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Tastings: June 2009
29 June 2009
87PTS
Bridlewood Syrah 2005
Central Coast, California, United StatesMuch like the previous edition it opens with floral vanilla overtones and a whack of milk chocolate. The palate is soft and silky upfront with meaty black fruit/blackberry flavours flecked with liquorice. There is a pinch of acidity in the back end but otherwise this is a solid wine for the money. Bridlewood employs whole berry fermentation in open top tanks and it is all aged in French oak.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $16.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Speri Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso 2006
Verona, Veneto, ItalyBigger than a Valpolicella but smaller than an Amarone the '06 Speri "ripasso" has been re-fermented over the spent skins of Amarone. There's a floral earthy scorched earth nose with bits of red fruit and spice and a warm, acidic, alcoholic finish. Best with a piece of Reggiano or Manchego cheese. The fruit comes off family-owned sites in the heart of Valpolicella Classico.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Old Vines Garnacha de Fuego 2007
Calatayud, Aragon, SpainThe newest Fuego continues down the soft, black pepper road with hints of black raspberries and cherry jam. The attack is round and soft with fine persistence and more, peppery, black fruit flavours flecked with liquorice root and tobacco. Slightly fresher and better balanced than the previous edition it should work well with pork, lamb or chicken.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
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28 June 2009
87PTS
Clay Station Viognier 2007
Lodi, Central Valley, California, United StatesLovely fresh white wine with hints of musk melon and orange blossoms. A more delicate version of this variety without the oily notes. Clean fresh tasty delicate wine with honeysuckle and melon notes. Quite an interesting outcome from the Central Coast. Hard to believe it's 3.99 at Trader Joe and only 19.00 in British Columbia.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mount Riley Savée Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandThis all sauvignon blanc sparkler has a fine creamy mousse character with a fruity nutty nose flecked with pink grapefruit and limey notes. The mid-palate is crisp and fresh with grapefruit, gooseberry, lime and melon flavours. Quite impressive for sauvignon and definitely something different in sparkling wine.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $26.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
B.R.Cohn Merlot 2006
Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesMade with a blend of Sonoma Valley fruit the 06 Cohn has an approachable nose and palate packed with ripe black cherry, chocolate, raspberry and bits of cedar. The finish is soft silky with just a few grippy tannins to shed in the next year or so. Delicious drinking and perfect with roasted meats. Classy wine.Prices:| US | $25.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
St. Hallett The Reward Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaMade only in the best years the 2006 Reward grabs your attention from the start with its silky texture and warm minty blueberry mineral scented nose. Look for ripe cassis and blackberry jam flavours with ripe round, highly concentrated, creamy fruit flavours throughout. Both the cedar and acid is in check in the back end. Impressive red wine that is all Oz.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
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27 June 2009
87PTS
Borges Douro Reserva Tinto 2004
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalA wine you might call thick has a mix of raspberry/cherry fruit and minerality underneath that makes quite drinkable. The finish is dry and warm but like many dry Douro reds there is a savoury freshness that attracts in the finish.Prices:| US | $14.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Benton Lane Pinot Gris 2007
Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesAlways clean and fresh now that is under screwcap this floral, mineral mix of citrus and grapefruit is perfectly ripe in the mouth. Vibrant exciting fresh and modern it is a cross between BC and Northern Italy. Delicious on the patio and just as appealing with halibut.Prices:| US | $16.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Cabriz Colheita Seleccionada 2006
Dão, Northern Portugal, PortugalWow, love the mineral, sweet black currant fruit here and the noticeable lack of oak. Sleek round vibrant impressive red wine (with a touch of Brett) that is also refreshingly low in alcohol. The finish is dry and fresh -a perfect food wine. Great value and a real lesson in alternative, modern wine.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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26 June 2009
91PTS
Bodega Monteviejo 2005
Vista Flores, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaSpicy, blackberry, ash, black cherry, mint, allspice, coffee, cedar, mocha, saddle leather aromas. Rich, hot, tannic and concentrated but good finesse and suppleness. Big blackberry, coffee, tobacco, chocolate, vanilla, cherry, resin, peppery, meaty flavours. Big monster, somewhat tannic but good fruit. Needs time.Prices:| AB | $48.00 | 750ml |
| US | $30.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Cuvelier Los Andes Grand Malbec 2006
Vista Flores, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaSmoky, spicy, black pepper, tobacco, resin, graphite, floral, coffee, five-spice, black cherry jam, kirsch, vanilla aromas with a touch of barnyard and saddle leather. Rich, round, full, ripe and supple with big concentration. Huge liquorice, black cherry jam, tobacco, peppery, clove, five spice, orange peel, mineral, coffee, cola, vanilla and mocha flavours. Great round tannins, big extract, broad structure. It's big and bold and sexy but just a bit too hot and tart on the end for greatness. A sipping wine.Prices:| QC | $58.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Viña Cobos Nico 2006
Perdriel District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaA blend of 63/47 cabernet sauvignon/malbec. Very floral, spicy, garrigue, liquorice, tobacco, peppery, blackberry jam, black cherry, cassis, barnyard, saddle leather, coffee, vanilla, waxy, black olive aromas. Rich, ripe, round, full and supple palate with grainy tannins. Very concentrated and intense with cassis jam, black cherry jam, savoury, allspice, tobacco, coffee, black olive, smoky tea, liquorice root and graphite flavours. Long, ripe intense with good finesse and balance despite being very warm and a bit tart at the finish. Needs 3-5 years to fully soften. No lack of intensity here.Prices:| BC | $198.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Zuccardi Q Malbec 2007
