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Tastings: December 2010
31 December 2010
89PTS
Rodney Strong Chardonnay 2009
Sonoma County, California, United StatesThis wine is on auto drive after almost 40 years with winemaker Rick Sayre allowing the cool Pacific Ocean to govern its style: namely New age Sonoma chardonnay. Cool nights and warm afternoons produce a vibrant chardonnay that is now a 40/60 blend of barrel and stainless steel fermented fruit grown in the Russian River, Alexander Valley, and Sonoma Coast appellations. Look for a bright, citrus nose with hazelnuts and baked apple and peachy fruit flavours in the finish. Would be an absolute steal at $19.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $22.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Blue Mountain Pinot Blanc 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAt 13 percent alcohol this pinot blanc made from 24 year old fruit is well worth investigating. The vintage was relatively cool but maturity was easily reached by September 25. Two French clones are used and 55% fermented and aged in stainless steel; 45% is fermented and aged for 6 months in 4 year old French oak barrels. The '09 is positively swimming in bright fruit showing bits of peaches and apricots with flecks of citrus rind and green pear. Halibut, salmon, clams and even crab would be a wonderful fit here. One of the best pinot blancs in the valley.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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30 December 2010
90PTS
J. L. Chave Saint-Joseph Offerus 2007
Saint Joseph, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceIntense meaty, roasted pepper, licorice root, tobacco, black cherry, smoky, gamey, garrigue aromas. Rich, round, full, elegant, slightly tannic palate with fresh acidity. Menthol, Band-Aid, tobacco, white pepper, licorice root, black cherry, roasted bell pepper, medicinal, smoky herb flavours. Rustic style but lots of intensity for drinking now-3 years.Prices:| BC | $39.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Riesling Ice Wine 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBeach ball, bruised green apple, nectarine, mineral, light honey, apricot skin aromas with a bit of volatility. Fresh, rich, elegant, juicy palate with good sweetness. Green apple, nectarine, butter, floral, tobacco, lime flavours with a light bruised apple, beach ball, volatile finish. Good fruit and acidity but not quite up to the normal.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 375ml |
| QC | $58.00 | 375ml |
| AB | $45.00 | 375ml |
| SK | $60.00 | 375ml |
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91PTS
Gehringer Brothers Riesling Ice Wine Signature Series 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, lime, honey, green apple, butter, apricot aromas with a touch of volatility. Round, fresh, juicy, crisp palate with balanced acidity and good finesse. Green apple, honey, nectarine, butter, mineral flavours. Good precise, fresh style to age with good concentration but a touch of volatility.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Gehringer Brothers Cabernet Franc Late Harvest 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRuby, raspberry colour. Tobacco leaf, earthy, cranberry, orange aromas. Round, somewhat sweet, fresh palate with olive, tobacco leaf, licorice root, earthy, cherry, cranberry flavours. Simple, fresher style but warm with green and sweet notes. For cabernet franc fans.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 375ml |
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89PTS
Meyer Family Vineyards Chardonnay Micro Cuvée Old Main Road Vineyard 2009
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight butterscotch, lemon oil, roasted garlic, nutty lees, vanilla nose with spicy, green apple skin tons throughout. The entry is dry and tight, the palate fresh with a taut, lean structure. Nutty, garlic, toasty lees, honey, vanilla, bitter lemon, lime rind, green apple skin flavours. Finish is tart with highly buttered popcorn and bitter rind notes. Austere but promising style. Could we have a touch more fruit?Prices:| BC | $65.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Domaine du Pegau Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservée 2007
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceBig black pepper, spiced meat, smoky, garrigue, saddle leather, black cherry, cigar, kirsch, barnyard aromas. Rich, round, full, supple, intense palate with ripe grainy tannins. Smoky, medicinal, licorice, kirsch, blackberry, garrigue, tobacco, leather, prune, chocolate, herb flavours with a warm, peppery finish. Drinkable now but has tannins to allow 5-10 years aging.Prices:| BC | $109.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $97.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Château de la Gardine Châteauneuf du Pape 2007
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceOpen peppery, smoky, spicy, black cherry jam nose with rooty, liquorice, pruny, barnyard, chocolate, leather, and tobacco notes. Rich, warm, full, slightly tannic palate with fresh acidity. Peppery, pruny, barnyard, leather, tobacco, floral, garrigue, mineral, liquorice flavours. Good intensity but a bit closed right now. Needs 2-3 years to open out again.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $45.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $38.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $44.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $36.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $37.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Sperling Vineyards Old Vines Foch 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe "old vine" foch comes off 40-something year old plants grown over a gravelly part of the vineyard. Love the texture and the balance here it almost makes the funky smoky sweaty red fruit worth drinking. I'm sure foch fans will rejoice but it is more a curiosity. A stylish foch that at the end of the day is still a foch. Rich meats and barbecued beef are likely matches.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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29 December 2010
91PTS
Stoneboat Vineyards Verglas 2009
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLots of lime, marmalade, plasticene, beach ball, honey, green apple, apricot, floral, egg old and nectarine aromas. Rich, sweet, round, fresh but soft palate with creamy, honey, orange, dried apricot, baked apple, pear flavours. Long, unctuous finish, nice balance if a bit soft, Drink now-2 years.Prices:| BC | $33.00 | 200ml |
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87PTS
Van Westen Vineyards Viognier 2009
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, almond, leesy, nutty, spicy, honey, apricot skin aromas. Ripe, round, soft, elegant palate with ginger, spicy lees, light honey, pear, lemon oil and orange flavours. Good intensity if a bit unusual varietal expression.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Gehringer Brothers Ehrenfelser Ice Wine Minus 9 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNectarine, honey, orange, floral, green apple aromas but somewhat volatile on the nose. Fresh, juicy, elegant, intense palate with orange, honey, lime, apricot, nectarine, baked apple flavours with some volatile notes. Good acidity, balance and intensity but somewhat marred by the volatility.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 375ml |
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85PTS
Luigi Bosca Gala 3 2009
Mendoza, ArgentinaBig vanilla, oaky, butter, creamy, pineapple, honey, leesy nose. Rich, ripe, round, full, soft and creamy palate with big buttery, honey, mineral, nutty lees, ginger, floral flavours. Finish is dry and very warm with a bitter edge. Too much oak and butter for the grapes here.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $30.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Finca La Linda Viognier 2010
Mendoza, ArgentinaRipe mango, honey, citrus, spicy, floral, nectarine aromas. Full, round, fresh, slightly oily palate with butter, ginger, honeysuckle, orange, mineral, green apple and quince flavours. Good overall balance and intensity if a bit short.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Cassini Cellars French Coture Viognier 2009
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGreen apple skin, lees, spicy, ginger, honey, floral aromas. Round, soft, elegant, slightly lean entry with light honey, nutty lees, spicy, ginger, earthy, sausage, nectarine skin flavours. Finish is a bit warm with a slight bitterness.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Doña Paula Series Naked Pulp Viognier 2008
Ugarteche District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaHoney, ginger, nectarine, mango, light guava, jasmine aromas with a touch of canned apricot. Round, full, elegant, juicy palate with ginger, smoky, spicy, lemon, mango, honey and butter flavours. Finish is dry and fresh but mature now to drink. Good effort.Prices:| US | $25.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Santa Julia Viognier 2010
Mendoza, ArgentinaA drier style with spicy, lees, floral, mango, honeysuckle, ginger and sausage aromas. Round, fresh, elegant, slightly sweet entry with orange, spicy, mango, honey, leesy, buttery, ginger flavours. Good solid effort and value.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Moillard Viognier Huges le Juste 2009
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceFloral, light lychee, spicy, matchstick, earthy, baked pear nose with a touch of citrus. Dry, fresh, leaner style with citrus, green apple, floral, earthy, lemon flavours with a warm finish. Solid but designed for food, perhaps grilled fish with fruit salsa.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Mil Piedras Viognier 2009
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaOpen floral, mango, orange nose with bits of honey, spicy butter and apple skin aromas. Fresh, juicy, fairly dry palate with orange, grapefruit, mango, green apple, spicy, ginger flavours with an earthy note. Fresh, clean style for food. Fair value.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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28 December 2010
88PTS
Montresor Valpolicella Classico Castel San Pietro 2009
Veneto, ItalyCastel San Pietro mixes the traditional grapes corvina, rondinella and molinara although the majority of the blend is always corvina Veronese. The attack is round and sweet with silky red fruit, light tannins a pinch of bitter almonds and a much appreciated clean finish. A perfect wine for mushroom pesto pasta dishes.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tommasi Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2009
