quicksearch
Tastings: September 2009
28 September 2009
91PTS
Radio Coteau La Colinas Syrah 2007
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, United StatesRadio Coteau Las Colinas is a blend of fruit from a selection of vineyards spanning several soil types all in western Sonoma County. I like the elegance of the nose with its floral mineral aromas flecked with bacon bits and dark plummy fruit notes. The palate is rich and slightly savoury with red fruits, silky textures with a peppery undercurrent and plenty of acidity. This needs time to fully develop. Should be best in 2015.Prices:| BC | $90.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
27 September 2009
88PTS
La Posta Bonarda 2007
Guaymallén, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaBonarda has found a second home in Argentina and its soft tannins are responsible for much of the interest in the northern Italian grape. Look for fresh grapey/red fruit flavours mixing raspberries with bits of spice, cinnamon, mint, pepper and white chocolate. The textures are slippery and sleek with some tension in the finish from the acid poking through. A fragrant ripe red that would be perfect with chicken or veal dishes. Good value.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
26 September 2009
86PTS
Luna Argenta N/V Brut Prosseco NV
Treviso, Verona, Veneto, ItalyLots of creamy, white mousse. Spicy, peach, floral, pear, licorice, anise aromas. Crisp, round, elegant, somewhat foamy mousse. Pear, floral, baked peach, mineral, creamy apple flavours. A drier style but well balanced food style.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Montalto Pinot Grigio Vino Spumante Brut NV
Sicily, ItalyVery fresh, floral, pear, anise. Quince aroma. Elegant and light with somewhat foamy, easy mousse. Clean and crisp with a touch of sweetness. Lemon, floral, pear skin, waxy, anise flavours. Good fun little spumante style.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
80PTS
Joseph Drouhin Beaune Premier Cru 2001
Beaune, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceBig barnyard, meaty, peppery, tobacco leaf, mineral, shoe leather aromas. Dry, lean, somewhat tight palate with light, cedar-y tannins. Smoky, Band-Aid, Bretty, meaty flavours. Very old, dirty style that given our recent tastings of the latest Drouhin labels has nothing to do with the future. Prices:| BC | $47.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
M. Chapoutier Crozes-Hermitage Les Meysonniers Rouge 2007
Crozes Hermitage, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceBig white pepper, black cherry jam, licorice, meaty, floral, savoury, smoky eucalyptus aromas. Dry, round, elegant, supple palate but a touch hollow. Peppery, floral, game meat, carrot, tobacco, licorice, rooty, smoky, garrigue flavours. Long menthol, meaty, spicy finish. Good finesse perhaps needs 2-3 years.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Gancia P.r.osé Blanc Extra Dry NV
ItalyVery floral, quince, spicy, baked apple, peach, almond, anise, guava aroma. Fresh, round, creamy mousse. A slightly sweet style but fresh with baked peach, floral, almond, minty, orange, guava, baked apple flavours. Tighter, dryer, crisper finish that will match with seafood.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
Domaine de Cabasse Segurét Cuvée Garnacha 2006
Séguret, Côtes du Rhône Villages, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceVery spicy, black cherry kirsch, peppery, mineral, licorice root, meaty, barnyard, tobacco, black olive aromas. Round, dry, supple, slightly tannic palate with good acidity. Ripe black cherry, black olive, earthy, rooty, savoury, spicy, orange, meaty flavours. A bit warm on the finish but with good fruit and finesse.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Les Deux Anges Sablet 2007
Sablet, Côtes du Rhône Villages, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceNice spicy, white pepper, cherry jam, smoky, licorice, floral aromas with a meaty note. Ripe, round, dry, rich, elegant palate. Peppery, licorice, meaty, smoky, black cherry, spicy, rooty, tobacco, floral flavours. Good balance with fresh acidity and fruit.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
91PTS
Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve (Disgorgment 2007) NV
Champagne, FrancePale yellow colour. Fine, continuous mousse. Very nutty, toasty, baked apple, citrus, ripe pear, honey aromas. Crisp, dry, round palate with good acidity and balance and fine mousse. Very nutty, oatmeal, honey, baked citrus, baked green apple, lemon drop, and toasty flavours. Good finesse, dry finish in a more mature style for current drinking. Solid value.Prices:| BC | $65.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $60.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $58.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $64.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Chateau de Serame Minervois 2006
Minervois, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceBig colour. Very smoky, meaty, garrigue, leather, tobacco, black cherry, chocolate, barnyard, licorice aromas. Rich, round, supple, full but elegant palate with good acidity and slightly dry tannins. Warm with peppery, floral, black cherry, plum, cedar, garrigue, licorice, herbal, chocolate flavours. Good intensity for a young wine that will benefit from a year or two in bottle.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $24.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
83PTS
Cassini Cellars Merlot 2007
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen meaty, Oxo-cube, black cherry, riparian nose with tobacco, cocoa, vegetal, herbal aromas. Dry, elegant, somewhat tight palate with black cherry, floral, soapy, cranberry, tobacco leaf, herbal, savoury meaty, coffee flavours. A bit herbal and funky needs to be cleaner.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Champagne Piper-Heidsieck Cuvee Brut Travel Pack NV
Champagne, FranceFresh brioche, toasty, green apple, citrus nose with some baked pear and a floral note. Dry, crisp, fresh style with tighter acidity. Nutty, baked pear, green apple skin, citrus, baked quince flavours. Very crisp, dryer, lighter style with a slightly austere finish. The blend is 40 per cent pinot noir, 30 per cent pinot meunier and 30 per cent chardonnayPrices:| BC | $69.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $60.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $54.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $61.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $55.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $50.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $50.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $52.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Deinhard Lila Riesling Brut Sekt NV
Rheinhessen, GermanyVery fresh floral, green apple, nectarine, lime, guava aromas with lots of mousse. Crisp, fresh palate with fresh granny smith, juicy lime, pear, slate and mineral flavours. Try with lox or shrimp. consistent solid sparkling wine that offers taste and style for a fair price with good riesling character.Prices:| BC | $15.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
23 September 2009
91PTS
Coronato 2006
