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Tastings: August 2009
27 August 2009
94PTS
Tapanappa Etages Chardonnay Tiers Vineyard Piccadilly Valley 2005
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaThis wine is a knockout punch for Oz chardonnay that gets little respect on the world stage. Tiers Vineyard was the first vineyard planted in the Adelaide Hills since the 19th and marks the centre of the Piccadilly Valley. The vines left are 26 years old. Brian Croser terms the 2005 as a cool vintage in the Piccadilly Valley and you can taste it in the wine. The nose is an intriguing mix of spicy lees and peachy fruit with a firm line of acidity. Even at four years it remains fresh and vital on the palate with a fine long complex finish. Very exciting wine. Another label to join Yattarna and the assault on Burgundy. Tappanappa's combined ownership with Croser includes Jean-Michel Cazes of Chateau Lynch-Bages in Pauillac, Bordeaux, and Société Jacques Bollinger, the parent company of Champagne Bollinger.Prices:| BC | $80.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Robertson Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Robertson, Breede River Valley, South AfricaYou wouldn't know by the price how good this little white is. Fresh and clean with grassy tropical fruit notes and big flavour. The palate is a mix of green apple fruit spiked with bits of mango and pineapple and just a touch of bitterness in the finish. A very suitable mid-week, go-to white for chicken, pastas, salads and light seafood dishes.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Sumac Ridge Tribute Méthode Classique NV
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLots of fine, white, continuous mousse. Light matchstick, butter, nutty, herbal, baked apple, pear skin, artichoke aromas. Fat, round, foamy palate with good acidity but somewhat sweet. Baked apple, honey, butterscotch, bitter citrus rind, pear skin and honey flavours. Very ripe, heavy style with some bitterness on the finish.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $28.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Barefoot Bubbly Pinot Grigio NV
California, United StatesLots of bubbles with a ripe apple, nectarine, pear, buttery, floral nose. Crisp, foamy and somewhat sweet with butter, canned pear, canned grapefruit, apple flavours. Very buttery, canned citrus flavour. Simple, easy picnic stuff.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $15.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $16.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Gray Monk Odyssey White Brut Méthode Classique 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight mousse with a toasty, nutty, green apple, honey, floral nose. Fresh, crisp, tart palate with nutty, spicy, toasty, green apple skin, baked pear, butter and honey flavours and a touch of bitterness at the end.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Astoria Cuvee Tenuta Val de Brun Prosecco 2007
Veneto, ItalyLots of continuous, white mousse. Ripe pear, floral, peach pit, red apple, citrus aromas. Round, fresh, creamy palate with some sweetness. Red apple, cooked pear, spicy, floral, citrus, nutty flavours. Lots of fruit and creamy mousse if a bit on the sweet side.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Hardys Stamp Series Sémillon Chardonnay 2007
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaAnother round, fresh, white wine from Oz. Look for a grassy, spicy, buttery, citrus aromas with an soft almost oily texture. The flavours are muted lemon, melon and mineral in taste all with a touch of sweetness in the finish. The screwcap glass closure allows you to chill and serve this wine anywhere.Prices:| BC | $10.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.00 | 750ml |
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26 August 2009
95PTS
Vina 1924 De Angeles Gran Malbec 2007
Vistalba District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaBig aromatic, spicy, peppery, cedar, coffee, mocha, vanilla, garrigue, savoury, black cherry jam, black plum aroma. Rich, round, dry, suave, elegant palate but packed with flavours and fine grained tannins. Coffee, vanilla, cedar, black cherry jam, black licorice, fig, garrigue, spicy, savoury, tobacco flavours. Great finish, length and finesse, not extracted but finely balanced. Will age nicely for 3-7 years. Terrific bottle of wine made with selected grapes planted in 1924.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Robin Ridge Gamay 2007
Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSimilar to the previous year with its smoky, cherry, mineral, rooty notes, soft tannins and cedar-y, spicy, mocha, chocolate black cherry jam flavours. The finish is smooth and a touch warm with sweet vanilla oaky notes. Try this with local cheeses.Prices:| BC | $18.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Eau Vivre Pinot Noir 2007
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaExpect a "pretty" red cherry nose and pinot character from grapes grown on a cool single vineyard site down by the river. In Similkameen and other grapes from the Okanagan. Bits of spicy strawberry fruit with some fine intensity and not too much oak (yeah) make this an interesting start. Well done.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Cerelia Pinot Gris 2008
Cawston, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWinemaker Megan Mutch is just getting started but she has made a bright fresh clean pinot gris bit of citrus and fine flavour concentrations. It is a bit sweet in the finish but that will hardly hurt its appeal with most consumers. A perfect sushi wine. Good value too.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Orofino Beleza 2007
Cawston, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBeleza is the new name of Orofino's signature merlot cabernet blend. The latest mix is a 68/13/15/2/ blend of merlot, cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot aged in a mix of new French and American oak. Look for savoury, peppery, tobacco and cool red fruit aromas with soft, smoky, chocolate black fruit flavours. Unfined and unfiltered.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Crowsnest Vineyard & Barcello Canyon Stahltank Chardonnay 2008
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe cleanest version yet of this unoaked white with fresh mineral, melon, green apple, citrus aromas. The entry is sweet and smooth with intense sweet pear and apple flavours with pretty good acidity underneath. Well made but a little less sugar would really let the fruit and appellation shine through.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Ruca Malen Yauquén Malbec 2008
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaBig floral, black cherry, black plum, peppery, licorice, savoury, chocolate, tapenade aromas. Rich, round, smooth, dry palate with light grained tannins and a touch of acidity. Smoky, savoury, olive, tobacco, black cherry jam, black plum, herbal, resin, coffee and vanilla flavours. A touch tart on the finish and young but has very good fruit and balance. Good value.Prices:| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Chakana Wiphala Malbec - Syrah 2008
