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Tastings: March 2011
30 March 2011
87PTS
Miguel Torres Santa Digna Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2007
Valle del Curicó, Region del Valle Central, ChileSmoky, gamey, peppery, cassis, tobacco, black cherry, floral, rooty, bay leaf aromas. Round, fresh, slightly tannic palate with a sweet edge. Coffee, cedar bark, peppery, cassis, tobacco, bay leaf, olive and smoky leather flavours. Simple, easy styling for drinking with beef.Prices:| BC | $18.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Vina 1924 De Angeles Malbec 2008
Vistalba District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaTobacco, savoury, peppery, roasted mushroom, black cherry, licorice root, plum compote, compost and orange aromas with a touch of vanilla. Rich, ripe, round and warm but supple with fresh acidity. Vanilla, warm cherry compote, orange, chocolate, plum, Christmas cake, savoury herb flavours. The finish is arm and ripe but well balanced and fresh and juicy with good finesse and fruit. Drinkable now but should age well for 2-4 years. Good value.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Miguel Torres Santa Digna Carmenere Reserve 2008
Valle del Curicó, Region del Valle Central, ChileVery spicy, tobacco leaf, bay leaf, cassis, menthol, sappy, smoky, sage aromas with a meaty note. Round, supple, fresh and juicy palate with a hint of sweetness. Sappy, cassis, boysenberry, bay leaf, tobacco leaf, leather, savoury, vanilla and herb flavours. An elegant, balanced, easy style for this variety.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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29 March 2011
91PTS
Henschke Mount Edelstone Single Vineyard Shiraz 2008
Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaMade with 100 per cent old vines planted in the 1920s. Typical Oz coffee, black berry, blueberry, vanilla, cola, five spice, cedar, menthol, saddle leather aromas with a touch of barnyard. Fresh, supple, round, elegant palate but a bit lean and tart in the back end. Smoky, liquorice, coffee, vanilla, blueberry and black cherry mark the palate with bits of cedar, tobacco leaf and olive flavours. Nice intensity but a bit too lean and tart on the finish. Needs 3-5 years to integrate and food to balance the acidity on the finish. Seems not up to the quality of some previous vintages.Prices:| BC | $175.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $165.00 | 750ml |
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27 March 2011
88PTS
Quails' Gate Rosé 2010
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAnother, tight fruity mineral well-constructed rosé with a delicious food upside. The nose is slightly sweaty grapefruit and rhubarb with bits of tangerine and citrus. Über fresh and dry and will be perfect with so many summer menu items. Crab would be ideal.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Arrowleaf First Crush Rosé 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis wine is tracking down the right path under screwcap with an orange tinge to its colour and a fresh minerality on the nose. The blend is pinot noir, zweigelt and merlot the style is just off-dry with a fairly flat mid-palate and finish. It could use a bit of zip in extra added acidity otherwise served chilled it will make friends on the patio.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Torres De Casta Rosé 2010
Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainI have a soft spot for the Torres rosé, garnacha/cariñena blend that has been around for an astounding 70 years. Expect a clean fresh nose with hint of citrus and earthy, black cherry and fresh raspberry aromas. Equally bright and fresh on the palate it has a ripe candied cherry palate with minerality, citrus and a fresh watery thirst quenching aftertaste. Any summer salad, corn on the cob, charcuterie or even cold fired chicken this is the answer. A crazy bargain.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $13.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Peller Estates Family Series Merlot 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSimilar to last year's with a cool leafy tobacco black olive black cherry nose with a bit of reduction. The attack is dry with a soft glossy mid-palate and herby, earthy, black cherry, coffee flavours and a warm, resiny finish.Prices:| BC | $14.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $13.50 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.30 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Tommasi Merlot Le Prunée 2008
Garda, Verona, Veneto, ItalyLe Prunée definitely seems to be on the upswing. Cleaner with more merlot character it is an interesting bottle of red wine although the artificial cork is a drag to open. The fruit is sweet and spicy with soft textures and black fruit flavours with just touch of rubber in its dry back end. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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26 March 2011
88PTS
Cantinian Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Mendoza, ArgentinaSpicy, blackberry, rooty, savoury, boysenberry, floral, licorice, peppery aromas. Soft, round, supple and fresh palate. Juicy blackberry, peppery, coffee, plum, smoky, earthy flavours. Good fruity style with a touch of warmth on the finish. Drink now - 1 year. Solid value here.Prices:| BC | $16.80 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Bret Brothers Pouilly-Fuissé Terres de Fuissé 2008
