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Tastings: July 2010
31 July 2010
88PTS
Saumur Lieu-dit Les Pouches 2008
Saumur, Loire, FranceGrapefruit, green apple, floral, light honey and slate aromas. Fresh, crisp, elegant, juicy and ripe palate with a hint of sweetness but good acidity. Green apple, pear, honey, grapefruit, spicy and chalk flavours. Good elegant and juicy wine for salmon. The price increase would be easier to take if the winery switched to screwcap ensuring the freshness of every bottle.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Monte Xanic Chenin Blanc Colombard 2008
Guadalupe, Baja California, MexicoNutty, spicy, light lees, pear, apple skin aromas with a touch of maraschino cherry. Rich, round, fairly sweet entry with baked apple, lemon rind, honey, nutty, buttery flavours. Finish is warm and somewhat tart and rind-y. Simple summer wine.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
M. Chapoutier Domaine de Granges de Mirabel Viognier de l'Ardèche 2009
Côtes du Roussillon, Roussillon, Sud de France, FranceWhite peach, marmalade, ginger, honey, floral, sappy aromas. Ripe, round, full bodied but elegant with mineral, ginger, light sausage, butter, peach skin, honey and butter flavours. A bit on the austere side but has good intensity and will age another three to five years in bottle.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Sélection Delas Viognier 2008
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceOxidized, try another bottle.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Domaine du Clos du Bourg Chenin Blanc Demi-Sec 2008
Touraine, Loire, FranceCitrus, pear, read apple, chalky, floral mineral, honey aromas. Ripe, rich, fresh, succulent but somewhat sweet with good acidity. Honey, red apple, baked pear, lemon, green apple skin flavours with a leesy, bready finish. Good flavours and balance for spicy Chinese food or to accompany fruit. Good value.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Cuvée du Haut-Censy Muscadet Sevre et Main Sur Lie 2008
Muscadet, Pays Nantais, Loire, FranceFloral, pear skin, granny smith, nutty, lemon aromas. Dry, fresh, delicate, juicy palate with a nutty, pear, grapefruit, lemon, granny smith and mineral flavours. Not big but more finesse for warm or cool seafood.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Quails' Gate Chenin Blanc 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, nutty, grapefruit rind, mineral, grassy aromas. Fresh, crisp, juicy, off dry palate with lots of grapefruit rind, gooseberry, chalky, mineral, pear flavours. A fresh, rind-y, juicy style for the summer.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Quails' Gate Riesling Icewine 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSuper crisp style with that bright almost piercing acidity that keeps the sweetness in check. The flavours are a mix of intense floral apricot, orange cut with ripe tropical fruit notes. The finish is bracingly acidic, some might say tart but it does make you want to keep sipping. Not for the faint of a heart. The winery suggests you pair it with citrus crème brûlée.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 200ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 200ml |
| SK | $35.00 | 200ml |
| MB | $35.00 | 200ml |
| ON | $35.00 | 200ml |
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85PTS
Quails' Gate Chasselas - Pinot Blanc - Pinot Gris 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGreen apple, pear, floral, buttery lees, mineral, citrus aromas. Fresh, round, somewhat sweet palate with floral, soapy, green apple, pear, grapefruit and honey flavours. Simple, fresh patio wine.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Stag's Hollow Renaissance Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGreen cassis, tobacco leaf, herbal, green olive, green bean, smoky, spicy, meaty aromas. Light, thin, tart palate with green, cedar-y tannins. Green olive, briny, sour cassis, meaty, leather, coffee flavours. Very green tannin, lean finish. Not much here.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Stag's Hollow Heritage Block 1 Cabernet Merlot 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCoffee, resin, cedar, tobacco, meaty, black cherry, green olive, herbal, savoury, medicinal nose. Dry, somewhat lean and tart palate with light, cedar-y tannins. Peppery, meaty, barnyard, leather, Band-Aid, earthy, saddle leather flavours. Solid but very rustic and Bretty.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Stag's Hollow Renaissance Merlot 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCoffee, spicy, mocha, vanilla, black cherry, savoury, liquorice, incense, tapenade, meaty aromas. Ripe, round, dry, slightly austere style but good finesse. Cedar, tobacco, coffee, smoked meat, peppery, vanilla, black cherry, licorice, savoury flavours. A bit warm and oaky with some green tea tannins but has solid core of fruit and the ability to improve over the next 2-4 years in bottle. Well done.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Stag's Hollow Renaissance Merlot 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeppery, meaty, rooty, coffee, vanilla, tobacco, black cherry, olive aromas. Rich, full, somewhat lean and tart entry with dry, hard tannins. Coffee, tobacco leaf, black olive, resin, meaty, leather, vanilla, black cherry flavours. Finish is very warm with some tea tannins to shed. Good potential here if they can eliminate the last of the green tannins.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Stag's Hollow Estate Merlot 2006
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCoffee, plum jam, cedar, tobacco leaf, incense, herbal aromas. Dry, somewhat austere palate with dry tannins. Cedar, coffee, peppery, plum, meaty, tobacco, rooty flavours with some leather and vanilla. A bit too severe at this point but perhaps it will soften out in a few years.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Jean Bousquet Cabernet Sauvignon (Organic Grapes) 2008
Mendoza, ArgentinaSomewhat herbaceous, volatile nose with meaty, barnyard, olive, cassis, sweaty saddle, tobacco, chocolate aromas. Round, soft, somewhat sweet and sour entry with coffee, meaty, leather, licorice, Band-Aid, cassis and cherry flavours. Very commercial, sweet finish.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Veo Grande Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileSappy cassis, cedar bark, menthol, herbal, tobacco leaf, meaty aromas, more like carmenère than cab. Round, tart, somewhat lean palate with light tannins. Olive, resin, peppery, menthol, cedar bark, cassis, meaty, salty leather flavours. Very rustic and herbaceous style.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Veramonte Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2009
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileReduced nose with tobacco leaf, herbal, black olive, green bean, meaty, cedar bark, resin, rubber aromas. Dry, round, supple but slightly lean with herbal, tobacco leaf, meaty, animal, cassis, menthol, coffee, barnyard and leather flavours. Unusual effort for this winery bets to wait for the next vintage.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Arrogant Frog Ribet Red 2008
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceIncense, somewhat reduced nose with tobacco leaf, cedar bark, sappy cassis, herbal aromas. Dry, lean entry with herbal, black olive, savoury, cassis, earthy, tobacco leaf flavours and a touch of dry tannin in the finish. A rustic, country style for grilled meats or cheese.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
JoieFarm Muscat The Pure Grape 2009
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig intense floral, spicy, soapy, ginger, orange, nectarine skin aromas with a touch of lychee and grapefruit. Crisp, fresh, easy palate with light intensity. Ginger, soapy, floral, grapefruit, mineral, lime flavours. The finish is surprisingly light and slightly tart given the intensity and upfront flavours. Enjoy this on the patio.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Domaine de Mayrac Blanquette de Limoux Demi-Sec Organic NV
Limoux, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceLots of white, foamy mousse but fairly fine bubbles. Light grapefruit, nutty, pear, green apple, lemon zest, leesy, garlic aromas. Fresh, crisp, foamy mousse palate with some good acidity to balance the light sweetness. Baked green apple, light garlic, pear, honey, nutty, lemon flavours. Fresh, easy style for any occasion.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Line Shack Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
San Antonio Valley, Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesToasted coconut, smoky liquorice, vanilla, coffee, leather nose with bits of barnyard, black cherry jam aromas. Round, tart, sweet and somewhat astringent on entry with more coffee, coconut, tobacco leaf, black olive, cassis, herbal meaty flavours. Hot, sweet and tart finish; never a good combination at this price.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Ciao Chardonnay Organic (Grapes) Tetra Pak NV
Puglia, ItalyMarzipan, peach skin, floral, apple skin aromas. Fresh, somewhat light and austere palate with pear, mineral, peach skin, floral, bitter grassy flavours.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 1000ml |
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84PTS
Bardosa Tempranillo Garnacha 2007
