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Tastings: February 2009
15 February 2009
84PTS
Obikwa Shiraz 2008
Western Cape, South AfricaBig smoky meaty nose with bits of black fruit and pepper. The entry is soft sweet and friendly a la Yellow Tail. The attack is similarly sweet with meaty, mocha, chocolate tomato leaf flavours. Simple, easy sipping, barbeque red.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.25 | 750ml |
| SK | $10.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $8.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.05 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Voga Pinot Grigio Vino Spumante Extra Dry NV
Veneto, ItalyI often wonder why we are so lucky here in Canada to experience every commercial wine made in the world. The Voga sparkler is as you might expect sweet with bits of caramel and baked apple throughout. It finishes with a tangy citrus note. Inoffensive at best. Sure to be a hit in singles bars.Prices:| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $16.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Graham Beck Gamekeeper's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Robertson, Breede River Valley, South AfricaWhen SA wines are clean and fresh with none of that funky burnt rubber / cigarette ash character they can be charming and delicious as is the story with this Graham Beck cab. Lots of juicy black fruit and fine oak integration attracts as does its supple texture all thanks to excellent fruit management and micro-oxygenation. Drink now or all summer through the barbecue season.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Lyngrove Platinum Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2003
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaOld style red blend that seems to suffer from the taste of cork after nearly four years not to mention a hint of Brettanomyces. You can still enjoy what is an old style red blend reminiscent of a 1970s style Bordeaux. Soft and ready to drink, it will be best with grilled beef.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Lyngrove Platinum Shiraz 2003
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaCorked. Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Lyngrove Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaSimple straight up stuff that's a bit old style but that gets extra marks for a sense of balance and elegance despite the 14.5 alcohol. Relatively clean with plenty of cabernet dried herbs, bell pepper and mulberry fruit. The tannins are soft the finish is sweet with more blackcurrant notes. Your basic barbecue red.Prices:| BC | $14.50 | 750ml |
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14 February 2009
87PTS
Santa Rita Sauvignon Blanc 120 2008
Valle del Lontué, Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileAnother fine rendition of this easy sipping sauvignon designed for food and fun. The 120 sauvignon is an 85/15 blend of sauvignon fruit from Maule and Casablanca all stainless steel fermented and finished under screwcap. It's bright fresh clean and brimming with herbal, citrus, chalky grapefruit flavours throughout. Think grilled white meats, pasta and salads or just take it to the beach. Affordable modern sauvignon blanc with style.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.75 | 750ml |
| QC | $11.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Obikwa Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Western Cape, South AfricaSimilar to last year but even fresher which is nice and all under screwcap. Look for bright grassy pink grapefruit notes with a touch of minerality and just off dry. Think spicy dishes. Easy to sip and would be a patio winner for sure. Drink all summer in the heat and enjoy the value. Buy this one by the case.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.25 | 750ml |
| SK | $10.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $8.49 | 750ml |
| ON | $8.50 | 750ml |
| NS | $9.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Wild Goose Blanc de Noirs Merlot - Pinot Noir 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA short time on the skins produces this pale pink merlot/pinot noir blush. The wine is treated as a white wine after that going through along cool fermentation. Look for bright strawberry, candied apple fruit with a caramel burnt sugar finish. Soft supple easy sipping and just sweet enough to work with spicy wings or ribs.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Pierre Sparr Pinot Gris 2006
Alsace, FranceBig open aromatic nose offering up butter and baked apples notes with a touch of slate and minerality. Typically richer and fatter on the palate when compared to Italian or B.C. versions of this grape with a buttery, nutty honey bruised apple flavours and a bit of honey.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Quails' Gate Rosé 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLove the pale pink colour but the nose is bit backward showing lees and sulphur notes prior to some much needed decanting. Oatmeal, strawberry and rhubarb flavours coat the palate with some bright acidity and a fresh finish. Really needs some splashing around in a decanter to wake up and show its stuff.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
