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Tastings: June 2010
28 June 2010
87PTS
Yalumba Shiraz Viognier Y Series 2007
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaPeppery, earthy, resin, floral, coffee, meaty, pruny, somewhat leafy aromas. Soft, round, dry, fresh palate with coffee, ginger, floral, sausage, peppery, plum jam, prune flavours. A bit warm and tart but solid core of fruit.Prices:| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $18.00 | 750ml |
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27 June 2010
89PTS
Mademoiselle de T Pouilly-Fumé 2007
Pouilly-Fume, Upper Loire, Loire, FranceMademoiselle de T is 100% sauvignon blanc and it's an attractive white from start to finish. Expect a refreshing style that mixes grass and grapefruit with lime and citrus in a medium bodied sauvignon. Finesse over power and it's fun to drink. Think white fish and shellfish. Fine effort.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $26.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Durbanville Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Coastal Region, South AfricaThe grapes are sourced from both cool and warm sites in what was a cool year giving the wine a sense of freshness and intense tropical fruit aromas. The palate is awash in limey, grapefruit and melon flavours form start to finish. A terrific summer style white for seafood and pasta salads.Prices:| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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23 June 2010
88PTS
Staete Landt Chardonnay Estate Grown 2008
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandButtery, waxy, floral, lemon, baked apple, spicy, nutty, peach aromas. Round, full, soft palate with very spicy, clove, cinnamon, waxy, honey, baked apple and melon flavours with a bit of grapefruit rind and vanilla. Finish is very buttery, leesy and a bit oaky but has good finesse.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $38.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Staete Landt Sauvignon Blanc Estate Grown 2009
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandFloral, green melon, grapefruit, gooseberry, spicy lees, butter and green apple aromas with a passion fruit streak. Fresh, crisp, round, full palate with nice textures. Canned jalapeno, passion fruit, grapefruit, gooseberry, baked apple flavours and a bit of butter and spice on the finish. Good concentration and finesse but young and zippy. Needs 1-2 years to integrate but delicious now.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Cono Sur Organic Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileOnce in a while you find something truly exciting at a killer price and this is it. Very aromatic nose with grapefruit, melon, peach, canned jalapeno, lime, floral, green apple aromas. Ripe, round, juicy and vibrant palate with sweet ripe fruit of melon with lime, grapefruit, smoky jalapeno, passion fruit and orange flavours. Good concentration, finesse and viscosity for sauvignon blanc at a killer price from cool, coastal vineyards. A blend of three pickings and three Sancerre clones. Green never tasted so good.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Cono Sur 20 Barrels Chardonnay 2008
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileGrapes are from the west end of Casablanca Valley. Spicy, butter, melon, vanilla, peach, honey, waxy, nutty aromas. Fresh, crisp, juicy, elegant palate with peach, green apple, vanilla, honey, tangerine, lime flavours with a nutty, creamy finish. Good solid cooler citrus style for seafood.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Viña Chocalán Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2008
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileSpicy, coffee bean, cassis jam, blackberry, bay leaf, minty, black olive, tobacco "Maipo" aromas. Dry, round, slightly tight but with elegance. Cassis, tobacco leaf, minty, bay, cedar, peppery, vanilla and chocolate flavours. Try this with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Viña Chocalán Syrah Seleccion 2008
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileSpicy, peppery, blackberry, plum, meaty, earthy, smoky aromas. Round, dry, supple with light tannins and good acidity. More peppery, spicy, bay leaf, garrigue, blackberry, smoky, rooty, plum flavours. Good fruit and spice in a forward style.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Viña Chocalán Viognier Reserva 2009
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileHoney, ginger, nectarine, floral, orange, mineral, light vanilla and spicy lees aromas with a touch of green apple. Round, fresh, rich, elegant but warm palate. Juicy with ginger, lemon, papaya, orange, creamy vanilla, honey, pear skin and green apple flavours. A bit rindy but very good concentration and finesse.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Viña Chocalán Malvilla Chardonnay 2008
Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileButter, green apple, melon, peach, floral aromas. Round, full, elegant, fresh creamy palate with delicious baked green apple, nectarine, butter, vanilla, spicy, grassy, grapefruit flavours. Good finesse, very solid food style and the price is fair.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Viña Chocalán Malvilla Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileGrassy, grapefruit, nettle, floral, melon, canned jalapeno aromas. Round, fresh, elegant, juicy style with passion fruit, lime, grapefruit, jalapeno and gooseberry flavours. Good viscosity with a creamy note and fresh. Made from two clones picked at different maturities.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Cono Sur Ocio Pinot Noir 2007
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileSpicy, plum, strawberry jam, smoky, liquorice, rooty, celery salt, savoury aromas. Dry, round, supple, fresh palate with more liquorice root, savoury, herbal, tobacco leaf, cherry, plum flavours with a light smoky, vanilla finish. It is a bit tart and warm but has with fine concentration and fruit. Made with the assistance of Martin Prieur from Burgundy, the vines are still relatively young so expect continued improvements here.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $60.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $46.64 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Kenwood Pinot Noir 2007
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesCarrot, compost, spicy, cedar, strawberry jam, light barnyard and tobacco aromas. Round, supple, juicy, fresh palate with wild strawberry jam, plum, compost, celery, dried herb, tobacco and orange flavours with a cedar note. Good finesse and fruit at an affordable price.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Mark West Pinot Noir 2008
