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Tastings: January 2010
23 January 2010
89PTS
Gunderloch Fritz's Riesling 2008
Rheinhessen, GermanyYear two for the 'Fritz' label comes with a snappy looking bright green screwcap that looks as fresh as the wine. The grapes are purchased from growers all with vineyards on the Roter Hang or famous red slate soils of the Rheinhessen. Again it is so eminently shippable and crammed full of juicy fresh peachy, apple fruit with a double hit of citrus and minerality. Perfect for Pan-Asian cuisine or even better with barbecued or pull pork dishes. It should keep well under screw cap all year and beyond. Great value and will be one of my go to wines all year.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
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22 January 2010
86PTS
Irony Pinot Noir 2006
Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesBig barnyard, light Band-Aid, earthy, pruny, stewed strawberry, tobacco aromas. Dry, round, supple, slightly flat palate with rhubarb, dried strawberry, compost, cedar bark, rooty flavours. Finish is somewhat hot and edgy with some stewed fruit.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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21 January 2010
88PTS
Tyrrell's Lost Block Semillon 2009
Hunter, New South Wales, AustraliaFloral, passion fruit, lemon zest, anise, nectarine skin, nutty aromas. Light, dry, elegant, round style in a juicy palate but not tart or lean. Pink grapefruit, lemon zest, floral, spicy, melon rind, nectarine, slate flavours. Delicate, juicy, citrusy finish with some polish. Designed for seafood and drinking. More consumer oriented fruit style. Delicious.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.50 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Jackson-Triggs Esprit Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDeep dark colour. Very herbal, earthy, rooty, spicy, black cherry, barnyard, meaty, coffee, black olive, green bean aromas. Dry, somewhat lean, tight but full palate with green bean, black olive, rooty, herbal, coffee, smoky, resin, and liquorice flavours. Finish is tight with young, somewhat hard tannins and warm but solid. Simple bronze medal stuff.Prices:| BC | $11.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages Combe aux Jacques 2008
Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceNice spicy, strawberry jam, black cherry, liquorice nose with earthy aromas with bit of a floral edge. Classic light-bodied, smooth and round with black cherry, peppery, liquorice spicy flavours. A bit tart and firm on the finish but will go well with roast duck or lamb.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Duck Pond Pinot Noir 2008
Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesBarnyard, cherry jam, cedar, carrot top, orange compote, compost aromas. Round, dry, supple, forward palate with cherry, rhubarb, compost, barnyard, herbal, licorice root, orange peel flavours. A dry style but juicy on the finish that adds some zip. Solid pinot styling and will age a bit too.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Stoneleigh Pinot Noir 2007
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandStrawberry, barnyard, compost, spicy, tobacco, carrot aromas. Round, dry, fresh, supple palate but slightly lean. Rooty, herbal, tobacco, rhubarb, strawberry, cola, and compost flavours. A simple, direct, food wine.Prices:| AB | $23.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $24.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Mt. Boucherie Estate Collection Semillon 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGrapefruit, light artichoke, gooseberry, grassy, nettle, passion fruit aromas. Ripe, round, elegant palate with pink grapefruit, passion fruit, grassy, nettle, asparagus, lemon, nutty flavours. Good fruit intensity and balance for seafood. Very impressive effort. Oysters anyone.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Tyrrell's HVD Single Vineyard Hunter Semillon 2004
Pokolbin, Hunter, New South Wales, AustraliaNutty, grassy, grapefruit, quince, lemon, passion fruit, slate, nectarine skin aromas. Fresh, crisp, delicate, round, slightly oily palate. Passion fruit, slate, grapefruit, nectarine, lime, nutty, lemon zest flavours. Fine delicacy and freshness with some bottle age with lanolin and cashew on the finish. A bit more texture than the young stuff.Prices:| Australia | $30.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tyrrell's Vat 1 Hunter Semillon 1999
Pokolbin, Hunter, New South Wales, AustraliaShowing maturity under cork with cashew, butter, honey, grapefruit, lime, creamy, cooked quince aromas. The palate is very dry and somewhat flatter with cedar, nutty, toasty, nettle, lime, grapefruit rind flavours. A more austere, mature bottle with a slightly tart, dry finish.Prices:| Australia | $50.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Tyrrell's Vat 1 Hunter Semillon 2003
Pokolbin, Hunter, New South Wales, AustraliaFloral, nutty, lemon, pink grapefruit, passion fruit, waxy, fresh nose. Dry, tight, round, zippy, fresh and elegant with grapefruit, nettle, lemon, lime, nutty, slate, passion fruit flavours. A bit more austere in style but has good intensity and balance. Will age for 20 years in Stelvin. Try with oysters or squid.Prices:| US | $35.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $58.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Quarisa Johnny Q Brut Cuvee NV
AustraliaLots of foam then some decent mousse. Floral, candied apple, lemon, almond, melon rind, light toasty strawberry nose. Somewhat foamy with crisp acidity but lots of residual sugar and some bitterness. Candied lemon, artificial black cherry, nutty, slate, mineral flavours. Refreshing but pretty sweet style.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Fog Head Reserve Pinot Noir 2006
Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesSubdued nose with cherry, compost, tobacco, earthy, smoky, vanilla, licorice and a touch of cola and barnyard. Round, dry, elegant, slightly lean palate with tobacco leaf, compost, cola, earthy, rhubarb, strawberry, resin, smoky herb flavours. Solid style for food.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Henriot Rosé NV
