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Tastings: November 2009
30 November 2009
93PTS
Chester-Kidder Red Blend 2006
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThe Long Shadows "home" winemaker is Gilles Nicault, well-trained for years by Rick Small at Woodward Canyon. When Nicault is not balancing the wants, needs and egos of the LS visiting winemakers, he is charged with making owner Allen Shoup's wine Chester Kidder. Look for a rich smoky savoury nose, reminiscent of Bolgheri, with spicy berry notes and bits of mocha beans. The mid-palate is classier, the tannins softer and the fruit flavours more exposed - a little Randy Dunn, a little Michel Rolland and a lot of black berry jam, cassis and vanilla. The fruit is sourced from major vineyard tour of Washington hot spots.Prices:| BC | $90.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $80.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $70.00 | 750ml |
| US | $42.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Laurenz V. Charming Grüner Veltliner 2007
Kamptal, Niederösterreich, Weinland Österreich, AustriaThe Lenz Moser family is behind the Laurenz V wines made in the Kamptal and Kremstal areas of Austria. the sites allow for crisp white wine production with a purity seldom experienced at most daily wine tasting. The "Charming" is Kamptal based mixing apples and spice "and everything nice, just kidding, but it is pretty delicious. Who knew grüner could be so juicy and charming and yet super food friendly. It's a shame to think there are only six grüners in all of BC.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Laurenz V. Und Sophie Singing Grüner Veltliner 2007
Niederösterreich, Weinland Österreich, AustriaThe Singing Grüner Veltliner grapes are mostly located in Kremstal on loess and gravel soils with a small amount from Weinviertel contributing a spicy, white pepper character. Laurenz und Sophie is said to sing on the palate with its big, fresh, mineral, creamy notes and screamingly fresh acidity. Look for plenty of floral and honey and lemon oil aromas. Elegant and succulent it has a delicious peppery, crunchy fruit aspect with a honey-lemon, aftertaste all with delicacy, finesse and balance. A super oyster wine or try it with Pan Asian cuisine. Stainless steel only.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Poet's Leap Riesling 2008
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesIncredibly fresh nose, despite the unnecessary cork closure, and clearly the best yet offering yet from German Armin Diel. Backed pear and citrus rind notes mark the nose while the flavours are mix of candied grapefruit and lemon streaked with more floral mineral notes. There is a touch of fatness in the mid-palate but the finish is fresh and long. Try this with your favourite Thai dishes.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
| US | $22.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Feather Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesA Long Shadows wines made in Washington by California mountain cabernet man Randy Dunn. Smoky saddle leather, meaty, tobacco leaf, cigar, peppery, coriander, vanilla, licorice root, coffee, black berry, cedar and cassis aromas, good complexity. Rich, ripe, dry, round, slightly tannic palate with good acidity but warm. Cassis jam, coffee, chocolate, cedar, peppery, black olive, blackberry, tobacco, leather, floral, vanilla flavours. Well balanced with some grip but youthful showing some tannins and oak. Best in 3-5 years. Feather is 100 per cent cabernet sauvignon is hand-harvested, fermented in small lots and aged 22 months in new Vicard French oak barrels. typical Dunn just getting better with age.Prices:| BC | $80.00 | 750ml |
| US | $65.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $75.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $61.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Santa Ana Reserve Casa de Campo Malbec Shiraz 2007
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaRipe black cherry, savoury, chocolate, peppery, spicy, rooty, olive aromas. Round, dry, supple, full palate with olive, black cherry, resin, savoury, coffee, licorice, vanilla, tobacco flavours. Finish is a bit rustic, warm and tart but good solid effort.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Pedestal Merlot 2006
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThe latest Michel Rolland merlot form Washington's Columbia Valley is typically spicy with cedar, tobacco, black cherry, dried herb, black olive, liquorice root aromas. The entry is rich and warm the tannins supple and fine-grained. On the palate there is plenty of vanilla, spicy, peppery, cedar, cigar, coffee, black cherry jam, mint, black olive and orange peel flavours a la Rolland. Big, rich, ripe, suave style for the more hedonistic drinker and it will improve over the next five years.Prices:| BC | $80.00 | 750ml |
| US | $55.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $85.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $75.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $80.00 | 750ml |
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29 November 2009
87PTS
Spice Route Chakalaka 2008
Swartland, Coastal Region, South AfricaDry farmed shiraz makes up the bulk of this Swartland blend the remainder of the grapes amix of carignan, mourvèdre, grenache tannat, petite sirah and sousão all from bushvines. Spicy, peppery, black cherry, cassis, saddle leather, meaty, warm earth, rooty, tobacco leaf nose. Round, dry, slightly tart entry with light tannins. Smoky, black olive, cooked carrot, liquorice, clove, chocolate, meaty, herbal, cassis flavours with burnt, roasted earth and saddle leather on the finish.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Trapiche Malbec Single Vineyard Viña Cristina y Bibiana Coletto 2006
Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaFloral, plum, peppery, spicy nose with a savoury, tapenade, tobacco, coffee, roasted mushroom, black cherry and cedar aroma. Round, dry, fresh and slightly tannic on entry but elegant with good acidity balance and finesse. White pepper, savoury, floral, black cherry, plum, coffee, black olive, tobacco, rooty flavours. Good finesse and length if a bit warm. Will improve over the next 2-5 years.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $34.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Jaume Serra Cristalino Brut Cava Método Tradicional NV
SpainLight straw colour, fresh, citrus earthy nose with flecks of red fruits. The entry is bright and fresh with a persistent mousse more citrus, green apple skin with a very dry nutty aftertaste. A full flavoured Cava that has a refreshing character that screams, "serve me with food."Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Fuzion Shiraz-Malbec 2009
Mendoza, ArgentinaI was hoping not to like this wine too much given its already large following because and these inexpensive cult brands have a way of destroying the vibrant wine category that gave birth to it with so many copycat, me-too-labels but this particular Fuzion blend, (shiraz/malbec) gets the job done for very little money. Spicy, peppery, strawberry, cherry, rooty chocolate aromas. Soft, round, easy style with spicy, herbal, cherry, strawberry, tobacco and coffee flavours. The finish is just off dry but all in an easy-sipping fun red wine.Prices:| BC | $9.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $8.49 | 750ml |
| ON | $7.45 | 750ml |
| QC | $8.20 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Pirouette Red Blend 2006
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesVery spicy, vanilla, cedar, mocha, cherry jam, licorice, prune, cardamom, saddle leather aromas. Ripe, round, elegant, warm palate with good acidity and some youthful, grainy tannins. Very spicy, vanilla, cedar, tobacco, black berry, black cherry jam, mocha, leather, cooked carrot flavours. Good finesse and fruit but warm and intense. Will improve with 2-4 years bottle age.Prices:| BC | $85.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $85.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $75.00 | 750ml |
| US | $55.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Catena Alta Malbec 2006
Mendoza, ArgentinaBig savoury, floral nose with orange peel, chocolate, dried herb, black cherry, vanilla aromas. Rich, round, supple palate with fine acidity balance and juiciness. Tobacco, cedar, mushroom, rooty, licorice, savoury, black olive, black cherry, black plum, spicy, savoury flavours. Finish is fresh and elegant with just a hint of youthful tannins. Drinkable now but will improve with 3-5 years aging. Impressive for the price.Prices:| BC | $61.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $55.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $56.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $53.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $48.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Lyngrove Reserve Shiraz Pinotage 2007
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaBig meaty, smoky, gamey, roasted, cooked carrot, Band-Aid, coffee, spicy aromas. Ripe, round, supple, soft palate with fresh acidity edge. Smoky, tobacco leaf, bitter olive, meaty, resin, Band-Aid, leather saddle flavours. Shows a heavy dose of Brettanomyces.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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28 November 2009
88PTS
Blasted Church The Dam Flood 2008
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe unusual lemberger/merlot blend seems to work in 08 with a fresh spicy chocolate aroma mixed with floral meaty notes. The palate is as mix of pepper, chocolate, cassis and more earthy, meaty notes with a clean fresh finish. Should be perfect with grilled meats off the barbecue. Solid winemaking.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Blasted Church Chardonnay Musqué 2008
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, green apple, citrus, mineral nose with a spicy lees and streak. The entry is fresh and crisp with nectarine, lime, muscat, mineral and floral flavours. Delicious, well-made Unoaked, chardonnay under screw cap. Versatile food wine. Try with pan Asian cuisine.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Blasted Church Nothing Sacred 2007
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBlasted Church winemaker Richard Kanazawa has released the winery's first major blended red that has been tag Nothing Sacred. It is a Bordeaux blend with (cabernet sauvignon 33, merlot 33, malbec 23, cabernet franc 11 all aged in new French oak. The nose is a mix of sweet vanilla (oak) and menthol with black fruits, tobacco liquorice and a touch of leather. The texture is soft and round with more cassis fruit and reasonably soft tannins. Best with lamb or roasted meats now but should age comfortably for five years. Well done.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Freixenet Cordon Rosado NV
Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainAttractive salmon coloured fizz with a fresh red berry fruit nose. The flavours are fresh and crisp with a strong mineral citrus thread through the centre of the wine and clean long finish. Impressive dry food sparkler that is as versatile with food as any sparkler for the price.Prices:| BC | $14.50 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.50 | 750ml |
| NS | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $15.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Champagne Deutz Amour de Deutz Brut Blanc de Blancs 1999
Champagne, FranceRefined, delicate/elegant continuous mousse. Bright mineral floral green apple, spicy nose with fresh citrus flavours with toasty, nutty notes. Dry, tight, elegant, fine mousse palate, all with a delicious creamy mid-palate. Nutty, orange, toasty, creamy, lime, pear and baked green apple flavours. Very elegant, delicate style with an apple, brioche finish. Drink now or keep for 2-5 years. A stylish blanc de blancs champagne.Prices:| QC | $182.50 | 750ml |