California, United StatesSpicy, tobacco leaf, strawberry jam, floral, orange rind, rooty, coffee aromas. Round, supple, fresh palate but a bit warm. Orange, rhubarb, strawberry jam, rooty, coffee, vanilla, tobacco leaf flavours. Good fruit and intensity but the acidity and alcohol poke through on the finish. Good solid pinot character for the money.Prices:| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Napa Valley, California, United StatesBig spicy, cassis jam, black berry jam, tobacco, peppery, clove, vanilla, coffee, cedar aromas with a rooty, earthy note. Rich, ripe, full palate with supple tannins but very unctuous and warm with good acidity. Intense cassis jam, coffee, vanilla, tobacco, boysenberry jam, hot vanilla cream, clove and cinnamon flavours. Big fruit, ripe, long, warm style, almost too much of a good thing.Prices:| BC | $89.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $85.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $75.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $89.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $74.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mer Soleil Silver Unoaked Chardonnay 2008
Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesA new style in a new ceramic bottle. Pear, baked apple, floral, citrus, pineapple and light honey flavours. Fresh, round, elegant, slightly oily palate with butter, lees, baked pear, citrus, and pineapple. No oak and no malolactic, a ripe, juicy style with good acidity.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $27.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Belle Glos Pinot Noir Taylor Vineyard 2008
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, United StatesSpicy, strawberry jam, floral, rooty, coffee, vanilla, celery, waxy, earthy, compost aromas. Round, ripe, fresh, rich and unctuous palate but juicy. Vanilla, coffee cream, licorice, spicy, celery, cherry jam, strawberry, compost, rooty, tealeaf flavours. Very good structure and elegance despite a fair bit of oak. Fine to drink now and over the next 2-4 years.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $50.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $52.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Mer Soleil Chardonnay 2007
Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesPineapple, honey, mango, artichoke, buttery, spicy lees aromas. Big, dry, round, full and warm palate. Very spicy lees, honey, nutty, butter, mineral, pineapple, baked peach flavours. Good concentration and intensity but has a hot, heavy finish with buttered popcorn. An older style California.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $47.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $40.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Belle Glos Pinot Noir Clark and Telephone Vineyard 2008
Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesMade from the Martini clone on own roots, this has a peppery, spicy, carrot top, compost, plum, cherry jam, vanilla cream and coffee nose with a touch of marmalade. Rich, round, smooth and velvety on the palate but fresh and warm with orange, carrot top, black cherry, strawberry jam, vanilla and warm coffee flavours with a cinnamon and compost finish. Big, ripe, unctuous style but well balanced.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $50.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $50.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Belle Glos Pinot Noir Meiomi 2008
California, United StatesA blend of Sonoma, Monterrey and Santa Barbara Counties, this offers a spicy, liquorice, celery, cherry, strawberries, orange peel and compost nose. Round, fresh, elegant and juicy on the palate with good acidity. Coffee, spicy, vanilla, strawberry jam, cherry, celery, orange and tobacco flavours. A bit oaky but has lots of good fruit and textures for current consumption. Solid value here.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $31.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $32.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Conundrum 2008
California, United StatesBig floral, spicy, ginger, nectarine, honey, gooseberry aromas. Fresh, round, rich, somewhat sweet fresh palate with lychee, ginger, nectarine, honey, floral, spicy grapefruit flavours. Fun, fruity, and well-balanced but on the sweet side.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Twisted Tree Pinot Noir 2008
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, cedar bark, strawberry jam, earthy, compost, cherry, resin, smoky chocolate and vanilla aromas. Dry, warm, somewhat tart entry with mocha, cedar bark, tobacco, orange, stewed rhubarb, strawberry jam and root flavours. A bit tannic on the finish with a fair bit of oak. Has promise, needs 1-2 years to integrate.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Arrowleaf Solstice Pinot Noir 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCelery salt, rooty, dried herb, spicy, savoury, menthol, barnyard rhubarb and strawberry aromas. Round, dry, supple but tart palate. Rhubarb, strawberry, carrot top, celery root, tobacco leaf and resin flavours with some coffee and herb notes on the finish. Offers solid fruit and balance in a more delicate pinot style for current drinking.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
CedarCreek Platinum Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBlack olive, tobacco, barnyard, saddle leather, savoury herb, cedar bark, leafy, cassis aromas. Dry, warm, tart but full entry. Tobacco, green olive, green bean, coffee, peppery, dill and soupy cassis flavours. Solid but just too much on the green side with tea tannin finish.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
CedarCreek Platinum Syrah 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeppery, clove, vanilla, spicy, blackberry jam, tobacco, barnyard, saddle leather and meat aromas with a bit of roasted pepper. Round, dry, elegant but a bit hollow. Fresh with clove, poultry, spicy, savoury, oaky, milk chocolate, tobacco and black cherry flavours with a bit of mint and resin on the finish and some green tea tannins. Needs a few years to integrate but appears to lack some stuffing.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
The Beach House 2009
Western Cape, South AfricaGooseberry, grapefruit, canned jalapeno, melon rind aromas jump from the glass of this 80/20 mix of sauvignon/semillon. Fresh, round, somewhat sweet and sour palate with grapefruit, gooseberry, baked pear, nettle and lemon rind flavours. Simple, easy summer deck style.Prices:| BC | $11.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Ridge East Bench Zinfandel 2008
Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesPlanted in 2000 from a selection of Lytton Springs vines. Peppery, spicy, blackberry, cola, resin, liquorice root, smoky, barnyard, garrigue and vanilla aromas. Dry, round, fresh and slightly tannic with a juicy, tart entry with good finesse. Blackberry, boysenberry, vanilla, clove, cola, cedar, peppery, liquorice flavours. a bit warm but good balance and fruit ripeness. Drink now-2 years.Prices:| AB | $47.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $37.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $45.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $50.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
| US | $35.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Ridge Geyserville 2008
Sonoma County, California, United StatesPrimarily a field blend of old vines with mostly zinfandel (72%) and additions of carignan (20%), petite syrah and mataro. Bright spicy, black berry, boysenberry, vanilla, peppery, barnyard, leather, smoky, jammy aromas. Ripe, round, rich, fresh and juicy but warm with light, grainy tannins. Bright palate with vanilla, black cherry, boysenberry, licorice, chocolate, garrigue, chalky, mineral falvours. Great fruit and intensity but fresh despite the warmth. Will age well for the next 5-12 years.Prices:| AB | $47.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $37.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $45.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $50.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
| US | $35.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Ridge Santa Cruz Mountain Estate Red 2007
Santa Cruz Mountains, San Francisco Bay, California, United StatesMade from 48 cabernet sauvignon, 42 merlot, this has a nice cassis, peppery, leather, and barnyard, black cherry, coffee, black olive and tobacco nose with a touch of dried cedar. Fresh, dry, somewhat lean and elegant style with cassis, black cherry, black olive, tobacco, earthy, peppery, spicy, vanilla, coffee flavours. Good concentration but not heavy, needs 2-4 years to develop.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
| US | $35.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $45.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $51.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Ridge Lytton Springs Zinfandel 2001
Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesA look at how Lytton Springs ages. Big peppery, soy, prune plum, cedar, liquorice, jammy, leather, barnyard, blackberry nose, very good complexity. Ripe, rich, round, dry, warm but fresh with good acidity. Soy, cedar, blackberry, boysenberry, liquorice, dried herb, savoury, mineral, rooty flavours. Very good fruit and concentration but not extracted or warm. Very fine shape, will age a further 2-4 years.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $47.00 | 750ml |
| US | $35.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $50.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $45.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $36.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Ridge Lytton Springs Zinfandel 2007
Sonoma County, California, United StatesA blend of 71 zinfandel, 22 petite syrah and 7 carignane. Big black plum jam, blackberry, vanilla, spicy, clove, floral, liquorice, barnyard, mineral aromas. Dry, fresh, warm palate with some youthful, gritty tannins. Blackberry, black raspberry jam, peppery, clove, vanilla, tobacco flavours. Good fruit and finesse, a bit youthful, needs 1-2 years to soften.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $47.00 | 750ml |
| US | $35.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $50.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $45.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $36.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Ridge Three Valleys 2008
Sonoma County, California, United StatesA blend of zinfandel, petite syrah and other field varieties, this has a nice spicy, mocha, black berry jam, black plum, liquorice, tobacco, barnyard and cedar nose. Dry, round, fresh, slightly tight entry with strawberry, black cherry, peppery, liquorice, vanilla spice and tobacco flavours with a touch of chocolate. Nice warm, fresh, fruity finish.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $28.00 | 750ml |
| US | $22.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $28.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $28.50 | 750ml |
| QC | $29.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $34.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Ridge Santa Cruz Mountain Estate Chardonnay 2008
Santa Cruz Mountains, San Francisco Bay, California, United StatesBaked apple, nutty, floral, spicy, pear, clove, waxy, vanilla nose with some peach skin notes. Ripe, round, elegant, slightly sweet palate with good acidity. Earthy, spicy, vanilla, cedar, pear, honey, citrus, peach flavours with a nutty, buttery finish. A bit warm but has good fruit and finesse in a more forward style. Serious California chardonnay that is ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
| US | $40.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $53.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $65.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Ridge Santa Cruz Mountains Montebello Cabernet Sauvignon 1988
Santa Cruz Mountains, San Francisco Bay, California, United StatesTobacco, cedar, barnyard, coffee grind, meaty, Band-Aid, black olive, cassis, soy aromas. Round, dry, supple, fresh and elegant palate. Cassis, tobacco, cedar, leather, soy, black olive flavours with a green bean, coffee grind, dried herb finish. Fully mature, a bit green but has good finesse if a bit bretty.Prices:| US | $75.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Ridge Montebello Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Santa Cruz Mountains, San Francisco Bay, California, United StatesAt only 13.1% alcohol the aromas flavours are quite a feat. Blackberry, cassis, smoky, vanilla, waxy, barnyard, leather, tobacco, iodine, meaty, peppery aromas. Ripe, rich, round, dry and fresh palate with good finesse and grainy tannins. Peppery, cassis, vanilla, clove, creamy, boysenberry, spicy, black olive, tobacco and coffee flavours. Good length and finesse with a very fresh finish with tight tannins and some mineral, cedar notes. Needs another 4-10 years to integrate. A bit fresher acidity than normal perhaps but otherwise easily among the best cabernet made in California and likely the rest of the world too.Prices:| AB | $150.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $170.00 | 750ml |
| US | $145.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $160.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $199.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Ganton & Larson Prospect Winery Fats Johnson Pinot Noir 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, rooty, resin, earthy, coffee, orange peel, rhubarb aromas. Round, supple, fresh palate with cherry Kool-Aid, strawberry, rooty, mineral, coffee cream flavours. Light textured but has decent pinot character in the mouth. A step up from the last vintage and fair value.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.95 | 750ml |