Pedemonte Valpolicella, Verona, Veneto, ItalyTommasi uses a traditional mix of corvina Veronese, rondinella and molinara and the result is silky smooth ripe rich entry with floral red fruit notes and a touch of leather and earth. The palate is soft yet dense with juicy cherry floral fruit. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Caleo Primitivo Salento 2008
Salento, Puglia, ItalyAn imperfect red from southern Italy that has some street appeal. It is all primitivo but its extruded rubbery artificial cork lends it's a bit of a burnt rubber reductive nose that mixes with a touch of oxidation and sweet pruny character from all the southern warmth. A spaghetti red with aspirations.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Sartori Valpolicella Superiore 2007
Pedemonte Valpolicella, Verona, Veneto, ItalySimple straight-up Valpolicella with a crisp, dry, entry, bright acidity light tannins and a short finish. Best with chicken. Honest red at a fair price. It would improve a lot of Italian restaurant wine lists.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $17.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Mil Piedras Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaLike the malbec the Mil Piedras (one thousand stones) cabernet is 100% estate-grown at Vista Flores in Valle de Uco. The colour is dark, the nose highly aromatic offering up dark fruit and cedar with a spicy undercurrent. The flavours are more cassis like with youthful if slightly chunky tannins. A hamburger casserole red for the winter months that won't disappoint for the price.Prices:| BC | $15.75 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Mil Piedras Malbec 2008
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaMil Piedras (one thousand stones) malbec is estate grown at Vista Flores in the Valle de Uco at just over 1000 metres. The stony soil is reflected in its mineral, floral nose and dry dusty entry. The flavours are a mix of dried fruits, bright acidity and stony, dusty minerality in the aftertaste. A perfect dinner wine for any kind of grilled meats or birds. Good value.Prices:| BC | $14.75 | 750ml |
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27 December 2010
90PTS
Black Rock Red Blend 2007
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaIn a country where the SA wine selection is pathetic it is nice to know there are some excellent bottles to be had if you take the time to search the private wine stores. The Black Rock Red Blend is a 69/14/11/3/3/ mix of six vineyards and shiraz, carignan, grenache, mourvèdre and viognier from the Perdeberg-Swartland appellation. Hand made with co-fermented grenache and carignan. The original trial was in 2001 the first bottling in 2004. The colour is black blue with wild, gamy, spicy liquorice aromas mixed with blueberries, chocolate and floral notes and a hint of feinbos. A super effort with elegance and style. Wow a super deal for $20.Prices:| ON | $24.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
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26 December 2010
89PTS
Cambria Pinot Noir Julia's Vineyard 2008
Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesSmoky, tobacco, meaty, licorice root, black cherry, leather, menthol, spicy, vanilla aromas with a touch of celery and carrot top. Round, dry, warm, supple and fresh palate. Orange, tobacco, peppery, black cherry, plum, savoury, celery salt, carrot and vanilla flavours. Good intensity but the finish is a bit short and hot.Prices:| BC | $46.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $40.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $33.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $38.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
La Crema Chardonnay 2008
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, United StatesGood baked apple, pear, lees, buttery, nutty, honey nose. Ripe, round, elegant but somewhat fat palate. Very buttery, leesy, nutty, citrus, baked apple, pineapple flavours. Good solid effort but somewhat heavy and a retreat from the cooler style.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $29.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Clos du Soleil Red 2007
Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMeaty, leather, cassis, tobacco leaf, black olive, coffee, cedar, vanilla aromas. Round, fresh, juicy palate with light tannins and a touch of sweetness. Green olive, smoky, cassis, herbal, coffee, resin, cherry, black tea flavours. Simple, elegant style with a touch of savoury Northwest.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $42.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Township 7 Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, peppery, meaty, gamey, smoky, tobacco, rooty, black cherry aromas. Dry, fresh, round, slightly astringent palate but elegant. Smoky, peppery, black cherry, cassis, coffee, tobacco, savoury flavours. Solid intensity and balance, will improve with 1-2 years extra bottle age.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Cannonball Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
California, United StatesSmoky, leather saddle, meaty, peppery, resin, camphor, stewed prune and herb aromas. Round, dry, slightly tight and tart palate and warm. Smoky coffee, vanilla, herbal, savoury, meaty, Band-Aid, leather, cedar bark flavours. Tart, warm, smoked leather finish. Simple Oz.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Andeluna Torrontes 2008
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaSpicy, orange, honey, lemon oil, ginger, light nutty aromas. Round, fresh, off dry palate and juicy with lemon, quince, ginger, spicy, honey, grapefruit flavours. Full, warm, spicy finish.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Andeluna Malbec 2008
Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaVery peppery, savoury, tobacco leaf, rooty, savoury, barnyard, meaty, cherry aromas. Fresh, round, full, somewhat tannic entry with a hint of sweetness. Tobacco, smoky, black cherry, savoury, black olive, orange peel, floral, savoury, coffee flavours. A bit chunky and tart on the finish but lots of flavour.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Domaine du Tariquet Rosé de Pressé 2009
Gascony, FranceTobacco leaf, stemmy, herbal, cranberry, earthy, olive aromas. Fresh, round, slightly sweet palate but juicy with herbal, cedar, tobacco, earthy, strawberry, cranberry flavours. On the green side but well balanced and juicy.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Revenge Red 2007
Napa Valley, California, United StatesPeppery, meaty, floral, coffee, mocha, black cherry, licorice, plum, saddle leather aromas. Ripe, round, full, warm, supple palate. Coffee, cedar, peppery, chocolate pudding, plum jam, tobacco, five spice, vanilla flavours with a very warm finish. Big espresso finish in a very ripe, oaky, consumer-friendly style.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Wyndham Estate Bin 535 Shiraz Malbec 2008
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaMenthol, slightly smoky, herbal, tobacco, blueberry, rooty aromas. Round, tart, full, fresh palate with some gritty tannins. Peppery, herbal, coffee, rooty, blueberry, black cherry, tobacco flavours. Very warm, chunky, tart and somewhat stemmy style.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
San Pedro 35 South Shiraz Reserva 2009
ChileMeaty, spicy, blueberry, black cherry, peppery, liquorice root aromas. Soft, fresh, round, dry palate with black cherry, liquorice, peppery, blueberry, smoky, gamey, savoury flavours. Simple, fresh and juicy and solid value.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Dante Robino Malbec 2008
Mendoza, ArgentinaCorked, try anotherPrices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Shot in the Dark Cabernet Shiraz 2008
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaBlack olive, cedar, dill, blueberry, herbal, tobacco leaf, cassis, somewhat on the green stemmy side. Round, fresh, somewhat sweet entry with light tannins but flat flavours with smoky, herbal, resin, tobacco, blueberry, leafy, olive flavours. Way too leafy.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Hellbent Shiraz Cabernet 2008
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaSmoky, peppery, savoury, licorice, coffee, tobacco, blackberry, black olive, cedar aromas. Full, warm, astringent palate with some sweetness. Coffee, peppery, blueberry, tobacco, savoury, menthol flavours. Has fruit but is very hot and astringent on the finish. Best with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Signorello Padrone 2006
Napa Valley, California, United StatesVery aromatic and spicy with clove, savoury, cassis jam, blackberry, tobacco, licorice, vanilla, coffee, leather and cedar aromas, very good complexity. Rich, round, full, warm, slightly chewy palate with some young, grainy tannins. Peppery, tobacco, coffee, blackberry, cassis, chalky, mineral, licorice, prune, cedar, and menthol flavours. Finish is very warm but well structured. Fine intensity and structure, needs 5-7 years to develop.Prices:| BC | $145.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
California Rabbit Hopping Red 2009
California, United StatesCedar, tobacco leaf, herbal, smoky, olive, green bean, barnyard aromas with some candied cherry. Round, soft, sweet, somewhat fresh and astringent with similar flavours. Very green and stemmy in style. Yuk.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Finder's Seeker's Reserve Shiraz Viognier 2007
Langhorne Creek, South Australia, AustraliaBlack cherry, licorice, floral, spicy, smoky, slightly meaty, rooty, resiny nose. Fresh, round, slightly tart palate with blueberry, coffee, licorice, peppery, floral, minty, tobacco flavours. Finish is a bit tart and warm but an otherwise solid effort. good valuePrices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Luigi Bosca Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaGrassy, herbal, honey, grapefruit rind, matchstick aromas. Off-dry, slightly oily, soft palate with grapefruit rind, herbal, savoury, honey, lemon oil flavours. Finish is very warm with a bitter streak. Lacks intensity.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Miguel Torres Santa Digna Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé 2010
Region del Valle Central, ChileSpicy, smoky, cassis, cranberry, tobacco leaf aromas. Sweet, tart, round palate with tobacco leaf, olive, cassis, cranberry, strawberry and her flavours. Sweet and fresh. Serve well chilled with cold chicken.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir 2008
Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesFresh strawberry, cherry, tobacco leaf, spicy, carrot, light barnyard aromas with a touch of earth and compost. Juicy, round, fresh, slightly tight palate but elegant with good strawberry, tobacco leaf, peppery, spicy, compost, carrot top flavours. Good finesse and pinot character and much superior to the 2007 edition.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Napa Valley, California, United StatesSpicy, smoky, coffee, floral, cassis jam, blackberry, vanilla, earthy, peppery, savoury, bay leaf aromas. Ripe, rich, round, smooth, warm and fresh palate with very smooth tannins. Big blackberry jam, prune, cassis, coffee, peppery, vanilla, cedar, tobacco, smoky, spicy, savoury and leather flavours with a chocolate, coffee finish. A bit warm but very good finesse and ripeness with good balance. Drinkable now but should age 3-10 years. Would be even better in the future if they can get the alcohol down to 14 or less.Prices:| BC | $125.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $135.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $149.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $140.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $138.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Herder Syrah 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, roasted bell pepper, vanilla, rooty nosed with savoury, herbal, meaty, barnyard aromas. Round, supple, somewhat tart and hollow mid-palate. Smoky, floral, black cherry, peppery, coffee, chocolate, vanilla, roasted herbs, bell pepper, tobacco leaf flavours. Finish is a bit warm, oaky and green but it should improve with 1-2 years more bottle age. Serve now with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Herder Malbec 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig black pepper, savoury, herbal, menthol, green olive nose. Round, dry, slightly lean but elegant with cassis, coffee, licorice, rooty, herbal, tobacco leaf, licorice root, peppery, resin flavours. Finish is quite oaky and a bit astringent but may improve in bottle. Try it now with flank steak.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Herder Three Sisters 2008
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAs previously discovered the nose is an attractive floral, spicy, apple skin mix with bits of peach pit, light honey, orange aromas. Round, fresh, slightly sweet palate but balanced with orange, spicy, lychee, honey, baked apple, lees and lime rind flavours. Good solid fruit and fun to drink.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Township 7 Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFresh gooseberry, canned grapefruit, floral, lees, light apple skin aromas. Round, warm, soft palate with a touch of sweetness. Honey, grapefruit rind, baked apple, buttery, candied lime rind flavours. Ready to drink if a bit hot and bitter in the finish.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Township 7 Merlot 2007
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaChocolate, prune, black cherry, tobacco leaf, peppery, vanilla, coffee bean aromas with a meaty note. Round, supple, dry, elegant palate with smoky Northwest herbal, cassis, peppery, coffee, barnyard flavours flecked with tobacco, vanilla, leather, olive flavours. Somewhat oaky style but well balanced. This could use a year or two in bottle to fully matured. Try it with a prime rib roast.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Produttori del Barbaresco Langhe Nebbiolo 2008
Langhe, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyPrune, leather, cherry, meaty, smoky, floral, slightly tarry aromas. Dry, tight, fresh palate with light tannins. Cedar, floral, cherry, prune, leather, tar, chocolate, mineral flavours. Finish is fresh with some light, dry tannins. Good intensity but young, needs a bit of food to balance. Very Italian and very nebbiolo.Prices:| BC | $28.95 | 750ml |
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23 December 2010
0PTS
Arrocal Ribera del Duero 2007
Ribera del Duero, Castilla-Leon, SpainCorked, try anotherPrices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Clos du Soleil Signature 2008
Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, peppery, tobacco leaf, green bean, green olive, minty, leather, meaty, barnyard aromas. Round, dry, fresh palate with light tannins. Smoky, herbal, meaty, peppery, black olive, tobacco leaf, light cassis, coffee, barnyard, vanilla and leather flavours. Could use another year or so in bottle to improve and lose some of those green notes.Prices:| BC | $39.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Johnny Q Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaCedar, pine, herbal, tobacco leaf, resin, coffee bean, green olive aromas. Tart, slightly chewy, elegant palate with cassis, herbal, tobacco, blueberry, cedar, olive flavours. Simple, tart, somewhat tannic style. Needs food to balance the acidity and soupy cedar flavours.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Napa Valley, California, United StatesSpicy, coffee, vanilla, blackberry jam, cassis, licorice, cedar, blueberry, earthy, menthol aromas. Round, full, supple, smooth palate with light grainy tannins. Smoky, coffee, chocolate, vanilla, cedar, blackberry, cassis jam, prune, cedar, minty, herbal flavours. Big coffee mocha, clove finish. Good finesse and intensity for consumers who like the style.Prices:| BC | $69.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $74.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $85.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $75.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $89.00 | 750ml |
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20 December 2010
87PTS
Vina Albali Gran Reserva 2002
Valdepeñas, Castilla-La Mancha, SpainTempranillo now at the end of its life. The fruit is soft and fading giving way to resin and earthy notes with bits of oak and old vanilla in the backend. The finish is dry and showing some rustic tannins calling for some lamb or beef. Drink up.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Fairview Cellars Two Hoots 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNamed for two owls who patrol the vineyard it also aptly fits the owner Bill Eggert' s opinion on wine media; as mostly he doesn't give two hoots what we think; a likely healthy attitude. The cabernet merlot blend will surprise with its sweet smoky fruity nose flecked with dried herbs. The palate is a carbon copy of the nose with a savoury fruity undercurrent with slightly rustic tannins that need another year or two bottle age to completely fade. Love the weight, structure, style and ripeness. Many other Okanagan cabernet merlot blends could learn from this one.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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19 December 2010
90PTS
Luigi Bosca Malbec Single Vineyard 2007
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThe Bosca single vineyard malbec comes from the "La Linda" site in Vistalba, about 960 m above sea level. The nose jumps from the glass with sweet, ripe, black currant fruit aromas lashed with minerality and spice. It spends a full 14 months in French oak and another year in the bottle before release. The palate is full and rich with savoury, ripe plum fruit with bits of mocha and floral minerality.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $25.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Union Pinot Noir/Cabernet/Merlot/Gamay Noir 2007
Ontario, CanadaSlightly reductive rubbery tobacco nose that eventually blows off. The palate is mix of soft, sweet, spicy rustic style flavours with some heat and acidity poking through the back end. The mix is an unusual blend of pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, merlot and gamay noir. A simple pleasing red for beginners and burgers.Prices:| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Desert Wind Ruah 2008
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesRuah '08 is a 45/40/15 mix of merlot/cabernet sauvignon/cabernet franc from the famed Wahluke Slope site. The nose is an aromatic cedar, chocolate, black fruit affair with very similar flavours mixed with black liquorice and a hint of dried herbs. The tannins are lean and dry pointing to more bottle time or big piece of grilled meat. The name Ruah comes from the ancient Hebrew for wind, breath, or spirit.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $25.00 | 750ml |
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18 December 2010
89PTS
Picnic by Two Paddocks Pinot Noir 2008
Central Otago, South Island, New ZealandA blend of fruit from all the Two Paddock's vineyards and other parts of Central Otago. The nose is spicy with bits of carrot top and black cherry fruit. On the palate it is smooth and sleek with spicy, savoury black cherry fruit character. Impressive styling and weight for the price. Perfect with most fowl dishes. Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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17 December 2010
87PTS
Torresella Pinot Grigio 2009
Veneto, ItalyThis grigio comes out of the eastern Veneto, bordering on Friuli and this year is now under screwcap. The metal closure is crucial to protecting its delicate almost non-existent mineral nutty earthy floral nose. The palate is fresh with fine acidity and citrus pear mineral flavours. Light seafood pasta dishes would be a good match.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Hester Creek Pinot Gris 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHester Creek is really starting to strut its stuff with this pinot grigio. The nose is an enticing mix of pear/honey and apple with a crisp fresh underlying acidity. The flavours are very much the same with more citrus and mouth-watering red apple notes. We can't wait to taste the next version made at the new winery. Still finished under cork it remains the Achilles heel of what is a well-made white. Good value.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Moulin de Gassac Guilhem Red 2008
l'Hérault, Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceA second label of the famed Mas de Daumas Gassac is a stylish southern French blend of syrah, grenache, carignan and cinsault. Love the floral, mineral notes on the nose and the fresh mix of red fruits, a blast of blueberry in what is a juicy red that sees no oak. Terrific food wine for casseroles, and hearty winter dishes.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Cháteau Mourgues du Gres Les Galets Rouges 2008
Costières de Nîmes, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceThere is no mistaking the sweet, soft round ripe fruit of the grenache grape here. The nose has an earthy barnyard edge from the mourvèdre and there is plenty of spice and alcohol to grab your attention. Expect a rich glossy palate with sweet fruit and peppery notes throughout. Try this with any big lamb or beef dishes. Good value.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Alta Vista Atemporal Blend 2007