Bolgheri, Tuscany, ItalyCoronato falls under the BIsnerno banner but hails form south of Bibbona from the Bolgheri estate: Tenuta I Pianali. The blend 40/25/25/10 contains slightly more cabernet sauvignon than cabernet franc and merlot followed by petit verdot. The fruit is picked over 30 days giving the wine its signature savoury warm Mediterranean nose. Look for quite a weighty, round red with well chiselled fruit and a savoury, spicy, cassis flavoured underbelly. Silky smooth and interesting from start to finish.Prices:| BC | $75.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $68.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
93PTS
Il Pino di Biserno 2005
Bolgheri, Tuscany, ItalyIl Pino di Biserno is the nest step up from the Insoglio del Cinghiale and it trades the woodsy rustic shirt for a more elegant style. The blend is a mix of cabernet franc (35%), cabernet sauvignon (30%), merlot (20%) and petit verdot (15). The less is more philosophy begins with its understated, savoury nose hinting at floral, red fruit notes with bits of earth and mushrooms. The palate is concentrated yet balanced with glossy tannins and silky textures that are persistent in the mouth with some liquorice and resin in the finish.Prices:| BC | $76.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $70.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
Mount Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandMount Nelson is a different expression of sauvignon for Marlborough, in the sense that Lodovico and winemaker Helena Lindberg are seeking a more restrained "Sancerre" style. The goal is tropical citrus fruits without too much of the aggressive tinned asparagus notes. The '08 hits most of the notes with bright fresh aromas of jalapeno, mineral, honey and grapefruit with just a wisp of gooseberry. Similar flavours mark the palate which is blanced and offers some complexity from seven months of lees ageing. Well done.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
91PTS
Insoglio del Cinghiale 2007
Bolgheri, Tuscany, ItalyInsoglio del Cinghiale is base wine of the great Tenuta di Biserno grown at Bibbona in the northern Maremma region. It was created to be the wine you drink while you wait for its big brother: Biserno. The style is much more approachable, that tannins supple with an intense swath of savoury red fruit and liquorice all in balance. It's a mouth-watering blend of syrah, cabernet franc and merlot that keeps you wanting another taste after each sip. It is also a bit cleaner in style and a little less rustic than previous editions. It is still a country red but with a real sense of style. Only 40 percent of the wine is aged for 4 months in new and second year French oak barrels. The rest is left in stainless steel tanks. Great value.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $36.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
Insoglio del Cinghiale 2005
Bolgheri, Tuscany, ItalyInsoglio del Cinghiale is the base wine of the Lodovico Antinori Tenuta di Biserno project at Bibbona in the northern Maremma region. It was created to be the wine you drink while you wait for its big brother: Biserno. The earlier style is fairly rustic with gamy meaty aromas and even some Brettanomyces. the '05 follows the savoury theme with black cherry, cardamom and smoky, garrigue notes throughout. Sage and a bit of black olive mark the finish. Best with mushroom dishes now or let it age another two to three years.Prices:| BC | $43.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Root: 1 Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Region del Valle Central, ChileThe label is somewhat gimmicky pointing out the grapes are grown on their own roots. The wine is a minty, herbal, garlic and sulphur scented red with peppery liquorice black fruit flavours and a big warm finish. Classic Chilean cabernet that really needs a piece of meat work with the tannin, acid and rustic edges. Simple stuff for the price.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Milcampos Tempranillo Vinas Viejas 2006
Ribera del Duero, Castilla-Leon, SpainMilcampos "a thousand fields" attacks the palate with lifted, floral notes flecked with spice and liquorice. The mid-palate is acidic with smoky spicy sour cherry fruit with bits of coffee, earth, more spice and chocolate in the back end. The finish remains tart and acidic. It is screaming for tapas or grilled sausages to tame its thin edgy finish. Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Zinfatuation Zinfandel 2006
Amador County, Sierra Foothills, California, United StatesFat is the word for this big warm spicy red with the rich fruity nose. As if it wasn't intense enough some of the juice is bled off before fermentation using the classic French technique saignée. Raspberries white pepper and coffee mark the palate all with a bit of acidity poking through the back end. The mix includes 10 percent barbera and seven percent syrah that is all aged 18 months in French and American oak. Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Maurel Vedeau Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceBig spicy, soft, peppery, warm, modern cabernet sauvignon. Pepper and licorice dominate the nose and palate with chunky rustic tannins that slide down in the back end. The good news is the cabernet is ripe but the rustic tannins call for something equally boisterous on the menu. Grilled lamb chops will do.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Domaine Notre Dame de Cousignac Syrah - Grenache 2007
Sud de France, FranceDomaine Notre Dame sits between the appellations of the Cotes du Rhone and Cotes du Vivarais. The wine is blend of syrah/grenache grown, but not certified organic and sold under the Vin de Pays de L'Ardèche appellation. Look for an intense floral reminiscent of raspberries and black cherries with a pinch of meaty gamy earthy notes. The palate is soft and spicy with round, juicy black fruit flavours. A perfect mid-week red for roasted chicken dishes.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
21 September 2009
90PTS
Resolute Pinot Noir 2005
Ara, Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandStrawberry jam, compost, barnyard, soy, carrot top, herbal, meaty, smoky, tobacco aromas. Round, dry, supple, elegant palate with a touch of tannin. Compost, earthy, tobacco, raspberry, meaty, strawberry, caraway, rooty, herbal, orange peel flavours. A tad dry and tart on the finish but well balanced and elegant. A more savoury style with good expression of Marlborough pinot with a touch of funk and maturity. Ready now.Prices:| BC | $47.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
20 September 2009
87PTS
J. Lohr Cabernet Sauvignon Seven Oaks 2007
Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, Central Coast, California, United StatesThe '07 Lohr is much the same as its previous versions. This is hedonistic ripe, round oaky vanilla scented fruit with silky smooth textures and milk chocolate flavours it the finish. It's labelled cabernet but 20 per cent of the blend mixes petite sirah (8.5), petit verdot (4), merlot (1.4), and (2.7) syrah, (1) and (1.8) others. Very consumer friendly style.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $11.30 | 750ml |
| NS | $25.29 | 750ml |
| NF | $25.30 | 750ml |
| NB | $26.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
19 September 2009
84PTS