| BC | $225.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Blasted Church Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot 2007
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, cassis, black cherry, coffee, black olive, green bean aromas. Round, dry, slightly fresh acidity with some light, cedary tannin. Peppery, black olive, savoury green pepper, chocolate, cedar bark, liquorice vanilla, coffee flavours. Clean and balanced and ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Blasted Church Gewurztraminer 2008
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight floral, grapefruit rind with green apple skin and rosewater aromas. Round, soft entry with bits of citrus oil, litchi, fresh grapefruit rind and grated ginger. Just a hint of meatiness in a lightweight version of the varietal. Sip solo or with spicy cuisine. This has improved a lot in the bottle over the last few months.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Blasted Church Syrah 2007
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, boysenberry, black cherry white pepper liquorice root, gamey, chocolate coffee and dried herbs on the nose. Round, supple, fresh, elegant style with very light tannins. Tobacco, herbal, cherry, coffee, spicy, menthol, sage, carrot top, mineral and liquorice flavours. A bit tart on the finish but has good finesse to go with food. Should improve over the next year or so. Excellent progress here.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Blasted Church Rosé 2008
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDarkish cranberry colour with a bright nose of red fruits and rhubarb. On the palate there is a leafy citrus character with bits of pepper strawberries and dried herbs. Should be fairly versatile with pasta and cream sauces or pork and other spicy dishes or serve solo on the deck.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Blasted Church Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThere are many reasons to like the latest Blasted Church sauvignon not the least of which it is clean and fresh. Something that easy to say but much harder to do. The colour is correct with green hues; the nose is blast of tropical fruit grass and gooseberry fruit. The finish is medium long with grassy, peppery, citrus notes and a touch dry in the back end. Well done and can be served with a variety of foods from pork to sushi.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Blasted Church Hatfield's Fuse 2008
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, floral, rose water, lychee, sausage, dried citrus, passion fruit nose. Round, soft, somewhat sweet palate with rose, slate, apple skin, peach and lychee flavours. Simple patio sipper or serve with spicy Indian dishes. Quintessential BC aromatic white blend. Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Blasted Church Pinot Gris 2008
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Blasted Church gris is definitely aromatic with bright notes of pineapple, grape fruit rind and nectarine skin. The entry is soft and a touch sweet with warm honey, vanilla flavours mixed with some green apple notes. The finish is soft with butter, canned grapefruit and mineral flavours. The addition of five percent viognier has given the gris a bit of extra weight and mid-palate fat. Ready-to-drink. Try it with turkey.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Blasted Church Pinot Noir 2007
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDirty, reduced nose with meaty, leesy, herbal, medicinal aromas. Round, lean, flat palate with cedary tannins. Herbal, meaty, leesy, mercaptan, rubbery, resin, leafy flavours. Bitter and lean. Not much pinot character.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Louis Roederer Brut Premier Champagne NV
Champagne, FranceRoederer 's Brut remains fresh and delicate on the nose with the requisite nutty, floral, citrus nose with bits of red fruits and a whiff of seashore/oyster shell. The entry is refines with a crisp, creamy mousse textures and more nutty, strawberry, citrus fruit flavours with a biscuit finish. Delicious delicate style with a clean crisp food friendly finish. The Brut Premier mixes 56/3310 pinot noir/chardonnay/pinot meunier. Aged 42 months before release.Prices:| AB | $64.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $68.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $66.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $68.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $319.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $66.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $34.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $70.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $60.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Valdo Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Superiore Marca Oro Extra Dry NV
Treviso, Verona, Veneto, ItalyThis northeastern Italian fizz, made via the tank méthode has a fine foamy mousse with a green apple citrus, mineral, marzipan nose. The palate is fresh with peachy/apple nutty flavours with a hint of liquorice and a bit of sweetness in the finish. An elegant, easy to sip, bubble that works best before dinner, or all afternoon. Try it with a variety of appetizers.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Yellow Tail Bubbles NV
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaYellow tail has always been about fun and while some wines have been less than impressive of late, the whites and this sparkler ffor the price have impressed this writer. Bubbles is tank-fermented, hence the affordable price but its creamy fresh tropical fruit flavours with bits of peach, baked apple and honey get the job done. If you are going to dump orange juice into any sparkler for breakfast this is it.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $13.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
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26 November 2009
86PTS
Mt. Boucherie Estate Collection Ehrenfelser 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, peach, lees, red apple, matchstick, orange aromas. Round, elegant, slightly soft and sweet palate with mineral, orange, cooked peach, pear and rose flavours with a green apple, citrus finish. Solid, easy sipping style.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tormaresca Bocca di Lupo 2003
Puglia, ItalyVery meaty, smoky, peppery, spicy, licorice, chocolate, black cherry, dried herbs, floral, saddle leather aromas. Dry, round, slightly lean entry with some tannins. Cedar, chocolate, meaty, espresso, peppery, licorice, black cherry, vanilla, orange peel, tea flavours. Somewhat warm, rustic, pruny, dry finish. Needs a few years or try with grilled game or beef.Prices:| BC | $49.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $33.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $33.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $34.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
El Escondido de Don Domenico Tempranillo 2005
San Juan, ArgentinaBig vanilla, meaty, peppery, licorice, mocha, smoky, tobacco, black cherry, black olive, floral nose. Rich, ripe, round and smooth with black cherry, plum jam, vanilla, mocha, smoky, dried herbs, licorice, orange, tobacco, floral flavours. Finish is fresh and very warm but has good fruit and smooth tannins to go with roast meats. Lots of stuffing here and best of all it is made with organic grapes.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Villa Antinori Toscana Rosso 2005
Tuscany, ItalySpicy, peppery, meaty, gamey, cooked carrot, floral, black cherry, tobacco, plum and garrigue aromas. Ripe, round, dry, supple and elegant palate with light tannins and balanced acidity. Coffee, vanilla, meaty, peppery, smoky, herbal, black cherry, plum jam, licorice, rooty, cooked carrot and saddle leather flavours. Good intensity and concentration if on the rustic side of winemaking.Prices:| BC | $26.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $26.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $25.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Beringer California Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
California, United StatesSpicy, rooty, cedar bark, black berry, tobacco, resin, olive, herbal aromas. Soft, round, dry, fresh palate but not much concentration. Cedar bark, tobacco, rooty, earthy, black olive, cassis, peppery, resin flavours. Warm, fresh, easy finish with some fruit but lots of cedar bark. Simple, basic red.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $12.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Carmen Merlot 2008
Valle del Cachapoal, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileSpicy, peppery, black olive, cassis, cherry, herbal, tobacco leaf aromas. Soft, supple, round, fresh palate with black olive, cherry, cedar, rooty, earthy, peppery, tobacco, cedar bark flavours. Solid if a bit herbal but has good texture.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $12.99 | 750ml |
| PEI | $13.98 | 750ml |
| NF | $12.98 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Carmen Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileSpicy, sappy, fresh cassis nose with some rooty, peppery, herbal, tobacco aromas. Fresh, round, easy palate with cassis, coffee, peppery, herbal, tobacco leaf, meaty, rooty, cedar bark flavours. Simple, fresh, meat red.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.50 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $12.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $12.98 | 750ml |
| NS | $10.99 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Mt. Boucherie Estate Collection Gamay Noir 2008
Cawston, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHerbal, leafy compost nose with slightly reduced, rubbery notes. Round, soft, dry, slightly tart palate with herbal, rooty, cooked tomato, tobacco leaf, resin flavours. Easy style but with green, reduced notes. Give it plenty of air.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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24 November 2009
88PTS
Township 7 Dunfield Collection Meritage 2006
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA special release with a mouth painted label by quadriplegic artist Robb Dunfield. The nose is a mix of black pepper and leafy, black olive, herbal, cassis aromas mixed with smoky, coffee, vanilla notes. Round, dry, elegant, slightly tannic palate with dried herbs, savoury, peppery, mocha, resin, black olive, tobacco leaf, coriander, cedar flavours with balance and finesse. A solid effort. The blend is 54/45/1 cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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23 November 2009
92PTS
Diamond Creek Volcanic Hill 2006
Diamond Mountain, Napa Valley, California, United StatesDeep black cherry colour. Peppery, blackberry, liquorice, smoky, barnyard, leather, floral, coffee, cassis jam, orange peel aromas. Round, dry, elegant, slightly astringent but smooth grained tannins with fresh acidity. Smoky, resin, tobacco, earthy, iron, cassis jam, blackberry, peppery, leather, coffee, cooked carrot flavours. Full, smooth, elegant and long but needs 5-7 years. Fine potential although I think the Red Rock Terrace offers better fruit, juiciness and potential.Prices:| BC | $288.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Young & Wyse Collection Shiraz 2008
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIntense pepper, meaty, sausage, savoury, sage nose with resin and earthy/rooty aromas. Dry, light, warm, fresh palate with meaty, spicy, coffee, rooty, tobacco leaf, resin, shoe leather flavours with salty, smoky finish. Fairly rustic character. Serve with grilled sausages.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Young & Wyse Collection Merlot 2008
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA first release from the former BOV winemaker coames with a cedary, black olive, resin, tobacco, peppery nose and light cherry. Dry, light, fresh, tart palate with sour cherry, herbal, tobacco leaf, green olive flavours. Simple, light, tart style best served with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Veuve Clicquot Brut NV
