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Tastings: October 2009
31 October 2009
87PTS
Pacific Breeze Chardonnay Sangiacomo Vineyards 2007
Product of CanadaThe latest Sangiacomo chardonnay is a little less rich than its predecessor but with plenty of vanilla, butterscotch and honey aromas and flavours. The entry is warm with more mineral, honey, baked apple flavours on the mid-palate and in the finish. Well made if still a touch old-fashioned in style. We like the new reduced price.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Mt. Boucherie Estate Collection Chardonnay 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Mt. Boucherie Collection Chardonnay is made with a mix of Similkameen Vineyard in Cawston and Sunrise Vineyard in Okanagan Falls. The nose is bright with fresh green apple and lemon highlights. The palate boast sweet ripe fruit with baked apple, caramel and citrus flavours. Tasty if a bit sweet but would be fine with spicy Thai dishes.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
JoieFarm Reserve Chardonnay 2007
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Reserve edition comes off a mix of vineyards in Naramata (Earlco Three Sisters) and Okanagan Falls (Schales). Honey and ripe apples mark the nose along with some fairly prevalent vanilla and oak. The palate is drier and more reserved than last year with plenty of buttery, pineapple notes both mid-palate and in the finish. The after taste is fat and round with traces of chalk in the finish. It needs a bit more complexity and finesse to live up to its price and moniker as a reserve wine.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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30 October 2009
90PTS
Schneider Weisse Original Hefe-Weizenbier NV
Württemberg, GermanyA wheat beer that is bottle conditioned. Pale amber colour with light, creamy head. Spicy, floral, earthy, toasty, pear, nutty nose. Crisp, dry, fresh, lightly bitter palate with nutty, toasted rice, spicy, citrus, earthy, yeasty flavours. Finish is dry with a bitter hops and soapy floral note. A richer style wheat beer with some finesse and intensity, contrary to most. Try this one with food.Prices:| BC | $3.49 | 500ml |
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89PTS
Domaine Doudet Beaune Clos du Roy 1er Cru 2006
Beaune, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceSpicy, olive, coffee, tobacco leaf, menthol, strawberry, raspberry leaf, licorice, rooty, compost nose. Round, dry, elegant, supple and fresh palate, good finesse. Cherry, raspberry, tobacco leaf, carrot top, menthol, herbal, coffee flavours with a touch of compost and dried mint. Forward, elegant, balanced style, drink now-4 years. Good effort in a cool vintage.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chateau La Couranconne Gratitude Côtes du Rhône Villages 2007
Côtes du Rhône Villages, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceVery peppery, spicy, garrigue, black cherry jam, plum, smoky, black olive, meaty, floral nose. Round, supple, fresh, dry and juicy palate with very light tannins. Black cherry, plum, olive, spicy, peppery, orange, garrigue flavours. Good finesse and fruit for current drinking. A consistent producer and wine for the last 3 years running.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Domaine de Fontanel Cotes du Roussillon 2007
Côtes du Roussillon, Roussillon, Sud de France, FrancePeppery, licorice, tobacco, tapenade, black cherry, smoky, black raspberry aromas. Round, ripe, dry, supple, fresh palate. Big black cherry, plum, spicy, licorice, orange, mineral, garrigue flavours. Great fruit but a bit warm - will go well with duck or turkey. Very balanced effort.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
La Difference Viognier-Muscat 2008
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceAvailable in Stelvin and cork. Very floral, spicy, orange, ginger, melon, lemon and quince aromas. Round, fresh, lively and juicy palate with some sweetness. Green apple, spicy, floral, orange, honey, mineral, nectarine flavours. Good finesse and texture for current drinking in a fun, simple style at a fair price.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Fouassier Père et Fils Sancerre Les Romains 2007
Sancerre, Upper Loire, Loire, FranceClassic Sancerre with its pure floral and mineral nose with bits of lemongrass. On the palate, it's fresh with a quiet undercurrent of lemon, pears, honey and green apple skin. Good finesse. Serves this with your favourite chèvre.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $18.00 | 375ml |
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29 October 2009
88PTS
Williams & Humbert Dry Sack NV
Sherry Jerez - Manzanilla, SpainInviting nutty, buttery, soy, rancio nose with smoky date streaks. A touch sweet but elegant with a slightly warm and dry finish. Walnut, spicy, mineral, buttery flavours. Well made, very nutty style with some weight. Serve fireside with some spice almonds.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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28 October 2009
93PTS
Domaine Faiveley Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2007
Côtes de Nuits, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceWaxy, animal, floral, spicy, peppery, orange peel, black cherry, strawberry, rose incense, menthol, tobacco aromas, very pure and fine aromatics. Round, dry, supple, elegant and long with juice acidity and very fine tannins. Orange, raspberry, black cherry, vanilla, waxy, animal, coffee flavours. Very feminine, delicate and fresh with good fruit and complexity. Fine effort for the vintage.Prices:| BC | $184.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chateau Guiraud 2006
Sauternes, Graves, Bordeaux, FranceBaked nectarine, vanilla, creamsicle, egg yolk, nutty, orange and tobacco aromas. Round, elegant, soft, low acidity palate with light concentration. Apricot, citrus, vanilla, grapefruit, eggy flavours. Easy, round but tart finish. Decent but somewhat hollow and more of a late harvest, early-drinking style.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 375ml |
| AB | $42.00 | 375ml |
| NF | $45.50 | 375ml |
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91PTS
Chateau Montrose 2006
St. Estèphe, Haut-Médoc, Médoc, Bordeaux, FranceNew management has increased the merlot content. Spicy, cassis, coffee, dill, plum, tobacco, weedy, black olive, barnyard, briny aromas with an earthy, floral note. Round, dry, slightly tart and fresh palate with elegance and more supple tannins. Cassis, smoky, black olive, plum, dill, coffee, vanilla, tobacco leaf flavours. Good freshness and finesse but not long for aging and not the classic style for this chateau.Prices:| BC | $139.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Chateau Lafite Rothschild 2006
Pauillac, Haut-Médoc, Médoc, Bordeaux, FranceSpicy, peppery, saddle leather, waxy, vanilla, black olive, smoky, licorice, tobacco, coffee, lifted nose. Dry, tight, tannic and elegant but somewhat hollow at this point. The palate is marked with oaky vanilla, peppery, cassis and coffee flavours with bits of tobacco, black olive and cedar flavours. Dry, tight and elegant, and somewhat oaky, this offers pure Pauillac but it lacks the necessary stuffing and balance to justify a $900 Canadian price tag. Maximum of 7-12 years. More of a wine required for future verticals than something for the cellar. Only for the rich and famous and make no mistake they will buy it.Prices:| BC | $899.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Chateau d'Armailhac 2006
Pauillac, Haut-Médoc, Médoc, Bordeaux, FrancePeppery, smoky, saddle leather, coffee, meaty, black berry, licorice, earthy, floral, dill, olive aromas. Dry, tight, elegant palate with slightly lean tannins but some finesse. Lots of coffee, mocha, smoky, meaty, cassis, leather cherry, olive and herb flavours. A bit herbal but has good balance and length. Early maturing, four to seven years tops.Prices:| BC | $65.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $130.00 | 1500ml |
| AB | $60.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $70.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Chateau Sociando Mallet 2006
Haut-Médoc, Médoc, Bordeaux, FranceDill, black olive, peppery, tobacco leaf, cassis, bell pepper aromas. Dry, lean, thin, hard palate. Very weedy, herbal, dill, green olive, tobacco leaf, green cassis flavours. Tannic finish that is thin and coarse. Not much here. This wine has been getting free pass for some time but at $69 the wood is overwhelming the fruit and it simply lacks charm.Prices:| BC | $69.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $60.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $80.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Chateau Bourgneuf 2006
Pomerol, Libourne, Bordeaux, FranceTobacco, barnyard, saddle leather, spicy, clove, meaty, plum, cherry, coffee aromas. Dry, round, slightly lean palate and a bit tannic but good finesse. Smoky, coffee, meaty, black cherry, tobacco, clove, peppery, mineral, iron flavours. A bit stinky but has some flesh and warmth for the vintage. Best in 3-5 years.Prices:| BC | $49.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $49.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Chateau Puygueraud Cuvee George 2006
Cedar, olive, rooty, leather, peppery, resiny, rooty coffee aromas. Dry, elegant, tight, cedar-y tannins but a bit tart and hollow. Peppery, coffee, sour cherry, licorice, root, resin, and meaty, leather, tobacco leaf flavours. Needs a few years but lacks concentration and the finish is tart. Simple red blend.Prices:| BC | $39.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Chateau La Gurgue 2006
Margaux, Haut-Médoc, Médoc, Bordeaux, FrancePeppery, smoky, earthy, rooty, vanilla, black plum, cassis, leather, meaty, tobacco, herbal nose. Dry, thin, hollow palate with hard edged tannins. Cedar, tobacco leaf, herbal, coffee, resin, weedy, olive flavours. Simple, tart, hollow style. Not much potential here.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Chateau Carbonnieux Blanc 2006
Pessac-Léognan, Graves, Bordeaux, FranceFloral, spicy, vanilla, fig, light lees, grapefruit, gooseberry aromas. Dry, round, elegant, slightly thin palate with good acidity and texture. Spicy, passion fruit, vanilla, creamy, gooseberry, fig flavours. Good delicacy and flavours but somewhat short. Good for food but drink while young.Prices:| BC | $49.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $50.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Joseph Faiveley Meursault 1er Cru Blagny 2007
Meursault, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceFloral, slate, nutty, lees, peach pit, grassy, waxy, green apple, anise aromas - very good complexity. Dry, fresh, elegant, crisp palate with good finesse. Green apple, pear skin, vanilla, cedar, lemon, green peach, nutty flavours. A bit short but well-balanced and classic. Needs a year or two to broaden its slightly austere style.Prices:| BC | $106.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Domaine Faiveley Mercurey Blanc Clos Rochette (Monopole) 2007
Mercurey, Côte Chalonnaise, Burgundy, FranceSpicy, pear, vanilla, butter, earthy, baked apple, lime aromas. Round, dry, delicate and fresh palate. Pear, citrus, apple, slate flavours with some toasty lees and green peach. Fresh, pure, young style that is delicate to go with food now or age 1-2 years.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Domaine Faiveley Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru 2007