Champagne, FranceHenriot champagnes traditionally boasts a high proportion of chardonnay in the blends which accounts for the freshness and lift in this wine but in the case of the rosé there is some pinot added for body. Interestingly the colour comes from the addition of the some still red wine from Mareuil sur Ay after the second fermentation. This is an elegant expression of the style with raspberries, earth and strawberries and sufficient acidity to offset all the fruit. Classy and fun to drink. The blend is 42% chardonnay, 38% pinot noir and 20% red wines for colour.Prices:| BC | $94.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Tenuta Villanova Merlot 2007
Farra d'Isonzo, Gorizia, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, ItalyBig peppery, dried herb, tobacco leaf, meaty, rooty aromas. Round, dry, supple palate with light body. Earthy, coffee, resin, rooty, compost, tobacco, cherry, herbal flavours. A more herbal style but well balanced and would fine with roasted chicken dishes.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Carpineto Dogajolo 2006
Tuscany, ItalyBig smoked meat, gamey, black cherry, tobacco, saddle leather, peppery, barnyard, mocha aromas. Round, dry, somewhat light but chunky palate with tobacco, peppery, meaty, black cherry, rooty, licorice, vanilla, black olive, smoky saddle leather flavours. A somewhat rustic, older style for food.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $19.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Andeluna Malbec 2007
Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaSavoury, poultry spice notes with black cherry and plums mark the nose along with barnyard, tobacco, meaty, coffee aromas. Round, full, slightly astringent palate but ripe with black cherry, plum, tobacco, black olive, savoury, dried herb, orange peel and coffee flavours. Good solid, ripe style with a bit of grip and acidity. Will improve with food or time in the bottle.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
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20 January 2010
88PTS
Tamaya Winemaker's Selection Carmenère 2006
Valle del Limari, ChileThis is the real deal carmenère with soft, supple, peppery black fruit with touch of leafy earth and chocolate. It's richer and fatter than its price might indicate and completely ready to take on the heartiest of winter dishes. Try this with a classic roast beef and mashed potato dinner.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Marquis de la Tour Vin Mousseaux NV
Loire, FranceOpen pear, grassy, green apple nose with pleasant bits of quince, almond and floral aromas. It's bit foamy on the palate but crisp. The flavours mix Granny Smith apples, grassy, gooseberry, almond, honey and baked pear flavours. A simple, tart style bubbles best with kir or orange juice. A Loire Valley 50/25/25 blend of chenin blanc / chardonnay / sauvignon blanc.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.25 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $12.65 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
J. P. Chenet Fresh and Fruity Rose NV
FranceLight orange ruby colour with lots of moose. Floral, nutty, cherry, licorice, tobacco, candied apple aromas. Sweet, round, foamy palate with candied cherry, tobacco, herbal, Kool-Aid, earthy, spicy flavours. Sweet and sour style.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Rubicon Estate Cask Cabernet 2005
Rutherford, Napa Valley, California, United StatesBig black berry jam, balsamic, earthy, peppery, vanilla, cola, pruny, cedar, tobacco aromas. Rich, round, dry, warm palate with light grainy tannins. Coffee, smoky, vanilla, cedar, tobacco, pruny, peppery, cassis, blackberry jam, resin flavours. Finish is very warm, fresh and ripe with some structure to age. A big, ripe style. The Cask Cabernet farmed organically from 130 acres within the 235 acre Rubicon Estate.Prices:| US | $75.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $107.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $99.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $100.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $92.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Rubicon 2005
Rutherford, Napa Valley, California, United StatesWarm spicy, cedar, tobacco nose with blackberry, cassis, dried herbs, vanilla, coffee and pruny, roasted earth aromas. Rich, ripe, dry, smooth, full bodied palate with some grainy tannins. Smoky, peppery, vanilla, coffee, cassis jam, blackberry, pruny, cedar, tobacco, milk chocolate, licorice flavours. The finish is very warm with lots of vanilla, espresso and tobacco leaf. Good finesse but needs 2-4 years to fully integrate and round out. Classic Napa.Prices:| US | $125.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $199.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $185.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $178.50 | 750ml |
| QC | $190.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Nuviana Tinto 2007
Huesca, Somontano, Aragon, SpainPeppery, meaty, black cherry, tobacco, licorice aromas. Fresh, smooth, round palate with black raspberry, tobacco, meaty, peppery, rooty flavours. A bit light but good value again.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $11.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Laughing Stock Vineyards Portfolio 2007
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeppery, espresso, smoky oak, black olive, tobacco leaf, floral, dried savoury herbs, cassis aromas. The entry is round and dry but this year it's a bit tart too. The rest of the palate is super smooth with warm smoky coffee scented flavours flecked with vanilla, tobacco leaf, pepper, dill and black olives. The texture is the best yet but the finish is very oaky and warm. It will improve with time but we want more pristine Okanagan fruit and less French wood.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Thirty Bench Red 2007
Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaPeppery, dill, tobacco leaf, black olive, dried herb, coffee, saddle leather aromas. Dry, somewhat lean palate with light, cedar-y tannins. Fresh with smoky, espresso oak, herbal, tobacco, sappy cassis, olive, tomato leaf, roasted pepper flavours. Has some finesse but finish is very oaky and somewhat green. Lacks ripeness and extract.Prices:| ON | $24.00 | 750ml |