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaPeppery, tobacco, spicy, meaty, black olive, savoury, black cherry, plum nose. Ripe, round, dry, slightly tannic but supple palate. Black cherry, smoky, peppery, tobacco, savoury, meaty, licorice root, resin, blueberry flavours. A touch rustic on the finish but good flavours to complement beef.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Baires Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec 2005
San Juan, ArgentinaTobacco, herbal, peppery, coffee, mocha, savoury, compost, black cherry aromas. Round, soft, slightly light bodied palate with smoky, herbal, peppery, savoury, vanilla, olive flavours with a touch of bitterness and herbal notes on the finish.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Mouton Cadet Rouge 2006
Bordeaux, FranceTypical taut and dry lean style with firm acidity. Look for red fruit cran/cherry flavours with just a touch of sourness. On the palate the wine is smooth with resiny earthy notes and some dry tannin in the finish. Simple stuff. The blend is 65/20/15 merlot, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $7.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $16.30 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Seven Stones Standing Rock Meritage 2006
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLook for a savoury northwest nose with spicy black olive and roasted pepper aromas. The palate is supple with smooth tannins and a peppery, coffee, tomato, leafy cassis, smoky vanilla flavour. Fine with steak.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
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25 August 2009
88PTS
Tantalus Riesling 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRetasted three months after the first sample showed so much sulphur and struck matchstick - it may have been sent right off the bottling wine. This sample has reverted back to form with its lip smacking, tart fresh citrus and green apple flavours and dry finish. Very avante garde for North American riesling but the only way to go if BC is going to be taken seriously as a riesling producer. Try this with oysters or Indian food both will work.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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23 August 2009
86PTS
Mission Hill Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNight harvested fruit that gets some skin contact and a splash of oak. The palate is a mix of green herbal gooseberry notes with a touch of dried hay. Solid if somewhat uninspired for the price.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
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22 August 2009
84PTS
Mike Weir Cabernet Merlot 2006
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaDisjointed volatile red with lifted raspberry fruit nose and fairly strong mid-palate acidity. All spice and oak with a thin hot spicy finish. No fruit or texture. A hamburger red at best.Prices:| BC | $21.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mission Hill Five Vineyards Pinot Grigio 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe latest 08 grigio is a delight from its price to its on palate delivery. It is the fresh lees and flinty honeyed, citrus/ pear fruit that grabs your attention and the long exuberantly fruity finish now devoid of that bitter lime rind character. This is a versatile wine for sushi or grilled fish. Well done.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Conti Constanti Brunello di Montalcino Colle al Matrichese 2003
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalySmoky, barnyard, cedar, tobacco, earthy, peppery, spicy, licorice, prune aromas with a slightly soya/ volatile edge. Round, dry, tight palate but elegant with some lean tannins. Warm with peppery, prune, blackberry jam, resin, smoky tar, tobacco flavours. Tart acidity and very warm finish, seems to lack balance. Best with beef.Prices:| BC | $85.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Lisini Brunello di Montalcino 2003
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalySmoky, tar, coffee, vanilla, peppery, tobacco, meaty, black cherry jam, black berry and ash aromas. Rich, round, dry palate with smooth grained tannins. Good smoky, dried herb, tobacco, licorice, black cherry jam, meaty, peppery, vanilla, rooty flavours. Good concentration and balance if a bit tart and warm on the finish. Will improve over the next 2-5 years. Good effort for a very hot vintage.Prices:| BC | $85.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $79.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $78.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Fuligni Brunello di Montalcino 2003
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyPeppery, tar, smoky, dried cherry, tobacco, barnyard, leather, resin, black olive nose with some herbs and floral notes. Ripe, rich, round, full, hot palate with some dusty tannins and a bit of acidity. Tobacco, cedar, licorice, resin, black cherry, raisin, peppery, tapenade, meaty, dried plum flavours. Good finesse for a hot vintage but very warm on the finish. Drink now or keep 2-3 years.Prices:| BC | $86.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $75.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $76.00 | 750ml |
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21 August 2009
88PTS
Composite Pinot Noir 2007
Ara, Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandModern fresh NZ pinot with lots of sour cherry/raspberry/red fruits laced with cinnamon and rooty carroty notes all from Ara, a new sub-region of Marlborough. The palate is fresh with bright acidity and sappy, peppery red fruit. Duck confit or something fatty will smooth everything out here. Soft round New World style.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Leopard's Leap Lookout Cabernet Sauvignon - Shiraz - Cinsault 2006
Western Cape, South AfricaMuch like previous versions this blend of cabernet sauvignon/shiraz/cinsault opens with a soft peppery nose dotted with meaty, tar and spicy/resiny aromas and flavours. Soft, simple red wine that finishes acidic. Best with grilled meat.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
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17 August 2009
88PTS
Talmage Charbono Venturi Vineyard 2006
Mendocino County, California, United StatesVery peppery, garrigue, cedar, vanilla, licorice root, tobacco, menthol, resin, black olive tapenade aromas. Round, rich, dry, warm palate with some youthful, grainy, tight tannin. Black cherry, black pepper, spicy, vanilla, floral, garrigue, rooty, licorice, minty flavours with a touch of cedar, tar and tobacco on the finish. A bit rustic and hot, should improve for 2-4 years while softening the tannins.Prices:| BC | $47.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Bersano Cortese 2008