Marqués de Rojas Garnacha 2007
Almansa, Castilla-La Mancha, SpainOpen brassy, spicy, raspberry, barnyard nose a bit of volatility. Raw lifted black raspberry jam flavours with peppery, spicy, undertones. A bit warm and skinny this timeout lacking any attractive plush fruit textures. Ordinary.Prices:| BC | $9.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Chateau Paul Mas Clos des Mures Coteaux du Languedoc 2007
Coteaux du Languedoc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceMeaty, spicy, sausage, dry slate, licorice root, smoky, floral, peppery, black cherry, cedar, vanilla aromas. Ripe, round, fresh, supple palate with juicy acidity and light tannins. Black cherry, black raspberry, orange spice, meaty, licorice, vanilla, peppery, tobacco and tapenade flavours. Good fruit intensity, just a bit warm and tart on the finish. Needs 1-2 years or try with lamb sausage or kabobs.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
17 September 2009
88PTS
Cono Sur Viognier 2008
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileSpicy, nectarine, honey, grapefruit, orange, grassy aromas. Fresh, crisp, round palate with a touch of sweetness. Honey, spicy, floral, ginger, orange, juicy melon flavours. Elegant and fun with lots of fruit. Consistently fine and this is one of the best yet.Prices:| BC | $11.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Tinhorn Creek Merlot 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, black olive, tobacco leaf, herbal, cool caraway aromas. The entry is rich, warm but with some dry tannin. On the palate, coffee, vanilla, tobacco, roasted bell pepper and meaty flavours rule the day with a warm oaky finish. This will improve in bottle but the fruit component is low.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Painted Rock Syrah 2007
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeppery, soupy, sausage meat, herbal, tobacco leaf, caraway, leesy, spicy, savoury, coffee flavours. Dry, round, elegant, supple palate with coffee, vanilla, herbal, roasted pepper, resin, caraway, savoury, sour cherry, mocha flavours. Warm with a touch of meat and stewed tea on the finish. Lacks fruit.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Painted Rock Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSavoury tobacco spicy, coffee, herbal, caraway, barnyard and saddle leather aromas. Round, fat, full palate with ripe tannins. It is oaky and warm with coffee, cherry cough syrup, tobacco, cedar, mocha, vanilla pudding flavours. Slightly tart and oaky finish a la Oz. Promising start.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Mistaken Identity Pinot Gris Organic 2008
Floral, waxy, almond, green apple skin, slate, herbal, grapefruit rind with a strong struck match sulphur burn. Dry, slightly lean entry with pear skin, grapefruit rind, lees, green peach flavours. More austere, leaner food style wine.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Silkscarf Viognier 2008
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery perfumy, floral, apple skin, honey, ginger aromas. Round, light, elegant, soft palate but juicy and a bit sweet. Spicy, ginger, leesy, honey, guava, floral flavours. Easy going, simple style that could use a bit more varietal intensity. A bit of a fruit salad style.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Dunham Froese Amicitia White 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMatchstick (sulphur) burn followed by honey, nectarine, grassy, grapefruit, butter, lees, cooked fig aromas. Round, fresh, slightly fat palate but crisp with a bit of sweetness. Citrus rind, butter, sulphury, grassy, melon, buttery lees flavours. A bit disjointed at this stage and unclean. Maybe with time.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
81PTS
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Syrah Organic 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVolatile, pruny, sausage, meat, oxidized, peppery, oaky, coffee aromas. Round, supple, hot palate with shoe leather, resin, pruny, coffee, vanilla flavours. Tart, thin finish. Poor effortPrices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Twisted Tree Syrah 2007
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeppery, weedy, savoury, black cherry, waxy, coffee, meaty, stewed aromas. Dry, round, supple but lean with a tart edge. Tobacco leaf, cherry, savoury, vanilla, licorice, prickly flavours. Warm and somewhat tart with a slightly bitter finish. Best with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Twisted Tree Trio 2008
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, floral, nutty, ginger, honey, nectarine, grassy aromas. Crisp, round, delicate, juicy palate with a touch of sweetness. Honey, grapefruit, ginger, nectarine skin, green apple, soapy floral, orange flavours. Fun, juicy style to accompany lighter, spicy food.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Twisted Tree Viognier Roussanne 2008
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHoney, butter, green apple, nutty, orange, gooseberry, leesy, ginger aromas with a floral note. Full, slightly oily palate with some sweetness and a light spritz. Heavy with leesy, sausage, grapefruit rind, ginger, lemon oil flavours. Very warm, somewhat sweet finish. Needs a bit more finesse and less sugar but solid effort.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
83PTS
Rigamarole Red 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSkunky, herbal, cherry, tobacco, tomato leaf, aromas. Dry, supple palate with vegetal, cooked tomato, coffee, resiny, skunky flavours. Very poor.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
Yalumba Viognier Eden Valley 2008
Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaSome 60 per cent of the fruit was gently pressed directly to barrels, the rest to a stainless steel tank. Enticing open honey, butter, guava, orange, creamy, grapefruit, ginger aromas. Very ripe, rich, round, soft palate with a touch of sweetness. Mango, ginger, butter, honey, orange creamsicle, floral flavours. love the cool finesse and delicacy. Friendly, delicious style. Drink now.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $24.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
91PTS
Yalumba Hand Picked Single Site Fromm Vineyard Lyndoch Shiraz 2006
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaBig ripe nose with blackberry jam, chocolate, peppery, vanilla, tobacco, vanilla, cedar, raisin, prune plum nose. Rich, ripe, round, warm, open palate with some light tannin and relatively tart acidity. Blackberry jam, coffee, peppery, spicy, vanilla, chocolate, cedar, creamy blueberry and licorice flavours. Good finesse and suppleness despite the hot, tart finish but very glossy, fruity style.Prices:| ON | $85.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $85.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
91PTS
Yalumba Hand Picked Single Site Barty's Shiraz 2006
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaBig peppery, liquorice, floral nose with mineral/wet stone, smoky, blackberry jam, vanilla, kirsch, saddle leather and meaty aromas. Rich, ripe, fat and full on the palate with some grainy tannins and fresh acidity. Big black cherry jam, kirsch, vanilla, coffee, smoky meaty, floral, blueberry flavours with some a wisp of tobacco and carrot. Lots of intensity but with alcohol and some acidity poking through. Needs a few years to integrate and soften. Promising style.Prices:| BC | $85.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Yalumba Barossa Patchwork Shiraz 2007
