly dry brut style with good body and mousse. Toasted brioche, honey, baked apple, pear skin, citrus and mineral flavours. Full bodied style with good intensity but just a hint of bitterness.Prices:| BC | $77.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $71.10 | 750ml |
| SK | $85.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $87.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $80.55 | 750ml |
| QC | $77.15 | 750ml |
| NS | $77.99 | 750ml |
| PEI | $79.99 | 750ml |
| NL | $78.99 | 750ml |
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19 December 2008
92PTS
Champagne Taittinger Prélude Grands Crus NV
Champagne, FranceVery fine continuous mousse. Made entirely from grand cru vineyards. Very toasty, garlic, nutty lees, floral, baked pear, baked apple, biscuit, lemon and earth aromas. Rich, elegant, creamy palate with good concentration. Lemon, nutty, leesy, garlic, toasty, baked pear, apple, green apple, mineral flavours. Long, flavourful, delicate and balanced. A true food champagne.Prices:| BC | $95.00 | 750ml |
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96PTS
Roederer Cristal Champagne 2002
Champagne, FranceVery tiny, continuous mousse. Clean cherry, citrus, toasty, mineral nose with green apple, honey, floral aromas. Dry, crisp, creamy, fine mousse with a rich but refined, elegant and balanced palate. Big green apple, nutty, clean toast, light garlic lees, floral, lime, lemon, honey and cherry flavours. Very dry, long but elegant style with crisp acidity and the ability to age for at least two decades but you can open this anytime. Excellent quality.Prices:| BC | $272.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $287.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $280.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $756.00 | 1500ml |
| QC | $740.00 | 1500ml |
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88PTS
Chandon California Brut Classic NV
California, United StatesThe house style is all about fruit as in apples and pears although the palate is dry and spicy. The weight and mouthfeel comes from the reserve component that fluctuates between 10 and 20 per cent each year. Look for bits of baked apple and pear with creamy, toasty notes and good acidity. The finish is dry and slightly nutty. The winery recommends salty, creamy, or nutty foods such as Caesar salad, fried calamari, oysters, or fresh sashimi and sushi. The blend is 51/43/4/2/ pinot noir, chardonnay, pinot meunier and pinot blanc.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $33.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $28.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $27.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Peller Estates Signature Series Vidal Oak Aged Icewine 2005
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaSmoky, Vaseline, plastic shower curtain, orange marmalade, mineral nose with a waxy, floral, buttery note. Moderately rich palate with balanced sweetness and acidity. Green apple, Vaseline, shower curtain, orange rind, smoky butter, vanilla flavours. Finish is solid but a bit bitter and tart. A drier version than most.Prices:| ON | $33.00 | 200ml |
| ON | $60.00 | 375ml |
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87PTS
Quails' Gate Late Harvest Totally Botrytis Affected Optima 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPale yellow colour. Floral, honey, waxy, lychee, sausage, peach aromas. Ripe, round, elegant, lighter style with rose petal, leesy, sausage, lychee, orange, candied green apple flavours. Solid but lacks concentration and zip.Prices:| BC | $33.00 | 375ml |
| AB | $36.00 | 375ml |
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85PTS
Altano Douro Red 2006
Floral, cherry, leafy, tobacco, resin, ash, peppery, cranberry flavours. Round, smooth, easy style but dry and a bit fresh. Cedar, cranberry, cherry, smoky, peppery, tobacco leaf, licorice and black olive flavours. Solid, easy style but designed for food.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.45 | 750ml |
| QC | $12.45 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Ex Nihilo Riesling 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGranny smith, apricot, slate, Vaseline, citrus, grassy aromas with a touch of butter. Round, rich, slightly fat entry with some residual sugar. Citrus, apricot, butter, red apple, mineral flavours. Warm finish and a bit over ripe but has solid fruit characters with soft acidity.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Chateau Ste. Michelle Chenin Blanc Icewine Horse Heaven Hills 2006
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesBaked pear, canned pineapple, mineral, asparagus, green apple, waxy aromas with a bit of plastic shower curtain in the background. Rich, ripe, round, intense and sweet but good acidity and elegant. Huge mandarin orange rind, pineapple, asparagus, grassy, green apple and honey flavours. Despite the vegetative component, very delicious and balanced.Prices:| BC | $29.95 | 375ml |
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82PTS
Yalumba Hand-Picked Botrytised Viognier 2007
Wrattonbully, Limestone Coast, South Australia, AustraliaSlightly volatile nose with a big canned asparagus, citrus, waxy nose with no discernable viognier or botrytis character. Sweet, fat, round, elegant palate with asparagus, honey, light apricot, orange flavours. Low concentration with a bit of botrytis but very vegetative. A somewhat bizarre wine.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 375ml |
| ON | $28.00 | 375ml |
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86PTS
See Ya Later Ranch Jimmy My Pal 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight butter, vanilla, dry hay, grassy, peach, mineral, citrus rind aromas. Slightly sweet entry with butter, baked peach, apple, honey, grapefruit flavours. Good acidity and juicy on the finish but a bit too sweet with a touch of bitterness.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Olianas Cannonau di Sardegna 2006
Sardinia, ItalyBlack raspberry jam, peppery, spicy, licorice, cardamom, earthy aromas. Round, supple, juicy palate but a bit dry in the back end. Cedar, raspberry, spicy, licorice, peppery, smoky, earthy, saddle leather flavours. Good finesse, just a bit too dry on the finish. Good for lamb and turkey dishes.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Perinet Priorat 2004
Priorato, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainPeppery, smoky, barnyard, meaty, black cherry jam, plum, saddle leather and earth aromas with a touch of chocolate. Dry, rich, round, slightly austere palate with light chalky tannins. Vanilla, mineral, licorice, raspberry, black cherry, cedar, leather, smoky, meaty, Band-Aid, peppery, spicy clove flavours. Warm fresh and dry finish. Somewhat youthful and will need a couple of years to round out. Drink now with grilled veal or lamb.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Pentâge Winery Sauvignon Blanc - Semillon 2007
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBright floral, gooseberry, grapefruit nose with bits of hay and nettle. Fresh, round, elegant palate with a touch of oiliness, but juicy. Granny Smith, gooseberry, grapefruit, butter, floral, minty, spicy, grassy flavours. Good texture and fruit components that should be a fine match to seafood or salmon. Very solid value and attractive wine. Let's get this is Stelvin next time out.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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16 December 2008
82PTS
Poplar Grove Merlot 2004
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPruny, barnyard, saddle leather, compost, black olive, Band-Aid, coffee aromas. Hot, dry, moderately tannic and hollow but elegant. Cedar bark, green coffee, leather, barnyard, resin, Band-Aid, meaty, peppery, menthol, vanilla flavours and bitter tea tannins. Hot, dry, tart finish and not very clean.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Pierre Sparr Gewürztraminer 2007
Alsace, FranceIt's been a decade since we've tasted the standard Sparr gewürztraminer and we have missed it. Now under screwcap the nose is fresh and correct with its heavy spice and floral, peachy under tones. On the palate it is ripe and weighty with some residual sugar and more of that classic meaty, lychee, earthy peach fruit flavours. Think turkey or curry dishes either way it works. Good value.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Rosemount Diamond Cellars Traminer Riesling 2008
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaMuch like the well made previous edition this curious blend of traminer and riesling offer sup a fresh floral, spicy, orange scented nose with bits of mineral, lemon oil and petrol. The entry is fresh (it is now under screwcap) and off dry with more mineral, baked apple and lychee fruit flavours. The finish is spicy. A no-brainer for roast turkey.Prices:| BC | $13.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.50 | 750ml |
| SK | $14.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Quails' Gate Gewürztraminer 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe latest Gewurztraminer has quite a leesy bread dough nose with bits of pear and litchi nut fruit in the background. The palate is light and fresh reflecting its cool stainless steel ferment the fruit bright and refreshing with just a dusting of sweetness in the finish. A versatile food wine for West Coast cuisine. Good value.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Wrattonbully Vineyards Marsanne Viognier 2007
Wrattonbully, Limestone Coast, South Australia, AustraliaFloral, earthy, spicy, lemon oil, ginger, perfumy, grassy aromas with a hoppy note. Fresh, light bodied, slightly tart palate with light butter, lees, ginger, grassy, grapefruit, mineral, nectarine pit flavours. Finish is a bit salty and tart but very solid for food.Prices:| AUS | $14.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Yalumba Viognier Virgilius 2007
Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaGood spicy lees, ginger, honey, mineral, grassy, grapefruit, matchstick, orange peel, toasty nose. Rich, round, elegant, crisp, dry palate with good texture. Spicy, butter, ginger, creamsicle, orange, honey, leesy, and grapefruit flavours. A bit richer, dryer and more elegant than the Eden Valley edition.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $45.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $51.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Calona Vineyards Gewurztraminer Artist Series Reserve 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTight bright and lean nose of with delicate floral and lychee nut fruit. The entry is fairly clean and it continues to down the drier road. The finish is short and dry with hints of ginger, citrus oil and floral fruit flavours. A simple affair this time out.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $14.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Excelsior Paddock Viognier 2008
Robertson, Breede River Valley, South AfricaOrange, honey, ginger, grassy, grapefruit rind, light green herb nose. Fresh, crisp, round, elegant style with a touch of sweetness. Peach skin, honey, ginger, leesy, orange, green apple skin, grassy citrus flavours. Light extract but attractive for drinking or with seafood.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Montresor Capitel della Crosara Valpolicella Appassimento 2006