Mendoza, ArgentinaA mix of fruit from Agrelo and La Consulta, this shows spicy, vanilla, peppery, liquorice, smoky, savoury, black cherry aromas with a touch of saddle leather. Dry, elegant, slightly tannic palate with vanilla, spicy, peppery, coffee, liquorice, black cherry, tobacco, prune and dried herb flavours. Good finesse and elegance, not a big wine but well balanced to accompany food.Prices:| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $21.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $22.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard Malbec 2005
Gualtallary, Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaSmoky, meaty, peppery, chocolate, coffee, ash, tobacco, black berry, black cherry jam aromas. Dry, round, supple palate but ripe with grippe tannins. Peppery, smoky, black cherry, ash, liquorice root, spicy, vanilla, savoury flavours. Warm, slightly tart finish but good concentration. Needs 3-7 years to fully mature.Prices:| US | $100.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Catena Zapata Malbec 2005
Mendoza, ArgentinaSpicy, smoky, meaty, resin, barnyard, saddle leather, floral, black cherry, tobacco ash, coffee and chocolate aromas. Rich, ripe, fat, big concentration and somewhat tannic and warm with black cherry jam, smoky, spicy, violet, mineral ash, tobacco, allspice that finishes with liquorice, vanilla and coffee flavours flecked with dried herbs and plum. Fine intensity and long but a bit tannic and angular now. Needs 5-7 years to settle down and show its pedigree.Prices:| BC | $157.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $110.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Doña Paula Malbec Selección de Bodega 2006
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaFrom the Uco Valley and Ugarteche and enticing coffee, black cherry jam, black plum nose with savoury, liquorice, tobacco, vanilla, peppery aromas. Rich, round, supple and warm with grainy tannins and a touch of acidity. Big spicy, savoury, vanilla, smoky garrigue, black cherry, plum and mineral flavours with a leather, orange peel and tobacco finish. Long and intense with good complexity. Needs 3-5 years to soften the tannin and integrate the abundant oak.Prices:| AB | $40.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $40.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec 2005
Mendoza, ArgentinaComplex orange peel, ash, tobacco, smoky, liquorice, coffee, vanilla, curry, cedar, menthol and saddle leather aromas. Rich, ripe, full and concentrated with some grainy tannins to shed. Black cherry, vanilla, coffee, savoury, five spice, peppery, liquorice and resin flavours. A bit fat and warm but with fine concentration and balance, needs 2-3 years to soften a bit more. Good value here. A gold medal winner at the 2009 Argentine Wine Awards.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $27.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $26.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $24.50 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Norton Privada 2006
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaA blend of malbec, merlot and cabernet sauvignon. Big spicy, floral, black cherry, liquorice, black pepper, meaty, menthol, smoky vanilla and leather aromas. Rich, dry, warm and somewhat tannic with vanilla, coffee, black berry, black cherry, meaty, saddle leather, peppery flavours. A big, chunky, warm style designed for steak. A gold medal winner at the 2009 Argentine Wine Awards.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $26.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Cheval des Andes 2005
Las Compuertas, Vistalba District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaCheval des Andes is made at Terrazas de los Andes and represents a joint venture between Terrazas and Cheval Blanc. Cheval Blanc winemaker Pierre Lurton and then Terrazas winemaker, Roberto de la Mota made the blend of malbec, cabernet sauvignon and merlot and a touch of petit verdot. Look for spicy, leather, dried herbs, savoury, black cherry, violet, plum, tobacco, cedar, mineral, black olive, coffee, vanilla and cassis aromas. Rich, round, supple but grainy tannins with good acidity but warm. Intense black cherry jam, cassis jam, chocolate, liquorice, savoury, tobacco, black tea, coffee, vanilla, barnyard and cedar flavours. Long, young, good finesse, suave. Needs 3-7 years, certainly one of the most complex wines in Mendoza.Prices:| BC | $83.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $75.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $85.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $76.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Terrazas de los Andes Afincado Cabernet Sauvignon Finca Los Aromas 2005
Perdriel District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaBig cassis jam, blackberry, liquorice, smoky, savoury, spicy, saddle leather, coffee, tobacco, chocolate, mineral and b lack olive aromas. Rich, round, warm and fat with some chewy tannins but fresh. Liquorice root, leather, tobacco, black olive, cassis jam, chocolate, rooty, peppery, dried herb flavours. Good length and intensity but young and a bit warm. Needs 2-5 years to fully mature.Prices:| US | $40.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Finca Flichman Paisaje de Tupungato 2006
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaRipe plums and black cherries mix with tobacco, chocolate, saddle leather and smoky, savoury, ash, notes. Rich, ripe, round and supple on entry with fine concentration and acidity and savoury liquorice, chocolate, black cherry jam, plum, vanilla, allspice, dried herb flavours. The finish is warm, chewy and intense. A youthful wine that needs 3-7 years to round out.Prices:| US | $18.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Bodega François Lurton Gran Lurton Corte Friulano 2008
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaA unique blend of 70/20/8/2 Friulano/pinot gris/chardonnay /torrontés. Spicy, floral, ginger, peach, lychee, butter, green apple and vanilla aromas. Dry, round, crisp, fresh and elegant but has some fatness and concentration. Very spicy, lychee, ginger, butter, floral, peach skin, lees, apple flavours. Very good freshness, elegance and richness to accompany seafood or risotto. A gold medal and trophy winner at the 2009 Argentine Wine Awards.Prices:| ON | $22.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $23.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Crios Torrontés by Susana Balbo Dominio de Plata 2008
Salta, North, ArgentinaVery spicy, floral, apple, sausage, ginger, lemon oil aromas. Dry, round, elegant, fresh, slightly fat palate with spicy, slate, ginger, lychee, nectarine skin flavours. Finish is fresh and juicy with a touch of Muscat, lemon zest and bitter ginger. Done in screwcap. Excellent qualityPrices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Frescobaldi Danzante Pinot Grigio delle Venezie 2008