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22 June 2010
87PTS
Gray Monk Ehrenfelser 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDependable floral, peach skin, spicy, light ginger, passion fruit, grapefruit aromas. Fresh, juicy, somewhat sweet palate with orange, grapefruit rind, peach, lime skin and slate flavours. Similar in style to last year, a fun drink for the summer or perhaps spicy seafood.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Graham Beck Shiraz Viognier 2007
Coastal Region, South AfricaSpicy, meaty, floral, peppery, liquorice, leather, ginger, rooty aromas. Round, supple, somewhat sweet palate with fresh acidity. Very smoky, leather, black cherry jam, meaty, peppery, rooty, tobacco flavours with bits of rubber. Good fruit if a bit sweet and sour, not quite as fine as the previous edition.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Intrigue Gewurztraminer 2009
Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral soapy, light sausage, green apple skin, lees, mineral aromas. Ripe, round, soft, slightly sweet entry with lees, sausage, honey, floral, soapy, peach skin flavours. Finish is a bit rindy and warm but has good acidity freshness. Light and a bit leesy in the back end but should be fine with Thai or Indian dishes.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Tinhorn Creek Chardonnay 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAnother quality leap at Tinhorn. Look for light honey, green apple, grapefruit, and spicy lees aromas with a touch of vanilla cream. Fresh, juicy, round palate with a touch of sweetness. Grapefruit, honey, baked apple, lime rind, butter and vanilla flavours. Tasty, fresh, affordable. Stock up.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Nk'Mip Cellars Pinot Blanc 2008
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPear, grapefruit, peach pit, light butter aromas. Fresh, creamy, soft palate with light pear, red apple, chalk, peach skin flavours. Clean well made simple style white for lunch or picnics.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Belle Glos Oeil de Perdrix Pinot Noir Blanc Rosé 2009
Yorkville Highlands, Mendocino County, California, United StatesPale raspberry colour. Floral, cherry, red apple and tobacco leaf aromas. Spicy, round, somewhat sweet and sour style with red apple, cherry, tobacco, pear and pepper flavours. Simple fresh, rosé under Stelvin.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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11 June 2010
89PTS
Domaines Schlumberger Riesling Les Princes Abbes 2005
Alsace, FranceLight petrol, butter, slate, green apple skin, citrus, waxy, honey aromas. Crisp, off dry, elegant, delicate palate with good juicy acidity. Light lees, Vaseline, petrol, slate, green apple skin, pear and lime flavours. Good finesse and acidity with just a touch of residual sugar, can age 2-4 years.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.00 | 750ml |
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10 June 2010
88PTS
Van Zellers Co. Vinho Rose 2008
Rio Torto, Cima Corga, Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalIf you can imagine the dry heat of the Douro Valley and the pale pink colour of this rosé you can picture the locals downing this wine by the litre. Dry crisp and lemony with a texture and weight that will support slightly richer appetizers or main dishes. Impressive rosé for wine drinkers.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
8th Generation Vineyard Pinot Meunier Rose 2009
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAnother well-made delicious wine from 8th Generation. Love the bright citrus fruit character and the light red berry fruit you get on the nose and palate with just a dash of sweetness in the finish. So fresh and bright so appealing this is a terrific bottle of rosé.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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09 June 2010
93PTS
Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Napa Valley, California, United StatesAt 15.2% alcohol, this has a huge spicy, smoky, peppery, blackberry jam, cassis, vanilla, coffee, tobacco, clove, eucalyptus, cedar and mocha nose. Rich, ripe, full, round and supple with grainy tannins and almost tart acidity. Big, bold, almost sweet palate with cassis jam, vanilla, mocha, peppery, blackberry jam, tobacco, menthol, cedar and rooty flavours. Long, intense, ripe and hot with huge concentration and oak. Needs 5-7 years and not for the faint of heart.Prices:| BC | $149.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $135.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $149.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $140.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $138.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
CedarCreek Platinum Malbec 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery spicy, peppery, savoury, dried herb, iodine, medicinal, resin, black cherry, vanilla, tobacco and coffee aromas. Ripe, round, dry, supple, grainy palate and juicy. Plum, cherry, chocolate, tobacco, peppery, sage, liquorice, dried herb, smoky mushroom flavours. A bit warm but good texture and fruit. A bit stemmy at this point it should improve in bottle. We expect the vines will do likewise, given how young they are. Only 84 cases made.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Stag's Hollow Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, passion fruit, grapefruit, floral, lemon, nettle aromas with a touch of grass. Fresh, off dry, round but slightly austere palate with gooseberry, grapefruit rind, passion fruit, pear, apple skin flavours with a somewhat rind-y finish.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Cono Sur Cabernet Sauvignon - Carmenère 2008
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileThis red is a blend of organically grown grapes from the Colchagua Valley. The cassis flavoured cabernet sauvignon appears to blend effortlessly into the carmenère with its dried herbs, black cherry and chocolate fruit flavours. Soft and sappy it is ready to drink and is best served with grilled meats or chicken.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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07 June 2010
89PTS
Cono Sur 20 Barrels Limited Edition Pinot Noir 2008
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileMade from the Pommard clone, these 9-year-old vines are showing well. Smoky, leather, cherry, strawberry jam, vanilla, rooty, rhubarb aromas with a light streak of barnyard and caraway. Round, dry, supple, fresh palate with raspberry, cherry, coffee, liquorice, orange rind and compost flavours. The acidity is a bit edgy there very good fruit and finesse. Solid value here and good with food.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Belle Glos Pinot Noir Las Alturas 2008
Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesDistinctive nose with a spicy, waxy, peppery, rooty, tobacco nose followed by rhubarb, cherry, floral, garrigue and leafy notes. Fresh, rich round and supple on the palate with light tannins and juicy acidity if a bit warm. Cherry, plum, orange, vanilla cream, coffee, spicy, waxy, floral, jammy flavours with a rooty, tealeaf finish. Very good fruit and long but the alcohol pokes through a bit too much with the oak. Fine drinking now. An interesting comparison with the cooler Taylor Lane Vineyard edition.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $50.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $45.00 | 750ml |
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06 June 2010
88PTS
Stoneboat Vineyards Chorus 2009
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe latest edition of Chorus is much like the first, excellent fun. The Martiniuk family has crafted an attractive, aromatic white that is flecked with bright tropical fruit. Expect a fresh mineral nose with grapefruit, citrus, lime rind flavours and bits of peach and red apple in the finish. A super summer sipper BC style. The blend is a mix of pinot gris, pinot blanc, viognier, kerner, müller-thurgau and schönburger.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
8th Generation Vineyard Riesling Off-Dry 2009
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight lees and mineral nose with apricot, citrus and honey aromas. The entry is bright and fresh with zesty acidity and just the right mix of sweet limey mango fruit. Impressive styling and fun to drink. Bravo. Try it with pork or spicy Asian dishes.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
See Ya Later Ranch SYL Brut NV
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLook for a bright, floral, complex brioche nose with bits of fruit and nutty lees. The entry is clean a crisp with more baked pea and yeasty notes over a dried peach and pear finish. This bubble has jumped another notch up the sparkling scale. Very fine quality. Bravo BC.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $21.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $24.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Arrowleaf Pinot Gris 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe grapes for the gris are grown at Suncrest Vineyard in Okanagan Centre and Wendell Orchards in Carr's Landing. Look for ripe apple, spicy, pear, melon aromas with floral mineral undertones. The palate is fresh with peach and rear fruit flavours. Good complexity for the price and delicious.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Therapy Vineyards Freudian Sip 2008
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAlways fresh and clean in style the 09 is a particularly bright blend of riesling, pinot gris, gewürztraminer, viognier and muscat all fermented in stainless steel. Look for a spicy, mineral, citrus r and nectarine skin nose and flavours with hints of ginger in the aftertaste. A delicious summer sipper.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Sandhill Pinot Gris King Family Vineyard 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOver the years, this wine has settled into its fresh, juicy persona offering up bits of pear and tropical fruit with a touch of Okanagan peach. Expect a medium-bodied style white with bright acidity and fresh juicy melon and green apple fruit flavours. Try it with spicy wraps and or crab cakes.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $18.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Calliope Sauvignon Blanc 2009
British Columbia, CanadaA new venture for Burrowing Owl blending fruit from estates outside of the original BOV sites in Oliver. Floral, waxy, cooked grapefruit, passion fruit aromas. Round, fresh, somewhat sweet and soft palate with passion fruit, grapefruit, mineral, apple skin flavours. Simple, easy-sipping style on the more ripe side.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $34.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Burrowing Owl Chardonnay 2008
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery ripe, honeyed nose with nutty lees, vanilla, citrus, baked apple, ripe pear and lanolin aromas with a touch of garlic. Round, soft, slightly oily palate with a bit of sweetness. Very smoky, nutty, vanilla, saline, spicy, baked apple skin and grapefruit flavours. A bit lean and warm on the finish but an otherwise solid effort. Try this with grilled halibut.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $34.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Quails' Gate Dry Riesling 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFun floral, red apple, peach, light matchstick and light lees aromas. Fresh, crisp, juicy palate with peach, lime, grapefruit, floral, red apple flavours. Crisp, juicy finish. Refreshing and fruity all in a well-balanced style.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Black Hills Chardonnay 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight nutty, citrus, lees, spicy, waxy, vanilla aromas with a touch of baked pear and apple. Round, dry, juicy, slightly salty palate with citrus, green apple, grassy, nutty, vanilla, honey and garlic flavours. Finish is elegant with light garlic, smoky note. Serve with simply prepared seafood or chicken dishes.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Intrigue Riesling 2009
Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAppealing green apple, floral, slate nose with a hint of matchstick and some leesy, earthy notes. Light, soft, somewhat sweet entry but fresh with fruit salad, honey, orange, baked peach flavours. Simple, summer sipper style with a juicy, warm finish.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Nk'Mip Cellars Qwam Qwmt Chardonnay 2008
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNutty, buttery, light vanilla, floral, citrus, honey, waxy aromas. Palate is round, elegant, lighter bodied with a touch of sweetness but juicy acidity. Butterscotch, baked apple, vanilla, creamy, spicy, nutty lees flavours. Finish is juicy and a touch warm with lots of nutty, buttery notes.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Mt. Boucherie Estate Collection Chardonnay 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFresh red apple, grassy, grapefruit, peach, almond aromas. Ripe, round, off dry palate with honey, grapefruit, nutty, waxy, lemon and guava flavours. An un-oaked version that offers solid fruit and balance for the money. The Mt. Boucherie Collection Chardonnay is made with a mix of Similkameen Vineyard in Cawston and Sunrise Vineyard in Okanagan Falls.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Robin Ridge Chardonnay 2008
Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, leesy, bacon, honey, waxy, orange aromas. Round, fat, soft, somewhat sweet palate with nutty, buttery lees, honey, baked apple and citrus flavours. Good textures if a bit over-worked on the lees side.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Ganton & Larson Prospect Winery The Townsend Jack Unoaked Chardonnay 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGrassy, floral, grapefruit, green apple skin, honey aromas. Fresh, somewhat sweet, round palate with honey, butter, grapefruit, apple skin and mineral flavours. Simple summer sipper.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Quails' Gate Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, nutty, spicy, garlic, vanilla cream, baked apple, grapefruit, dried herb aromas. Round, delicate, soft palate with a touch of sweetness. Vanilla, grassy, creamy, nutty lees, garlic, grapefruit, passion fruit, mineral, waxy, melon flavours. Good complexity and texture but a bit flat on the finish. Attractive style for current consumption.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Quails' Gate Chardonnay 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNutty lees, grapefruit, green apple skin, light honey and butter with a waxy, grassy note. Round, slightly sweet entry, soft, easy palate with hazelnut, honey, butter, orange, grapefruit rind and apple skin flavours. Delicate, juicy finish with some length.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
CedarCreek Chardonnay 2008
British Columbia, CanadaBig leesy nose with celery, grassy, waxy, vanilla, nutty, buttery aromas. Round, slightly lean entry with grapefruit, nutty, garlic, spicy, butter, honey, mineral, apple skin flavours. It finishes on the tart side with a touch of garlic lees lending it some complexity. Drink now or through the next year.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
JoieFarm Chardonnay Un-Oaked (ii) 2009
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery grassy, grapefruit rind, leesy, ginger, green apple skin aromas. Round, slightly oily texture with a sweet and sour palate. Lees, ginger, grapefruit, light honey and butter flavours. Finish is dry and somewhat tart with bitter citrus notes. Disappointing for the price.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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04 June 2010
90PTS
Quinta do Crasto Douro Vinho Tinto 2008
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalThe Crasto Douro red is the Roquette family's calling card and what an announcement. Located just south of Pinhão on the north side of the Douro the blend is a classic mix of tinta roriz, tinta barroca, touriga franca and touriga nacional all co-fermented. Not as ebullient as the 2007 but nevertheless very tasty red wine. Typically, the nose is fragrant reflecting the minerality from its schist -based soils and bits of black fruits. On the palate, it attacks with peppery, black plum fruit, bits of cocoa powder and figgy Christmas pudding. Fine intensity yet only 13.5 percent alcohol. You can drink it now with a big steak or cellar for a decade. Value with a capital V.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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02 June 2010
89PTS
Arrowleaf Solstice Gewurztraminer 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery strong, clean varietal nose with lychee, sausage, orange, rose petal, ginger, peach skin aromas. Fresh, round, elegant style with just a touch of sweetness but good acidity. Rose petal, honey, peach fuzz, sausage, and light lychee, citrus and mineral flavours. Well balanced, elegant style with good varietal character.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Laughing Stock Vineyards Pinot Gris +23/9 2009
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, grassy, green apple, butter, peach skin, citrus aromas. Ripe, round, fresh with a touch of sweetness. Buttery, peach skin, chalky, honey, nutty, earthy flavours. Finish is crisp and a bit on the austere side yet offers fine flavour intensity throughout. An impressive bottle of pinot gris.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Laughing Stock Vineyards Blind Trust White +23/9 2009
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHoney, rose petal, orange, spicy, ginger, nutty lees with light guava and peach aromas. Ripe, round, rich, slightly sweet entry but elegant. Butter, honey, floral, minty, ginger, grassy, grapefruit rind flavours sing out. The blend is "blind" unless you remove the capsule where the mix is revealed: 59/15/13/13 of pinot gris, viognier, pinot blanc and sauvignon blanc is revealed on the neck. Well made and executed if just a bit coarse at this young stage. Indian anyone?Prices:| BC | $25.10 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Riesling 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLime, grapefruit, butter, mineral, green apple skin, light petrol aromas. Fresh, crisp, juicy palate with green apple, lime, chalky, nectarine skin, slate flavours. Good finesse and freshness if a tad austere. Try with cold smoked salmon or mussels.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Pinot Blanc 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaButtery, light nutty lees, vanilla, baked pear, red apple skin aromas. Round, fresh, juicy, creamy palate with butter, vanilla, mineral, grapefruit rind, and gooseberry, pear and granny smith flavours. Finish is quite tart and a bit austere at this stage but we expect this will age gracefully under screwcap.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tinhorn Creek Gewürztraminer 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight lychee, sausage, lees, butter, green apple, spicy, citrus rind aromas. Fresh, light, elegant palate with a juicy note and a touch of sweetness. Green apple, nectarine, spicy, ginger, light sausage and mineral flavours. Well made tasty gewürztraminer.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tinhorn Creek 2Bench Oldfield Collection White 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 09 2Bench has shown well since its release. Love the spicy, floral, guava, peach, green apple nose flecked with light lees, lychee and sausage aromas. Ripe, round, rich, slightly sweet entry but fresh and clean on the palate. A fine mix of flavours including roses, grapefruit, red apple, honey, butter, mineral, lychee, grass and melon rind. Indian food anyone?Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Howling Bluff Pinot Noir 2008