Cariñena, Aragon, SpainBlack cherry, peppery, tobacco leaf, smoky, licorice root, meaty, incense aromas. Fresh, somewhat tart acidity and warm with light tannins. Cherry kirsch, orange, blueberry jam, tobacco, licorice flavours. Tart, hot and hard, a replica of Oz wines but made in Spain.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Stone Paddock Chardonnay 2008
Hawkes Bay, North Island, New ZealandNutty, light garlic, green apple, pear, salty mineral, peach aromas. Soft but somewhat austere palate with a hint of sweetness and oiliness. Lean apple, honey, garlic, nutty, cooked peach, citrus and butter flavours. Very dry, buttery, popcorn finish. Solid but a strange amalgam of styles.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
WhiteWire 2008
Hawkes Bay, North Island, New ZealandAlmond, leesy, light butter, pear, floral, spicy, lychee aromas. Fresh, crisp, slightly sweet style with red apple, nectarine skin, butter, honey, spicy, baked pear and grapefruit flavours. Simple. Fresh, summer style.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Penfolds Koonunga Hill Chardonnay 2007
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaButtery, spicy, baked green apple, floral, citrus aromas with a bit of roast garlic lees. Round, fresh, elegant palate with buttery, pear, citrus rind, mineral, salty garlic and vanilla flavours. Solid all round white.Prices:| NS | $14.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $16.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $15.50 | 750ml |
| NB | $15.30 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Marques de Casa Concha Chardonnay 2007
Valle del Limari, ChileButterscotch baked green apple, honey, spicy, garlic, nutty, anise aromas with a grassy and tropical streak. Rich, round, crisp but dry with salty garlic, buttery, baked pear, apple skin, honey, grapefruit and lime flavours with some vanilla on the finish. Good complexity for the money all it needs is a bit more texture and extract to really excel. Fine value.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $24.50 | 750ml |
| NF | $22.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Marqués de Cáceres Reserva 2002
Rioja, SpainOpen spicy, meaty, cedar nose with bits of black cherry, prune and floral aromas along with some vanilla, leather and coconut. Dry, fresh, round and slightly tannic on entry with fine acidity. While on the palate it is peppery, tobacco, cedar, cherry, orange and prune with bits if barnyard and leather flavours. Solid tempranillo with elegance.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Marqués de Cáceres Vendimia Seleccionada Crianza 2005
Rioja, SpainDry meaty, peppery, cherry nose with earthy, barnyard undercurrents. Round, dry, soft, supple palate with cherry jam, spicy, meaty, rooty, tobacco flavours. Approachable, simple style tempranillo with some rustic edges. Pair this with grill lamb.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $21.00 | 750ml |
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30 July 2010
0PTS
Torres Mas Rabell 2006
Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainCorked, try another but very mature vintage.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Canti Estate Gavi 2009
Piedmont, ItalyFresh almond, citrus, floral, pear, nectarine skin with a touch of honey. Fresh, crisp, round, off dry entry with lemon, honey, grapefruit, nutty, mineral, quince and pear flavours. Good freshness and balance for current drinking. Good value here. One can only imagine how it would perform under Stelvin because making us pull a piece of tree bark out of the neck of this bottle seems incredibly old school.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Quinta da Aveleda Vinho Verde 2008
Vinho Verde, Northern Portugal, PortugalPear, chalky, melon rind, citrus, nutty aromas. Fresh, crisp, light palate with juicy acidity. Green melon, pear, quince, lemon, green apple, zesty flavours. Not big but very elegant with flavours matched to summer seafood. Solid value.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $12.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Jean Leon Magnolia Chardonnay 2009
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainQuince, citrus, floral, spicy, white peach, chalky, melon aromas. Round, fresh, crisp, juicy palate with spicy, floral, citrus, lemon oil, melon, and green apple flavours. Good fresh fruit and balance for seafood. Solid value here.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Château Gaudrelle 2007
Vouvray, Touraine, Loire, FranceFloral, cooked pear, spicy, red apple, honeyed nose. Fresh, crisp, juicy, creamy palate with some sweetness. Quince, honey, floral, orange, green apple, pear, peppery flavours. Good finesse and fruit for current consumption. Fun and fresh.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Trio Barrel Aged Chardonnay - Verdejo - Airen 2009
Castilla-Leon, SpainMelon, floral, nutty, rose petal, lemon oil, honey and peach skin nose with a buttery note. Dry, fresh, elegant but somewhat austere style. Lemon oil, pear, nectarine skin, melon, rose and passion fruit flavours. Good solid dry white for any type of seafood. Good value.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Riesling Ice Wine 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWhenever conditions are right MH seems to hit a home run with its riesling icewines. In this case a vibrant acidity sets off the creamy floral, nectarine aromas and flavours offering up a fresh elegant icewine that would be a delicious dessert in itself. Big sweet attention grabbing icewine with enough acidity to make you want more than just a glass. Well done.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 375ml |
| AB | $60.00 | 375ml |
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86PTS
Katnook Founder's Block Shiraz 2006
Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaPeppery, liquorice, leather, leafy, tobacco, blackberry aromas with a bit of olive and blueberry. Round, fresh, ripe palate but dry with coffee, tobacco, black cherry kirsch, vanilla, coconut, resin and sausage flavours. Finish is dry and a bit cedar-y with blueberry and light tannins.Prices:| NB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $21.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Katnook Founder's Block Cabernet Shiraz 2006
Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaCoffee, peppery, black olive, cassis, tobacco leaf, cedar, slightly rubbery aromas. Dry, fresh, suave palate but a bit austere with cassis, coffee, peppery, leafy, tobacco, resin, cedar flavours. Solid effort for current consumption. Best with beef.Prices:| NB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Norton Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2006
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaWarm open nose of ripe cabernet with ripe blackberry fruit, cassis and a touch of stewed strawberries. The palate is warm and soft with peppery liquorice red fruit flavours and just a dash of tannin. Decent value. Serve it with hamburgers and simple grilled meat dishes.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Marques de Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Puente Alto, Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileConsistently rich and savoury with a pronounced thyme aroma streaked with coffee, liquorice, smoke and ash. The attack is warm and full with jammy black liquorice fruit and plenty of soft dry tannins in the back end. Ripe fleshy hedonistic style with balance and length. Good value cabernet that would be best with grilled meat now, or another two to three years in bottle. Great new lower price too.Prices:| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $24.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
St. Hubertus Chasselas 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, pear, leesy, lemon aromas. Soft, round, tart palate with leesy, citrus, green apple, soapy floral flavours. A basic, clean fresh summer sipper for light foods.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Serafino Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaAt 14.5 percent this cabernet is both warm and skinny with a pronounced acidic and tart character on the palate and throughout the finish. Intense cedar, plum and smoky ash flavours with more acidity poking through the finish. Awkward, hollow, acidic, unpleasant cabernet.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Pinot Noir Icewine 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRooty bizarre smoked bacon nose and flavours. Herby, sweet rhubarb and strawberry flavours with more smoky bacon highlights. Different is the best thing I can say about this wine that may be past its prime, at least in this bottle size. The price is crazy.Prices:| BC | $65.00 | 200ml |
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88PTS
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Riesling Icewine 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSlightly tired nose of backed apricot, with smoky, mineral orange fruit flavours. Fine mid-palate acidity in what is a slightly tighter skinnier version than past efforts, which is probably a good thing. Good balance of sugar and acidity but this one needs drinking now. The grapes were estate grown at Summerhill's certified organic vineyard in East Kelowna.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 200ml |
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88PTS
La Face Cachée de la Pomme 2007
Quebec, CanadaCanned apple, touch of plasticene, spicy, mineral aromas. Ripe, rich, sweet entry but also very crisp with mineral, baked apple, cinnamon, light honey flavours. Fun iced-dessert style apple wine you can serve solo or with a variety of light fruity desserts.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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29 July 2010