Veneto, ItalyDanzante has quite a history with pinot grigio and the style is now more or less set in a good way. The nose is fresh with nectarine skin and tropical fruit. The palate is dry and crisp with more tropical notes of papaya with kiwi, lemon grass and minerality. It scrapes the palate clean so be sure to pair it up with some shellfish or light seafood dishes or grilled vegetables. The fruit is sourced from Trentino Alto Adige, the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia. No malolactic no oak.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Lindemans Bin 85 Pinot Grigio 2008
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaBright fresh fruity clean aromas with a bit of lees and green apple skin notes in the back end. On the palate the wine is dry with bits of citrus, green apple and pear with a splash of minerality and nectarine in the finish. Simple well made white for summer sandwiches and light seafood dishes.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $13.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $13.00 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Humberto Canale Pinot Noir 2007
Alto Valle del Río Negro, Rio Negro, Patagonia, ArgentinaCorked. Try anotherPrices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Hob Nob Cellars Pinot Noir 2007
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceSnappy packaging and name but in the end, or the glass, this is simple stuff with minimum pinot character. Look for a candied sweet fruit nose that suggests pinot grown on a warm site. Soft, pliant, ripe and round with bits of black cherries and scorched earth; it is drinkable if you are not looking for pinot noir.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Bollini Pinot Grigio Trentino 2007
Volano, Trento, Trentino- Alto-Adige, ItalyNeil Empson said he would use a screw cap someday when the world was ready but not before. His 2008 Bollini finally has what it always needed - a screwcap - and the results are stunning. The always enticing floral, honey/apple aromas now jump from the glass revealing an undercurrent of minerality. More honey, citrus, earthy notes mark the palate with creamy lees and pear fruit. Delicious, stylish, well blanced and ready to drink. Bravo. Veal anyone.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Desert Hills Pinot Gris 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canadaoxidised, bad bottle. Try another.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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25 June 2009
85PTS
Tangled Vines Three Blancs 2007
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, pear, citrus, matchstick aromas. Round, soft, slightly sweet palate with pear, green apple skin, cooked citrus, butter, mineral flavours. Finish is warm and slightly flat but solid. Basic consumer stylePrices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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23 June 2009
85PTS
Mission Hill Rosé Five Vineyards 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is unabashedly sweet rosé with a bright pink orange colour. The nose has lifted floral notes with bits of strawberry, caramels and candy cane with just a dusting of minerality. On the palate it is soft and sweet with orange, citrus, caramel notes. Serve well chilled or try with spicy ribs or Thai food.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Mission Hill Pinot Noir Five Vineyards 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHerbal, tobacco leaf, cherry, dill, spicy aromas with a touch of prune and coffee vanilla. Round, dry, fresh, elegant palate with strawberry, rhubarb, spicy, herbal, coffee, compost flavours. The finish is easy and supple but very warm. Simple,easy style for current consumption.Prices:| BC | $16.45 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
CedarCreek Proprietor's White 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaProp White has a long history at the winery and the story has been mostly good. The original aromatic white it's a multi-vinifera blend that delivers up a fruity floral aromatic nose and a fine mix of peachy, honey, pineapple fruit and some obvious residual sugar. Serve well chilled before dinner or pair it up with spicy foods and let it cool down the food.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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22 June 2009
87PTS
Wolf Blass Red Label Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaBig spicy, peppery, black cherry, cassis, liquorice, mocha, black olive nose. Round, dry, supple, warm palate with more spicy, liquorice, black cherry and plum flavours. Very fruity-tutti and warm on the finish but still an attractive style. For many consumers.Prices:| QC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.50 | 750ml |
| SK | $16.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $17.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $17.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $16.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Villa Maria Pinot Gris Private Bin 2007
East Coast, New ZealandLook for a light orange tinge to the colour form obviously ripe grapes. The wine is soft and round on entry with bits of honey cinnamon and pear. The fruit is sweet and fat so serving it well chilled on the patio might be the best thing you can do with or try it with spicy Thai dishes.Prices:| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Gray Monk Gewürztraminer 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, spicy, green apple, ginger, sausage and grapefruit aromas with a touch of matchstick. Crisp, round, slightly sweet and flat palate. Grapefruit rind, sausage, ginger floral flavours. Finish is very rind-y but solid.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Long Flat Cabernet Shiraz 2007
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaSweet spicy, earthy nose with bits of blueberry and black cherry and cedar. The entry is warm and dry with blueberry, cedar tobacco flavours and plenty of acidity poking through the back end. Fairly dry and somewhat sour in the aftertaste. The blend is 60/40 cabernet sauvignon/shiraz.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Man Vintners Chenin Blanc (Steen) 2008
Western Cape, South AfricaOpen peachy ripe apple nose with bits of pink grapefruit. Round, slightly fat entry with baked apple, grassy, lees, cooked grapefruit flavours. Simple, rind-y, commercial style with some sweet fruit in the finish.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Carabas Baron Philippe de Rothschild 2006