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaExpect a cool nose of celery, carrot top, rhubarb, worsteshire and raspberry/floral aromas. Soft, round, dry, light palate with strawberry rhubarb, cola, carrot, tobacco leaf and light compost flavours. The finish is a bit tart but there is texture and balance that suggest it will improve in bottle.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Blue Mountain Reserve Pinot Gris 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery nutty, garlic, spicy, (Euro) buttery, waxy, light honey and baked pear aromas. Round, dry, crisp, somewhat lean but balanced palate with green apple, garlic lees, nutty, grassy, grapefruit, and seashell flavours. Good structure but a more austere, tart style for food, especially oysters or calamari. Drink up.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Blue Mountain Pinot Gris 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight butter, earthy, baked pear, citrus, seaweed, seashell, almond aromas. Ripe, round, fresh and crisp but good texture. Light butter, nutty garlic lees, lemon, green apple, pear skin flavours with a touch of seashore. Very crisp, juicy, slightly austere finish that is reminiscent of Chablis yet made from pinot gris.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Blue Mountain Pinot Blanc 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGuava, nutty lees, light butter, canned artichoke aromas with fresh peach pit and granny smith aromas. Round, elegant, softer palate with grapefruit rind, green guava, passion fruit, light butter and green apple flavours. Good overall balance and texture. A solid effort at a very fair price.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Blue Mountain Gold Label Brut NV
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight fine, continuous mousse. Brioche, baked pear, green apple, nutty, honey, peach aromas with a touch of citrus. Crisp, dry, slightly foamy palate but good finesse and acidity. Nutty, lemon, earthy, peach pit, spicy, green apple, pear and honey flavours. A delicate, more austere style with lots of citrus and apple but will go well with food. Affordable, well-made, New World sparkling wine.Prices:| BC | $31.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $36.85 | 750ml |
| ON | $28.95 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Nichol Vineyard Gewurztraminer 2008
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery dirty, leesy, cheesy aromas. Defective bottle.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Quails' Gate Pinot Noir 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLean carrot top, brine, herbal, tobacco leaf, rhubarb, mineral, resin aromas. Dry, tight, elegant palate with fine freshness. Rhubarb, resin, celery salt, carrot top, tobacco leaf, nettle and soy flavours mark the palate. A lean tight cool version of pinot that is best served with fatty dishes at this point. A touch more fruit and texture would elevate this wine in the glass considerably.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
CedarCreek Ehrenfelser 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, spicy, tangerine, ripe apple, nectarine, canned pink grapefruit aromas. Fresh, crisp, juicy, slightly sweet entry with tangerine, melon rind, gooseberry, spicy, granny smith, light butter and peach flavours. Good juicy, fun style for food and summer.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Road 13 Home Vineyard Old Vines Chenin Blanc 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig floral, pink grapefruit, citrus rind, honey, bubble gum nose with a touch of ginger and gooseberry. Ripe, round, crisp, somewhat sweet entry with candied pink grapefruit, red apple, honey, light lees, mineral, gooseberry and guava flavours. Good balance and intensity if a tad sweet and sour in the finish. There is 6% riesling in the final blend to lift the fruit.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Road 13 Stemwinder 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight butter, lees, spicy, peach, guava, muscat, grapefruit, and passion fruit aromas. Ripe, round, fresh, slightly sweet entry with minty, spicy, nutty, butter, honey, popcorn, grassy, grapefruit flavours. Finish is crisp with lots of citrus rind. Good solid summer sipper style.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
JoieFarm A Noble Blend 2009
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery spicy, ginger, perfumed, minty, mineral, canned grapefruit, grassy, gooseberry aromas. Fresh, crisp, juicy palate with strong grapefruit rind, grassy, peach pit, green apple, light lychee, spicy, mineral flavours. Very dry, rind-y finish to go with most Asian food and summer salads.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Louis Latour Pinot Noir Domaine de Valmoissine 2006
Burgundy, FranceCorked, try a newer vintage.Prices:| NF | $19.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Bouchard Père & Fils Reserve Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2007
Burgundy, FranceCarrot, barnyard, compost, tobacco leaf, beef aromas. Dry, slightly tight, elegant palate with cedar bark, sour cherry, rhubarb, earthy, tobacco flavours. Light, simple, somewhat lean style. Disappointing for the price.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Sebeka Cabernet Pinotage 2007
Western Cape, South AfricaBlueberry, barnyard and tobacco leaf notes mixed with olives, dried herbs and coffee aromas. Sweet, soft, round palate with coffee, herbal, blueberry, resin, leafy flavours. Finish is quite tart and herbal. Ordinary wine at an ordinary price.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Nederburg Cabernet Sauvignon Winemasters Reserve 2008
Western Cape, South AfricaSimple smoky, leather, meaty nose with bits of rubber, black olive and cassis aromas. Fresh if somewhat tart palate with more herbal, smoky, leather, earthy, resin, meaty, cooked carrot flavours. Too sweet and sour for our taste and not all that clean.Prices:| BC | $11.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.86 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.45 | 750ml |
| NS | $13.85 | 750ml |
| NF | $14.38 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Graham Beck Gamekeeper's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Robertson, Breede River Valley, South AfricaEarthy, smoky ash, tobacco leaf nose with dried herbs and menthol aromas. Very dry, tart palate with some astringent tannins. Menthol, resin, tobacco leaf, ash, herbal, meaty, sappy cassis flavours. Finish is astringent, tart and hot. Not up to its usual standards.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Thelema Mountain Red 2006
Western Cape, South AfricaA multi-varietal blend featuring a smoky, leather, tobacco, rooty, earthy, black olive nose. A supple, fresh palate with a touch of sweetness and flavours of a coffee, earthy, tobacco, cassis, ash and grilled meat. Very warm leafy, oaky finish. A better, more modern remake of the SA style.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
