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Tastings: April 2009
30 April 2009
87PTS
Shot in the Dark Shiraz Petite Sirah 2008
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaA big friendly red from Oz that dials down the acidity and revs up the rich, smoky, ripe fruit flavours. Round warm, glossy and a touch on the sweet New world side it will resonate with steak eaters and those who like the big reds. Good value. Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Maycas del Limari Syrah Reserva Especial 2005
Valle del Limari, ChileSmoky, black pepper, licorice, vanilla, black cherry, saddle leather, sausage, garrigue and resin aromas with a touch of tobacco. Ripe, round, supple, full palate with gamey, peppery, licorice, smoky, rosemary, black cherry, black berry and resin flavours. Good finesse and fruit with balanced acidity, ready now. Expensive for what you get.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Yealands Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandExpect typically intense NZ character with big mineral and dried herbs notes mixed with nettle and lemongrass. On the palate there is more mineral, passion fruit with a touch of lemon thyme. The finish is dry crisp and fresh. Bring on the mussels.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Yealands Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandBig canned asparagus, jalapeno, passion fruit, canned grapefruit, nettle aromas. Round, fresh, elegant, crisp, creamy palate with a bit of residual sugar. Passion fruit, grapefruit, asparagus, smoky jalapeno, grassy, lemon herb flavours. Good solid style on the more aggressive side.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $19.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Carmen Syrah 2006
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileSpicy, orange peel, tobacco, white pepper, black cherry, curry and cedar bark aromas with a touch of dried herbs. Round, dry, supple palate with medium light body. Tobacco leaf, dried dill, peppery, sappy cassis, licorice root, resin and smoky sausage flavours. Easy going barbeque style.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.60 | 750ml |
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28 April 2009
89PTS
Hess Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
California, United StatesLove the fresh Mendocino fruit in this blend that is beefed out by 25 per cent Napa Valley juice and 30 per cent Lake County cabernet sauvignon. The entry is soft and round with a silky, plummy, black cherry fruit that fills the mid-palate and finishes with just a dusting of vanilla and tannin. Perfect for barbecued steak now or age for another three years.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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27 April 2009
87PTS
CedarCreek Pinot Gris Classic 2008
British Columbia, CanadaThe CedarCreek gris is always a cool version with bright acidity. The entry is tight, mixing nectarine skin, green apples and lemon lime notes with a mineral citrus, salty finish. Lip smacking and ready for almost any creamy seafood pasta dish or chicken or serve with local oysters.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
CedarCreek Estate Select Meritage 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSoft open, vanilla, cocoa and black fruit flavours. Lovely restraint on the mid-palate with fine wood integration and toast. Lively vibrant acidity with fresh cranberry, liquorice and black fruit flavours. Typically this wine comes with a lean frame that pervades from back to front in essence working the finesse angle as opposed to so many south Okanagan reds that work the fat, smoky fruit and oak angle. Should be even better in five years. Well done. Serve with roast lamb or beef.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
CedarCreek Cabernet Sauvignon Platinum Reserve 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis has about as elegant styling as you will find in any cabernet with cedar, spiced tobacco and smoky vanilla, black cherry aromas. The entry is supple with fine-grained tannins, cocoa black cherries coffee and cedar. Youthful vanilla and some glossy oak mark the finish but with balance and finesse. You can lay this one away from four to eight years and let it reach its maximum quality. New World Bordeaux.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
CedarCreek Gewürztraminer 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCedarCreek continues to exhibit a deft hand in fruit handling and wine making exploring the fresh easy sipping style of this variety. Look for a fresh style with bits of litchi lime and peach on the nose with just a dusting of floral notes. On the palate, the entry is soft with a touch of mid-palate sugar over an herbal, lemon, ginger, sausage meat finish. Drink on the patio all summer or try it lighter sushi dishes.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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25 April 2009
87PTS
Water Wheel Memsie Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec 2007
Bendigo, Victoria, AustraliaThe Memsie is a blend of shiraz (70), cabernet sauvignon (16), malbec (6) and petit verdot (6) planted on clay and limestone. Its mix of micro-oxygenated fruit and fruit aged in American oak. Smoky herbal black currant fruit with bits of raspberry dominate the nose while the palate is rich in licorice and savoury dark flavour. Like most of its kin the wine is warm and showing some acid poking through the back end. It really needs to be served with grilled meat - lamb chops, or spaghetti Bolognese.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $17.50 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Tarapaca Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileMuch like previous version this is a middle of the road sauvignon with grassy grapefruit and nettle notes on the nose with a touch of residual sugar. The fruit is ripe and round with melon, apple pear notes and bits of minerality. A gentle version of the aggressive New Zealand style. Good value.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
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21 April 2009
89PTS
Tinhorn Creek 2Bench Oldfield Collection White 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada2Bench mixes sémillon, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, viognier and muscat (some of which are co-fermented) to better meld fruit flavours, says winemaker Sandra Oldfield. The wine is fresh and bright and should stay that way under screwcap for years. Look for aromatic notes on the nose with tropical fruit flavours supported by bright acidity underneath. Just a baby that will further improve but should be a summer seafood favourite.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Stoneboat Vineyards Chorus 2008
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Martiniuk family seem to understand the market better than most new wineries. Chorus is an attractive, aromatic, affordable, summer sipper that hits all the right notes for the price. Look for clean fresh mineral notes and bright citrus grapefruit lime rind flavours. The blend is a mix of pinot gris, pinot blanc, viognier, chardonnay, kerner and müller-thurgau. Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
CedarCreek Riesling 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHas winemaker Tom Di Bello been drinking Tantalus Riesling in his spare time? His latest riesling is super fresh with lots of bright acidity upfront and throughout a la Tantalus. Much like last year it is packed full of zippy fruit, crunchy fruit flavours of and plenty of minerality. Now under screwcap the peachy pineapple flavours streaked with orange jump from the bottle. Thai food anyone.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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20 April 2009
87PTS
Hester Creek Trebbiano 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom vines now over 30 years old winemaker Rob Summers does a fine job of capturing the fruity aspects of this rare North American planting. The wine is fresh and bright on the palate with tropical fruit notes. Melons, white peach, apricots and passion fruit and lime rind dance across the palate. A versatile wine you can serve solo as an apéritif or with classic summer chicken dishes. Well done.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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19 April 2009
86PTS
Kenwood Zinfandel 2006
Sonoma County, California, United StatesBlackberry, riparian, tobacco, barnyard, leather, peppery, gamey aromas. Dry, warm, round palate but a bit tight and lean. Prune, soy, blackberry, licorice root, tobacco, leather and coffee flavours. Finish is solid but pretty dry and warm.Prices:| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $24.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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16 April 2009
82PTS
Oak Bay Vineyard Gamay Noir 2007
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeppery, spicy, rooty, meaty, riparian, cherry nose. Dry, tart, somewhat warm and thin palate with bitter chocolate, peppery, herbal, tobacco leaf, sour cherry, sour black berry flavours. Lacks ripeness despite the warm alcohol.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Carmen Reserva Chardonnay 2007