Mâconnais, Burgundy, FranceRipe pear, earthy, honey, anise, seashore, light lees, floral, apple skin aromas with a touch of vanilla. Dry, fresh, elegant, juicy and slightly austere palate. Light spicy lees, baked apple skin, pear, earthy, nutty, honey flavours. Good concentration and acidity in a somewhat austere style. Will benefit from a few years aging.Prices:| BC | $56.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $45.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Arrowleaf Pinot Noir 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig saddle leather, smoky, earthy, barnyard, rubber, rooty, black cherry aromas. Dry, round, elegant palate with smoky, earthy, rubbery, cola, tobacco leaf, saddle leather, meaty, cherry flavours. Well balanced but with a somewhat dirty character on the nose and palate.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Blasted Church Pinot Noir 2008
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRooty, earthy, tobacco leaf, rhubarb, raspberry, cola aromas. Ripe, round, dry palate with light, cedary tannins. Coffee, cedar bark, tobacco, rhubarb, sour cherry, smoky oak flavours. Finish is a bit stemmy and tart but it does show a bit of pinot character.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Blue Mountain Gamay Noir 2009
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, cedar, vanilla, tobacco, meaty, peppery, black cherry, mocha aromas. Fresh, dry, slightly chunky palate with fresh acidity and some light astringency. Black cherry, vanilla, chocolate, rooty, tobacco, peppery, cedar flavours. The finish needs some taming with food. Duck confit would be a good match.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Poet's Leap Riesling 2009
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThis wine is fully on track now revealing the best of what Washington riesling fruit can be. So fresh and bright, Poet's leaps from the bottle offering a mineral pear and citrus aromas flecked with candied lime rind and grapefruit. Fairly tight now but still with some mid-palate richness and a fresh, clean finish. Well done.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| US | $22.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Rodney Strong Symmetry Table Red Wine 2007
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesCoffee, vanilla, cedar, blackberry, cassis, chocolate, leather, meaty, floral, plum and roasted pepper aromas. Ripe, rich, supple, round palate with fine grained tannins. Big chocolate, coffee, vanilla, blackberry jam, cedar, smoky, meaty, mint, savoury and tobacco flavours. A bit warm but well balanced and youthful. Needs 2-3 years soften. One of the best Symmetrys we have tasted.Prices:| BC | $80.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $70.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $77.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
J. P. Chenet Premier Pinot Noir 2008
FranceDeep colour. Stemmy, herbal, meaty, peppery, menthol, rooty, cola aromas. Off dry, light, skinny palate with fresh acidity. Dried herb, menthol, sour cherry, rooty flavours. Simple, somewhat bitter finish. Not much pinot character.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
J. P. Chenet Premier de Cuvee Merlot - Cabernet Oak Aged 2008
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceCool tobacco leaf, menthol, sappy, earthy, peppery, herbal aromas. Dry, chunky, astringent palate with smoky, peppery, tobacco leaf, herbal, stemmy, cassis, mocha flavours. Finish is dry, tart and chunky with some tannin to shed.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $14.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $13.50 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chateau de Ferrand 2003
Saint Émilion, Libourne, Bordeaux, FranceCedar bark, meaty, floral, savoury, black cherry, rooty, coffee aromas. Dry, round, somewhat flat and astringent palate. Smoky, meaty, peppery, pruny, cassis, tobacco leaf, cedar, savoury herb flavours. Warm, oaky, somewhat chunky finish. Youthful, needs 2-4 years to soften out. Serve this with lamb for best results.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chiopris Pinot Grigio 2008
Friuli-Venezia Giulia, ItalySpicy, earthy, pear, honey, light anise, lemon aromas. Dry, fresh, crisp, elegant palate but slightly austere. Juicy nectarine, honey, pear, lemon, slate, light lees and licorice flavours. Good solid style but austere. Best with food. Solid value.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Cordillera de Los Andes Carinena Merlot Syrah Reserva Privada Familia Torres 2007