FranceA quasi southern French blend that mixes syrah and grenache as you might expect with malbec, cabernet sauvignon and merlot as you might not expect. The wine is soft and round with plummy chocolate blueberry/black fruit notes with bits of liquorice and that savoury garrigue that so marks the terroir of the Languedoc. A solid if a bit blocky red that finished warm. Best served around the barbecue and let the charred grilled meat flavours tame its tannin.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sandhill Pinot Gris King Family Vineyard 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIt is amazing how skinny this wine has become over the years. Like the previous version it remains a lively mix of green apple, grassy, lemony notes on the nose and palate with a touch of mineral, butter and salt in the back end. Crisp and fresh, this has become an excellent wine for oysters.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $18.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Quails' Gate Chenin Blanc 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGrassy, sweaty, canned grapefruit nose with bits of green apple skin. The entry is start and dry with citrus rind and pink grapefruit flavours with a grassy dried herb undercurrent. The finish is tart and somewhat unbalance but will it will all be better with food.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Masi Tupungato Passo Doble 2007
Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaSlightly reduced, rubbery nose upon opening but with time it blows off. Look for coffee, vanilla, blackberry, clove, herbal aromas with a round, dry, supple style red and black cherry jam, spicy, clove, coffee, tobacco, vanilla, cedar bark flavours. It finishes warm with a bit of acid poking through the back end. The blend is 62 malbec, 30 corvina and eight per cent merlot.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $16.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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21 June 2009
84PTS
Ganton & Larson Prospect Winery Fats Johnson Pinot Noir 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDill, briny, tobacco leaf, herbal, sour cherry nose with a touch of rhubarb. Round, dry, slightly austere palate with vanilla, coffee bean, sour cherry, cedar bark and green tobacco leaf flavours. A bit too green and oaky to excite. Simple.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Ganton & Larson Prospect Winery Ogopogo's Lair Pinot Grigio 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, spicy, grapefruit rind, green apple aromas. Fresh, crisp, round, slightly oily palate with a sweet and sour balanced. Canned grapefruit, green apple, butter, and sweet green peach flavours. Solid consumer, grigio style.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.15 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Luigi Bosca Reserva Malbec 2006
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaCherry jam, orange, tobacco ash, olive, dill, saddle leather and dill aromas. Dry, round, elegant palate with some finesse but a bit hollow. Plum, cherry, peppery, orange, savoury, tobacco, black olive and coffee flavours. Good solid effort, palate is riper than the nose would indicate.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Castillo de Liria Bobal & Shiraz 2007
Valencia, Valencia and Murcia, SpainRoot, meaty, roasted pepper, tobacco, herbal, cherry aromas. Soft, round, easy dry palate with black cherry, licorice, rooty, tobacco, herbal flavours. Simple, easy drinking barbeque red at a fair price.Prices:| BC | $9.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Long Flat White Semillon Sauvignon 2007
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaHerbal, grassy, leesy, mineral, leafy nose with a bit of grapefruit rind. Sweet, tart, rind-y entry, very commercial with grassy, green herb, passion fruit, artichoke and guava flavours. Simple summer sipping style of white wine.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Silvertop Torrontés 2008
Mendoza, ArgentinaFloral, spicy, ginger, lemon oil aromas. Fresh, crisp, dry, slightly oily palate with ginger, nectarine skin, lemon oil flavours. Clean, solid, fresh style for seafood.Prices:| US | $7.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Wolf Blass Yellow Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
South Australia, AustraliaSpicy, black olive, peppery, cassis, menthol, saddle leather aromas. Dry, round, slightly astringent palate with some finesse. Peppery, tobacco, cassis, smoky, herbal, black olive, and tobacco flavours. Mostly balanced and should be even better with food. Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $17.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Tinhorn Creek Chardonnay 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, lees, spicy, mineral, citrus nose with a touch of baked pear and quince. Soft, fresh, round, somewhat sweet entry with a hot edge. Canned grapefruit, pear, creamy lees, green apple flavours. Simple, forward consumer style.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Tinhorn Creek Gewürztraminer 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, red apple, lees, melon, lemon oil, ginger, canned peach aromas. Round, fresh, somewhat sweet entry but good acidity. Grapefruit, ginger, green melon, green apple flavours. Easy going consumer style.Prices:| BC | $16.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Red Rooster Gewürztraminer 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, lychee, grapefruit, spicy, peach skin nose. Fresh, crisp, delicate, round palate with a touch of sweetness. Grapefruit, light lychee, red apple, melon flavours. Simple, fresh, elegant style, drink now.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Peller Estates Family Series Pinot Blanc 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, peach, ripe apple, butter aromas with a touch of matchstick. Round, fresh, easy style with a bit of sweetness. Citrus rind, chalky, canned peach, butter, baked apple flavours with a bitter note on the finish.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Peller Estates Private Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGooseberry, passion fruit, melon, spicy, grassy nose. Fresh, crisp, dry, round palate. Grapefruit, grassy, granny smith, passion fruit, lemon oil flavours. A bit light on the finish but has good balance and expression. Best yet from this winery.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Hester Creek Semillon Chardonnay Unoaked 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen floral, grassy, candied citrus, melon, lees and artichoke aromas. Sweet, round and a touch flabby with citrus, baked apple, bitter grapefruit flavours. A simple blend that vacillates between sweet and sour. Serve well chilled on the patio.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Golden Kaan Shiraz 2007
Western Cape, South AfricaSpicy, black cherry, tobacco leaf, savoury, herbal, dill, Band-Aid aromas. Dry, round, slightly hard palate with a tart edge. Weedy, cherry, herbal, tobacco leaf, flavours with a meaty, Band-Aid, garlic, smoky finish. OrdinaryPrices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.25 | 750ml |