Veneto, ItalyOrange spice, chocolate, tobacco, peppery, minty, bay, dried herbs, cherry aromas with a waxy, meaty note. Dry, round, moderately supple palate with a touch of acidity and medium body. Coffee, chocolate, orange peel, cherry, juicy plum, tobacco leaf, herbal, black olive flavours. Good finesse and flavours but quite dry and tart on the end. Will go well with rare beef or duck.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Camaraderie Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Washington, United StatesWet cigar leaf, peppery, cassis, earthy, meaty, coffee, saddle leather aromas. Dry, round, supple palate with light, gritty tannins. Coffee, tobacco, compost, peppery, cassis, earthy, smoked meat and leather flavours. Has balance but a bit too funky.Prices:| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Poplar Grove The Legacy 2004
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMeaty, peppery, compost, earthy, smoky, tobacco leaf, cedar aromas with a bit of cooked carrot. Dry, fresh, lean entry with light gritty tannins. Cherry, cranberry, coffee, vanilla, herbal, tobacco leaf, peppery, green tea flavours. Old Bordeaux style but still lacks ripeness.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Poplar Grove Cabernet Franc 2005
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMeaty, peppery, tobacco leaf, cigar, black cherry, cranberry, coffee, vanilla, mocha aromas. Dry, somewhat tight palate with light tannins and a touch of acidity. Cranberry, floral, mocha, vanilla, coffee, herbal, black olive, tea flavours. Finish is very tart and oaky. Very good nose but lacks palate richness and balance.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Leyda Classic Carmenère Reserve 2006
Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileBig minty, bay, wet tobacco butt, sappy cassis, green olive aromas - intense green side. Round, supple, soft palate with dried herbs, milk chocolate, green olive, cranberry, cassis, orange spice and wet tobacco flavours. A bit sweet and sour on the finish but easy drinking.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Hungerford Hill Fishcage Chardonnay Viognier 2007
AustraliaSpicy, floral, ginger, honey, matchstick, melon, apricot and grassy aromas. Fresh, crisp, round palate with a bit of sweetness. Juicy lime, grapefruit, cantaloupe, ginger, spicy, honey and nectarine flavours with a creamy texture. Tart, round finish but juicy. Try with scallops or salmon.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Gloria Ferrer Merlot 2005
Carneros, Sonoma County, California, United StatesCedar, vanilla, tobacco leaf, compost, barnyard, cherry jam, menthol aromas. Dry, tart, lean entry with light tannins. Compost, green tomato, orange, sour cherry, cedar, coffee and vanilla flavours with a cedary, green olive finish. Has finesse but the palate is too lean and the flavours too herbal to really enjoy this wine.Prices:| US | $17.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Pentâge Winery Merlot 2005
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaEspresso coffee, peppery, rooty, barnyard, saddle leather aromas. Very dry and tart with edgy tannins. Hot with sour cherry, coffee, smoky, tobacco leaf flavours. Lacks balance and ripeness.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Pentâge Winery Pentâge 2005
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeppery, tobacco leaf, meaty, resin, cedar, barnyard, compost, dried herb, mushroom aromas - not very clean. Dry, round, elegant palate with some dry, light tannins. Cedar bark, peppery, coffee, vanilla, cherry, prune, chocolate, cranberry flavours all in balance. Very warm, meaty black tea tannin finish. Better than the '04 but the nose is lacking.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Fork in the Road Oliver Block 249 Red 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, meaty, gamey, barnyard, black cherry, cedar, savoury, vanilla, coffee aromas. The palate is dry, light and somewhat thin with light-ish tannins in the back end. Cherry, coffee, smoky, licorice, tobacco leaf, meaty, chocolate flavours with a light, tart, oaky finish. Not a lot of depth here but should be fine with roasted meat or poultry.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Beringer Founders' Estate Merlot 2005
California, United StatesCedar bark, rooty, menthol, cherry, spicy prune nose. Dry, tart, lightly tannic palate with sour cherry, cedar bark, cocoa, peppery, dill, menthol flavours. Warm, tart finish. Simple stuff.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $21.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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15 December 2008
87PTS
Château de Montfaucon Marsanne 2007
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceCooked lemon peel, mineral, buttery, spicy, ginger, marzipan aromas. Dry, round, full bodied but somewhat austere. Spicy, buttery, lemon marmalade. Citrus oil, ginger flavours. Good fresh, dry finish. Unique style that will appeal to some. Best with food.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Château Pesquié Viognier 2007
Sud de France, FranceGinger, floral, honey, sausage, mineral, light lees aromas. Dry, round, tart, slightly thin palate with mineral, ginger, honey, butter, herbal, grassy, and citrus flavours. It is a solid effort if a bit too austere and light.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Yalumba Viognier Eden Valley 2007
Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaBig mineral, ginger, spicy, waxy, white floral, peach, sausage nose with a touch of butter and lees. Rich, round, elegant, fresh palate with honey, acacia, lees, spicy, buttery, vanilla, orange, creamsicle flavours with a candied citrus, nectarine finish. Fine balance and length, one of their best efforts.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Sumac Ridge Merlot Black Sage Vineyard 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCoffee, savoury, resin, licorice, smoky, tobacco leaf, compost, olive aromas. Soft, round, dry, supple palate with savoury, earthy, tobacco, coffee, resin, cedar, black olive, prune and vanilla flavours with a slight bitter tea tannin finish. A bit hot and pruny with a tart edge but balanced tannins.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Leyda Classic Chardonnay Reserve 2006
Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileBig grapefruit, canned asparagus, passion fruit, canned peach, floral, grassy, honey aromas. Rich, round, fresh, somewhat fat palate but good acidity. Grassy, asparagus, passion fruit, grapefruit, mineral, granny smith, buttery, honey and lemon flavours. Very intense but balanced and crisp on the finish. Unusual varietal characters but an enjoyable drink.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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14 December 2008
88PTS
Montresor Monte Fiera Bianco di Custoza 2006
Veneto, ItalyMonte Fiera is 30/20/20/15/15 blend of garganega -bianca fernanda - chardonnay -tocai - sauvignon blanc. The mix is fresh and clean with lively, lees and mineral undertone with red apple fruit and a touch of dried herbs. Light fresh, citrus, figgy fruit flavours. Well made and fun to drink.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Riesling 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSimilar to the previous edition the "Reserve" riesling is fat and sweet but it lacks that super lively mid-palate that can take it to the next level. Look for peachy, buttery fruit flavours with a hint of dried herbs and a dash of citrus rind in the back end. Perfect for spicy Indian dishes. Drink now.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Cono Sur Organic Cabernet Sauvignon / Carmenere 2007
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileCono Sur tries to over-deliver and usually they do. This organic red blend from Colchagua is a good deal. The cabernet sauvignon really benefits from the dried herbs, chocolate and sweet fruit flavours of the carmenère. It's a bit of fruit bomb and its warm but with enough spice and dried herbs to hold your interest. Best with grilled meat.Prices:| BC | $14.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.85 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.50 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Cono Sur Merlot 2007
Region del Valle Central, ChileThis is your basic commercial merlot. Soft spicy, grapey, cassis cedar scented and flavoured red streaked with dried herbs. The finis is soft and alcoholic with some dry tannins. Best with burgers.Prices:| BC | $11.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Cono Sur Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
ChileCono Sur's introductory reds lack the same bright lift you find in its white wines. This is ordinary warm, cedar-y, dry, spicy cabernet with some dry tannins and sour fruit in the finish. Really needs some beef to smooth out the edges.Prices:| BC | $9.95 | 750ml |
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13 December 2008
88PTS
Joseph Drouhin Cote de Beaune Blanc 2006
Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceFloral, light lees, flinty, mineral, green apple skin, butter aromas with a touch of matchstick. Fresh, dry, crisp palate with a chalky texture. Green apple, baked pear, light lees, citrus, mineral, juicy quince flavours. A bit more elegant and taut in style but juicy to go with light seafood.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Jean-Marc Brocard Chablis Les Clos Grand Cru 2006
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceLemon, leesy, chalky, floral, light grassy, green apple skin, flinty aromas with a touch of garlic. Fresh, round, elegant, crisp but slightly fat entry. Juicy apple, lemon, lees, spicy, mineral, green apple, slightly flinty flavours. Elegant, long finish with a floral, chalky note. A bit more forward in style this edition but very good intensity.Prices:| BC | $83.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $86.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Jean-Luc Colombo Crozes-Hermitage Les Fées Brunes 2005
Saint Joseph, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceSimilar to the Saint Joseph with meaty, peppery, smoky, floral, tobacco, cedar, rooty, black cherry aromas with a touch of roasted leather and five spice. Round, dry, elegant, slightly tannic but fresh palate. Peppery, spicy, orange spice, licorice, resin, rooty, plum, meaty, tobacco flavours. Good nose short on the mid-palate and finish.Prices:| BC | $35.45 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Seven Stones Speaking Rock Cabernet Franc 2006
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDill, green olive, tobacco leaf, roasted tomato, smoky, herbal aromas with a touch of sour cherry. Dry, round, supple palate, full bodied. Smoky tobacco, cedar, coffee, dill, olive brine, roasted tomato, saddle leather, resiny flavours with a crushed herb and cola finish. Good textures but the fruit is far too green to be enjoyable.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Long Flat Red Cabernet Shiraz 2006
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaCassis, leafy, black olive, herbal, menthol, peppery nose. Round, rich, somewhat sweet and sour with light tannins. Minty, green herbs, cassis, leafy, tobacco, cherry flavours. Very warm, tart finish.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.85 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Zuccardi Q Tempranillo 2005
Mendoza, ArgentinaBig coffee, vanilla, volatile, tobacco, black cherry jam, balsamic, meaty, floral, earthy aromas. Dry, full bodied, warm, slightly tannic palate but rustic and somewhat tart. Stewed cherry, prune, coffee, leather, tobacco, rooty, meaty flavours. Lacks balance.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
J. Lohr Valdiguié Wildflower (Gamay) 2007
Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesBig riparian, rhubarb, sour cherry, mineral, rooty, leafy aromas. Tart, round, elegant, slightly tannic palate with tea leaf, rhubarb, sour cherry, licorice, lactic flavours. Elegant but bizzare and sour with a sweet note. Not the best bottle from J Lohr.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Ganton & Larson Prospect Winery Haynes Barn Merlot Cabernet 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCoffee, menthol, barnyard, saddle leather, black olive, tobacco leaf, sappy, sour cherry, dill aromas. Round, moderately dry, somewhat tart but elegant palate. Canned olive juice, spicy, menthol, tobacco leaf, tomato, herbal, resin, coffee flavours. Tart, oaky, green finish. Prices:| MB | $18.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Barone Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico 2006
Smoky, gamey, beefy, peppery, saddle leather, tobacco, mushroom, rooty aromas. Dry, somewhat tart, young palate with some gritty tannin. Cherry, coffee, vanilla, peppery, leather, rooty, compost, gamey flavours. Finish is fruity but warm and quite tart and dry. Needs a piece of steak.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Tommasi Poggio al Tufo Rompicollo 2006
Maremma, Tuscany, ItalyPeppery, tobacco leaf, cedar, rooty, meaty, cassis aromas. Soft, dry, round, slightly tight palate but elegant with cassis, tobacco, black olive, tobacco compost, meaty, peppery flavours with a touch of coffee and sour cherry on the finish. Simple, easy going food style wine.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.90 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Ricasoli Chianti Classico Riserva Rocca Guicciarda 2005
Tuscany, ItalySmoky, peppery, coffee, meaty, gamey, saddle leather, black cherry, rooty, mineral, light Band-Aid aromas. Dry, elegant, somewhat light bodied style with light tannins. Cherry, smoky, rooty, oxo, Band-Aid, saddle leather, tobacco flavours with a dry, tart finish. Very old fashioned style that needs food.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Ricasoli Campo Ceni Toscana IGT 2006
Tuscany, ItalyMeaty, peppery, saddle leather, tobacco aromas with a floral note. Round, dry, supple, slightly lean and juicy palate with black cherry, peppery, meaty, smoky, leather, tobacco leaf flavours with a coffee, earthy after taste. Not much fruit or substance here.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Wolf Blass Premium Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
South Australia, AustraliaPeppery, leafy cassis, black olive, minty, crushed herbs, tobacco aromas with bits of coffee and vanilla. Dry, tart, somewhat tannic palate with cassis, sour cherry, smoky, tobacco, leafy, herbal, olive flavours. Long but so sour on the finish. Disappointing.Prices:| BC | $31.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $29.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $26.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $26.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $27.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $31.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $33.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $38.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Chono Reserva Syrah 2006
Valle del Elqui, ChileBig white pepper, roasted bell pepper, menthol, black cherry, smoky leather, liquorice, spicy nose. Smooth, round, supple, forward style with liquorice, menthol, black cherry, meaty, spicy, white pepper, orange peel, rootsy flavours. Good intensity and balance with a smooth finish. Attractive style for current drinking.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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12 December 2008
88PTS
Pertaringa Understudy Cabernet Petit Verdot 2006
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaSpicy, cassis, blueberry, coffee, tobacco, peppery, black olive nose. Round, supple, forward style but a bit tart. Coffee, peppery, cassis, black olive, vanilla, tobacco leaf and chocolate flavours. Good supple style but warm and tart on the finish with a green, raisiny edge.Prices:| BC | $25.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Freixenet Carta Nevada Brut NV
Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainA dusting of residual sugar seems to lift the fruit component in this simple straight up dry (Brut) bubble. The nose is fresh and bright, the mid-palate clean and fruity with nectarine skin notes; the finish dry with a touch of spicy almonds. Perfect with tapas style appetizers.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.75 | 750ml |
| SK | $11.98 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.45 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $13.48 | 750ml |
| PEI | $11.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $14.50 | 750ml |
| YK | $16.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Freixenet Cordon Negro Gran Selección Cava Brut NV
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainFresh floral nutty mushroom fruity aromas with a citrus undercurrent. Similar dry nutty citrus mineral flavours that cleanse the palate. Classic cava, dry, fresh and ready for an assortment of appetizers and or taps.Prices:| BC | $16.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.49 | 750ml |
| SK | $15.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.69 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $18.49 | 750ml |
| NS | $16.97 | 750ml |
| PEI | $17.50 | 750ml |
| NF | $17.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Evohé Garnacha Vinas Viejas 2006
Aragon, SpainSpicy, licorice, black cherry, meaty, floral, cocoa nose. Round, dry, fresh, juicy palate with light tannins. Big black cherry, mulberry, orange, licorice, peppery flavours. Good fruit and juicy style if a bit tart on the finish. Best with turkey or pork.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Jean-Luc Colombo Cornas Les Terres Brulées 2004
Cornas, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceBig black cherry, plum jam, meaty, chocolate, tobacco, rooty, smoky, peppery, barnyard aromas. Round, dry, moderately rich palate with light, supple tannins. Chocolate, tobacco, cedar, garrigue, plum, vanilla, meaty, orange flavours. Very solid and understated, improves with decanting but lacks the concentration to move to another level.Prices:| BC | $83.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Jean-Luc Colombo Saint Joseph Les Lauves 2005
Saint Joseph, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceSmoky, meaty, peppery, black cherry, floral, five spice, tobacco, barnyard aromas. Ripe, round, moderately rich palate but dry with light tannins. Black cherry, plum, tobacco, rooty, orange, mineral, meaty licorice flavours. Juicy, fresh finish with some intensity. Will improve with 1-3 year of age. A stylish food wine.Prices:| BC | $39.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Jean-Luc Colombo Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Bartavelles 2005
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FrancePeppery, spicy, meaty, smoky, barnyard, tobacco, dried cherry, vanilla, rooty, savoury nose. Dry, round, elegant, slightly tannic palate with good finesse. Spicy, tobacco, chocolate, black cherry, licorice root, mineral, cola, meaty, Oxo flavours. Good forward style for current consumption.Prices:| BC | $57.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Chamdeville Blancs de Blancs - Brut NV
FranceDry, toasty classic French sparkling wine. Impressively consistent from year to year with its fresh green apple skin aromas and toasted nutty honey flinty flavours and dry finish. Great value and perfectly suited to early morning additions like orange juice or crème de cassis for a late afternoon/early evening apéritif. Good value.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $16.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Triplebank Pinot Gris 2007
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandFloral, passion fruit, lemon, butter, pear skin aromas. Fat, round, warm palate with a touch of sweetness yet a tad austere. Delicious lemon, passion fruit, red apple, baked pear, spicy flavours. Lots of intensity here to go with spicy food.Prices:| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Marquis de la Tour Vin Mousseaux NV
Loire, FranceA Loire Valley 50/25/25 blend of chenin blanc / chardonnay / sauvignon blanc that opens with a dry nose reminiscent of almonds and peach skin notes. The entry is soft and round with leesy baked apple, more almonds and touch of quince. An easy sipping style you can serve straight up or does with some kirsch and make the classic kir royale.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.25 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $12.65 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Redbank Sunday Morning Pinot Gris 2008
King Valley, Victoria, AustraliaIntense lime, honey, green apple skin, floral, anise. Ripe, round, dry, crisp palate, very zippy. Lime, honey, lees, spicy, slate, green apple, passion fruit flavours. A bit austere but good intensity of fruit and complexity - will be best with squid or sole. Impressive cool style gris.Prices:| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Redbank Long Paddock Pinot Grigio 2007
Victoria, AustraliaVery lemony, citrus nose with light lees, earthy, floral, anise aromas. Ripe, round, somewhat fat palate with mineral, lemon, lime, passion fruit, light lees flavours. Very tart, somewhat austere finish.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Yalumba Y Series Pinot Grigio 2008
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaLime, earthy, light lees, butter, floral, green apple skin aromas. Quite dry but full with good acidity balance. Smoky mineral, lime, green apple skin, passion fruit, pear and butter flavours. Good finesse in a food friendly style. A very exciting, affordable white wine. Obviously Yalumba's winemaking team is in step with the fashion and quality requirements of the New World.Prices:| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
| US | $14.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
MezzaCorona Pinot Grigio 2007
Trentino- Alto-Adige, ItalyLight floral, slate, mineral, green apple skin aromas with a touch of earth. Dry, round, fresh palate with a chalky texture. Mineral, lemon, grapefruit, earthy flavours with a touch of butter. Fresh, easy going style for lighter seafood dishes. Good value and now under screwcap.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $15.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Seaview Sparkling Shiraz NV
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaIt's easy to see why this style of sparkling is so popular in Australia at Christmas time. Look for black cherry fruit with bits of plums, liquorice and vanilla. The palate is fresh and rich and it should easily subdue a turkey and all the trimmings. Despite a sweetish entry it finishes reasonably clean and dry. Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $16.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $13.29 | 750ml |
| NF | $14.50 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Pink by Yellowglen Rosé NV
AustraliaMuch like our last encounter this pink cherry coloured, strawberry and earthy scented bubble attracts in the glass. It is just sweet enough to take the edge off the acidity and appeal to a wide section of sippers. Fun pink and affordable, you can serve this one solo. Yellowglen has always been a fine bubble maker in Oz and it shows in this entry level blend of pinot noir and chardonnay.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $11.72 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $15.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
MezzaCorona Pinot Grigio Trentino Reserva 2006