Region del Valle Central, ChileVery savoury, riparian, cassis, black raspberry, rooty, meaty, minty, sappy, smoky, vanilla, bay leaf aromas. Rich, dry, round, slightly tannic palate with juicy acidity. Smoky, cedar, coffee, black raspberry, cassis, peppery, savoury, meaty, tobacco leaf flavours. Good complexity and intensity but somewhat rustic. Needs 2-4 years to round out.Prices:| BC | $34.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $33.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Calona Vineyards Artist Series Cabernet Merlot 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCool herbal, tobacco leaf, prune, smoky oak, coffee bean, roasted bell pepper nose. Soft, round, slightly tannic palate with fresh acidity and smoky coffee, roasted bell pepper, sour cherry, candied berry flavours - all with a bit of sweetness. Needs cheese or beef to soften the tannins. Drink now.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Red Rooster Meritage Reserve 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig smoky oak, vanilla, coffee, cedar, menthol, peppery, prune, clove aromas. Dry, tight, lean, somewhat astringent palate and very warm with green tannins. Huge smoky, toasted oak, resin, peppery, vanilla, prune, bell pepper and tobacco flavours. Too much oak and heat to really appreciate the fruit. Needs time.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Peller Estates Private Reserve Pinot Noir 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBrick red colour. Spicy, smoky, rhubarb, sour cherry, coffee, tobacco leaf aromas. Round, supple, easy palate with a touch of sweetness and warmth. Big coffee, mocha oak flavours with rooty, stemmy, cooked rhubarb and cherry flavours. Very warm and somewhat tart, oaky finish. Simple, friendly style.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Cassini Cellars Maximus Collector's Series 2008
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen menthol, peppery, herbal nose with meaty, smoky, cassis, cedar aromas. The palate is dry and warm with slightly dry/ tannic notes. Look for smoky oak, coffee, cassis, black pepper, cedar, resin, vanilla and tobacco leaf flavours. Good concentration but finish is very youthful and rustic with tannins to shed. Needs 2-3 years before it reaches its peak.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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23 March 2011
89PTS
Blandy's Madeira Duke of Clarence Rich NV
Madeira, PortugalExpect the classic amber colour with just a hint of green at the edge. The nose is ripe and sweet with a nutty floral, rancio, honey raisin character. The palate is creamy and full with a spicy chocolate vanilla raisin tobacco note and fine underlying acidity. Think cake here with best match likely ginger or coffee or simply sip it after dinner.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $28.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $33.75 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Attems Pinot Grigio 2009
Friuli-Venezia Giulia, ItalyEarthy, pear, spicy, honey, citrus aromas with a nutty note. Round, fresh, juicy, sweet fruit entry with citrus, honey, baked apple, pear, floral flavours. Good concentration and fruit.Prices:| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Frescobaldi Castiglioni Chianti 2008
Tuscany, ItalySpicy, peppery, meaty, black cherry, floral, plum, tobacco aromas. Fresh, round, supple and juicy palate with similar fruit flavours and a bit of leather on the finish. Good intensity and fruit to go with most any dish. Solid value.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.85 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $16.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Frescobaldi Tenuta di Castiglioni 2008
Tuscany, ItalyCassis, peppery, black berry, olive, liquorice, floral, spicy, meaty, thyme, oregano, vanilla, aromas. Ripe, full, round and supple palate with good finesse and juicy acidity. Floral, cassis, plum, black berry, coffee, vanilla, dried herbs, olive and tobacco flavours. A balanced effort with fine fruit and concentration. Drink now or keep for 2-4 years. Mostly Bordeaux varieties with a bit of sangiovese.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $26.70 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Frescobaldi Castello di Nipozzano Chianti Rufina Riserva 2007
Tuscany, ItalyOpen peppery, sausage meat, tobacco and leather nose with bits of liquorice root, black cherry and smoky plum aromas. Ripe, round, supple but grainy tannins with good acidity. Smoky, peppery, tobacco, blackberry jam, plum, vanilla, coffee, meaty, leather and liquorice flavours. Very good concentration and intensity, can age 4-7 years easily.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $22.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $125.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $27.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Tenuta Luce La Vite Lucente 2007
Tuscany, ItalySpicy, peppery, dark chocolate, meaty, smoky, blackberry, leather, cassis, cranberry aromas. Rich, full, round palate with good concentration and some grainy tannins. Warm and fresh with plum jam, vanilla, chocolate, coffee, black cherry, meaty, peppery, savoury flavours. The blend is sangiovese, merlot and cabernet sauvignon.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $38.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $39.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $37.50 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Frescobaldi Castelgiocondo Brunello di Montalcino 2005
Tuscany, ItalyLiquorice, peppery, blackberry, prune nose with floral, black olive, tobacco, smoky thyme and barnyard aromas. Dry, full, warm and juicy palate. Blackberry, black cherry, coffee, leather, licorice, thyme, and dark chocolate flavours with a savoury, peppery finish. A bit chunky right now, will benefit from 2-4 years further aging.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $68.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $54.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $55.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Frescobaldi Remole Chianti 2008