86PTS
Fess Parker Viognier 2008
Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesBarrel fermented nose with lees, vanilla, coconut, canned pineapple, honey, candied ginger nose. Fat, round, soft, somewhat sweet entry with vanilla cream, honey, butter, tropical, canned fruit flavours. Very heavy and sweet controversial wine style. Some will love it; others will be less than thrilled.Prices:| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
San Lorenzo Chenin Blanc Chardonnay & Colombard 2009
MexicoNutty lees, spicy, honey, butter, baked pear, orange and peach skin aromas. Round, fresh, off dry, full with ripe pear, red apple, honey, nutty, butter, creamy, waxy, lemon flavours. Good overall intensity for chicken or seafood. A big improvement here in Mexican whites.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Yalumba Y Series Viognier 2008
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaGood fresh nectarine skin, baked orange, ginger, honey, light butter and mango aromas. Rich, round, off dry, slightly austere palate with buttery, orange, honey, mango, marmalade flavours. Rich and warm with good fruit but a bit heavy. Back to solid form along with a very smart new looking package.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $18.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $18.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $18.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Inycon Estate Fiano 2009
Sicily, ItalyOrange, floral, spicy, honey, pear and quince aromas, very attractive fresh fruit aromas. Ripe, round, rich, slightly sweet entry with honey, orange, mineral, butter, citrus rind, baked pear flavours. Good intensity and ripeness if a sweet and heavy. The synthetic cork has to go.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
M. Chapoutier Domaine de Granges de Mirabel Viognier de l'Ardèche 2008
Côtes du Roussillon, Roussillon, Sud de France, FranceHoney butter, five spice, orange, ginger, sausage, butter, mineral aromas. Round, ripe, slightly fat entry with a bit of sweetness. Ginger, honey, butter, mineral, sausage, cooked peach and orange flavours. Solid fruit but a bit too heavy and fat.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Cycles Gladiator Syrah 2008
Central Coast, California, United StatesTobacco leaf, rooty, menthol, cola, blackberry, blueberry and barnyard aromas. Round, soft, supple palate with fresh acidity but very suave. Herbal, coffee, vanilla, resin, leather, blueberry flavours. Warm and leafy but smooth and glodsy in the backend.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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26 July 2010
90PTS
Beringer Chardonnay 2008
Napa Valley, California, United StatesThe last time I tasted this wine (the 2005) I called it "Ed Lite" in homage of Ed Sbragia and the fine work and style transformation going on at Beringer under winemaker Laurie Hook's watch. The '08 is even better playing all the right leesy, nutty, green apple notes with bits of pear and peach and creamy, spicy textures. The finish is equally balanced with some exotic orange flecks. Make no mistake this is Napa chardonnay but all dressed up and ready for prime time. love the new 'bargain' price too.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $27.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $30.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $35.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Mission Hill S.L.C. Riesling Icewine 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRecently retasted and still fabulous. Pear, light apricot, orange, butter, and green apple aromas in an elegant, crisp, fresh icewine that is sweet but not cloying. The palate is awash orange, lime, apricot, butter and peach skin flavours. Finesse and elegance in a super-rich package and ageing well.Prices:| BC | $80.00 | 375ml |
| AB | $80.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $80.00 | 375ml |
| QC | $80.00 | 375ml |
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25 July 2010
87PTS
Caliterra Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileClassic nettle, passion fruit, lime rind and with a dash of ripe red apple. The entry is round with a touch of sweetness followed by citrus, passion fruit, nettle, honey grassy flavours. The finish is crisp and juicy with a touch of dryness in the end. Think light seafood dishes or shellfish. Fine value in what is essentially a single appellation label from Chile. Take that all you commercial blends.Prices:| QC | $11.75 | 750ml |
| BC | $12.45 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Escorihuela 1884 Reservado Malbec 2009
Mendoza, ArgentinaA wine list stalwart in Vancouver the 1884 is classic malbec with its intense colour, peppery savoury fruit and plush character. I'm happy to report this version is drier than previous efforts making it easier to get through the bottle. Crazy value at $18 and works well the most anything on the barbecue. Still young and fresh with some gritty tannins but they will dissipate going forward.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Nederburg Twenty Ten Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Western Cape, South AfricaFrom a multitude of sources and grapes planted as early as 1969 and as late as 1998. The grapes are picked at a fresh 21 to 22 brix and fermented in all stainless steel with yeast contact. Look for a fresh yellow green colour with a bright grassy citrus nose and clean tropical fruit flavours with a dry grassy finish. Great with goat cheese summer pasta salads and grilled chicken.Prices:| ON | $15.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Vina Maipo Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileDry grassy citrus aromas and flavours that lack any serious fruity character. The palate has feint hints of gooseberry but the dryness and the grass overtake the palate in the finish. Simple sauvignon that lacks real character. The price is fair but for anther dollar or tow you have myriad choices from South Africa, New Zealand and Chile.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Morandé Pionero Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileA bright mix of sweet tropical fruit with green fruit streaks and a dash of pepper on the nose. The palate is similar with aromatic fruit flavours of citrus and lime with gooseberry and a pinch of dried herbs. Typical fresh, Casablanca, cool fruit style perfect for grilled scallops or lemon chicken.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Skillogalee Basket Pressed Shiraz 2006
Clare, Clare Valley, South Australia, AustraliaHand-picked, dry-farmed, basket-pressed the fruit comes off vineyards at 450m above sea level. Expect a soft, dark, peppery, cedar-y fruit with a spicy minty streak thorough out. This is warm shiraz with a long spicy finish and a just a tweek of acidity poking through. Best with grilled lamb.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Pintia Toro 2005
Toro, Castilla-Leon, SpainIt is year five for this muscular, 100 per cent tempranillo, owned by Vega Sicilia but grown in the warmer climes of Toro. Big and rich on entry this heady red comes with a palate full of black fruit, chocolate and vanilla. Still smothered under young and somewhat obvious oak flavours you could drink it now with a steak or even roast lamb, otherwise lay this down for another five years minimum.Prices:| BC | $70.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $185.00 | 1500ml |
| ON | $65.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $169.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Concha y Toro Marqués de Casa Concha Merlot 2007
Puemo, Valle del Cachapoal, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileOpen warm, minty nose with chocolate, cherry and dried herbs. Almost identical entry with sweet soft round red fruit with a peppery savoury dried herb mid-palate and chocolate cherry cinnamon finish. Good length and gloss and fine extract. A riper cleaner version than we have seen in years. Very attractive and ready to drink. Perfect for roast beef. Love the value here.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $22.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Oak Bay Vineyard Pinot Meunier 2008
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAromatic herbal, spicy, compost nose with a bit of black cherry and celery salt. The entry is lean and sharp with leafy black cherry fruit, pomegranate and black olives. Try this with grilled chicken or mushroom risotto.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Oak Bay Vineyard Marechal Foch 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNo big surprises here. Look for a smoky, grapey, meaty, coffee aromas with a hint of tomato leaf. The attack is rich and smooth with aggressive meaty, smoky, tobacco, black cherry, and black olive flavours. Will have appeal for foch fans. Best with hearty stew dishes or cassoulet southern France style.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Campo Viejo Reserva 2005
Rioja, SpainA selection of vineyard lots, the 'reserva' contains all three Rioja grapes tempranillo, mazuelo and graciano. The entry is almost sweet with ripe cherries, bits of vanilla, toasted oak, spice and mushroom. The finish is warm and slightly acidic but with some polish. Beef and rice would be a good match. The wine is aged 18 months in oak and 18 months in bottle. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $20.50 | 750ml |