Trentino- Alto-Adige, ItalyFloral, mineral, slate, anise, earthy, citrus aromas with a touch of pears. Fat, round, dry, somewhat hot palate with butter, mineral, green apple skin, lemon and quince flavours. A bit alcoholic for the overall level of fruit.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio 2007
Valdadige, Pedemonte Valpolicella, Verona, Veneto, ItalyLight grassy, grapefruit, floral, lemon peel, mineral, green apple skin, herbal aromas. Round, dry, fresh palate with a touch of oiliness. Mineral, slate, green apple skin, spicy, pear and lemon flavours. A bit more on the austere side but has good concentration.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $13.00 | 375ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Blue Mountain Pinot Gris 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight butter, lees, mineral, honey, citrus and vanilla aromas. Dry, tart, somewhat leesy palate with lime, slate, mineral, zesty flavours and a bit of ropy, old bread on the finish. Not a particularly attractive style.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Voga Pinot Grigio 2007
Veneto, ItalyAlmond, lemon, mineral, earthy aromas. Soft, round, somewhat fat style with a bit of sweetness. Lemon, floral, almond flavours with an earthy, slightly bitter finish.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $16.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Chiopris Pinot Grigio 2007
Friuli-Venezia Giulia, ItalyVery floral, lemon, mineral, pear aromas. Ripe, round, dry, elegant palate with mineral, green apple skin, lemon, earthy flavours. Solid seafood wine, slightly austere style.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Tabali Reserva Especial Pinot Noir 2006
Valle del Limari, ChileStewed cherry, rhubarb, spicy, celery salt, barnyard, saddle leather aromas. Ripe, round, supple palate but tart and dry. Spicy, smoky, celery salt, smoky, tobacco leaf, rhubarb, vanilla flavours. Hot, tart, somewhat soupy finish but definitely pinot.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Pentâge Winery Pinot Gris 2007
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaExpect a stylish open, grapefruit nose with floral, lemon, pear and anise notes. The entry is ripe and round, the palate is fresh and elegant with pink grapefruit, lime and mineral flavours spiked with green apple skin, honey and light lees flavours. Very citrusy with good intensity and finesse and balanced. Good value here and certainly now among the finest pinot gris made in British Columbia.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Morandé Reserva Pinot Noir 2007
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileCool leafy, tobacco, rhubarb, stemmy, horsey, herbal, smoky aromas. Round, tart, dry palate with rhubarb, celery salt, dill, sour cherry, herbal, smoky flavours with tea leaf tannins on the finish. Simple at best.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Apollonio Valle Cupa Salento Rosso 2001
Puglia, ItalyPeppery, Oxo beef, sausage, roasted tomato, cherry, dried herbs and resin aromas, quite sauvage. Ripe, rich, round, slightly tannic palate but very warm and a bit tart. Intense cherry, tart plum, meaty, sausage, smoky, licorice, rooty flavours. Rustic, warm style and still young. Best served with hearty dishes.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Penfolds Cabernet Shiraz Bin 389 2005
South Australia, AustraliaA lot of great things have been written about this wine out of the gate but we were less than impressed at this stage with its green herbal tobacco leaf nose that mixes with black olive, coffee bean, green bean, peppery, resin, meaty aromas. The palate is dry and tart with green cedar, tobacco, black olive, resin, vanilla, coffee, rooty, cassis, leafy flavours. Somewhat unbalanced at this juncture but the acidity seems to so prevalent it is hard to believe this wine will come back into balance. Disappointing at this stage, we will try it again in a year or two to see how it has evolved.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $38.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $38.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $40.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $38.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $41.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Penfolds Shiraz Kalimna Bin 28 2005
South Australia, AustraliaSmoky, vanilla, peppery, black berry jam, pencil lead, earthy, licorice root, tobacco, prune aromas. Rich, dry, somewhat tannic palate but tart and slightly hollow. Coffee, vanilla, smoky, rooty, licorice, pudding, cherry jam, pencil lead and meat flavours. Finish is dry, warm and tart. Lacks concentration and balance.Prices:| BC | $41.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $37.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $40.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $38.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $40.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $35.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Penfolds Bin 138 Shiraz - Mourvèdre - Grenache 2005
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaEnticing big black cherry, plum jam nose with orange, floral, spicy, white pepper, tobacco notes. Ripe, round, supple, slightly tannic palate with a bit of acidity and warmth. Peppery, spicy, orange, cherry, cedar, tobacco, mineral flavours. Great nose but the finish is warm with some fairly elevated acidity poking through.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $35.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $35.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $38.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $63.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Taylor Fladgate 10 Year Old Tawny NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalTaylor's Ten Year Old Tawny Port is dessert in a bottle. Don't let its pale, tawny colour fool you. This wine is bigger than it looks. After spending an average of ten years in wood the purple hues are gone and in exchange you get a mellow elegant sophisticated drink chock full of raisins nuts and chocolate but with lively acidity and a caramel honey finish. Serve slightly chilled and be prepared for your guests to rave about it.Prices:| BC | $41.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $34.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $34.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $32.95 | 750ml |
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11 December 2008
85PTS
Road 13 Syrah 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeppery, spicy, sausage, vanilla, licorice, black cherry, cola, tobacco aromas. Round, supple, dry, elegant palate but a touch tart. Spicy, black cherry, coffee, smoky, cola, resin, tobacco leaf flavours. The finish is glossy but somewhat green and tart.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Ganton & Larson Prospect Winery Red Willow Shiraz 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLots of spicy coffee, vanilla, tobacco leaf, black cherry, rooty, menthol aromas, slightly cool style. Soft, round, supple palate with a touch of acidity and light extract. Tobacco, peppery, spicy, menthol, herbal, savoury flavours with some cedar bark on the finish. Simple, easy, slightly tart and soupy style to go with food.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Jean-Luc Colombo Côtes du Rhône Rouge Les Abeilles 2005
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceFloral, cherry, peppery, spicy, orange, mineral, smoky resin aromas. Round, dry, supple, easy style with smoky, orange peel, licorice, spicy, cherry, chocolate flavours. Fresh, forward style for current consumption.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Jean-Luc Colombo La Violette Syrah 2005
Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceSpicy, peppery, black licorice, black cherry, smoky, meaty, tobacco aromas. Soft, round, dry, slightly tannic palate. Black cherry, tobacco, rooty, licorice, meaty, floral, orange peel, roasted flavours. Good freshness and balance if a bit warm. Solid value here.Prices:| BC | $18.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Road 13 Jackpot Syrah 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery spicy, savoury, meaty, peppery, floral, vanilla, black cherry, smoky coffee with a sausage, rubber note. Dry, round, supple, slightly lean entry but elegant. More savoury, smoky, rooty flavours mixed with liquorice, tobacco leaf, sour cherry, oaky coffee flavours. Easy going, slightly meaty and green style with some complexity but lacks concentration.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Nik Weis Selection Urban Riesling 2007
Mosel, GermanySomewhat reduced aromas (under screwcap) upon opening but it seems to dissipate quickly to a spicy, slate, petrol, green apple, sausage, floral, citrus aromas. Crisp, fresh, juicy palate with lime, green apple skin, nectarine, light slate and petrol flavours. Good juicy style and fresh with some intensity. Needs to breath a minute or so after opening.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Nk'Mip Cellars Qwam Qwmt Syrah 2006
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeppery, sausage, spicy, savoury, smoky vanilla, licorice, blackberry, blueberry aromas with a touch of tobacco. Dry, round, slightly tart palate with light tannins. Smoky, vanilla, savoury, tobacco leaf, meaty, peppery, rooty flavours. A bit oaky and tart with a touch of green cedar tannins on the finish.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Schloss Schonborn Erbacher Marcobrunn Riesling Kabinett 2006
Rheingau, GermanyFloral, baked green apple, honey, slate, pear, slightly smoky nose with a bit of peach skin. Fresh, crisp, elegant, juicy, delicate palate with slate, light petrol, baked pear, honey, nectarine, pink grapefruit and mineral flavours. Understated but delicious and balanced. Will keep for 3-7 years.Prices:| BC | $34.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Poplar Grove Syrah 2005
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMenthol, tobacco leaf, peppery, light vanilla, earthy aromas with a touch of barnyard. Elegant dry, somewhat thin palate with some rubbery/reductive notes in on the mid-palate. Peppery, tobacco leaf, sour cherry, mineral, smoky, cedar, somewhat herbal flavours with a warm, tart, soupy vanilla finish. Not a lot of varietal character. Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Dr. Pauly - Bergweiler Riesling 2007
Mosel, GermanyRed apple, slate, petrol, floral, peach skin aromas. Fresh, crisp, delicate, slightly sweet but skinny palate. Citrus, red apple, light slate, mineral flavours. Delicate, fresh, simple and easy style for summer.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Evans and Tate Shiraz Margaret River 2004
Western Australia, AustraliaAttractive peppery, meaty nose with cool floral, smoky, resin, black cherry, plum, minty aromas. Round, dry, elegant, slightly tannic on the palate with juicy black cherry, licorice, coffee flavours with bits of pepper, vanilla and tobacco. Good intensity and fruit with a touch of acidity in the back end. Very solid overall.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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10 December 2008
89PTS
Fonseca 10 Year Old Aged Tawny Port NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalLight cherry with an amber hue. Spicy, peppery, cedar, licorice, black tea, walnut and black cherry aromas. Rich, round, warm but elegant and not too sweet with good acidity. Very rancio, walnut, tea, smoky, cedar, licorice root, tobacco and butter flavours. Tighter, elegant finish, a good drink anytime.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $40.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $34.75 | 750ml |
| PEI | $40.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $39.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $40.00 | 750ml |