XOXO Sauvignon Blanc Chenin NV
CanadaFlat commercial nose of bruised apples and marzipan. Soft entry with a similarly flat, sweet, mid-palate and finish. Lacks excitement or zip that attracts most of us to wine drinking.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
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09 February 2009
84PTS
Domaine Pinnacle Ice Cider 2006
Quebec, CanadaSomewhat dark yellow colour. Cooked apple, plastic shower curtain, mineral, ginger nose. Round, somewhat sweet, tart palate. Canned, cooked apple and giner flavours. Disappoinitng and not up to previous editions.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Forbidden Fruit Winery Bliss Fortified White Cherry 2007
British Columbia, CanadaMade from white cherries fortified with brandy and aged in 'young' oak. Very spicy, mineral, ginger, vanilla, buttery, fresh resin and incense nose. Round, slightly sweet entry with similar flavours and a big dose of menthol. Very bizarre combination of flavours.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 200ml |
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88PTS
Redbank Long Paddock Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Victoria, AustraliaBig grapefruit rind, passion fruit, mineral, grassy, nettle, apple skin aromas. Fresh, crisp, round, elegant palate with juicy grapefruit, gooseberry, canned jalapeno, mineral, nettle flavours. Good solid varietal with some finesse.Prices:| US | $14.00 | 750ml |
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79PTS
Peller Estates Private Reserve Riesling Icewine 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery yellow amber colour. Huge volatile, dried apricot, cooked apple, candied, buttery nose. Round, somewhat sweet and soft palate with baked apple, volatile, raisiny, dried peach flavours. Very poor example.Prices:| BC | $53.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $49.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Wirra Wirra Church Block Cabernet Shiraz Merlot 2006
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaPeppery, smoky, spicy, licorice root, black berry, chocolate, tobacco aromas. Round, rich, warm, slightly tart palate with some dry tannins. Coffee, black cherry, resin, peppery, cardamom, vanilla pudding, herbal tobacco flavours. Very hot, tart and bitter on the finish - lacks balance.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $23.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $21.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Bodegas Palacio Glorioso Rioja Crianza 2005
Rioja Alta, Rioja, SpainSpicy, meaty, tobacco, black olive, cherry, savoury, dried dill aromas. Dry, elegant, slightly lean and fresh palate. Black olive, orange peel, sour cherry, smoky, herbal, peppery, savoury flavours. Way too tart and somewhat green and hot on the finish. Disappointing.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Bodegas Palacio Glorioso Rioja Reserva 2004
Rioja Alta, Rioja, SpainPeppery, black olive, black cherry, smoky, licorice root, mineral, leather and tobacco aromas. Round, dry, slightly tannic and chunky palate with prune, smoky, peppery, black cherry, orange peel, earthy, spicy flavours. Good intensity but somewhat rustic and fresh on the finish. Best with food, say lamb or beef.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Painted Turtle Cabernet Shiraz NV
Cedar bark, black olive, dill, resin, tobacco aromas. Soft, round, supple palate with prune, earthy, tobacco leaf, cedar bark, resin, dill flavours with a briny, herbal edge.Prices:| BC | $11.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Frescobaldi Santa Maria Morellino di Scansano 2005
Tuscany, ItalySpicy, savoury, meaty, cola, eucalyptus, tobacco aromas. Dry, round, supple palate with very light tannins. Prune black cherry, peppery, earthy, smoky, meaty, licorice root, tobacco and dark chocolate flavours. Somewhat chewy and a tad rustic on the finish with some tea tannins. Best with turkey or pork.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.90 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Bodegas Beronia Rioja Reserva 2001
Rioja Alta, Rioja, SpainTraditional style with big meaty, sweaty saddle leather, Band-Aid, smoky, prune, medicine chest aromas. Round, dry, fresh palate with smoky, resin, tobacco, cigar, resin, cedar, meaty, Band-Aid, vanilla, dill flavours. Although solid it suffers from Brettanomyces in abundance.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Tarapaca Natura Plus Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 2007
