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Tastings: May 2009
27 May 2009
89PTS
Chateau de la Galiniere 2008
Côtes de Provence, Provence, Sud de France, FranceIf you want to know what all the hubbub is about in Provence just crack a bottle of this amazing grenache/syrah rosé with its crisp, fresh, balanced citrus flavours with just a hint of berries. Similarly clean, dry and fresh in the finish and perfectly balanced. Just about any summer classic dish will work here. Bravo.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Quails' Gate Rosé 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTerrific pale pink colour with a bright fresh strawberry/rhubarb nose. The grape is gamay with a dash of pinot gris for extra fruit and lift. The palate is super fresh and bone dry. Crab anyone. Well done.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Miguel Torres Santa Digna Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé 2008
Valle del Curicó, Region del Valle Central, ChileThis cabernet rosé comes with a bit of heft and spice. The nose is fresh the palate bright with big citrus leafy notes mixed with sweetish cran-cherry flavours. A fun patio sipper well-chilled or let it warm up a touch and serve it with a variety of charcuterie and cheese.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Road 13 Honest John's Rosé 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPinot noir with a touch of syrah to super-colour this pink gives us a very fruity raspberry strawberry nose and flavour. The palate is fresh with a bright citrus undercurrent and a dry finish. Very food friendly. A sophisticated look at rosé for food lovers. Serve well chilled.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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25 May 2009
85PTS
Funf Riesling 2008
Rheinhessen, GermanyThere are many ways to look at a wine like Fünf Riesling beginning with what does Fünf mean. Although it sounds like fun, it really means five as in it's five o'clock let's have some fun and drink riesling. Wine snobs will dismiss this bottle out of hand from its frosted white appearance to its crazy name - too much brand not enough wine. Wine lovers however, should give it a chance and you may find the right spot for it and enjoy it for what it is - a fresh, easy-sipping 9 per cent luncheon wine with a bit of residual sugar that can double as a patio icebreaker. Oh and try not to have too much fun at least until five o'clock.Prices:| ON | $9.00 | 750ml |
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24 May 2009
86PTS
Pascual Toso Malbec Rosé 2008
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThis is the full meal rose with big spicy aromatic notes on the nose with bright cherry, watermelon and plum fruits. Look for a smooth sweet entry and warm long fruity finish. The weight and power suggest spicy barbecued meats would be a great match.Prices:| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
St. Hubertus Frizzante Rosé 2008
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaI love the colour (cranberry/pink) and the frizzante aspect but after that the nose is a bit reduced lacking the fruit and freshness you expect in rosé and it pervades its earthy, floral citrus flavours.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Sandhill Rosé Sandhill Estate Vineyard 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis mix of cabernet franc and gamay now under screwcap has a spicy, cherry, cassis and banana nose with a touch of earthiness. The entry is fresh round and soft with candied leafy, resiny fruit flavours. Simple but with a slightly cloying finish.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Hillside Rosé 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHillside blends merlot, syrah and gamay to make its sweet pink. The mostly Naramata Bench wine has a rosé/pink colour and a dark berry nose. The palate is a sweet mix of strawberries and cherries with a smooth finish. Serve well-chilled to keep the sugar fresh. Try with spicy barbecued ribs. Fresh under screwcap.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Hester Creek Cabernet Merlot 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe blend is a mix of franc, merlot and cabernet and like the other introductory reds it comes with herbal notes. The fruit is dark and with bits of cassis with spicy leafy undertones and there are some dry tannins in the finish. It needs a grilled meat entree to take on the dried herbs and minty fruit finish.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Sileni Cellar Selection Cabernet Franc Rosé 2008
Hawkes Bay, North Island, New ZealandSoft fresh ripe and round this is an easy sipping rosé that double on the patio or at the table. Look for a darker red colour a leafy/cabernet franc red berry nose and flavours mixed with creamy sweet fruit flavours and some peppery notes in the finish. Well made if a bit simple.Prices:| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Greata Ranch Rosé 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBright pink orange colour and fresh candied fruit nose. The entry is soft and the style is off-dry. Look for candied pineapple and cherry flavours with bits of citrus and mineral. Clean. Serve well chilled for best results on a warm summer day.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Espelt Coralí Rosé 2008
Empordà, Ampurdain-Costa Brava, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainA carbon copy of last year's Coralí Rosado with its "coral-like" colour. The grape mix is merlot and black grenache and the result are a smooth stylish fresh rosé with an abundance of lemon/citrus fruit characters. Refreshingly dry and clean this has summer salads written all over it. Impressive rosé that deserves wide distribution.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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23 May 2009
86PTS
Masi Modello Rosso delle Venezie 2007
Verona, Veneto, ItalyDecidedly fresh and elegant on the nose this simple red delivers for the price. Expect a lightweight red with floral overtones and red fruit flavours with a dash of earth and pepper. Your classic Margherita pizza red.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $13.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Vinha do Alqueve 2005
Tejo, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalAny red made from trincadeira, tinta roriz, touriga nacional, cabernet sauvignon and touriga franca is okay with me. It is dry, rustic and a bit tart on entry but there is some depth of flavour and weight and I'm sure it would be just fine with hamburgers, ribs or chicken. What is does not have is a lot of heavy oak mucking up the finish. An interesting excursion to the Euro side.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
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22 May 2009
89PTS
Domaine du Clos du Bourg Sauvignon Touraine 2008