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaOpen peppery, chocolate, blueberry, blackberry jam, liquorice nose that previews a compact, dry, supple, shiraz with a fresh palate and light, slippery tannins. The flavours are an appealing mix of milk chocolate, blackberry, plum, vanilla, and spicy tobacco. Fine fruit with good finesse but still some tartness in the back end to steal a perfect showing. Good value.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
92PTS
Yalumba Viognier Virgilius 2008
Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaVery spicy, floral, butter, honey, ginger, orange rind, grapefruit, nectarine skin aromas. Ripe, round, fresh, delicate but full palate. Grapefruit, ginger, floral, spicy, guava, honey, nutty lees flavours. A slightly lighter, cooler style of Virgilius than in past vintages but with fine elegance for current drinking.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $49.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $51.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $51.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
94PTS
Yalumba The Octavius Edition XVI 2005
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaHand-picked and crushed in 8 tonne, open top stainless steel fermenters. Look for spicy, peppery, floral, blueberry, coffee aromas with vanilla, clove and licorice root. Rich, round, dry and supple its full-bodied and oaky but with style, fresh acidity and huge sweet blueberry and black cherry jam with pepper, cola, milk chocolate and minty, licorice flavours in the back end. Great fruit intensity but with finesse despite the oak and warm, tart finish. Very long and almost juicy with a glossy, creamy texture. Keep this through 2015 or serve wit with a leg of lamb.Prices:| BC | $110.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $95.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $109.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $110.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Deseado de Familia Schroeder Torrontés Brut NV
Neuquén, Patagonia, ArgentinaLots of fine, white, foamy mousse. Nice fresh ginger, honey, floral, spicy, nectarine, orange aromas. Fresh, crisp, somewhat sweet palate with ripe nectarine, orange, ginger, spicy, lemon, honey, mango flavours. Very juicy, fruity, fresh, sweeter style - try wiith a fresh fruit flan or zabaglione.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
91PTS
See Ya Later Ranch Rover 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is one impressive syrah. A 95/5 blend of syrah and viognier it has a big white pepper nose flecked with anise, mint, pepper, roasted coffee, orange peel, ginger and meaty aromas. The entry is rich and concentrated with more meaty, savoury, roasted pepper, tobacco, vanilla, coffee flavours and plenty of tannin. Complex and ripe if just a bit too oaky at the moment. Let's hope the price stay at this very attractive level. Stock up.Prices:| AB | $27.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Laughing Stock Vineyards Blind Trust Red 2007
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSimilar to last year with a peppery, olive, caraway, tobacco leaf nose with bits of compost and earth aromas. The attack is dry, round and slightly austere with herbal, olive, compost, leafy, dill, tobacco, coffee flavours. There is some finesse but it a bit of charm and fruit. Hold 2-4 years or serve now with roasted meats.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
16 September 2009
86PTS
Tinhorn Creek Oldfield Series Merlot 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, black olive, tobacco leaf, herbal, cool caraway aromas. The entry is rich, warm but with some dry tannin. On the palate, coffee, vanilla, tobacco, roasted bell pepper and meaty flavours rule the day with a warm oaky finish. This will improve in bottle but the fruit component is low.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Nk'Mip Cellars Pinot Noir 2007
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, cherry, cola, carrot top, meaty cool pinot aromas. Dry, tight, slightly austere palate with more earthy, coffee, vanilla, stewed tea, cola, cherry, rhubarb flavours. A warm, herbal edgy north west pinot reminiscent of Oregon.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
15 September 2009
91PTS
Siro Pacenti Rosso di Montalcino 2007
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyPacenti's Rosso or baby Brunello is a great success in 2007. Rich aromatic an elegant it is a stylish, sangiovese that while substantial, you can enjoy drinking it even now. Look for bright, red fruits and acidity mixed with earthy mineral notes and plentiful but soft tannins. The Rosso di Montalcino is aged in 20 percent new oak. Try it with a plate of Bolognese.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Willunga100 Viognier 2007
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaSpicy, orange rind, matchstick, ginger, pear aromas. Round, soft, flat palate with ginger, butter, honey, spicy, grassy, mango flavours. Finish is warm and a touch sweet. Simple, easy drinking style.Prices:| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
92PTS
Yalumba Hand Picked Single Site Hahn Farm Light Pass Shiraz 2006
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaNice spicy, white pepper, meaty, blueberry, blackberry, licorice root, smoky, vanilla, black olive, tobacco aromas. Rich, round, dry, slightly tannic but smooth and warm with fresh acidity. Floral, spicy, garrigue, vanilla, chocolate, peppery, orange peel, tobacco, meaty flavours. Long, fruity, warm, tart finish. Needs a few years to round out the tannins but good intensity and finesse.Prices:| ON | $85.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $85.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Frescobaldi Remole Chianti 2007
Tuscany, ItalyPeppery, spicy, meaty, tobacco, rooty, saddle leather, dried cherry nose. Dry, round, slightly lean and tannic palate but solid balance. Cassis, prune, rooty, meaty, leather, peppery flavours. Good balance, simple, solid Euro-style food wine.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.40 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Torres Gran Coronas Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainPeppery, tobacco, prune, cedar, earthy, cassis, barnyard, saddle leather aromas. Round, dry, slightly astringent palate with light tannins but balanced. Tobacco, cassis, black olive, spicy, peppery, meaty, smoky, saddle leather, rooty flavours. Good concentration if a bit chunky and rustic in an older style.Prices:| BC | $19.49 | 750ml |
| US | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Torres Celeste 2005
Ribera del Duero, Castilla-Leon, SpainSpicy, blackberry jam, licorice, smoky, meaty, chocolate, barnyard, peppery, resin aromas. Rich, round, ripe and warm palate but good acidity. Chocolate, peppery, smoky, meaty, tobacco, leather, barnyard, vanilla flavours. Fat finish, smooth tannins and warm, a slightly rustic style for cool spring and fall evenings with roast meat.Prices:| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.85 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $26.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