KWV Roodeberg 2007
Western Cape, South AfricaLook for a tight smoky, tobacco leaf, resiny nose with earthy, green bean, olive aromas. Round, supple, fresh with a touch of sweetness on the palate but the dominate flavours are a mix of smoky leather, tobacco, earth, resin and rubber notes. Simple red wine.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.55 | 750ml |
| SK | $15.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.59 | 750ml |
| NS | $15.85 | 750ml |
| NB | $14.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.79 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Howling Bluff Pinot Noir 2007
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, sour cherry, rhubarb nose with bits of mineral, cola and cool compost/forest floor aromas. The entry is dry, round and supple with cherry/cola, coffee, spicy, herbal, tobacco, beef and rhubarb flavours. A bit light yet with fine pinot textures and balance for current drinking. Good effort.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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01 June 2010
90PTS
Twisted Tree Marsanne Roussanne 2009
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHoney, ginger, nutty, anise, butter, lemon, baked peach aromas. Round, rich, elegant, fresh palate with a touch of oiliness. Mineral, ginger, lemon, honey, nutty, nectarine, apricot flavours. Juicy, round finish with good finesse and length. Impressive style well -executed, take that Rhone Valley.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Twisted Tree Viognier Roussanne 2009
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, orange, guava, gooseberry, honey, floral, ginger, lemon oil aromas. Round, rich, slightly sweet entry but fresh with ginger, orange, lemon peel, grassy, gooseberry, grapefruit rind, butter and guava flavours. A touch rind-y and hot on the finish but solid fruit and balance.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Black Hills Alibi 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPink grapefruit, passion fruit, nettle, lemon, light floral aromas with a touch of honey. Round, fresh, elegant, cool style with a touch of sweetness. Grapefruit, gooseberry, lemon thyme, mineral, ginger, chalky flavours. Alibi is fashioned after the sauvignon blanc sémillon blends of the Loire Valley and works well with seafood dishes.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Laughing Stock Vineyards Viognier +1/10 2009
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA first viognier from Laughing Stock is has a buttery, candied ginger, leesy, orange, honey, mineral, slightly floral nose. Round, rich, warm, slightly sweet entry with fresh acidity and more honey, candied orange peel, ginger, buttery, vanilla, anise, floral flavours. Finish is very warm and somewhat sweet with a bit of butterscotch and buttered popcorn. A fun sipping style that should be leaned out going forward to make it more food friendly. That said Thai or Indian dishes would work here.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Boekenhoutskloof The Wolftrap 2009
Western Cape, South AfricaPeppery, spicy, meaty, black cherry, floral, orange, chocolate, liquorice aromas. Round, supple, fresh, elegant palate with smoky, spicy, black cherry, plum, coffee, liquorice, chocolate flavours with a touch of sweetness and grilled meat on the finish. Good solid style for meats and tomato sauces or mole.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $14.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Viognier 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig spicy, ginger, creamsicle, honey, mineral, nectarine skin, tangerine aromas with a touch of nutty lees. Round, fresh, elegant, slightly sweet entry with ginger, mineral, lemon peel, tangerine, honey, nectarine skin and five spice flavours. Good fresh, crisp finish to accompany most Asian foods. Solid value for BC.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Barista Pinotage 2009
Western Cape, South AfricaIf you love the smell of coffee Barista Pinotage 2009 may be for you. The nose has intense smoky, roasted coffee notes mixed with cassis, chocolate and meaty aromas. The palate is very fresh acidity and some sweetness with more cherry/coffee/chocolate with vanilla, menthol, tobacco leaf flavours. The winery recommends a pairing with a blue cheese filled brandy snap, Belgium chocolate and roasted coffee beans.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Teddy Hall Chenin Blanc Summer Moments 2009
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaSummer Moments 2009 comes with a more classic nutty, grassy, green apple nose flecked with honey, gooseberry, and spicy aromas. The entry is fresh, crisp and just off-dry entry with nettle, lemon, grapefruit, gooseberry, passion fruit flavours and a touch of grass. Love the juicy mineral, green guava finish. Solid value.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Spier Chenin Blanc 2009
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaThe Spier chenin blanc from Stellenbosch has a fresh green apple nose with bits of honey, mineral, grapefruit and floral notes. The palate is fresh with slightly sweet grapefruit, grassy, nettle, honey, green apple and anise flavours. A crisp, juicy style made for most seafood. Good value.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Saxenburg Guinea Fowl Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2006
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaSmoked meat, leather, tobacco, ash, dried herbs and light barnyard aromas mark the nose. The palate is round and sweet with more ash, tobacco, resin, earthy, smoky, barnyard, blueberry flavours. The finish is warm with a dusting of tealeaf tannins. Consistent, if unremarkable style.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Highland Estates Seco Highlands Pinot Noir 2007
Arroyo Seco, Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesCherry jam, barnyard, spicy, soy, celery, vanilla, cardamom, prune plum aromas. Ripe, round, rich, supple palate with good acidity balance. Smoky, spicy, savoury, celery salt, carrot, orange, cherry jam, plum and vanilla flavours with some tealeaf notes. A bit warm but there is delicious fruit and textures for current drinking. The biggest change here is the finesse and elegance this wine is developing as the vines age. The nose is ripe with bits of celery salt and soya and red fruits aromas mixed with dried herbs. The mid-palate is silky smooth and soft with delicious earthy, strawberry, spicy fruit flavours. It's still aged 10 months in 100 per cent French oak but the new oak in the '07 edition is down to 43 per cent that seems to be helping this pinot show better richness and complexity.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $50.00 | 750ml |
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July 2010