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileMineral, vanilla, cream, lime, melon and butter aromas with a touch of nectarine. Round, dry, full palate but a bit soft and warm. Citrus, baked green apple, quince, honey, butter and vanilla flavours. Finish is a bit nutty with a grapefruit rind note. Solid intensity and balance for the money, try with halibut or squid and a touch of butter.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $16.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Maycas del Limari Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva Especial 2005
Valle del Limari, ChilePeppery, eucalyptus, sappy cassis, dill, tobacco leaf, black berry, saddle leather and black olive aromas mixed with coffee and vanilla. Soft, round, dry, supple palate with cedar, rooty, peppery, coffee, vanilla, chocolate, resin, tobacco leaf, herbal, black olive flavours. Finish is round and balanced. It is ready to drink now.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Shiraz 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeppery, meaty, rooty, resin, black cherry, savoury nose with a touch of vanilla. Round, dry, elegant but slightly lean palate. Sausage meat, spicy, peppery, tobacco leaf, herbal, smoky flavours. Simple, slightly tart finish but elegant for near term consumption.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $25.45 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Mission Hill Five Vineyards Chardonnay 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight lees, green apple skin, citrus, nectarine and vanilla aromas. Round, fresh, off-dry palate with butter, green peach, canned grapefruit, apple skin and honey flavours. Solid, fresh style for food and sipping but ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $17.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $18.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Carmen Chardonnay 2007
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileLook for bright floral, green apple skin, grapefruit rind, and pear aromas. Round, fresh, elegant, slightly sweet palate with fresh acidity. Light butter, grapefruit, lime, baked green apple and pear flavours with a touch of spice. Fresh, easy drinking style for any occasion. Solid value here. We are still waiting on a screw cap closure. Great value.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $12.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $12.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Two Jokers Chardonnay 2007
South Australia, AustraliaPeach, melon, butter, baked apple and candied citrus nose. Round, fresh, elegant palate with good acidity and some sweetness. Buttery, citrus, green apple, melon, peach pit flavours. Simple, fresh, easy style for the general consumer. Solid value.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Marrenon Premices Organic Côtes du Luberon 2007
Côtes du Lubéron, Provence, Sud de France, FranceFloral, rooty, tobacco, black cherry, licorice, saddle leather and savoury aromas. Round, dry, elegant but somewhat light palate. Peppery, black cherry, leather, tobacco, cedar, mineral flavours with a tart plum and chocolate finish. Good solid barbecue and chicken wine.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Thorn-Clarke Terra Barossa Shiraz 2007
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaSpicy, floral, meaty, peppery, blueberry, black cherry aromas with some tobacco and barnyard. Round, smooth, warm and slightly tart palate with sausage, licorice, blueberry, cola, chocolate and tobacco leaf flavours. Finish is warm and fresh but fruity. Best with food.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
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15 April 2009
90PTS
Sbragia Family Vineyards Zinfandel Gino's Vineyard 2006
Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesBig spicy, chocolate, vanilla, blackberry jam, licorice, barnyard, tobacco nose with a touch of prune plum and garrigue. Dry, round, elegant palate with light tannins. Fresh with vanilla, toasty oak, walnut, chocolate, coffee, peppery, black raspberry jam, licorice and dried herb flavours. Good finesse if a tad oaky and tart on the finish.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Paul Mas Grenache Noir 2007
Sud de France, FranceDried herb, tobacco, raspberry leaf mixes with rooty, minty, peppery notes and a touch of black cherry. The entry is dry with a dusting of tannins and more mineral, black cherry, tobacco, raspberry leaf, herbal flavours. Should be perfect around the barbecue all summer and we like the price. Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Dancing Bull Zinfandel 2007
Sonoma County, California, United StatesRaspberry jam, pruny, peppery, spicy, cedar bark aromas. Round, warm, dry, tart palate with cedar-y tannins. Peppery, earthy, spicy, cedar bark, raspberry jam and tobacco leaf flavours. It has fruit but the acidity and cedar bark notes detract.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $15.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $15.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $14.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Desert Hills Gamay 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTobacco leaf, herbal, peppery, sausage, mineral, rooty aromas. Round, full, slightly tannic and tart palate with stewed tea, cranberry, herbal, green tobacco leaf, and peppery resin flavours. Tart finish and somewhat green.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Francis Ford Coppola Presents Director's Cut Zinfandel 2007
Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesRooty, floral, cedar bark, cola, leather, blackberry, licorice, vanilla aromas. Rich, round, warm, supple palate with a touch of acidity. Candied black cherry, black berry, licorice, coffee, cola, vanilla, peppery, floral flavours with a touch of cedar bark and prune on the finish. Very warm, solid style for stewed lamb.Prices:| BC | $39.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $40.00 | 750ml |
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14 April 2009
91PTS
Etude Heirloom Pinot Noir Estate Grown 2006
Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United StatesBarnyard, tobacco leaf, soy, pruny, cherry jam, cooked carrot, vanilla aromas. Dry, round, full, warm, supple palate with cedar, tobacco leaf, peppery, resin, barnyard, soy, cherry, rooty, Oxo, carrot top flavours with a touch of orange peel on the finish with some light stewed green tea tannins. Solid California pinot in a somewhat older style. Needs 2-3 years to peak.Prices:| US | $90.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $75.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Gallo Family Vineyards Chardonnay Laguna Vineyard 2005
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesSpicy lees, garlic, lanolin, nutty, baked pear and vanilla aromas. Round, dry, crisp, somewhat fat and warm palate. Very nutty, spicy lees, mineral, lime, green apple skin, smoky butter flavours. The finish is somewhat warm and austere with a bitter rind edge. Best with food. Now mature, needs drinking.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $39.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Elephant Hill Viognier 2007
Hawkes Bay, North Island, New ZealandSpicy, ginger, grapefruit, dried apricot, light lees, mineral and green apple aromas. Round, slightly viscous and fresh palate with a touch of sweetness. Green apple, grapefruit, butter, honey, apricot, pear and tinned lychee flavours. A touch rind-y on the finish but has good concentration and balance for food. Well done.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Francis Ford Coppola Presents Director's Cut Chardonnay 2007
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesButter, pear, citrus, baked green apple, flora, perfumed, nettle aromas. Round, fresh, elegant palate with pear skin, butter, canned grapefruit, spicy lees and herbal flavours. Finish is dry and a bit warm with some buttered popcorn. Elegant, consumer style for lighter seafood.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $36.00 | 750ml |
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13 April 2009
91PTS
E. Guigal Côte Rôtie Brune et Blonde de Guigal 2005
Côte Rôtie, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceLove the rich peppery intellectual nose of bright red fruits and spice. The entry is dense yet silky with incredible fruit power mixed with liquorice, pepper, black cherries mineral notes with bits of mocha and blueberries. Complex long sexy finish. Plenty of life to live here. Cellar seven to ten years.Prices:| BC | $83.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
E. Guigal Saint-Joseph Vignes de l'Hospice 2005
Saint Joseph, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceVin de L' Hospice is a big step up from the regular Saint Joseph sp much more intense and with very fine concentration. Big spicy black fruit with bits of roasted meat and animal with spice, mineral and floral notes everywhere. The wine spends 13 months in 100 per cent new French oak seemingly easy to absorb in this n=benchmark vintage. A super rich wine that sets a new standard for me with Saint-Joseph.Prices:| BC | $110.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
E.Guigal Hermitage 2003