Aloxe-Corton, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceBig spicy, citrus, dry rock, nutty, lemon, toasty lees, melon, lanolin, baked green apple, smoky aromas. Dry, round, tight palate with lots of minerality and acidity. Toasty, nutty, green apple, peach pit, pear, butter, mineral, juicy flavours. Very linear, structured and tight at this point, needs 5 years to put on some roundness. Very fine but needs time.Prices:| BC | $269.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Domaine Faiveley Mazis-Chambertin Grand Cru 2007
Gevrey-Chambertin, Côtes de Nuits, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceRich, spicy, underbrush, meaty, licorice, coffee, tobacco, cedar, clove, floral, raspberry and cherry jam aromas, good ripeness. Rich, warm, round and dry with somewhat tannic and taut now. Meaty, carrot top, raspberry, cherry, orange, coffee, licorice, rooty, compost, coffee flavours. More structured and tight than the Latricières, this will need more time, at least 5-7 years to soften. Good potential.Prices:| BC | $222.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Domaine Faiveley Latricières Chambertin Grand Cru Unfiltered 2007
Gevrey-Chambertin, Côtes de Nuits, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceMade in a slightly more delicate side from a vineyard next to Morey St. Denis. Beautiful aromatic nose with floral, black cherry, coffee, vanilla, spicy, raspberry and liquorice root aromas. Ripe, round, supple, elegant and delicate on the palate with good concentration and intensity. Underbrush, black cherry, licorice, spicy, menthol and tobacco flavours. Fine acidity with complexity and finesse and a persistent finish. Will improve for at least 5-10 years. Excellent.Prices:| BC | $170.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Domaine Faiveley Corton Clos des Cortons Grand Cru (Monopole) 2007
Aloxe-Corton, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceBig peppery, spicy, animal, floral, tobacco nose with smoky, coffee, vanilla, black cherry, licorice, compost and raspberry aromas. Ripe, round, rich, dry and supple with good structure and elegant tannins. Orange, cherry, meaty, coffee, spicy, vanilla, tobacco, raspberry, cherry flavours. A bit juicy but long with fabulous finesse. Needs 3-7 years.Prices:| BC | $179.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $132.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Domaine Faiveley Beaune Clos de L'Écu 1er Cru (Monopole) 2007
Beaune, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceFine spicy, meaty, coffee, vanilla nose flecked with cherry, carrot top aromas. Dry, tight, elegant but somewhat lean palate but good acidity balance. Cherry, meaty, carrot top, coffee, orange peel and compost flavours. Good solid style needs 1-2 years to soften the tannins and develop.Prices:| BC | $79.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Domaine Faiveley Mercurey La Framboisiere 2007
Mercurey, Côte Chalonnaise, Burgundy, FranceSpicy, meaty, peppery, tobacco, cherry, raspberry aromas. Dry, tight, elegant, slightly lean palate with cedar bark, tobacco, orange, raspberry, earthy flavours. A bit tight and lean but good finesse. Needs a year or so or have with food.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Ridge Quartage 2006
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaEven better than the fine '04 version the '06 offers up blueberry, cassis and red liquorice notes bits of peppery, meaty tobacco notes. The palate is rich and supple with cassis, plums blueberry, black olive flavours with some underlying small grained tannins. You can drink this now with grilled meats or hold it for two or three years for even better results. Well done Barossa.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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27 October 2009
88PTS
Penfolds Thomas Hyland Shiraz 2007
Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaBlueberry jam, black cherry, spicy, liquorice nose with vanilla, garrigue, tobacco and resin bits. The entry is round, warm, tart, full and smooth palate with tobacco, chocolate, black olive, blueberry, black cherry flavours with an herbal, garrigue, vanilla, liquorice finish. Good fruit core with a warm finish. Winemaker is Kim Schroeder.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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87PTS
Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet 2007
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaSpicy, liquorice, black cherry, floral, tobacco nose with cassis, olive aromas. Dry, round, warm palate with tart acidity and a bit chunky. Rooty, tobacco, licorice, earthy, resin, black cherry, and tapenade flavours. Solid style but flavours are a bit flat this year. The blend is 70/30 shiraz cabernet.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $18.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $17.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Penfolds Cabernet Sauvignon Bin 407 2006
South Australia, AustraliaBig cassis cabernet nose with, leafy, tobacco, green olive, black cherry, coffee, cedar aromas. Round, dry, supple palate with some grainy tannins and herbal notes. The palate is more coffee, cassis, spicy, peppery, vanilla, tobacco, herbal, rooty flavours. Solid if not great this year. Try again in three years.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $32.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $30.15 | 750ml |
| QC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $34.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Penfolds Cabernet Sauvignon Bin 707 2006
South Australia, AustraliaSpicy, tobacco, peppery, intense cassis, black berry, and vanilla aromas mixed with coffee, floral, clove, fruit cake aromas. Ripe, rich, round and full bodied with the usual excellent finesse and grainy tannins. Coffee, vanilla, cassis, boysenberry, tobacco, clove, cedar and licorice flavours with a bit of black olive. Despite being tart on the finish, this has very good balance, purity and complexity. Drinkable now but will improve with 7-10 years of aging.Prices:| BC | $120.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $120.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $199.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $160.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $120.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $110.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $120.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $130.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Penfolds RWT Shiraz 2006
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaCoffee, vanilla, black berry jam, white pepper, floral, fruit cake, garrigue, tobacco, dried herb and plum aromas. Ripe, rich, round, full and supple palate if a bit warm but good balance. Black cherry jam, plum, vanilla, clove, peppery, floral, tobacco, cedar, coffee, rooty flavours. Warm but excellent fruit and intensity. Best in 7-15 years. A typically opulent flashy shiraz in contrast to its cousin Grange. Well done.Prices:| BC | $132.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $135.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $121.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $135.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $118.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $115.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $79.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Penfolds Shiraz Bin 128 2006
Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaCreated in 1962, in 128 is a regional wine from the Coonawarra district aged in French oak. Look for a spicy, tobacco, cedar, black cherry, plum, barnyard, leather, peppery, tapenade aromas with a touch of orange. Ripe, round, rich, smooth and warm on the palate. Coffee, black cherry, blueberry, earthy, licorice, rooty, vanilla flavours. Good finesse and smooth with some acidity poking through the back end.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $31.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $36.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $36.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $30.15 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Penfolds St. Henri Shiraz 2005
South Australia, AustraliaFloral, menthol, tobacco, resin, black cherry, peppery, earthy, leather and prune plum aromas. Ripe, round, supple, warm palate with fresh acidity but good balance. Spicy, black cherry, black berry, prune, coffee, floral, licorice, resin flavours. Very good fruit and concentration that finishes warm. Still a fine effort overall. St Henri is matured in old, 1460-litre vats that impart minimal, if any oak character. The 2005 contains 10 per cent cabernet sauvignon for structure.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $64.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $46.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $52.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $64.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $55.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $54.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Penfolds Bin 138 Shiraz - Mourvèdre - Grenache 2007
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaPeppery, pruny, dried cherry nose flecked with tobacco, spicy floral, black cherry aromas. Dry, round and very warm palate but supple. Small old oak is used here to expose the black cherry, black raspberry, and peppery fruit with liquorice, smoky, resin flavours. Very good fruit and smooth but very hot on the finish. The first SGM was made in 1992 although the grapes have been in the ground for decades. The wine was elevated to the Bin range in 1998: Penfolds Bin 138 all sourced from old, low-yielding Barossa Valley vines.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 Magill Estate Shiraz 2006
Adelaide Plains, South Australia, AustraliaSpicy, plum pudding, vanilla, licorice, Christmas cake, mocha, tobacco, clove, coffee, five spice aromas. Dry, tart, hot and somewhat astringent but good concentration. Tobacco ash, black olive, vanilla cream, coffee, smoky, black berry jam, minty, meaty, plum flavours. Good concentration but finish is short, hot and tart with some green oak tannins showing. Needs 4-7 years.Prices:| ON | $75.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $76.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $75.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $76.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $75.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $74.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $80.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Felton Road Pinot Noir Calvert Vineyard 2007
Central Otago, South Island, New ZealandPeppery, spicy, black cherry, liquorice, thyme, light barnyard, menthol, tobacco leaf, compost, savoury nose. Rich, ripe, round, supple and full with good elegance and acidity but a tad warm. Black cherry, strawberry jam, tobacco, vanilla, carrot, thyme, liquorice, spicy, minty tea flavours. Long, good textures and length, very good now but will age. In accordance with Felton Road's strict policy of not purchasing grapes, the winery leases and fully manages Calvert Vineyard that is planted with an excellent range of clones and rootstocks. Craggy Range and Pyramid Valley are also producing a Calvert Vineyard pinot from purchased grapes.Prices:| BC | $82.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $73.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $75.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $75.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Felton Road Pinot Noir Cornish Point Vineyard 2007