| SK | $12.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $11.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Oyster Bay Chardonnay 2008
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandLeesy, bready, reduced, canned grapefruit, buttery aromas. Tart, slightly oily palate with a touch of sweetness. Canned grapefruit, leesy, garlic, buttery flavours. Simple and unbalanced. Disappointing.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $20.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Yellow Tail Merlot 2008
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaCooked cherry, cedar, tobacco, tomato leaf, floral nose. Sweet, tart, round palate with confected fruit, vanilla, coffee bean, sour cherry flavours. Very poor balance.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $13.49 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
White Bear Pinot Blanc 2007
CanadaLight nose of melon, butter and citrus with a touch of lees. Fresh, crisp, round but tart palate with grapefruit, green apple, mineral flavours with a citrus rind finish. Clean, basic, simple stuff.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
White Bear Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Lemon oil, passion fruit, floral, grassy, gooseberry nose. Soft, round, fresh, slightly sweet palate with grassy, lemon oil, grapefruit rind flavours. Simple, easy style for current consumption.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Masi Masianco 2007
Verona, Veneto, ItalyFloral, pear, baked quince, buttery aromas. Creamy, round, fresh palate with a hint of sweetness. Pear, butter, canned grapefruit, mineral flavours. Easy, refreshing style for current consumption with seafood. Fully ready. The Masianco blend is 75/25 pinot grigio/verduzzo where the verduzzo is late picked and dried on racks (appassimento) for about three weeks. Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $17.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Lujuria 2006
Yecla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainLook for a soft, round, dry pleasant entry from this 70/30 blend of monastrell (mourvèdre) and merlot. The flavours mix coffee, dark chocolate, plummy red fruit with spice and smoke throughout. A well made, simple, easy-sipping dry red from Spain that will work well around the barbecue. Good value.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Two Oceans Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2008
Western Cape, South AfricaLeafy, tobacco, tea, dried herb, roasted, peppery, sweaty saddle leather, Band-Aid aromas. Dry, round, fresh and slightly tannic with weedy, dill, smoked meat, carrot top, Band-Aid flavours. Herbal, tart style with Brettanomyces too.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Golden Kaan Shiraz 2008
Western Cape, South AfricaTobacco, herbal, saddle leather, smoky, rooty, meaty, black berry aromas. Round, tart, slightly sweet, hot palate. Tobacco leaf, peppery, earthy, rooty, mocha, coffee, meaty flavours. Somewhat warm and sweet on the finish. Serving this with grilled meat will help considerably.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.25 | 750ml |
| SK | $12.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $11.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Long Flat Cabernet Merlot 2006
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaOpen peppery, medicinal, rooty, earthy, tobacco leaf aromas. Hot, dry and hard on entry with tannic earthy, rooty, menthol, pruny flavours. Perfect complement to hamburgers. The wine is packages in tetra pack making it versatile for boats picnics and camping.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 1000ml |
| ON | $12.95 | 1000ml |
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86PTS
Trivento Reserve Malbec 2007
Mendoza, ArgentinaSpicy, savoury, peppery, meaty, tobacco, cherry jam nose. Round, dry, fresh, supple palate with peppery, tobacco, rooty, cherry, plum, licorice flavours. Good overall balance if a bit light. Solid food wine for the money. Good value.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $15.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Quinta do Encontro Merlot Baga 2006
Bairrada, Northern Portugal, PortugalMeaty, cedar, rooty, peppery, smoky, vanilla, roasted, floral aromas. Dry, slightly tannic, fresh, full bodied style. Smoky, peppery, meaty, black cherry, herbal, spicy, roasted pepper flavours with a touch of cooked carrot and chocolate on the finish. Good solid Euro style food wine.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Castelnovo Rosso di Montalcino 2003
Tuscany, ItalyMeaty, smoky, prune, tobacco, sausage, black cherry jam with a barnyard, saddle leather streak. Soft, dry, round but slightly lean palate. Tobacco, saddle leather, peppery, earthy, rooty, barnyard, black berry flavours. Somewhat old style, try with meat and pasta.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Mil Piedras Malbec 2007
Mendoza, ArgentinaTobacco, peppery, black cherry, smoky, meaty, savoury nose. Round, fresh, supple palate with black cherry, vanilla, mocha, savoury flavours. A bit sweet on the finish but will be widely accepted for the price.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Chateau de Cabriac 2006
Corbières, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceBlack cherry, earthy, rooty, peppery, cedar, meaty, floral nose. Round, dry, somewhat astringent palate with smoky, plum, licorice root, resin, peppery, cedar flavours. A solid wine for grilled meats and the summer.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Yellow Tail Cabernet - Merlot 2008
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaBlack currant, cologne, coffee, tobacco, black olive, resin nose. Round, tart, easy style with some sweetness. Mocha, coffee bean, tobacco leaf, cassis, olive, rooty, sour cherry flavours. Simple, commercial style with a tart, green edge.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Yellow Tail Shiraz - Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaPeppery, weedy, tobacco leaf, cedar bark, black olive, cassis nose. Sweet, round, fresh, slightly tannic palate. Very warm with mocha, coffee, cassis, herbal, olive, tobacco flavours. Finish is both cloying and tart. Simple red wine.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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20 June 2009
86PTS
Blasted Church Riesling 2008
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe first Blasted Church riesling we have seen is refreshingly, well, refreshing. It would appear the super tart Tantalus style is alive and well at Blasted Church. Look for big hits of lime and grapefruit rind on the nose and equally intense flavours on the palate. Perhaps too intense for the casual wine drinker. Try with oysters or mussels.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Dyer Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain District 2005