| NFL | $40.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
El Vilosell 2005
Costers del Segre, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainThis tempranillo cabernet blend is a cross between Bordeaux and Rioja with a twist of gamey notes reminiscent of the Rhone. The entry is soft and supple showing refinement in textures and tannin. The palate is a mix of sweet red and black fruits with lead pencil undertones and a deep black fruits with bits of minerality that fades into a soft, warm, spicy finish. Attractive Euro red with a New World bent. Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Finca Sobreno Crianza 2004
Toro, Castilla-Leon, SpainMeaty, spicy, peppery, black cherry, smoky, rooty, sweaty saddle aromas. Dry, rich, somewhat tannic, hard palate. Peppery, smoky, meaty, gamey, tobacco, black cherry, riparian, vanilla, coffee flavours. A bit rustic in style but has some concentration. Needs 2-4 years to soften.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Castillo de Monséran Old Vine Garnacha 2005
Cariñena, Aragon, SpainOpen spicy floral peppery nose with a strong raspberry and compost component. The entry is ripe and sweet, the textures slippery and the flavour components jacked sweet plums, white pepper, raspberry, and orange flecks with bits of acidity and barnyard poking through at the end. Plenty of fun here for the money and well suited to food. Try with duck, pork or lighter meats. Good value.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
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09 December 2008
88PTS
Galil Mountain Yiron 2005
Upper Galilee, Galilee, IsraelBig spicy, peppery, tobacco, cassis and vanilla nose with cedar, rooty, plum and meat aromas; very youthful. Round, full, supple, warm palate with light grainy tannins. Peppery, cedar, cassis, plum, leather, licorice, smoky, meaty flavours. A bit dry and Euro style but has good fruit and balance. Needs one to three years bottle ageing to settle down but good fruit core. A riper version than the previous year.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Villa Teresa Prosecco Vino Frizzante NV
Veneto, ItalyEach vintage of this Prosecco sparkler gets cleaner and fresher although it appears the vintage label has given way to a non-vintage designation. The nose is bright and fresh with plenty of green apple fruit and pear flavoured fruit with a dusting of almonds. Similar flavours with a creamy, orange note. A classic, patio party sipper with an organic twist. Green never tasted so good. Now under a ceramic/metal closure you might see on high end beers to ensure freshness. Prices:| BC | $15.95 | 750ml |
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07 December 2008
94PTS
Graham's Vintage Port 1994
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalA hallelujah vintage this '04 is black cherry in colour with just a touch of brick at the edge. Spicy, floral, black liquorice, peppery, black plums and black tea aromas. Rich, ripe, round and sweet but with fine acidity and still some tannin. A bit spirity with very spicy, cocoa, liquorice, plum jam, blackberry, menthol flavours. Fleshy, warm, round slightly sweeter style. Still a big boy that needs another decade of aging in bottle. A great gift for collectors.Prices:| BC | $140.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Gould Campbell Vintage Port 1997
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalAt 11 years of age this port is just beginning got settle in and show its stuff. The color is still dark, the nose: tarry with bits of liquorice and sweet baked sweet fruit with bits of cocoa. The entry is spicy but elegant, ripe and round with nice acidity. Rupert Symington describes it as a big blackstrap port just beginning its life. More "Dow" style here and fermented dry. Drink or hold for decades. Prices:| QC | $68.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $78.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Dancing Bull Zinfandel 2006
Sonoma County, California, United StatesDancing Bull is designed for immediate drinking pleasure and when it's clean as it is this time out it does just that. A very soft, fruity style zinfandel with spicy cola, blueberry and spicy cedar notes. Simple juicy, basic stuff.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Quarles Harris Vintage Port 1980
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalQuarles Harris was acquired by Warre & Co in the 18th Century and subsequently by the Symington family in the 1920s. Considered to be on the dry side of the port spectrum Quarles Harris often represents good value. The 1980 is more of a curiosity at this point despite its fine almost dark red opaque colour. Look for tarry, figgy, liquorice notes on the nose and palate with bits of date. The finish is dry and savoury and now a bit on the short side. Starting to slide and needs drinking.Prices:| BC | $180.00 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Dow's Vintage Port 1970
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalIt's hard to describe how good the '70 Dow was, is and will be. Of course it is classic vintage balancing power and finesse with spirit. The floral notes draw you into the glass as do the plums, liquorice and minerality. It is still touch youthful and fiery on entry showing dried plums, almond and marzipan with some flecks of orange. It's the last vintage made in the old way at Dow and it's still going strong. Just reaching its peak.Prices:| BC | $268.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Warre's Vintage Port 1983
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalLight red colour with just a touch of purple showing through. Warre has drier firm style, less show more workman-like but with elegance and what the Symingtons call "florals". The style at 25 years is charming. It's above all harmonious with a dried fruit and almonds undercurrent mixed with a pinch of cocoa and teal leaf. It has fine acidity and length with just the right bite in the back end. Prices:| BC | $106.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wingnut Zinfandel 2006
California, United StatesThe '06 version is much like the '05 if not a touch fresher and maybe a bit glossier. The fruit is spicy and warm with mixing black cherry jam, cedar, sweet plums and vanilla with a dusting of tobacco in the end. A fun hedonistic style that offers fair value.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Seghesio Zinfandel 2006
Sonoma County, California, United StatesIf it's true the zinfandel category is a landmine for consumers in search of a serious red you can put away your doubts when you have a Seghesio label in your glass. One of the few remaining Italian families still making serious Zinfandel the family works over 250 acres of its own as well as sourcing fruit form other Sonoma sites. We love the silky spicy round fruit with the bright red plummy fruit. On the palate is a dash of dried herbs mixed with chocolate and dark fruit flavours dusted with light tannins. Delicious again and well worth money for zin fans.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Road 13 Zinfandel 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA small amount of fruit was harvested in '07 due to botrytis to make this zin which is much cleaner than the previous edition. Look for plenty of liquorice root, cedar, spice and sour raspberries with a large dollop of alcohol. The palate is warm, with more fruit warm raspberry flavours with plenty of pepper and acidity poking through the finish. Promising.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Red Truck California Petite Sirah 2005
California, United StatesMuch better effort here and it is organic to boot. Dark rich cassis notes on the nose and palate with a glossy soft sheen. Simple round, juicy, fruity red with soft edges. Very easy drinking Central Coast and Mendocino fruit - too bad they don't put that on the label instead of the meaningless California moniker. This region is so old fashioned for a new World player.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Red Truck California Red Wine 2005
California, United StatesFloral, juicy grapey cedar notes on the nose and palate. Sweet entry but warm and acidic - think commercial Oz. The finish is dry with hints of smoky meaty leafy cranberry fruit. Simple commercial red that does not over-deliver for the price.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Cobos Bramare Malbec Marchiori Vineyard 2005
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaBig cocoa, spicy, vanilla, chocolate, tobacco leaf, cigar, savoury, black cherry jam, dried plum, licorice root aromas. Rich, fat, hot, tannic palate. Huge vanilla, coffee pudding, cedar, tobacco, orange peel, resin, licorice, savoury flavours. Big and hot and tannic and extracted, needs 2+4 years or a cold winter day with rare beef.Prices:| BC | $80.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Cobos Bramare Malbec 2005
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaSpicy, plum jam, floral, cedar, tobacco, vanilla, peppery, coffee, rooty, savoury, meaty, mineral nose. Rich, ripe, round, very warm palate with grainy tannins. Big plum, black cherry, vanilla pudding, cocoa, floral, spicy, resin, mineral, orange peel flavours. Good intensity and length with better finesse than the Marchiori. Finish is very warm and youthful, needs 2-5 years.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Felino by Viña Cobos Malbec 2007
Mendoza, ArgentinaSavory, floral, tobacco leaf, peppery, menthol, plum, vanilla, chocolate aromas. Ripe, round, warm, elegant style with light, grainy tannins. Spicy, vanilla, coffee, plum, black cherry, tobacco leaf, dried herb, savoury, mineral flavours. Bright acidity and fruit keep the finish lively with light tannins to shed. Try with lamb or turkey or keep for 1-2 years.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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06 December 2008
96PTS
Quinta do Crasto Douro Vinha Maria Teresa 2005
Douro Superior, Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalThe '05 Maria Teresa is stunning thanks to its mix of 30 different grape varieties pulled form 90-year-old vines that get mid-day sun but are in the shade all afternoon. It's all handpicked and crushed by foot before the alcoholic fermentation is passed over to mechanical robots working in open temperature-controlled, stainless steel tanks. It is aged in French oak and with Jean Michel Cazes on board for Xisto Crasto now get's its share of super top quality French barrels. The wine is black the fruit dark, sweet and concentrated with spicy cinnamon laced with chocolate and vanilla. Impressive to say the least and showing more finesse than the regular Crasto labels that do not lack finesse. Only 5500 bottles produced for the world. Hold until 2015 for best results. Made by winemakers Dominic Morris and Manuel LoboPrices:| BC | $135.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Quinta do Crasto Vintage Port 2003
Cima Corga, Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalTypically Crasto the nose is intense and spicy with liquorice, white pepper and black fruit aromas. The palate is full and rich with a spirity youthful edge and a long full warm complex mid-palate and finish. Structurally sound with good acid for what was an amazingly warm year. Hold for eight to twelve years and then drink through 2020Prices:| BC | $66.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $59.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Quinta do Crasto Late Bottled Vintage Port Unfiltered 2001