Hermitage, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FrancePhilippe Guigal uses 50 per cent new oak with 50 per cent one-year-old wood. Look for a huge vanilla nose overtop of some rich plummy fruit. This is a classical vintage with big structure and phenolics but a reasonable 13 per cent alcohol. The crop size was only 60 per cent of normal leading to dense concentrated fruit flavours with smoke and liquorice undercurrents and touch of smoked meat. Fine bright fresh mineral finish. Needs time but will be a great bottle.Prices:| BC | $110.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
E. Guigal Saint Joseph 2005
Saint Joseph, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceMade from 100 per cent syrah fruit, both owned and purchased, from vines that are 20 to 50 years old grown over limestone, sand and pebbles. The wine is aged 16 months in second year oak. The nose is open and rich with an intense red fruit nose. The palate is bright with firm acidity and mineral floral notes. The fruit mixes raspberry and earth notes into along dry savoury finish. Philippe Guigal is passionate about St. Joseph and is determined to make something of the this under recognised appellation.Prices:| BC | $39.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
E.Guigal Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2004
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceThe '04 is charming vintage and you sense it right away on the nose. There is a welcoming warm mineral stony aromatic aroma that pervades what is essentially an approachable fleshy red with peppery spicy fruit flecked with licorice, smoked meats and red fruits. The mix is 80/10/5/5/ grenache/syrah/mourvèdre and other red varietals. A slightly rustic, pleasing, ready-to-drink red.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $44.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $50.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $45.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
E. Guigal Gigondas 2005
Crozes Hermitage, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceThe '05 is deeply coloured. The blend a 60/30/10 grenache/mourvedre/syrah mix. The nose is a savoury mix of minerals, dried herbs and smoky black fruit. There is spice throughout this medium weight red with a slightly rustic earthy finish. The perfect roasted chicken wine.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône 2005
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceThe CdR may not be the flagship wine at Guigal but it's the money-maker. The 50/50 blend of syrah/grenache comes in a full-bodied package. Winemaker Philippe Guigal is really trying to fine tune this stylish red that mixes dry red floral fruit with pepper, smoked meat and just a hint of chocolate. It finishes long with both power and soft tannins. Definitely pricey but from an excellent vintage. Think grilled meat entrees.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
E. Guigal Condrieu La Doriane 2007
Condrieu, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceLa Doriane is aged in 100 per cent new French oak yet the bouquet is as intense and bright as any thanks to its three vineyard blend that brings power structure and finesse. Look for an expressive tasted oak nose with bits of orange cinnamon and tangerine. Its persistent flavours are a rich, mix of white peaches, apricots with a nutty undertone. A seductive style of viognier you can drink now or hold for five to seven years.Prices:| BC | $110.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $93.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
E. Guigal Condrieu 2007
Condrieu, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceLovely open, floral, mineral nose with an exotic note in the back end. This is an elegant totally dry viognier that isn't covered up with oak and make-up. The palate is rich and dry yet awash in apricot and peach flavours that the steep hillside fruit delivers. Only one third of the wine sees one third new French oak sp it stays fresh. Guigal takes his position in Condrieu seriously because he bottles 40 per cent of the entire production. Fine quality.Prices:| BC | $63.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $53.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2007
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceA bright straw yellow colour suggest this wine is not your regular southern Rhone white and the addition of 50 per cent viognier seals the deal. The entry is broad but fresh with a delicious bright citrus herbal and mineral flavouring perhaps reflecting the rest of the blend containing roussanne, marsanne, clairette, and bourboulenc. A great wine for seafood, veal and chicken dish.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Township 7 Merlot 2006
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaEspresso, resin, peppery, rooty, cedar, stewed cherry, cologne, barnyard, wet tobacco aromas. Dry, tart, somewhat lean palate with cedar-y tannins. Peppery, coffee, vanilla, resin, rooty, sour cherry, tobacco leaf, stewed tomato flavours. Tart and unbalanced finish with some tannins to shed.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Second Crossing Pinot Gris - Chardonnay 2007
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaButtery, nutty, leesy, citrus, apple skin, matchstick, melon aromas. Fat, round, easy palate with an oily texture. Garlic lees, nutty, herbal, melon, buttery, citrus, baked pear flavours. Basic white.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Second Crossing Merlot 2007
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGreen tobacco leaf, smoky, peppery, olive, resin, cedar aromas. Soft, round, smooth, slightly sweet palate with resin, smoky, oaky, coffee, bitter chocolate, cooked olive and tobacco leaf flavours. Warm, smoky sweet and sour finish. Suave and green.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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81PTS
Twisted Tree Tempranillo 2007
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMeaty, savoury, barnyard, toasty oak, cedar, tobacco, rubbery aromas. Dry, tight, round, somewhat lean palate with rubbery, meaty, barnyard, tobacco, smoky oak, resiny, olive flavours. Somewhat tart, hot and unripe and stewed.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Platinum Series Cabernet Franc 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCranberry, tobacco leaf, stewed tomato, smoky green olive, resin, herbal aromas. Dry, round, somewhat tight palate with light, cedar-y tannins. Soy, wet tobacco leaf, earthy, olive, resin, sour cherry, bitter green herbal and smoke flavours. Not much extract here but lots of green stuff.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Platinum Series Baco Noir 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHerbal, peppery, resin, green tobacco, meaty, smoky, wet earth aromas. Dry, tart, round palate with iodine, sour cherry, peppery, roasted tomato, tobacco, herbal, resin, cranberry flavours. Somewhat tannic, stewed tea finish.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Blasted Church Revered Series Malbec Shiraz 2007
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMeaty, barnyard, cherry jam, olive, tobacco leaf, spicy, peppery, coffee, malty, dried herb aromas. Dry, round, fresh palate with light tannins but somewhat lean. Peppery, herbal, smoky, resin, dried herbs, coffee, cranberry, cherry, tobacco leaf, green olive flavours. Finish is quite oaky and warm with a saddle leather and wet earth note. Best to decant for 20 minutes.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Wild Goose Autumn Gold 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig spicy, ginger, nectarine skin, green apple, floral aromas. Fresh, crisp, elegant, slightly sweet palate with green apple, nectarine, minty, floral, pear skin, citrus flavours. Good solid summer sipper or try with Chinese food. Fun to drink and not too sweet. Getting pricey.Prices:| BC | $18.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Wild Goose Merlot Reserve 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, cedar, tobacco leaf, rooty, cologne, black olive, resin, earthy nose. Round, smooth, supple palate with earthy, tobacco, resin, herbal, coffee, spicy, cedar bark, rooty, black cherry and vanilla flavours. Warm and herbal on the finish.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Wild Goose Merlot 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, gamey, savoury, barnyard, tobacco leaf, resin, cedar bark aromas. Dry, round, full, slightly tannic palate with cedar bark, resin, licorice, rooty, coffee, tobacco leaf, sour cherry flavours. Warm, tart finish with cedar-y tannins. On the green side.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Mt. Boucherie Summit Reserve Merlot 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, dill, green olive brine, tobacco leaf, chocolate aromas. Dry, fresh, supple palate with coffee, spicy, dill, tobacco leaf, green olives, resin, herbal flavours. Finish is warm and tart and a bit soupy. Lacks ripeness could be an Okanagan theme.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Torres Gran Coronas Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainWith 15% tempranillo thrown in the nose is full of tobacco leaf, herbal, black olive, cassis, meaty, leather, coffee aromas with a touch of black cherry and smoke. The palate is fresh with light, chalky tannins. Black olive, peppery, spicy, cherry, tobacco leaf, dried herb, chocolate, barnyard and leather flavours. Finish is a bit tart and tight but will go well with grilled steak.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| US | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