Piedmont, ItalyHoney, nutty, grassy, dried fig, grapefruit aromas. Dry, leaner palate but elegant with good acidity. Grassy, grapefruit, nutty, melon rind, lemon, mineral flavours. Solid, simple, clean style for clams.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Batasiolo Barolo 2004
Piedmont, ItalyTar, earthy, coffee, tobacco, strawberry jam, cherry, cedar, meaty, saddle leather aromas. Ripe, round, dry, supple but grainy tannins. Still tight with good acidity. Cherry jam, licorice root, peppery, vanilla, coffee, tobacco, leather, dried herb, smoky tar and cedar flavours. Good concentration, very spicy tar finish. Needs 3-5 years. Again, more feminine style but balanced. Solid value here.Prices:| BC | $39.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $38.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $33.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $33.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Selbach-Oster Riesling Estate Kabinett 2008
Mosel, GermanyPeach, floral, red apple skin, citrus, honey nose with a bit of matchstick. Delicate, fresh, crisp palate with some sweetness to balance. Green apple, citrus, peach pit, smoky, mineral flavours. A touch light on the finish but has fine fruit and delicacy.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Batasiolo Barbera d'Alba Sovrana 2007
Piedmont, ItalySpicy, black cherry, plum, rooty, sausage, spicy, floral, tobacco, chocolate aromas. Ripe, round, full and elegant palate with supple tannins and good acidity. Peppery, floral, spicy, chocolate, black cherry, plum, mineral, licorice, meaty tobacco flavours. Very good fruit and ripeness, will hold well for 2-3 years or drink now with lamb or duck. Best effort yet for this edition.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Batasiolo Barbaresco 2005
Piedmont, ItalySmoky, tar, chocolate, licorice root, meaty, strawberry jam, barnyard aromas with a touch of tobacco leaf and garrigue. Dry, round, full palate with some ripe, grainy tannins and a touch of austerity. Spicy, peppery, smoky, coffee, tobacco, vanilla, cherry jam, dried herb and meat flavours. Good finesse and length, needs 3-5 years but well balanced, more elegant style. Good value.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $32.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Clos du Soleil White 2007
Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGrassy, grapefruit, passion fruit, waxy, floral, butter, vanilla nose. Round, crisp, dry, slightly oily but austere style. Lemon, grapefruit, grassy, gooseberry, light butter and hay flavours. A bit acidic on the finish but solid food white. The mix is 95 sauvignon blanc and 5 per cent semillon.Prices:| BC | $26.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Le G de Château Guiraud 2007
Bordeaux, FranceGrassy, hay, lees, smoky, grapefruit, floral, gooseberry nose. Round, dry, crisp palate in an elegant style, not big concentration. Gooseberry, passion fruit, smoky, lees, grassy, jalapeno and grapefruit flavours. Solid seafood wine if a bit pricey.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Gray Monk Kerner 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, peach, green apple skin, spicy nose. Round, fresh, delicate palate with good acidity but a bit sweet. Fresh green apple, citrus, floral, grassy, rose soap flavours. Simple, crisp, juicy style with a bit of fruit gum drop.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chono Reserva Syrah 2007
Valle del Elqui, ChileSpicy, rooty, smoky, floral, black cherry, licorice root, meaty, leather, tobacco aromas with a touch of dried herbs and black olive. Rich, round, dry and supple with full body. Smoky meat, garrigue, resin, licorice, black cherry jam, rooty, tobacco, vanilla, coffee and herb flavours. Good concentration and flavours for food. Suave and warm on the finish. Good value here.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Chono Reserva Carmenère Syrah 2007
Valle del Elqui, ChileTobacco leaf, menthol, sweaty saddle, barnyard, peppery, meaty, clove, smoky cassis, sappy, herbal aromas. Round, dry, smooth, rich palate with some finesse. Warm with plum, black pepper, tobacco leaf, saddle leather, herbal, smoky tomato leaf, garrigue flavours. Well balanced and smooth but on the strong barnyard-herbaceous side.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Road 13 Viognier Roussanne Marsanne 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, peach pit, honey, spicy, butter, melon, tangerine, grapefruit, slate nose. Round, fresh, elegant palate with a hint of sweetness. Grapefruit, honey, floral, spicy, nectarine, orange, mineral, butter and passion fruit flavours. A bit warm on the finish but has good fruit, delicacy and balance. Well done.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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16 August 2009
88PTS
Gancia Prosecco Extra Dry NV
Lombardy, ItalySparkling prosecco continues to gain inroads in a market the rewards flavour and value. This pale straw-coloured bubble mixes red apple and floral notes with just a hint of citrus and almonds in what is essentially a fresh uncomplicated glass of bubble. More mineral than fruity it is a very pleasant pre-dinner palate cleanser and a suitable alternative to those dry pricey bruts.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Two Oceans Sauvignon Blanc Brut 2008
Western Cape, South AfricaQuiet nose with hints of sauvignon-like fruit and grassy notes. On the palate, the mousse is quite coarse and the flavours are bitter. Not at all in the usual approachable Two Oceans style. Not my favourite.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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15 August 2009
80PTS
Therapy Vineyards Pink Freud 2008
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThere is quite vegetal, herbal, sulphur twang to this pink blend of pinot noir/merlot/shiraz and cabernet sauvignon. The palate is crisp and dry but the sulphur persists killing the fruit. Disappointing.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Pentâge Winery Rosé 2008
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe colour is an unusual candy red that might suggest a sweet white zin style but the wine is dry. In fact it has a tart sour cran/cherry flavour with a touch of sweetness in the finish. Awkward simple style, that needs a more permanent direction in style.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Mistaken Identity Pinot Rosé 2008
Well done. The nose is fresh and lively with bits of strawberry/cranberry flavours and a big citrus finish. Dry and tart it grabs your palate and calls for food. Very promising Provence style and certainly on the right track. Where is the picnic. Try with cold meats, salads and pasta in cream sauces.Prices:| BC | $16.90 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Dunham Froese Rosé 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe nose is flat with bits of berries but the fruit almost seems stunned by the synthetic cork. The palate is equally flat with vegetal, earthy fruit flavours and some candied citrus notes in the back ground. Awkward, as if it's not sure what direction to head in. There's work to be done. There is 5 per cent syrah in the mix.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Stoneboat Vineyards Faux Pas Rose 2008