Central Otago, South Island, New ZealandSmoky, savoury, spicy, tea, tobacco, barnyard, black cherry jam, vanilla, worsteshire, plum, orange peel, carrot top and thyme aromas. Rich, ripe, round, warm and full palate with supple tannins. Big black cherry, plum, smoky, savoury, vanilla, orange, thyme, black tea, mint and coffee flavours. A bit more oak showing with sweeter, darker fruit but more savoury than the Calvert and slightly more forward. The winery explains the site as: The vineyard started producing with the 2003 vintage, and has been developed by winery owner Nigel Greening to become a pinot noir laboratory. Twenty-four blocks are planted to 18 different combinations of pinot noir clones and rootstocks, each carefully matched to the subtle soil and aspect changes throughout the site. Rows are orientated to 345 degrees, so the vines receive an extra hour of morning sun and one less hour of hot afternoon sun. A row width of seven feet and vine spacing of four feet results in 1,635 vines per acre.Prices:| BC | $82.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $73.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $75.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $75.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Felton Road Pinot Noir Block 3 2007
Central Otago, South Island, New ZealandSavoury, spicy, rubarb, smoky, celery, black cherry, orange, cedar, mint, tobacco, vanilla and tea aromas with a touch of barnyard, licorice and dried thyme. Rich, round, fresh, supple palate that is elegant, warm and a touch tart. Cherry jam, orange, smoky, green tea, tobacco, thyme, celery, vanilla, licorice and cedar flavours. A bit hotter, tighter with more tannins and more acidity showing than either Calvert or Cornish Point. Needs 2-5 years but has good concentration. Managed 100% organically and biodynamically. Felton Road is currently in the process of becoming certified biodynamic through Demeter.Prices:| BC | $95.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $87.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $93.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $89.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Felton Road Pinot Noir 2007
Central Otago, South Island, New ZealandA blend of three vineyards, this offers up spicy, rhubarb, strawberry, thyme, peppery, carrot top, smoky, compost and floral aromas. Round, dry, supple, delicate and juicy palate. Strawberry jam, cherry, rhubarb, vanilla, spicy, licorice, orange peel, thyme and herb flavours. Good acidity, delicacy and fruit for current drinking or keep 2-5 years. Delicious drinking pinot.Prices:| BC | $65.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $60.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $64.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $60.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Felton Road Chardonnay (Barrel Fermented) 2007
Central Otago, South Island, New ZealandMelon, light butter, floral, baked apple, spicy lees, and honey aromas. Fresh, crisp, juicy and round palate with good elegance and creaminess. Very spicy lees, vanilla, green apple, pear, lime, mineral, floral, buttery flavours. Good minerality, texture and finesse. Should age well for 2-5 years but good now.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $46.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $50.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $45.75 | 750ml |
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25 October 2009
86PTS
Round Hill Chardonnay 2008
California, United StatesHoney, baked green apple, citrus, spicy, melon, light lees aromas. Round, soft, easy palate with spicy lees, clove, melon, baked peach, honey, vanilla flavours. A bit soft but very solid drink for consumers.Prices:| BC | $16.35 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Rutherford Ranch Chardonnay 2008
Napa Valley, California, United StatesCitrus, spicy lees, vanilla, toasty, nutty, honey, pineapple aromas. Round, soft, dry, easy style with buttery, spicy lees, nutty, citrus, honey, and pineapple flavours. Finish is short, buttery and light with little mid-palate weight or flavour.Prices:| BC | $23.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Delicato California Chardonnay 2008
California, United StatesSpicy lees, honey, baked apple, citrus, vanilla cream aromas. Fresh, round, lighter style palate with creamy lees, butter, citrus, apple skin and pear flavours. Good solid, simple style if a bit flat but dry. Solid value.Prices:| AB | $14.50 | 750ml |
| NF | $14.50 | 750ml |
| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Quinta do Crasto Late Bottled Vintage Port Unfiltered 2004
Cima Corga, Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalPeppery, ash, spicy, rooty, licorice, dark plum, blueberry, savoury, dried fig aromas. Ripe, round, supple, elegant style with good acidity and sugar balance. Prune tobacco, peppery, blackberry jam, tea, licorice, ash, resin, chocolate flavours. Good finesse and length for current drinking or can age. The Crasto LBV is a blend of old mixed old vines containing 25 to 30 different local varieties averaging 60-years-old. The grapes are handpicked and are foot trodden in traditional stone lagares. It is bottled without any fining or filtration after five years in 9000 litres 100 per cent Portuguese oak barrels.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Cuvaison Chardonnay 2007
Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United StatesNutty lees, spicy, citrus, honey, pineapple, vanilla, baked pear and melon aromas. Fresh, round, moderately crisp palate. Nutty, vanilla, butter, toasty lees, melon, citrus, and pineapple flavours. A bit short and somewhat hollow when compared to some earlier versions. Still, it is a rare California chardonnay that you can serve with food.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $29.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $37.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Blandy's Madeira Duke of Clarence Rich NV
Madeira, PortugalVery amber-green colour. Nutty, floral, rancio, raisin, tobacco, earthy, treacle, bouillon aroma. Round, elegant, full palate, creamy with light tannins. Caramel, rancio, nutty, earthy, tobacco, cedar, chocolate, vanilla, cedar, bouillon flavours. Good acidity sugar balance but a bit on the sweeter side. Try this with gingerbead cookies.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $28.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $33.75 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Barone Ricasoli Castello di Brolio Chianti Classico 2005
Greve, Florence, Tuscany, ItalyPeppery, smoky, meaty, black cherry, resin, sweaty saddle leather, tobacco, rooty, dried herb aromas with a hint of vanilla, chocolate and cooked carrot. Dry, round, moderately supple palate but warm and a bit tart. Coffee, peppery, meaty, tobacco, licorice, rosemary, floral, black olive and black cherry flavours with a somewhat rustic, gamey, leather finish. Best with food or keep 2-4 years. Not inexpensive for a non-Riserva.Prices:| BC | $67.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Mission Hill S.L.C. Syrah 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, black olive, savoury, balsamic, leather, tobacco, sausage meat, chocolate aromas with a touch of barnyard and black cherry. Round, elegant, dry, supple palate but slightly lean with a touch of acidity. Peppery, tobacco, espresso, resin, licorice, cedar, vanilla, dried herbs and olive flavours with a cedar, leafy, green tea, and black cherry finish. Good finesse if a bit green and hollow on the finish. It should fatten up a bit with one to three years of ageing but it is drinkable now.Prices:| BC | $37.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $28.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $40.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $37.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Quinta do Vesuvio Vintage Port 2007
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalFloral, licorice, chocolate, blackberry jam, plum, smoky, dried herb, black fig, incense, tobacco aromas, good complexity and ripeness. Rich, ripe, round, supple but grainy tannins. Good sugar acid balance but a bit warm now. Lots of licorice, chocolate, peppery, dried herb, black berry jam, black cherry, dried black fig, spicy, tobacco, black tea flavours. Warm, elegant, ripe flavours. Good ripeness of tannins and acidity to allow 10-20 years of aging. Nicely done.Prices:| BC | $90.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Quinta do Vesuvio Vintage Port 2006
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalBlack tea, prune, earthy, spicy, resin, chocolate, black pepper, tobacco, cedar aromas. Tighter palate with some grippy tannins, medium sweetness, slightly less extract. Chocolate, pepper, pruny, raisin, resin, licorice, black tea, cedar and tobacco flavours. A bit spirity and raw on the finish. Solid, needs 3-7 years to soften out. Hold seven to ten years.Prices:| BC | $90.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Quinta do Vesuvio Vintage Port 2005
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalBig spicy, floral, white pepper, cardamom, cranberry, black cherry, rosewood, chocolate, tobacco aromas, very unique and complex aromatics. Ripe, rich, round, slightly tannic palate with good finesse. Warm with good acidity and sugar balance, not a sweet style but with some grip. Very peppery, black cherry, prune, chocolate, dried herbs, floral, tea flavours with a bit spirit showing. A bit on the lighter side but good complexity and finesse for mid-term aging.Prices:| BC | $90.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Quinta do Vesuvio Vintage Port 2004
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalPeppery, black olive, tobacco leaf, licorice, dried fig, black berry, slightly spirity nose. Round, slightly sweeter palate, more linear with light tannins but good acidity. Cinnamon, chocolate, brown sugar, peppery, spirity, licorice, black tea, prune flavours. Finish is quite warm but a tad green but fruity. Will mature relatively early; hold through the next 3-7 years.Prices:| BC | $75.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Quinta do Vesuvio Vintage Port 2003
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalPeppery, black tea, prune, tobacco, blackberry jam, floral, fig, resin, licorice, smoky aromas. Ripe, round, warm slightly fiery palate with light tannins. Good acidity and on the dryer side but a tad raisiny. Chocolate, licorice, peppery, black tea, prune plum, tobacco, dried fig and black cherry flavours. Good finesse, still youthful, not a big fat style. Needs 5-7 years for full maturity but drinkable soon.Prices:| QC | $85.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $86.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $100.00 | 750ml |
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24 October 2009
82PTS
Louis Latour Pinot Noir Bourgogne 2007
Burgundy, FranceCompost, sour cherry, cedar, tobacco leaf aromas. Dry, thin, lean, acidic palate with cedar bark, herbal, leafy, menthol flavours. Nothing appealing here.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $21.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Joseph Drouhin Cote de Beaune Rouge 2006
Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceCelery root, tobacco leaf, floral, cedar bark, raspberry, leafy nose. Dry, elegant, supple but slightly lean palate. Cedar bark, raspberry, rhubarb, celery salt, carrot top, herbal flavours. A bit lean and tart but has some pinot elegance.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Garry Oaks Pinot Noir Estate 2007
Perfumed, celery salt, rhubarb, sour cherry, leafy, rooty aromas. Dry, tart, thin, lean palate with sour cherry, rhubarb, celery root, green carrot top, herbal flavours. No excitement here.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Garry Oaks Fetish 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, resin, tobacco, canned olive, herbal, cedar aromas. Tart, dry, thin palate with bitter herbs, cedar, raspberry leaf, tobacco, leafy, cranberry flavours. Very thin and tart on the finish with smoky, cedar tannins.Prices:| BC | $27.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Garry Oaks Prism 2008
Gulf Islands, British Columbia, CanadaPerfume, sausage, spicy, honey, butter, baked apple, peach skin aromas. Fresh, crisp, dry palate with green apple, grapefruit rind, peach skin, pear and fresh grassy, gooseberry flavours on the end. Very crisp, clean style for seafood. Well done.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Château Le Bergey Cuvee Prestige Bordeaux Supérieur 2006
Bordeaux, FrancePeppery, herbal, tobacco leaf, cedar bark, leather aromas. Very dry, somewhat lean palate with cedar-y tannins. Herbal, earthy, smoky, cedar bark, peppery, resiny flavours. Tart, somewhat lean finish. Very basic stuff that needs food. A tough year for most producers.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Sibling Rivalry Red 2007
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaSmoky, tobacco leaf, roasted tomato, dill, herbal aromas. Round, supple, somewhat dry but flat palate with coffee, herbal, dill, green olive, tobacco, sour cherry flavours. Green and lacking fruit. Not near as successful as its white sibling.Prices:| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Gray Monk Pinot Auxerrois 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaClean, fresh nose with grassy, floral, green apple skin and honey aromas. Round, off dry, fresh palate with baked apple, honey, grapefruit skin, melon rind flavours. Simple, easy style with a bit of a rind-y, bitter note.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Gray Monk Pinot Blanc 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCanned grapefruit, pear, apple sauce, peach skin aromas. Fresh, crisp, slightly tart palate with a bit of sweetness. Grapefruit rind, apple skin, grassy, canned pear, honey flavours. Warm finish with citrus rind and melon.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Gray Monk Siegerrebe 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFresh spicy, floral, ginger, muscat, peach skin, citrus, sausage aroma. Fresh, crisp, delicate, off dry palate with mineral, floral, honey, grapefruit, ginger, sausage and grass flavours. Elegant, fun style to have with sushi or Chinese food. This wine has been consistently well made for decades.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Tantalus Pinot Noir 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFresh cherry, plum, licorice, tobacco leaf, floral, worsteshire aromas. Dry, somewhat lean palate with light tannins but some finesse. Cherry jam, cedar, tobacco, compost, dried herb, floral, carrot top flavours. Finish is a bit warm and tart but has some fruit. Simple.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Mission Hill Five Vineyards Chardonnay 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA carbon copy of last years with its light lees, green apple skin, citrus, honey and vanilla aromas. The entry is fresh and a touch off -dry green peach, canned grapefruit, butter and honey flavours. Clean solid regular issue BC chardonnay for light seafood and pasta dishes.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $17.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $18.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Desert Wind Ruah 2006
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesBig green olive, leafy, tobacco, dill, cranberry, smoky herb nose with a bit of leather and caraway. Round, supple, light tannins with a touch of sweetness and acidity. Spicy, cranberry, herbal, smoky, resin, tobacco leaf, earthy, somewhat unclean flavours. Lacks fruit and balance. Uncool, northwest cool tones.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Claar Cellars Cabernet-Merlot 2005
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesA 60/40 blend with floral, black cherry jam, pruny, peppery, lifted notes mixed with saddle leather, tobacco aromas with a bit of balsamic. Very warm, tart, dry and tannic on the palate and frankly, very rustic. Smoky, coffee, dried cherry, tobacco, peppery, cedar, riparian flavours. Needs time and food to balance.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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22 October 2009
88PTS
Chambar Ale NV
British Columbia, CanadaMade with organic malt. Pale amber colour with light, creamy white mousse. Floral, spicy, pear, malty, earthy, apple aromas with a touch of spice. Crisp, dry palate with earthy, pear skin, floral, soapy toasted flavours and bitter hops on the finish. Good solid ale for food that it is on the more bitter side.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Barone Ricasoli Casaferro 2005
Tuscany, ItalyVery meaty, spicy, smoky, leather, prune, dried cherry, tobacco, gamey aromas. Soft, round, dry, supple palate with light tannins and a touch of acidity. Peppery, smoky, meaty, black cherry jam, resin, earthy, licorice, spicy flavours. Good intensity but finish is a bit warm and sharp. Solid but best with food like grilled meats or try in a few years.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Barone Ricasoli Chianti Classico Riserva Rocca Guicciarda 2006
Tuscany, ItalyPeppery, spicy, saddle leather, black cherry jam, tobacco, cedar, rooty, meaty aromas. Ripe, round, supple, elegant palate with light, grainy tannins and good acidity. Black cherry, spicy, peppery, coffee, licorice root, meaty, tobacco, smoky herb flavours. Finish is a bit short but it offers some finesse for current drinking.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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21 October 2009
90PTS
Le Marquis de Marillac Brut NV NV
Champagne, FranceGood fine mousse. Toasty, nutty, spicy, floral, citrus, baked pear aromas. Fresh, round, crisp, juicy palate on the sweeter brut side. Pear, orange, citrus, apple, honey, nutty flavours. A juicy, fuller, creamy style for general consumers. Good value.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Domaine Louis Moreau Petit Chablis 2007
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceLemon, quince, waxy, oyster shell, lime, floral aromas. Dry, elegant, somewhat leaner palate with lemon peel, mineral, butter, grassy, oyster shell flavours. Very citrusy, tart style and a tad lean so try with oysters or age a year.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Domaine Louis Moreau Chablis Domaine de Bieville 2006
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceHoney, guava, lemon, floral, spicy, peach aromas. Ripe, round, elegant and crisp palate but a bit austere and dry. Nutty, lemon, citrus rind, butter, waxy, oyster shell flavours. Good intensity and concentration but a bit austere at the end, will improve with 2-3 years in bottle.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Domaine Pierre Naigeon Marsannay Rosé 2007
Burgundy, FranceVery pale orange-rose colour. Tobacco, toasty, raspberry, earthy, floral, minty aromas. Dry, round, elegant, crisp but soft palate. Similar flavours with good finesse on the finish. Good solid style, not to green to go with food.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Domaine Pierre Naigeon Gevrey Chambertin Les Echezeaux 2006
Gevrey-Chambertin, Côtes de Nuits, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceMade from 53 year old vines near Charmes Chambertin. Smoky, coffee, vanilla, cherry, floral, animal, tobacco leaf, compost aromas with a peppery, strawberry streak. Dry, tight, elegant palate with good finesse and acidity, a bit chewy. Orange peel, cherry, strawberry, smoky, menthol, tobacco, carrot top, savoury, animal, compost flavours. Good complexity and length. Fine village wine for the vintage. Needs 2-5 years to soften fully.Prices:| BC | $79.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Domaine Pierre Naigeon Fixin Les Herbues 2006
Fixin, Côtes de Nuits, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceMade from 68 year old vines. Rhubarb, spicy, tobacco, gamey, raspberry, orange, barnyard, compost, minty, raspberry aromas. Dry, tight, elegant palate with rhubarb compote, spicy, orange peel, raspberry, minty, tobacco flavours. Very cool but good fruit and balance for the appellation.Prices:| BC | $48.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Domaine Pierre Naigeon Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Nuits 2006
Côtes de Nuits, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceSpicy, tobacco leaf, minty, carrot top, barnyard, compost, cherry, smoky, herb nose. Dry, round, supple, elegant palate but lighter bodied style. Menthol, spicy, meaty, compost, orange peel, tobacco, smoky rhubarb flavours. Very solid, has some concentration and length. Drink now-2 years with food.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Domaine Pierre Naigeon Puligny Montrachet 2006
Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceVery spicy lees, garlic, floral, nutty, peach pit, green apple skin, honey, butter, floral nose. Rich, ripe, full, elegant and round style with good acidity. Nutty, waxy, floral, orange, lemon, peach pit, guava, vanilla, and pineapple flavours. Made from 53 year old vines, unfined and unfiltered. Delicious now but will improve over the next 2-5 years.Prices:| BC | $76.00 | 750ml |
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20 October 2009
93PTS
Yalumba Museum Muscat NV
Rutherglen, Victoria, AustraliaMade in a solera style system. Spicy, dried apricot, honey, orange, rancio, rains, nutty, buttery aromas. Rich, round, full, elegant, sweet but balanced with good acidity. Lots of dried orange peel, spicy, peppery, floral, dried apricot, butter, rancio, minty, nutty molasses flavours. Good concentration and intensity with a long, creamy finish. A great drink for dessert or on a cold fall and winter day. Good value.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 375ml |
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91PTS
Yalumba Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz The Signature 2003
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaFloral, black berry jam, cassis, vanilla, coffee, black olive, tobacco, smoky bacon, resin, meaty, licorice aromas. Round, dry, full, elegant, tart palate with smooth grained tannins. Coffee, peppery, cassis, black olive, smoky, herbal, blueberry, tobacco, cedar flavours. Good finesse and supple but all Oz with a fairly warm and tart finish. Best with grilled meats.Prices:| QC | $45.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $50.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $50.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Yalumba The Menzies Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaVery peppery, black olive, resin, cedar bark, coffee, compost, cassis, meaty, menthol, herbal, saddle leather aromas. Dry, round, slightly lean and linear palate but elegant. Coffee, resin, tobacco, caraway, smoky, eucalyptus, vanilla, cassis, stemmy, green bean flavours. Good finesse but young, tart and tannic with a savoury streak.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Yalumba The Scribbler Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz 2007