Champagne, FranceThe Veuve house style is to use a majority of pinot noir for fuller body and structure. This one has about 50% pinot noir and aged 3 years before disgorging. Continued fine style with baked apple, pear, honey, toasty, nutty, cherry, floral aromas. The mouth is fine and round if a touch foamy with a crisp edge and a touch on the sweet brut side. Citrusy, nutty, toasty, green apple, baked pear flavours with a touch of honey on the finish. Good overall intensity and balance.Prices:| BC | $82.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $75.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $93.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $84.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $86.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $89.99 | 750ml |
| PEI | $88.29 | 750ml |
| NL | $98.90 | 750ml |
| NB | $91.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $178.99 | 1500ml |
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86PTS
Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau (Painted Bottle) 2009
Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceGood dark cherry colour. Spicy, floral, banana, black cherry, licorice aromas. Round, dry, soft, fresh palate with black cherry and cranberry juice, licorice, banana, red apple and mineral flavours. Very fresh, juicy finish to go with duck or turkey. Solid value.Prices:| BC | $14.35 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.95 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Inniskillin Okanagan Discovery Series Tempranillo 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSavoury, poultry spice, earthy, peppery, floral, coffee vanilla, dark plum aromas with a touch of green tobacco leaf. Round, dry, slightly lean, tannic palate. Cedar bark, earthy, savoury, coffee, bitter green, tobacco leaf, resin, licorice and rubbery flavours. The finish is lean, somewhat tart and astringent. Disappointing.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Jaume Serra Cristalino Rosé Brut Cava Método Tradicional NV
SpainMedium fine mousse with light raspberry colour. Strawberry, floral, spicy, toasty, tobacco, almond aromas. Round, fresh, crisp palate with some sweetness and slightly foamy mousse. Cherry, strawberry, peppery, tobacco, licorice, almond and toasty flavours. Fun, easy and fresh.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Las Rocas de San Alejandro Garnacha 2006
Calatayud, Aragon, SpainSpicy, peppery, meaty, floral, black raspberry jam aromas. Round, fresh, soft, supple palate with chocolate, orange, black raspberry, licorice, mineral flavours. Finish is fresh with solid fruit. Good value once again.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Willunga Grenache 2006
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaIntense floral, raspberry jam, orange peel, licorice, white pepper and tobacco aromas. Round, fresh, supple, warm, velvety palate with orange peel, chocolate, peppery, black raspberry, peppery, tobacco, black olive flavours. A bit fresh on the finish but has very good fruit and suppleness for current drinking with duck or lamb. Good value.Prices:| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Willunga Shiraz-Viognier 2006
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaBig meaty, spicy, peppery, licorice, smoky, smoked bacon, roasted earth, chocolate aromas. Round, full, smooth, light tannins but suave. Chocolate, black cherry kirsch, meaty, licorice, smoky bacon, resin flavours. A bit tart and warm but good fruit and good value.Prices:| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Yalumba Hand Picked Tempranillo + Grenache + Viognier 2007
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaBrigth floral, spicy, white pepper, tobacco, cedar, clove, rooty, black cherry aromas. Round, ripe, supple, elegant palate with pomegranate, black cherry, spicy, vanilla, peppery, meaty, licorice, chocolate. Fresh, easy finish with good fruit integration.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Yalumba Tricentenary Hand Picked Single Site Grenache Moppa Block 2006
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaEntiicing white pepper dried orange peel, vanilla, black raspberry jam, red plum, chocolate, tobacco, black olive, licorice aromas. Fresh, round, dry, elegant palate with light tannins but quite suave. Smoky, spicy, licorice, white pepper, clove, orange peel, raspberry, black cherry, vanilla flavours. A bit tarter than the Tricentenary but more complex, dark fruit nose.Prices:| BC | $70.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Yalumba Tricentenary Hand Picked Grenache Vine Vale 2006
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaWhite pepper, floral, cardamom, black raspberry, tobacco, vanilla, cedar, chocolate and barnyard aromas. Ripe, round, dry, supple, fresh palate with smoky, peppery, black raspberry, mocha, cedar, tobacco, licorice flavours. Suave and round with good finesse and a touch of acidity. Nicely textured for current drinking.Prices:| BC | $70.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Yalumba MGS Handpicked (Mourvèdre Grenache Shiraz) 2007
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaPeppery, meaty, floral, blackberry, smoky, tobacco, caraway, cardamom, barnyard, saddle leather aromas. Round, dry, elegant but a bit tart with light tannins. Prune plum, spicy, peppery, meaty, coffee, licorice root, orange peel, vanilla, saddle leather flavours. Good aromatics but could use a bit more balance in the mouth. Should improve over the next 2-3 years.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $39.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $40.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $41.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Paul Jaboulet Aîné Côtes du Rhône Parallele 45 2006
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceSpicy, floral, peppery, licorice, black cherry, savoury aromas. Round, dry, elegant style with a touch of astringency. Fresh with smoky, spicy, peppery, black raspberry, tobacco, garrigue flavours. Good solid food wine with fresh acidity.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Chateau Camplazens Grenache 2006
Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceBig spicy, orange, meaty, white pepper, raspberry jam, barnyard, tobacco aromas. Round, soft, fresh, easy palate with peppery, meaty, floral, orange, raspberry, smoky, earthy flavours. Ready to roll with some finesse and terroir.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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22 November 2009
85PTS
Road 13 Pinot Noir 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCelery, liquorice, rhubarb, tobacco leaf, spicy, peppery, compost aromas. Round, dry, elegant, supple palate but light bodied and forward. Herbal, celery, carrot top, rhubarb, sour cherry, mineral, menthol, tobacco leaf, compost flavours. Simple, pinot with cool characters.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Road 13 Honest John's Red 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGreen bean, green olive, tobacco leaf, dill, savoury, dried herbs, coffee, caraway aromas. Round, dry, fresh, supple palate with green olive, dill, herbal, tobacco leaf, peppery, cassis, sour cherry, compost, canned bell pepper and coffee flavours. Has some balance but the fruit is very cool and green.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2003
Tuscany, ItalyThe Tenute Marchese Antinori is produced from the best grapes grown on Antinori's Santa Cristina, Pèppoli and Badia a Passignano estates in Chianti Classico. The nose is abit old style with a touch of animal and leather. It's rich and full on the palate; the floral black cherry fruit is showy in a California way. You can drink this 90/10 sangiovese / cabernet blend now.Prices:| ON | $36.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $47.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Quinta do Crasto Douro Vinho Tinto Reserva Old Vines 2007
Douro Superior, Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalDoes Crasto have magic quality dust they sprinkle on their vines? The '07 Reserva delivers from front to back in the glass and is so damned good it has to be scary for its international competitors. Typically complex (thanks to mixed plantings of 25 to 30 different grape varieties closing in on 80 years of age) the colour is dark, not black this year, and the flavours intense. Nutmeg, black plums and red fruits. Big and bold but elegant and stylish. Cellar for a decade and treat yourself to an extraordinary experience. The price/bottle ratio versus 2006 Lafite (in B.C.) is more than 20 to 1. I know what I'm buying.Prices:| BC | $43.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Taittinger Prestige Rosé NV
Champagne, FrancePale salmon-raspberry colour. Fine continuous mousse with tobacco, nutty, spicy, baked pear, strawberry, floral, citrus, cherry aromas. Fresh, crisp, creamy, elegant palate with good acidity and sugar balance in a brut. Very nutty, creamy, spicy, strawberry, cherry, tobacco, toasty, dried herb, citrus flavours with a bit of bake pear and apple. Good fruit and intensity with a slightly sweet, fruity edge on the finish.Prices:| BC | $79.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $75.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $75.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Finca Flichman Shiraz Oak Aged 2008
Mendoza, ArgentinaOpen warm soupy meaty nose. Soft and smooth entry with leafy meaty spicy fruit flavours flecked with liquorice and coffee. Standard stuff for the price and suitable to grilled meat entrees. Give it some air in the glass or decanter for best results.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Xumek Sol Huape Syrah 2007
San Juan, ArgentinaXumek is in San Juan Province in Zonda Valley. The xumek word "huarpes" was used by the indigenous inhabitants to refer to the sun. Look for a fresh bright well balanced syrah with plenty of acidity and verve. Look for plenty of smoky blackberry and chocolate notes with a dusting of white pepper. Not too hot and balanced in the finish too.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Stoneboat Vineyards Pinot Noir 2007
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCelery root, carrot top, rhubarb, cherry, herbal, smoky coffee aromas. Round, supple, warm, easy style with rhubarb, spicy, compost, celery root, peppery, herbal, sour cherry flavours. Easy going, clean style for current consumption.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Paul Hobbs Chardonnay 2006
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesRich open honey, orange, guava, nutty nose with butter, vanilla, spicy lees, baked green apple aromas. Smells like Napa but tastes like Sonoma. Ripe, round, rich, soft, full palate with lots of honey, baked pear, orange, pineapple, very nutty, clove, cinnamon, green apple flavours. Warm, long, elegant finish, reminiscent of a more tropical Corton Charlemagne.Prices:| BC | $68.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Batasiolo Barbera d'Alba 2007
Piedmont, ItalyNight and day versus the '06 and a much welcomed jump up in quality. Warm round ripe sweet fruit with an attractive spicy cherry flavoured mid-palate before the typical dry Italian finish. Bolognese would tame this wine but you could chose form a variety of meats and pastas. Attractive ready-to-drink restaurant style. Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $17.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
The Magnificent Wine Company Syrah 2006
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesIf you like New World syrah you will like the This Magnificent Wine Company red. It is 100 per cent Columbia Valley syrah with a rich nose of black fruits and blueberries. The plate is soft and spicy with a warm plummy, meaty, blueberry flavours that persistent in the finish. Solid effort that will be best served with roast of lamb. Prices:| BC | $21.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