14 September 2009
87PTS
Pierre Sparr Crémant Brut Dynastie 2000
Alsace, FranceGood fine, creamy mousse. Pear, almond, toasty, baked apple, butter, quince aromas. Crisp, off dry, moderately rich palate. Very nutty, toasty, citrus, garlic, peach, lemon, granny smith apple flavours. Fully mature, drier style with good acidity for food.Prices:| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Hester Creek Reserve Cabernet Franc 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeppery, cranberry, dill, olive, barnyard, cedar, saddle leather, smoky herb nose. Round, dry, easy palate with cranberry, smoky, spicy, floral, cedar, coffee, dill and black olive flavours. Finish is spicy and on the green side but has balance for current consumption.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Hester Creek Selected Barrels Merlot 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery spicy, coriander, tobacco leaf, black olive, dill, rhubarb, smoky, sour cherry nose with a touch of coffee. Round, soft, easy palate with cedar bark, dill, black olive, tobacco, rooty, coffee, soy flavours. A bit tart and quite herbal on the finish. Try with food.Prices:| BC | $17.09 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Masi Costasera Amarone Classico 2005
Veneto, ItalyVery spicy, black cherry jam, licorice, coffee, black olive, tobacco, plum, chocolate and dried herb aromas. Rich, round, dry, somewhat fresh palate with light, grainy, tannins. Black cherry, chocolate, tobacco, peppery, resin, black olive, smoky herb flavours. Good concentration and length but just a bit too tart and edgy on the finish. Needs a year or two to round out or try with grilled veal chop or turkey.Prices:| BC | $46.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $37.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $47.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $93.00 | 1500ml |
| QC | $98.00 | 1500ml |
Read Full Note
84PTS
St. Hubertus Northern Summer 2007
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, peppery, clove, tobacco leaf, rooty, earthy, bell pepper, riparian nose with some rhubarb. Round, fresh, moderately dry palate with smoky, earthy, tobacco leaf, cranberry, rhubarb, bitter herb flavours. A bit too lean and earthy with low fruit.Prices:| BC | $12.50 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
13 September 2009
91PTS
Jim Barry Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
Clare Valley, South Australia, AustraliaHand harvested and fermented in open top fermenters and racked and retuned daily for a week. It is matured in new American oak for 14 months. The nose and style is one of refinement with cedar cigar box and leather mixing with bits of tomato leaf and dried herbs. The fruit is dark and minty with soft slippery tannins and lovely length. This will improve over the next decade.Prices:| BC | $103.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
95PTS
Jim Barry The Armagh Shiraz 2004
Clare Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThe Armagh is a single vineyard made from dry farmed, low-yielding vines planted on their own roots in 1968. The first vintage was 1985 and most years the 8-acre Clare Valley site produces little more than a tonne to the acre. Armagh refers to the area originally settled in 1859 by Irish settlers who named it after their homeland. The '04 like the '05 is dense with highly saturated fruit flavours of blueberries, blackberries, cedar and spice that spill out of the glass in all directions. It appears to be a touch more lush than the '05 now, although it is hardly showing its age. It is a tad fatter and richer with some obvious acidity and leather coming through in the finish. Roast lamb is required to tame the power of this impressive red.Prices:| BC | $196.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $225.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $175.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
96PTS
Jim Barry The Armagh Shiraz 2005
Clare Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThe Armagh is a single vineyard made from dry farmed, low-yielding vines planted on their own roots in 1968. The first vintage was 1985 and most years the 8-acre Clare Valley site produces little more than a tonne to the acre. Armagh refers to the area originally settled in 1859 by Irish settlers who named it after their homeland. The 2005 vintage was outstanding and The Armagh is a force to be reckoned with. Rich dark and inky black it has all the hallmarks of a blockbuster shiraz swimming in boysenberry, blueberries and spicy toasted oak. The wine is only a baby and will need more than a decade of cellar time to show its true form. If you are brave enough to drink it now, be sure to double decant and let it breathe at least 90 minutes. The wine spends 18 months in French & American oak barrels.Prices:| BC | $196.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $225.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $175.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
Jim Barry The Lodge Hill Shiraz 2007
Clare Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThe driest year since 1983 has produced some intense shiraz. This wine is dark purple an overtly aromatic nose of white pepper, rosemary and cinnamon with blueberries and liquorice undertones. The palate is more of the same with a minty dried black fruit character, pepper and some round, soft tannins. Juicy friendly and ready to drink you can serve this all fall with grilled meats. One hundred percent Clare shiraz.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $28.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Jim Barry The Cover Drive Coonwarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaCover Drive is a mix of fruit from the old Penola cricket pitch (now more than a decade under vine) with fruit from Barry's Clare Valley cabernet. The style is soft and approachable. The nose and palate are a mix of cedar, spice and dried herbs with intense black fruit and bits of chocolate and vanilla. Well made, upscale barbecue red.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Jim Barry The Lodge Hill Dry Riesling 2008
Clare Valley, South Australia, AustraliaLodge Hill vineyard has now been in the Barry fold for more than three decades and the quality of the riesling is reflected by this experience. Set on Clare's eastern ranges the fruit lies at 480 metres above sea level. The relatively cool site contributes to this wines bright steely style and big citrus mineral flavours flecked with bits of strawberry, limes and oranges and a dry finish. You can drink this now or hold a decade it is your choice. Excellent quality.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
91PTS
Jim Barry The McRae Wood Shiraz 2005
Clare Valley, South Australia, AustraliaTexture rules the roost here. Rich full-bodied, ripe and concentrated this is quintessential Clare shiraz. Plums black fruits, mint, spice and red berries assault the senses but there is a beautiful floral undertone with a whiff of espresso in the back end. The wine spend 15 month in American oak of which one third is new. A plush, showy, glossy shiraz that is well worth the money.Prices:| BC | $57.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $52.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $55.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