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileOrganically farmed. Huge spicy, eucalyptus, sappy cassis, tobacco leaf, black cherry, bay leaf, savoury aromas. Rich, round, dense, supple palate with peppery, cigar, spicy, sappy cassis, eucalyptus, black olive, orange peel and chocolate flavours. Somewhat warm and rustic but has very good intensity with the strong dried herb component. Has a touch of carmenère and syrah from Isla de Maipo. Will be good with grilled pepper steak or stews. Solid value.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Peter Lehmann The Seven Surveys Old Vines 2007
South Australia, AustraliaFloral, strawberry jam, tobacco leaf, meaty, spicy, peppery, green olive, bay leaf aromas. Round, tart, warm entry with bay leaf, savoury, resin, cola, coffee, peppery, black olive, leather flavours. Very tart, green, herbal finish. Simple.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $22.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $22.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Peter Lehmann Clancy's Legendary Red 2005
South Australia, AustraliaHerbal, tobacco leaf, dill, green olive, resin, cedar, sappy nose. Round, supple, fat entry but quite tart and salty with a sweet edge. Coffee, cola, vanilla, herbal, tobacco leaf, nettle, green olive, cedar bark flavours. Very warm and tart.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $22.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $22.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Schug Merlot 2005
Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesCrushed herbs, cool cherry, chocolate, spicy, tobacco leaf, licorice root aromas. Dry, round, elegant palate with light, grainy tannins. Spicy, black olive, tobacco leaf, coffee, vanilla, resin, cherry, savoury, meaty, peppery flavours with a touch of plum and smoke on the finish. A tad young and austere needs a year or two to soften.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Schug Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesBlack olive, cassis, peppery, tobacco leaf, savoury, smoky, saddle leather, spicy, rooty, chocolate aromas. Dry, round, supple tannins but a bit austere. Cedar, cassis, peppery, smoky, chocolate, resin, licorice root, vanilla, tobacco leaf flavours. A bit tart and rustic on the finish, needs a few years to soften or serve now with a grilled steak.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
JoieFarm Dedication Pinot Blanc 2007
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral (carnation) nose with mineral, butter, bready lees, lemon, matchstick aromas. Round, dry, elegant palate but a bit tart with a sweet edge. Buttery, diacetyl, honey, lemon, mineral, granny smith flavours. Very tart, sharp buttery citrus finish.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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08 February 2009
87PTS
Francis Ford Coppola Presents Director's Cut Pinot Noir 2007
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, United StatesTobacco leaf, lees, cedar bark, rhubarb, vanilla, coffee aromas with a touch of black cherry. Dry, round, slightly tannic palate with good acidity. Tobacco leaf, resin, orange peel, floral, strawberry, vanilla, herbal, coffee flavours. A bit warm and dry on the finish but solid, hotter style pinot.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Tyrrell's Lost Block Pinot Noir 2007
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaLight floral, candied cherry, tobacco, compost aromas. Soft, round, supple, slightly sweet entry with floral, cooked strawberry, cola, vanilla, compost, tea flavours. Simple, somewhat tart finish.Prices:| MB | $12.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Piper-Heidsieck Brut Rosé Sauvage NV
Champagne, FranceLots of pink-raspberry colour. Raspberry, cream, nutty, tobacco leaf, baked red apple, citrus and earth aromas. Crisp, round, moderately dry brut with good continuous mousse and flavour intensity. Nice citrus, creamy, nutty, raspberry, mineral, baked pear, tobacco flavours with a bit of almond on the finish. Very stylish with good fruit intensity and balance. Will go well with food like duck confit or pork tenderloin.Prices:| BC | $69.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $78.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $69.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $88.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $65.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Dierberg Pinot Noir 2005
Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesDark colour. Very spicy, floral, black cherry, stewed plum, caraway, tobacco leaf, licorice, light vanilla aromas. Rich, round, warm, supple palate with light tannins. Vanilla, clove, five spice, black cherry jam, coffee, plum, orange, tobacco flavours. Very warm finish but rich and silky. Good finesse despite the big style, extra oak and New World intensity.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Burrowing Owl Pinot Noir 2007