House Wine Red 2006
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesTypical northwest leafy tomato nose form a 54/30/11/3/2/ blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, syrah, malbec, cabernet franc. Cherries liquorice and vanilla mint with a touch of meat, tar and rubber and a long warm hot finish. Best with barbecued meats.Prices:| BC | $21.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Robertson Winery Shiraz 2008
Robertson, Breede River Valley, South AfricaWarm soupy, smoky, meaty with pruny red fruit aromas. Round, smooth entry precedes a smoky tomato, olive, cherry, black fruit flavour with a touch of shoe polish. Fairly basic, spicy herbal red wine with some acid poking through the back end.Prices:| BC | $12.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.60 | 750ml |
| NB | $14.50 | 750ml |
| NF | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $13.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Ikella Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Mendoza, ArgentinaPeppery, cassis, black cherry, tobacco, floral, rooty aromas. Round, dry, supple, slightly tannic palate. Smoky, peppery, cassis, black cherry, licorice, black olive, tobacco leaf, herbal, leather flavours. Good solid fruit for current drinking. Excellent value in cabernet.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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96PTS
Champagne Krug Grande Cuvée 169èmé Brut NV
Champagne, FranceThe latest cuvee is marvellous. So fresh and so intense; so impressive on entry. Crisp elegant and dry but structured with high acidity and fine, creamy mousse. A high proportion of reserve wine gives it a nutty, toasty flavour flecked with citrus, honey, quince, lemon and earthy, mineral notes and a persistent dry, rich finish. More intense and concentrated than almost any other champagne but also austere and drier. Ready to drink now but will hold for many years. More like a table wine with its intensity yet impeccable balance and acidity. Top flight bubble that ages effortlessly for decades.Prices:| BC | $285.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $289.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $290.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $313.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $280.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $295.00 | 750ml |
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21 November 2009
89PTS
Crios Syrah-Bonarda by Susana Balbo Dominio de Plata 2008
Salta, North, ArgentinaThis wine impressed me in Argentina and now in Vancouver it looks even better. The unusual 50/50 blend of syrah and bonarda, aged for nine months in French and American oak, results in rich red of blueberry, plum, and black raspberry flavours. Soft supple juicy fun and uncomplicated. Grilled lamb chops are a great match.Prices:| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Artazuri Garnacha Rosado 2008
Navarra and Basque Country, SpainOld vine garnacha from the saignée method of bleeding off juice after minimal skin contact. Rich and elegant with ripe strawberry fruit and thirst quenching citrus notes. Stylish tapas wine or serve on the patio all summer. Pair with crab, fish, chicken or burgers.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Shaw and Smith Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaThe '09 S&S sauvignon may be the best we have tasted. Suitably intense and subtle-ly herbal, this handpicked white is an Adelaide signpost. Thirty days of lees contact adds to the texture and mouthfeel of this bright, zesty citrus, passion fruit, nettle scented and flavoured white that has infinite food possibilities. Love the chalky slate notes in the back end. Well done.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
De Martino Quebrada Seca Chardonnay 2007
Valle del Limari, ChileWaxy, nutty, honey, baked pear, red apple, floral, vanilla, mineral aromas. Crisp, round, elegant, dry, juicy palate with green apple skin, lime, nutty, waxy, honey, spicy lees, butter, oyster shell flavours. Good intensity in a cool, structured style for seafood. Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Vasse Felix Heytesbury Chardonnay 2007
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaA selection of the best barrel fermentations using wild yeast. Spicy, nutty, floral, baked pear, green apple, honey, butter, lanolin, citrus aromas. Rich, round, dry, full palate with fresh acidity. Green apple, nutty, salty, spicy, butter, baked pear, lime, lemon, honey flavours. Good intensity and finesse with a cool, more linear streak. Prices:| BC | $66.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Vasse Felix Chardonnay 2008
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaNice vanilla, spicy, nutty lees, hazelnut, citrus, baked apple, grassy, citrus aromas. Dry, fresh, slightly lean entry with crisp acidity. Very spicy, nutty, baked green apple, salty, buttery, lime rind, grapefruit, vanilla flavours. Good finesse in a cooler, leaner style.Prices:| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Punto Final Malbec 2008
Mendoza, ArgentinaSoft, round, supple, fresh palate with peppery, savoury bay leaf and mineral a nose with bits of licorice, mocha, tobacco, black cherry and plum flavours. Attractive supple mid-palate with a warm black raspberry finish. Bring on the grilled meat. Impressive for the price.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Yalumba Chardonnay Wild Ferment 2008
Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaLight floral, waxy, spicy lees, baked apple, citrus aromas. Round, dry, fresh, elegant palate with juicy green apple, lime, light lees, butter, peach skin flavours. Good finesse and expression in a very affordable Oz chardonnay.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Bitacora Malbec 2006
San Juan, ArgentinaBitacora has a spicy tobacco toasted oak nose with bits of cassis and vanilla. The palate is well balanced with fairly supple tannins and soft savoury black fruit flavours. The textures and acidity make each sip inviting. Easy-drinking red that is perfect for grilled chicken or steaks.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Saurus Patagonia Pinot Noir 2007
San Patricio del Chanar, Neuquén, Patagonia, ArgentinaFloral, black cherry, compost, herbal, spicy, vanilla aromas. Round, dry, supple, warm palate with cherry, celery salt, dried herbs, black cherry jam flavours and a touch of carbonic fruit on the end. Simple, easy style to drink now.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Jargon Pinot Noir 2006
California, United StatesFloral, smoky, coffee, black cherry jam, celery salt, gamey, rooty aromas. Round, supple, light palate with fresh acidity. Cedar bark, black cherry, coffee, mocha, compost, carrot top flavours. A bit tart and warm but easy going. Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
De Angelis Rosso Piceno 2007
Marche, ItalyVery deep black cherry colour. Meaty, black cherry jam, spicy, smoky, saddle leather, licorice, savoury aromas. Rich, ripe, round, full bodied palate with a touch of tannins. Big black cherry, spicy, peppery, olive, tobacco, dark chocolate, meaty, gamey, smoky flavours. A tad rustic but good solid fruit and value.Prices:| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Le Bombarde Cannonau di Sardegna 2007
Sardinia, ItalyPeppery, meaty, floral, black cherry jam, rooty, menthol aromas. Round, dry, warm, supple palate with fresh acidity. Incense, chocolate, peppery, meaty, menthol, black cherry, clove flavours. A bit rustic but full and ready for meat stew.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Scurati Nero d'Avola 2007
Sicily, ItalySimilar to the previous edition with black olive tapenade, licorice root, earthy, black cherry, peppery, herbal aromas. Round, dry, supple, fresh palate with cherry, herbal, tobacco, black olive, savoury flavours. A bit tart should be fine with grilled meat.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
The Magnificent Wine Company Riesling 2007
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesRipe peach, red apple, petrol, Vaseline, honey, light pineapple aromas. Round, fresh, creamy palate with moderate sweetness but balanced. Baked red apple, peach, honey, guava, lime, floral flavours. A bit sweet but with good fruit and acidity for general drinking or with Thai or Indian food.Prices:| BC | $21.95 | 750ml |
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20 November 2009
86PTS
MacMurray Ranch Pinot Noir 2007
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, United StatesCherry, plum, prune, orange, tobacco leaf, cooked carrot, Band-Aid, barnyard, meaty nose. Dry, elegant but somewhat tight with light tannins. Meaty, lychee, peppery, spicy, cherry jam orange, compost, barnyard, tobacco leaf and cooked carrot flavours. Has good intensity but the style is too rustic and dirty.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Spinelli Quartana Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2007
Abruzzo, ItalyPeppery, meaty, black licorice, black cherry, tapenade aromas. Round, dry, supple palate with black cherry, meaty, smoky, spicy, black cherry, strawberry, mineral flavours. Fresh, easy finish for current drinking. Simple but good value pasta and pizza red.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Strut Red Over Heels Merlot 2007
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaLiquorice, peppery, rooty, spicy, herbal, tobacco aromas with a floral, cherry jam note. Soft, round, fresh palate with a touch of tannin. Cedar, cherry, tobacco leaf, dried herbs, cassis, smoky, coffee flavours. Simple, easy, ready to go red with a hint of acidity to go with tomato sauces.Prices:| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Venta La Ossa 2006
Castilla-La Mancha, SpainSmoky, floral, garrigue, black cherry, leather, black olive aromas with a gamey note. Round, dry, supple, fresh palate. Leather, black cherry, raspberry jam, orange, smoky, licorice, tobacco flavours. Good solid red for meat and tomato based foods to balance acidity. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Casa da Mouras Tinto 2003
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalVery spicy, peppery, meaty, gamey, floral, smoky, cedar, resin, black berry, balsamic and tobacco aromas with a touch of sweaty saddle leather. Rich, round, full, warm, supple palate but has some good concentration. Big black cherry, peppery, garrigue, licorice, black fig, smoky, cedar, resin, bitter chocolate and vanilla flavours. A bit rustic on the finish and warm but has good fruit and concentration. Ready to drink; try with grilled lamb or goat.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Graham Six Grapes Reserve Port NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalSix Grapes Reserve Port takes its name from the Graham emblem that exhibits six grapes - the highest quality designation used at the property to classify the best lots of wine. It is an unfiltered, wood aged reserve produced from grapes primarily grown at Graham's Malvedos Vineyards. The style is thoroughly modern both fresh and fruity and ready to drink. It's definitely sweet in the Graham style with plenty of soft plummy fruit yet the textures and finish are mellow. This is well-made youthful port that you can sip nightly after dinner or pair it with some cheese and walnuts or chocolate truffles.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $33.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $26.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.99 | 750ml |
| YK | $30.99 | 750ml |
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17 November 2009
90PTS
Robert Mondavi Fumé Blanc 2007