Cima Corga, Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalThe Crasto LBV is a blend of old mixed old vines containing 25 to 30 different local varieties averaging 60-years-old. The grapes are handpicked and are foot trodden in traditional stone lagares. It is bottled without any fining or filtration after five years in 9000 litres 100 per cent Portuguese oak barrels. Look for dark brooding colour with peppery spicy red fruit aromas and flavours. This was a very fine year for LBV and this grapey fruity wine appears as if it will continue to age favourably for years.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Quinta do Crasto Touriga Nacional 2005
Douro Superior, Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalCrasto was the first producer in the Douro to release a single varietal wine. The current edition like all other is declared whenever winemaker Dominic Morris sees fit to issue one. The colour is pitch black. The nose is intense with sweet black fruit nuances mixed with pepper and anise. This TN is gaining cult wine status globally with only 15 six packs going to any one country. Made by foot and hand this is a heavily extracted rich red with fine aromatics and believe it or not some finesse in the finish.Prices:| BC | $78.50 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Xisto - Roquette e Cazes Douro Tinto 2003
Douro Superior, Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalOur first look at Xisto, (a two families - one wine) made by Jorge Roquette and Jean Michel Cazes. The venture between Crasto and Jean-Michel Cazes of Château Lynch-Bages was made to showcase "the natural and unique characteristics of the Douro to the Cazes family's experience of one century of Bordeaux wine making." Power and elegance is what you get in this big red made in a super warm year when parts of the Douro baked at 45°C most days but the cool nights kept the vines working. A twenty-seven day maceration has left the wine with slick, glossy textures, rich red fruit flavours and a warm spicy finish flecked with coffee and mocha bits. The blend is 60/25/15 touriga nacional, tinta roriz and tinta Franca form 25 year old vineyards sitting on schist. It's assembled by Daniel Llose and Susana Esteban.Prices:| BC | $66.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Quinta do Crasto Douro Vinho Tinto Reserva Old Vines 2005
Douro Superior, Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalThe complexity comes from mixed plantings of 25 to 30 different grape varieties on average closing in on 80 years of age. The fruit is handpicked fermented and aged in mostly French oak. The colour is black, the aromas a gamey mix of nutmeg, cloves and black plum fruit. The entry is dry the styling elegant with plenty of fine grained tannin. The finish is super delicious with vanilla and cherry notes poking through what is still a youthful red. Should improve over the next decade.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Quinta do Crasto Douro Vinho Tinto 2007
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalAmong the finest vintages of the past 100 years the 2007 tinto has a fabulously fragrant black fruit nose. On the palate it swarms the senses with rich peppery, black plum fruit with that quintessential cocoa/Christmas pudding finish. Super intense yet fragrant and with a surprisingly low alcohol level of 13.5 the result of cool nights in the Upper Douro. No oak, just the essence of the Douro. This is a special bottle.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Flor de Crasto Douro Vinho Tinto 2006
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalFlor de Crasto is the red equivalent of the Branco: fresh, fruit driven and made with no oak. The flavours stony floral mineral with just a hint of fruit reflect the schist the grapes are grown on. The blend is a mix of eight to ten year tinta roriz, touriga Franca, touriga nacional. The fruit is bright with a wild edge but the styling is cool and restrained the finish dusty. An intellectual, mid-week Douro red for the adventurous oenophile. Good value.Prices:| BC | $14.49 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Quinta do Crasto Douro Vinho Branco 2006
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalA blend of 20 Douro white grapes made from 50 year-old vines yields a remarkably fresh wine. Clearly modern and equally inviting on the dinner table. The palate is awash in grassy citrus fruit flavours, with bits of minerality, a pinch of dried herbs and not a drop of wood. Impressive, understated, crisp white wine as only the Euros can make.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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05 December 2008
91PTS
Pfaff Gewurztraminer Grand Cru Steinert 2002
Alsace, FranceLychee, peach, spicy, floral- rose, waxy, honey, nutty, petrol, sausage aromas, good complexity. Rich, round, elegant, slightly fat and sweet palate but good acidity if warm. Dried lychee rose petal, spicy, dried apple, waxy, honey, nutty, canned peach flavours. Very balanced with good finesse. Has about 1.5% residual sugar. Good solid value here for an accompaniment to rich spicy foods or a light dessert.Prices:| BC | $33.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $26.80 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Alsace Willm Pinot Gris 2005
Alsace, FranceWaxy, slate, petrol, quince, earthy, spicy, lemon rind and baked pear aromas. Fat, round, warm, slightly sweet palate. Vaseline, leesy, pineapple, orange, waxy, honey, lees and petrol flavours with an earthy, slightly bitter rind note on the finish. Good intensity on the palate in fact much better than the nose. One to enjoy now.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Trimbach Riesling Cuvée Frédéric Émile 2001
Alsace, FranceSmoky, light petrol, slate, lime, guava, honey, green apple, waxy, light creamy lees nose. Dry, crisp, round, elegant, fresh style. Green apple skin, lime, orange peel, Vaseline, slate, nectarine skin, waxy flavours. Good concentration and intensity but somewhat austere. Needs 2-5 years to round out.Prices:| BC | $63.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $50.59 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Hugel Gentil 2006
Alsace, FranceFloral, spicy, mineral, slate, green apple skin and lemon peel nose. Round, moderately dry, fresh, oily palate. Juicy pear, apple skin, butter, mineral and citrus flavours. Simple, fresh, easy style that finishes a touch warm and bitter.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Gloria Ferrer Royal Cuvee Brut Vintage Reserve 2001
Carneros, Sonoma County, California, United StatesVery fine continuous mousse. Strawberry, citrus, floral, toasty, baked green apple, creamy, mineral aromas. Round, fresh, crisp, elegant palate with just a touch of brut sweetness. Lots of nutty, strawberry, citrus peel, mineral, baked apple, toasty almond flavours. Nice finesse and creamy textures with good flavour intensity.Prices:| ON | $50.37 | 750ml |
| BC | $44.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Blancs 2004
Sonoma County, California, United StatesVery fine, creamy mousse. Citrus, green apple, light toast, honey, floral aromas. Crisp, moderately dry, rich palate with slightly foamy mousse. Baked green apple, toasty, nutty, citrus, peach pit, mineral, slate flavours. Good finesse and freshness if a bit understated in this vintage. Leaner than the last edition.Prices:| ON | $35.50 | 750ml |
| BC | $37.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Domaine Ste. Michelle Blanc de Noirs NV
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesVery pale rose colour. Good fine effervescent mousse with floral, strawberry, citrus, guava, green apple aromas with just a hint of toasty lees. Very brisk, dry, tart palate with cranberry, strawberry, citrus, granny smith, floral flavours. Seems to be near natural style - will be best with food to balance the acidity and delicate style.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.99 | 750ml |
| US | $10.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Domaine Ste. Michelle Luxe 2001
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesFine, continuous mousse with a very nutty, toasty, floral, buttery, anise, citrus, baked apple and strawberry nose. Crisp, fresh, rich but very elegant style with light mousse. Super toasty, nutty, buttery, citrus, slate, baked pear, baked green apple flavours. Very refined, mature, delicate style for appetizers.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.99 | 750ml |
| US | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Wolf Blass Yellow Label Sparkling Brut Non Vintage NV
South Australia, AustraliaLight, fine mousse with floral, citrus, pear, green apple aromas with a nutty edge. Round, fresh, slightly sweet and crisp palate with green apple, citrus, mineral, floral flavours. Simple, easy, elegant style.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.50 | 750ml |
| NS | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Galil Mountain Chardonnay 2007
Upper Galilee, Galilee, IsraelFloral, buttery, diacetyl, mineral, citrus rind, baked red apple aromas. Fresh, round, crisp, slightly fat palate with buttery, nutty, lemon, mineral, guava, red apple and pear flavours. Simple, elegant, ready to go style that's not too heavy or overripe.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noirs NV
Sonoma County, California, United StatesVery pale pink tinge. Fine continuous mousse with earthy, light toast, cherry, nutty, citrus, baked apple aromas with a touch of tobacco leaf. Crisp, round, fuller style with tobacco leaf, spicy, nutty, strawberry, earthy, baked apple and mineral flavours. Good intensity with pinot expression strong. Elegant, fresh nutty finish.Prices:| AB | $28.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $28.30 | 750ml |
| US | $14.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Beyerskloof Synergy Cape Blend 2004
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaSmoky, saddle leather, leafy cassis, peppery, resin, smoked meat, barnyard, black cherry and warm earth aromas. Round, full, slightly tart palate with light tannins. Peppery, smoky saddle leather, earthy, meaty, Band-Aid, resin, dried cherry, leafy cassis and tobacco flavours. No joy here.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Michel Lynch Sauvignon Blanc Bordeaux 2007
Entre-Deux-Mers, Bordeaux, FranceVery fresh passion fruit, gooseberry, floral, nettle aromas with a hint of smoky artichoke. Crisp, dry, elegant style on the lighter side. Smoky, nettle, grapefruit, passion fruit, mineral, grassy, gooseberry flavours. A bit thin on the finish but lots of intensity - a good seafood wine to balance the acidity and herbs.Prices:| BC | $21.50 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Rigamarole Red 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaEdition two tastes like edition one. Green tobacco leaf, cedar bark, herbaceous, sappy nose. Dry, tart, soft palate with green herbal, leafy, tobacco, menthol flavours. Not worth the rigamarole of pulling the cork.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Penfolds St. Henri Shiraz 2004
South Australia, AustraliaOpen menthol, dried herb, savoury, peppery, mulberry, black cherry, licorice root, tobacco aromas. Round, rich, elegant, slightly tannic palate with fresh acidity levels. Smoky, peppery, black cherry, licorice, savoury, mulberry, and tobacco flavours. Good finesse and intensity but the acidity level is too high for full enjoyment. Needs 3-7 years.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $64.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $46.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $52.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $64.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $55.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $54.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Beyerskloof Pinotage 2007