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaBlends are coming to the fore in Mendoza and this 43/36/11/10 mix of malbec, cabernet sauvignon, syrah and petit verdot is a good one. It spends 12 month in French oak and offers up a rich mix of smoky cedar cigar box aromas mixed with Christmas cake, cassis with bits of vanilla and chocolate. A big mouth-filling red that delivers for the price. You can drink this now or hold through 2013.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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16 December 2010
87PTS
Blasted Church Hatfield's Fuse 2009
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMuch like last year this spicy, floral, fruit salad is swimming in rose petals, citrus and passion fruit aromas and flavours. The finish is soft and round with more citrus rind and peachy/lychee flavours. Try this one on the patio before dinner or with your favourite curry dish. Would be an excellent turkey wine too.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Segura Viudas Heredad Brut Reserva NV
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainGood fine persistent mousse. Fresh nose with strawberry, floral, lime, lemon, nutty, melon, biscuit, peach skin aromas. Crisp, dry, round, elegant palate with very nutty, floral, slate, peach, baked pear, caramel, lemon and lime flavours. A bit fuller than most cava but very elegant and suave with a slightly sweet finish. Best served with seafood tapas and slightly salty light meats.Prices:| BC | $33.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $33.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $37.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $37.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $32.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $30.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $37.29 | 750ml |
| NS | $36.95 | 750ml |
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15 December 2010
88PTS
Hester Creek Trebbiano 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe best Trebbiano yet from Hester Creek winemaker Robert Summer with some help from the new winery and the much improved handling of the fruit. Fresh, watery, melon fruit with bits of peach pear and a dash of honeysuckle. The finish is medium-long and clean with a floral spicy undertone. Well done.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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13 December 2010
88PTS
Township 7 Syrah 2007
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFairly restrained style on the nose with reserved oak and bits of plums, fresh pepper and meaty gamy undertones. On the palate the entry is soft, with more gamy, leather, meaty, white pepper characters. You can drink this now but two more years in bottle will allow it some time to expand. Try it now with lamb shanks.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Ganton & Larson Prospect Winery Red Willow Shiraz 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSimilar to the '06 in that dry spicy earthy style with a slightly cool menthol peppery nose. The attack is soft; the tannins well managed good acidity. More cedar tobacco, pepper and meaty savoury flavours dominate the palate. A fair amount of style in a firm warm, dry, spicy syrah. Barbecued ribs with sweet sauce would be perfect.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Pacific Breeze Vin de Garagiste P2 2006
Product of CanadaGaragiste is a blend of Lake County fruit dominated by cabernet sauvignon at 82 per cent with bits of cabernet franc, petit syrah and petite verdot. The nose is I slightly volatile with lifted cassis flavours mixed with resin and super spicy black cherry fruit all with some acidity poking through the end. Try this with a grilled steak.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Pacific Breeze GSM 2007
Product of CanadaThe GSM or grenache, syrah, mourvèdre is soft and open and opulent on the nose. Like most of the wines there is a double dose of spicy oak upfront and chunky tannins underneath. The peppery black fruit and spicy liquorice flavours distract you on the mid-palate but the dryness returns in the back end. Dry and slightly disjointed it needs time to pull together. Give another two years in bottle or serve it now with roast lamb.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
McWilliam's Hanwood Shiraz 2008
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaRipe peppery cedar bark nose with liquorice and blueberries aromas. The entry is dry and spicy with a round, warm palate with peppery. cedar, black cherry flavours and a warm, slightly dry and acidic finish. Commercial stuff at best.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $15.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $17.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $17.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $17.00 | 750ml |
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12 December 2010
87PTS
St. Hubertus Dry Riesling 2009
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBright clean fresh green apple skin nose. Tight green apple, peach mineral chalky flavours with a crisp lemon y finish. Fresh and elegant style with good. This will best with lightly spiced food.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Gray Monk Gewürztraminer 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe fruit comes off a mix of vineyards in Kelowna and Kaleden. Expect a full, rich, nose of litchi fruit, peaches and spice. The flavours are similar with ginger, melon, tropical notes and a touch of sausage meat. Good ripeness here and less rind-y characters this year makes for a better wine. Try this with patés and assorted cold slice meats and cheeses.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Red Rooster Riesling 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRed Rooster makes a warmer, sweeter style riesling with floral undertones. The entry is sweet and fresh with pronounced orange and melon flavours with a touch of spice and even heat in the finish. Consumers will like this as will Indian food.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Torres Vina Esmeralda 2009
Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainEsmeralda is a signature Torres white blending 85% moscatel and 15% gewürztraminer. The nose is intense offering up a floral, lemon oil and fresh fruit character with a pinch of nectarine skin and spice. On the palate look for litchi, green apple, lemon lime notes and a clean finish. Try this with grilled prawns or light curry dishes. Now under screwcap.Prices:| BC | $14.49 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.50 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Dr. L Riesling 2009
Mosel, GermanyDr. L comes off steep slopes and slate soil so it's Mosel in the elegant, racy style. The '09 appears a pinch drier, which we like, yet with all that crunchy ripe red apple fruit, citrus, mango and slate aromas. Fresh and crisp it has enough sweetness to tame spicy dishes but with enough citrus to clean up after itself on the palate. Ready to drink. Think turkey.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Stags' Leap Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Napa Valley, California, United StatesOpen rich, earthy, dried herb nose with bits of black fruit and coffee. On the palate the wine has a vibrant streak of acidity to keep the mid-palate fresh with ripe, plummy, dark fruit and cedar flavours with chalky, coffee, earthy mineral finish. Still tightly wound so try it with roast beef.Prices:| NB | $56.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $50.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $50.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $57.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $56.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $55.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Sandalford Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Reserve 2007
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaClassic 'Western A' nose with a resiny, cedar, liquorice, cassis aromas and a touch of medicine chest. The entry is fresh with a mix of bright acidity, black olives leather and cranberry, cherry smoky liquorice flavours. The finish is dry and round with more cedar and minty tobacco. A fine wine for steak.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Fairview Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Premier Series 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaClassic cabernet structure and styling here with a twist of eccentricity, courtesy of winemaker owner Bill Eggert. This is likely the ripest cabernet yet made by Eggert which makes it fun to drink. Some of this fruit is blended into 'The Bear,' the winery's Meritage blend but what's left is worth checking out in this 2008 edition. Look for a spicy, black cherry, smoky nose with fresh acidity and cleanness. Love the spice and weight on the palate and the long finish of cassis jam, vanilla and flecks of coffee. Drink now with beef or hold three to five years.Prices:| BC | $34.90 | 750ml |
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11 December 2010
87PTS
McWilliam's Hanwood Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaFresh ripe, cedar nose with gobs of black fruit and cassis pushing to the fore. The palate is a mix of mocha, black fruit flavours and a strong streak of cedar. The tannins are soft the textures round and smooth. Easy-drinking red for grilled beef. Good value.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $15.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $17.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $17.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $17.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $17.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Luigi Bosca Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2007
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaMuch like the 2006 the Bosca Reserva cab offers up a pleasing mix of smoke, toast and savoury mocha notes. The entry is spicy with dried herbs, red fruits and a delicious minty/eucalyptus, licorice plum fruit finish. The balance of fruit and sweet savoury fruit is all you could want for the price.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
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10 December 2010
87PTS
Mission Hill Pinot Noir Five Vineyards 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTobacco, savoury, peppery, cherry, dried herb, worsteshire, celery root aromas. Round, full, fresh, slightly warm palate with dried spice, cherry, prune, tobacco, cedar, rooty flavours. Well balanced, fresh pinot at an affordable price. A good place to start in British Columbia.Prices:| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.45 | 750ml |
| NB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