M. Chapoutier Rasteau Côtes du Rhône Villages 2006
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceMeaty, peppery, rooty, resin, barnyard, black cherry aromas. Ripe, round, smooth and warm palate with black cherry jam, licorice root, resin, smoky, spicy, savoury flavours. Good fruit and some structure to go with roast lamb.Prices:| BC | $18.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
M. Chapoutier Belleruche Côtes du Rhône Rouge 2006
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceMeaty, peppery, floral, licorice root, resin, cedar aromas. Dry, tart, round palate with cedar, earthy, peppery, resin, smoky, meaty flavours. Warm, dry, lean and slightly bitter finish. Simple Rhone red.Prices:| BC | $18.49 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Township 7 Merlot 2005
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCorked, try anotherPrices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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12 April 2009
85PTS
The Bishop of Riesling 2007
Mosel, GermanyThe Bishop is a very consistent drop of wine that is easy to like given its attractive baked green apple and citrus nose. Always afresh and touch off-dry it makes for an elegant appetizer-style white or something you can serve with spicy dinner dishes. It's also fine solo on the deck. Good value.Prices:| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Argento Reserva Malbec 2008
Mendoza, ArgentinaArgento is a friendly, fruit-driven style of malbec with an intense black cherry/plum nose. The flavours are similar with bits of chocolate and liquorice and just a touch of acidity poking through the back end. Solid, everyday Argentine red at a reasonable price that i sbest served with hamburgers or other grilled meats.Prices:| MB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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11 April 2009
83PTS
The Fort Wine Co. Isle Queen Blackberry 2007
Fraser Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTobacco, sweaty, pruny, horsey, spirity, cooked berry aromas. Round, off dry, slightly tannic palate with cedar, tobacco, leather, cooked berry, pruny, tinned flavours. Lacks blackberry freshness. Somewhat oxidized style like it has been in barrel.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 375ml |
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82PTS
The Fort Wine Co. Sweet Nothings Blueberry 2007
Fraser Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeppery, spicy, minty, earthy, canned blueberry nose but a touch dirty and barnyard. Fat, rich, round, warm palate with lots of sweetness. Barnyard, peppery, spicy, menthol, cooked blueberry and tinned flavours.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 375ml |
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88PTS
The Fort Wine Co. Cold Snap Apples 2007
Fraser Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLots of mineral, spicy, floral, red apple skin aromas. Sweet, fresh, round palate with juicy red apple, mineral, spicy, floral, citrus flavours. Good intensity if a bit flat.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 375ml |
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90PTS
The Fort Wine Co. Finger Fruit Fortified Raspberry 2007
Fraser Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig spicy, minty, raspberry leaf, fresh raspberry and jam aromas. Ripe, fat, somewhat sweet palate with decent acidity, Spicy, minty, tobacco, raspberry jam, clove flavours. Good solid dessert style on a cake or with chocolate.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 375ml |
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87PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Late Harvest Riesling 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSlate, nutty, toasty, green apple skin, mineral, pear aromas with a bit of petrol. Round, elegant, somewhat sweet palate with petrol, nutty, slate, baked green apple, citrus, pear flavours. Solid riesling expression with finesse but fully mature. Drink now.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 375ml |
| AB | $26.00 | 375ml |
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83PTS
Rosemount Diamond Cellars Grenache - Shiraz 2007
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaTobacco, prune, earthy, licorice, meaty, barnyard nose. Warm, round, soft, slightly sweet entry. Cooked cherry, spicy, peppery, pruny, tobacco flavours with a slightly tart finish. Basic barbecue red.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $15.29 | 750ml |
| NF | $15.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Rosemount Diamond Cellars Shiraz Cabernet 2007
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaSpicy, peppery, blueberry jam, black cherry, licorice, meaty nose. Ripe, round, fresh palate with light tannins and a touch of sweetness. Cooked blueberry, black berry, tobacco, cedar, rooty, pruny flavours with a warm, tart finish.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $15.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $16.50 | 750ml |
| NB | $15.25 | 750ml |
| NF | $14.50 | 750ml |
| PEI | $16.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Altrea Old Soul Red Wine 2004
Mendocino County, California, United StatesBig floral, blueberry jam, blackberry, licorice, spicy, clove, iodine, peppery aromas. Rich, round, supple, soft palate with chewy, rustic tannins. Warm, full palate with pruny, cooked berry, blueberry, peppery, licorice, root, tobacco, resin flavours. Big warm, rustic finish but has good fruit. Needs ribs or pizza.Prices:| US | $23.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Township 7 Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLeesy, artichoke, garlic, lemon oil, hay aromas. Round, soft, flabby palate with a touch of sweetness. Grassy, herbal, nettle, canned artichoke flavours. Basic white, short finish.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Mo Salinas Monastrell 2006
Alicante, Valencia and Murcia, SpainSpicy, meaty, peppery, smoky, earthy, blackberry, resin aromas. Dry, rich, round, slightly tannic palate with meaty, chocolate, tobacco, earthy, black berry, pruny, leather flavours. A bit old style and rustic.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mission Hill Vidal Ice Wine Reserve 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMarmalade, buttery, mineral, nalgene, baked apple skin aromas with a touch of dried apricot. Ripe, rich, round, elegant palate with balanced acidity and sweetness. Cooked apple, nalgene, mineral, apricot skin, orange peel flavours. Solid, balanced but a bit mature.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $50.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Forbidden Fruit Winery Crush Innocence White Peach Dessert Wine 2007
British Columbia, CanadaCanned peach, spicy, mineral nose. Sweet, soft, round palate with similar flavours. It is a bit too fat and warm with a slightly bitter, cooked peach skin finish to really impress.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Forbidden Fruit Winery Pomme Desiree iced Apple Dessert Wine 2007
British Columbia, CanadaCanned apple, mineral, nalgene, floral, minty aromas. Sweet, rich, round, slightly soft palate with spicy, cooked red apple, mineral, minty flavours. Good intensity if not quite fresh enough in fruit character.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 375ml |
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86PTS
Forbidden Fruit Winery Caught Apricot Mistelle NV
British Columbia, CanadaBig floral, spicy, apricot skin, dried apricot, liqueur like nose. Sweet, round, warm palate with spicy, floral, cooked apricot skin, sweaty, minty flavours with a touch of heat and bitterness on the finish. Dessert style.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 375ml |
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88PTS
Forbidden Fruit Winery Impearfection Fortified Asian Pear Wine 2007
British Columbia, CanadaFloral, lemon oil, cooked pear, nutty, mineral aromas. Fresh, crisp, round palate with a slightly sweet palate. Spicy, cooked pear, floral, lemon skin, mineral flavours. Finish is a touch bitter and nutty but very solid.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 375ml |
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81PTS
Forbidden Fruit Winery Ice Lady Mistelle Fortified Apple Wine NV
British Columbia, CanadaButter, spicy, cooked apple, minty, mineral, tin aromas. Sweet, fat, round, warm palate with caramel, plastic sheet, cooked apple, spicy, herbal flavours. Baked, hot, bitter sweet finish. Odd and cloying.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 375ml |
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88PTS
Forbidden Fruit Winery Cerise d'Eve Cherry Port 2007
British Columbia, CanadaMinty, spicy, tobacco leaf, cedar, cooked cherry nose. Rich, round, somewhat sweet palate with cedar, tobacco, cherry jam, licorice root, and menthol flavours. Good intensity but very unusual.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 375ml |
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83PTS