91PTS
First XI Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Clare Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThe First XI is a nod to Australia's top cricket squad and its eleven man sides. The best of the best means First XI is only produced in exceptional years - this '05 is the first cabernet released since the inaugural 2000 vintage. Cedar, tobacco, cranberries and cloves mark the nose of this expressive red. The mid-palte is soft and seamless with dried herbs, liquorice, black cherry and cassis. The wine spends one year in American oak of which one third is new.Prices:| BC | $69.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $60.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Wild Horse Canyon Left Bank White 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom a fictional West Coast Appellation to a VQA designation Wild Horse Canyon has launched Left Bank White. No, it is not from Bordeaux although I'm betting someone hopes you might confuse the prestigious "Left Bank" moniker given Haut-Medoc wines, including the whites of Graves, for this modest B.C. effort. The shame of it all is it doesn't need any tricks. This is a good bottle of white wine for $13. It soft and round and ripe and its tropical fruit flavours are easy to drink. The 65/35 blend of chardonnay and pinot blanc will please many palates.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Yellow Tail Bubbles Rosé NV
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaYellowtail often hits a home run when it sticks to its market. There's nothing fancy here but the eye of the partridge colour is intriguing and its sweet, fruit-forward bubble slides down easily if it finishes a bit dry. This will be hit before any party when served well chilled with some grilled prawns. The blend is a mix of sémillon, traminer, shiraz and frontignac. Fair value.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
12 September 2009
88PTS
Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay 2007
Sonoma County, California, United StatesSpicy lees, green apple, nutty, floral, citrus, baked pear, honey aromas. Round, rich, elegant, slightly soft palate with creamy lees, nutty, vanilla, honey, baked apple, pear skin, guava and citrus flavours with a buttery, toasted almond finish. Good flavours and finesse if a bit soft.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $25.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $25.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Georges Duboeuf Macon-Villages Chardonnay 2006
Mâconnais, Burgundy, FranceCreamy, toasty, leesy, light garlic, floral, baked apple aromas. Soft, round, easy palate with baked apple, peach, leesy, spicy, nutty, lemon flavours. Simple, easy drinking white with a touch of sweetness on the finish.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
De Martino Legado Reserva Chardonnay 2007
Valle del Limari, ChileCreamy, spicy lees, nutty, green apple, buttery nose with a tropical fruit note. Fresh, crisp, elegant, dry palate with nutty, toasty lees, baked apple skin, citrus, vanilla and butter flavours. Fine style and complexity for the money and should be great with an array of seafood.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Môreson Blanc de Blanc Brut Cap Classique NV
South AfricaLots of continuous mousse. Toasted almond, garlic, spicy, melon, baked pear and apple aromas. Crisp, round, foamy palate with some sweetness. Baked peach, pear, nutty, toasty, honey flavours. Well done.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Jansz Premium Vintage 2004
Tasmania, South Australia, AustraliaFine continuous mousse. Strawberry, green apple, toasty, creamy, peach aromas. Fresh, crisp, delicate palate with a hint of sweetness. Nutty, floral, nectarine, green apple, strawberry and cream flavours. Good balance and juicy on the finesse. Attractive consumer style for drinking at a reasonable price.Prices:| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $27.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Saurus Patagonia Extra Brut NV
Neuquén, Patagonia, ArgentinaMineral, apple skin, pear, light toasty, herbal, tobacco aromas. Round, foamy, fresh palate with some sweetness. Baked pear, honey, mineral, peach, tobacco, strawberry flavours. Finish is a bit sweet and bitter but solid.Prices:| AB | $23.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Dirty Laundry Vineyard Gewurztraminer Madam's Vines 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight matchstick with leesy, ginger, honey, floral, pear, lychee aromas. Soft, round, somewhat sweet palate with grapefruit, butter, honey, lychee, soapy floral flavours. A simpler, sweeter version of the other offerings.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Dirty Laundry Vineyard Gewurztraminer Thread Bare Vines 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMatchstick notes with spicy, floral, honey, baked pear aromas. Round, slightly sweet, crisp, fat palate with honey, soapy floral, ginger, spicy, citrus flavours. Finish is spicy and warm for Asian food.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Stoneboat Vineyards Pinotage 2007
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVanilla, coffee, savoury, rooty, herbal, smoky, dill, black olive nose. Round, rich, supple, full palate with smoky, coffee, savoury, licorice, earthy, tobacco, dried herbs, cooked rhubarb, carrot top flavours. Very warm, oaky, coffee vanilla finish and some green tea. Best with grilled meat.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Blasted Church Mixed Blessings 2008
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLots of floral, spicy, peach, orange, fruit cocktail, honey aromas. Round, fresh, soft, somewhat sweet palate with canned grapefruit, peach, honey, floral, buttery, baked apple flavours. Simple, easy sipper for weddings or picnics.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Oak Bay Vineyard Pinot Noir Family Barrel Reserve 2007
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, floral, rhubarb, rooty, peppery, compost aromas. Dry, round, slightly lean palate with smoky, rhubarb, cedar, compost, herbal flavours. A bit young and lean, needs a year or so in bottle to come around.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
11 September 2009
88PTS
Château Argadens Bordeaux Supérieur 2006
Bordeaux, FranceChâteau d'Argadens (originally known as Salle d'Arche) is a 45 hectare estate in the Entre-Deux-Mers that was purchased by Maison Sichel in 2002. Completely restored and refurbished you may be surprised by the ability of this top Bordeaux Supérieur to impress at such a relatively low price. The blend is 63//32/5/ merlot, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc. I would describe this as a modern interpretation of Bordeaux that focuses on finesse and elegance with a modicum of fruit and oak. Subdued, stylish workhorse red for mid-week dinners. Okanagan producers would do well to ape this style.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
Alter Ego de Palmer 2003