Touraine, Loire, FranceA new vintage for the summer should really help this label take off. Love the floral chalky, passion fruit aromas with bits of salt and mineral to enliven the palate. Similar freshness and fruit marks the palate with a chalky mineral, citrus, figgy fruit finish. A less aggressive version of the New Zealand style that is very attractive. Great value.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandOyster Bay generally delivers for its price and it is a great pick on restaurant lists. Look for a super fresh nose and flavours that mix grapefruit, passion fruit and smoke jalapeno notes. Intense but elegant and great with a variety of seafood.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Burgans Albariño Rías Baixas 2007
Rías Baixas, Galicia, SpainNow under screwcap this Albariño clean and as fresh as whistle. Look for a crisp mineral, nectarine skin nose. On the palate it's juicy with creamy, green apple, melon honey notes with a citrus finish. Tailor made for curious white wine drinkers who love seafood.Prices:| BC | $24.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
St. Hallett Poacher's Semillon Sauvignon 2008
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThe Poacher's Blend has evolved over the years to a sémillon sauvignon blanc mix, dropping the riesling colombard and chenin blanc. Look for a zesty grapefruit, green pea, mineral nose with a wisp of residual sugar in its fig, apple, honey, butter flavours and aftertaste. Perfect for spicy Pan Asian food. Good value.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.15 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $15.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.10 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Elephant Hill Pinot Noir 2007
Central Otago, South Island, New ZealandSmoky, black cherry, plum fruit nose with flecks of rhubarb, tea leaves and spice. Tart dark cherry fruit style with soya, tea, rhubarb flavours with a spicy finish. The mouthfeel is a bit light for Otago but it is both smooth and long on the palate. Ready to drink now with food but will hold for three to five years.Prices:| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
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19 May 2009
85PTS
Stork's Tower Tempranillo - Shiraz 2006
Castilla-Leon, SpainMeaty, sausage, tobacco leaf, green bean, caraway, peppery, coffee aromas. Soft, round, slightly sweet entry with light tannins and vibrant acidity. Plum, black cherry, meaty, coffee, cologne, peppery, tobacco leaf flavours with a bit of green herbs and vanilla on the finish. An easy, commercial style for consumers.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Serame Viognier Reserve 2007
Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceLemon oil, pine, citrus, honey, herbal aromas. Round, dry, elegant palate with good viscosity. Honey, orange, mineral, ginger, butter, guava flavours. Nose is a bit odd, (it is cork finished) but the palate is solid. This wine needs a screwcap.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Bridlewood Viognier Reserve 2007
Central Coast, California, United StatesFloral, melon, light honey, butter, canned peach and citrus aromas. Round, full, fat palate with a bit of sweetness. Butter, melon, pineapple, baked pear, honey flavours. A bit fat and sweet but easy consumer style.Prices:| US | $16.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $20.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $20.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Humberto Canale Viognier 2008
Alto Valle del Río Negro, Rio Negro, Patagonia, ArgentinaGinger, stony, light floral, mango, citrus aromas. Soft, round, dry, simple palate with ripe apple, quince, lemon oil, ginger, citrus flavours. Simple, clean style for current drinking. Solid value.Prices:| BC | $9.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Mil Piedras Viognier 2008
Mendoza, ArgentinaLight lees, grassy, citrus, melon, green apple aromas. Dry, tart, somewhat leaner style with grassy, green apple, lees, butter, green melon skin, and honey flavours. Should be fine with food. Good value.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Desert Hills Unoaked Chardonnay 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMuch like last previous version this simple stuff with plenty of green apple character both the skin and the fruit. The entry is dry and slightly tart with bits nectarine skin, more green apple and mint. Clean if a bit sour, un-wooded style chardonnay. Drink now with food.Prices:| BC | $15.90 | 750ml |
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16 May 2009
89PTS
Tinhorn Creek Oldfield's Collection Syrah 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, savoury, peppery, meaty, smoky, tar, leather, dried black cherry, vanilla, coffee aromas. Dry, round, elegant, slightly lean structure but good finesse with some light tannins. Coffee, vanilla, tar, smoky, leather, savoury, tobacco leaf, black olive, sage, black cherry flavours. A bit oaky at this point but has good structure to age a few years.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Yellow Tail Shiraz 2008
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaBig cola, cedar bark, rooty, cologne, pruny, blackberry nose. Soft, round, sweet, candied, fresh acidity palate with tobacco leaf, spicy, chocolate, sour cherry, black olive flavours. Simple warm and tart on the finish. Needs food.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $13.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $14.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Santa Rita Shiraz 120 2007
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileBay leaf, mint, mocha, tobacco leaf, smoky, stewed tomato, cassis, peppery, herbal aromas. Dry, somewhat tannic, tart palate with cedar bark, bay leaf, mint, tobacco leaf, black cherry, coffee bean, stewed prune flavours. Finish is very hot and rustic, best with grilled meat.Prices:| BC | $9.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.28 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.05 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Tinhorn Creek Oldfield Series Syrah 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLiquorice, savoury, smoky, peppery, meaty, sausage, vanilla, cola, black olive tapenade with black cherry and plum notes. Dry, somewhat hard, slightly tannic palate but a bit hollow. Savoury, black olive, vanilla, coffee, tar, meaty, tobacco leaf, herbal, cooked cherry flavours. Very warm finish. Best with food now to tame its dry, herbal notes or cellar through 2012.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tinhorn Creek Oldfield's Collection Syrah 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWhite pepper, vanilla, leather, tobacco, tarry, sausage, meaty, black cherry aromas with a touch of dried herbs. Soft, round, supple, dry palate with coffee, peppery, meaty, sausage, tobacco, leather, savoury, vanilla, pruny, blackberry jam flavours. Very warm finish but has good balance with some black tea tannins at the end. Drink now and over the next few years.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Morning Bay Merlot Stajuhar Vineyard 2004
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaChocolate, prune, earthy, tobacco, barnyard, saddle leather, floral nose but with a strong volatile streak. Round, dry, slightly tart, slightly lean palate with a hot edge. Pruny, resin, smoky, cedar, earthy, leather, volatile flavours. Older, somewhat dirty style.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Terramater Altum Single Vineyard Shiraz Reserve Unfiltered 2006