Diamond Mountain, Napa Valley, California, United StatesPeppery, spicy, iron, leather, tobacco, cassis, savoury aromas with a bit of leafy cassis. Round, dry, elegant, slightly austere palate. Cassis, tobacco, cedar, earthy, spicy, peppery, vanilla, slightly herbal, cherry jam finish. Good finesse but youthful, needs 2-5 years to soften the slightly astringent mountain fruit tannins.Prices:| US | $70.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Delta Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandRaspberry, rhubarb, spicy, carrot top, thyme, meaty, tobacco leaf aromas. Soft, round, elegant and supple on entry with fresh acidity and balance. Rhubarb, cherry, smoky, carrot top, rooty, tobacco, orange peel flavours. Juicy, slightly tart finish. A somewhat simple style but with fine balance with a touch of tannins that will help it age gracefully.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $24.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Rutherford Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2005
Napa Valley, California, United StatesTobacco, cedar, earthy, meaty, peppery, leather, cherry jam aromas with a touch of vanilla and coffee. Round, very warm, dry, supple palate with chocolate, black cherry jam, cassis, vanilla, licorice, peppery, mocha, tobacco flavours. Ripe, attractive style for most consumers that finishes big and warm.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Le Vieux Pin Émoi Pinot Noir 2006
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSomewhat brown, amber colour. Meaty, smoky, cedar, pine, worsteshire, cooked carrot, Band-Aid, dried cherry aromas. Round, dry, hot and astringent palate with dried cherry, worsteshire, coffee, vanilla, cooked carrot, meaty, tobacco, dill flavours. Very hot, astringent finish. Needs years to soften but lacks fruit.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Faustino I Rioja Gran Reserva 1996
Rioja Alavesa, Rioja, SpainBig meaty, Band-Aid, smoked saddle leather, tobacco, cooked carrot, resiny, rooty nose, very dirty. Dry, round, full palate with some light, lean tannin. Cooked carrot, green olive, smoky, resin, shoe leather, roasted meat, Band-Aid flavours. Very old style Rioja with a lot of Brettanomyces character.Prices:| BC | $39.25 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Pyramid Valley Vineyards Growers Collection Pinot Noir Eaton Family Vineyard 2006
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandStewed rhubarb, strawberry, worsteshire, celery root, carrot top, meaty, tobacco leaf aromas. Dry, round, supple palate with tobacco leaf, meaty, carrot top, celery, rhubarb, strawberry jam, orange flavours with a hot, tart finish. Solid but a bit green and soupy for the price.Prices:| NZ | $52.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Benvenuto de la Serna Blend 2005
Mendoza, ArgentinaEarthy, meaty, peppery, black cherry, coffee aromas. Round, dry, supple, full palate with peppery, tobacco, chocolate, black cherry, plum, sausage, vanilla flavours. Good solid fruit and balance. Will be best with 30 minutes of air before drinking.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Desert Hills Mirage Proprietor's Reserve 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCedar, meaty, rooty, burnt earth, beef Oxo, roast coffee, tobacco leaf aromas. Dry, round, supple palate with green tobacco, coffee, black olive, herbal, peppery, resin, rooty flavours. Lots of coffee oak on the finish but seems to be lacking some fruit with herbal characters poking through.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Talmage Charbono Venturi Vineyard 2006
Mendocino County, California, United StatesCorked and volatile, try another.Prices:| BC | $47.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Citra Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2007
Abruzzo, ItalyPeppery, meaty, cherry, earthy, leafy aromas. Soft, round, slightly tannic palate with a green olive, tobacco, meaty, spicy, cherry palate. Simple, barbeque red.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 1000ml |
| BC | $14.50 | 1500ml |
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86PTS
Undurraga Sibaris Carmenere Reserva Especial 2007
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileBig spicy, bay leaf, tobacco leaf, green olive, eucalyptus, sappy cassis,, coffee grind aroma. Round, supple, easy palate with rooty, peppery, tobacco leaf, green olive, cedar bark, resin, ash, chocolate flavours with bits of leafy cassis in the finish.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Sandhill Small Lots Program Three Sandhill Estate Vineyard 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, black cherry, coffee, chocolate, herbal, cedar, cardamom aromas. Dry, somewhat tight palate but elegant with coffee, peppery, licorice root, savoury, black cherry, cassis, vanilla, black olive flavours. Warm, dry, slightly astringent finish. Needs 1-2 years to soften but has some good fruit.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Sandhill Small Lots Program One Phantom Creek Vineyard 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHerbal, savoury, coffee oak, milk chocolate, tobacco leaf, cranberry, olive aromas. Round, dry, supple, elegant palate with cranberry, coffee, chocolate, dried herbs, savoury, tobacco, green olive flavours. Lots of oak and supple palate but needs some defining fruit.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $32.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Signorello Padrone 2005
Napa Valley, California, United StatesVery spicy, peppery, ripe cassis, blackberry, tobacco leaf, floral, coffee, licorice aromas. Rich, round, dry, full bodied style with supple but grainy tannins. Cedar, smoky, earthy, tobacco, peppery, cassis jam, blackberry, resin, savoury, vanilla flavours. Finish is warm and a bit tight, needs 3-7 years to soften. The current edition is slightly tighter with a dash of herbal cabernet character not seen last year. It should be fine with some bottle age.Prices:| BC | $145.00 | 750ml |
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19 June 2009
86PTS
Dirty Laundry Vineyard Riesling 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis nose is slightly scalped by the cork closure otherwise it is light and floral with a touch of minerality. The entry is lean and fairly tart with bits of green apple and rosewater and peach. Look for some lime rind in what is a light, skinny finish. You can chill this down and serve it on the patio or with bite size appetizers before dinner.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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17 June 2009
84PTS
Township 7 Chardonnay 2007
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaButtery, popcorn, light honey aromas. Round, dry, fresh palate with oaky, buttery, popcorn, citrus flavours. All oak and no extract or fruit to stand up to the wood.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Cathedral Cellar Chardonnay 2006