Margaux, Haut-Médoc, Médoc, Bordeaux, FranceThe super warm 2003 vintage is the backdrop for this enriched edition of Alter Ego. The fruit is ripe if not a touch cooked with big spicy vanilla flavours from the oak. Yields were low so the concentration and depth of flavour is supercharged. The '03 trades the elegance and charm of the appellation for the weight and warmth of the vintage. A little lush and California in style which isn't all that bad. Ready to drink too. The first Alter Ego de Palmer was released in 1998 and marks the big changes at Palmer - where production was slashed in half. Alter Ego is made from the same grapes on the same terroir but the fermentation is cooler and shorter.Prices:| AB | $60.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $97.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $65.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Alter Ego de Palmer 2006
Margaux, Haut-Médoc, Médoc, Bordeaux, FranceThe first Alter Ego de Palmer was released in 1998 and marks the big changes at Palmer - where production was slashed in half. Alter Ego is made from the same grapes on the same terroir but the fermentation is cooler and shorter. The goal is the softness and fruit you find in the 2006 with the requisite smoky toasted oak and spice. Margaux is about elegance and approachability and Alter Ego has this in spades. It can go the distance if need be but why not enjoy the fruit and youth sooner than later and let the original Palmer label sleep in the cellar.Prices:| BC | $80.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $60.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Chateau d'Angludet 2006
Margaux, Haut-Médoc, Médoc, Bordeaux, FranceLook for a quiet earthy blackberry flavour with bits of liquorice spice and good acidity. Not a blockbuster like 2005 but it is the modern-day tannins (softer and silkier) that save this balanced wine in the back end. Drink now with steak frites. A good d'Angludet that will repay five to seven years of ageing from the harvest.Prices:| BC | $53.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Pentâge Winery Viognier 2007
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Pentâge style is fresh and fruity and despite the cork, this viognier follows suit. Plenty of orange and peach flavours dominate the mid-palate with bits of green apple skin and mineral in the back end. Fairly good varietal character with a leaner toward the French style.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
10 September 2009
93PTS
Château Palmer 2006
Margaux, Haut-Médoc, Médoc, Bordeaux, FranceThe '78 Palmer is hardly a patch on the 2006 at this point but they share a similarity in a year where the cabernet was much better than the merlot. I love the density that has come to Palmer in the last decade, or ever since production was cut in half. Look for a sleek elegant wine that mixes earth, licorice dried herbs, plums and cranberries in equal amounts. Lively balanced and medium to full-bodied in style this 66/34 mix of cabernet and merlot is a suitable follow up to the exquisite 2005. It is still very youthful but will be ready to drink by 2014. Excellent if not great.Prices:| BC | $379.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $360.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
91PTS
Chateau d'Angludet 2005
Margaux, Haut-Médoc, Médoc, Bordeaux, FranceFrom a great year comes a fine bottle. Love the ripe cassis fruit nose flecked with spice and tobacco notes and an underlying feeling of plumpness. The palate is silky and rich with a modicum of tannins to yet disperse. This is an excellent bottle of d'Angludet that easily over delivers for its station. Drink through 2015.Prices:| BC | $75.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $77.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Boekenhoutskloof The Wolftrap 2008
Western Cape, South Africatasted twice this year and we must say this wine goes from strength to strength. Love the wild smoky meaty notes on the nose with plenty of ripe blackberry/blueberry fruit and spicy liquorice flavours. Outstanding value red wine that should stand up to a series of robust fall and winter menu items. Well done.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $14.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
08 September 2009
92PTS
Nicolas Feuillatte Cuvee Special Brut 2000
Champagne, FranceA full seven years on tirage. Look for a very floral nose with citrus, nutty, green apple skin, guava, butter, strawberry, spicy notes. Rich, full, elegant, crisp palate with very find mousse and ripe acidity with a touch of sweetness. Ripe pear, apple, strawberry, toasty, butter, citrus, lime, mineral, tropical flavours. Good acidity in finish, long, good finesse. Will improve over the next 2-5 years.Prices:| BC | $102.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $77.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Errazuriz Max Reserva Syrah (Shiraz) 2006
Valle de Aconcagua, Region de Aconcagua, ChileVery rooty, licorice, smoky, resin, black cherry, peppery, meaty aromas. Round, dry, supple but slightly lean palate with good acidity. Very peppery, black olive, garrigue, licorice, cedar, vanilla, smoky coffee flavours with a meaty, resin, rooty finish. Solid food wine if a bit warm on the finish.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.50 | 750ml |
| NS | $17.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Fazi Battaglia Brut Vino Spumante NV
Marche, ItalyMedium fine mousse with toasty, almond, green apple, quince aromas. Dry, light slightly foamy but fresh palate with a touch of sweetness. Green apple, nectarine skin, almond, floral rose flavours. Good finesse and balance in a fun, simple style but lacks persistence.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Resolute Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandNettle, lemon, grapefruit, gooseberry, jalapeno nose. Crisp, dry, round, somewhat juicy palate but also a bit austere in style. Gooseberry, lemon, nettle, grassy, granny smith, grapefruit rind flavours. Good concentration in a bit more herbaceous, austere style that may improve over the next year or two.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
84PTS
Oyster Bay Merlot 2008
Hawkes Bay, North Island, New ZealandBlack olive, briny, resin, barnyard, leather, savoury, tobacco leaf and compost aromas, quite herbal. Round, soft, dry, easy palate with black olive, compost, resin, rooty, leather, barnyard flavours. Not much concentration or fruit but an easy-drinking herbal style. Try with lamb sausage.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $20.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Bodega del Fin del Mundo Pinot Noir Reserva 2007
Mendoza, ArgentinaPeppery, tobacco, compost, cherry jam, rhubarb, coffee, carrot nose. Round, rich, supple, warm palate. Coffee, mocha, rhubarb, black cherry, carrot flavours with some tobacco and compost on the finish. Good length in a somewhat oakier, fat modern style.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
84PTS
Oak Bay Vineyard Pinot Noir 2007
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, rhubarb, peppery, tobacco aromas. Round, dry, supple palate with tobacco, smoky, resin, herbal, carrot, rhubarb and compost flavours. A simple, earthy style for current consumption.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