Isla de Maipo, Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileCoffee, cherry kirsch, shoe leather, minty, bay, barnyard, vanilla, resin, tobacco aromas. Dry, tart, warm, tannic palate, very austere. Tobacco leaf, rooty, cedar bark, smoky saddle leather, coffee, Band-Aid (bretty) flavours. Unbalanced and rustic.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Three Winds Syrah 2007
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceVery spicy, smoked meat, sausage, peppery, savoury, garrigue nose with a touch of tar and black cherry jam. Tight, somewhat tannic palate with mocha, peppery, meaty, spicy, black cherry, plum and licorice root flavours. Rustic style that will pair well with barbecued foods.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Hob Nob Cellars Shiraz 2007
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FrancePerfume, candied cola, mocha, coffee bean nose. Sweet, fat, round, somewhat tannic palate with chocolate, candied cherry, aftershave, resin flavours. Brutally commercial.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
St. Hallett Old Block Shiraz 2005
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaPeppery, cedar, barnyard, sweaty saddle leather, tobacco leaf, stewed blackberry, rooty, minty, tar aromas. Rich, round, supple palate but lacking in mid-palate structure. Stewed cherry, mocha, vanilla, kirsch, tobacco leaf, licorice, coffee flavours with a very warm, tart finish. You expect more for the money.Prices:| BC | $65.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $61.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
St. Hallett Faith Shiraz 2006
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaBig vanilla, mocha, coconut, blackberry jam, pruny, licorice nose but a bit volatile. Rich, round, dry palate with some tannin to shed and a bit of acidity poking through. Coffee, peppery, blueberry, pruny, vanilla, mocha, tobacco leaf flavours. Finish is very warm and tart. Solid but needs food.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
St. Hallett Blackwell Shiraz 2006
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaBig blueberry, spicy, blackberry jam, mocha, coffee, vanilla cream, chocolate, bacon aromas. Rich, round, full bodied style with some light tannins and acidity showing through. Sweet vanilla, coffee, peppery, black cherry jam, cooked blueberry, tobacco, leather, mocha flavours. Very warm, tart, oaky finish, best with food or age for a few years.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $30.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
I Sodi Chianti Classico 2005
Tuscany, ItalyMeaty, barnyard, tobacco, earthy, pruny, black cherry, rooty aromas. Dry, fresh, slightly lean palate with tobacco, cherry, herbal, orange peel, leather, dill and sausage meat flavours. Some finesse in a tarter, more classic style.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Desert Hills Syrah Select 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSomewhat reduced nose with meaty, sausage, peppery, barnyard, smoky, garrigue, tar, resin, leather aromas. Dry, round, supple, warm palate with peppery, spicy, vanilla, coffee, mocha, licorice root, tar, savoury, black cherry flavours. Good ripeness and flavours in a finish that is very warm. Decant this wine for 30-60 minutes and served with grilled meat.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Talmage Syrah Mariah Vineyard 2006
Mendocino Ridge, Mendocino County, California, United StatesTobacco leaf, canned black olive, smoky, barnyard, resin, rooty, stewed pepper aromas. The entry is tart and dry with plenty of tannin yet to shed. Canned olives, sour cherry, smoky, resin, herbal, tobacco leaf, leafy flavours mark its cool flavours. The finish is similarly tight and dry. You'll need a big steak with this one.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Rudolf Muller Liebfraumilch Blue 2007
Rheinhessen, GermanyRipe citrus, candied peach, floral, ripe apple aromas. Fresh, elegant, round palate with light sweetness. Red apple, citrus, peach skin, quince, pineapple flavours. Simple, easy style for summer sipping.Prices:| AB | $11.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Rudolf Muller Piesporter Goldtropfchen Riesling Kabinett 2007
Mosel, GermanyCorked, try another.Prices:| AB | $13.50 | 750ml |
| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Elephant Hill Syrah 2007
Central Otago, South Island, New ZealandReduced nose with big smoked meat, sausage, rubber, rooty, liquorice notes streaked with tarry, vanilla, black cherry jam nose. The entry is supple and easy on the palate with more tarry, smoky, sausage meat, and peppery flavours with chocolate, vanilla, black cherry jam flavours. Finish is warm with a tart edge but good intensity. Decant this for 30 minutes for best results.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Oak Bay Vineyard Marechal Foch 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, peppery, coffee, meaty, tomato leaf, riparian, cherry and tobacco leaf nose. Round, full, supple, dry palate with smoky, tobacco, tomato leaf, black cherry, coffee, black olive flavours. Very solid styling if a bit too tart on the finish.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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81PTS
Oak Bay Vineyard Pinot Meunier 2007
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig celery salt, herbal, peppery, spicy, compost nose. Dry, tart, lean entry with tobacco leaf, green bean, olive, celery salt, compost and raspberry leaf flavours. Very dry, tart, cedar bark finish.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Terra Andina Caminos Semillon Chardonnay 2007
Region del Valle Central, ChileGrapefruit, peach, grassy, green apple, matchstick aromas. Round, slightly flat entry with decent acidity. Grapefruit, nettle, grassy, green melon, butter flavours. Your basic introductory white.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Amalaya Vino Tinto de Altura 2006
Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, ArgentinaTobacco leaf, green olive, cedar, meaty, chocolate, barnyard, green cassis nose. Dry, round, supple, fresh palate with light tannin. Green olive, tobacco leaf, herbal, peppery, sour cherry, chocolate, meaty flavours. A bit rustic and tart on the finish with some green characters.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Casa de Campo Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaPeppery, cedar, tobacco leaf, meaty, cassis, black cherry aromas with a bit of vanilla and coconut. Dry, fresh, round palate but slightly light mid-palate with some cedar-y tannins. Green peppercorn, cassis, vanilla, coffee, tobacco leaf, cedar, earthy, meaty flavours. Solid introductory style but warm, best with beef.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Caracter Shiraz - Malbec 2008
ArgentinaSomewhat reduced nose with meaty, barnyard, tobacco, coffee bean, mercaptan, garlic, soupy prune aromas. Sweet and round with similar flavours and a tart, hard finish.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Santa Ana La Mascota Malbec 2007
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaPeppery, clove, spicy, meaty, barnyard, black cherry, liquorice, cola, tobacco leaf aromas. Dry, fresh, elegant style but light on mid-palate extract. Spicy, coffee, sour cherry, plum, tobacco, chocolate, cedar bark flavours. Finish is very dry, warm and tart - best with grilled meat.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Finca Las Moras Gran Shiraz 2005