Coastal Region, South AfricaCreamy, light lees, pineapple, ripe peach nose, very tropical and buttery. Round, dry, fresh palate with very buttery, leesy, guava, pineapple flavours. Good balance if a bit old in style. This wine needs an upgrade in modern winemaking.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Quails' Gate Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGarlic lees, spicy, citrus, matchstick, green apple, pear, butter aromas. Dry, round, fresh, delicate palate with baked pear, apple, butter, vanilla, garlic lees, nutty, citrus flavours. Nice finesse if still a bit on the oaky side which tends to interfere with the delicate fruit character found in Okanagan chardonnay grapes.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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15 June 2009
89PTS
Schloss Schonborn Estate Riesling 2008
Rheingau, GermanyWhite peach, floral, green apple, lime rind, mineral aromas. Very crisp, delicate, slightly sweet palate with lime rind, green apple skin, nectarine, floral, slate flavours. Juicy, delicate, refined style with juicy flavours. Great value here. Enjoy anytime.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Gray Monk Riesling 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGrapefruit, lemonade, green apple aromas. Round, slightly sweet entry with grapefruit, apple skin, and gooseberry flavours with a somewhat bitter rind-y finish. More like sauvignon than riesling.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Dr. Loosen Blue Slate Riesling Kabinett 2007
Mosel, GermanyFloral, peach pit, green apple skin, spicy, citrus nose. Crisp, juicy, elegant palate with good acidity and sugar balance. Green apple, lime, orange, mineral, slate, spicy, peach pit flavours. Great fruit and acidity with delicacy. Great for current drinking.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Prinz von Preussen Riesling Halbtrocken (Off -Dry) 2007
Rheingau, GermanyVery ripe nose with guava, orange, baked green apple, nectarine skin and a touch of petrol, matchstick and lees. Crisp, off-dry, delicate palate with orange, lime rind, green apple, slate and lees flavours. A more succulent style and vintage for drinking or for food. Solid value here.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Prinz von Preussen Riesling Halbtrocken (Off -Dry) 2006
Rheingau, GermanyBig petrol, slate, green apple skin, mineral aromas. Very crisp, dry, delicate palate with mineral, lime, green apple skin and petrol flavours. Very light, delicate style especially for Rheingau. Try with smoked salmon.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Schloss Reinhartshausen Erbacher Schlossberg Riesling Spatlese 2007
Rheingau, GermanySpicy, grapefruit, lime, green apple, floral nose with a touch of guava. Fresh, crisp, delicate, juicy palate with orange, lime, peach, slate, green apple skin flavours. Fine length with incredible delicacy for the area. Excellent effort.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Schloss Reinhartshausen Riesling Trocken QBA 2007
Rheingau, GermanyFloral, green apple, lime, slate, peach pit aromas with a touch of matchstick. Crisp, dry, delicate palate with slate, apple skin, mineral, chalky, grassy, petrol flavours. A bit rind-y on the finish but has good balance and intensity for food.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Schloss Reinhartshausen Riesling Trocken QBA 2005
Rheingau, GermanyPetrol, smoky slate, green apple skin, peach, slightly nutty, citrus nose with a touch of matchstick. Crisp, round, dry palate with buttery, nutty, baked apple skin, petrol, smoky flavours. A tad bitter on the finish but has good flavours for seafood or Asian food.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Schloss Reinhartshausen Erbacher Siegelsberg Riesling Auslese 2003
Rheingau, GermanyLight creamy nutty/butter, petrol nose with bits of slate, green apple skin, lime rind and peach skin. Ripe, round, somewhat fat palate with petrol, nutty, baked apple, pear, pineapple flavours. Fine elegance and fruit but now mature. Try with lightly spiced Asian food or grilled scallops. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $48.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
St. Hubertus Dry Riesling 2008
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA second bottle shows light matchstick, leesy, apple skin aromas but little varietal fruit. Fresh, elegant, dry palate with leesy, green apple skin, buttery flavours. A simple wine that is overtly leesy and a touch dirty.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Quails' Gate Gewürztraminer 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMatchstick, sulphur dioxide, leesy nose obscures the varietal character. Round, slightly sweet entry with grapefruit, bitter lime rind, apple skin, and gooseberry flavours. The sulphur makes this practically unrecognizable as gewürztraminer. Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Deinhard Riesling Piesporter 2006
Mosel, GermanyPetrol, slate, struck matchstick, cooked apple skin aromas. Soft, round, easy style with grapefruit, baked apple, bitter pear rind, guava flavours. Simple, easy sipping patio white.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.50 | 750ml |
| SK | $12.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Mirassou California Riesling 2007
California, United StatesSlate, light petrol, lime, apple skin, pear aromas. Round, soft, slightly sweet entry with baked apple, pear, bitter lime, petrol flavours. Simple, forward style that would be better (fresher) under screwcap.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.87 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $16.00 | 750ml |
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14 June 2009
88PTS
Alamos Malbec 2008
Mendoza, ArgentinaA mix of Mendoza fruit picked at La Consulta, Tupungato, Lunlunta, and Agrelo it all gets about nine months of ageing in 50/50 French and American oak and the result is a soft round sweet fruit entry with spicy black fruit flavours with floral liquorice undertones in the finish. A soft, fleshy, tasty red that will be hit with steak not to mention most consumers.Prices:| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
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09 June 2009
87PTS
Domaine Le Pive Gris 2008
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceDomaine Le Pive hails from the Vin de Pays des Sables du Golfe du Lion a region that lies between the Mediterranean Sea and the two arms of the River Rhône delta. The blend is a mix of grenache noir with merlot and cabernet franc. As in previous editions the colour is spot on pink-y/orange with an aromatic nose of dried herbs and berries. The palate is fresh with strawberry citrus leafy notes and a dry crisp finish. A classic summer luncheon rosé that only gets better with food. Good value.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Casillero del Diablo Chardonnay 2008