| NS | $22.50 | 750ml |
| NF | $21.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $23.00 | 750ml |
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24 July 2010
88PTS
Martin's Lane Riesling 2009
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAn initial release based on collaboration between Mission Hill's owner and winemaker Anthony von Mandl and John Simes, along with well-known Pfalz winery owner and winemaker, Fritz Hasselbach. Expect a mineral, sea breeze, oyster shell nose with quite a soft-friendly palate with plenty of red apple/peach fruit flavours streaked with bits of orange and mineral. Solid, if a bit safe, for the first release.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Veo Grande Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Valle del Lontué, Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileA simple soft style sauvignon that lacks varietal character. Warm dry grassy entry and similar grassy warm notes on the palate. Simple dry finish. Lacks fruit and sauvignon definition.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Montalto Nero d'Avola Organic 2008
Sicily, ItalyIt is no surprise Montalto is a family-run winery. Located in the west of Sicily most of what they produce hits the mark for quality and value. This néro is made with organically grown grapes sitting on average 300 meters above sea level. Hand harvest the wine has a wholesome quality with ripe almost sweet red fruit flavours a whack of liquorice and a smooth glossy textured finish. A versatile summer barbecue wine or winter fireplace red.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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23 July 2010
87PTS
Fairview Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGrassy fresh, sea breeze, honey nose with bits of vanilla. The entry is round and soft with sweet lime fruit, butter, melon, ripe grapefruit flavours. Still a bit too woody for oysters but this is g but Good solid fruit core and balance if a touch oaky on the finish. Good stuff. Love to see it a bit drier and more austere.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Two Oceans Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Western Cape, South AfricaI've said it before and I will say it again South Africa has a flair for sauvignon and you can see it even in the bargain bottles. Two Oceans over delivers from its blend of vineyards and fruits across the Cape. Fresh, bright green fruit nose with bits of honey and an undercurrent of grass. Love the balance and fruit not to sweet not to bitter and the light passion fruit finish. Delicious easy drinking introductory sauvignon that over delivers for the price.Prices:| BC | $10.50 | 750ml |
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21 July 2010
87PTS
Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc Private Bin 2009
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandClassic passion fruit, oyster liqueur with bits of jalapeno and capsicum. Round, delicate and fresh on entry with kiwi, tinned asparagus, passion fruit and jalapeno flavours. Classic citrus herbaceous style that is made for mussels.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Pascual Toso Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaFresh kiwi, melon, and grassy mineral nose that is equally fresh and clean on the palate. Fresh, soft and round on entry with more melon, grapefruit, mineral and grassy flavours and a dry finish. Simple well-made affordable sauvignon blanc.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Trivento Cabernet Malbec Reserve 2008
Mendoza, ArgentinaThis wine seems to always over deliver beginning with its white pepper nose and fresh black berry jam aromas. Soft fat savoury fruit with bits of mocha, liquorice and black cherry jam and a dry peppery finish. Bring on the ribs and the hamburgers. Crazy value.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $14.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Trivento Reserve Syrah 2008
Mendoza, ArgentinaAnother home run for Trivento. Rich almost dense meaty peppery, fruit with a full twist of liquorice and spice. Warm rustic, round and affordable this will tame most steaks and almost anything else grilled on the barbecue.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $15.95 | 750ml |
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20 July 2010
89PTS
Schloss Reinhartshausen Riesling Dry QBA 2008
Rheingau, GermanyFairly tight skinny fresh, floral, green apple aromas with bits of lime and peach pit notes. The palate is super dry and crisp with delicate citrus and green apple skin flavours flecked with chalk and mineral and green fruits. Fine balance and intensity that will work well with a variety of foods.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Codorníu Pinot Noir Brut NV
Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainFine open, fruity nose with bits of earthy, toasty mineral, raspberry black cherry aromas. Expect a dry entry with fresh, citrus, mineral black raspberry flavours. Well-made, delicious style rose sparkler that will work well with turkey, and light meats.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Arrogant Frog Ribet White Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceA lean dry crisp, grassy citrus nose previews a similar palate of passion fruit, citrus, lime rind and mineral. Super crisp and dry it would be perfect with most shellfish, particularly oysters. Finished under screwcap. A solid backyard white for the summer.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
8th Generation Vineyard Riesling Classic 2009
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMade from 20-plus year old vines, this classic style riesling has 9 per cent residual sugar but you barley detect it with the acidity so bright and fresh. Crisp crunchy citrus fruit with a dash of red apples this is a wine with endless food possibilities. A B.C. riesling for grownups. Well done.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
8th Generation Vineyard Riesling 2008
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLovely zesty white fruit aromas with mineral, peach and apricot notes. The palate is lively and elegant and still quite youthful with red apple, lime, mineral, nectarine flavours that finish long. Amazing wines that speak to the 8 generations of knowledge gathered by this family.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Intrigue Nine (9) 2009
Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNine named after the vintage "'2009," Nine is a blend of riesling, gewürztraminer and a touch of sémillon. Expect a high toned floral aroma with floral litchi, citrus fruit with a pinch of tropical fruit in the finish. Bright summery fresh and ready to drink. Try this with pork kebabs.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Villa Maria Riesling Private Bin 2008
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandA blend of fruit from Marlborough's higher plains of the Awatere Valley and the old river bed of the Wairau Valley. Floral limey citrus aromas mixed with similar flavours with a dose of petrol and peach pit in the finish. Fresh, crisp and moderately dry serve this with a range of Pan Asian dishes or tries it with your favourite cheese.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Claar Cellars White Bluffs Riesling 2008
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesStraight up, old-style, off-dry riesling with a candied, floral, citrus nose and a relatively flat texture. On the palate the attack is sweet with ripe, honeyed fruit flavours with bits of peach, pineapple and sweet melon. Serve it well chilled to combat the sugar or use it with spicy Pan Asian food stop tone down the heat.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Cono Sur Tocornal Cabernet Merlot 2009
ChileAt $15.50 a magnum, or $7.25 a bottle, I guess all you can hope for is the wine doesn't hurt you. In this case the earthy bell peppers, cassis and dried herbs are rustic but ready for anything coming off the grill. Lamb sausages are the tickets and pizza. Simple straight-up inexpensive red wine.Prices:| BC | $15.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Cono Sur Tocornal Cabernet Shiraz 2009
ChileSimple, commercial red blend of cabernet and shiraz that slightly fatter and richer than its sister merlot blend. Think of this as the ultra-affordable hamburger red that can serve a crowd.Prices:| BC | $15.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Cono Sur Tocornal Chardonnay 2009
ChileSimple fresh commercial well made chardonnay with soft apple/melon tropical fruits with a pinch of butter in the aftertaste. A party pleaser for the casual wine drinker. Serve with creamy pasta dishes.Prices:| BC | $15.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Cono Sur Tocornal Sauvignon Blanc 2009
ChileSimple straight-up grassy grapefruit nose with bits of nettle and citrus. Green fruits and just a hint of sweetness dot the palate with refreshing acidity in the back end. Pretty solid value for the price and available in 1500 ml screwcap bottles for under $16.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 1500ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
De Bortoli Emeri Pink Moscato NV
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaTypically showy nose of floral fruit with hints of candied strawberry and ripe peach. The palate is similar with a persistent bead of mousse that helps to lighten the wine across the palate, but the finish is sweet. A fun aperitif style sparkler you can serve well chilled or that could double up with fresh fruit for dessert.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $16.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Finca Decero Amano Remolinos Vineyard 2007