Napa Valley, California, United StatesForty-one years is a long time in New World winemaking but that is how long this barrel-aged sauvignon blanc has been made. The latest remains true to form with its bright aromas of citrus and orange with bits of dried herbs. The entry is lively with more lemon, creamy white peach fruit and spicy notes. A fresh crisp persistent finish. Consistently well made.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $27.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $29.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $35.00 | 750ml |
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13 November 2009
90PTS
Peter Lehmann Stonewell Shiraz 2002
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThe current release of this Barossa vineyard blend (sixteenth consecutive) offers a very spicy, peppery, curry, garrigue, herbal, blueberry, black berry, menthol, and espresso, liquorice nose with a touch of cooked carrot and vanilla - very good aromatics and complexity. The palate is full, round, dry and very warm with round tannins and tart acidity. Smoky, curry, peppery, savoury, blackberry, blueberry, vanilla, coffee flavours. Finish has good fruit and complexity with bit of heat and acidity poking through the finish. Needs 3-5 years to round out.Prices:| BC | $82.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Quarles Harris Vintage Port 2007
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalBig tea, spicy, peppery, floral plum liquorice and youthful spirity nose. Rich, somewhat tannic, full, sweet but balanced palate with some excellent finesse. Orange, liquorice, black cherry, spicy fiery palate. Very fine effort for QH in what is a superior vintage. A solid fruit core with acidity balance suggests this will age effortlessly.Prices:| BC | $65.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Croft Vintage Port 2007
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalVery dark cherry colour. Peppery, licorice, very spicy, aromatic nose of violets and roses with cherry jam, blackberry, and dusty, jammy, fresh fruit notes. Rich, round, full, concentrated and tannic with very good acidity and sweetness balance. Big plum, black cherry, spicy, licorice, chocolate, black raspberry flavours, very exotic. Long, warm juicy and opulent. The best in years from Croft now under the control of the Taylor Fladgate group. Should develop and last for the next 40 years.Prices:| BC | $99.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $100.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $109.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $59.00 | 375ml |
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91PTS
Smith Woodhouse Vintage Port 2007
Rio Torto, Cima Corga, Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalBig liquorice, chocolate, spicy, orange peel, fig, black cherry aromas. Round, rich, moderately sweet and warm with good supple tannins and fine concentration. Lots of chocolate, liquorice, orange, black cherry, peppery, tea flavours. Good finesse and richness but somewhat forward. A fine effort. It will be excellent value too.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 375ml |
| QC | $75.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $75.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $74.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $74.00 | 750ml |
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96PTS
Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port 2007
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalSpicy, floral, black cherry, black plum, peppery, chocolate, spicy, herb aromas. Rich, inky port with big concentration and somewhat tannic, very full but fresh and juicy palate. Big black cherry, blackberry, licorice, peppery, plum, chocolate flavours. Long, elegant, silky finish with great acidity and freshness. Less is more; all to be revealed in decades. One to lay down for your grandchildren. Delicious now but will live for 50 years easily.Prices:| BC | $144.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $107.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $140.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $120.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $141.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $142.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $144.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $249.00 | 1500ml |
| ON | $62.00 | 375ml |
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93PTS
Graham's Vintage Port 2007
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalChocolate, mineral, liquorice, black cherry jam, peppery, spicy, floral violet aromas. Rich, full, slightly tannic palate with good acidity and sweetness balance but a bit more sweetness. Very peppery, chocolate, cherry, liquorice, tea, fig and resin flavours. Long with good acidity, very fine but not the same intensity as Taylor, Croft or Fonseca. This will age gracefully with its full fruit and finesse and still be among the best Graham ports of the century.Prices:| BC | $106.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $95.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $83.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $97.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $53.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Warre's Vintage Port 2007
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalThe 2007 vintage is the first at Warre made entirely from owned fruit. Quinta do Retiro in the Rio Torto has been in the mix for more than 100 years but was purchased in 2006. Similarly Quinta da Telhada in the Douro Superior was added in 2006 to join the centrepiece Cavadinha estate. The result is perhaps the best Warre we have tasted in years. Look for a spicy floral, black cherry, plum jam nose with aromatic, liquorice notes with chocolate bits in the back. Rich, full and warm with fine acidity and sweetness and structured but smooth tannins. Big with finesse and intense liquorice, chocolate, peppery, floral, blackberry and plum flavours. Very round, supple, high acidity finish and juicy yet firm - a fist in velvet. Certainly one of the finest from this estate.Prices:| BC | $96.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $82.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $70.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $85.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $86.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Dow's Vintage Port 2007
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalVery spicy, peppery, licorice, pear, tea, spirity, black cherry, floral aromas. Warm, dryer style with good tannins and firm acidity and structure with some finesse. Chocolate, peppery, spicy, licorice, black cherry jam, dried fig flavours. Long with very good concentration but a bit less intensity than the trio of Taylor, Croft and Fonseca. Very fine. A long distance runner that will reward patience. Drink 2020 and beyond. Prices:| BC | $95.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $50.00 | 375ml |
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88PTS
Ikella Malbec 2007
Agrelo District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaDeep coloured, fragrant, peppery plum scented nose with bits of black fruit and grilled bread. Round supple soft fruit entry with plums, black fruit and dried herbs. Classic savoury malbec with soft easy sipping tannins. Drinking very well now, private wine shops only.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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12 November 2009
87PTS
Menguante Garnacha Old Vines 2007
Cariñena, Aragon, SpainWhat do you get when you mix 80 year-old, organically farmed garnacha grapes, fermented naturally, with not a lot of new wood? A juicy, bright, little red wine, full of mineral and bright red fruit flavours for $15. Low tannins and a dry finish make it food friendly. Try it you'll like it.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Vina Gormaz Ribera del Duero 2007
Ribera del Duero, Castilla-Leon, SpainFrom cooperative to recently privatized winery Bodegas Gormaz controls the majority of vines in Ribera del Duero's Soria province, the highest of the region's sub districts. The vines, dry farmed and head pruned are routinely 50 years of age and older. The old vine tempranillo over delivers for its price. Look a dense dark fruity red with sweet plums, earth and spicy undertones with typically soft approachable tannins in the finish.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Georges Duboeuf Brouilly 2007
Brouilly, Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceFloral, red licorice, black cherry, spicy, savoury aromas. Round, dry, supple, forward palate with a delicate structure. Warm and slightly juicy with spicy, tobacco leaf, red licorice, black raspberry, cedar, mineral flavours with a touch of herbs. Very elegant, understated style that will go well with duck, pork or Chinese food. Drink now-1 year.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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11 November 2009
89PTS
Arrocal Ribera del Duero 2006
Ribera del Duero, Castilla-Leon, SpainOld-ish vines (25 years) are the engine behind Arrocal. A rich burley, mouth-filling red from Ribera Del Duero. This all-tempranillo red is comes with big brambly black fruit flavours, earth and meaty notes with plenty of alcohol and acidity in the finish. Very Spanish showing earth and complexity over oak and a vanilla.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Melipal Malbec 2007
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaAnother inviting floral, black licorice, smoky, savoury malbec flecked with bits of cedar, plums and dark chocolate. The entry is dry and round with soft grainy tannins and fine intensity of fruit. Look for plummy black cherry jam with bits of orange rind, black liquorice, smoke and coffee flavours. A bit more generous than previous edition and that make sits more approachable which is great for the price. You can drink this now with flank steak or lamb or sausage pizza. Excellent value.Prices:| BC | $18.45 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Ikella Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Mendoza, ArgentinaSpicy, mocha, peppery, blackberry, tobacco, meaty, saddle leather aromas. Ripe, round, full bodied, red that is beginning to soften at edges. Peppery, smoky, mocha, cassis jam, black cherry, tobacco, black olive and licorice flavours. Lots of intensity if rustic. Will go well with rare beef. Solid high altitude cabernet.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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10 November 2009
85PTS
The Fort Wine Co. Keremeos Fruit Stand Pear Apple 2007
Fraser Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCanned pear, canned apple, spicy, mineral, applesauce aromas. Round, off dry, full palate with baked pear, spicy, clove, mineral, canned flavours. Easy going fruit wine with some body.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Trapiche Cabernet Sauvignon Oak Cask 2006
Mendoza, ArgentinaMeaty, cigarette ash, savoury, tobacco leaf, blackberry aromas. Dry, somewhat tannic, tart, warm palate with cassis, sappy, menthol, peppery, meaty flavours. Solid but needs foodPrices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $12.00 | 750ml |
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09 November 2009
83PTS
The Fort Wine Co. Valley Girl Blueberries 2007
Fraser Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPale blue-purple colour. Spicy, smoky, leafy, cooked blueberry nose with a touch of canned fruit. Round, slightly sweet, soft palate with spicy, clove, cinnamon, mineral, leafy, cooked canned berry flavours. Lacks freshness and fruit intensity.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Folie a Deux Chardonnay 2008
Napa Valley, California, United StatesFloral, baked apple, buttery, lees, vanilla, spicy, pineapple, citrus, ripe melon and guava flavours - very ripe fruit. Rich, round, creamy texture with a touch of sweetness but good acidity. Big orange, mango, peach, citrus, floral, creamy lees, spicy, nutty, buttery flavours. Lots of fruit in a forward, riper style for all consumers. Drink young while the fruit is fresh.Prices:| US | $18.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Pine Ridge Dijon Clones Chardonnay 2007
Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United StatesSmoky, lees, spicy, nutty, melon, butter, mango, guava, citrus aromas, quite tropical with a floral streak. Rich, round, elegant, smooth creamy palate if a bit soft. Vanilla, nutty, spicy, mango, peach, baked apple and citrus flavours with a light buttery, nutty lees finish. Good finesse, creamy and forward. Drink now with halibut or crab.Prices:| US | $33.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Silverado Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Miller Ranch 2008
Napa Valley, California, United StatesGooseberry, grapefruit, melon, floral, lime aromas with a touch of jalapeno, lees and grass. Crisp, fresh, round, elegant palate with a creamy texture. Passion fruit, kiwi, grapefruit, floral, spicy, herbal, nettle flavours. Good concentration and finesse, fresh and tasty for current consumption. Under Stelvin.Prices:| US | $18.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Granville Island Brockton IPA NV
British Columbia, CanadaA six percent pale ale with fine white mousse. Spicy, malty, floral, pear, earth aromas. Crisp, dry, slightly bitter palate with good creamy mousse. Malty, earthy, floral, pear skin, spicy flavours with a clean, bitter hops finish. Good all round IPA.Prices:| BC | $1.93 | 341ml |
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87PTS
Whistler Premium Export Lager NV
British Columbia, CanadaPure style lager with a slightly cloudy appearance and creamy mousse. Light malt, earthy, floral, apple flavours and aromas. Light bitterness on the finish. A fresh, creamy, easy mainstream style.Prices:| BC | $2.00 | 330ml |
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88PTS
Whistler Classic Pale Ale NV
British Columbia, CanadaPale amber with light, creamy mousse. Spicy, earthy, malty, floral, pear, mace aromas. Dry, fresh, crisp, slightly bitter palate with malty, earthy, pear skin, soapy, apple flavours. Creamy palate, solid lighter style pale ale.Prices:| BC | $2.00 | 330ml |
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87PTS
Saint Ambroise Apricot Wheat Ale NV
Quebec, CanadaAt five percent alcohol this has a dried and canned apricot nose mixed with floral, earthy, soapy notes. Good mousse, round and full with a moderately dry palate and soapy, floral, canned apricot flavours. This would be fine with food to match the fruit and bitter finish.Prices:| BC | $1.85 | 341ml |
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93PTS
Yalumba The Octavius Edition XV 2004
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaHandpicked and crushed in 8 tonne open top stainless steel fermenters, The Octavius is an all Barossa, (70-100 years) fruit affair in 2004. It is also the first year of less new American oak and some French oak tow actions that are a fine improvement. Less oak lest the big glossy black fruit of Barossa get through but with a savoury, spicy smoky edge. The finish is complex mixing coffee, resin, spice and juicy fruit. Impressive vibrant intense style.Prices:| BC | $110.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $95.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $109.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $110.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Doña Paula Los Cardos Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Ugarteche District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaEarthy, spicy, light cassis, rooty, tobacco aromas. Dry, tight, slightly tannic palate with minty, tobacco, dried herbs, floral, rooty, olive flavours. Finish is a bit rustic and tart, best with meat.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $13.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Doña Paula Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Ugarteche District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaSpicy, peppery, licorice, cassis, earthy, floral, tobacco, herbal aromas. Round, dry, elegant, slightly lean palate with fresh acidity. Smoky, coffee, herbal, sappy, cassis, rooty, green olive flavours. Solid if a bit tight. It will need some time to improve in bottle.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
CrossBarn by Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Napa Valley, California, United StatesBig earthy, spicy, tobacco, cigar, prune, cedar, coffee, vanilla aromas. Round, dry, slightly tannic palate but full and warm. Coffee, blackberry jam, prune, cassis, smoky, tobacco, meaty flavours. Very ripe and hot on the finish but has some good fruit.Prices:| BC | $68.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Napa Valley, California, United StatesBig spicy, tobacco, cedar, cigar, blackberry, prune nose with flecks of clove, coffee and vanilla. The attack is rich and full, the palate suave with smooth fine-grained tannins. Good acidity with cassis, smoky, coffee, vanilla, blackberry jam, cigar, ash, peppery, clove, chocolate, liquorice flavours. Warm but suave with good fruit and length with a touch of olive and dried herbs on the finish. Good now but will improve for 2-5 years. Very polished.Prices:| BC | $108.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
The Magnificent Wine Company Pinot Noir 2006
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesDisappointing cooked cherry, compost, volatile, balsamic, worsteshire aromas. Soft, round, warm, flat palate with coffee, peppery, rooty, dried cherry, resin, compost flavours. Too hot and lacks varietal character.Prices:| BC | $21.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Mighty Fraser Red Cranberry 2007
Fraser Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPale orange-salmon colour. Very spicy, clove, leafy, orange rind, light cranberry nose. Crisp, tart, off dry palate with cooked and fresh cranberry flavours with a touch of rhubarb, orange spice and mineral. A bit brisk on the finish but has some fruit intensity.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Michel Torino Don David Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2007
Cafayate, Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, ArgentinaPeppery, smoky, herbal, meaty, jalapeno, floral, slightly reduced aromas. Round, supple, elegant, full palate with cassis, peppery, meaty, earthy, spicy, herbal, sappy, floral, smoky jalapeno flavours. A bit fresh and chunky on the finish but has some good intensity.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Pascual Toso Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaPeppery, smoky, spicy, meaty, cassis, floral, earthy, tobacco aromas. Smooth, round, easy style with cassis, smoky, peppery, earthy, licorice, spicy flavours. Good solid, forward style to drink now for general consumers. Solid value.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
See Ya Later Ranch Pinot Noir 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, rhubarb, sour cherry, coffee, compost and vanilla aroma. Soft, round, slightly sweet palate with light green tannins and some fresh acidity. Cooked cherry, rhubarb, rooty, compost, coffee, vanilla, worsteshire flavours. Very warm, slightly green tea and tobacco leaf finish. There is a bit too much wood for the fruit this time out.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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08 November 2009
87PTS
Peter Lehmann Clancy's Legendary Red 2006
South Australia, AustraliaPeppery, meaty, smoky, black cherry, herbal, tobacco, rooty, licorice, leafy aromas. Round, dry, tart, hot palate with orange, black cherry, peppery, tobacco, leather, cedar, rooty, herbal, coffee flavours. Good suppleness but finish is too hot and tart. Needs food.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $22.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $22.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Boutari Vin Santo 2004
Aegean Islands - Santorini, The Islands, GreeceA long story and history here but according to the Greeks: sweet wines from Santorini made from sun-dried grapes are commonly called Vinsanto or Vissanto. The wines pre-date the Italian version labelled Vin Santo and have been made in Santorini since Byzantine times. The name Vin Santo does not mean "holy wine", but rather Vino di Santorini (wine from Santorini). Made mostly from partially sun dried assyrtiko grapes. Deep brick-amber colour with a green edge. Very lifted, spicy, dried peach, floral, rancio, nutty, citrus aromas. Rich, round and moderately sweet at 18% residual but very fresh acidity. Somewhat tannic with big dried apricot, pear, nutty, lemon, spicy, floral, nectarine, rancio flavours. Very unique and pretty brisk, can age further and will shed the astringency. Try with fruit tart or a pear torte. Only 12% alcohol.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 500ml |
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88PTS
Boutari Kallisti Reserve 2007
Aegean Islands - Santorini, The Islands, GreeceA barrel fermented and aged assyrtiko with an enticing spicy, nutty, floral, anise scented nose flecked with sage, lemon and vanilla aromas. Round, soft, elegant, fresh palate with good acidity and more spicy, lemon, nutty lees, butter, vanilla, salty mineral, slate flavours. Good finesse and balance but maybe with a bit too much oak for the fruit expression. Well made and well worth trying with pan-fried squid or sablefish. Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Rocca delle Macie Occhio A Vento Vermentino 2007
Maremma, Tuscany, ItalySergio Zingarelli's Occhio a Vento is an all vermentino white from coastal Tuscany (Maremma). Light and aromatic it's an i9nteresting mix of dried herbs mixed with lemon, white pears and peach. A touch of spicy, nutty, butter marks the finish. A fresh, classic seafood white that would be perfect with grilled halibut.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Boutari Nemea 2005
Naousa, Makedonia, GreeceNemea is from the eponymous A.O.C. region of southern Greece home to the agiorgitiko or St. George variety. Nemea is a medium weight red with a fragrant entry some dry gripp-y tannins, and a mix of dried plums, cherries and a wisp of rubber. Best with savoury grill lamb chops.Prices:| BC | $14.60 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Torres Vina Esmeralda 2008
Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainEsmeralda has really elevated its game under screwcap. The Upper Penedès white blend of 85/15 gewürztraminer/moscatel jumps out of your glass with bright fresh aromatic fruit that is alive. Expect a zesty, bright super fruited wine with bits of lychee, green apple, lemon lime and tropical melons. You can serve it solo but it will really brighten up your sushi, Thai, or Indian dishes. It is a personal favourite with curry. Great value in most of Canada and a ridiculous buy in Ontario.Prices:| BC | $14.49 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Ardales Airen (Organic grapes) 2007
Castilla-Leon, SpainBodegas Arúspide sits in Valdepeñas some 190 kilometres south of Madrid in the wine area of Castilla La Mancha. This bright white made from the non-descript, widely planted airén grape, albeit in this case the grapes are organic. Light fresh airy, incredibly easy to sip with a grassy, lemon nettle nose and flavour that is perfect with light appetizers and warm salads. Friendly, tasty organic white.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Boutari Agiorgitiko 2007
Nemea, Peloponnese, GreeceAgiorgitiko or 'St. George' is one of the best known red grapes in Greece found mostly at Nemea in the Peloponnese region of southern Greece. The nose is an enticing mix of sweet plums and spice with a dusting of herbal nuances. The palate is dry with good acidity and bits of dried tomato, plum and milk chocolate. Fragrant and fresh. Surprisingly sippable. Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Boutari Grande Reserve Naoussa 2003