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19 January 2010
86PTS
Inniskillin Okanagan Discovery Series Chenin Blanc 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaButter, quince, floral, pineapple, melon, grapefruit aromas, very tropical. Round, full, slightly viscous and sweet entry but medium acidity. Waxy, pear, pineapple, buttery, quince, baked apple flavours. Finish is warm but lots of texture. Drink now.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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18 January 2010
87PTS
LaStella Vivace Pinot Grigio 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, pear, canned grapefruit, peach, gooseberry, quince aromas. Fresh, crisp, dry, juicy palate. Grapefruit, gooseberry, granny smith, lemon, quince and light lees flavours. The finish is a bit tart, light and warm but clean with some bitter citrus rind notes. Very solid food style, try with mussels.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Le Vieux Pin Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPassion fruit, melon, gooseberry, grapefruit, nettle, floral, canned asparagus aromas. Round, fresh, juicy but somewhat austere palate. Lemon, nettle, passion fruit, grassy, grapefruit rind, butter, lees and jalapeno flavours. Finish is long but a bit austere and tart with a hard edge and some green notes. Good solid expression but best with grilled fish.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Le Vieux Pin Petit Blanc 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, spicy, peach, grassy, nectarine, grapefruit rind aromas. Round, slightly soft palate but warm, juicy and somewhat austere. Chalky, citrus rind, floral, grassy, nettle, granny smith, lees, quince and butter flavours. Finish is a bit warm and austere but will be good for lighter seafood like squid.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Gallo Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
California, United StatesCola, rooty, resin, cassis, black pepper, cedar, tobacco nose. Round, slightly tannic, full with fresh acidity and a touch of sweetness. Cedar, licorice, cola, resin, tobacco leaf, cassis flavours. Simple, pasta and pizza wine.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $9.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $10.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Irony Chardonnay 2007
Napa Valley, California, United StatesPear, citrus, red apple, floral, minty, light butterscotch aromas. Round, rich, very warm, fat style with a bit of sweetness and oiliness on the palate. Butterscotch, buttery, baked apple, melon, bitter grapefruit rind flavours. It's a bit old style but with little, if any oak so the wine is fresher.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Di Majo Norante Cabernet Sauvignon Terra degli Osci 2007
Molise, ItalySpicy, peppery, black olive, meaty, cassis, tobacco leaf aromas. Dry, slightly lean and fresh palate with earthy, cedar bark, tobacco, olive, resin, herbal, cassis flavours. Simple, somewhat rustic style cab ready for beef.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Napa Valley, California, United StatesSpicy, tobacco, cassis, cedar bark, peppery, earthy, blackberry, licorice, smoky aromas with a touch of chocolate and dried herbs. Round, dry, fresh, supple palate with light, grainy tannins but warm. Cassis, blackberry, tobacco, rooty, licorice, peppery, resin, cedar bark flavours. Finish is very warm and slightly tart with light tannins to shed. Drink now-4 years while the balance and fruit are still good and before the 15% alcohol shows.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $38.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $39.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $39.25 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Robin Ridge Chardonnay 2007
Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaButter, pear, citrus, matchstick, candied apple aromas with a touch of honey. Round, soft, somewhat sweet entry with spicy, butter, baked pear, peach skin and apple sauce flavours. Very simple, sweeter consumer style, a clone of the prior vintage.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Tinhorn Creek Vineyards Kerner Late Harvest 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBaked pear, apple, cooked peach, floral, citrus aromas. Round, somewhat sweet but very soft and easy drinking with citrus, honey, baked apple, canned peach, pear skin flavours. Lacks vibrancy for a late harvest wine but easy drinking for current consumption.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 200ml |
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90PTS
Cuvaison Pinot Noir 2007
Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United StatesBlack cherry, floral, licorice, tobacco, compost, coffee, carrot top aromas with a touch of barnyard. Round, supple, elegant palate with soft acidity. Smoky, coffee, carrot, tobacco, green tea, spicy, herbal, black cherry and vanilla flavours. Good solid, forward style for current drinking with duck, goose, chicken - you name the fowl.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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17 January 2010
85PTS
Inniskillin Okanagan Pinot Noir Reserve 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMedium light ruby colour. Peppery, leafy, compost, rhubarb, gamey, celery salt, mocha, cola aromas. Round, supple, smooth but very dry palate, somewhat lean. Rooty, savoury, coffee, stewed rhubarb, peppery, compost, herbal, tea flavours. Simple, easy style but lacking in fruit elegance.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
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14 January 2010
88PTS
M. Chapoutier Crozes-Hermitage Les Meysonniers Rouge 2008
Crozes Hermitage, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceVery peppery, earthy, licorice root, spicy, menthol, tobacco, savoury aromas. Round, dry, elegant, slightly lean palate with earthy, licorice, menthol, tobacco, barnyard, black cherry, roasted pepper, mineral flavours with a juicy, cool fruit finish. Good solid expression of Northern syrah. Drink now-3 years.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