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaCoffee, tobacco, cedar, black olive, barnyard, cassis, meaty, rooty, herbal, spicy nose. Round, dry, warm and slightly tannic palate with some acidity showing. Coffee, black olive, green bean, peppery, savoury, garrigue, herbal, tobacco flavours. Finish is smoky with a tart, earthy edge. Try this with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Laughing Stock Vineyards Chardonnay 2008
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight garlic, spicy lees, butter, vanilla, quince, baked peach, baked apple, nutty aromas. Round, fresh, elegant palate with a touch of oiliness. Fruit cocktail, buttery-diacetyl, spicy lees, baked apple, peach skin, passion fruit, grassy, nutty flavours. Good solid expression if a bit buttery on the finish.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Painted Rock Chardonnay 2008
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig peach, roasted garlic, lees, vanilla, buttery, toasty, baked apple skin aromas. Round, dry, somewhat lean palate with medium concentration. Nectarine skin, butter, baked peach, leesy, vanilla, canned grapefruit flavours. Simple, leesy, somewhat light style.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Painted Rock Merlot 2007
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMenthol, cedar, coffee, smoky oak, meaty, peppery, roasted pepper, tobacco leaf, floral, black cherry aromas. Dry, tight, elegant but slightly lean palate with fresh acidity. Cedar, meaty, leesy, floral, tobacco leaf, savoury, caraway, meaty, cooked carrot, celery salt flavours. Finish is somewhat tart and light with cedar-y tannins but finesse. Needs a few years but lacks some ripeness and concentration.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Vina Albali Gran Reserva 2001
Valdepeñas, Castilla-La Mancha, SpainAll you want in an old Spanish red, the fruit is soft and round with sweet undertones and touch of balsamic with just a touch of vanilla and oak. The tannins are completely spent. The finish supple and long with earthy undertones. Roast some lamb and pull the cork you can't miss with this classic European red wine in the prime of its life.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Gray Monk Ehrenfelser 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, floral, pear, grapefruit, sausage, mineral aromas. Fresh, juicy, round palate with mineral, orange, baked apple, spicy, lime, peach skin flavours. A bit sweet and simple but easy sipping style.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Gray Monk Odyssey Merlot Dry Creek Vineyard 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDirty earth, shoe leather, peppery, roasted tomato, prune, cedar aromas. Dry, light, lean palate with earthy, cedar, resin, tobacco, cooked prune, peppery flavours. Lacks fruit and somewhat dirty.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Gray Monk Pinot Noir 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRhubarb, leafy, spicy, dill, herbal, orange peel aromas. Dry, light, elegant, thin and slightly tart palate with rhubarb, spicy, rooty, herbal, raspberry leaf, tea, resin flavours. Basic red, not much body or flavour intensity.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Gray Monk Odyssey III Fortified NV
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA fortified red style with dried cherry, dried tomato, peppery, cedar, coffee, chocolate aromas. Soft, round, full, moderately sweet style with light tannins. Coffee, chocolate, cherry kirsch, peppery, spicy, cedar, tobacco flavours. A bit warm and fiery on the finish but well balanced overall with some tannin to shed.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 500ml |
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86PTS
Tommasi Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2008
Pedemonte Valpolicella, Verona, Veneto, ItalyOpen fresh, nose with floral raspberry undertones and a wisp of saddle leather. Soft round light juicy fruit with bits of cherries and violets. Simple light easy drinking medium-bodied red. Way too expensive in BC.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tommasi Merlot Le Prunée 2007
Garda, Verona, Veneto, ItalyThis is a delicious bottle of northern Italian merlot from a very fine vintage. Lovely soft almost sweet fruit with bits of spice and brambleberry with a whack of smoked peppery cherry fruit in the finish. Soft round full flavoured and impressive one to look for on restaurant lists. Great vaule in Ontario.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Tommasi Valpolicella Ripasso 2007
Veneto, ItalyMost know by now that the ripasso system supercharges this Valpolicella with a re-ferment on Amarone skins. This is a big wine in 2007 with a spicy, smoky, nose flecked with plums and gamy notes. The flavours are rich and warm and packed full of more spicy liquorice, black fruit and plums all with a soft round savoury fruit finish. An exceptional year no doubt.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $26.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $26.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Nk'Mip Cellars Qwam Qwmt Merlot 2006
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCoffee, cedar, floral, herbal, cherry, rooty, resin, pruny, vanilla aromas. Dry, tight, elegant, slightly tannic palate with plum, cherry, herbal, floral, cedar, tobacco leaf, coffee, resin, meaty flavours. A bit too hot and oaky but has some finesse and freshness.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Nk'Mip Cellars Qwam Qwmt Pinot Noir 2007
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, rooty, rhubarb, tobacco leaf, orange, dill, tea, celery, compost aromas. Round, dry, supple, slightly tart and light palate with rhubarb, sour cherry, smoky, coffee, herbal, compost, tobacco leaf, cedar bark and crushed herb flavours. Simple, easy style but lacks some ripe fruit flavours.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Herder Merlot 2007
British Columbia, CanadaPeppery, tobacco leaf, cherry, cranberry, floral, dried herb, coffee, savoury nose. Dry, tight, round, elegant, warm, fresh palate with herbal, cherry, coffee, peppery, cedar, black olive, rhubarb, crushed herb flavours. A bit young with some light, tight tannins to shed but balanced and elegant. Promising, especially if we can get the fruit quotient up.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Herder Cabernet Franc 2007
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeppery, crushed leaf, cranberry, herbal, menthol, cedar, coffee, carrot top aromas. Round, dry, elegant, full palate with light tannins. Spicy, floral, cranberry, coffee, peppery, caraway, dried herbs, menthol and prune flavours. Again good finesse and balance if still a bit herbal.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Foxtrot Pinot Noir 2006
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeppery, spicy, vanilla, rhubarb, cherry, tobacco leaf, floral, coffee, carrot top. Round, dry, soft, slightly lean palate with coffee, rooty, vanilla, V8, stewed rhubarb, tobacco leaf, resin, and celery flavours. Good texture but warm and somewhat herbaceous on the finish with a sour edge. A bit more ripeness would be in order for the price.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Black Hills Chardonnay 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFresh lees, vanilla, cooked peach, butter and green apple skin, slightly grassy, smoky edge. Fresh, crisp, round, slightly oily texture with a hint of sweetness. Green apple, pear, vanilla, light lees, garlic, butter, mineral, citrus flavours with a touch of nectarine skin and butterscotch. Warm, crisp finish, very solid. Fresh delicious light style that just lacks a bit of extract.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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19 October 2009
89PTS
Thomas Hardy Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaThe source of fruit varies from year to year, often from Margaret River and the Coonawarra. This new vintage is 100% Margaret River sourced. Big spicy, vanilla, coffee, peppery, licorice, barnyard, saddle leather, cassis, lanolin, black olive, tobacco aromas. Round, dry, somewhat tart and tannic palate but some finesse. Peppery, weedy, cassis, coffee, resin, liquorice, vanilla, rooty, savoury, olive flavours. Good aromatics but the finish is hot and tart at the end despite lots of concentration and tannins. Needs 3-5 years but the green remains.Prices:| BC | $90.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Hardys The Chronicles The Gamble Chardonnay Pinot Gris 2008
South Australia, AustraliaSlate, mineral, matchstick, green apple, nectarine, buttery, pear aromas. Round, fresh, creamy palate with buttery, nutty, bitter lime rind, nectarine, pear skin and earthy flavours with a grapefruit rind finish. Good fruit if a bit bitter and rind-y.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Hardys The Chronicles Butcher's Gold Shiraz Sangiovese 2007
South Australia, AustraliaCedar bark, olive, smoky, spicy, meaty, savoury, black cherry, tobacco leaf and dill aromas. Round, dry, tart and supple palate with a touch of heat. Cedar bark, black cherry, tobacco leaf, herbal, olive, spicy, plum jam flavours. Has good fruit but also very tart and a streak of herbaceousness.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Hardys Oomoo Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre 2006
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaBlack olive, savoury, spicy, earthy, barnyard, black cherry, licorice, meaty, plum and leather aromas with a touch of vanilla and coconut. Dry, fresh, slightly tannic palate. Black cherry, plum jam, tapenade, smoky, spicy, earthy, licorice flavours. A bit hot but has good fruit and decent finesse. Solid food style wine.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Hardys Stamp of Australia Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaLeather, black olive, rooty, tobacco leaf, black cherry, smoky, herbal nose. Round, supple, dry, slightly tannic palate. Weedy, tobacco, peppery, black olive, leather, cedar bark, coffee, herbal flavours. Supple, easy, fresh style.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Eileen Hardy Shiraz 2004
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaDark cherry colour. Licorice root, black olive, barnyard, saddle leather, tobacco, plum jam, blackberry, peppery, coffee, spicy aromas. Rich, round, tannic, warm and tart palate. Lots of blackberry jam, black cherry, savoury, smoky, vanilla, peppery, licorice, black olive flavours with a touch of bacon and chocolate. Good fruit concentration but a bit too tart, hot and stewed on the finish. Maybe an awkward phase, score gives the benefit of the doubt. Needs 2-4 years.Prices:| BC | $90.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Hardys Stamp Series Riesling Gewurztraminer 2008
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaSpicy, floral, red apple, peach aromas. Round, fresh, sweet palate with lime rind, red apple, peach skin flavours with a bit of bitterness on the finish. Easy going, simple patio wine.Prices:| BC | $9.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $10.99 | 750ml |