Forbidden Fruit Winery Cherysh Cherry Rosé 2008
British Columbia, CanadaLight orange, cherry colour. The nose is a bit like oxidized, canned cherry with a spicy, minty note. Round, light, easy palate in an off dry style. Canned cherry, mineral, slightly herbal flavours. Simple but not quite clean fruit expression.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Forbidden Fruit Winery Pearsuasion 2007
British Columbia, CanadaButtery, nutty, floral with a touch of cooked pear. Dry, round, slightly flat entry with similar flavours. Unique but tough to tell it is pear fruit. Finish is a bit bitter and tired.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Forbidden Fruit Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2007
British Columbia, CanadaFloral, grapefruit rind, melon rind, slightly grassy nose. Round, soft, slightly flabby palate with grassy, lime rind, grapefruit skin, nettle flavours. Simple, easy style but clean.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Forbidden Fruit Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
British Columbia, CanadaCoffee, tobacco leaf, green olive, herbal, cedar bark, resiny aromas. Dry, round, supple, easy palate with very light tannins. Smoky coffee, resin, herbal, tobacco leaf, green olive, stewed green tea flavours. Your basic, greener style cab.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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10 April 2009
85PTS
Saxenburg Guinea Fowl Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2005
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaTypically SA with its smoky meaty nose with bits of shoe leather (Brett) and plums. On the palate the wine is fresh with acidity and smoky, resiny, meaty, black fruit flavours with a dusting of scorched earth and youthful tannins. Rustic at best and not for the timid.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Signorello Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Napa Valley, California, United StatesThe long relatively cool growing season that was 2005 in Napa produced wines lower in alcohol and higher in acidity, in short more elegant, more interesting and capable of holding your attention for an entire bottle. Add that to the winemaking philosophy at Signorello and you have a fabulous cabernet. From the moment you smell the bouquet you are drawn to this very special bottle. The wineries 18 years old vines have clicked into overdrive and the wine shows it. Polished black fruit with specks of vanilla and spice captivate the nose and palate along with a vibrancy and tension that is rare in Napa. Love the finesse here, the tannin management the fruit and the acidity. One beautiful bottle for the price and this will only improve over the next decade.Prices:| BC | $70.00 | 750ml |
| US | $40.00 | 750ml |
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09 April 2009
88PTS
The Winery of Good Hope Chenin Blanc 2008
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaOld bush vines in the Helderberg area of Stellenbosch are responsible for this delightfully fresh and juicy chenin. Mineral based, decomposed granite soils are the secret here. No wood but lees stirring keeps it all interesting. If pears, limes and bright acidity appeal to you for summer this is the wine to drink.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
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80PTS
KWV Roodeberg 2006
Western Cape, South AfricaMuch like the previous version and it suggest the red Roodeberg really needs an upgrade. Too much of that smoky burnt rubber character to enjoy much else. There a new regime at KWV and I expect this style of red wine will be banished immediately under the new chief winemaker Richard Rowe.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.55 | 750ml |
| SK | $15.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.59 | 750ml |
| NS | $15.85 | 750ml |
| NB | $14.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.79 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Catamongst the Pigeons Cat Walk Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaTobacco leaf, black olive, cassis, meaty, spicy aromas. Soft, round, supple, slightly sweet entry with cassis, smoky, olive, tobacco, meaty, vanilla, coffee flavours. Finish is slightly tart, hot and astringent. Needs a big grill meat dish to tame the acidty.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Mt. Boucherie Summit Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, roasted bell pepper, tobacco leaf, herbal, resin aromas. Dry, supple, round palate with smoky, resiny, tobacco, earthy, espresso, dill brine, bell pepper, nettle flavours. Finish is oaky, bitter and tart.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Gemtree Vineyards Tatty Road Cabernet Sauvignon Petit Verdot Merlot Cabernet Franc 2006
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaIodine, smoky, herbal, black cherry, peppery, coffee, black olive and floral notes. Soft, round, moderately dry and fresh palate with light tannins. Coffee, black olive, riparian, cassis, tobacco leaf, green olive, mineral, black tea flavours. Finish is a bit rustic, tart and astringent. Best with a grilled steak.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
J. Bookwalter Protagonist 2006
Red Mountain, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesTobacco, meaty, peppery, spicy, cherry jam, dried herbs, floral, cedar, licorice root and vanilla aromas. Soft, round, supple palate with smooth tannins. Vanilla, Christmas cake, coffee, peppery, blackberry, peppery, spicy, herbal, cedar flavours with a tobacco and game finish. A bit warm and youthful will be good with lamb or keep for 2-3 years.Prices:| US | $45.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Snoqualmie Naked Riesling 2007
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesFloral, citrus peel, baked apple, peach skin aromas. Fresh, crispy acidity but has a fair bit of residual giving a sweet and sour palate with baked apple, citrus, slate, honey, pineapple flavours. Solid summer patio wine.Prices:| US | $12.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Chateau Ste. Michelle Meritage Red 2005
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesRich peppery, spicy, floral cassis aromas with tobacco leaf, light bell pepper, barnyard, saddle leather, coffee, vanilla notes. Rich, smooth, supple, soft palate with light, grainy tannins. Big vanilla, cedar, tobacco, coffee, peppery, earthy, cassis, black cherry, mineral, licorice root flavours. Good intensity, still showing a lot of oak. Needs 2-4 years or try with a rib eye steak.Prices:| US | $55.00 | 750ml |
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08 April 2009
90PTS
Beringer Chardonnay Private Reserve 2006
Napa Valley, California, United StatesLight lees, vanilla, green apple, orange, guava, nutty, honey aromas. Dry, rich, round, slightly fat palate but well balanced. Nutty lees, baked green apple, vanilla, spicy, guava, butterscotch flavours. A touch hot on the finish but with fine finesse.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
| US | $35.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $45.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $43.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
B.R.Cohn Chardonnay 2007
Sonoma County, California, United StatesGreen apple skin, floral, nectarine, mineral, light lees aromas. Round, elegant style that is just off dry. Butter, green apple, vanilla, pear, citrus flavours on the palate. The finish is a touch warm and soft but has good finesse for current drinking. A slightly cooler style.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
JoieFarm Rosé 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGrapefruit rind, spicy, tobacco leaf, quinine, strawberry, herb aromas. Sweet, fresh, round, slightly tart and rind-y palate with grapefruit rind, tobacco, earthy, leafy, mineral, raspberry leaf flavours. Awkward.Prices:| BC | $18.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Forbidden Fruit Winery Plumiscuous Plum Mistelle 2008
British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, floral, cooked strawberry, plum aromas. Fresh, tart, somewhat sweet but balanced. Citrus, spicy, peppery, mineral, canned plum, strawberry flavours. Very tart, warm finish but has good fruit characters to have with dessert.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 375ml |
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87PTS
Quails' Gate Tawny Non Vintage NV
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery rancio, raisiny, maraschino licorice, chocolate, Christmas cake, cedar aromas, very unusual. Somewhat tart, austere palate with medium sweetness and light tannins. Cedar, walnut, tobacco, raisiny, dried cherry, herbal, coffee, candied citrus flavours. Lots of rancio tawny character, perhaps needs a few years yet to soften some tannins.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 375ml |
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85PTS