Valle del Tulum, San Juan, ArgentinaSmoky, meaty, coffee, peppery nose with liquorice, Oxo cube, black cherry, spicy aromas. Rich, ripe, round and fat on the palate with a supple texture. Big coffee, mineral, vanilla, stewed plum, vanilla, meaty, black cherry flavours. Hot and a bit oak but with fine intensity with soft tannins on the finish. A richer style for big game dishes.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $24.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $27.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Francis Ford Coppola Presents Diamond Collection Black Label Claret Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
California, United StatesCola, cologne, peppery, tobacco, meaty, rooty nose with bits of cassis and floral notes. All slightly candied in nature. The entry is dry with light, cedar-y tannins. Cedar bark, cola, tobacco leaf, tart cherry, earthy, resin, rooty flavours. Finish is very dry and herbal with a strong cedar bark streak. Almost Oz-like with the sweet and sour notes.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $32.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $31.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Mazzei Badiola 2006
Tuscany, ItalyMeaty, sausage, peppery, cassis, tobacco, cedar, cherry aromas. Dry, fresh, slightly tart palate with light, lean tannins. Clean with licorice root, meaty, peppery, resin, sour cherry, cassis, tobacco leaf flavours. Finish has some dry tannin that needs food to show best.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Poggiotondo Toscana 2006
Tuscany, ItalySpicy, meaty, peppery, black cherry, cola, rooty aromas. Soft, round, easy style with peppery, licorice, smoky, resin, sour cherry, floral flavours. Dry, somewhat tight, tart finish to go with meat pizza.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.15 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Poggiotondo Chianti Superiore 2006
Tuscany, ItalyCedar, dill, spicy, black cherry, barnyard, meaty, peppery nose. Round, dry, elegant palate with light tannins. Black cherry, tobacco, meaty, floral, coffee, carrot top, herbal flavours. Solid for grilled meat but finish is a bit green.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.15 | 750ml |
| QC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Poggiotondo Chianti Cerro del Massio 2006
Tuscany, ItalyPeppery, meaty, spicy, liquorice root, barnyard, cooked carrot nose with a touch of dried cherry. Dry, light, elegant style but lean with some leafy tannins. Somewhat hollow mid-palate with tobacco leaf, peppery, gamey, sour cherry, dried herb flavours.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.15 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tormaresca Torcicoda Primitivo 2006
Salento, Puglia, ItalyAfter the vineyard reorganisation Torcicoda vines average some 18 years. Look for smoky, meaty, gamey, peppery notes spiked with chocolate, liquorice, tobacco and prune aromas. Rich, round, full palate and smooth. Prune, chocolate, tobacco leaf, peppery, meaty, coffee, vanilla, black cherry jam flavours. Finish is warm and fresh with sweet ripe fruit and some oak.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $27.00 | 750ml |
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15 May 2009
87PTS
Three Winds Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceFloral, gooseberry, melon, slate, slightly grassy nose. Fresh, crisp, round, elegant style with grassy, gooseberry, grapefruit rind, lemon and kiwi flavours with a touch of butter on the finish. Good crisp, flavourful style with decent finesse. Will go well with scallops or clams. Good value.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Signorello Seta 2007
Napa Valley, California, United StatesNettle, floral, spicy, grassy, nectarine, passion fruit, slate, green apple skin aromas with a touch of lees and vanilla. Ripe, round, rich but elegant and creamy palate. Dry with lots of vanilla cream, melon, passion fruit, melon, grapefruit, nettle, lemon, cooked gooseberry with a touch of guava on the finish. Good finesse in a ripe but slightly austere style.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
| US | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Ikella Malbec 2006
Agrelo District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaPeppery, smoky, meaty, black cherry, floral, savoury nose with a bit of tobacco and black olive. Round, dry, moderately supple palate with tobacco, leather, coffee, black cherry, vanilla, smoky, meaty, clove and chocolate flavours. Some light tannins on the finish will lend this to grilled meats. Good solid introductory malbec.Prices:| BC | $18.50 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Casa de Campo Chardonnay 2007
ArgentinaMelon, peach, butter, honey, ginger aromas. Ripe, round, elegant style with tropical fruit, citrus rind, honey, butter flavours with a touch of bitterness on the finish. Solid, easy style.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Sileni Cellar Selection Pinot Noir 2007
Hawkes Bay, North Island, New ZealandCherry, compost, spicy, celery, carrot, saddle leather aromas. Soft, round, supple palate but dries with caraway, raspberry, rhubarb, celery, tobacco, spicy, herbal flavours. Simple, easy style but has some acidity to go with food.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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14 May 2009
82PTS
Morning Bay Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Stoneboat Vineyard 2003
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, barnyard, compost, cedar, rooty, pruny, somewhat volatile nose. Round, dry, soft palate but very warm with smoky, rooty, earthy, peppery, resin, cooked carrot, cedar, somewhat pruny flavours. Past its prime.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Morning Bay Pinot Gris Stoneboat Vineyard Black Sage Road 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCitrus, green apple skin, mineral, pear, nutty lees aromas with a floral note. Dry, round, somewhat soft entry but a tad austere. Pear skin, green apple, slate, grassy, citrus and butter flavours. A bit bitter and hot on the finish but solid white for seafood.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Caracter Chardonnay - Chenin Blanc 2008
ArgentinaA light gold colour precedes what is a simple 50/50 mix of chardonnay and chenin blanc. The nose has the sweet smell of chenin on the palate the wine is offers bits of pineapple and mineral flavours mixed with a citrus/nut character. Its best asset is its price. Simple dry white that needs food. Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Southern Most White 2008
San Patricio del Chanar, Neuquén, Patagonia, ArgentinaA pleasant slightly more commercial version of Southernmost red. Fresh mineral melon and tropical fruit flavours with bits of honey and kiwi fruit. Simple patio style summer sipper. Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Southern Most Red 2007