McWilliam's Hanwood Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaPeppery, resiny, smoky, herbal, vanilla, tobacco, blackberry, sappy cassis nose. Fresh, somewhat sweet entry with some light, cedar-y tannins. Cassis, cherry, vanilla cola, tobacco, herbal, cedar bark flavours. Finish is warm and somewhat sweet and sour. Very simple, commercial style.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $15.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $14.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Delicato Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
California, United StatesCedar bark, cola, rooty, tobacco, earthy, saddle leather nose. Round, soft, somewhat sweet entry with cola, earthy, cedar bark, cherry, dried herb and leaf flavours. Finish is very cedar-y. A basic red.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Xanadu Next of Kin Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaSpicy, tobacco, rooty, resin, cassis, black pepper, cedar bark, cola aromas. Round, dry, tart, warm palate with cassis, blackberry, resin, cola, cedar, tobacco and black olive flavours. A bit tart and warm on the finish but solid fruit for the money.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Carpineto Chianti Classico 2006
Tuscany, ItalyTobacco, cherry, floral, meaty, barnyard, leather, chocolate, olive, gamey aromas. Dry, round, fresh, soft palate with medium to lighter body. Peppery, earthy, cherry, tobacco, smoked meat, rooty, saddle leather and cooked carrot, dried herb flavours. More forward, easy style Chianti to drink now. Much like the prior vintage.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Trio Barrel Aged Syrah - Tempranillo - Cabernet 2004
Castilla-Leon, SpainMeaty, peppery, tobacco, black cherry, black plum, garrigue, savoury, floral nose. Round, rich, moderately dry palate with light tannins but good acidity balance. Spicy, chocolate, plum, black cherry, tobacco, licorice flavours with some vanilla streaks. A bit rustic on the finish but has good fruit and balance. A great value here. Buy this one by the case and enjoy with a variety of meats and cheese.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Bodega del Desierto Cabernet Sauvignon 25/5 2006
Alto Valle del Rio Colorado, La Pampa, ArgentinaBlackberry, savoury, peppery, jammy, floral, coffee, tobacco, meaty, leather aromas. Full, dry, warm, slightly tart and austere palate. Cola, resin, peppery, blackberry jam, tobacco, earthy, meaty, vanilla, dried herb flavours. A bit too hot and austere on the finish but fine for grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Familia Deicas Don Pascual Reserve Tannat 2008
Canelones, UruguayMedium ruby colour. Spicy, earthy, peppery, chocolate, garrigue, prune, tobacco nose. Dry, light, slightly lean and tannic palate with earthy, spicy, meaty, tobacco, dried herb and prune flavours. Designed for food but lacks overall concentration and ripeness. Best with beef.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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07 January 2010
85PTS
Fetzer Valley Oaks Merlot 2007
California, United StatesOpen dry cedar, peppery, cherry spice, tobacco aromas with a touch of chocolate and saddle leather. The palate is soft, supple and fresh with cherry, spicy, clove, cedar and tobacco flavours with a touch of cardamom on the finish. Will appeal to most and fair value.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.49 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Fog Head Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesNettle, smoky, light bell pepper, grapefruit rind, herbal aromas. Fresh, crisp, elegant palate with a touch of sweetness. Grapefruit, melon, butter, grassy, nettle, smoky lemon flavours. Good solid commercial consumer style.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Doña Paula Los Cardos Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaStruck matchstick, melon, grapefruit, gooseberry, light bell pepper aromas. Fresh, soft, round, slightly sweet entry with pink grapefruit, bubble-gum, melon, gooseberry, grassy, light asparagus flavours. Simple, straight up white for summer.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $15.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Luis Felipe Edwards Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileHuge smoked, canned jalapeno nose with nettle, lemon, grapefruit rind, gooseberry aromas. Round, fresh, fleshy palate with gooseberry, canned jalapeno, grapefruit, melon, floral, grassy flavours. Good texture and flavours if a tad sweet and herbaceous on the finish. Good solid consumer style seafood drink.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Robert Mondavi Fumé Blanc Reserve To-Kalon Vineyard (Unfiltered) 2007
Napa Valley, California, United StatesSpicy, passion fruit, gooseberry, grapefruit, vanilla, butter, melon rind, lemon grass, nettle and floral aromas. Ripe, round, dry, elegant, slightly austere but balanced palate. Passion fruit, lemon, grassy, oyster shell, grapefruit, vanilla, spicy, smoky, waxy lees flavours. Good intensity and acid freshness to pair with sole or halibut.Prices:| NF | $50.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $49.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Tinhorn Creek Cabernet Franc 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMeaty, leather, coriander, cranberry, sweaty saddle, barnyard, floral, cherry aromas with some vanilla and compost. Round, slightly thin, slightly tannic and tart palate. Soapy floral, cranberry, tobacco leaf, herbal, smoky, leather, meaty, barnyard flavours. Very light style with a slightly tart, warm finish.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chateau St. Jean Merlot 2006