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is pinot noir base rosé with a herbal/vegetal, earthy nose with medium-weight, sweet fruit palate. Not all that food friendly, so serve well chilled, and solo, before the dinner. Not up to the usual fresh, mineral bright, Martiniuk style.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Hardys Stamp Series Shiraz - Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaThe Stamps Series shiraz cabernet remains consistent no matter what the packaging. This 250-ml plastic bottle with the twist-off top that turns into a wine glass sports earthy, blueberry, licorice aromas. On the palate it is soft with a slightly sweet entry. More spicy, black cherry, liquorice and leather flavours follow with just a hint of acidity poking through the end.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Vibo Malbec 2007
Mendoza, ArgentinaOn the Chilean side of the Andes, Viu Manent winery has always managed to make a glossy supple sweet fruit style of malbec in Colchagua but this Argentine venture from the Uco valley is a step up. The high-altitude version comes with more amplitude. Look for a big fresh red with gobs of black peppery fruit, sweet vanilla, pepper, alcohol and fine acidity. Big and slick it's a glossy version that will attract a crowd.Prices:| US | $40.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Dos Besos Tempranillo Syrah 2007
Vinos de la Tierra de Castilla, SpainDos Besos is a blend of tempranillo (85%) and syrah (15%) that aged only in stainless steel. Look for red berries mixed with gamy leathery notes and a short dry finish. A simple style hamburger red.Prices:| BC | $11.00 | 750ml |
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13 August 2009
88PTS
Nk'Mip Cellars Qwam Qwmt Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAn impressive refined, elegantly styled cabernet sauvignon that is long on balance. Look for cranberry cherry fruit bits with dried herbs spice and cedar. Fine mid-palate weight and acidity and a long soft finish with plummy, earthy coffee notes. Well done and this will improve over the next five years.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Korta Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2007
Valle del Curicó, Region del Valle Central, ChileAnother cedar-y Chilean cabernet with medium weight and a soft finish. Minty spicy, peppery, black fruit with a slightly warm, alcoholic undercurrent and dry, tart finish. Simple, easy sipping style cabernet for mid week burgers.Prices:| CDN | $15.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tapiz Malbec 2007
Mendoza, ArgentinaTapiz is looking good in its post Kendall Jackson incarnation. The nose is a mix of peppery notes flecked with savoury meat, coffee and chocolate. At 13.8 the alcohol is in balance with its big intense flavours and the long smooth finish. You can drink it now with steak or hold on to it for another year or so.Prices:| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Wolf Blass Grey Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Langhorne Creek, South Australia, AustraliaGrey Label cabernet hails from Langhorne Creek and has since 1975. It sports telltale mint and eucalyptus of the appellation and a dark, peppery raspberry jam nose with strong, smoky vanilla undertones, mid-palate heat with bits of black fruit and vanilla. There is just a touch of acidity poking through its dry, leathery finish.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $52.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $35.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Santa Rita Cabernet Sauvignon 120 2007
Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileA soft, silky, cedar-y blend of Maipo minty/bay leaf black fruits with a soft mid-palate. Look for bits of earth mushrooms spice and leather in the back end of this easy to drink red. A touch of French oak rounds out the palate. Serve with barbecue meats or hard cheese. Crazy value.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.75 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.45 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.19 | 750ml |
| SK | $11.94 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Township 7 Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA cleaner version of the '05 with a softer, slipperier entry and mid-palate with plenty of smoky oak and peppery, black cherry fruit. Still young and angular with a definite tart mid-palate and finish. Best tamed with roast beef or game for the moment otherwise hold for three to five years.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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11 August 2009
89PTS
Xumek Sol Huape Malbec 2007
San Juan, ArgentinaAn appealing style of malbec that hails from north of Mendoza in San Juan. The nose is fragrant offering up floral, peppery, ripe red fruit with bits of chocolate, coffee, dried herbs and blueberries. The palate is silky smooth showing youthful oak and vanilla throughout the finish. Cellar for another three to five years or drink now with roasted meatsand fowl.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
La Posta Malbec Cocina Blend 2007
Perdriel District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaLa Posta is a delicious blend of 60/20/20 malbec/syrah/bonarda fruit from La Consulta, Altamira and Vista Flores in Mendoza. The palate is a dry mix of cedar, blueberries, black fruit and savoury gamy peppery notes. The finish is soft with a bit of acidity poking through. Best with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Silvertop Malbec 2008
Mendoza, ArgentinaLook for a raw spicy, peppery fruit nose and palate. Plenty of mid-palate spice and acidity mixes with resin and cran-cherry fruit. It finishes tart and dry from the elevated acidity. Not a great example of the variety but more of a cheap knockoff. A hamburger red at best.Prices:| MB | $10.00 | 750ml |
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09 August 2009
89PTS
Penfolds Bin 138 Shiraz - Mourvèdre - Grenache 2006
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaPenfolds had been growing mourvèdre since the 1950s but it wasn't until the 1992 vintage that the decision was made to make an old vine Barossa red the paid homage to the southern Rhone. By 1998, the shiraz/grenache/mourvèdre blend was upgraded to the bin range bearing the moniker Bin 138. Interestingly it's one of the few Penfolds wines that isn't blended until just before bottling. The '06 mix is 39/32/29 shiraz/grenache/mourvèdre all matured in five year old French and American oak. The nose is bright and lifted floral, dried herbs and berry nuances. Glossy candied fruit with spicy, orange, mineral cedar and tobacco fill out its considerable but soft length. The oak is all perfectly integrated. You can drink this now but five to seven years will pay rewards.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $35.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $35.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $38.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $63.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Penfolds Thomas Hyland Riesling 2008