San Patricio del Chanar, Neuquén, Patagonia, ArgentinaSouthern Most Red is made by Bodega Del Fin de Mundo and is a remarkable introductory red blend you can afford to drink by the case. The blend mixes merlot, malbec, and cabernet sauvignon in a fresh savoury bright red wine with the weight and texture you expect from Argentina and the supple soft ending. Could be this summer's best hamburger wine.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Argento Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Mendoza, ArgentinaThe latest Argento cabernet is youthful in colour and aromas. Blackberries, black cherries and vanilla dominate with bits of cocoa and sour cherries in the finish. This wine has a history of over-delivering for the price and the latest example is no different. Excellent value here especially in Ontario.Prices:| ON | $10.00 | 750ml |
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13 May 2009
88PTS
Chat-en-Oeuf Dry Rosé 2008
Ventoux, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceFrom its appealing, super pale, eye of the partridge colour to its fabulously floral fruity nose this is as impressive as rosé gets for $14. Bracing citrus strawberry red currants fruit flavours meld with just a twist of lemon in the finish. Cool, clean, and food-friendly this should really excel with fresh, local Dungeness crab.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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12 May 2009
87PTS
Arrogant Frog Ribet Red 2007
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceThe blend is 55/45 cabernet sauvignon/merlot of which a quarter is aged in new oak for 4 months; the other 75 per cent sits in stainless steel vats. The nose is clean and bright with herbal, black fruit and coffee and a pleasant earthy, mushroom, vanilla note. A solid grilled meat wine but would be fine with a selection of cheese to. Very good value.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Tangled Vines Gewurztraminer 2007
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, floral, ginger, sausage, lees, peach aromas. Rich, round, full style with a touch of sweetness and warmth. Ripe peach, lychee, ginger, sausage, spicy, baked pear flavours. Good solid character if a bit soft and warm on the finish. Ready to drink now.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
A Mano Primitivo 2007
Castellaneta, Taranto, Puglia, ItalyAmerican winemaker Mark Shannon and his Italian wife Elvezia continue their search for the best inexpensive wine in the world. The '07 Puglia Primitivo is my go-to spaghetti red with its floral, lifted raspberry nose flecked with bits of spice. Look for plenty of raspberry flavours streaked with a savoury/anise undercurrent and a dusting of tannins. Grilled meats or spaghetti Bolognese would work here.Prices:| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $17.50 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Castillo de Monséran Garnacha 2007
Cariñena, Aragon, SpainIt's been three years now and this wine continues to overdeliver for its price point. The nose is mix of floral and fruity notes with plummy raspberry fruit flavours and a dusting of spice in the finish. You make the call hamburgers, chicken ribs, spareribs. At this price pick up two bottles.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $9.05 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Tormaresca Paiara 2006
Puglia, ItalyLovely warm, fat, ripe, rustic fruit aromas with a dose of smoke and tobacco. There are supple round textures on entry that lead to more jammy, cassis, floral flavours with an appropriate riff of southern Mediterranean spice. A go-to barbecue wine for the summer months but will easily transition into pairing with fall mushroom dishes. Great value from Puglia.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.00 | 750ml |
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11 May 2009
82PTS
Morning Bay Pinot Noir 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDark cherry colour. Chocolate, barnyard, soy, tobacco, cedar bark, vanilla, resin, black cherry aromas. Round, dry, moderately supple palate with light tannins. Tobacco leaf, peppery, barnyard, cooked carrot, sweaty leather, celery salt, resin, chocolate vanilla flavours. A bit pruny on the finish with some very dirty notes.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Tangled Vines Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGrapefruit, light grass, melon, floral nose. Round, dry, elegant palate with grapefruit, nettle, lemon, green melon skin, and gooseberry flavours. Finish is light with some green fruit and acidity. Easy going style without too much intensity or sweetness.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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10 May 2009
87PTS
Arrogant Frog Ribet White Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceAnother solid effort from the Paul Mas folks. Crisp, aromatic mineral, citrus, grassy notes mark the nose with bits of nettle and grass and passion fruit. Pure and fresh with crunchy citrus fruit and a touch of lime rind make it perfect with West Coasty Kushi or Kumamotos oysters. Excellent summer value under screwcap.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Falesco Umbria Sangiovese 2007
Umbria, ItalyOnce and a while you stumble on a great buy and wonder how it came to elude you for so long, such is the story of Falesco Sangiovese. Expect a pleasant attractive nose of berries and vanilla with a ripe almost sweet round mid-palate and a full-bodied smooth finish. Amazing weight and texture for the price. Falesco winery is co-owned by famed wine consultant Riccardo Cotarella and his winemaker brother Renzo, who happens to run the Antinori operation too.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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09 May 2009
87PTS
Glass Mountain Chardonnay 2007
California, United StatesA mix of barrel-aged (62%) and stainless steel fermented fruit (38%) in what is the quintessential "California" appellation chardonnay. We like the freshness, the well manage wood and the generosity of apple pear fruit with flecks of orange and toasted hazelnuts in the finish. Try it with a simply grilled fish dishes or pizza Margarita.Prices:| US | $6.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Ram's Leap Semillon Sauvignon 2007
Western Plains Zone, New South Wales, AustraliaI'm bullish on young Australian sémillon of which 70 percent is in this blend. The nose is bright with mineral citrus flinty notions and fabulously tart lip smacking citrus fruit, snow peas and guava passion fruit flavours. A super oyster or crab wine and under screwcap this will remain fresh for years. Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
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08 May 2009
87PTS