CedarCreek Pinot Noir 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, celery salt, spicy, tobacco leaf, peppery, vanilla, coffee, black cherry aromas. Dry, tight, somewhat lean palate but elegant with smoky vanilla, coffee bean, peppery, rooty, dill, rhubarb, cherry cough syrup flavours. A bit lean and tart on the finish with lots of oak showing. Very similar to the last vintage.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
CedarCreek Platinum Pinot Noir 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMeaty, spicy, vanilla, coffee, black cherry, worsteshire nose with whiffs of barnyard and tobacco aromas. Dry, elegant, slightly lean palate with light tannins. Sour cherry, coffee, vanilla, rhubarb, dried herb and more worsteshire flavours. A bit tart and young but solid pinot effort.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Jean-Marc Brocard Chablis Montmains 1er Cru 2008
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceSeashore, oyster shell, light lees, lemon, green apple, light garlic and quince aromas. Fresh, crisp, round, juicy palate with good finesse. Spicy, oyster shell, lemon, green apple, light lees, mineral, garlic and pear skin flavours. Juicy, fresh finish, drink now or keep up to five years. Solid value.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $37.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $34.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Jean-Marc Brocard Chablis Domaine Sainte Claire 2008
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceLemon, oyster shell, light garlic, seaweed, green apple aromas. Dry, crisp, juicy, elegant, slightly lean palate with seaweed, pear, lees, lemon, mineral flavours. Solid style designed for oysters with some potential to improve. Fine vintage.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Meyer Pinot Noir 2008
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA straight-up pinot from Meyer Family made with Central Okanagan fruit. The nose is a mix of barnyard, tobacco cooked plum, rhubarb and some Band-Aid bretty notes. The palate is round and supple with ripe plum and herbal tobacco, cedar bark, menthol, coffee, vanilla bean flavours. The elements are a bit green, unknit and somewhat dirty in the finish. Needs some work.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Meyer Family Vineyards Chardonnay McLean Creek Road Vineyard 2009
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaButtery, honey, nutty lees, spicy, lemon, lime, sappy aromas. Dry, elegant, tight palate with light extract. Lime rind, lemon, spicy, nutty lees, clove, honey, green apple skin flavours. Chablis like in its acidity structure and lean quality but quite leesy. It's an exciting style to be pursuing but again a touch more fruit would be a fine addition.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Meyer Family Vineyards Chardonnay Tribute Series - Kenny McLean Old Main Road Vineyard 2009
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Meyer style is super fresh with some well worked lees. Vanilla, clove, spice, butter and green apple skin all permeate its light floral aromas. The palate on entry is juicy and elegant with some drying notes in the back end. Lemon, nutty lees, baked apple, clove, spicy, pear skin flavours dominate throughout. Brisk, somewhat buttery, skinny lemon finish. A solid effort but it must be served with food.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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09 December 2010
87PTS
Fess Parker Zinfandel 2009
California, United StatesA big improvement over the 2008 in texture and ripeness. Same medium colour with darker black fruit aromas and black liquorice too. The palate is warm and soft with easy sipping vanilla and red fruit flavours with more liquorice. A touch sweet but a bit of a crowd pleaser for barbecue freaks.Prices:| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Wolf Blass Yellow Label Sparkling Brut Mousseux NV
South Australia, AustraliaMedium mousse with pear, floral, apple skin, earthy aromas. Somewhat foamy mousse with bitter citrus rind, apple, pear, honey, peach pit flavours. Finish is fresh with a mix of some sweetness and noticeable bitterness.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Fess Parker Zinfandel 2008
California, United StatesMedium colour here with a distinctive if unremarkable nose of bramble berry, spice and cedar bark. T flavours on the palate are almost identical with a fair bit of acidity poking through at the back end - almost commercial Oz-shiraz like.Prices:| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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08 December 2010
86PTS
Seaview Brut Sparkling Wine NV
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaNot much change here with fresh pear, baked apple, floral, yeasty, citrus aromas. Round, fresh, crisp palate with some sweetness and foamy mousse. Red apple, honey, green peach, citrus, slightly toasty flavours. Simple, fresh, easy going fizz.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.50 | 750ml |
| SK | $14.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Falernia Syrah 2008
Valle del Limari, ChileBeautiful fragrant sweet chocolate appealing style of syrah. The entry is fresh, clean with round chalky tannins, fine structure and rich chocolate, meaty, black fruit flavours flecked with pepper. The philosophy at Falernia is to make an all local (Limari) wine made by local people. A good value syrah made with organic fruit.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Mirassou California Pinot Grigio 2009
California, United StatesSimilar to the last vintage with light floral, citrus, red apple, pear skin aromas. Round, fresh, slightly oily and sweet palate with grapefruit, passion fruit, honey, baked apple flavours. Simple, easy style with a zippy finish.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $15.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $15.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Nichol Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2008
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLeather, peppery, earthy, rooty, cranberry, barnyard, smoky, floral aromas. Dry, slightly lean, tart and tight palate but elegant with some cedar-y tannins. Peppery, rooty, smoky, coffee, saddle leather, cranberry, prune, barnyard, meaty, light Band-Aid flavours. Simple, forward style for drinking now with grilled beef entrees.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Marques de Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Puente Alto, Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileSpicy, floral, barnyard, cassis, leather, coffee, peppery, meaty, prune plum aromas. Full, round, warm, supple and fresh palate with light tannins. Cassis jam, minty, peppery, coffee, chocolate, saddle leather, savoury, bay and vanilla flavours. Good solid core of fruit and rich warm finish.Prices:| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $24.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $21.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $24.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $24.25 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Casillero del Diablo Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2008
Region del Valle Central, ChileMeaty, smoky, earthy, sappy cassis, minty, leather and cedar aromas. Round, supple, slightly chunky palate with fresh acidity. Cedar bark, cassis, menthol, peppery, leather, prune, earthy, tobacco leaf flavours. Finish is a bit tart and astringent but will be fine with the ribs and pizza.Prices:| NB | $12.40 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $14.25 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Carmen Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileVery peppery, savoury, spicy, cassis, menthol, bay, sappy, black cherry nose, a Maipo streak. Fresh, crisp, slightly tannic but full palate with leather, coffee, earthy, cassis, minty, dried herb, sappy, smoky flavours. A warm, slightly chunky finish lends this to lots of barbecue situations or pizza.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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07 December 2010
84PTS
Baillie-Grohman Pinot Noir 2009
Creston, British Columbia, CanadaMenthol, tobacco leaf, cedar herbal, rhubarb aromas with bits of cherry and leather. Dry, tight, somewhat austere palate with slightly under ripe tannins. Coffee, leather, prune, rhubarb, stewed cherry flavours. It shows potential but the first edition, aged some nine months in 15 percent new oak, is a bit too herbal.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Baillie-Grohman Blanc de Noirs 2009
Creston, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, rhubarb, cherry, tobacco, spicy, citrus nose. Round, soft, fresh, sweet entry with candied cherry, rhubarb, tobacco, herbal flavours. Very sweet, simple style. Patio wine. Serve well chilled.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Baillie-Grohman Gewurztraminer 2009
Creston, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, ginger, sausage, lychee, garlic, floral, lemon oil, pear aromas. Round, full, sweet, soft palate. Mango, ginger, spicy, rose petal, lychee, citrus, light lees and wax flavours. A simple, forward style for Thai or Indian food.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Baillie-Grohman Pinot Gris 2009
Creston, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, flinty, garlic, mineral, matchstick, green apple aromas. Round, rich, somewhat flat entry with anise, green apple, pear skin, lime rind and herbal, garlic lees, honey flavours. Solid effort for 3 year old vines. This will only get better in subsequent vintages.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Fess Parker Pinot Noir Ashley's 2007
Santa Rita Hills, Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesSpicy, savoury, rooty, celery salt, cherry jam, tobacco, meaty, coffee, cola, vanilla bean aromas. Dry, elegant, somewhat lean palate with light tannins. Tobacco leaf, meaty, leather, dill, celery salt, carrot top, raspberry, black tea and herb flavours with a sour cherry finish. Very dry, savoury tea style.Prices:| US | $40.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Kuyen 2008
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileIt is hard to believe this label is eight years old but as the site ages the wine gets better. Never too showy, Kuyen is a wine to contemplate. Grown bio-dynamically the fruit is pure, its bay leaf, Maipo savoury minty aromas fresh and substantial. On the palate you get black fruit, olives and spice and floral earthy undercurrents. The blend is49/34/17 syrah/cabernet sauvignon/carmenère all aged in French oak. Winemaker Alvaro Espinosa made 1000 cases.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Le G de Château Guiraud 2008