South Australia, AustraliaBright mineral, dry fruit style. Quite a soft, almost easy-sipping entry with plenty of floral and lemon fruit. Very approachable style of riesling for a variety of foods or sipping solo. The residual sugar is just right for the acidity and fruit. A very likeable stylish riesling. Currently sold only on the wine list at Earl's restaurant chain where I'm sure it is a fine match with several menu items.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Penfolds Riesling Bin 51 2008
Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaBin 51 is a member of the burgeoning Penfolds white wine program, that one day soon will be given it due reward. After a brief period in stainless steel, the wine goes to bottle. High altitude/cool climate fruit sourcing conspires to produce a wine that is not only complex but also one that will age. Intense bright apple and lime rind, oyster liqueur notes dominate the nose and palate with flecks of orange and passion fruit; all with tight firm acidity. You can enjoy it now with a variety of foods but it will live for decades. Closed under screwcap for maximum freshness and ageing potential.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $29.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $27.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tinpot Hut Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandBy any standard this sauvignon has all the hallmarks of classic Marlborough. With both depth and intensity of flavour you are enveloped in its mineral lemon gooseberry fruit with just a whiff of asparagus juice. Fresh pungent and totally Marlborough this is the wine you want with mussels and other shellfish dishes. You also make a case for this with sushi.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Pinot Gris Organic 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe vineyard is certified organic. The nose is mix of green apple skins and nectarines with bits of honey. The palate is similar with bruised apple, apricot and peach notes with some underlying citrus and sour apple notes. Light on flavour this year and a bit short in the finish. Best employed as a patio appetizer wine.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Ketu Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandNew Zealand sauvignon blanc is delicious but expensive for what it is and given our dollar it's time we had a wine like this. Ketu Bay is made by the folks at Konrad and while it may not be their finest juice it over delivers for $14 with its bits of passion fruit and melon and gobs of citrus. Fresh and drinkable bring on the prawns or the mussels or the clams or the oysters.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Devil's Rock Pfalz Riesling 2007
Pfalz, GermanyClean fresh, bright, fruit nose with bits of petrol, green apple skin and fresh lemon. The entry is tart with dry citrus, mineral, slate, butter/lemon notes and a medium long finish. Zesty upbeat and finished under screwcap. This is a bargain you should purchase by the case. Serve whenever you want to have fun.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Dunavár Pinot Gris 2008
The latest Dunavár is finished under screwcap which helps with its freshness quotient. Look for a light, citrus, watery-style gris of light to medium weight with a short finish. Clean, easy-drinking value white for summer sipping. Serve well chilled before dinner.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.50 | 750ml |
| SK | $9.40 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Rigamarole Rosé 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSimilar to the previous version it begins with a light cranberry orange colour with a candied fruit and floral nose. The entry is soft and juicy with herbal leafy candied citrus notes. Slightly drier than the previous version it tastes more food friendly with a clean fresh juicy strawberry citrus finish.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Viu Manent Malbec 2008
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileSweet spicy sappy red with intense black plums with bits of tobacco smoke and gamey notes. The entry is and smooth with spicy black pepper and plum fruit notes and a savoury licorice grilled mushrooms flavours. Smooth, silky peppery finish. Amazing quality for Chilean malbec and good value to boot.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Vinum Africa Chenin Blanc 2008
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaTasted twice in recent weeks and we have been impressed both times. As stated on many occasions if South Africa is going to gain respect for its wines in Canada this is the level of quality required to make an impression on serious wine drinkers. Made from mature grapes located on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain in the Stellenbosch Region. The key to freshness is only five percent of the juice is barrel fermented yet all of the fruit is aged on its lees for texture and freshness. Both lively and fresh, you pick up a minerality and depth of ripe chenin fruit that can beguile. Bits of lime and honey with a floral, spicy undertone leaves you wanting more. Excellent quality Chenin blanc.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $20.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Thelema Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Elgin, Overberg, South AfricaBright juicy melon style sauvignon with a delicious balance of fruit and acidity. Very cool fragrant styling with bits of gooseberry and honeysuckle. Very fresh juicy citrus tasty and clean. Would be great with all kinds of food. Impressive.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Boschendal Chardonnay 2008
Coastal Region, South AfricaLeesy, nutty, butter, smoky nose threaded with citrus, peach and honey aromas. Round, somewhat fat palate with honey, buttered popcorn, peach, vanilla, baked apple and lemon flavours. A solid if slightly older style chardonnay with integrity and some finesse all at a fair price. Think chicken or creamy cheeses.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Valle Las Acequias Malbec Oak 2005