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaTobacco leaf, smoky rubber, saddle leather, meaty, barnyard, earthy aromas. The palate is supple with a touch of tannins and sweetness. Smoky tobacco leaf, peppery, herbal, resiny, meaty, barnyard, saddle leather with some reduced notes. Ordinary at best.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $14.00 | 750ml |
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04 December 2008
89PTS
Ortas Tradition Rasteau Côtes du Rhone Villages Prestiges 2005
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceDark cherry colour. Tobacco, peppery, gamey, liquorice, meaty, roasted pepper, black cherry, licorice aromas. Rich, round, good concentration and ripeness with some gritty, young tannins. Lots of black cherry, plum, liquorice, garrigue, peppery, mineral, spicy, coffee flavours. Good intensity but will benefit from a few years and soften the tannins.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Château de Montfaucon Côtes du Rhône 2005
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceSpicy, floral, black cherry, liquorice, plum, tobacco, rooty aromas. Dry, fresh acid, slightly tannic palate but elegant with black cherry, liquorice, tobacco, rooty, cedar, peppery, mineral flavours. A bit tight and gritty but good fruit.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Château de Montfaucon Baron Louis Côtes du Rhône 2005
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceRich spicy, meaty, liquorice nose with floral, tobacco, barnyard and black cherry aromas. Ripe, round, dry, fresh but elegant palate with some light grainy tannin. Lots of spicy, black cherry, orange peel, liquorice, tobacco, gamey, peppery, smoky flavours. Quite juicy but dry in the finish. Needs a year or so or try with roast duck.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Brotte Côtes du Rhône Les Brottiers 2006
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FrancePeppery, black cherry jam, meaty, smoky, resin, spicy nose with a touch of coffee. Round, supple, easy style if a bit sweet and sour. Spicy, coffee, tobacco, earthy, black cherry, smoky, spicy flavours. Simple, somewhat easy-drinking style made for meat.Prices:| BC | $13.87 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Ogier Côtes du Rhône Heritages Rouge 2006
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceSpicy, meaty, gamey, peppery, floral, black cherry, tobacco and liquorice root aromas. Dry, round, full, slightly tannic palate with good black cherry, plum, orange peel, spicy, peppery, coffee flavours. Good length and intensity but a bit young. Give it a year or so or try with lamb or duck. Good solid value.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.25 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Château de la Gardine Châteauneuf du Pape 2006
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FrancePeppery, spicy, chocolate, beef oxo, black cherry, floral, black berry, meaty, savoury nose. Ripe, round, rich, elegant style with supple tannins and solid concentration. Nice coffee, black cherry, kirsch, floral, spicy, mineral, beefy, peppery, tobacco, leather flavours with a touch of chocolate. Good balance and acidity with some finesse, will improve over the next 2-4 years but drinkable now.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $45.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $36.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $43.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $36.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Codorníu Reserva Raventos Brut NV
Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainMedium fine mousse with a citrus, floral, nutty, baked apple, anise and quince nose. Elegant, dry, delicate palate with light sweetness and fine bubbles. Nutty, mineral, citrus, buttery, melon, anise and peach flavours. Nice intensity and fruit with a nutty, slightly bitter citrus rind finish. Good with seafood. Fine cava effort.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Santa Margherita Brut Prosecco di Valdobbiadene NV
Veneto, ItalyLots of continuous mousse. Lime, floral, green apple, peach, nutty nose. Fresh, crisp, dryer style but slightly sweet brut style. Mineral, nutty, peach skin, green apple, lime, toasty flavours. Good intensity and balance for food.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Chat-en-Oeuf Côtes du Ventoux 2006
Ventoux, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceThe second edition in this market of this popular red comes with a floral, grapey cherry nose streaked with pepper, liquorice root and incense nose. Soft, round, supple and dry with raspberry, licorice, peppery, cedar, rooty, mineral, coffee flavours. Good solid red for the barbequed meat. Ready to drink now.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Ogier Crozes-Hermitage Les Brunnelles Rouge 2006
Crozes Hermitage, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceOpen spicy tobacco compost, licorice root nose with bits of saddle leather and meaty notes. Round, dry, elegant palate with light tannins. Black cherry, compost, tobacco, peppery, spicy, orange peel, resin flavours. Decent concentration but the finish is tight and a bit tart. Serve with hearty dishes.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chateau Joanny Massif d'Uchaux Côtes du Rhône Villages 2005
Côtes du Rhône Villages, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceFloral, cherry, carbonic, meaty, tobacco, peppery, spicy aromas. Soft, ripe, round, supple palate with black cherry, plum, mineral, smoky, licorice, resin, garrigue, peppery flavours. Good finesse with some light tannin on the finish. Will age but good now and juicy. Good solid value to have with turkey or duck.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Château Val Joanis Reserve Les Griottes 2004
Côtes du Lubéron, Provence, Sud de France, FranceAttractive white pepper nose with floral, meaty, smoky garrigue bits and light vanilla, black cherry, liquorice aromas. Dry, full, somewhat tannic but ripe palate. Big black cherry, coffee, plum with more liquorice and smoky, peppery, floral, meaty, pudding flavours. Young with good structure needs a few years to round out.Prices:Read Full Note
87PTS
Château Val Joanis (Rouge) 2005
Côtes du Lubéron, Provence, Sud de France, FranceVery dark colour. Spicy, meaty, black cherry, peppery, smoky, barnyard, rooty aromas. Ripe, round, rich, lightly tannic palate with licorice root, meaty, peppery, black cherry, black raspberry, roasted coffee flavours. Good solid core of fruit and extract. Needs a bit of air to bring out its best.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.95 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Saint-Benoit Côtes du Ventoux Rond et Raffine 2004
Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceSomewhat oxidized and pruny, try another.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Ortas Tradition Rasteau Côtes du Rhone Villages 2007
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceVery reduced nose with tobacco leaf, meaty, peppery, leesy, sour cherry aromas. Soft, round, supple, easy palate with plum, cherry, tobacco, rooty, coffee, peppery flavours with some light tannin. A bit tart on the finish. Best to decant this to blow off the reduced, rubbery notes that are surely linked to the use of a new screwcap.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Famille Perrin Rasteau L'Andéol 2005
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceSpicy, floral, cedar, tobacco, peppery, plum, cough syrup menthol aromas. Dry, round, supple, elegant palate with good concentration and light tannins. Peppery, tobacco, licorice, plum, black cherry, floral, minty, orange flavours. Finish is a bit young and warm with some tannin to shed. Very solid.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
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03 December 2008
90PTS
Cantina Breganze Torcolato 2001
Veneto, ItalyA dessert wine made from the vespaiolo grape. Buttery, fig, nutty, dried citrus, apricot, pear, raisin aromas. Fat, round, soft and elegant palate. Quince, buttery, dried pear, honey, nutty, vanilla and green apple flavours. Good concentration and finesse if a bit fat and hot. Drink now.Prices:| BC | $39.00 | 500ml |
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91PTS
Terralsole Pasticcio 2005
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalySpicy, cedar, peppery, meaty, black olive, cranberry nose with streaks of chocolate, Christmas cake orange peel aromas. Dry, fresh, somewhat tight and tannic but with finesse. Cherry, spicy, cranberry, plum, peppery, smoky, meaty, savoury flavours with some black olive, tobacco leaf and dried garrigue on the finish. Good intensity and finesse but needs 2-4 years to tame the tannins and heat. The blend is 55/30/15 cabernet franc, merlot and sangiovese.Prices:| BC | $90.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Terralsole Coldoro Merlot 2005
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalySpicy, peppery, savoury, meaty nose with floral, black cherry, plum fruit with a bit of black olive and leather. Dry, tight, warm and elegant with good finesse but a bit hollow at this point on the mid-palate. Plum, cherry, orange peel, tobacco, smoky, resin, mineral, floral, waxy flavours. Good bright fruit and finesse with balance. Needs a bit more concentration to go the extra level but well made. Needs 2-4 years to fully round out.Prices:| BC | $75.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Terralsole Solista Syrah 2005
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyLots of smoky, licorice, meaty, peppery, floral, black cherry, tobacco leaf, savoury, spicy, cooked carrot aromas. Dry, somewhat tannic palate with good acidity and concentration if a bit austere right now. Black cherry, spicy, mineral, plum, licorice root, savoury, clove, floral, smoked meat, roasted pepper flavours. Good finesse and elegance for syrah, needs 2-5 years or try with roast lamb. Grown in a chalky soil at low elevation in Montalcino.Prices:| BC | $80.00 | 750ml |
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02 December 2008
83PTS
Le Coq Rue No 5 Pinot Noir 2007
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTobacco leaf, rhubarb, herbal, leesy, floral, rooty nose. Dry, tart, lean, slightly bitter entry with green tannins. Herbal, tobacco leaf, mineral, resiny, celery root, vanilla flavours. Tart, somewhat tannic finish, little fruit or balance.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Romano dal Forno Vigna Sere 2003
Verona, Veneto, ItalyBeefy, tobacco leaf, coffee, resin, vanilla, licorice root, sweaty saddle, savoury, volatile nose. Sweet, round, rich but acidic and tannic on the palate. Soy, tobacco, coffee, resin, tobacco and raisin flavours. Needs years to mature but lacks balance and finesse with such high acidity. Decant for several hours for best effect.Prices:| BC | $308.00 | 375ml |
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89PTS
Romano dal Forno Vigneto di Monte Lodoletta Valpolicella Superiore 2002
Verona, Veneto, ItalyVery peppery, tobacco leaf, black olive, coffee, vanilla, waxy, poultry spice, minty, sweaty saddle leather aromas. Round, dry, somewhat tannic and hollow with a hot, hard edge. Very peppery, spicy, savoury, tobacco leaf, resin, black cherry olive and licorice root flavours. Hot, somewhat green and oaky on the finish with a hard edge, lacks the finesse and balance of prior vintages.Prices:| BC | $133.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $113.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $132.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Romano del Forno Vigneto di Monte Lodoletta Valpolicella Superiore 2001