Quails' Gate Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCoffee, light bell pepper, black olive, smoky, herbal, tobacco leaf, resin, cedar aromas. Dry, round, full, somewhat tannic palate with coffee, smoky resin, peppery, cedar, light bell pepper, black olive, smoked leather, dried herb flavours. Somewhat herbal and oaky, a simple style that needs a year or two to soften the stewed tea tannins.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Quails' Gate O.V.F. Reserve Old Vines Foch 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky oak, coffee, roasted tomato, tobacco leaf, peppery, stewed plum, saddle leather, resin aromas with a touch of dried cherry. Rich, ripe, smooth, round palate with dried herbs, smoky coffee, resin, vanilla, roasted tomato, peppery, blackberry and olive flavours. Good textures but very oaky and a bit green.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Quails' Gate Old Vines Foch 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig barnyard, tobacco, cooked tomato, meaty, Bandaid, herbal, toasted coffee nose. Rich, round, dry, supple palate with coffee, blueberry, resin, tobacco leaf, roasted tomato, vanilla, dried herb flavours. Palate is better than the nose but still somewhat green.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.99 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Big Red Shiraz 2007
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaPeppery, cologne, meaty, pruny, dried rosemary aromas. Dry, slightly tart, somewhat lean palate with cooked plum, meaty, peppery, dried herb flavours. Basic red.Prices:| MB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Cookoothama Shiraz 2007
Murray - Darling, AustraliaPeppery, herbal, smoky, resin, menthol, rubbery, sausage meat aromas. Tart, slightly lean and tannic palate with bitter chocolate, herbal, menthol, tobacco, sour cherry, coffee, vanilla flavours. Finish is a bit bitter and tannic.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Cookoothama Chardonnay 2007
Murray - Darling, AustraliaGrapefruit rind, buttery, leesy, cooked peach aromas. Sweet, round, commercial style with mineral, citrus, buttered popcorn, leesy flavours. Very leesy, buttery diacetyl finish.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $17.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $21.00 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Gallo Family Vineyards White Zinfandel 2007
California, United StatesCandied apple, strawberry, floral aromas. Sweet, round, tart, somewhat cloying palate with candied strawberry, apple and sweet citrus.Prices:| BC | $7.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.69 | 750ml |
| MB | $8.49 | 750ml |
| NS | $10.21 | 750ml |
| NB | $10.21 | 750ml |
| PEI | $10.21 | 750ml |
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82PTS
J. J. McWilliam's Cabernet Merlot 2006
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaHerbal, spicy, candied cherry, menthol, tobacco, cologne aromas. Soft, round, slightly sweet and tannic with herbal, rooty, resin, tobacco, peppery flavours.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $10.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.05 | 750ml |
| NS | $11.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
McWilliam's Hanwood Merlot 2007
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaMenthol, tobacco, black olive, herbal, resin aromas with a touch of cherry. Soft, round, slightly sweet and tannic palate with tobacco, herbal, menthol, cherry, licorice and coffee flavours. Basic, easy red.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
McWilliam's Hanwood Chardonnay 2006
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaButter, baked apple, cream, peach skin, light citrus nose. Fresh, round, elegant, easy style with just a touch of sweetness. Baked green apple, butter, popcorn, grapefruit, peach flavours. Simple, fresh, easy going style.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $14.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $14.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Heartland Stickleback Red 2006
South Australia, AustraliaTobacco leaf, herbal, peppery, black olive, floral, rooty aromas. Fresh, round, slightly tannic palate with blueberry, tobacco, black olive, menthol, brine and herb flavours. A bit tart and warm but fine for the barbecue with the blueberry fruit at the end.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $14.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
La Bastide (Rouge) 2007
l'Hérault, Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceSpicy, meaty, peppery, black raspberry, rooty, tobacco aromas. Round, dry, somewhat lean palate but elegant with meaty, peppery, black cherry, resin, licorice, mineral, dried herb flavours. Solid value and a decent food wine for the barbecue and pasta.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Estampa Estate Malbec Petite Syrah 2007
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileBright boysenberry, floral, licorice root, peppery, plum aromas. Ripe, round, dry, supple palate with light tannins. Big black cherry, boysenberry, chocolate, peppery, licorice flavours. A bit warm and rustic but very good fruit and good value.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Estampa Syrah Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileCorked and oxidized, try another.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Estampa Reserve Assemblage Sauvignon Blanc Chardonnay Viognier 2006
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileGooseberry, passion fruit, grassy, honey, nettle aromas. Dry, round, elegant and slightly austere palate with nettle, passion fruit, grapefruit rind, honey, chalky flavours. Crisp, dry finish to go well with shellfish.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Estampa Reserve Assemblage Syrah Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2005
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileSpicy, tobacco, cassis, black olive, meaty, pruny, blackberry jam aromas. Full, dense, round, supple palate but a bit chunky. Chocolate, cassis, coffee, licorice, peppery, prune plum, dried herbs and tobacco flavours. Rich and warm with lots of extract for the money.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Estampa Rosé Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah 2007
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileVery pale orange pink. Spicy, floral, peppery, wild strawberry nose. Fresh, round, elegant palate with a touch of sweetness. Earthy, peppery, tobacco, raspberry flavours. Simple, easy, food style.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Estampa Syrah Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileTobacco leaf, spicy, sappy cassis, dill, black olive, blackberry aromas. Dry, rich, round, supple palate with light tannins. Coffee, peppery, rooty, tobacco, blackberry, licorice, spicy meat flavours. Good intensity if a tad warm. Solid value here for barbecue steak.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon Indian Wells Vineyard 2005
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesLiquorice peppery, meaty, cassis, tobacco, saddle leather, vanilla, cedar aromas. Ripe, round, elegant but dry palate with some grainy tannins to shed. Coffee, black berry, cassis, cedar, tobacco leaf, black olive, earthy, spicy vanilla flavours. Good solid cabernet that needs a few more years to round out.Prices:| US | $18.00 | 750ml |
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07 April 2009
88PTS
Le Vieux Pin Apogée Merlot 2006
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeppery, tobacco, cedar, light barnyard, black cherry, coffee, vanilla, soupy, Oxo-cube aromas. Rich, round, full bodied style with very dry, somewhat hard tannins. Big coffee, vanilla, toasty oak, tobacco, cedar, plum, black cherry, herbal, smoky flavours. Good intensity but somewhat hot with very dry tannins. Needs 2-5 years to soften but not sure about the fruit.Prices:| BC | $65.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Quails' Gate Merlot Limited Release 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, vanilla, tobacco leaf, licorice root, savoury, black cherry aromas with a touch of barnyard. Fresh, round, dry, slightly tart but juicy palate with light tannins. Cedar bark, dark cherry, coffee, smoky oak vanilla, tobacco leaf, slightly herbal and dill flavours. Finish is dry and somewhat tart with a salty, tobacco leaf edge.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $19.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Stag's Hollow Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSappy cassis, tobacco leaf, pine, green olive, cooked bell pepper, meaty, vanilla aromas. Dry, round, elegant palate with grainy tannins but somewhat tart. Tart cassis, peppery, herbal, tobacco, smoky vanilla, coffee flavours. Finish is somewhat thin and a bit too tart.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
LaStella Allegretto Merlot 2006
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTobacco leaf, Oxo-cube, prune, meaty, mercaptan, sweaty saddle leather, coffee aromas. Dry, round, elegant palate with some grainy tannins. Very gamey, meaty, tobacco, resin, coffee, vanilla, barnyard, leather, dill, coriander flavours. Decent finesse but some dry tannins to shed.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Le Vieux Pin Époque Merlot Organic 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBarnyard, coffee, tobacco, stewed prune plum, cedar, iodine aromas. Dry, round, supple but slightly tight palate with some grainy tannins. Cedar bark, herbal, mineral, black cherry, coffee, tobacco, vanilla, meaty, slightly stemmy flavours. Tart, somewhat lean finish, lacks mid-palate concentration.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Le Coq Rue No 5 Merlot (Organic) 2005