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaEarthy, tobacco, vanilla, mocha, resin, cooked rhubarb, rooty aromas. Soft, round, dry and simple palate with light tea tannins. Coffee, vanilla pudding, resin, clove, licorice, savoury, tobacco, cooked cherry flavours. Easy going style but very oaky and warm.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Twisted Tree Pinot Noir 2007
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaEarthy, spicy, rooty, smoky, barnyard, tobacco aromas. Dry, round, supple palate with light tannins. Vanilla, coffee, peppery, tobacco, meaty, rhubarb, cedar flavours. Simple, chunky style.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mt. Boucherie Summit Reserve Pinot Noir 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCool tobacco leaf, rooty, carrot top, caraway, worsteshire, and light saddle leather and rhubarb aromas. Dry, soft, round, supple palate with rhubarb, strawberry, cola, vanilla, smoky, rooty, tobacco leaf flavours with a warm, slightly tart, orange peel finish. Good value in well made pinot. Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Pinot Noir 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery floral, cherry jam, spicy, vanilla, cola, mocha, tobacco leaf. Round, dry, slightly tart palate with smoky oak, vanilla, peppery, rhubarb, cola, rooty, tobacco leaf, barnyard, meaty flavours. A bit tart with some tea leaf tannins but solid and fun to sip.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $28.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Stag's Hollow Simply Noir 2007
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBarnyard, chocolate, vanilla, floral, cooked rhubarb, tobacco aromas. Soft, round, dry palate with very light tannins. Herbal, sour cherry, rhubarb, spicy, vanilla, cola, rooty, tobacco leaf and tea flavours. Warm, tart finish but has some intensity.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Le Clos Jordanne Le Grand Clos Pinot Noir 2006
Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaGood aromatic intensity with dried orange peel, rose, smoky vanilla, coffee, tobacco leaf, caraway, cedar, rooty, strawberry jam aromas. Dry, elegant, round, fresh palate with good acidity balance and some very light tea tannins. Smoky, vanilla, tobacco leaf, green tea, orange peel, five spice, barnyard, carrot top, celery salt flavours. A bit juicier and more complex than the other cuvees with delicate structure.Prices:| ON | $70.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Le Clos Jordanne La Petite Vineyard Pinot Noir 2006
Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaFloral rose, spicy, rhubarb, strawberry jam, mocha, vanilla, tobacco, compost, tea leaf, soy, barnyard aromas. Dry, round, elegant, slightly lighter style with a touch more acidity. Tobacco leaf, meaty, spicy, tea leaf, smoky, vanilla, sour cherry, rhubarb, celery salt flavours. A touch woody, drier with more compost notes than the Claystone. Well done.Prices:| ON | $40.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Le Clos Jordanne Claystone Terrace Pinot Noir 2006
Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaFloral, tobacco, strawberry, spiced tea, celery, cedar chest, orange peel, carrot top aromas. Soft, round, dry, elegant palate with rhubarb, rose, tobacco, orange rind, mineral, vanilla, mocha, smoky, rooty, compost, celery flavours. A bit warm but good fruit and balance. Drink now and over the next 2 years. A touch more fruit than the La Petite.Prices:| ON | $40.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $95.00 | 1500ml |
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88PTS
Le Clos Jordanne Village Reserve Pinot Noir 2006
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaCompost, caraway, tobacco, cooked rhubarb, spicy, soy, stewed tea aromas. Dry, round, supple, elegant palate with very light tannins. Tobacco leaf, stewed tea, rhubarb, sour cherry, compost, orange peel, caraway flavours with a bit of celery salt. Solid, elegant cooler style pinot. Well done for the price.Prices:| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Le Clos Jordanne Pinot Noir Le Clos Jordanne Vineyard 2006
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaOrange pekoe, smoky oak, vanilla, tobacco, rose petal, barnyard, rooty, balsamic, celery root aromas. Round, dry, supple, elegant palate with balanced acidity. Smoky, tobacco leaf, orange pekoe, rooty, herbal, compost, soy, vanilla, rhubarb, sour cherry flavours. A tad oaky which takes away from the fruit but it is still well balance.Prices:| ON | $40.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Le Clos Jordanne Pinot Noir Le Clos Jordanne Vineyard 2005
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaFloral, cooked cherry, balsamic, tobacco leaf, soy, barnyard, sweaty saddle aromas. Soft, supple, round, mature palate with some finesse. Cooked cherry, celery salt, tobacco leaf, soy, black tea, herbal flavours. Good intensity, soft and supple and ready to drink.Prices:| ON | $40.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $42.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages Combe aux Jacques 2007
Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceA pleasant surprise with a bright strawberry jam, raspberry nose flecked with spicy, tobacco, licorice root and peppery notes. Ripe, round, supple, elegant palate with strawberry, black cherry, rhubarb, rooty, spicy, tobacco leaf, carrot and dried herbs. Solid, fresh, easy style that will work well with food.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.00 | 375ml |
| MB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Undurraga Sibaris Pinot Noir Reserva Especial 2007
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileBig tobacco leaf, minty, barnyard, rooty, rhubarb nose. Dry, round, supple, warm palate but elegant. Spicy, rhubarb, smoky, vanilla, tobacco, tea, minty, sour cherry, herbal flavours. Good acidity and balance if a bit strong on the tobacco. Fair value here.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Schug Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2006
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, United StatesSpicy, cedar, tobacco leaf, barnyard, floral, cherry, orange, compost, strawberry aromas. Round, dry, supple, elegant palate with strawberry, tobacco leaf, celery, carrot top, caraway, rhubarb, smoky vanilla, compost flavours. Nice finesse and juicy with some length. Good value and tasty too.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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06 February 2009
86PTS
Yellow Tail Pinot Grigio 2008
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaAs in the previous edition the YT pinot grigio will surprise many. The style is fresh, clean and surprisingly dry with bits of lemon rind and green apple skin. The palate is similarly dry and fresh with a real citrus bent. Now under screwcap for easy opening on the patio.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.45 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Wild Goose Pinot Gris 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLast year was good, this is even better. The Krugers make classic B.C. gris that reveals bits of earth, spice and honey on the nose. On the palate it is fresh with medium weight and a mix of citrus, honey, pear and ginger flavours all with a touch of oiliness. Great value.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Oxford Landing Pinot Grigio 2008
South Australia, AustraliaLook for a simple bright fruity nose reminiscent of fresh cut green apple. The palate is light and fresh with big citrus and green apple flavours and a dry, crisp finish. Serve with simply prepared seafood dishes.Prices:| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
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02 February 2009
90PTS
Michele Chiarlo Nivole Moscato D'Asti 2007
Gavi, Piedmont, ItalyLight frizzante mousse that is continuous and fine. Very floral, perfumed, soapy, peach skin, spicy, slate aromas with a touch of orange and lemon. Crisp, fresh, somewhat fizzy palate with a little sweetness. Peach, spicy, lychee, mineral, green apple skin and lime rind flavours. Consistent, fun and flavourful style for dessert or an apéritif.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $11.70 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.85 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Carmen Carmenère 2007
Region del Valle Central, ChileThis carmenère has taken on a fairly consistent style that offers up spicy, crush leaf nose with bits of black fruit and smoky, earthy, coffee aromas. On the palate it is dry with oregano, cigarette ash and juniper berry fruit flavours and a touch of elevated mid-palate acidity. Not an easy style to love but should be fine with rustic dishes. Hamburgers come to mind.Prices:| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $10.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $12.50 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Stag's Hollow Renaissance Meritage 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, tobacco leaf, roasted tomato, black olive, spicy, vanilla, caraway, herbal, barnyard aromas. Lean, dry, fairly supple palate with light tannins. Cedar bark, peppery, cassis, smoky, resin, tobacco leaf, cranberry, herbal, rooty flavours with a tart, tobacco leaf finish. Lacks ripe fruit characters and has the stewed tea and cedar tannins on the finish.Prices:| BC | $37.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Heggies Vineyard Botrytis Riesling 2007
Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaFloral, nectarine skin, apricot, oatmeal, egg yolk, green apple aromas. Ripe, round, elegant palate with moderate sweetness and acidity but well balanced. Apricot, nectarine skin, guava, orange, butter and egg flavours with a mineral edge. Good solid late harvest style for current drinking.Prices:| US | $16.50 | 375ml |
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85PTS