Quails' Gate Dry Riesling 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGrapefruit, floral, green apple skin with a touch of slate. Fresh, crisp, tart style with juicy green apple, grapefruit rind, nectarine skin, ginger flavours. Good solid effort with a crunchy finish. This is the path most B.C. rieslings should be heading down if they want to make splash in restaurants that care about wine. Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Red Rooster Riesling 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWarm apple, slate, peach skin, slightly floral nose. Fresh, sweet, round, slightly fat style. Ripe melon, apple, lees, pear, orange rind and spice flavours. Easy going consumer style but lacks a bit of varietal character. A bit to sweet for the acidity.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Road 13 Riesling 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, grapefruit, nettle, waxy, candied granny smith nose. Dry, crisp, tight palate but a bit fat with soapy, ginger, grassy, grapefruit, mineral flavours. A solid wine that just lacks a bit of the bright fruit we expect from riesling.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Cassini Cellars Gewurztraminer 2008
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, spicy, light lychee, soapy, light lees nose. Soft, flabby, light bodied style with soapy, floral, lees, light lychee, baked pear flavours. Finish is somewhat sweet and soapy.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Gunderloch Fritz's Riesling 2007
Rheinhessen, GermanyIt's not that often that first release wines hit home runs but Fritz Hasselbach the owner of Gunderloch has done just that with Fritz's Riesling. The grapes are purchased from five growers all with vineyards on the famous red slate soils of the Rheinhessen. The grapes are handpicked; the style is all about balance. Many blends were contemplated and assessed before this mix of 28 grams of residual sugar were combined with the bright acidity of the sensational 2007 harvest to produced this delicious wine. Eminently sippable, this screwcap white with bright minerality and fresh fruit is tailor-made for the bustling Pan-Asian cuisine of Vancouver or even better with barbecued or pull pork dishes. This should definitely be one of your go-to value wines for the summer of 2009. Stock up by the case.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Nederburg Riesling The Winemaster Reserve 2008
Western Cape, South AfricaPetrol, smoky, lees, waxy, citrus aromas. Soft, round and a bit fat with mineral, slate, smoky, apple skin, rind-y flavours. Not much here flavour intensity. Simple at best.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
JoieFarm Riesling iv 2008
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBubble gum, grapefruit, green apple skin, lime aromas. Fresh, round, delicate style but moderately sweet with decent acidity. Floral, grapefruit rind, melon rind, peach skin flavours. Fresh, candied rind, simple easy sipping style. A summer patio wine.Prices:| BC | $20.40 | 750ml |
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06 May 2009
84PTS
Santa Rita Merlot 120 2007
Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileCedar, earthy, sappy cassis, tobacco, chocolate aromas. Soft, round, dry, easy style with dried herbs, chocolate, tobacco, cedar and tart cassis flavours. Finish is warm and tart, try with beef.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.15 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Pink Elephant 2007
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight strawberry colour. Spicy, floral, cassis, granny smith, canned apple sauce aromas. Fresh, crisp, dry palate with light mousse. Tinned apple, herbal, tobacco leaf, cassis, mineral, citrus flavours. Fun, dryer, crisp style.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
LoTengo Torrontés 2007
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaGood spicy, ginger, lemon oil, melon, floral aromas with a touch of pine. Crisp, fresh, round, slightly sweet palate with lemon oil, mango, ginger, spicy, slate, melon rind flavours. Zippy, floral finish, good juicy style for Indian or spicy Chinese food.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Bellingham Merlot Malbec 2006
Coastal Region, South AfricaSpicy, peppery, tobacco leaf, black cherry, chocolate, savoury aromas. Dry, round, fresh palate, a bit light on extract with some tea tannins poking through. Cedar, earthy, smoky shoe leather, peppery, resin, sour cherry, mushroom and tart cassis flavours. Finish is very dry and somewhat tart. Needs food.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Rudolf Muller Riesling Chardonnay 2007
Pfalz, GermanyNice bright orange, green apple, pineapple, floral, slate aromas. Crisp, fresh, round palate with ripe melon, orange, lime, green apple, butter flavours. Nice clean, fruity finish with a touch of sweetness. Try with Chinese or Indian food. Good value again.Prices:| BC | $12.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Cafe Culture Pinotage 2008
Western Cape, South AfricaDefinite mocha, coffee bean, tobacco leaf, herbaceous, briar, olive brine aromas. Soft, round, sweet but tart entry and warm. Slick coffee, mocha, green tobacco, sour cherry, green olive, resin flavours. Will appeal to die hard mocha latte drinkers.Prices:| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $17.00 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Cathedral Cellar Merlot 2003
Coastal Region, South AfricaVery herbaceous style with tobacco leaf, cedar bark, stewed prune, smoke and mint. Tart, round, thin, weedy palate with smoky, resin, barnyard, tobacco leaf, green olive, herbal flavours. Not much here to recommend.Prices:| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Falesco Umbria Merlot 2006
Umbria, ItalyMeaty, peppery, sausage, tobacco, chocolate, black cherry, black olive aromas. Rich, ripe, round, supple palate with light tannins. Dark plum, peppery, tobacco, rooty, licorice, cedar, tapenade and vanilla flavours. Good intensity and concentration in a bit tighter style. Can age or try with grilled beef.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Carmen Carmenère Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2006
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileVery minty, sappy cassis, riparian, smoky, tobacco, chocolate, dried herbal nose. Rich, round, dry, slightly tannic palate with cassis, peppery, smoky, tobacco leaf, black olive, vanilla, coffee, minty, and briar flavours. Solid if on the more herbaceous side with some tea tannins to shed.Prices:| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $19.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Concannon Petite Sirah Limited Release 2005
Central Coast, California, United StatesSpicy, floral, licorice, black cherry, orange peel, briary, chocolate aromas. Round, dry, supple, elegant palate if a bit light. Orange peel, black cherry, coffee, spicy, mineral, tobacco, licorice, prune plum flavours. A bit tart on the finish but has good fruit and finesse. Good value, worth trying.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Marrenon Private Gallery Chardonnay Viognier 2007
Vin de Pays de Vaucluse, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceMelon, nectarine skin, honey, citrus, floral aromas. Round, dry, elegant, crisp palate with spicy, buttery, melon, cooked pear, citrus, honey and green apple flavours. Crisp, fruity finish, will go well with seafood. Solid value here. Well done.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Merlot 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, chocolate, cocoa powder, tobacco leaf, cedar, rooty aromas. Dry, round, supple, elegant palate with some light, tight tannins. Tobacco leaf, coffee, peppery, herbal, resin, vanilla flavours. A bit lean but has good finesse.Prices:| ON | $23.15 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Pommery Champagne Pop Extra Dry NV