Medrano, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaBig sweet sappy floral black fruit, violets and cranberry notes on the nose with a rich spicy undertone. This is full on malbec with a full, warm, vanilla spicy savoury fruit ending flecked with tobacco and mocha flavours. This needs a big steak or roast to tame the wild animal and savoury/garrigue notes.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Hillside Gewürztraminer 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRecently retasted. Fairly fresh nose with compared to original sample. Tart, rindy, grassy, grapefruit, ginger flavours akin to sauvignon with just a hint of the spicy gewürztraminer character. The finish is slightly off-dry with bits of floral honey grapefruit. Try with curry dishes.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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08 August 2009
87PTS
Saurus Patagonia Select Malbec 2006
San Patricio del Chanar, Neuquén, Patagonia, ArgentinaOpen wild black fruit nose with bits of red licorice, currants coffee and mocha on the nose. Wild rooty chewy textures on the palate with a big dollop of spice and heat. More blueberry fruit, coffee and vanilla bean flavours with a touch of acidity in the back end. Some forty percent of the wine is aged for 12 months in new French and American oak before its bottled unfiltered.Prices:| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Escudo Rojo 2007
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChilePeppery, tobacco leaf, cedar, black olive, black cherry, licorice root, eucalyptus, barnyard and forest floor aromas. Round, dry, supple, full palate with good finesse and light tannins. Coffee, cedar bark, tobacco, cassis, black cherry, black olive, dried herb flavours with some cranberry and menthol on the finish. On the green side but has very good texture and balance. A nice improvement in style.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $23.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $18.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
ZED Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandSuper crisp, lemon passion fruit nose that jumps from the glass. The flavours are similar with an interesting peppery, green fruit undercurrent all with long lime, herbal grassy aftertaste. Classic, if simple, Kiwi sauvignon. I like this wine but like many, many Kiwi sauvignon blancs the price is out of whack when you consider it is selling for the equivalent of 22 Kiwi dollars in BC!Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Santa Rita Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2007
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileCassis, sappy, menthol, peppery, tobacco leaf, green olive, herbal, spicy nose. Round, dry, slightly lean palate but full and fresh. Tobacco, dry cedar bark, peppery, coffee, resiny, smoky menthol and cassis flavours. Full but on the greener side.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.90 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Doña Paula Los Cardos Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThis 100 percent sauvignon comes from the high altitude Tupungato area of Mendoza's Uco Valley. Look for green hues in this otherwise pale white wine. The nose is an herbal leafy mix of gooseberry and grapefruit. On the palate the same them continues with more gooseberry nectarine skin and passion fruit flavours. Stark fresh and food friendly. This wine is getting better each harvest.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $15.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
House Wine White 2007
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesSimple, easy-sipping white wine with a big, flowery tropical fruit nose and flavour profile. Soft, round and eminently sippable with just a touch of acidity throughout to keep it fresh. Serve well chilled all summer on the patio or with Pan Asian foods.Prices:| BC | $21.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Castello del Poggio Moscato d'Asti 2007
Piedmont, ItalyGood frizzante style with very floral, orange, nectarine, mineral, green apple, passion fruit, spicy aromas. Fresh, crisp, zippy style but on the sweet side. Guava, nectarine, orange, spicy, floral, mineral flavours. Good intensity if a bit too sweet and ripe.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Don Miguel Gascon Malbec 2007
Mendoza, ArgentinaAlways appealing the Gascon is built with soft edges and plenty of warm smoky white pepper and floral fruit. The palate is a mix of meaty savoury licorice flavoured plums and black fruit with bits of vanilla and chocolate. Rich and balanced it totally over delivers for the price. Try this with a variety of grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Strut Chardonista Chardonnay 2008
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaCheap sweet oaky chardonnay for the masses. A classic case of the packaging is far superior to the product. Introductory style international chardonnay that lacks provenance and verve. Sweet and bitter on entry, the palate and the finish. Ordinary at best.Prices:| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Melipal Malbec Reserve 2006
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThis is big showy stuff just like the '04. The colour is deep the nose a savoury, smoky vanilla coffee affair with bits of black licorice, black cherry jam and tobacco. The attack is juicy with spicy, cardamom, smoky vanilla, black cherry, savoury flavours all flecked with orange and a few rustic tannins in the back end. Back on track in amix of New and Old World styles.Prices:| BC | $39.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Azul Portugal Bairrada 2006
Bairrada, Northern Portugal, PortugalPeppery, spicy, licorice, black olive, tobacco, black cherry, rooty aromas. Ripe, round, dry, supple but tight palate. Cedar, tobacco, smoky, resin, cassis, black cherry and olive flavours. Another solid food style wine from this group.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Sebastiani Sonoma Chardonnay 2007
Sonoma County, California, United StatesAttractive honey, butter, lees nose with streaks of vanilla, spicy, baked pear and citrus. Round, fresh, slightly oily palate with pineapple, vanilla, spicy lees, baked green apple, honey and butter flavours. There is a touch of sweetness on the finish but it is good solid fruit in a riper style. Solid value here in a California-style chardonnay.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $21.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Hester Creek Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, cedar, black cherry, coffee, rooty, barnyard, saddle leather, licorice nose. The entry is round and dry the palate fresh with light tannins. Peppery, earthy, spicy, leafy, barnyard, leather, herbal flavours. Simple, somewhat herbaceous style that needs another year or so in bottle. Serve with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Road 13 Chardonnay 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, peach, baked apple, vanilla aromas. Round, fresh, crisp palate with a light oily edge. Lime, grapefruit, peach skin, lees and vanilla flavours. Solid with a touch of bitter peach fuzz and citrus rind on the finish.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Road 13 Honest John's White 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, floral, peach skin, pear, grassy, grapefruit aromas. Fresh, round, elegant palate with grapefruit rind, gooseberry, floral, peach, butter, mineral flavours. Easy, fresh summer style wine for food or sipping.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Cassini Cellars Pinot Gris 2008