Agrelo District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThe Amano Remolinos Vineyard is a 60/30/3/2/ malbec/cabernet sauvignon, petit verdot and tannat and boasts the same fresh, mineral, floral highlights as the cabernet and even the petit verdot. Rich, sumptuous and mouth-filling plummy fruit that you can drink now with grilled meats or cellar for three to five years.Prices:| BC | $70.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $60.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Finca Decero Mini Edicion Petit Verdot Remolinos Vineyard 2006
Agrelo District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaA great vintage yields a small amount of hand made especially selected petit verdot that does not make it to the blend. Expect an inky dark colour in your glass. The entry has a strong mineral and cassis fruit character. The style is fresh and clean the tannins are rich but soft. Needs five years but you can drink it now with steak or roast lamb.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Finca Decero Cabernet Sauvignon Remolinos Vineyard 2008
Agrelo District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaI'm always impressed with most Argentine cabernet sauvignon and the Decero is equally beguiling. The Remolinos (little whirlwinds) vineyard is 3500 feet above sea level. Love the spicy, pure mineral, floral, plummy/black cherry fruit flavours here. A lovely ripe style of cabernet with fine structure, bright acidity and lovely depth. Impressive red wine for the price.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
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18 July 2010
89PTS
Domaine Mersiol Riesling 2006
Alsace, FranceSurprisingly cool restrained elegant Alsace riesling with plenty of citrus and mineral highlights on the nose and in the flavours. This wine is both balanced and well-structured and will be a fine accompaniment to both light meats and seafood dishes. The vines are a minimum 20 years old grown on decomposed granite.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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17 July 2010
86PTS
Deinhard Green Label Riesling 2008
Mosel, GermanyThe perfect introductory riesling for those wanting to move from the sweet version to off-dry and drier version. Expect the Mosel characters, freshness and fruit to dominate the palate along with citrus and lime with just a touch of mouth-watering sourness. Easy simple drinkable and fun all with lovey low alcohol. Try it with grilled asparagus and halibut. Great value in Ontario.Prices:| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Bree Riesling 2008
Pfalz, GermanyYou can't miss the Bree bottle that looks more like a modern spirits container. This is modern cheap riesling that just a bit too sweet for its structure. Bubble gum and candy mix with sour fruit and a touch of lemonade. Chill this one right down and serve it on the patio before dinner.Prices:| BC | $16.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Nik Weis St. Urbans-Hof Riesling Estate Bottled From Old Vines 2008
Mosel, GermanyThis is always an elegant wine with crispy, crunchy fruit and that wonderful mix of acidity and smoky fruit that makes your mouth water. Bright fresh dry and succulent with a touch of slate in the background, it is a wine that will make you sing. Best of all it will pair well with a wide variety of foods.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Selbach S Riesling 2008
Mosel, GermanyA carbon copy of last year featuring green and nectarine skin with bits of peach, slate and honey. If anything this version is cleaner with creamy bright acidity and just a hint of sweetness and delicious peachy red apple and pear fruit flavours with a slice of lemon squeezed over it. Perfect for most summer salads.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
CedarCreek Riesling 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, red apple, lanolin, honey, peach, citrus aromas. Fresh, round, easy style with a bit of sweetness. Good spicy, nectarine, lime, grapefruit, honey flavours with a bit of petrol and slate. Good intensity and fruity, juicy style but a bit too sweet and warm on the finish. Friendly for all.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
JoieFarm Riesling iv 2009
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral litchi, green apple skin, candied nose. The palate is fresh and soft with a sweet entry and mid-palate and fairly pronounced acidity and slightly sour finish. The flavours are a mix of peach/melon/grapefruit and ginger with a touch of oiliness in the finish. A simple, tasty style for summer sipping or try with spicy Pan Asian cuisine.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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16 July 2010
87PTS
Vina Zaco Tempranillo 2006
Rioja, SpainTobacco, black pepper, cherry, leather, vanilla, smoky, Oxo, Band-Aid aromas. Round, fresh, supple palate with cherry jam, orange spice, black pepper, tobacco, meaty, barnyard flavours with a bit of coffee and leather. Warm but good fruit in a slightly rustic style.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Atteca Old Vines Vieilles Vignes 2008
Calatayud, Aragon, SpainBig black liquorice, smoky, garrigue, spicy, floral, black cherry jam, plum slate and black pepper aromas. Ripe, rich round and dry with a warm, fresh palate with light tannins. Smoky, garrigue, menthol, ash, peppery, black cherry jam, black plum, savoury flavours with an orange and spice finish. A bit young and warm at this stage but has good fruit and finesse. Drink now or over the next three years. Solid value here.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Old Vines Garnacha de Fuego 2008
Calatayud, Aragon, SpainBlack cherry jam, liquorice, chocolate, smoky, menthol, peppery, slightly reduced nose. Round, ripe, supple and fresh palate with black cherry, black plum, peppery, orange spice, clove flavours with a licorice and tobacco finish. Fresh and plush with fruit to go. Serve with pork or poultry dishes.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Finca Iscorta Rioja Riserva 2003
Rioja Alta, Rioja, SpainSmoky, saddle leather and prune aromas mix with vanilla, tobacco, earthy, coconut and Oxo aromas. Ripe, round, supple and warm palate with good concentration and acidity. More pruny, smoky leather, cherry jam, vanilla, coffee, tobacco and rooty flavours with a bit of olive and garrigue on the finish. A bit warm and oaky but has a solid core of fruit. Best with grilled lamb or rabbit.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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15 July 2010
90PTS
Radford Dale Viognier 2008
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaA single-vineyard viognier from the home property on the Helderberg Mountain in Stellenbosch. A textbook vintage has produced a delicate, barrel-fermented viognier matured in mostly 2nd and 3rd fill oak barrels. Expect a peachy apricot nose with plenty of fresh mineral/leesy dusted fruit. The textures are plush and mouth filling but not overbearing. Definitely leaning toward the northern Rhone but at a bargain price. Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Viña Chocalán Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Casablanca - Curico, ChileGrassy, jalapeno, grapefruit, gooseberry, smoky nettle aromas. Fresh, crisp, delicate palate with a touch of austerity but juicy acidity. Gooseberry, grapefruit, canned jalapeno, light artichoke flavours with a bit of lemon grass on the finish. Very solid, fresh style for clams and squid. Good value.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Si Soave Italia 2008
Soave, Verona, Veneto, ItalyLemon, chalky, mineral, nutty, spicy, pear skin aromas. Fresh, round, off dry palate with nutty, grassy, lemon, earthy, spicy, baked pear flavours. Simple and fresh for summer seafood.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Luiano Chianti Classico Riserva 2005
Tuscany, ItalyMeaty, sausage, floral, cherry jam, prune, tobacco, earthy, rooty, barnyard aromas with a touch of garrigue. Round, supple, elegant palate with light tannins. Cherry, smoky, peppery, prune, leather, tobacco, meaty, savoury flavours. A bit tart on the finish but ready now. A lighter style.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Luiano Chianti Classico 2007
Tuscany, ItalySpicy, cherry, meaty, floral, tobacco, black olive, resin, dried herb aromas. Soft, round, supple, easy palate with cherry, prune, orange, earthy, spicy, meaty flavours with a bit of smoke and iron on the finish. Solid fruit for current drinking.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
La Vieille Ferme Côtes du Luberon Blanc 2009
Côtes du Lubéron, Provence, Sud de France, FranceRose petal, spicy, lemon grass, grapefruit, pear, quince and ginger aromas. Round, soft, fresh, delicate palate with a hint of sweetness. Floral, pear, honey, lemon, butter, nutty, grapefruit flavours. Good intensity for the money, an all-round white for summer.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.30 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.30 | 750ml |
| NS | $11.66 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Voga Quattro 2008