| NB | $10.49 | 750ml |
| PEI | $12.49 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.60 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Bellingham The Bernard Series Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2008
Coastal Region, South AfricaMade from old, dry farmed, low yielding bush vines and matured in 50% new French oak. Big pear, grapefruit, vanilla, honey, green apple, floral, lees, spicy nose. Rich, round, fresh and elegant with crisp acidity but somewhat sweet but good textures. Vanilla, butter, creamy, baked green apple, orange, nutty, pear, honey and lime flavours. Very nice fruit and finesse but just a bit too sweet and oaky.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Bellingham Merlot with a dash of Malbec 2006
Coastal Region, South AfricaTasted twice. Smoky, meaty, peppery, saddle leather, earthy, tobacco, black olive, dill, herbal, cherry aromas. Round, dry, elegant but tart palate with spicy, cherry, mineral, smoky, vanilla, meaty, rooty flavours with good finesse yet somewhat tart on the finish. Best with food. The blend is 95 per cent merlot 5 per cent malbec.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Boschendal Grande Reserve 2005
Simonsberg - Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaBig tobacco, meaty, leafy, black olive, green bean, dill, vanilla, carrot top, herbal, smoky, cranberry and Band-Aid aromas. Dry, round, elegant palate but a bit tart and tannic. Cranberry, soapy floral, tobacco leaf, black olive, smoky, meaty, leather saddle, orange, Band-Aid and cooked carrot flavours., Has finesse and balance but is very old, barnyard Brett style.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Boschendal 1685 Shiraz 2007
Simonsberg - Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaSmoky, floral, meaty, leather, tobacco, hot earth, resin, licorice, black cherry jam, garrigue and herb nose. Round, dry, fresh, elegant palate with soft tannins. Black cherry, spicy, peppery, clove, vanilla, meaty, smoky, leather and tapenade flavours with some cooked carrot and Band-aid on the finish. Good finesse and fruit but tart on the finish.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Boschendal 1685 Chardonnay Pinot Noir 2008
Simonsberg - Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaLime, floral, pear, butter, vanilla, light spicy, honey, mineral, apple skin aromas. Dry, crisp, fresh, elegant and juicy palate with honey, granny smith, pear, melon rind, grapefruit and grassy, lees flavours. Delicate, fresh style, very citrusy.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Viña Chocalán Grand Reserva Blend 2007
Melipilla, Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChilePeppery, savoury, vanilla, chocolate, tobacco, black cherry, plum jam, orange, floral, waxy, five spice and licorice nose, good aromatic expression. Ripe, round, dry, supple, grainy tannins. Spicy, cedar, tobacco, cassis, black cherry, chocolate, vanilla, orange peel, smoky, peppery, dried herb and cassis flavours. A bit too hot on the finish but has good finesse, roundness and complexity. Very attractive style. The blend is 31/27/18/12/9/3 of cabernet sauvignon, carmenère, syrah, malbec, cabernet franc and petit verdot.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Viña Chocalán Cabernet Franc Reserva 2007
Melipilla, Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileTobacco, peppery, cranberry, earthy, saddle leather, barnyard, chocolate, cassis, five spice and vanilla aromas. Ripe, round, elegant and supple but full palate. Vanilla, chocolate, cherry, orange, tobacco leaf, with a bit of cassis, licorice, leather and dried cranberry on the finish. Ready now. This has good finesse and varietal expression for a pure cabernet franc.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Viña Chocalán Syrah Reserva 2007
Melipilla, Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileMade from hillside fruit, this has a peppery, spicy, licorice, leather, black cherry, bay, tobacco, chocolate and dried herb nose. Dry, round, supple, elegant, warm palate. Peppery, meaty, black cherry, smoky, spicy, dried herb, tobacco leaf, vanilla and chocolate flavours. Good solid style for food if a bit hot on the finish.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Viña Chocalán Viognier Reserva 2008
Melipilla, Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileOrange, ginger, creamsicle, spicy, honey, garlic, grassy, quince aromas. Fresh, round, elegant and crisp palate with ginger, honey, orange, creamy, slate, lime and mango flavours. Good delicacy and finesse, a solid food wine and solid value.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Viña Chocalán Malvilla Chardonnay 2008
Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileRipe peach, spicy, honey, citrus, floral, slate, mango aromas. Dry, round, elegant palate with good finesse and texture but a bit soft. Green apple skin, citrus, lees, vanilla, nectarine, waxy flavours. Good delicacy in young vines.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Viña Chocalán Malvilla Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChilePassion fruit, smoky, jalapeno, asparagus, melon, nettle, slate aromas. Ripe, round, creamy, elegant and dry palate. Good mineral, grapefruit, passion fruit, canned asparagus, jalapeno and nettle flavours with a touch of melon rind. A tad soft but has good texture and finesse. A first release from young vines is very promising.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Mission Hill Compendium 2006
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeppery, earthy, barnyard, compost, black olive nose with northwest notes of black cherry, caraway, smoky tobacco all with a touch of carrot top, vanilla and leather. The entry is dry and round but tannic. More smoky, earthy, peppery, tobacco, black olive, liquorice flavours flecked with vanilla, clove, caraway and black cherry flavours. It finishes oaky at this point and tight but again with some early finesse poking through. Time and patience is required.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $40.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $40.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Mission Hill Perpetua Chardonnay Osoyoos Vineyard Estate 2007
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAn interesting twist in '07 with the pronounced lemon/nettle, clove, baked apple and pear nose with a honey pineapple hazelnut undercurrent. The attack is dry and fruity with more crisp, sharp fruit and les texture than previous editions. Green apple, vanilla, baked pear, tropical, nectarine, honey, cooked marzipan and passion fruit flavours mark its firm lean palate. This too needs a year or so to round out and develop some viscosity and weight to carry the flavours.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $35.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Mission Hill Quatrain 2006
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe latest and 2nd release of Quatrain is a 41/32/14/13/ blend of syrah, merlot, cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon taken from estate blocks in Oliver and Osoyoos. Tasted several times since its release. Look for black cherry, spicy, black pepper, black olive aromas with flecks of vanilla, coffee, tobacco, carrot top, caraway, saddle leather and cassis. Dry, slightly thin and tight on entry with a youthful tannic palate. On the palate spicy, clove, peppery, vanilla, tobacco, coffee, herbal, cassis, cranberry flavours mixed with black olives, cherry mark the palate. There is a sense of elegance here but it is a somewhat tannic with a hollow mid-palate at this point. Not as generous as the previous edition. It is definitely best to wait on this for another two to four years.Prices:| BC | $48.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $45.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $45.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Mission Hill Family Estate Oculus 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOculus continues down the softer rounder richer path but slowly. Very peppery, spicy, minty nose with black olive, leather, mineral, liquorice and blackberry notes sprinkled with coffee, cassis, carrot top and vanilla aromas. The attack is dry and round with fairly tight tannins but with finesse. More black cherry fruit spiked with peppery, liquorice, smoky flavours with coffee, resin, tobacco, leather black olive and herbal notes in the finish. This has a solid future but like previous editions it will need 3-5 years to soften up and develop further. It needs a little less Medoc character and a little more Pomerol.Prices:| BC | $70.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $70.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $70.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Moncellier Pinot Noir 2008
Central Otago, South Island, New ZealandBright ruby colour. Cherry, floral, spicy, raspberry, licorice, peppery, celery salt aromas with a touch of carbonic fruit. Soft, round, dry, elegant palate with fresh acidity. Light tobacco, black cherry, raspberry, celery, licorice, orange, herbal flavours. Finish is elegant and fresh with some carbonic notes. Ready to drink now but will hold or improve for 1-2 years.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Illuminati Riparosso Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2007
Abruzzo, ItalyAnother good vintage has helped an ordinary red rise up above its station. This Montepulciano is big and uncharacteristically chunky at the moment although at bit of bottle age will no doubt allow it to settle down in time. For the moment its smoky, licorice, red fruit flavours finish with some clunky tannins showing through. A solid spaghetti red that offers value for money.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Corte Agnella Corvina Veronese 2006
Verona, Veneto, ItalyYou don't see many 100 per cent corvina wines in this market. The classic Veronese grape grown in the Valpolicella region has a spicy nose with floral, mineral notes. The mid-palate is rich, the fruit generous with some drying tannins followed by bits of cherries and vanilla in the finish. Youthful and will no doubt age well for three to five years. You can open it now and serve it with roasted birds or game or a great piece of cheese.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Yellow Tail Shiraz The Reserve 2007
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaConsistently big and sweet over the last few vintages the latest version is no different with that minty, meaty, blueberry, cherry nose. The palate is supple with plenty of mid-palate acidity and sweet berry fruit that translates in to a dry cedar-y, warm, leathery finish.Prices:| QC | $18.70 | 750ml |
| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Korta Merlot Reserve 2007
Valle del Curicó, Region del Valle Central, ChileSmoky, woody, vanilla nose mixed with the scent of dark fruits. The palate is dry with fairly substantial oak tannins that sit on the fruit and the warm finish. Less oak and lower alcohol would improve the overall image of this merlot.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Korta Syrah Reserve 2007