Sonoma County, California, United StatesSmoky saddle leather, meaty, peppery, cedar, tobacco, chocolate, resin, prune plum aromas. Round, dry, supple, full but elegant palate with a hint of tannins. Peppery, smoky, saddle leather, with bits of cedar bark, vanilla, coffee, menthol, cherry jam and tobacco. Solid, somewhat rustic style for Sonoma for medium term consumption. Serve with a classic roast beef dish.Prices:| BC | $46.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $35.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $47.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $36.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Don Domenico Cabernet Franc 2007
San Juan, ArgentinaSpicy, dried leaf, tobacco, floral, sour cherry, cola, meaty, peppery aromas. Round, full, supple palate with cranberry, cola, peppery, tobacco, cherry menthol, pruny, coffee flavours with a bitter herb finish. Soupy and somewhat cooked. Made with organic fruit but this needs more help.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Barrandica Estate Wine Selection 2006
Mendoza, ArgentinaSpicy, smoky, tobacco, black cherry, cassis, saddle leather, roasted meat, lifted plum aromas. Round, dry, full, warm, supple palate with very light tannins. Smoked meat, blackberry, black cherry jam, resin, saddle leather, peppery, licorice, tobacco, menthol flavours. Good solid, somewhat rustic style for grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Rodney Strong Symmetry Table Red Wine 2006
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesSimilar to past editions with smoky, cedar-y, peppery, tobacco, coffee, savoury, vanilla, black cherry, aromas with a liquorice and dried herb note in the background. Round, dry, elegant, slightly austere style with some gritty tannin. Dried cedar, peppery, mocha, vanilla, blackberry jam, balsamic, pruny, liquorice, resin, tobacco leaf flavours. Fine length but finish is very warm. Needs 2-4 years to round out.Prices:| BC | $90.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $69.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $85.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Therapy Vineyards Freud's Ego 2007
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCranberry, riparian, tobacco leaf, herbal, tomato leaf, smoky green aromas. Dry, tart, light, austere palate with green herbal, tea, tobacco leaf, cranberry, sour cherry, coffee, roasted tomato flavours. Very green and light. Not much here.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Therapy Vineyards Superego 2007
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHerbal, leafy cassis nose with pruny, leather, liquorice, carrot top, savoury, aromas. Dry, tight, tart, slightly austere palate with chalky, green tannins. Peppery, cranberry, herbal, stemmy, sour cherry, green tea, coffee, carrot top flavours. A tart edge without much extract or ripeness. This red needs an ego adjustment.Prices:| BC | $37.00 | 750ml |
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06 January 2010
88PTS
Tenuta Sant'Antonio Scaia Rossa 2007
Veneto, ItalyI suppose super-Vapolicella would be one way to describe the Scaia Rossa, the 100 per cent corvina that is smooth and silky from start to finish. The vines are relatively young and grown over sandy, muddy, limestone soils at 200 - 300 m above sea level. The wine sees no oak which explains the purity of fruit and its graceful expression in the mouth. It is the freshness and low alcohol that attracts you to the wine and makes you want to finish the bottle. Risotto, pasta with beans, vegetarian lasagne it will work with all of them. Charming, elegant, sip-able and best of all affordable. Great value in a real wine for the table.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
James Oatley Tic Tok Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Mudgee - Franklin River, AustraliaAnother cross-continent blend of mixing Mudgee NSW (60%) and Frankland WA (40%) fermented cool. The result is a soft easy sipping cabernet with a cassis herbal leafy character. The herbaceous style is deliberate I guess the only question is will consumers be equally deliberate in embracing it.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
James Oatley Tic Tok Shiraz 2008
Franklin River - Mudgee - McLaren Vale, AustraliaLook for a spicy fruity red with white pepper undercurrents and fine acidity. The goal here it to reveal a cooler, savoury, herbal shiraz character with spicy notes and they have done it. The finish is dry and warm. Most of the wine is matured in one and two year old French oak with a small portion left in stainless steel to pump up the fruit. An introductory style shiraz for pizza and burgersPrices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
James Oatley Tic Tok Chardonnay 2008
Mudgee - Pemberton, AustraliaThis is fun juicy fresh modern Oz chardonnay where melon and tropical flavours meet orange flecks. The textures are soft, maybe too soft, but the creamy, vanilla notes will attract those who like that style. A sophisticated mix of tank and barrel ferment, French oak maturation and partial, secondary, malolactic fermentation all which seems to keep it interesting.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
James Oatley Tic Tok Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Pemberton - Frankland River - Mudgee, AustraliaOpen limey, bright tropical fruit nose with tart screamingly fresh, lean style. It is all stainless steel fermented and finishes with grassy herbal grapefruit notes. The finish is super crisp and clean. Perfect for shellfish.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
James Oatley Tic Tok Pinot Grigio 2009
Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaJust a hint of colour reassures its gris roots. The nose is bright and fresh its cool Adelaide Hills fruit district offering up tropical earthy aromas. It's mostly stainless steel fermented with a small amount getting some oxidation in older oak to bolster the mouthfeel and textures. The result is a fresh northern Italian style that is best of all food friendly. Good value here for Adelaide Hills.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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05 January 2010
87PTS
Longue-Dog Grenache Syrah 2008
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceAnother hit from Paul Boutinot of Chat-en-Oeuf fame. Look for a big meaty, peppery, black raspberry, peppery, floral nose with a round, supple palate. Love the full black cherry, raspberry, meaty, leather, spicy, floral flavours and the overall balance and finish. Simple, fresh, fruity style at a very affordable price.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Louis Bernard Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2008