Veneto, ItalyPeppery, spicy, meaty, rooty, cherry jam, prune, tobacco, savoury nose. Round, fresh, somewhat sweet and sour palate with light tannins and cassis, black cherry, rooty, tobacco, coffee, resin flavours. Warm and tart and simple.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
J. Lohr Cypress Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Central Coast, California, United StatesSpicy, cassis jam, prune, coffee, dried herb, roasted pepper aromas. Round, soft, supple palate with a sweet, warm edge. Fresh with berry jam, coffee, rooty, olive, tobacco, milk chocolate flavours. A very consumer-friendly wine on the sweetish side.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Xanadu Next of Kin Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2009
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaNutty, grassy, hay, grapefruit rind, sweaty, herbal, jalapeno, nettle aromas. Crisp, tart entry with just a hint of sweetness. Lemon, lime, grassy, nettle, jalapeno, mineral, leafy, passion fruit flavours. On the cool, tart, austere side but has some good intensity.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Masi Modello Bianco delle Venezie 2009
Verona, Veneto, ItalyPear, floral, nutty, citrus nose with a honeyed note. Fresh, round, soft, somewhat sweet palate with candied pear, floral, grapefruit, red apple flavours. Simple, easy patio style for the summer.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.50 | 750ml |
| SK | $12.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $15.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesIntense cedar/cassis nose with elevated acidity and a tart, dry spicy mid-palate. Look for blueberries and spice with more acidity and skinny herbal finish. Ready to drink but lacking the richness and weight you expect in California cabernet. Be sure to serve it with a piece of meat for best results. Disappointing for the price.Prices:| BC | $70.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $82.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $68.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $73.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
LoTengo Malbec 2009
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaTypical Lo Tengo: medium bodied, fresh, savoury smoky red with a touch of sweet, spicy, red fruit underneath. The textures are soft, the style approachable if predictable. Try this with beef or lamb sausages grilled on the barbecue.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Chook Shed Shiraz 2008
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaAll Barossa fruit is the attraction here along with its dark, inky colour code. Expect a ripe raspberry, black cherry nose with blueberries underneath and plenty of liquorice and spice. The finish is warm and oaky with more spicy, jammy fruit. Try this with pulled pork or other barbecued meats.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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14 July 2010
88PTS
Peller Estates Private Reserve Riesling 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis whole cluster pressed riesling is grown in the South Okanagan. The wine is fermented and aged in stainless steel to preserve its obvious fresh citrus, peach and lime rind. Crisp light refreshing and affordable. Try this with barbecued pork.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Gray Monk Odyssey White Brut Méthode Classique 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Odyssey brut mixes riesling, and aromatic chardonnay clone musqué and a touch of pinot blanc to shape a super crisp clean fresh style sparkler that really calls for food. Ye wine spends 16 months on its lees to develop a pleasant yeasty bread dough character that offsets its subtle notes of citrus and nectarine skin. The finish is super crisp. Try with shellfish.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Le Volte 2008
Tuscany, ItalyA consistent wine that shows spicy, peppery, black olive, chocolate, cassis, black cherry, meaty, floral, garrigue and tobacco aromas. Soft, supple, velvety palate with light tannins. Lots of black cherry, cassis, meaty, peppery, black olive, tobacco, orange peel, smoky, dried herb flavours with a touch of leather on the finish. Good balance and intensity, try with grilled beef steak.Prices:| BC | $34.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $28.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $26.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Clos du Chapitre Viré-Clessé 2008
Viré-Clessé, Mâconnais, Burgundy, FranceFloral, green apple, pear skin, light citrus and butter aromas with a touch of melon. Dry, crisp, fresh and elegant palate but slightly austere. Green apple, lime, grapefruit, chalky, mineral, nectarine skin flavours with a nutty note. Attractive, fresher style to accompany seafood with some short term aging potential and finesse.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Poplar Grove Syrah 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaImproving each year the latest Poplar Grove syrah has really up its quality quotient. The nose is surprisingly wild or feral with plenty of rich floral, black fruit and minerality. Underneath the wine remains fresh with fine acidity and more blueberry, spicy leather barnyard notes. The textures are smooth and glossy but not overbearing. Try this with your favourite lamb dish.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tedeschi Corasco Appassimento Breve 2008
Veneto, ItalyA new wine from three different grapes. Spicy, peppery, black licorice, olives, dried flowers, sausage, orange, and chocolate aromas. Ripe, round, supple and full but elegant and fresh. Chocolate, plum, smoky, savoury, tobacco, cedar, rooty, plum and cassis flavours. It has good finesse and fruit but is fresh on the finish with supple tannins. Good value, only 1,000 cases made.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Tedeschi Amarone della Valpolicella 2006
Pedemonte Valpolicella, Verona, Veneto, ItalySavoury, peppery, spicy, licorice, plum, smoky, tobacco, black olive, chocolate, slightly raisined nose. Rich, ripe, round, and sweet but fresh and warm. Black cherry pudding, orange, tobacco, cigar, peppery, licorice, olive and smoky mint flavours with a dusting of tannin. Good finesse and fruit needs, 3-5 years, but not too hot, an elegant style.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $45.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $40.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $38.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Tedeschi Amarone della Valpolicella Capitel Monte Olmi 2004
Pedemonte Valpolicella, Verona, Veneto, ItalySpicy, savoury, smoky, licorice, chocolate, black cherry, plum, tobacco, and coffee aromas with a touch of barnyard and roast meat. Rich, concentrated and ripe with smooth tannins, good acidity, and a low level of sweetness. Big coffee, tobacco, bitter chocolate, peppery, savoury, prune, black cherry and licorice flavours. It has good acid and power, but with finesse. Best in 5-10 years. A fine, sweeter vintage full of fruit.Prices:| BC | $99.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $85.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $78.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $92.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Tedeschi Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2008
Pedemonte Valpolicella, Verona, Veneto, ItalyPeppery, black cherry, spicy, almond, leather, and chocolate aromas hint at barnyard. Dry, fresh, somewhat tart palate with chocolate, tobacco, peppery, black cherry, almond, and olive flavours. It is a bit herbal but has a solid balance and fruit for current drinking.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Tedeschi Capitel San Rocco Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso 2006
Pedemonte Valpolicella, Verona, Veneto, ItalyChocolate, licorice, peppery, spicy, orange peel, tobacco, and cardamom aromas with almond and barnyard. Rich, round, supple, and very fresh palate with velvety tannins. Sweet fruit with big plum, cherry, tobacco, chocolate, black olive, peppery, anise, and celery flavours. It has good concentration and structure with good fruit and a slightly tannic finish. It can take 2-4 years.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tedeschi Soave Classico 2008
Veneto, ItalyMade from late harvest grapes, but not sweet in style. Floral, peach, butter, baked apple, spicy, melon aromas. Ripe, round, elegant, fresh and delicate palate. Nectarine, green apple, peach pit, celery and tangy flavours with a nutty note and a touch of warmth. Good fruit and style for food.Prices:| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Xanadu Chardonnay 2008
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaLight butter, baked green apple, pear, spicy lees, nutty, garlic and peach aromas. Round, soft, fresh palate with juicy green apple, citrus, butter, nutty lees, spicy, salty pear flavours. A fresher, somewhat leaner style with a touch of heat on the finish. Halibut would be a fine match.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Inniskillin Okanagan Discovery Series Sangiovese 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis wine continues to improve in bottle as it develops a round, dry, elegant palate. Look for a cedar-y dry/tart entry with savoury, earthy, peppery, spicy, mineral, rooty, licorice, coffee, chocolate flavours with a bit of sour plum and cherry. The finish is a bit dusty with some light, leafy tannins but otherwise agreeable and will be excellent with meats base dishes. Think spaghetti Bolognese.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Lanson Le Rosé Brut Rosé NV