Valle del Curicó, Region del Valle Central, ChileReduced nose on opening but much better on the palate. Sweet blackberry and peppery fruit but with plenty or oak and wood tannins that finish dry. A good wine that unfortunately has been over-extracted. Wait a couple of years for best results but the wood will likely still be lingering.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Riesling Ice Wine 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaApricot, orange, nectarine, quince, baked apple, floral aromas. Rich, round, full with good acidity and good sugar balance. Lime, orange, guava, apricot, green apple, spicy, honey flavours. Good concentration and acidity, very long finish. Fine effort with some finesse.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 375ml |
| QC | $60.00 | 375ml |
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18 October 2009
91PTS
Mitolo Serpico Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaSerpico is made in the Amarone style with 30 percent of dried grapes (7 weeks and 3 days) to fill out the mid-palate. Look for an intense, tarry, black cherry fruit nose and palate with peppery, meaty notes flecked with chocolate. As big and as dry as it is in the back end Serpico has a sense of refinement under all the power. Well made totally ripe cabernet sauvignon that manages to out do the vintage.Prices:| BC | $59.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $59.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $59.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $59.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mitolo Sangiovese Rose 2008
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaFrom the Willunga district in the southern end of McLaren Vale this attractive pink/red rosé is made with sangiovese grapes grown on heavy loam soils over sandstone and bits of clay. The fruit is bright given the challenging year that included a record 15 day heat wave that accelerated the harvest wreaking havoc at cellar doors. Winemaker Ben Glaetzer uses whole berries and cool temperatures to lift the fruit and freshness from the grapes and keep it in the wine. Surprisingly fresh with strawberry fruit and a citrus thread that runs through the finish. The finish is bone dry and food friendly. Well done.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Mitolo Reiver Shiraz 2007
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThe 07 crop was stressed and the skins were thick. Expect an intense red with a fragrant warm nose of cedar and spice flecked with chocolate and roasted coffee bean. The mid-palate is fat and rich sporting plums and blueberry fruit and an earthy liquorice peppery finish and just a hint of acidity poking through the back end. Solid. 'Reiver' refers to the border raiders of the Anglo-Scot borders; the site is a single-vineyard with 60 year old vines located in the Northern Barossa Valley.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $44.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $39.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $55.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $49.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Mitolo Jester Shiraz 2007
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaThe Jester wines are designed to be enjoyed almost immediately after they are bottled. They refer to the shiraz as their "baby G.A.M" because it's aged in the same two and three year old barrels used for previous G.A.M. vintages. The heavier soils of Willunga in the southern McLaren Vale are where the fruit, which is all purchased, is grown. Look for a blue black colour with lifted notes of cedar and blueberries and smooth flavours of coffee blueberries and black currants. The tannins are light and round with a pinch or acid poking through the back end.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Mitolo Savitar Shiraz 2007
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaLike the G.A.M. Savitar Shiraz comes off the Chinese Block vineyard in southern McLaren Vale at Willunga. The soils are rocky and sparse, the fruit handpicked, and only the best barrels make the final blend. Savitar is all about aromatics and lift on the nose with savoury liquorice, red fruit notes that preview a rich glossy red. The palate is slightly tighter and more linear than its kin, with a rich cassis flavour and long, clean well structured finish. Yields were at 30 year low in '07.Prices:| BC | $59.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $59.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $59.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $59.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Rodney Strong Sauvignon Blanc Charlotte's Home 2008
Sonoma County, California, United StatesWhat a difference two years make. Take a fresh, elegant grassy, lemon, spicy sauvignon blanc. Put it under screwcap and you end up with a modern, delicious, elegant white wine with passion fruit and spicy gooseberry flavours to spare. A fresher, cleaner, version of what is usually a good wine, now under screwcap it is better and it will remain better in the bottle too.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $24.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Altesino Rosso Toscano 2007
Tuscany, ItalyI was a bit surprised by the approachability of this wine and its delicious factor but I should have known the 80 per cent sangiovese mixed with 20 per cent merlot and cabernet sauvignon sees NO wood. Hmmm, no wood, better fruit, smooth supple tannins and a vibrant earthy woodsy finish packed with fruit. Hard not to like this red that is further supercharged by the excellent 2007 vintage.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Castillo de Almansa Reserva 2005
Almansa, Castilla-La Mancha, SpainThe Castillo de Almansa Reserva is a 70/30 blend of tempranillo and monastrell all matured in American oak casks for one year. Smooth seductive supple textures match the smoky, spicy, plummy fruit aromas and flavours. Best of all it is clean albeit warm in the finish. Good value here.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.10 | 750ml |
| QC | $12.45 | 750ml |
| NS | $14.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Silvertop Shiraz 2008
Mendoza, ArgentinaSimple clean peppery fruit with bits of plums and cherries with a touch of bitterness (press wine) in the finish. A midweek pasta red that will work with hamburgers too.Prices:| BC | $11.00 | 750ml |
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17 October 2009
92PTS
Siro Pacenti Brunello di Montalcino 2003
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyThe super warm 2003 vintage keeps a lid on some of the aromatic and florals that usually mark the nose but the trade off is ripe fruit as you might expect but with fine acidity something in short supply in 2003. The older vineyards really handled the heat well to craft a complex wine with bright red fruits and a touch of savoury all with perfect balance. Should hold for 8 to 10 years.Prices:| BC | $98.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $88.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Siro Pacenti Rosso di Montalcino 2004
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyLess fresh at this point with some animal and leather notes on the nose. The palate is soft and round with cedar cranberry and juniper fruit flavours mixed with forest floor and a dry-ish finish. Ready to go but getting long in the tooth.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Siro Pacenti Rosso di Montalcino 2005
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyThis is showing more intensity and spice than the older wines with black cherry fruit and a hint of oak and vanilla. This is more Pacenti in style, well balanced bright, firm with fine but substantial tannins.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $52.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Siro Pacenti Rosso di Montalcino 2006
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalySerious Rosso by any standard Pacenti manages to cram all the right bits into his wine including some serious fruit with intense flavours of black cherries, earth and the usual dry tannins in the back end. A modern Rosso with a sense of elegance. Decant for an hour before serving with roasted meats or lamb shanks.Prices:| BC | $47.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $40.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $27.60 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Siro Pacenti Brunello di Montalcino 1998
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyThe 1998 shows a bit more oak than we see currently but with the florals and earthy savoury notes you can get from Tuscan sangiovese with bits of plums. The styling is Pacenti super concentrated but with good structure and acidity. Soft, generous, round with fine weight and a touch of game and Brett. Should be fun with a mushroom-based risotto or grilled lamb.Prices:| US | $85.00 | 750ml |
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96PTS
Siro Pacenti Brunello di Montalcino 2004
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyPacenti is a relative newcomer to Brunello with a first label in 1988 and even then the wine is only made in years considered to be good to excellent. Production is roughly 4200 cases split evenly between the Brunello and the Rosso. Currently the wines are made by Giancarlo Pacenti, son of Siro. The winery is located in a small village just south of Montalcino; the fruit comes off two family-owned vineyards. One northeast of the town brings the fragrance and silky textures to the blend and one in the southwest near Sant 'Angelo that contributes to the wines body, power and richness. The Brunello is aged in 70 to 80 percent new oak. The 2004 one of those crazy good, new style Brunellos awash in black fruit, tar all with rich mineral and floral highlights. It as big as Brunello gets so be sure to let it breathe if you dare open it. Otherwise cellar this red easily through 2020.Prices:| BC | $138.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $127.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $95.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Babich East Coast Pinot Noir 2008
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandSpicy, compost, black olive, smoky, carrot, rhubarb aromas. Fresh, round, slightly juicy palate with smoky, dried herbs, rhubarb, cherry, tobacco and carrot flavours. Simple, fresh, easy savoury style but a bit too acidic on the finish.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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16 October 2009
90PTS
Liberty School Syrah 2007
Central Coast, California, United StatesFinally the Liberty School Syrah is listed in BC. This wine is impressive for the price clearly demonstrating its Paso Roble roots. Surprisingly the winery seems timid about promoting the Paso Robles appellation even though this syrah is sourced from eight sites on the east side of Paso Robles. The Central Coast moniker like "California" says little, especially for $24. That said the wine is simply delicious combining beautiful floral notes with rich dark berry fruit flavours with a twist of game and pepper in the background. Its age in mostly French oak, sensibly only 15 to 20 percent is new. Winemaker Austin Hope adds a dash of viognier to the mix to cleave open the syrah, stabilise the colour and lift the aromatics. Well done.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $27.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Antinori Pian delle Vigne Brunello di Montalcino 2004