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBlack cherry, light barnyard, cedar bark, tobacco leaf, herbal aromas. Dry, thin, light, tart palate with cedary tannins. Flavours are green cedar, tobacco leaf, herbal, sour cherry. Lean and unbalanced.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
J. Bookwalter Foreshadow Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesBig coffee, smoky, toasted oak, mocha, meaty, tobacco, barnyard, cedar aromas. Rich, round, full bodied palate with supple tannins. Cedar, tobacco, coffee, mocha, peppery, vanilla, smoky herb, black cherry flavours. Warm, very oaky style.Prices:| BC | $46.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Gemtree Vineyards Uncut Shiraz 2007
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaSomewhat reduced nose with black cherry, smoky, bacon, rooty, tobacco, leather aromas. Soft, round, easy going style with smoky, black berry, liquorice, light vanilla and coffee flavours with a bit of tobacco. Finish is tart with a bit of overripe fruit notes.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Col Solare Red Table Wine 2005
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThe latest Col Solare is a 71/25/4 mix of cabernet sauvignon/merlot/cabernet franc. Look for a quiet almost Euro nose of black cherry, berry and black cherry jam with bits of coffee, pepper, liquorice and vanilla. Dry, rich, somewhat tight palate with grainy tannins and good acidity. Cassis, black cherry, floral coffee flavours flecked with vanilla, clove, cedar, tobacco, dried herbs, pepper and mineral notes round out the wine. It is a tad warm on the finish but has good acidity and fruit intensity with fine aromatics. Needs 3-5 years to fully soften.Prices:| QC | $80.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $89.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $97.00 | 750ml |
| US | $95.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Peller Estates Malbec Cabernet Proprietor's Reserve Selection NV
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCherry, stewed rhubarb, tobacco leaf, herbal aromas. Simple, soft, round, slightly sweet and tart entry with tobacco leaf, sour cherry, herbal, green olive flavours.Prices:| BC | $9.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Copper Moon Sauvignon Blanc Moonlight Harvest NV
Cooked grapefruit, tobacco, pine sol, herbal aromas. Round, somewhat sweet and sour palate with canned grapefruit, mineral, lemon, herbal, cedar flavours. Basic summer style.Prices:| BC | $8.60 | 750ml |
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06 April 2009
87PTS
Pascual Toso Malbec 2008
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaConsistently well made is the story of Toso. Always rich and savoury it offers plenty of liquorice and sweet black fruit up front and a warm, minty, peppery, smooth back end. A crowd pleaser without a lot of complexity but plenty of long showy fruit. Steaks anyone. Great barbecue or party red.Prices:| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Baglio di Pianetto Syrah 2007
Sicily, ItalySpicy, peppery, meaty, rooty, cola, dried herbs and chocolate aromas with a touch of leather and black cherry. Round, warm, supple, full palate with soft tannins and fresh acidity. Black cherry, peppery, meaty, chocolate, rooty, smoky herb and plum flavours. Finish is long but somewhat warm and tart. Good solid meat wine or for the barbeque.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Baglio di Pianetto Insolia 2007
Sicily, ItalyAlmond, lemon, quince, pear, butter aromas with a touch of anise. Round, soft, elegant and fresh palate with lemon, mineral, chalky, quince, buttery pear skin flavours. A solid seafood wine with succulent acidity on the finish.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Torres Sangre de Toro 2006
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainThe latest edition under screwcap is better balance with no reductive characters. Look for a spicy nose of dark plums and earth with meaty, earthy, cherry orange peel flavours. Solid rustic style red that Torres suggest goes well with stews, game and mushroom dishes. Good value.Prices:| BC | $12.30 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.50 | 750ml |
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05 April 2009
88PTS
Etude Pinot Noir 2006
Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United StatesBlack cherry jam, smoky, licorice, tobacco, clove, spicy nose. Ripe, round, smooth, warm palate with light tannins. Smoky vanilla, spicy, black cherry kirsch, tobacco, saddle leather, herbal, clove flavours. Very ripe, warm style with some youthful oak and tea tannins showing.Prices:| AB | $30.00 | 375ml |
| QC | $50.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $60.00 | 750ml |
| US | $40.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Taz Goat Rock Syrah 2006
Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesVery ripe, open nose with blackberry, boysenberry, black licorice, saddle leather, tobacco, spicy, peppery, rooty aromas. Dry, round, elegant, slightly lean and tannic entry. Spicy, vanilla, coffee, black berry, licorice root, smoky, tobacco, meaty, chocolate flavours. Youthful with young tannins to shed but has some finesse. Try in 2-4 years.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bollini Chardonnay Barricato 40 2006
Trentino- Alto-Adige, ItalyThe Bollini brand is a stylish Italian set of wines under the direction of maestro Neil Empson and his artistically talented wife Maria. Only 40 per cent of this wine is barrel fermented to add some mid-palate texture and weight while the rest remains fresh and lively - hence the name "Barricato 40". Built for food this peach and mineral flavoured white would be great with roasted chicken, veal Marsala, lobster and or crab. Screwcap fresh.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.75 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Cortello Vinho Tinta 2006
Lisboa, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalSmoky, saddle leather, peppery, tobacco, sausage aromas. Dry, fresh, round palate with light grainy tannins. Peppery, spicy, black olive, smoky, sausage meat, licorice, black cherry, leather flavours. Rustic but has good balance, try with grilled lamb.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Casa de Campo Eco Malbec 2008
ArgentinaSpicy, floral, savoury, tobacco, cherry, sausage, licorice aromas. Soft, round, supple palate with light tannins. Tobacco, cherry, savoury, spicy, mineral, Oxo-cube, herbal, orange peel flavours. Finish is a bit tart has decent balance for food. Made from organic grapes.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Casa de Campo Malbec 2007
ArgentinaTobacco, savoury, plum, ash, roasted mushroom, meaty aromas. Dry, round, supple palate with fresh acidity. Cherry, blueberry, coffee, peppery, savoury, orange peel, resin, tobacco flavours. Very solid if a bit tart but has good stuffing for grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Castillo de Monséran Viura 2006
Cariñena, Aragon, SpainLast year I suggested, when made correctly, Viura could be the poor man's albariño. In fact this '06 albarino-like white is fresher and brighter and slightly more exotic than last years. Love the orange, melon and pear fruit on the mid-palate and the delicious acidity that brightens up the rear end. Simply a delightful summer sipper that works well with simple fish dishes or with light tapas. Great value. who knows how good this could be under screwcap. Lose the cork, please.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Fortius Valcarlos Navarra 2006
Navarra and Basque Country, SpainMeaty, peppery, saddle leather, tobacco, rooty, cedar, savoury aromas. Dry, full, somewhat rustic palate with tobacco, herbal, riparian, vanilla, cedar, sausage meat, smoky flavours. Finish is chunky, dry and a bit tart. Needs food. A barbecue wine.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Gemtree Vineyards Citrine Chardonnay 2007
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaMade with lively fruit oak in the background. Clean lemony, vibrant fruit with good acid. It's a chardonnay you are not supposed to recognise. The alcohol is in check but it is still clearly Oz style finishing with a creamy, buttery aftertaste. Its big rich citrus aftertaste could be interesting with Dungeness crab. Ready to drink now.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Ex Nihilo Merlot 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBlack olive, dill, tobacco leaf, herbal, coffee, vanilla aromas. Dry, full, round palate with light cedar-y tannins. Peppery, coffee, rooty, smoky, herbal, olive, cedar, cherry jam and vanilla flavours. Finish is somewhat warm with black tea tannins, oak and cigar flavours.Prices:| BC | $42.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Northstar Merlot 2005
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesSpicy, clove, cinnamon, black berry, coffee, chocolate, waxy, saddle leather, tobacco aromas. Dry, round, supple, full bodied with some light grainy tannins. Warm with coffee, mocha, vanilla, cedar, vanilla, black cherry, clove, and poultry spice flavours. Warm finish but good acidity if an oaky style.Nortstar is a collaboration between long-time Washington winemaker Gordon Hill and acclaimed California winemaker Jed Steel.Prices:| US | $50.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Columbia Crest Chardonnay Grand Estates 2007