Bordeaux, FrancePassion fruit, botrytis, gooseberry, nettle, smoky aromas. Dry, fresh, lean, austere palate with lemon, gooseberry, oyster shell, passion leaf, grassy, grapefruit flavours. Just a bit to austere for the price.Prices:| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $28.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Clos du Soleil Capella 2007
British Columbia, CanadaGooseberry, nettle, lemon, floral, grassy, passion leaf, matchstick, lees aromas. Round, warm, slightly flat entry with lemon, gooseberry, marzipan, passion fruit, grapefruit rind, mineral flavours. Solid, best with seafood.The blend is 95/5 sauvignon blanc/semillon.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Signorello Seta 2008
Napa Valley, California, United StatesVanilla, spicy, fig, gooseberry, grapefruit, honey, lees, passion fruit, grassy aromas. Rich, dry, round, full palate but slightly austere and warm. Grapefruit, honey, lees, spicy, vanilla, passion fruit, mineral, nutty, apple skin flavours. Good finesse and intensity but an austere style with concentration made for food.Prices:| BC | $43.00 | 750ml |
| US | $25.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Ganton & Larson Prospect Winery The Townsend Jack Unoaked Chardonnay 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGrapefruit, green apple skin, peach pit, light butter and honey aromas. Tight, skinny palate but elegant with lime, green apple, honey, bitter rind, sweet butter flavours. Your basic appetizer party white.Prices:| BC | $11.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Moillard Mercurey 2007
Mercurey, Côte Chalonnaise, Burgundy, FranceBarnyard, resin, meaty, leather, tobacco, prune, menthol, Band-Aid aromas, very rustic, dirty nose. Dry, tart, lean palate and thin with meaty, fecal, resin, barnyard, menthol Band-Aid brett palate. Sorry but this stuff is undrinkable.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Road 13 Honest John's White 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery floral, spicy, lychee, sausage, plasticene, minty, grapefruit rind, grassy, ginger aromas. Fresh, crisp, somewhat sweet entry with grassy, grapefruit, fig, menthol, lychee, bubble-gum, canned fruit salad flavours. Simple stuff for the picnic.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Layer Cake Virgin Chardonnay 2009
Central Coast, California, United StatesPear, light lees, green apple skin, earthy, perfumy aromas. Round, off dry, somewhat flat entry with earthy, lees, citrus, baked pear flavours. Simple, bitter rind, consumer style at an inflated price.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| US | $13.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Boutari Nemea 2007
Naousa, Makedonia, GreecePeppery, liquorice, earthy, meaty, prune, floral, savoury aromas. Dry, round, supple, slightly lean palate with prune, leather, earthy, black licorice, peppery, rooty, cherry jam flavours. Simple, easy meat wine. Nemea is from the eponymous A.O.C. region of southern Greece home to the agiorgitiko or St. George variety.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $12.40 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Dunavár Pinot Gris 2009
Fresh floral, pear, spicy, baked apple, earthy aromas. Round, delicate, creamy but somewhat sweet palate with pear, citrus, green apple, earthy, chalky flavours. Simple, easy style at a fair price.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $7.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Boutari Naoussa 2007
Naousa, Makedonia, GreeceVery earthy, peppery, clove, black cherry, licorice, meaty, smoky, dried herb aromas. Dry, tight, supple, medium bodied palate. Smoky, peppery, rooty, earthy, black cherry, clove, dried sage, vanilla, coffee, leather flavours. A bit lean but lots of stuffing for grilled meats. Made with the ancient indigenous grape: xynomavro.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $16.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.45 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Cloudline Pinot Noir 2008
Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesBig green tobacco, orange pekoe tea, earthy, rooty, rhubarb aromas. Dry, tart, full, slightly tannic palate with green tea, tobacco leaf, menthol, rooty, sour cherry flavours. Very dry, austere style.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Luigi Bosca Reserva Pinot Noir 2008
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaCoffee, tobacco, meaty, tobacco leaf, menthol, meaty, barnyard aromas. Hot, dry, somewhat light and lean palate with prune, tobacco, resin, herbal, leather, meaty, medicinal flavours. Somewhat dry with a tart, cooked cherry finish. Nothing like the malbec.Prices:| BC | $23.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Fess Parker Pinot Noir 2008
Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesLiquorice black cherry, carrot top, dried herb, raspberry, barnyard, celery salt aromas. Round, dry, fresh, slightly tight palate with smoky, celery salt, cherry, stewed rhubarb, tobacco, tea leaf, meaty flavours with a coffee/vanilla finish. Drink now.Prices:| AB | $34.00 | 750ml |
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06 December 2010
90PTS
Altesino Brunello di Montalcino 2005
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyAltesino gets a minimum of four years of ageing: two in oak. Look for smoky, spicy, prune, barnyard, leather, tobacco nose with bits of black berry, meaty, carrot and ash aromas. The palate is ripe and supple with fine acidity and a minty, orange, black cherry, smoky coffee, leather/tobacco flavour. Good finesse if a bit forward. It ready to drink now with mushroom risotto or with a classic osso buco dish.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $60.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $64.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Argiolas Costamolino Vermentino di Sardegna 2009
Sardinia, ItalyPear, honey, floral, citrus, quince, melon aromas. Ripe, rich, full juicy palate but creamy. Similar flavours with mineral, lemon butter finish. Very good concentration and fruit but a bit warm on the end. Drink now with crab or prawns. Delicious for the money.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Carmen Chardonnay Gran Reserva 2009
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileHoney, spicy, floral, butterscotch, baked apple aromas. Round, dry, slightly warm and austere palate with baked green apple, vanilla, honey, butterscotch, melon flavours. Has solid fruit which helps with the skinny structure and prominent oak. good value in a modern style.Prices:| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
J. P. Chenet Premier Chardonnay NV
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceI must say I'm surprised by quality here. The nose is fresh and clean with bits of green apple and vanilla. The palate is ripe and commercial but with balance and some dryness in the back end. Pretty good value and a slightly drier alternative to Yellow Tail.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $13.50 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Casillero del Diablo Chardonnay 2009
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileThis wine is amazing. So clean fresh with a correct twist of lees adding complexity and body to its bright acidity and lemon apple fruit. Thirty per cent of the wine is fermented in French oak but as usual it disappears into the background. Again solid, well-made and eminently affordable. Bravo. Buy this one buy the case.Prices:| SK | $13.10 | 750ml |
| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $11.57 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Casillero del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Region del Valle Central, ChileAnother super clean fresh bottle from Casillero that this year leans a bit more toward the grassy, nettle side. The fruit comes off several cool Central valley sites and is fermented and aged on its lees in stainless steel tanks. The palate is stark with bright lemon grassy gooseberry flavours and flecks of citrus and grass. It finishes clean with a touch of minerality but more grass than fruit this year. Oysters are the answer here.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $14.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $14.25 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Union Riesling/Sauvignon Blanc/Gewürztraminer/Chardonnay 2009
Ontario, CanadaAn attention grabbing clean fresh blend of riesling, sauvignon blanc, gewürztraminer and unoaked chardonnay that is refreshingly crisp and clean with just ahint of sugar to clam spicy foods. You can serve it with a variety of sushi and or Thai and Chinese or West coast style seafood. Good value and all under screwcap.Prices:| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Domaine Serge Laloue Sancerre Blanc 2008
Sancerre, Upper Loire, Loire, FranceNew to us this sauvignon comes off 27 year old vineyard that is mostly clay and limestone. The fruit is picked on ripeness rather than acidity but the result is still very fresh and mineral-like. The wine is stainless steel fermented and then left on its lees for three or four months. Look for a floral citrus flavour profile with more mineral. A pleasant oyster wine that can also easily stand up to any buttered fish dishes.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
San Lorenzo Cabernet Sauvignon & Tempranillo 2008
Valle de Parras, Coahuila, MexicoFairly light and surprisingly old looking colour. Sweet and slightly volatile nose with an earthy, slightly dirty character with more sweet, balsamic volatile notes. The finish is tough. leathery and dry. Past its prime if it had one.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Monte Xanic Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2006
Guadalupe, Baja California, MexicoOpen oaky vanilla nose with bits of chocolate and black fruits. The attack is a mix of herbaceous tobacco and cassis fruit with fairly rough angular tannins and a substantial amount of heat in the finish. Big chunky rustic red form another era. Best with barbecued beef. Not cheap. Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
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05 December 2010
89PTS
Crios Torrontés by Susana Balbo Dominio de Plata 2009
Salta, North, ArgentinaSusannah Balbo is the queen of torrontés and her 'handpicked' handmade expression of this spicy, floral, high-altitude white wine is one of the best. Look for a dry, elegant, fresh palate with a bit of fat and plenty of fresh lychees, nectarine skin flavours flecked with ginger. Finish is fresh and juicy with more lemon zest and bitter ginger. Excellent quality for the price. Prices:| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Amalaya Vino Tinto de Altura 2009
Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, ArgentinaAmalaya means waiting for a miracle which aptly describes finding a wine like this in British Columbia. From the highest vineyards in the world this malbec, cabernet sauvignon, syrah and tannat offers a rich palate of sweet dark cherry fruit and white pepper with flecks of mineral and spice. The finish is long fresh and spicy with silky textures that do not quit. Farmed bio-dynamically and certified in what is essentially the highest vineyard in the world. It is a miracle.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $21.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Domaine du Tariquet Sauvignon 2009
Gascony, FranceThe Grassa family fame is firmly ensconced in Armagnac but it has not prevented them from making a delicious style sauvignon-blanc now under screwcap at a bullet-proof recession price of $15. Expect an exuberant, fresh ripe passion fruit nose with bits of lemons, limes and a hint of asparagus on the palate. The acidity is mild, making it easy-sipping. A versatile oyster or clams wine you can also serve it with chicken curries and sushi. Top value.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Faustino I Rioja Gran Reserva 1998
Rioja Alavesa, Rioja, SpainYou never know what you are going to get with Faustino 1, from great, to corked, to full of Brett, it can literally be an adventure with each bottle. In this case the 1998 has a smoky earthy oaky nose with a hint of Brett (more to come in the years ahead I'm sure). The plate is a mix of black cherry and leather notes with persistent balsamic notes. Rustic or full of character: It is your call. Try it with turkey.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Ecco Marqués de Vitoria Rioja (Organic) 2009
Rioja Alavesa, Rioja, SpainEcco is one hundred per cent organically grown tempranillo. The nose is awash in raspberry and liquorice scented fruit with bits of cedar and spice. The attack is all cassis and raspberry fruit with flecks of earth and liquorice and mushrooms. The tannins are soft and sweet. Drink now with earthy dishes.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $17.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Torres Sangre de Toro 2007
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainSlightly reductive, screwcap nose that blows off after about 10 minutes. Expect a soft, juicy style red with earthy, spicy black fruit flavours and dash of orange peel. Simple but solid red for those rustic winter stews, hamburgers and mushroom dishes. Good value.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $15.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Caliterra Merlot Reserva 2008
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileThis wine has been consistently spicy, minty and herby on the nose. The palate is soft showing spicy peppery red fruit with some pronounced acidity and earthy leafy notes. Ready to drink and best with grilled chicken or meat dishes. Good effort for the price.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Carmen Gran Reserva Merlot 2008
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileAll handpicked in late April the Gran Reserva fruit is from the superior Alto Maipo Valley a sub-appellation Pirque on an 80/20 split of sand and clay. The nose is ripe showing black or blueberry fruit notes with a hint of cloves and cinnamon. Look for black cherry jam flavours, and plentiful but round tannins. The finish is typical Maipo with savoury dried herb notes. Try this with meat or mushroom pasta dishes or grilled chicken. Best in 2013.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Carmen Reserva Merlot 2008
Valle del Cachapoal, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileWarm leafy red fruit nose with bits of spice and dried herbs...carmenère? The attack is soft and dense with black olive, cedar, herbal, tobacco notes with black cherry flecks in the finish. The tannins are a touch rustic but otherwise this wine would be welcome around the barbecue.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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04 December 2010
87PTS
Barbera da Vine 2007
Piedmont, ItalySmoky, peppery, black cherry, almond, meaty, tobacco, resin, dried herb aromas. Ripe, round, fresh, supple, slightly tannic palate with cherry jam, orange peel, coffee, earthy, tobacco, liquorice root, floral flavours. A bit warm with that barbera acidity but with the right dishes such as roast lamb or steak tartare it will be fine.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Bishop's Selection Côtes du Rhône Villages 2008
Côtes du Rhône Villages, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceThis grenache syrah blend opens with smoky, peppery, cedar, garrigue notes and spicy, black cherry, orange aromas. Round, dry, warm, supple palate with earth, tobacco, chocolate, rooty, cherry, orange flavours. Solid style designed for the barbecue and roasted meat dishes. Good value.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Lamberti Santepietre Pinot Grigio 2009
Veneto, ItalySimilar to last edition with a nutty, lemon oil, pear skin, green apple, leesy nose. Round, fresh, off dry palate with almond, honey, baked pear, lees, and nutty, citrus flavours. Finish is a bit soft but solid value here for current drinking.Prices:| BC | $13.50 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sartori Pinot Grigio 2009
Veneto, ItalyFloral, baked pear, citrus, honey, chalky, mineral nose. Fresh, dry, somewhat austere palate but good concentration. Pear, green apple skin, light lees, honey, lemon, spicy almond flavours. A dry, more intense style.Prices:| BC | $18.50 | 750ml |
| NB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $13.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $14.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
St. Hallett Gamekeeper's Shiraz Grenache 2008
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaPeppery, meaty, orange peel, black cherry, rooty, resin, floral aromas. Ripe, round, warm and tart and very grapey with black cherry kirsch, floral, spicy, prune, licorice, tea flavours. Good fruit but with some elevated alcohol and acid on the finish.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.90 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Cecchi Chianti Natio 2008
Tuscany, ItalySmoky, meaty, earthy, sausage, barnyard, leather and cherry aromas. Soft, round, dry, elegant palate with meaty, peppery, dried cherry, leather, tobacco and orange flavours. A bit tannic and rustic but fine for the barbecue beef. Made from organic grapes.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Ricossa Antica Casa Barbera d'Asti 2006
Piedmont, ItalyPeppery, rooty, meaty, cedar, tobacco leaf, floral aromas. Soft, round, fresh, full palate with black cherry, meaty, tobacco, smoky, peppery, almond, mineral flavours. A bit tart and warm but has some good structure and fruit for food. Solid value for barbera.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Cecchi Chianti Classico 2008
Tuscany, ItalyPeppery, saddle leather, rooty, black cherry, meaty, barnyard, cigar aromas. Round, dry, elegant, slightly lean and tannic entry. Cherry, licorice root, peppery, meaty, tobacco, spicy, carrot top flavours. Good intensity but youthful, best with meat dishes.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Domaine Serge Laloue Sancerre Rouge 2007
Sancerre, Upper Loire, Loire, FranceCinnamon, clove, barnyard, saddle leather, garlic, spicy, tobacco leaf, leesy aromas. Dry, tart, somewhat lean and tannic entry. Sour cherry, barnyard, Band-Aid, rhubarb, tobacco leaf, rooty flavours. Lacks balance and ripeness.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Long Flat Shiraz 2007
AustraliaFloral, peppery, spicy, warm chocolate, black cherry jam, rooty, saddle leather aromas. Round, fresh acidity, warm, slightly sweet, slightly bitter palate. Black cherry jam, coffee, rooty, tobacco, sour blackberry flavours. Basic, warm and tart finish.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Long Flat Shiraz Viognier 2008
AustraliaBig meaty, rooty, rubbery, tobacco, peppery, spicy, black cherry aromas. Very warm, tart, round but bony palate with light tannins. Cherry juice, coffee, peppery, rooty, cedar, tobacco, meaty flavours. Has fruit but the finish is just too acidic and lean.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Long Flat Red Cabernet Shiraz 2008
AustraliaPeppery, tobacco leaf, cedar, coffee, rooty, earthy, cassis aromas. Round, tart, slightly tannic but full bodied with cassis, herbal, coffee, tobacco, cedar, resin, licorice flavours. Has fruit and intensity but get rid of the excessive acidity and the sweet finish. Basic bulk red wine.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Liberta 2008
Tuscany, ItalyCoffee, cherry jam, floral, tobacco leaf, meaty, licorice, sage aromas. Full, rich, chewy, fresh palate with a touch of sweetness. Cherry jam, peppery, coffee, meaty, floral, tobacco, chocolate flavours. Plenty of stuffing here with still some tannin to shed. Try it with grilled meats or roasted chicken.Prices:| NB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $22.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Collazzi I Bastoni Chianti Classico 2008
Tuscany, ItalySpicy, peppery, black cherry, meaty nose with flecks of vanilla, coffee and carrot top. Round, dry, slightly tannic and chewy but full palate with cherry, coffee, peppery, smoky, vanilla, rooty, meaty, liquorice flavours. Chunky but good intensity. Needs 1-2 years.Prices:| AB | $23.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $24.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $24.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Cloudline Pinot Gris 2008
Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesAlmond, pear, green apple, nettle, lemon aromas. Dry, fresh, somewhat austere palate with lemon oil, granny smith, honey, grassy, pear, nutty, passion fruit flavours. Very crisp, dry finish, austere finish - best with mussels. A French look at Oregon pinot gris.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Schloss Reinhartshausen Pinot Noir 2006
Rheingau, GermanyPeppery, cherry, prune, earthy, tea leaf, barnyard aromas. The entry is surprisingly ripe, round, supple; the palate is juicy with cherry jam, tobacco, prune, light barnyard and root/carrot flavours. Good overall balance and fruit and solid value. Well done.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Henkell Trocken Dry Sekt NV
GermanyA good example of modern winemaking. A pleasant fresh floral nose with peach and green apple flavours and a slightly, sweet, foamy palate with just enough acidity for balance. Despite the Trocken label this 'sweetish' bubble would be best with spicy one-bite appetizers.Prices:| BC | $14.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.39 | 750ml |
| SK | $15.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $16.99 | 750ml |
| NFL | $16.99 | 750ml |
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03 December 2010