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight lees, green apple skin, pear, grapefruit aromas. Round, soft, fresh palate with a bit of residual sugar. Nutty, lees, green apple, pear, citrus rind flavours. A simple patio sipping style.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
La Mano Mencia Roble 2007
Bierzo, Castilla-Leon, SpainA new label to BC from Castillo y Leon. The grape is mencia, certainly well known in the Bierzo region. Look for smoky, tobacco, peppery, cherry jam nose with bits of cranberry and dried meat. Round, dry, slightly tannic palate with peppery, meaty, smoky, garrigue, dried cherry and tobacco leaf flavours. Solid, Euro-style food wine.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Espelt ComaBruna 2005
Empordà, Ampurdain-Costa Brava, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainDeep cherry/purple colour. Smoky, peppery, meaty, allspice, floral, black cherry, rooty nose flecked with liquorice and tobacco ash aromas. Dry, round, slightly austere entry with some tannin to shed. Very spicy, floral, dried herb, meaty, smoky, garrigue, menthol, black cherry and tobacco flavours. Good concentration but still a bit tight and rustic. Best in 2-3 years or with grilled steak now. A unique blend 9 syrah, cariñena and marselan) well worth investigating.Prices:| BC | $42.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Espelt ViDivi Garnacha Merlot 2006
Empordà, Ampurdain-Costa Brava, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainVery smoky, meaty, floral, spicy, black cherry, tobacco, leather, plum and dried fig aromas. Rich, round, dry, supple palate with good acidity. Spicy, black cherry, raspberry jam, licorice, peppery, mineral flavours. Warm, fresh, finish. Good fruit and balance overall, an attractive style for current drinking.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Espelt Terres Negres 2006
Empordà, Ampurdain-Costa Brava, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainThe black soil 'terres negres' blend is made with cariñena/cabernet sauvignon . Expect a smoky, licorice, garrigue, meaty, black cherry, peppery, rooty, cassis, chocolate and tobacco aromas. Ripe, round, dry palate with good acidity and grainy tannins if a touch warm. Cassis, cherry, coffee, garrigue, tobacco, spicy, mineral, black raspberry flavours. Good complexity in an elegant, fruity, fresh style than can age.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Espelt Sauló Garnacha Carinena 2007
Empordà, Ampurdain-Costa Brava, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainCedar, peppery, black cherry, smoky, resin, tobacco, black raspberry nose with a touch of leather and root. Round, dry, fresh, warm palate with meaty, peppery, cedar, tobacco, spicy, black cherry and raspberry flavours. Good solid food wine with some concentration. Fine value here.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Dirty Laundry Vineyard Pinot Gris 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, floral, green apple, candied peach and grapefruit aromas. Fresh, crisp, round, slightly sweet palate with grapefruit, green apple, pear, butter and canned fruit cocktail flavours. A well-made, fresh style for current consumption.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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07 August 2009
80PTS
Open Riesling - Gewurzytraminer 2008
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaSweet flat candied nose and palate. Very commercial style white wine with bitter, citrus rind notes in the back end. Best served ice cold. Not a great standard for VQA.Prices:| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Marotti Campi Luzano Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico 2007
Ancona, Marche, ItalyVerdicchio originated in the Marche and the Marotti Campi folks have been growing it since the 19th century. Look for floral - jasmine, green apple skin honey and lemon on the nose and similar flavours on the palate. The wine is oak free leaving the nutty honey characters to shine through the finish. Ravioli fungi would be a great match.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Smoking Loon Viognier 2007
California, United StatesThe '07 version sees a bit subdued, less exuberant fruit with a bit more oil and heat. The nose is a mix of honeysuckle and orange/pear fruit with a dash of rose oil. The entry is soft in texture with similar with a soft palate and a ripe melon, passion fruit and white peach notes. Should be fine with spicy dishes, chicken or pork.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $17.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.55 | 750ml |
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05 August 2009
88PTS
Penfolds Thomas Hyland Shiraz 2006
South Australia, AustraliaMade from select parcels of South Australian shiraz in the Adelaide region. Look for a drier peppery style with lovely density and richness throughout. The palate is packed with plummy/blueberry/boysenberry fruit you can drink all day. The finish is long and peppery with bits of oak and savoury chocolate. Great steak wine.Prices:| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $23.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $24.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Penfolds Cabernet Shiraz Bin 389 2006
South Australia, AustraliaA part of the components of Bin 389 is still matured in the same barrels that are used in the previous vintage of Grange. Now in its 46th vintage the wine remains true to its roots using the structure of cabernet and softens that with the richness of shiraz. The '06 blend is a 52/48 mix of cabernet and shiraz age in American oak ONLY 22 percent of which is new. Look for big brambleberry/mulberry/blueberry fruit notes with bits of sausage and dried herbs. The palate is packed with warm round ripe fruit with an underpinning of olives and spicy oak. A good year for 389 with another 10 to 15 ahead before it reaches its peak. A fine improvement over the 1995.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $38.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $38.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $40.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $38.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $41.00 | 750ml |
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96PTS
Penfolds Grange Bin 95 Shiraz 2004