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThe style of most American chardonnays continues to lag behind the current trend to the brighter, fresher style. Columbia Crest falls into this oaky, richer style because it still sells well. Look for a rich open nose of toasted oak and vanilla with creamy buttery fruit, flecked with honey and ripe mango in the finish. It's fairly well balanced and that adds to its appeal.Prices:| US | $12.00 | 750ml |
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81PTS
XOXO Shiraz Cabernet NV
Strong sweet earthy aromas and flavours are the story here. On the palate the flavours continue with leafy black fruit mixed with a sweet, earthy, spicy finish. Soft round black fruit with bits of cigarette ash and earth mix with a strong, herbal, leafy undercurrent. Lacks ripeness and balance.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
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80PTS
XOXO Merlot Cabernet NV
Basic stuff here. Soft round black fruit with bits of cigarette ash and earth mix with a strong, herbal, leafy undercurrent that finishes sweet and sour. Very ordinary.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
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81PTS
Copper Moon Shiraz Moonlight Harvest NV
Probably the best of the Copper Moon varietals although that's not saying a lot. Slightly smoother and with better balance but still too green and herbal, (press wine?) for this palate. The finish is sweet and sour.Prices:| BC | $8.60 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Copper Moon Cabernet Sauvignon Mooonlight Harvest NV
Soupy leafy herbal nose. Sweet and sour entry with a touch of volatility and plenty of alcohol poking through. Not very interesting for the average wine enthusiast.Prices:| BC | $8.60 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Copper Moon Chardonnay Moonlight Harvest NV
I've learn to restrain my expectation when I taste this category of imported juice mixed with Canadian juice - and not likely our best or theirs. Marginally chardonnay with a sweet palate and a cloying finish.Prices:| BC | $8.60 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Yalumba Chardonnay Y Series Unwooded 2007
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaRipe bright tropical nose and palate with similarly styled fruit. Bits of red apple, peach and grassy grapefruit with fresh acidity mark the mid-palate and clean finish. Appears to be slightly drier and fresher than the previous version. Simple, well-made style that would work with clams.Prices:| US | $11.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Peller Estates Merlot Peller Family Series 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, tobacco leaf, ash, black cherry, olive aromas. Round, soft, dry palate with tobacco leaf, resin, earthy, spicy, black cherry, olive, coffee flavours. Warm, ash and espresso finish.Prices:| BC | $14.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $12.50 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Calona Vineyards Artist Series Cabernet Merlot 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSoft sweet nose flecked with bits of leaf and black olive aromas. The entry is round, with a soft, sweet round fruit with candied black with vanilla and smoke undertones. Very commercial, introductory red wine style. Simple barbecue red.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Calona Vineyards Merlot Artist Series 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, cherry, rooty, tobacco leaf, spicy, olive aromas. Dry, light, elegant, soft but slightly tart edge. Sour cherry, smoky, coffee, peppery, black olive, tobacco leaf flavours. Simple, easy style that finishes a bit light and tart.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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04 April 2009
94PTS
Stags' Leap Ne Cede Malis Old Block Petite Syrah 2006
Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California, United StatesBig spicy, sausage meat, peppery, black cherry, smoky leather, tobacco, licorice root, mineral aromas. Rich, ripe, round, full palate with smooth tannins if a bit warm. Spicy, peppery, vanilla, coffee, clove, sausage, floral, black cherry jam, mineral, licorice, iodine flavours. Warm and a tad oaky but very good fruit and balance for roast lamb or pork. The blend is old, 80-year old petite syrah, mixed in the same vineyard block with carignane, grenache, syrah, peloursin and mourvèdre. The first reserve was made in 1993 but the first official released did not come out until the 1996 vintage. The Ne Cede Malis moniker appeared in 1997.Prices:| US | $50.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $150.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $61.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Chateau St. Jean Cinq Cépages Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Sonoma County, California, United StatesPeppery, waxy, saddle leather, tobacco, cedar, cassis, iodine, licorice, black olive, resin, vanilla aromas. Dry, elegant, supple, moderately fresh palate with light tannins. Coffee, cedar, tobacco, chocolate, clove, cassis, cherry jam, peppery, spicy, licorice, resin flavours with a meaty, cigar, leather finish. Good complexity and aromatics but youthful with a warm finish. Needs 2-5 years to soften.Prices:| BC | $90.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Souverain Winemaker's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesSpicy, clove, cedar, tobacco, cassis, pencil lead, coffee, vanilla, pudding aromas with an herbal, cooked blackberry edge. Rich, ripe, round, full bodied with grainy, elegant tannins. Vanilla, coffee, chocolate, cedar, clove, black olive, tobacco, cassis jam, blackberry, peppery flavours. A bit warm and ripe but has very good aromatics and complexity. Needs 2-4 years to soften or try with beef steak.Prices:| QC | $60.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Emiliana Etnico Limited Edition Reserva 2007
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileMade from organic grapes. Cedar, herbal, dried dill, thyme, peppery, meaty, tobacco nose with a floral, sappy cassis note. Dry, fresh, round palate with light tannins. Tobacco leaf, sappy cassis, cedar, coffee, peppery, clove flavours. Warm, slightly tannic and fresh finish - best with medium rare beef.Prices:| BC | $13.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
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0PTS
J. Bookwalter Foreshadow Merlot 2005
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesCorked, try another.Prices:| BC | $46.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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81PTS
Red Diamond Merlot 2005
Washington, United StatesSpicy, coffee, chocolate, peppery, tobacco, black olive aroma with a bit of cherry jam and mineral. Round, fresh, sweet entry with light tannins. Coffee, vanilla, bitter olive, resin, tobacco leaf flavours. Far too sweet and cedar-y to be taken seriously. A simple commercial quaffer.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
| US | $9.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Peller Estates Private Reserve Merlot 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBlack olive, tobacco, resin, rooty, meaty, dill, peppery aromas. Round, rich, dry, and slightly tannic with dusty edge. Coffee, smoky, resin, rooty, savoury, poultry spice, black cherry, bitter chocolate flavours. Finish is warm and slightly bitter and edgy.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Tantalus Riesling 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery mineral, lemon, lime, oyster shell, orange blossom, red apple aromas. Very tart entry with some sweetness. Grapefruit rind, lime, mineral, green apple skin, grassy flavours. Finish is warm with crisp acidity that is beginning to soften.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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03 April 2009
88PTS
Domaine Gaujal de Saint Bon Cuvée des Dames Picpoul de Pinet 2005
Coteaux du Languedoc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceThe nose is bright with a mix of grass and melons with a dash of minerality. The attack is rich and broad, in some ways like a rich white Rhone. Bits of orange and spice mark the palate with a touch of lees and more minerality. The finish is long and persistent. Interesting well-made white wine for the curious oenophile.Prices:| US | $11.00 | 750ml |
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01 April 2009
89PTS
CedarCreek Ehrenfelser 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTwo years ago I suggested this wine be bottled and ready to go for May 1 and it happened. This year I asked for a screwcap and it has appeared. The result is a fabulously fresh example of what B.C. aromatic wine can be. Expect a fresh floral, mineral, spicy, orange flavoured white that won't quit on the palate. Just off dry it was made for spicy Indian, Thai and Chinese foods or serve liberally on the patio.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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May 2009