Champagne, FrancePale pink raspberry hue with fine mousse. Nutty, cherry, creamy, mineral, baked pear aromas with a touch of citrus and biscuit. Fresh, just off dry, crisp and round with toasty, cherry, citrus, honey, mineral and baked pear flavours. Continued good finesse and length with fruit and good acidity balance.Prices:| BC | $79.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $67.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $65.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $65.00 | 750ml |
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13 July 2010
89PTS
Guado al Tasso Il Bruciato 2007
Bolgheri, Tuscany, ItalySmoky, meaty, peppery, vanilla, black olive tapenade, tobacco, savoury nose with some leather and barnyard notes. Round, dry, supple, full palate with good acidity. Spicy, cedar, meaty, smoky, peppery, black cherry, tobacco, cassis and garrigue flavours. Good solid core of fruit and intensity with a rustic edge. Try with grilled meats or sauce Bolognese.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $28.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $32.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
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12 July 2010
88PTS
Tedeschi Capitel dei Nicalò Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2008
Pedemonte Valpolicella, Verona, Veneto, ItalySpicy, tobacco, peppery, leather, black olive, cherry, almond, floral nose. Ripe, round, fresh and juicy palate with light tannins. Coffee, licorice, black olive, plum, black cherry, dried herb and mineral flavours. Good texture and balance, if a bit tart. Drink now - years.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Mission Hill S.L.C. Syrah 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen intense spicy, vanilla, meaty sausage, floral nose streaked with black berry, boysenberry and smoky, liquorice nose. The entry is supple, the palate full with light, ripe tannins. More smoky, leather, vanilla, coffee, boysenberry, savoury, garrigue flavours with a touch of barnyard and sage. Good finesse and styling for near term drinking and certainly the best yet form MH.Prices:| BC | $37.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $40.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $37.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Yering Station Chardonnay 2006
Yarra Valley, Victoria, AustraliaAt Yering Station the chardonnay is picked earlier producing tighter flavours of nectarine skin, citrus and green melon all fermented in oak, 25% of which is new. Despite its age going on five years it is remarkably fresh and together with a fine mineral/flinty undertone. A dry, fresh, elegant style. Try this with shellfish. Bring on the new vintage.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
CedarCreek Cabernet Merlot 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe label says its cabernet/merlot but that 47/28 blend also has 22 cabernet franc, 1.4% pinot noir, 0.5% malbec, 0.4% syrah and 0.3% petit verdot. The fruit comes off eight sites stretching from Kelowna to Osoyoos and includes Naramata. The nose has a floral red fruity component while the palate is awash in spicy oak and pronounced acidity. Youthful and a bit rambunctious it will need time to settle down. We hesitate to say it's a bit too serious for the price so grilled some steaks and drink it now.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
2nd Crossing Long Creek Red 2007
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLong Creek Red is a 50/17/17/16 mix of tannat, merlot, cabernet sauvignon and malbec made by the folks at Twisted Tree in Osoyoos. A foursquare red that packs quite punch with big smoky spicy liquorice fruit, plenty of plummy chocolate and all with a slight acidity in the finish. Will be best with grilled meats. A bit too wild for this writer.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Tyrrell's Lost Block Chardonnay 2008
AustraliaThis is an easy chardonnay to like with its modern/Hunter styling led by a firmer tighter citrus entry with bits of yeast and a peachy/pear, nutty component underneath. The oak is well managed and the finish clean and crisp. A solid modern day white you can serve with seafood and chicken.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $18.00 | 750ml |
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10 July 2010
87PTS
Hijas Bonitas Rosa 2008
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA crazy blend of merlot, gewürztraminer and a dash icewine turns out to be pretty interesting. Fresh sweet berry citrus fruit with touch of litchi. Try this with spicy summer salads or barbecue meats.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Marqués de Cáceres Rosado 2009
Rioja, SpainAn 80/20 blend of tempranillo and grenache. The nose is as always a mix of candied fruits with bits of florality. The palate is soft with candied cherry flavours and bits of caramel and a touch dirty in the finish. A richer, drier style best suited to food.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chat-en-Oeuf Dry Rosé 2009
Ventoux, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceAnother hit from its appealing, eye of the partridge colour to the floral fruity nose. The entry is dry with fine acidity and citrus strawberry fruits all with a crisp clean finish. Try this with your favourite summer meal out-of-doors or fresh, cracked Dungeness crab. Delightful.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Rodney Strong Chardonnay 2008
Sonoma County, California, United StatesAnother year, another perfect bottle from Rodney Strong. Thankfully a leaner version than most of its counterparts it has a liberal dose of hazelnuts mixed into its creamy lees, baked apple and peach flavours cut by just the right amount of citrus. So delicious and ripe with an intelligent creamy clean finish. Finally a steal $20. New age Sonoma chardonnay you should buy by the case. Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $22.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Rodney Strong Chardonnay Chalk Hill 2008
Sonoma County, California, United StatesI've said it before and will say it again Chalk Hill is one of those Sonoma chardonnay that can restore your faith in the entire California chardonnay category. So fresh and creamy with bright citrus fruit and nutty flavours all with a hint of mineral, orange and nectarines. You can almost taste the chalky soils. Delicious modern California chardonnay.Prices:| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
| US | $15.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Stoneboat Vineyards Faux Pas Rose 2009
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDefinitely an improvement over last year. Less herbal but more pungent, sweaty armpit notes with bits of citrus and strawberries. The palate is fresh but quite sweet calling for a well-chilled glass or service with spicy Pan Asian dishes or barbecued meats.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Emiliana Adobe Syrah Rosé Reserva Orgánico 2009
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileRosé made from organically grown grapes works if the wine is fresh and clean and with Adobe you get both. Look for a dry entry with an off-dry, citrus red fruit palate of strawberry/cranberry fruit. Balanced and fresh. Well done.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
La Vieille Ferme Côtes du Ventoux Rosé 2009
Ventoux, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceAgain and again, Perrin over delivers with this perfect summer rosé. The nose is bright and fresh, the palate medium dry with citrus/mineral and red fruit notes. The palate is sweet and covered in mineral, raspberry, floral fruit and a clean finish. All under screwcap. Summer in a bottle. Great value.Prices:| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.90 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $13.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Howling Bluff Sin Cera 2008
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe '08 Sin Cera a mix of mostly merlot with cabernet franc and malbec is slightly more structured then the '07. The fruit is fresher and cleaner and a bit more cherry-berry, almost Zinfandel-like, but the tannins are bigger and more grippy with some acidity poking through the back end. This will need time to settle down. Try it now with a big steak or cut of prime rib. Prices:| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Merlot 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPleasant minty open nose with vanilla, smoky cherry hints. The entry is dry and round with a touch of small grained tannins and more sweet cherry fruit with black olive, espresso notes. Drink now with grilled meat or cellar another two years.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Foch 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTypically dark and fresh this has a touch of elevated acidity on the mid-palate mixed with earthy, beet-y, black plum flavours flecked with spice and coffee. The fruit is organically grown by Hans Buchler near Okanagan Falls.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Chapel Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaEverything is big about this wine beginning with its briary blackcurrant and cassis aromas and flavours. Youthful and plump with tannin it will need considerable time to soften up and deliver its full payload. Look for rich spicy fruit red awash in mint, cassis and liquorice with spice throughout. Slightly dry cabernet finish calling for grilled meat.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chapel Hill The Parson's Nose Shiraz 2008