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceVery floral, spicy, chalky, mineral, quince, pear, lemon, slate aromas. Round, fresh, elegant, simple palate but balanced with spicy, pear skin, slate, lemon, floral, chalky, peach skin flavours. Good solid value for current drinking white and representative of the region.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Bodegas Palacio Glorioso Rioja Crianza 2006
Rioja Alta, Rioja, SpainEarthy, spicy, floral, tobacco, cherry, dark plum, gamey aromas. Round, dry, slightly lean but elegant with tobacco, cedar, spicy, prune, cherry, meaty, earthy, carrot flavours. Finish is somewhat tart and warm. Best with food.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Bonterra Vineyards Zinfandel 2007
Mendocino County, California, United StatesCorked, try anotherPrices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Chateau Saint Roch Chimères 2006
Côtes du Roussillon, Roussillon, Sud de France, FranceImpressive peppery, spicy, floral, black cherry, black raspberry, licorice, savoury aromas. Round, full, supple palate with good acidity balance. Black cherry, orange, peppery, spicy, coffee, tobacco, smoky, meaty, savoury flavours. Good intensity and ripeness if a bit warm but great for a lamb leg for this winter.Prices:| BC | $25.50 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Therapy Vineyards Pinot Noir 2008
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, worsteshire, cherry, smoked tea, rhubarb, tobacco leaf, floral aromas. Dry, somewhat light, tart but elegant palate with floral, sour cherry, rhubarb, worsteshire, smoky tea, coffee flavours. Somewhat disjointed with green tea-like tannins on the finish.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Bodegas Beronia Rioja Reserva 2004
Rioja Alta, Rioja, SpainCorked, try another.Prices:| BC | $23.49 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Torres Coronas Tempranillo 2005
Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainPeppery, spicy, earthy, meaty, black cherry, carrot top, leafy aromas. Soft, supple, round, fresh palate with earthy, gamey, black cherry, peppery, leather, spicy, licorice flavours. Warm and full for any food. Simple and solid value once again.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Mt. Boucherie Summit Reserve Pinot Noir 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSulphury, tobacco leaf, rhubarb, spicy nose. Soft, round, dry, light, low extract with tobacco leaf, compost, earthy, somewhat dirty flavours. Not up to the usual standard here.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Ardales Barrel Aged Organic Tempranillo 2006
Castilla-Leon, SpainCherry, meaty, leather, tobacco, spicy, savoury, vanilla aromas. Round, dry, slightly astringent palate but full with meaty, chocolate, pruny, cherry, vanilla, leather, orange peel flavours. Solid fruit and style but best with grilled meats to soften the finish. Made with organically grown fruit.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Moulin de Gassac Guilhem Red 2007
l'Hérault, Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceBig peppery, meaty, black cherry jam, licorice, floral, carrot top, kirsch, chocolate aromas. Dry, round, elegant, slightly light palate with a touch of acidity showing. Lively black raspberry, plum, orange, stony, mineral, licorice, floral flavours. A bit tart on the finish but good fruit and balance for food. Nicely done and affordable. The grapes are organically grown.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $11.45 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Palacio Remondo La Vendimia Rioja 2007
Rioja, SpainFloral, spicy, cherry jam, plum, tobacco, meaty, gamey, leather aromas. Ripe, round, full, slightly tannic palate. Meaty, coffee, peppery, black cherry, plum, orange, floral, licorice, tobacco flavours. Good balance and density with persistent fruit. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Rodney Strong Zinfandel Knotty Vines 2007
Sonoma County, California, United StatesBig blackberry, strawberry jam, licorice, spicy, peppery, tobacco, meaty, riparian aromas, good and clean. Ripe, round, supple, rich palate if a bit alcoholic warm and tart. Lots of blackberry jam, smoky, rooty, licorice, peppery, plum, spicy, cola flavours. Good solid fruit and intensity for current drinking. Rodney Strong has about 15 acres of old, gnarled zinfandel vines, planted in 1904, that go into the blend of fruit that mixes the appellations of Dry Creek, Russian River and Alexander Valleys.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.99 | 750ml |
| US | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
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04 January 2010
88PTS
Caliterra Tributo Carmenere Single Vineyard Block Vignoble Boldo 2007
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileSpicy, sappy, dried herbs, menthol, tobacco leaf, cherry jam, licorice, vanilla aromas with a touch of cedar bark. Round, dry, elegant but light with cedar bark, tobacco leaf, dried herbs, cherry, cassis, menthol, chocolate flavours. Solid, easy-sipping style but dry on the finish. Best with pork or grilled meat.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Koyle Syrah 2007
Maipo - Colchagua Valley, ChileVery meaty, barnyard, resin, peppery, Band-Aid, floral, spicy, tobacco leaf, coriander aromas. Dry, fresh, elegant palate with light tannins. Cedar bark, tobacco leaf, herbal, savoury, poultry spice, peppery, cherry flavours with a meaty, leather finish. Very rustic, somewhat herbal style.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Casa Silva Reserva Carmenère 2007
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChilePepper, sausage meat, saddle leather, menthol, tobacco leaf, dried herbs, cardamom, sappy cassis nose. Dry, round, easy palate with weedy, cassis, menthol, tobacco leaf, meaty, saddle leather flavours. Finish is somewhat bitter and dry. Ordinary this time around.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Marques de Casa Concha Carmenere 2007