Champagne, France.Very toasty, biscuit-y, buttery, strawberry, baked apple aromas. Fresh, round, light mousse on the palate with green apple, nutty, citrus, strawberry, pear flavours. Mature, crisp, fruity style in a fun quarter-bottle format complete with blue glass, POP is authentic non-vintage bubble that's ready to drink when you are. You can drink it through a straw or straight from the bottle club-style.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 200ml |
| AB | $17.20 | 750ml |
| MB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.10 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Pommery Brut Royal NV
Champagne, FrancePale yellow with light, fine mousse. Toasty, slightly nutty, baked apple, honey, brioche, floral, light cherry aromas. Crisp, moderately dry, slightly foamy palate with cherry, nutty, citrus, baked green apple, mineral, creamy, toasty flavours. Good acidity and finesse with a touch of sweetness on the finish. Attractive consumer style for current drinking.Prices:| BC | $81.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Piper-Heidsieck Brut Vintage 2000
Champagne, FranceFine white, continuous mousse. Light honey, spicy, toasty, baked apple, butter, creamy, strawberry, nutty nose, somewhat mature style. Crisp, moderately dry, elegant palate with moderate acidity but good finesse. Nutty, toasty, brioche, green apple, citrus, honey, light raspberry flavours. A lighter style but has good acidity and finesse. Drink now and over the next 2-4 years. Has improved over the last vintage or two.Prices:| BC | $101.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $86.00 | 750ml |
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05 May 2009
0PTS
Hillside Pinotage 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCorked. Try another.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Stone Cellars Chardonnay 2007
California, United StatesStone Cellars is a fresh, modern look at inexpensive California chardonnay. The nose is a mix of tropical fruit notes with a touch of minerality and bright acidity. A simple patio wine you can sip with or without food. Try it with a grilled chicken salad.Prices:| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $14.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Robertson Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Robertson, Breede River Valley, South AfricaA cooler year contributed to the success of this modest white wine. Bright tropical fruit flavours mark the nose and palate including the ripe: bits of candied pineapple and the cool bits of green apple skin. Balanced refreshing juicy and affordable this one over delivers. Buy it by the case.Prices:| BC | $9.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
No. 8 Wire Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandTypically intense classic Marlborough sauvignon style that opens with a big aromatic nose of capsicum, tinned asparagus, passion fruit and melons. The palate is similarly charged with bits of gooseberry and citrus and nettle notes lingering in the finish. Fresh crisp belligerent New Zealand sauvignon best served with a plate of steaming fresh mussels.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve 2004
Napa Valley, California, United StatesMature wine drinkers will know the long history of Beringer's PR cabernet and its mix source of sites including Steinhauer Ranch (42%), St. Helena Home Ranch (18%), Bancroft Ranch (15%), Marston Vineyard (11%), Chabot (3%), Rancho del Oso (3%) and Lampyridae (2%). It also contains six per cent cabernet franc from Bancroft Ranch. The '04 is super rich and as always unctuous in style with its big black cassis fruit and spicy, jammy blackberry flavours. Glossy and slippery best describes its texture that precedes a long finish marked with more cassis and cocoa. A very fine bottle with a medium to long future. Try by 2012.Prices:| BC | $159.00 | 750ml |
| US | $112.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $149.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $140.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Composite Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Ara, Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandAra is a new, cool sub-region within Marlborough. Capsicum and a citrus peach skin mark the nose and flavours. On the palate more grapefruit, nettle and stone fruit characters dominate with bits of mineral and salt. Fresh dry and lip smacking character that makes it so capable with a wide variety of white meats and seafood.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Cathedral Cellar Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Western Cape, South AfricaI'm normally a big fan of the Cathedral Cellar range but this '08 sauvignon misses the mark. It's fresh enough but just a bit too skinny and lean to hold my interest. The fruit is muted; the finish dry. It needs food to carry the day. A screwcap might better aid in preserving its fruit.Prices:| NS | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Elephant Hill Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Hawkes Bay, North Island, New ZealandHawkes Bay sauvignon is always a bit riper than its southern brethren and it is the case here. Lemon and grapefruit aromas and flavours mix with bright, fresh acidity and minerality. Well balanced and perfectly able to work with a variety of shellfish and seafood pasta dishes. It's also fun to sip with an heirloom tomato dish.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Stone Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
California, United StatesFairly intense cabernet notes on the nose with peppery, spicy, fruit. The entry is soft with bright berry flavours and touch of acidity balancing off the finish. Bits of cedar and leather mark the short finish. Simple red that is probably best served with grilled meats.Prices:| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $14.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.65 | 750ml |
| NF | $15.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.80 | 750ml |
| NB | $14.29 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Stone Cellars Merlot 2006
California, United StatesBasic stuff here. Smoky leafy cherry nose with bits of earth and spice. Dry fruit flavours of sour cherries and strawberries mark the palate with dry earthy, soft spicy finish. A hamburger wine nothing more; nothing less.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.95 | 750ml |
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04 May 2009
85PTS
Hester Creek Merlot 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTypical Okanagan merlot on the nose with its herbaceous, spicy earthy undertones. The textures are soft and the mid-palate is sweet with blackberry, black cherry, chocolate fruit flavours. The finish is similarly sweet, almost Yellow tail-like. Best for solo sipping unless you like your red wine sweet.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Hester Creek Pinot Gris 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOne of the better pinot gris at this price with its fresh, apple/ pear nose and a touch of honey in the background. The flavours are similar with a touch of nectarine and plenty of citrus in its fresh mouth-watering finish. With a new winery I expect future edition of this wine will improve even further in the coming years.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Hester Creek Pinot Blanc 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaImpressive fresh nose and entry with a classic buttery mid-palate and fruity finish. There's a touch of lees mixed with ripe apple and nectarine skin fruit with dash of acidity. A solid seafood wine for the price. Well made.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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03 May 2009