Red Rooster Meritage 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaChocolate, vanilla, coffee bean, roasted tomato and tobacco leaf aromas. Round, somewhat dry, supple palate with tobacco, resin, clove, vanilla, coffee, pudding flavours. Big oaky, sweet style with Northern stewed green tea tannins and finish.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Fairview Cellars Madcap Merlot Cabernet 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTobacco leaf, coffee, peppery, light cranberry, meaty, spicy, resin and cedar aromas with a touch of caraway. Dry, somewhat tart entry with chalky, tight tannins. Cranberry, peppery, sour cherry, cedar bark, resin, smoky vanilla, roasted tomato and tobacco flavours with a touch of leather. Finish is very dry and somewhat lean. Needs food.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Graham's Late Bottled Vintage Port 2001
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalTraditionally on the sweet side of the LBVs this 01 has an enticing floral, liquorice aroma with bits of spicy, dried fig and jammy plum fruit. Similar structure and flavours of black cherry, plums, tea leaves all in a creamier less traditional LBV style. Ready to drink all winter.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $22.19 | 750ml |
| QC | $21.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.00 | 375ml |
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82PTS
Wild Horse Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Product of CanadaBig resiny, rooty, cedar bark, herbal, peppery, tobacco and canned olive aromas. Slightly sweet and fairly acidic with cedar-y, lean tannins. Cedar bark, resin, peppery, rooty, coffee flavours with a tart, tannic finish.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.10 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $13.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Wild Horse Canyon Shiraz 2007
Product of CanadaRooty, resin, spicy, rubbery, floral aromas. Sweet, round, supple palate with rubbery, black pepper, cedar bark, plum flavours and an acidic, somewhat tannic finish. Not very varietal.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.25 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.10 | 750ml |
| SK | $13.00 | 750ml |
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01 February 2009
88PTS
Viu Manent Reserva Carmenere 2007
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe Reserva comes from near the town of Perallilo in the Colchagua Valley where the vineyard is about 16 years old. All of the wine is aged in wood and most of it is French oak. The textures are suave and supple with that espresso, chocolate, cigarette ash nose and dark chocolate dried herbs plummy fruit flavours. Surprisingly lush for the price. Best with roasted meats especially lamb.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Estampa Reserve Assemblage Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenère Petit Verdot 2006
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileCorked. Try another.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Viña Chocalán Carmenère Reserva 2005
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileChocalan's Reserva is grown at Maipo and all handpicked and aged in French oak. The nose is intense exhibiting brambly liquorice and raspberry fruit nuances. The palate is smooth; the fruit juicy spiked with dried herbs with bits of cigarette ash and dried crushed leaves. Best with grilled meat or hamburger.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Viña Chocalán Carmenère 2007
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileTypical carmenère with its leafy dried herb nose and black fruit. The palate is soft the fruit sweet and the finish supple with dusty chalky tannins and a slight touch of cigarette ash. Certainly fine with grilled meat.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Talamonti Tre Saggi Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2004
Abruzzo, ItalyRipe, round, rich, supple palate with good acidity but a bit warm. Licorice, peppery, tobacco, black cherry, plum, savoury, meaty, floral, chocolate flavours. Good intensity and balance with some finesse if a bit hot on the finish. Best now while the fruit characters show well and the tannins are supple.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Casa Silva Doña Dominga Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenère 2007
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileA nice bump up in flavour and quality for '07. Typically peppery with menthol and tobacco leaf notes but the palate is soft and round and flavour development more ripe. Soft black cherry fruit with dried leaf and pepper notes in the finish. Well made and exceptionally priced for all those summer backyard barbecues. Old vines 80 to 100 years old, hand picked, 15 per cent is aged in one year old French oak, for $13. Do you need another reason to spend your money here? Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.00 | 750ml |
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March 2009