07 September 2009
92PTS
Emiliana Gé 2005
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileGé is an all organic red blend made by winemakers Antonio Bravo and Alvaro Espinoza that comes of the main Emiliana property Los Robles in the Colchagua Valley. The mix is 30/30/24/16/ syrah, carmenère, cabernet sauvignon and merlot. The style is tighter and drier than some of the groups more showy reds leaning toward the savoury, peppery, black fruit style with big, warm rich tannins in the back end. Young and robust it needs five years to settle down but it is a much more refined red blend style than what we are used to and we approve.Prices:| BC | $100.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Pentâge Winery Gewurztraminer 2008
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA huge turnaround from last year in what is a rich fabulously ripe style gewürztraminer. Look for a big floral, litchi meaty nectarine skin notes on the nose. The palate is equally full flavoured with bright spicy fruit with peachy, orange and litchi fruit flavours and a long moderately sweet finish. Try this with spicy (hot) Pan Asian food.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Santa Rita Chardonnay 120 2008
Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileEvery year this wine gets a little leaner and fresher, and so it should. Almost oak free, except for a small amount of barrel fermented juice that is added for texture, the '08 is fresh and clean with more mineral, peach pit and tropical fruit notes. Good value in a well-made, affordable chardonnay that will accompany a variety of pasta, seafood and salad dishes.Prices:| AB | $9.75 | 750ml |
| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $11.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $9.90 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.45 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Michel Torino Don David Syrah Reserve 2007
Cafayate, Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, ArgentinaBright floral, spicy, black cherry/plum fruit nose with bits of vanilla and licorice. The palate is fresh and dry but with elegance and typical fresh acidity. Look for a sapid, peppery, smoky black cherry and meaty flavour red that sings syrah. As in the past, it is definitely European in style. Good value too.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Chakana Syrah 2008
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThe Chakana estate is at Agrelo in the Luján de Cuyo district of Mendoza/ the wine is 100% syrah from young five-year-old vines. Only ten percent of the wine sees oak, which allows its strong black fruit flavours to pervade the wine. A rich, spicy, mineral-scented, exotic red with a long, ripe, warm finish. New World syrah The classic red: for beef grilled or roasted.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $16.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
06 September 2009
86PTS
CedarCreek Pinot Noir 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, mocha, cherry, rhubarb, vanilla, dried oregano aromas. Round, dry, supple, tart palate with light tannins. Rhubarb, sour cherry, compost, vanilla, coffee, dried herb flavours. Solid fruit but finish is just a bit too edgy and dry.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Painted Rock Red Icon 2007
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig spicy, peppery, black cherry nose with cassis, clove, saddle leather, mocha, caraway and vanilla aromas with an undercurrent of tobacco and olive. Good complexity if a bit too much meaty leather notes. Round, dry, warm, supple entry with some gritty tannin in the back end. Similar flavours with spicy, oaky, coffee notes in the finish. There is ripe fruit and good balance but with a lot of oak and green dried herbs on the back end.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
Rodney Strong Chardonnay Chalk Hill 2007
Sonoma County, California, United StatesChalk Hill is one of those Sonoma chardonnay that can restore your faith in the entire California chardonnay category. It opens with afresh nose of green apples, nectarines and a pinch of nuttiness. The textures are creamy with toasted nutty nectarine and lees flavours flecked with mineral, pears and citrus. Delicious.Prices:| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| US | $15.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Pentâge Winery Riesling 2007
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, lifted citrus notes with bits of red apples, ginger and mineral peach aromas. Like the '07, the entry is fresh and ripe with sweet nectarines and juicy mineral fruit cocktail flavours. A friendly fresh, fruity style that would be best with spicy foods or chilled downed and served solo before dinner. Well done.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Dirty Laundry Vineyard Gewurztraminer Woo Woo Vines 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, lychee, canned fruit cocktail, floral, honey aromas. Round, fresh, slightly sweet palate with spicy, grapefruit, lemon, honey, soapy floral flavours. Simple, introductory style of gewürztraminer.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Gray Monk Odyssey Rose Brut Méthode Classique NV
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOdyssey Rosé is a blend of gamay noir and pinot meunier. The nose is stark with herbal green melon fruit notes. The entry is tart and fresh with light strawberry flavours and plenty of citrus. Definitely should be served with food to temper some of the rough edges.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Quails' Gate Pinot Noir 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, carrot, herbal, rooty, tobacco leaf, rhubarb, cranberry aromas. Round, delicate, supple, dry palate but a tad lean. Rhubarb, resin, carrot, herbal, compost, soy, cranberry. Good texture and balance but finish is a bit too tart and herbal for what people are looking for in pinot at $25. An order of duck confit would be the answer here.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
84PTS
Cassini Cellars Maximus 2007
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTobacco leaf, green olive, rooty, herbal, smoky, riparian, coffee bean aromas. Dry, round, supple palate. Cedar, herbal, green olive, tobacco leaf, coffee, compost flavours. Good texture and balance but flavours are quite green.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Cassini Cellars Syrah 2007
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, earthy, rooty, licorice, spicy, meaty, blackberry, herbal aromas with a minty, resin note. Round, dry, supple palate but tight. Coffee, resin, licorice root, black olive, earthy, roasted pepper flavours. Warm, slightly tart finish. Solid style but needs a year to round out.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
05 September 2009
88PTS
Parducci Petite Sirah 2006
California, United StatesLicorice, black pepper, resin, black cherry, meaty, tobacco, leather and dried fig aromas. Rich, round, dry palate with grainy tannins and some warmth. Lots of black cherry, peppery, tobacco, licorice, vanilla and coffee flavours with a cedar, leather, and plum finsih. A bit warm and rustic but good food wine for steak. Solid value.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
October 2009