86PTS
Ecco Marqués de Vitoria Rioja (Organic) 2007
Rioja Alavesa, Rioja, SpainEcco is made with one hundred per cent tempranillo grown organically. The nose is a touch rustic with barnyard notes bits of black fruit and cedar boughs. The palate is similar in design with raspberry, mushrooms, earth, liquorice and spice. Needs a good 30 minutes of air before serving.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Faustino V Reserva Rioja Crianza 2004
Rioja Alavesa, Rioja, SpainThe Faustino Reserva is made with 100 per cent tempranillo grown in the upper Rioja Alavesa. The nose opens with a touch of Brett mixed with leather, pepper and cinnamon and cedar. The palate is soft with a warm round entry and a touch of acidity underneath. The finish is long and smooth. Best to drink now with port or lamb chops.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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02 May 2009
86PTS
Road 13 Sparkling Chenin Blanc 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight biscuit, toasty, green apple skin, mineral aromas. Crisp, fresh, dry, tart palate with light but fine mousse. More green apple skin mixed with nutty, honey, herbal, grapefruit rind flavours mark the palate. An interesting first effort but on the austere, tight and dry style. Best with food.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Staete Landt Pinot Noir Estate Grown 2006
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandSpicy, rooty, black raspberry, rhubarb, tobacco leaf, cherry, floral and resin aromas with a touch of caraway and dried herbs. Round, dry, supple but slightly tight palate with fresh acidity. Smoky, herbal, rhubarb, cherry, orange compote, vanilla, tobacco leaf and caraway flavours with a hint of dill. Good finesse if a bit tart on the finish. Will improve over the next 2-4 years.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Staete Landt Sauvignon Blanc Estate Grown 2007
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandPassion fruit, floral, lees, grapefruit, smoky jalapeno, melon, nettle aromas. Round, dry, rich, fresh, elegant palate with creamy acidity. Granny smith, lemon, passion fruit, lime, nettle, smoky jalapeno and gooseberry flavours. Very good intensity and acidity, will continue to age well for 2-4 years. Fine length. Excellent quality here.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Edge Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Napa Valley, California, United StatesSurprisingly floral, green herbal, cassis notes with a touch of barnyard. Dry, lean, tart palate with green, firm tannins. Cassis, coffee, herbal, cedar bark, tobacco and sour cherry flavours mark the finish. Very tart, lean style without much generosity or fruit. Disappointing vintage.Prices:| BC | $34.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Carmen Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileSappy cassis, bay, thyme, tobacco, black olive, vanilla, chocolate aromas with a smoky edge. Smooth, full entry with light, tight tannins. Green tobacco, herbal, cassis, sappy, coffee, vanilla, orange peel flavours. Solid but tannins are somewhat green and chewy. Needs a steak.Prices:| NF | $19.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.50 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Yellow Tail Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaRipe black berry, riparian, tobacco, resin, vanilla bean, liquorice aromas. Somewhat sweet, round, tart palate with light tannins. Green tobacco, herbal, cassis, cedar bark, vanilla bean, burnt coffee flavours. The finish is too tart and hard for the Yellow Tail style.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $13.50 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCassis, saddle leather, tobacco, earthy, peppery, spicy, herbal aromas. Dry, tart, lean palate with leafy tannins. Mocha, coffee, herbal, green olive, resin, tobacco leaf. Very tart, oaky, lean finish. Lacks fruit and charm at this point.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Mission Hill Five Vineyards Cabernet Merlot 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWet tobacco, earthy, black olive, peppery aromas. Dry, round, smooth entry but tart and light. Tobacco leaf, peppery, resin, green cassis, coffee flavours with a tart, somewhat dried out, lean oaky finish. Lacks fruit and ripeness.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.70 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $19.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Star Lane Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesCoffee, mocha, cedar, vanilla, stewed plum, blackberry, barnyard, saddle leather aromas. Rich, ripe, round, dry and suave palate with some dry, grainy tannins. Cedar bark, peppery, savoury, smoky, vanilla, clove, tobacco leaf, black olive, resin, rooty flavours. Dry, tight finish with good finesse if a touch herbal in the finish.Prices:| BC | $75.00 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Two Jokers Cabernet Merlot 2006
South Australia, AustraliaCedar, black olive, resin, riparian, cooked cherry, wet tobacco aromas. Sweet, slightly tart, somewhat tannic and edgy entry with tobacco leaf, herbal, peppery, resiny, earthy flavours. Thin, tart finish with little attraction.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Caminos by Terra Andina Cabernet Merlot 2008
Region del Valle Central, ChileSmoky, cherry, cedar, herbal, leafy, cologne aromas. Round, sweet entry with a sour edge and light tannins. Tobacco leaf, sappy cassis, cedar, herbal, resin, coffee bean flavours. Extremely basic red wine.Prices:| BC | $9.50 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.75 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Burrowing Owl Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, vanilla, clove, smoky oak with peppery, tobacco leaf, saddle leather, savoury aromas. Dry, elegant, tight palate with chalky, slightly hard green tannins. Smoky oak, vanilla, chocolate, coffee, herbal, tobacco, resiny flavours with stewed tea tannins on the finish. Solid but needs to soften.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Burrowing Owl Meritage 2006
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCoffee, mocha, peppery, spicy, clove, vanilla, tobacco leaf, black olive, saddle leather and savoury aromas. Dry, tight, elegant palate but somewhat lean with dry tannins. Smoky, coffee, mocha, vanilla, cedar, tobacco leaf, riparian, sappy cassis, herbal, savoury flavours. Very dry, warm finish with somewhat hard, black tea tannins. Needs time to round out.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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June 2009