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyA normal spring and an excellent summer led to a very good harvest in Brunello at the Pian delle Vigne estate some 6 kilometres south of Montalcino. The name stems from a 19th century railway station still in use on the estate. Classically aromatic and perfumed with sweet vanilla and black cherries. I love the silky textures and showy ripe fruit of what is the new style of Brunello. Elegant but with power and slippery, well managed tannins. Very easy to like now but will keep a decade and more.Prices:| BC | $77.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $75.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $172.00 | 1500ml |
| BC | $354.00 | 3000ml |
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80PTS
Santa Cristina Antinori Sangiovese 2006
Tuscany, ItalySweet fermentation nose and taste with a slight prickle on the palate. The palate is dry and acidic. The finish is short. A disappointing bottle of red wine. Not up to previous examples.Prices:| BC | $15.07 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.15 | 750ml |
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15 October 2009
91PTS
Guado al Tasso Il Bruciato 2006
Bolgheri, Tuscany, ItalyThe baby brother of Guado al Tasso is all grown up in 2006. The wine is grown on the Tuscan coast some 60 miles southwest of Florence, in an area known as the Maremma. The '06 is sensational in the glass blending 60/30/10 of cabernet sauvignon merlot and syrah. The nose is fragrant with red berries and violets. The palate is awash in silky tannins and delicious savoury red fruit flavours flecked with spices and milk chocolate in the finish. Impressive for the price.Prices:| BC | $34.50 | 750ml |
| QC | $28.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $32.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Guado al Tasso Bolgheri Superiore 2006
Tuscany, ItalyEquilibrium best describes the 2006 harvest in Bolgheri that saw all the grapes arrive early and fully ripe. The wine is aged 18 in barrel before the components 65% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 5% syrah are blended and aged another 10 months before release. The nose is all Bolgheri, fragrant and refined with savoury black fruits and sweet vanilla undertones. The attack is round, the tannins sweet, and the palate rich. Lovely density and length: a New World wine with local sensibilities. Delicious too and it will keep for a decade or more easily.Prices:| BC | $94.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $80.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $83.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $217.00 | 1500ml |
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92PTS
Cervaro della Sala 2007
Umbria, ItalyStag of the Hall is the translation belle of the ball is more like it. As usual the youthful nose is bright and alive with citrus fruit, tropical aromas and nutty mineral undertones. The palate is round and full with a powerful buttery hazelnut flavour with Burgundian style honey, mineral, oaky vanilla finish. Will keep for a decade.Prices:| BC | $66.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $55.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $53.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Antinori Tignanello 2006
Tuscany, ItalyThe Antinori folks place the 2006 Tignanello among five other top offerings including 2004, 2003, 2001, 1993, 1986. Love the florality here in a year that is clearly more open and rich, almost showy. The fruit is glossy and smooth with intense dark fruit flavours and perfect oak integration. This will easily age a decade or more but on its way it will still be fun to drink. The blend is 80/15/5/ sangiovese, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc. Impressive.Prices:| BC | $96.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $99.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $98.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $98.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Antinori Pèppoli Chianti Classico 2006
Tuscany, ItalySpicy, meaty, floral peppery, woodsy nose with bits of saddle leather, tobacco, black cherry and liquorice. The attack is dry and round with black cherry, earthy, tobacco, coffee, gamey, vanilla flavours. A touch on the rustic side but with California intensity. Ready to drink now but will keep five years or more.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $26.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $26.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Col de' Salici 2008 Prosecco Spumante Extra Dry NV
Veneto, ItalyFresh clean nose of floral, peach, nutty notes mixed with honey aromas. Crisp, fresh, elegant and light with a slightly sweet entry. Peach skin, tart apple nutty, floral, mineral flavours. A refined, fresh, elegant bubble you can serve with a variety of appetizers. A stylish alternative to champagne.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.00 | 750ml |
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13 October 2009
92PTS
Château Branaire Ducru 2006
St. Julien, Haut-Médoc, Médoc, Bordeaux, FranceVery fine quality here. Smoky, peppery, leather, tobacco, dried oregano, black cherry, coffee, olive, cassis, barnyard aromas. The wine is concentrated but with balance and finesse and rounder, soft tannins. Big fruit for the vintage with cassis, dill, tobacco, meaty, black olive, smoky, vanilla, cherry flavours and a welcoming girth on the palate. Best in 3-7 yearsPrices:| BC | $89.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Chateau Haut Bailly 2006
Pessac-Léognan, Graves, Bordeaux, FranceAnother wine from glorious terroir Ch. Haut-Bailly offers up a fragrant nose that mixes floral earthy notes with silky textures and a wisp of raspberry fruit. Big tannins point to time in the bottle. Make it a decade.Prices:| AB | $90.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $95.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Chateau Fontenil 2006
Fronsac, Libourne, Bordeaux, FranceA Michel Rolland wine made in Fronsac that is an 85/15 merlot/cabernet sauvignon blend aged in 75 new oak. Its ripe and elegant relying on freshness and minerality to bolster the fruit and carry the finish. Good value.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Chateau Larcis Ducasse 2006
Saint Émilion, Libourne, Bordeaux, FranceOne of the better 2006 thanks to great terroir and low yields. A mostly merlot blend with 11% cabernet franc it has a soft supple texture with roasted meats, black cherry and savoury notes. Pretty swish and made to hold a decade or more.Prices:| BC | $85.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
La Fleur de Bouard 2006
Pomerol, Libourne, Bordeaux, FranceA delicious Lalande de Pomerol made by Chateau Angelus wizard Hubert de Boüard. Love the ripe black fruit, toast and coffee notes. Dense and weighty this will cellar for a decade.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chateau Grand Corbin-Despagne 2006
Saint Émilion, Libourne, Bordeaux, FranceTechnically sound and practically organic you can appreciate black fruit and earthy, liquorice notes on the nose and palate and firm acidity. Well made and should age five to eight years comfortably. The price is a bargain.Prices:| BC | $39.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $40.00 | 750ml |
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11 October 2009
89PTS
Thirty Bench Small Lot Riesling Triangle Vineyard 2008
Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaA favourite of mine with its fresh mio9nerla slate scented nose flecked with green apple skin and citrus notes. The palate is crisp and lean with more lemon, petrol, green apple, peach pit flavours. Tightly wound but all in balance with excellent intensity. Very solid.Prices:| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Mistaken Identity Gewurztraminer 2008
Light soapy notes on the nose with bits of litchi and citrus. Similarly skinny and soapy on the palate with more citrus flavours before quite a dry finishing. A simple, sipping style gewürztraminer. Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Yalumba Bush Vine Grenache Barossa 2008
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaSimply marvellous from the first sip. Look for savoury black raspberry and liquorice notes with earthy, peppery flecks throughout. Big and rich on the palate yet elegant with peppery, licorice, raspberry, clove flavours and a smoky, savoury spicy finish. Should be perfect with turkey.Prices:| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Poggiobello Friulano 2007
ItalyNorthern Italian whites are often underestimated by consumers but this Tocai Friulano will change your mind. The nose is delicate with bits of almond apples and pear. The mid-palate is bright and alive with citrus, peach and honey notes. Lively minerality wraps up a fresh finish. Delicious food wine.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Poggiobello Ribolla Gialla 2007
ItalyLook for a delicate nose of flowers, citrus and apple notes that continues on to the palate. The entry is delicate with creamy textures and fresh dry fruit in the finish. A stylish seafood wine for white wine cognoscenti.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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07 October 2009
88PTS
Emiliana Adobe Syrah Reserva Orgánico 2007
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileThis wine has been impressive from its first release and the latest is no exception. Look for smoky blue and black fruits with peppery, spicy, mineral, notes on the nose and in the mouth. The palate is slippery with a lush dense weight New World syrah finish. Great value here in a wine made from organically grown grapes.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Emiliana Novas Winemaker's Selection Chardonnay Viognier Marsanne 2007
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileThe Novas white blend of chardonnay (65) Viognier (20) and marsanne (15) is weighty on the nose with big floral mineral notes flecked with apricots and jasmine. On the palate the wine is fat with a slightly musky sweet flavour of ripe yellow fruits and nuts. A luxurious organic white wine that is aged in 100 French barrels. It could use a little tightening up with more acidity and less wood to really shine.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Emiliana Adobe Sauvignon Blanc Reserva Orgánico 2009
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileWow. Fresh clean, bright, fruity, organic and tasty. Look for an enticing nose of citrus fruits and grapefruit. Similar flavours mark the palate with refreshing acidity and a crisp finish. Really, what more can you ask for the price. There is great value here that should terrify most of New Zealand.Prices:| BC | $13.50 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Emiliana Coyam 2006
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe 06 Coyam is as usual correct and delicious. An organic ode to Bordeaux and Rhone the nose is immediately appealing with its warm cassis and black fruit aromas. The palate is generous mixing dense black cherry and coffee mocha flavours with a savoury spicy finish. The organic grapes come off the 150-hectare Los Robles vineyard surrounded by oak trees. (Coyam in the native dialect) The latest blend is a 34/31/17/12/3/2/mix of syrah, merlot, carmenère, cabernet sauvignon, malbec and mourvèdre aged 14 months in 80 percent French oak barrels.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
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November 2009