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileClean zippy, fresh style with bright acidity and green apple fruit up front. Thirty per cent of the wine is fermented in French oak and aged eight months on the lees but you hardly notice it save for a bit of texture and richness in the finish. As always solid, well-made and eminently affordable.Prices:| SK | $13.10 | 750ml |
| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $11.57 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Quails' Gate Chardonnay 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe QG Estate chardonnay is 35 per cent tank fermented and 65 per cent barrel fermented in 20 per cent new French and American oak for 10 months. The nose is clean and fresh with rich honey and hazelnut aromas and flavours. Somewhat reminiscent of Western Australia chardonnay with a dash of Burgundy. The textures are rich and creamy but with a clean citrus finish. A modern style designed to accompany fresh West Coast seafood dishes.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
JoieFarm Chardonnay Un-Oaked (ii) 2008
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Joie Unoaked chardonnay is in the bright, white aromatic camp offering up intense green apple fruit aromas and flavours flecked with grapefruit, mineral and sea salt. Not as bitter as last year and with a bit more lees character. It is back on track.Prices:| BC | $20.40 | 750ml |
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04 June 2009
83PTS
Gallo Family Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2007
California, United StatesLight almost neutral aromas with just a wisp of citrus. Similar flavour patterns with more lemon rind and grapefruit. A simple luncheon style white that lacks sauvignon varietal character.Prices:| BC | $8.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.69 | 750ml |
| SK | $9.29 | 750ml |
| MB | $9.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.45 | 750ml |
| QC | $10.45 | 750ml |
| NB | $10.21 | 750ml |
| NS | $10.21 | 750ml |
| PEI | $10.21 | 750ml |
| NF | $10.21 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Jules Taylor Wines Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandClassic Marlborough with its canned jalapeno, and lemongrass notes mixed with smoky, mineral passion fruit undercurrents. Lovely fresh lemon flavours with fine balance and length; all without overpowering your palate. Ripe and round I could see this washing down a palate steamed mussels done Italian style with a little tomato, onion and garlic. Love the honey melon finish.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Isabel Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandA slightly sweeter riper version than most Marlborough wines we see the Isabel can double as a solo aperitif patio-style drink or you can easily pair it with rich mussel dishes. Most of the juice is cool fermented with some 5 per cent barrel fermented in French oak. The nose is bright and fresh with lemon zest, a hint of asparagus and plenty of bright tropical fruit. A slightly kinder, gentler elegant version that should be well received in America.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wither Hills Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandWither Hills is blended from 15 individual vineyard sites in Wairau Valley each harvested at optimum ripeness. Look for standard gooseberry and light capsicum notes with chalky, mineral undertones. Perfectly dry and fresh the acidity is bright the flavours a mix of gooseberry, passion fruit, lemongrass and granny smith apples. Well made and tasty.Prices:| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Casillero del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Region del Valle Central, ChileThis the ninth vintage reviewed at gismondionwine.com and it is certainly among the best. Casillero sauvignon is harvested from several cool sites and fermented and aged on its lees in stainless steel tanks. Look for a clean super fresh white with bright gooseberry flavours and flecks of peaches, honey and citrus. It finishes clean with a touch of minerality and lime rind. Crazy quality for the price. Oysters and sushi work for me.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $14.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.40 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Two Oceans Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Western Cape, South AfricaSouth Africa has a flair for sauvignon and you can see it even in the bargain bottles. The grapes are picked from across the Cape on a variety of soils. Look for a fresh, green fig character, with bits of grass and honey. The palate is balanced and fresh with a clean tropical fruit finish. Excellent styling and value for the price.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandSurprisingly restrained and showing some elegance the '07 mixes tropical fruits and bell pepper/canned jalapeno and kiwi notes on the nose and palate. The entry is fresh and balanced with fruit and acidity. One of the better examples we have seen in B.C. in our estimation. It remains pricey.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $28.00 | 750ml |
| QUE | $35.75 | 750ml |
| NB | $35.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Lindemans Bin 95 Sauvignon Blanc 2008
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaConsistently fresh and dry and pretty good value for the money describes this South Australian sauvignon. Crisp lemon nettle melon fruit with bits of grapefruit and grass throughout. A painless patio white for a variety of appetizers.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $13.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $13.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Kenwood Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Sonoma County, California, United StatesKenwood pulls from five separate Sonoma appellations to make its sauvignon. The latest example exhibits cool fruit and grassy notes with melon and tropical notes underneath. The palate is soft and juicy with a long warm finish. A safe version of the grape. The winery recommends higher-acid dishes including salads and vegetables and light-sauced poultry, shellfish and seafood dishesPrices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Terramater Sauvignon Blanc Vineyard Reserve 2008
Isla de Maipo, Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileStraight-up sauvignon form the relatively cool Isla de Maipo zone. The palate is a fresh mix of mango grapefruit and melon flavours with a grassy undertone. Clean fresh and simple it would be perfect with summer salads and light seafood dishes.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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July 2009