South Australia, AustraliaEveryone agrees this is a great Grange along the stylistic lines of the impressive 1990 and 1996 vintages and it has barely begun its bottle life. The 04 mixes Barossa fruit with parts from McLaren Vale and McGill and it is all fully ripe. It is one hundred percent American oak barrels are prominent but not over the top; the fruit mix that spent 16 months in the new oak is 96 percent shiraz and 4 per cent cabernet sauvignon. The colour is dark to the edge, the nose fragrant with bits of cola, dried herbs, and black tea. The palate is full and already seamless, something that bodes well for a long life. Intense muscular and rich this is the real thing. Look for plums, spice, and more tea in what is a blockbuster effort. Buy and cellar for decades.Prices:| BC | $423.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $300.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $299.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $310.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $298.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $300.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $320.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $296.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $298.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Richmond Plains Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Nelson, South Island, New ZealandNew Zealand's first certified organic sauvignon blanc comes from the Nelson region. The nose is a delicious mix of herbaceous fruit characters with gooseberry and jalapeno or capsicum notes. The palate is fresh and lemony with bits of asparagus and gooseberry. The finish is bright dry and clean throughout. Well done.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Concha y Toro Trio Merlot Carmenere Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileCedar bark, menthol, tobacco, barnyard, earthy, clove, leather, smoky herb nose. Round, dry, full but fresh palate. Big smoky leather, tobacco, earthy, resin, cedar bark, coffee, rooty, cassis flavours. Very strong, warm, smoky finish for grilled food.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $14.80 | 750ml |
| NS | $15.71 | 750ml |
| NF | $15.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Batasiolo Bosc Dla Rei Moscato d'Asti 2008
Piedmont, ItalyLight frizzante gas on opening. Very floral, nectarine skin, green apple, spicy, cool mint, citrus aromas, very delicate. Fresh, crisp, creamy frizzante palate with some sweetness. Peach, green apple, slate, floral, spicy flavours with a touch of lychee. Clean, delicate, slightly sweet finish. Refreshing, tasty style for summer food or sipping on the patio. At 5.5% alcohol, it is a delight to sip.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.50 | 750ml |
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04 August 2009
93PTS
Penfolds Yattarna Bin 144 Chardonnay 2006
Henty, Western Victoria, Victoria, AustraliaThe latest Yattarna has fruit from Tasmania 38, Adelaide 36 and Henty 26, mixed with 45 per cent new French oak. Yattarna is a fabulous addition to the Penfolds line up and globally is a bottle that should make white wine fans stand up and take notice. As close as it gets to Burgundy this marginal cool-climate chardonnay really over delivers. We love the oatmeal spicy nose, the creamy lees and distinct aromas of nectarines and limes and hazelnuts. Roasted nuts and intense white peach and quince cover the palate and finish long and complex. It barrel fermented and made oxidative yet it remains youthful and bright at three years. Impressive to say the least.Prices:| BC | $94.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $90.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $100.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $86.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $90.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $90.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $90.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Santa Rita Cabernet Sauvignon 120 2008
Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileSmoky, menthol, cassis, cedar, rooty, peppery nose. Round, soft, supple palate with cassis, cedar bark, menthol, coffee bean and tobacco flavours. Simple, easy going barbeque style red.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.75 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.45 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.19 | 750ml |
| SK | $11.94 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Doña Paula Chardonnay 2006
Ugarteche District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaPeach, buttery, grassy, honey, baked green apple, spicy lees nose. Round, rich, elegant, slightly oily texture. Star anise, green apple skin, butter, honey, vanilla, Asian pear flavours. A fine effort and a chardonnay with some finesse even if it is in slightly oaky style. Ready now.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Steak House Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesPeppery, smoky, cassis, resin, black olive, meaty, tobacco nose with a touch of garrigue and strawberry jam. Round, supple, fairly dry and soft palate. Big smoky, black berry, cassis, peppery, tobacco, coffee, roasted pepper flavours. A bit rustic and soft on the end but good solid steak and chicken wine. Represents good value for cab from Washington.Prices:| BC | $21.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Bodega Lurton Pinot Gris 2008
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaFloral, gooseberry, passion fruit, nutty, citrus nose. Round, fresh, slightly oily texture with a hint of sweetness. Passion fruit, gooseberry, grassy, grapefruit, butter flavours. A riper style but good for seafood. Year after year, this presents continued good value.Prices:| BC | $12.50 | 750ml |
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03 August 2009
87PTS
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Ehrenfelser 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBright dry mineral fresh nose with smoky perfumed orange blossom notes. The entry is dry and refreshing with peachy apricot skin and orange notes. It seems warmer or more alcoholic than its 12.8 designation so make sure you chill it down before serving. Try this with Indian food or barbecued meats or sip solo on the patio.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.25 | 750ml |
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02 August 2009
89PTS
Valle Las Acequias Malbec Oak 2005
Medrano, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThe nose is an enticing mix of violets, red fruits and plums. The palate is an impressive mix of silky high Medrano fruit with intense flavours of plums and liquorice flecked with smoke and bits of vanilla and chocolate. Long and complex for malbec. Well done and good value.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Calafate Malbec 2007
Patagonia, ArgentinaThis opens with soft plummy black fruit with spicy, licorice notes throughout. Suave simple smooth sipping red that is easily be tamed by any sort of grilled meat entrée. The finish is short but silky with vanilla highlights and a touch of acidity.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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September 2009