Naousa, Makedonia, GreeceMade from select vineyards with a minimum four years of aging, two of which are in French oak. Spicy, meaty, floral, dried cherry, ash, tobacco, smoky, cooked carrot, strawberry jam and earth aromas. Round, elegant, dry, supple, fresh palate. Cherry, tobacco, peppery, vanilla, cedar, almond, rooty, earthy, licorice flavours. Finish is a bit tart and tannic like Nebbiolo yet with good fruit balance. Will go well with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $22.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $21.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Boutari Naoussa 2006
Naousa, Makedonia, GreeceAn ancient indigenous grape the xynomavro has an earthy, peppery, tobacco, prune, soy nose streaked with dried cherry, olive and spicy dried tomato. Round, rich, smooth, fresh palate with some elegance. Light vanilla, sour cherry, strawberry, earthy, smoky, dried herb and tobacco flavours. Simple but well balanced for current drinking. Try with simple grilled chicken dishes.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Boutari Kretikos 2008
Aegean Islands - Crete, The Islands, GreeceKretikos white hails from the island of Crete. It is a blend of 70/30 blend of vilana and thrapsathiri and athiri. Look for a surprisingly fresh nutty lemony white with a dry rich group of yellow fruits flecked with bits of tropical grapefruit, peach and dried apricot flavours. Try this with sautéed squid or creamy cheeses. Good value here.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $14.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Inca Torrontés Chardonnay 2008
Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, ArgentinaThis unusual blend of 80/20 torrontés/chardonnay is grown at 1800 metres in Calchaqui. The nose is highly perfumed with spice and lemon oil notes. The palate is dry and rich with floral grassy, five star litchi ripe peach and dried apricot fruit flavours. A little aggressive in style but should be fine with Pan-Asian foods. Bag the synthetic cork please and go screwcap.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Trius White 2008
Ontario, CanadaCanada appears to be able to make delicious aromatic blended whites with ease and why we don't make more is a mystery to me. Love the ripe red apple nose with bits of grass and lemon oil pears and litchi and lots of tropical fruit notes. Fresh with just enough honey and dried fruit flavours to attract a wide range of tasters. Try this with Thai food. Oh and get with times and get rid of the cork and lighten up the packaging if you want to have a big time summer hit on your hands.Prices:| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
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80PTS
El Escondido de Don Domenico Semillon Vendemia Tardiva 2005
San Juan, ArgentinaDark yellow, oxidised colour. Lifted volatile nose of peaches, caramel and raisined grapes. The palate is fat with vanilla and mint pushing through its heavily oxidised fruit flavours. Past its prime despite the synthetic cork closure.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 375ml |
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92PTS
Stoneboat Vineyards Verglas 2007
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAccording to Wikipedia, "verglas is a term for a thin layer of water ice coating a rocky surface or footpath. It poses a danger to hill walkers and rock climbers, being extremely slippery and often nearly invisible." No such danger stems from drinking this fabulous botrytised oranienstenier whose vines are 26 years old. Complex aromas that one normally doesn't associate with most icewines because they are seldom affected by botrytis. Revel in the intense, super sweet peach, pineapple and melon flavours. The palate and finish is fat but fresh with a decent dollop of acidity. Well done.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 375ml |
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87PTS
Kestrel Lady in Red 4th Holiday Edition NV
Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThe 4th Holiday Edition of Lady in red is blend of fruit grown mostly at the Kestrel View estate vineyard that is all barrel aged 12 to 22 months. The entry is soft and open, very Washington, with ripe black fruit and a subtle savoury under current. The tannins are soft and slippery the flavours more blackberries, blueberries and cranberries, with just enough acidity to keep it interesting. There is no single vintage here and the blend is a 40/30/20/5/4/1 of merlot, cabernet sauvignon, syrah, sangiovese, viognier and malbec. A fine Holiday red, ready to drink and good value to boot. Stock up.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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07 November 2009
87PTS
Peter Lehmann Layers Red 2008
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaA blend of grenache, syrah, mourvèdre, carignan and tempranillo and no oak. Smoky, spicy, savoury, black olive, licorice, black cherry, herbal, tobacco, floral aromas. Round, dry, fresh and supple palate. Spicy, peppery, black cherry, black raspberry, leather, olive and tobacco flavours. Solid fruit with a warm, somewhat tart finish.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Peter Lehmann Layers White 2009
Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaMelon, grapefruit, floral, lime, spicy, peach skin aromas. Light, dry, crisp, elegant palate with spicy, floral, grapefruit, mineral, apple skin and pear flavours. Simple fresh style with a tart, rindy finish.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Boutari Santorini White 2008
Aegean Islands - Santorini, The Islands, GreeceFresh nutty, floral, spicy, lemon and quince aromas. Round, rich, fresh, tart and juicy palate with lemon, butter, nutty quince and apricot flavours. Very rich and juicy style designed to go with clams or calamari. A unique and succulent style that is well worth investigating.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Château Val Joanis (Blanc) 2007
Côtes du Lubéron, Provence, Sud de France, FranceOpen floral mineral nose with big melon fruit and lemon oil aromas. The entry is soft and round, the palate dry with fairly intense baked pear and melon fruit more mineral and butter notes in the finish. Serve this with white meats and or creamy cheeses and fruit.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Domaine du Tariquet Sauvignon 2008
Gascony, FranceThe Grassa family reputation was built in Armagnac but how can you ignore this perfect little white wine. Under screwcap this refreshing stylish sauvignon is all but recession-proof bottle at $15. Love the big fresh nose of passion fruit, lemons and limes with a touch of asparagus and crisp acidity. I love this with oysters or chicken curries but you can serve it just about anywhere. Huge value in an inexpensive classy white wine.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Ghost of the Bogs White Cranberry 2007
Fraser Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe nose is light cranberry with soapy, floral, leafy, mineral aromas. The palate is round and moderately fresh with a bit of sweetness and spicy, mineral, soapy, cranberry flavours. It's well balanced but could be a weird experience for seasoned grape wine drinkers. Try it with a turkey sandwich.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Black Hills Nota Bene 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe latest Nota Bene is a 46/39/19 blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and cabernet franc. Production is supposedly maxed out at 4300 cases mostly sold direct $50: that's a 2.7 million cash cow. Ah but what about the wine you say. Well, it's softer and the tannins are richer and finer grained than ever. At 14.7 per cent alcohol the finish is warmer and smoother than ever. The challenge is the herbaceous peppery green olive, savoury resiny cigarette ash nose and leafy dried, tomato flavours. A dash of pure black fruit would be welcomed but with so much cabernet to ripen in the blend it is unlikely the style will change. Given its annual sell-out and price hikes it doesn't seem to matter to its many fans.Prices:| BC | $53.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Black Hills Carmenère 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSoupy leafy, herbal nose with smoky, savoury, licorice root and menthol notes. Good thing its carmenère because the roasted pepper, tobacco and peppery, herbal, spicy, coffee menthol flavours are allowed. It may be too herbal for some but if you like spice in your red wine this is it. Thankfully the tannins are soft. Try this with a big piece of grilled lamb. The price is another story.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Strut Cab Couture Cabernet Merlot 2007
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaCabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon and merlot make up the blend in this sweet, herbal red that brings little to the party other than legs skinner than those on the label. Simple stuff for VQA.Prices:| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
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06 November 2009
89PTS
Boutari Domaine Skalani Kotsifali - Syrah 2007
Aegean Islands - Crete, The Islands, GreeceFrom the North side of Crete come a savoury black olive, cedar, rose petal, licorice, smoky, red flecked with dried herbs, meaty, sausage and black cherry aromas. Rich, round, full, round and supple with good acidity. Rosemary, smoky, meaty, peppery, black cherry jam, spicy, savoury, chocolate, vanilla, and coconut flavours. The finish is warm but with fine concentration and finesse. Unique blend of the indigenous kotsifali grape and syrah.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.00 | 750ml |
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04 November 2009
85PTS
Henkell Rosé Dry Sec NV
GermanyPale raspberry-salmon colour with lots of mousse. Citrus, floral, raspberry, baked apple aromas. Round, fresh, somewhat foamy palate. Sweet raspberry, peach, baked apple, peach flavours but decent acidity. Sweet, easy style for picnics and kir. Good value.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $15.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Montes Cherub Rose of Rosé 2008
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileThis pink has a promising zippy start with bright acidity and just the right amount of sweet berry fruit. There is some mid-palate tension and tartness (yeah) with a dash of white pepper in the finish. Fun fruity, and yes a touch weighty this is eminently sip-able rosé on the patio or with a selection of tapas.Prices:| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Montes Folly Syrah 2006
Apalta Valley, Santa Cruz, Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileLots of spicy, peppery, meaty fruit flecked with liquorice, black cherry, plum, clove, vanilla and chocolate notes. The attack is rich with good acidity balance. Smoky, peppery, spicy, coffee, chocolate, clove, meaty, boysenberry, cedar flavours grab the palate with bits of olive and rosemary on the finish. Big rich and warm but with balance and finesse and flavour intensity. Drink now or over the next 5 years. Impressive red for roast lamb.Prices:| US | $65.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $88.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $83.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $88.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Montes Alpha Merlot 2007
Apalta Valley, Santa Cruz, Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileSpicy, cedar-y, minty, chocolate nose with bay leaf, vanilla, coffee flecks. Round, dry, slightly tannic palate with some astringency. Cedar, tobacco, peppery, cherry, vanilla, clove, bay leaf, olive and coffee flavours. A youthful, elegant style that needs a few years to soften or serve now with pork or duck.Prices:| AB | $26.00 | 750ml |
| US | $21.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Montes Alpha Pinot Noir 2007
Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileCool spicy, rooty, strawberry, rhubarb, celery salt, cola, vanilla aromas. Round, dry, supple palate with smoky, herbal, rooty, celery salt, carrot top, strawberry jam, leafy, tobacco, licorice and compost flavours. Simple, elegant style with some intensity for current drinking.Prices:| US | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Montes Alpha Carmenere 2007
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileTypical chocolate, peppery, minty, bay leaf nose with floral, black cherry, celery salt, tobacco ash, and licorice root aromas. Dry, elegant, somewhat tight palate with light, grippy tannins. Peppery, coffee, olive, black cherry, smoky, herbal, menthol, clove and vanilla flavours. Very solid if a touch youthful and green.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $26.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $26.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Purple Angel by Montes 2006
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe Purple Angel mix is 92 per cent carmenère and 8 per cent petit verdot. Big rich tobacco ash, smoky, bay leaf, dried herbs, peppery, mocha, coffee, savoury aromas. The palate is glossy and supple with plush textures that are suave and balanced. Peppery, vanilla, chocolate, coffee, menthol, tobacco, black cherry jam, licorice, sage and cedar flavours. A touch warm but well balanced and with some finesse. Good for meat. Still not widley available in Canada for some strange reason. This is the best yet.Prices:| US | $50.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $55.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $54.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Montes Alpha Syrah 2007
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileVery spicy, peppery, meaty, floral, leather, licorice, black cherry, chocolate nose. Round, dry, supple, elegant palate with meaty, smoky, spicy, tobacco, black cherry, earthy, vanilla, licorice, savoury flavours with some light tea tannins on the finish. Good intensity and finesse for drinking now-3 years.Prices:| BC | $27.40 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $28.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $30.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Montes Alpha Chardonnay Special Cuvée 2007
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileBig buttery, canned peach, floral, spicy lees, baked apple nose. Round, full, dry, somewhat light palate. Oaky, buttery, vanilla, peach skin, baked apple, nutty lees flavours. Very oaky for the weight and very leesy with a bitter finish. Disappointing old style chardonnay.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Montes Alpha M "La Finca Estate" 2006
Apalta Valley, Santa Cruz, Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileAlpha M mixes cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc in a spicy, cassis, cherry jam, peppery, coffee, menthol style spiked with dried thyme, vanilla and saddle leather aromas. The entry is dry and elegant with a slightly tight, lean palate for the moment. Coffee, black olive, green bean, tobacco, cassis, sappy, cherry, cedar, rooty, resin, meaty flavours. Finish has some slightly green tannin at the edge but like most of the brood with good finesse but it lacks concentration and intensity in the finish for the price.Prices:| AB | $90.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $82.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $86.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $85.00 | 750ml |
| US | $80.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Apalta Valley, Santa Cruz, Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe Alpha cab blend is 90/10 cabernet/merlot, grown at Apalta that spends 12 months in French oak. The 2007 is an earthy tobacco, black olive affair with big cabernet flavours of cassis, black fruit, tobacco, compost with resiny, green olive notes. Somewhat leafy but with fine elegance.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $26.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $26.00 | 750ml |
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03 November 2009
90PTS
Tenuta Luce della Vite 2003
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyA warm early harvest marks the black berry, black cherry, saddle leather nose flecked with smoky, vanilla aromas. Rich, round, full and obviously generous (alcohol) palate, yet it remains quite young and big throughout. Smoky, peppery, meaty, vanilla, tobacco, prune plum flavours with a bit of green herbs and olive on the finish. Solid effort for the drought year just lacks a complete palate and some finesse.Prices:| BC | $93.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $98.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $100.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $99.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $240.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $482.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $98.26 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Tenuta Luce La Vite Lucente 2006
Tuscany, ItalyAfter Luce there is Lucente, made by the same winemaker Lamberto Frescobaldi. His proximity to Luce allows for some of the sangiovese and merlot to be mixed with cabernet sauvignon. Look for a peppery, smoky, clove, vanilla nose with black cherry, meaty, liquorice, savoury, gamey aromas and flavours. The '06 is both ripe and supple with good concentration and finesse. It is drinkable now but will improve with 2-4 years aging.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $38.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $39.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $37.50 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Tenuta Luce della Vite 2001
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyEarthy, rooty, tobacco, smoky, peppery, carrot top with a hint of prune and black cherry. Ripe, round, rich, and supple with good concentration and some elegance. Similar flavours but some bottle maturity with soy, prune, tobacco and savoury notes. Nearly mature but should improve for a few more years.Prices:| BC | $93.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $98.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $100.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $99.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $240.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $482.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $98.26 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Tenuta Luce della Vite 2006
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyAt 350 to 420 metres the Luce estate is among Montalcino 's highest. The sangiovese likes the heights while the merlot is better placed in the clays at the lowest elevations. The 06 blend is 55/45 mix producing a low 30 hl/ha. Look for spicy, black berry, black cherry, peppery, savoury, garrigue notes on the nose, combined with a warm, supple plate with some grainy tannin. Good concentration with chocolate, tobacco, meaty, peppery, black berry, savoury, resin, liquorice and black plum jam flavours. Big, warm, young, slightly oaky and rustic finish with a ton of fruit. Probably needs 5-7 years to fully mature.Prices:| BC | $93.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $98.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $100.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $99.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $240.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $482.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $98.26 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Tenuta Luce della Vite 2005
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyA challenging year in Tuscany the mix is 45/55 sangiovese/merlot. The nose is typically spicy with notes of black cherry kirsch and barnyard, floral, rosemary aromas. Rich, round, full and slightly tannic yet fresh and warm. Big coffee, liquorice, black cherry, plum, spicy, garrigue, meaty, peppery flavours. Good concentration but very warm and dry with some harder tannins to shed. Needs 3-5 years but will improve and open up from its current backward state. Think osso buco style dishes.Prices:| BC | $93.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $98.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $100.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $99.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $240.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $482.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $98.26 | 750ml |
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02 November 2009
86PTS
Jean Bousquet Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Mendoza, ArgentinaSpicy, cedar, herbal, liquorice, resin, peppery, blackberry nose. Round, fresh, juicy but slightly sweet entry with soft tannins. Warm with cassis jam, blackberry, peppery, cedar, tobacco, licorice flavours. Easy-drinking consumer style for current consumption.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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01 November 2009
89PTS
Tapiz Torrontés 2008
Mendoza, ArgentinaDry aromatic and sensational we love the mix of Chinese five-spice with juicy ripe peachy pear fruit with green apple skin flecks throughout. Balanced, lively delicious white wine you can serve with roast chicken or sushi, or solo before dinner.Prices:| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Nicolás Catena Zapata 2005
Mendoza, ArgentinaNicolás Catena Zapata is a selection of the best cabernet sauvignon and malbec from across the Catena Zapata vineyards. Look for peppery, cassis jam, blackberry, black olive, savoury, dried herbs, smoke, clove, caraway aromas. Rich, ripe, round, supple palate with light grainy tannins. Good acidity with cassis, blackberry, tobacco, cedar, coffee, black olive, garrigue, violet, chocolate flavours. Warm but well balanced with good fruit on the finish. Has finesse and structure to age 3-7 years. Catena's super-Argentine red takes its name from Nicolas Catena's mother and also lends its moniker to the company's Mendoza winery. The '06 blend is 70/30 cabernet sauvignon/malbec. Prices:| AB | $90.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $110.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $85.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $75.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Delicato California Unoaked Chardonnay/Viognier 2008
California, United StatesThis wine continues to impress for the price with its bright mineral, honeyed citrus nose with a streak of lees and its fresh creamy, citrus, buttery, baked apple and apricots flavours. An easy-drinking patio sipper or pour with pre-dinner appetizers.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Therapy Vineyards Freudian Sip 2008
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis wine remains fairly consistent each year offering up a fresh, elegant floral style white wine with a spicy, mineral, ripe peach pit, meaty, citrus rind flavours all flecked with bits of ginger in the aftertaste. A simple straight-up white that would best with spicy Pan-Asian cuisine.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Mistaken Identity Abbondante Bianco Organic 2008
A lot of white grapes explain the Abbondante Bianco moniker. Not near as attractive as the previous edition showing more oily notes and fairly severe acidity and dry palate with not much fruit to smooth it all out. The finish is dry with herbal undertones.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Strut Well-Heeled White Riesling Gewurztraminer 2008
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaFresh and aromatic on the nose as you might expect from a 70/30 riesling/gewürztraminer blend but the flavours are overtly sweet and candied. Despite the great legs on the label this is more like a wine for grandma. Try it with super spicy foods for best results.Prices:| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
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December 2009