Puemo, Valle del Cachapoal, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileCedar, tobacco leaf, menthol, bay leaf, meaty, resin, spicy, cherry, rooty aromas. Dry, round, supple, slightly lean but good concentration. Crushed dried leaves, tobacco leaf, herbal, dark chocolate, resin, black cherry, earthy flavours. Solid length with finesse. Needs time to blossom in the bottle. Try again in 2014.Prices:| ON | $24.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $25.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Luis Felipe Edwards Shiraz Reserva 2008
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileLiquorice root, coffee, meaty, cherry jam aromas. Soft, round, simple style with menthol, bay leaf, peppery, black cherry, meaty, coffee flavours. Good solid fruit if a bit reduced under screwcap. Well balanced and solid value.Prices:| QC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Luis Felipe Edwards Carmenere 2008
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileSomewhat reduced nose with candied cherry, menthol, tobacco leaf, rubber, rooty aromas. Soft, round, easy palate but very dry with smoky, dried herb, menthol, tobacco leaf, earthy flavours. Lacks fruit and some finesse.Prices:| PEI | $13.50 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Luis Felipe Edwards Dona Bernarda Private Collection 2006
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileLifted nose with chocolate, vanilla, black cherry, cassis, meaty, floral, spicy, earthy, rooty aromas. Round, dry, supple, elegant palate with orange, cassis, peppery, chocolate, dried herbs, licorice, coffee, vanilla, mineral flavours. Good finesse and complexity in a forward, older elegant style.Prices:| NS | $36.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $39.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
J. Bouchon Mingre 2006
Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileVery meaty, barnyard, cooked mushroom, peppery, rooty, saddle leather/tobacco leaf aromas. Dry, supple, round palate with meaty, peppery, Band-Aid, cooked carrot, cassis jam, resin, peppery. Good texture and balance but somewhat dirty and Brettanomyces in the finish.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Robin Ridge Pinot Noir 2007
Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFresh rhubarb, herbal, spicy, tobacco leaf, floral, rooty nose. Dry, light, elegant style with rhubarb, sour cherry, spicy, floral, coffee, rooty flavours. Simple, easy drinking style for current consumption. Much cleaner version that is headed in the right direction.Prices:| BC | $21.90 | 750ml |
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0PTS
De Martino Carmenere Reserva 347 Vineyards 2007
Region del Valle Central, ChileCorked, try another.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
De Martino Legado Reserva Syrah 2007
Choapa Valley, Coquimbo Region, ChileImpressive spicy, floral, liquorice, dry peppery nose with flecks of chocolate and cherry jam. The entry is fresh with chocolate, meaty, peppery, liquorice root flavours streaked with coffee bean, tobacco leaf, and black cherry flavours. Good balance and intensity if a bit dry. Will be good with roast lamb or turkey. A new taste from the Choapa Valley in the Coquimbo region in northern Chile. The vineyard sits at 2,700 feet above sea level.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
De Martino Legado Reserva Carmenère 2007
Isla de Maipo, Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileVery peppery, tobacco leaf, black cherry, herbal, saddle leather, meaty aromas. Smooth, round, juicy palate but otherwise very dry. Coffee, bitter herbs, tobacco leaf, licorice, cedar bark, menthol, leather flavours. A solid effort but the dryness calls for food and preferably beef for best results.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
De Martino Carmenère Alto de Piedras 2007
Isla de Maipo, Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileExpect a typically spicy, smoky, peppery nose with black cherry, crushed leaf, cocoa, vanilla and dried cardamom aromas. The palate is dry and elegant with light tannins. The fruit is a mix of cherry, cassis, coffee, tobacco leaf, saddle leather, dried herbs, and cedar bark with a touch of vanilla and bitter chocolate. Good solid style if a bit lean. Best with chicken or beef dishes.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
De Martino Cabernet - Malbec 2007
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileOpen chocolate, beef, grapey, tobacco nose with earthy, light barnyard, cassis, and vanilla aromas. Round, dry, elegant palate and light tannins. Friendly dark chocolate, mushroom, tobacco leaf, cassis, herbal, cherry, flavours. Simple but solid and would be fine with a variety of grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Dunham Froese Pinot Noir 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTobacco leaf, forest floor, rhubarb, carrot top, rhubarb, strawberry, herbal aromas. Round, dry, elegant palate with good acidity. Smoky, resin, coffee, carrot top, strawberry rhubarb, mineral, herbal flavours. Simple, fresh, easy-sipping style pinot that could use a little less of the dried herbs and oak and a touch more sweet pinot fruit. Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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03 January 2010
90PTS
Champagne Henriot Souverain NV
Champagne, FranceLots of fine, continuous mousse, very effervescent. Floral, green apple, citrus, pear, toasty, waxy, honey nose with a touch of petrol. Fresh, crisp, creamy bead with green apple, honey, baked pear, toasty, citrus, mineral flavours. Good finesse and elegance in a lighter, slightly sweet brut style.Prices:| BC | $65.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $63.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $63.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $64.00 | 750ml |
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02 January 2010
87PTS
Robert Oatley Chardonnay 2007