Verona, Veneto, ItalySpicy, floral, black cherry, peppery, savoury, orange spice, coffee, vanilla, tobacco leaf, licorice, barnyard, saddle leather aromas. Ripe, round, rich, elegant and supple with good concentration. Peppery, spicy, vanilla, plum, cherry, cedar, orange spice, chocolate, resin, ash, truffle flavours. Long, moderately tannic finish with tobacco and barnyard. Needs years to fully soften but somewhat on the stinky side.Prices:| US | $125.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Romano dal Forno Vigneto di Monte Lodoletta Valpolicella Superiore 2000
Verona, Veneto, ItalySpicy, peppery, licorice, smoky, tobacco leaf, vanilla, chocolate, light Band-Aid, savoury, black cherry, kirsch and carrot top aromas. Dry, tight, elegant and somewhat tannic palate with good acidity. Coffee, vanilla, chocolate, peppery, black olive, tobacco leaf, resin, mineral, ash flavours. Long, supple and warm on the finish but very oaky.Prices:| AB | $132.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $275.00 | 1500ml |
| BC | $400.00 | 1500ml |
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83PTS
Red Rooster Pinot Noir 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, smoky, rooty, rhubarb, garlic lees, compost aromas. Dry, tart, thin, round palate with herbal, strawberry, savoury, rooty, rhubarb, leafy flavours. Reduced, somewhat tart and herbal style.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Peller Estates Private Reserve Pinot Noir 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAnother solid effort from Peller. This is soft round accessible pinot with a strawberry floral undertone flecked with cedar and earth. The flavours mix a hint of cocoa with cedar, strawberry and vanilla all in a warm soft finish. Simple well made pinot.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Calona Vineyards Artist Series Pinot Noir Reserve 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, savoury, sage, rhubarb, smoky, compost aromas. Dry, light, supple palate with smoky, savoury, rhubarb, sour cherry, soupy, vanilla, and twiggy/tobacco leaf flavours. Simple, forward style.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
JoieFarm PTG 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, rhubarb, tobacco leaf, mineral, sour cherry, barnyard aromas. Dry, thin, tart palate with light tannins. Bitter herbal, tobacco leaf, smoky oak, vanilla, resiny, rhubarb, nettle flavours. Dry, weedy, bitter, sour tannic finish. Similar to the previous edition and out of synch with normal quality at Joie.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
CedarCreek Pinot Noir Platinum Reserve 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen oaky, stewed cherry, tobacco leaf, resiny, somewhat lifted nose. Dry, lean, full, tart and tannic on the palate. The flavours mix vanilla, smoky, resin and stewed rhubarb. The finish is oaky and dry. Not much charm for a pinot.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Las Moras Reserve Malbec 2006
Valle del Tulum, San Juan, ArgentinaTobacco leaf, rooty, herbal, meaty, compost, spicy, sour cherry aromas. Round, supple, dry, tart somewhat edgy palate. Compost, herbal, tobacco leaf, meaty, stewed tomato, warm rhubarb flavours. Lacks ripeness and very tart on the finish.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Wolf Blass Yellow Label Pinot Noir 2007
Victoria, AustraliaFloral, rhubarb, orange peel, tobacco leaf, resiny aromas. Tart, dry, light palate with low concentration. Rhubarb, orange peel, leafy, rooty, mineral flavours. Not much here to say pinot texture.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.20 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Blue Mountain Gamay Noir 2007
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRhubarb, tobacco leaf, earthy, reductive nose with some stewed green tea aromas. Dry, round, full but tart with some green tannins. Big stewed tea, rhubarb, mineral, smoky, herbal, leafy flavours. Not up to the usual standard. A bit underripe and over-extracted.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Jean-Luc Baldes Cailloux de Rieu 2005
Cahors, Sud-Ouest, FranceCedar, tobacco, black cherry, red licorice, leather, meaty, prune aromas. Round, elegant but very dry palate with some cedary tannins. Peppery, minty, tobacco leaf, meaty, resin, herbal flavours. Somewhat green and lean, needs food.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Pentâge Winery Pinot Noir 2006
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBeet, rhubarb, spicy, tobacco leaf, rooty, celery aromas. Dry, tart, light bodied, lean palate. Green leaf, tobacco, resin, rhubarb, herbal, sour cherry, rooty flavours. Has pinot character but the flavour profile is too green and textures too lean. The next one needs to be riper.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Grey Sands Pinot Noir 2005
Tasmania, South Australia, AustraliaA rare Tasmanian pinot in this market with a bright cherry jam, almond, tobacco leaf nose mixed with cool menthol, vanilla, chalky, licorice root nose. Round, full, supple palate with light tannins and somewhat juicy. Black cherry, vanilla, spicy, rooty, mineral, savoury, black tea flavours. Good intensity if a bit rustic and tart on the finish.Prices:| AUS | $38.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Grey Sands Merlot 2005
Tasmania, South Australia, AustraliaPeppery, savoury, tobacco leaf, menthol, tea leaf, black cherry, floral, spicy nose. Round, full, dry, somewhat tannic palate but supple. Cherry, menthol, tobacco leaf, cedar, vanilla, waxy, sour cherry, green tea flavours. Cool, herbal style with some dry tannins and acidity poking through on the finish.Prices:| AUS | $28.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Jean Bousquet Malbec Reserva (Organic Grapes) 2006
Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaSpicy, tobacco leaf, plum, cedar, black cherry, savoury, vanilla, carrot top, coffee aromas. Ripe, round, rich, supple palate but a bit chunky and warm. Savory, coffee, tobacco leaf, plum, vanilla, black cherry, orange peel, spicy, herbal flavours. Good varietal intensity and balance if a bit warm on the finish. Good solid value here.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Jean Bousquet Malbec (Organic Grapes) 2007
Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaPeppery, tobacco, savoury, meaty, spicy, vanilla, sour cherry and herbs. Dry, round, full, supple palate with light, chunky tannins. Black cherry, peppery, savoury, licorice, mineral, light vanilla, herbal, mocha flavours. A bit cool but good fruit and balance. Solid value.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Ganton & Larson Prospect Winery Fats Johnson Pinot Noir 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen round soft simple style pinot with a rootsy herbal undertones. The palate is a mix of spicy cherry fruit with a twist of celery salt and a warm spicy finish. Simple, serviceable pinot.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Doña Paula Los Cardos Malbec 2007
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaPeppery, tobacco, black cherry, rooty, licorice, savoury nose. Round, medium bodied, slightly tannic palate and dry with spicy vanilla, clove, coffee, pudding, and tobacco leaf, rooty, meaty, peppery flavours. Tart, somewhat green finish. Lacks the usual plush textures.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Triplebank Pinot Noir 2007
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandCelery salt, carrot top, cherry, tobacco leaf, vanilla, smoky, licorice, slightly minty rhubarb nose. Round, dry, supple, elegant palate with medium extract. More celery salt and spice with earthy, light vanilla flavours and smoky, tobacco, mineral notes flavours and very light tea tannins on the finish. A more herbal style of pinot noir but with finesse.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Twin Islands Pinot Noir 2007
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandSpicy, celery, cherry, tobacco leaf, strawberry, savoury aromas. Fresh, dry, round, elegant palate if a bit short. Celery salt, carrot top, rhubarb, raspberry, herbal, tobacco leaf flavours. Simple, easy style with a hint of vanilla.Prices:| NZ Winery | $18.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Deinhard Riesling Classic 2006
Rheinhessen, GermanyFloral, peach, red apple, guava, mineral aromas. Fresh, crisp, round, light, off dry palate. Nice citrus, slate, peach, red apple skin, orange, pineapple and mineral flavours. Good finesse with juicy fruit. Good value, fruity style for food.Prices:| NS | $11.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Melini Orvieto Classico Secco 2006
Umbria, ItalyNutty, quince, peach, almond, floral nose. Dry, round, crisp, chalky style with almond, red apple, nectarine skin, buttery, quince and mineral flavours. Somewhat austere but good juicy fruit and acidity to go with seafood. Good value.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.50 | 750ml |
| QC | $11.65 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Trentacinquesimo Parallelo Primitivo del Salento 2006
Puglia, ItalyMeaty, spicy, peppery, gamey, rooty, cherry aromas. Dry, tart, round, warm palate. Smoky, meaty, resiny, peppery, pruny, sour cherry flavours. Tart edge makes this a pepperoni pizza accompaniment.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Pascual Toso Alta Reserva Malbec 2007
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaBig vanilla, Christmas cake, tobacco leaf, cedar, coffee, black cherry jam, raisin, orange peel and roasted mushroom aromas. Rich, round, dry, warm palate with some smooth grained tannin. Peppery, coffee, vanilla, mocha, savoury, plum, black cherry, tobacco flavours with a spicy, tart, vanilla pudding finish. Good fruit and intensity but just a bit too alcoholic and edgy. Needs a few years in bottle to pull it all together.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Barcello Canyon Pinot Diablo 2006
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMinty, stewed cherry, riparian, tobacco, leather, pruny, spicy nose. Round, lightly sweet palate with peppery, pruny, rancio, tobacco leaf, and stewed plum and rhubarb flavours. Good intensity and fruit but tannic and will need a few years to soften. Try with cheese and nuts.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Barcello Canyon Pinot Tinto 2006
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDeep cherry colour. Volatile, stewed cherry menthol nose with notes of rhubarb and compost. Dry, tart, tannic, sour cherry and resin flavours with bits of stewed plum, tobacco, oak resin and tobacco leaf. WE are not fans.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 375ml |
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85PTS
Batasiolo Barbera d'Alba 2006
Piedmont, ItalySmoky, stewed cherry, smoky saddle nose with hints of leather, tobacco leaf, cooked carrot, spicy mushroom nose. Dry, light, thin, somewhat tart palate with light body. Green herbal, tobacco leaf, carrot top, caraway, smoky leather. Very herbal style this time out. Not very ripe. Best with food.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Batasiolo Barbera d'Alba Sovrana 2006
Piedmont, ItalySpicy, plum, black cherry, peppery, mineral, meaty nose with bits of almond, coffee and tobacco leaf. Dry, tart, full, somewhat tannic palate. Big black cherry, almond, tobacco leaf, saddle leather, herbal, savoury, caraway, celery root flavours. There is fruit but this is tarter than past editions, a flashback to a traditional style that needs food.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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January 2009