87PTS
Chat-en-Oeuf Vin Blanc de Pays d'Oc 2009
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceThe mix is two thirds grenache blanc and one third marsanne which spawns a fresh mineral, aromatic floral nose and a palate with fresh acidity and more mineral, citrus, grapefruit and peachy notes. A wine that can easily shift from an appetizer role to an entrée pairing. Fine value in what is a very serviceable, everyday, dinner white.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Staete Landt Map Maker Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandGrassy, grapefruit, gooseberry, lemon nettle aromas. Dry, crisp, fresh palate, quite zippy. Grapefruit, butter, gooseberry, lemon lime and green apple flavours with a touch of asparagus. Good finesse in a somewhat austere style that is matched for seafood. Made from purchased and estate fruit.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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02 December 2010
91PTS
J Vineyards Viognier Hoot Owl Vineyard 2009
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesFloral, honeysuckle, orange, mineral, guava, red apple aromas. Round, ripe, rich, and fresh but juicy with a hint of sweetness. Pineapple, honey, guava, orange, ginger, mineral, apricot flavours. Very good acidity, fruit and freshness - finely balanced effort.Prices:| BC | $48.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
J Vineyards Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2007
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, United StatesFrom vineyards in the western area of the Sonoma Coast, mostly in the Freestone area as well as the extreme Russian River. Spicy, carrot, dill, tobacco leaf rose, strawberry, licorice, compost, barnyard, vanilla aromas. Dry, tight, elegant and juicy palate with light tannins but freshness. Rhubarb, strawberry, celery, vanilla, tobacco, herbal, coffee, cinnamon and dill flavours. Long and elegant with juicy fruit and an exotic spice finish. Fine effort, drink now or keep for 2-5 years. This edition and the Barrel 16 certainly exhibit some of the best characteristics of the cool Sonoma region from any of the producers.Prices:| BC | $70.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
J Vineyards Pinot Noir Nonny's Vineyard 2007
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesA fairly large 70-acre vineyard of a bit warmer and heavier style Yolo soil. Floral, cherry jam, spicy, plum, vanilla, coffee, celery, barnyard, compost aromas. Round, ripe, rich, warm and intense but supple palate. Big spicy vanilla, black cherry, raspberry, celery, coffee, carrot, tobacco flavours. A bit too warm on the finish but lots of fruit intensity and structure. Needs 1-3 years to fully round out.Prices:| BC | $70.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sandeman Ruby Porto NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalDark cherry colour. Chocolate, almond, coffee, prune, cherry, peppery, spicy, licorice, black tea aromas. Drier style but balanced sweetness and acidity but fiery. Warm with chocolate, tobacco, earthy, peppery, dried fig, balsamic, clove flavours. A bit on the dry and spirity side with dried fruit.Prices:| BC | $22.49 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Sandeman Tawny Porto 20 Years Old NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalNice brick amber colour with a green edge. Very nutty, rancio, toffee, spicy, peppery, orange peel, prune, creamy aromas with a light spirity note. Again, drier style with light sweetness but good finesse. Warm with honey, buttery, rancio, walnut, earthy, tobacco, peppery, prune and cedar flavours. Good complexity and finesse for drinking anytime with nuts or cheese. This particular bottle is showing signs of tiredness compared to last year's excellent tasting at 94 points.Prices:| BC | $63.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tibaneli Single Estate Kindzmarauli 2008
Kindzmarauli, Kakheti, GeorgiaCoffee, toffee, ginger snap, clove, baked cherry, prune, menthol, floral, barnyard aromas. Ripe, round, fresh, elegant, slightly tannic palate with nice sweetness. Clove, earthy, barnyard, prune, Band-Aid, cherry jam, toffee, tobacco, savoury, all spice flavours. A bit rustic but has good finesse and balance.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Marani Mukuzani 2005
Mukuzani, Kakheti, GeorgiaRipe cherry, chocolate, vanilla, tobacco, savoury, resin, licorice, menthol, meaty, light barnyard aromas. Round, fresh, supple, elegant palate with good intensity. Cherry, menthol, savoury, herbal, tobacco, coffee, orange, vanilla, peppery, herbal, cinnamon/incense flavours. Good finish with a tea and herb note.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Marani Napareuli 2008
Napareuli, Kakheti, GeorgiaSpicy, tobacco leaf, menthol, mulberry, savoury, meaty, dried herbs, cedar, resin, meaty aromas. Dry, round, supple, elegant palate. Cedar, minty, chocolate, tomato, cherry, resin, licorice, tobacco leaf, meaty flavours, malbec like. A bit rustic but good balance and intensity.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Marani Kindzmarauli 2008
Kindzmarauli, Kakheti, GeorgiaStill fermenting in bottle, something amiss. Try another bottle.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Satrapezo Saperavi 2007
Kakheti, GeorgiaBig barnyard, sweaty saddle leather, prune, Band-Aid (Brettanomyces) , chocolate, cherry jam, savoury aromas. Dry, tight, slightly tannic palate but balanced. Coffee, tobacco, resin, chocolate, savoury, herbal, barnyard, medicinal, Band-Aid flavours. Rustic style that needs food.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Marani Tvishi 2008
Racha-Lechkhumi, Lechkhumi, GeorgiaBig mineral, slate, matchstick, quince, green apple, pear skin, honey aromas a sort of cross between grüner veltliner and chenin blanc. Ripe, fresh, round, slightly sweet but juicy palate. Honey, baked green apple, pear, lemon, grapefruit, slate, spicy flavours. Juicy, slightly austere and fresh palate with good fruit if a bit sweet. Fine effort. Look forward to this going under screw cap.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Marani Pirosmani Medium Dry Red 2008
Kakheti, GeorgiaChocolate, prune, incense, barnyard, sweaty saddle, coffee, menthol, cedar aromas. Round, supple, elegant palate with light sweetness and balanced acidity. Orange, coffee, tobacco leaf, dried herb, orange, resin, cedar, barnyard, leather flavours. Well balanced, try with a stew or ginger cookies.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Marani Kondoli Vineyards Saperavi 2007
Kakheti, GeorgiaSpicy, coffee, vanilla, barnyard, sweaty saddle leather, Band-Aid, prune, gamey, cherry jam aromas. Ripe, round, supple, rich, smooth palate with good acidity. Band-Aid, menthol, gamey, barnyard, prune, smoky carrot, resin, cherry flavours with a prickly, balsamic finish. Good ripeness and structure but marred by Brett.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Marani Saperavi Dry Red 2008
Kakheti, GeorgiaPeppery, minty, earthy, prune, maraschino cherry, chocolate, gamey aromas. Round, dry, elegant palate with fresh acidity. Tobacco, black cherry, savoury, menthol, cedar, spicy, prune flavours. Good finesse and clean but a bit lean on the finish. Try this with beef.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Marani Kondoli Vineyards Saperavi-Merlot 2007
Kakheti, GeorgiaVery savoury, floral, meaty, coffee, dark chocolate, leather, tobacco, olive and mint aromas. Rich, round, dry, supple but slightly tannic palate and a bit chunky. Coffee, menthol, tobacco, black olive, peppery, savoury, meaty, black cherry and plum flavours. Unusual combination but well balanced with good concentration. Will improve with 1-3 years.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Marani Tbilisuri Medium Dry White 2009
Kakheti, GeorgiaOpen pear, quince, lemon, anise, spicy aromas. Off dry entry with soft acidity but full and elegant. Honey, orange peel, baked pear, quince, slate flavours. Solid fruit and fresh finish that is slightly austere to go with various Asian cuisines. Somewhat akin to chenin blanc. Solid value.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Marani Mtsvane Dry White 2009
Kakheti, GeorgiaFloral, baked green apple skin, orange, pear, anise aromas, good fruit. Dry, fresh, somewhat austere palate with green apple, pear, quince, spicy, lime, mineral, slate flavours. Good intensity if just a bit too soft in the finish.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Inniskillin Vidal Icewine 2007
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaLight gold colour. Baked apple, beach ball, honey, marmalade, citrus, waxy, butter aromas. Ripe, round, elegant, fresh but slightly mature palate. Baked green apple, lime, waxy, honey, orange peel, spicy flavours. Good finesse and ready to drink.Prices:| AB | $60.00 | 375ml |
| BC | $60.00 | 375ml |
| ON | $60.00 | 375ml |
| QC | $60.00 | 375ml |
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90PTS
Tinhorn Creek Kerner Icewine 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWaxy, peach, honey, baked pear and light citrus aromas. Soft, round, full, sweet, elegant style with a big floral, honey, waxy, baked peach, citrus and orange flavours. A sweeter, easy-drinking or should we say sipping style with good fruit for early consumption. One of the better editions of this grape.Prices:| BC | $49.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Inniskillin Okanagan Tempranillo Icewine 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight gold-rose colour. The nose offers up spicy, tobacco, peppery, herbal, strawberry jam and cooked rhubarb aromas. The palate is round, soft, elegant and ripe with moderate sweetness but soft acidity. Primary flavours are strawberry jam, cherry, tobacco, spicy, baked apple and citrus. Somewhat soft and cooked but the style is likeable, the price, not so much.Prices:| BC | $100.00 | 375ml |
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01 December 2010
90PTS
Veuve Clicquot Demi-Sec NV
Champagne, FranceThe blend here is about 45% pinot noir with about 4% residual sugar to make the demi-sec style. Very fine continuous mousse with floral, baked pear, honey, citrus, apple, nutty, cherry aromas. Round, rich, elegant, moderately fresh and somewhat sweet but good acidity balance. Honey, citrus, pear, peach, mango, nutty, brioche, baked apple flavours. Fun, elegant style with good acidity-sugar balance for light desserts.Prices:| BC | $79.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $79.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $85.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $81.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $79.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $79.00 | 750ml |
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January 2011