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaOpen round warm nose of black fruit and blueberries with a rich spicy undertone. The palate is awash in dark plums and sweet oak with a lot of spice and dried herbs underneath. This needs a bit more time to settle down or serve now with a large slab of meat. If you are a fan of Oz shiraz this will not disappoint.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Baco Noir 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTypical big dense black baco colour and intense nose of soya, chocolate and spice. The palate is similarly decked out in black fruit, tobacco, oak with a dollop of saddle leather. A rustic style that has appeal for some but not all.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.96 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Organic Merlot 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDeep dense colour and styling with Pomerol-like textures. The fruit is deep and dark with bits of plum, blueberries and wild blackberry on the palate. The finish is dense and long with sweet fruit and toasted oak notes. The fruit is organically grown at Kaleden.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Howling Bluff Sin Cera 2007
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe mix is 72/15/13 merlot/cabernet franc and malbec. Expect an intense black cherry and earthy nose with a touch of Brett underneath. The palate is full-bodied with ripe plummy fruit flecked with vanilla and all in balance. The finish is smooth and long. Not cheap at $33+ but the style is promising and it should age further.Prices:| BC | $33.40 | 750ml |
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09 July 2010
87PTS
Garry Oaks Blanc de Noir 2009
Burgoyne Valley, Salt Spring Island, Gulf Islands, British Columbia, CanadaExpect a spot on Provence in colour, pink/orange and a fresh nose of citrus and strawberry. The entry is dry and fresh with lemony citrus notes and bits of candied cherries. The finish is clean and dry. A terrific rosé for food.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mission Hill Rosé Five Vineyards 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe style is fixed and we happy. Bright fresh lifted fruit flecked with strawberry, citrus, watermelon with like last year a dusting of minerality. Chill this wine down and sip it freely or try it with light spicy dishes. A lovely fresh style with just the right amount of sugar.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Stag's Hollow Syrah Rosé 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA new rosé from Stag's Hollow with its eye of the partridge colour promises berries and orange blossom on the nose and deliver both on the palate with just a hint of sweetness. A bit on the bigger style with some alcohol it is best served with summer salads. The blend is 90 per cent syrah with 9 per cent viognier and one percent muscat.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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08 July 2010
88PTS
Hillside Cabernet Franc 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen expressive Okanagan nose of dried, crush leaf mixed with red fruits, tobacco and mocha coffee vanilla aromas. Similar flavours mark the palate of this medium weight red that is cleaner and fresher than previous versions. The tannins are soft and light. You can hold it for a year or two or drink it now with something grilled on the barbecue. Well done.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Hillside Mosaic 2007
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLike its name Mosaic this wine is a patchwork of varieties whose sum is greater than its parts. Hillsides signature blend mixes merlot, cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, malbec and petit verdot. This wine has improved over the years shedding green notes and rough tannins for riper fruit bits of Christmas cake and coffee. The '07 has some elevated acidity, a la Oz, which tends to lean out the finish. Best with grilled meat.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Hillside Merlot 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is a solid effort and more what BC merlot is all about. Clean and round with fine red fruit aromas and flavours flecked with bits of dried herbs and a dash of mint and just a hint of acidty in the back end. Clean soft round long and ready to drink. Try this with a grilled steak.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Hillside Merlot Reserve 2006
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA bit on the tart side with pronounced acidity and some horsey earthy scented red fruit notes. Soft entry with more acidity poking through the herby red fruit. Simple straight-up herby merlot for hamburgers.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Escudo Rojo 2008
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileIn 2008 Escudo Rojo is a mix of mostly Maipo fruit and four grape varieties: cabernet sauvignon (40%), carmenère (37%), syrah (18%) and cabernet franc (5%). Medium dark with an intense nose of black raspberry flecked with bits of spice and tobacco. The latest vintage shows more elegance and style than previous years and no strong leafy characters. Ripe black cherries and toasted oak mark its long mid-palate and finish. Roast lamb is the ticket here or serve with a favourite aged, hard cheese.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $18.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Mapu Reserva Carmenere 2008
ChileThe Mouton machine is at work here trying to enhance Chile's signature grape. Look for the signature leafy nose mixed with black fruit and cherry aromas and mostly similar flavours spiked with mocha notes on the palate. Medium bodied and ready to drink it needs grilled meat to smooth out the edges. Decant for best results.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Mapu Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
ChileFresh soft commercial style red with a mix of blackcurrant and blackberry aromas and sweet red liquorice fruit flavours and a soft friendly finish. Spill this one around the barbecue.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Layer Cake Primitivo 2007
Puglia, ItalyTypically rustic primitivo's appeal is similar to zinfandel. Look for rich, black, soft, juicy fruit flecked with liquorice and oak that is easy to like. The palate is sweetish with more vanilla, black fruits and oak throughout. The warm finish is similarly rustic with a twist of dried herbs and acid and plenty of earthy pepper notes. A pricey spaghetti red.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
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07 July 2010
87PTS
Torres De Casta Rosé 2009
Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainTorres rosé is a garnacha/cariñena blend that is a testament to the ups and downs of the rosé fad - De Casta has seen many as it prepares to celebrate its 70th birthday in 2011. The nose is fresh and crisp packed with earthy, black cherry and fresh raspberry fruit nuances. On the palate it is remains equally fresh and round with sweet fruit flavours supported by an underlying note of floral/minerality. Think salade Niçoise, corn on the cob, or a summer style charcuterie lunch.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| US | $10.00 | 750ml |
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04 July 2010
90PTS
Champagne Lanson Le Black Brut NV
Champagne, FranceLook for a medium fine mousse with a floral, toasty brioche nose flecked with baked pears, a touch of baked apple, butter and citrus. The palate is dry and crisp with a touch of sweetness. Juicy, lighter style with nutty, toasty, granny smith, citrus, pear, anise and butter flavours. An elegant style with good finesse and balance and just a hint of bitterness. 'Black Label' is a blend of 50 per cent pinot noir, 35 per cent chardonnay and 15 per cent pinot meunier. Good value.Prices:| BC | $78.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $67.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $72.50 | 750ml |
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01 July 2010
85PTS
Seven Stones Speaking Rock Pinot Rosé 2009
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Seven Stones model is Provence and they have nailed the colour but the nose sports a bit too much rubber so give it plenty of air. The flavours are fresh with bits of mineral, lemon and strawberry the finish is lively and fun. Lets hope the nose cleans up over time in the bottle.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Dunham Froese Rosé 2009
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMuch like the previous edition the nose and palate are flat. Round caramel/strawberry flavours coat the palate but there is no nervous tension or excitement. Its cleaner than the previous edition but it needs more acidity to really sing. The five percent syrah may darken the blend but it looks as if it weighs the whole wine down. Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Nederburg Twenty Ten Dry Rose 2007
Western Cape, South AfricaMedium strawberry colour with a fresh citrus cherry berry nose. The plate is clean and light with citrus strawberry, mineral leafy earthy notes on the palate and a tight skinny finish. Juicy earthy simple style for light appetizers.Prices:| ON | $15.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.99 | 750ml |
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August 2010