Mudgee, New South Wales, AustraliaThe fruit is grown on three Oatley family vineyards in Mudgee and fermented 50/50 in stainless steel and wood. Expect a soft, buttery, creamy style with apple/melon fruit and more butter in the aftertaste. Simple effective styling reveals the fruit and the region. Drink now.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
McWilliam's Hanwood Pinot Grigio 2008
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaMcWilliams has worked some magic hear capturing all the fruit and eschewing the phenolics. Fresh and clean under screwcap this is frankly, a delicious style. Love the stone fruit, pear nectarine flavours and orange notes in the back end. Love the balance and length and it is food friendly. Wine like this could lead Oz back out of the darknessPrices:| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $14.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Moncellier Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandThis is a classic interpretation of Marlborough sauvignon: crisp, jalapeno, citrus. The fruit comes from two sites - one in the Awatere Valley and the other from the Omaka Valley. No mysteries here. Simple straight-ahead winemaking and quick bottling. Look for an intense sauvignon flavours (grapefruit and passion fruit) but perhaps not as aggressive as some of its fellow labels. A perfect shell fish wine.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Moncellier Pinot Gris 2008
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandThe first gris from former Matua winemaker Greg Rowdon and former Matua owner Bill Spence. The Moncellier gris is a single vineyard wine made with fruit grown on the edge of the Wairau river. The style is soft and ripe with sweet honeyed, baked apple fruit and gentle spices. Good quality but pricey given the local BC competition.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
King Estate Pinot Gris Signature Selection 2007
Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesWe are often underwhelmed by Oregon pinot gris but not this time. King Estate has turned out a very fresh version of the variety that is unoaked and brimming with mineral, wet stone, apple aromas and similar leesy, fruit driven flavours. Fine complexity and a style that makes you want to finish the bottle.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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01 January 2010
87PTS
Cono Sur Pinot Noir 2007
Region del Valle Central, ChileOpen soft sweet fruit nose with a touch of forest floor. The flavours are a mix of raspberries, sour cherries and dried herbs all aged in 50 per cent new and used oak. It's a richer version of the entry-level pinot but it needs a little more finesse and mouth-filling sweet pinot character to be at its best.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Undurraga Sibaris Pinot Noir Reserva Especial 2008
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileA cleaner brighter version of the '07 with a cherry raspberry nose. The palate is supple with spicy black fruit, bits of liquorice, sour cherry, tea, vanilla and a touch of dried herbs. Well-balanced and with light tannins. Try with rabbit, duck or pheasant dishes. Good value in pinot noir.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Cono Sur Pinot Noir 2008
Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe latest '08 builds on the tradition of soft easy sipping pinot-flavoured fruit with spicy, liquorice root and black cherry flecks. Good mid-palate sweetens and with and earthy forest floor finish. Roast chicken, turkey or soft cheeses will pair well with this. As usual it is very good value pinot.Prices:| BC | $11.49 | 750ml |
| NS | $11.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.45 | 750ml |
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87PTS
JoieFarm PTG 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPTG or "Passetoutgrain" is a riff on the classic gamay/pinot noir blend you can encountered in Burgundy. The blend is kept in a 25/75 combination of new and 1 year old French oak for 10 months before release. The '07 is a pleasant jump up in quality from the 2006. The palate is slightly reductive with meaty leesy notes but much sweeter fruit this time around. The textures are soft and supple the flavours a mix red cherries and strawberries. An easy sipping red that should age a year or two in bottle and improve further. Try it with duck confit or roasted chicken. Not cheap.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Tinhorn Creek Pinot Noir 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA slightly richer version of last year' with spicy, rhubarb, black fruit nose. The entry is round and dry with more spicy strawberry and tobacco, compost, barnyard flavours. As is the style this is simple pinot for current drinking.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Chateau St. Jean Pinot Noir 2007
Sonoma County, California, United StatesThe St. Jean pinot is based on bright Carneros fruit supported by 15 per cent Russian River Valley pinot. It's all hand-picked and cold soaked prior to ferment. It is aged nine months in barrel before the best is reassembled, blended and bottled unfined. Look for sweet raspberry fruit on entry and drier dark cherry flavours mixed with smoke spice and vanilla over velvety textures. Impressive value in a very tasty pinot noir.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $30.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $35.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Ruca Malen Yauquén Chardonnay 2008
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaLove the bright fresh fruit here and the low-ish alcohol. The texture is slightly creamy with a subtle leesy undercurrent. Almost Chablis-like on the palate with a clean fresh finish. Unoaked and suited to halibut, sole or simply prepared shellfish dishes.Prices:| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Santa Carolina Reserva Pinot Noir 2008
Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileA Cono Sur look-alike with bright, if slightly herbal pinot fruit with raspberry/cherry aromas and dry earthy undertones. The entry is soft and supple as it slides down easily. Fine varietal character for the money and you can drink it now.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
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February 2010