Tuscany, ItalyAn all estate fruit blend that is primarily sangiovese with a bit of cabernet sauvignon added. Peppery, earthy, spicy, leather, cassis aromas mix with black cherry, barnyard and smoke. The palate is round, supple and forward with cherry, leather, tobacco, cassis, meaty flavours. Good solid value in amid-week spaghetti red.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.40 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Miguel Torres San Medín Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Valle del Curicó, Region del Valle Central, ChileA bright floral nose with grassy nettle undertone and a touch of citrus. The palate is fresh with a combination of melon, passion fruit and grassy citrus. Simple dry, Euro-style sauvignon that is ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
La Posta Bonarda 2008
Guaymallén, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaBonarda has found a real home in Argentina and it behoves retailers to jump on this bandwagon. Soft tannins and balanced savoury fruit flavours with bits of raspberry, cinnamon, pepper and white chocolate. Again the texture is slippery to help its savoury bright fruit finish slide down easily. Perfect with grilled chicken or pork.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
No. 8 Wire Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandA slightly toned-down style is welcomed here with a nod to the classic Marlborough sauvignon style. Aromatic, capsicum passion fruit nose with grassy bits of citrus. The palate is similar with more melon, nettle, grapefruit flavours. Good value.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Young & Wyse Collection Merlot 2009
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaYear two at Young and Wyse brings a big improvement. The texture and weight is much improved with cedar cherry black olive notes on the nose and cherry, dried herb, tobacco and toasted oak flavours. Still quite youthful, yet the wine is approachable now with a steak or roast lamb.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Young & Wyse Collection Black Label 33 30 24 13 2009
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Y&W Collection is a 33/30/24/13 blend of merlot, syrah, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc that assaults the nose with smoke and toasted oak. More spicy liquorice and smoky toasted espresso beans mark the palate with a coffee caramel, sweet oak finish. Over the top at this point and showing little or no fruit. Lacks finesse.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Peter Lehmann Mentor 2005
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThe 05 Mentor is a nice step up in ripeness and roundness which may surprise given it is a rare 100 per cent cabernet sauvignon edition where the vines are all 60 years old. It's aged for 18 months in French oak another reason to pay attention here. We love the richness and gloss on entry and the powerful minty cedar black fruit flavours that run the length of the wine. You can easily drink this now with a T-bone steak or a piece of lamb, or you can cellar it for another five years. Well done and good value. Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $40.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $44.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $41.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Rodney Strong Zinfandel Knotty Vines 2008
Northern Sonoma, Sonoma County, California, United StatesClassic Sonoma zin with a sweet bramble berry spicy nose. The attack is ripe the textures smooth and the finish is warm. Expect smoky blackberry brambleberry fruit with a spicy cola undercurrent. A small amount of "Knotty Vines" planted in 1904 are mixed with other fruit from vineyards in the Russian River and Alexander Valleys. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| US | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Peller Estates Private Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDry fresh gooseberry, nettle grassy aromas preview a round, dry palate that is similar in nature with grassy, passion fruit and citrus flavours. Try this with lightly spiced shellfish dishes or serve well chilled on the patio.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay Vintner's Reserve 2008
California, United StatesSpicy, melon, floral, butter, vanilla, mango, guava, light lychee aromas. Round, soft, off dry palate with somewhat juicy acidity. Buttery, spicy lees, melon, honey, lychee, mango and vanilla flavours with a creamy finish. Riper, tropical style that offers good intensity and balance with some finesse.Prices:| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $21.00 | 750ml |
| US | $15.00 | 750ml |
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18 March 2011
91PTS
Rubicon Estate Cask Cabernet 2006
Rutherford, Napa Valley, California, United StatesThis 100 per cent cabernet sauvignon is aged in large American oak puncheons which seem to contribute to its aromatic nose of cedar black berry jam and pepper flecked with earthy balsamic notes. The entry is soft with fine grained tannins offering smoky red cherries, vanilla, cassis, cedar/ tobacco with a hint of chocolate. The fruit is farmed organically on the Cohn and Chateau vineyards of the Rubicon Estate. Should age gracefully through 2016. Try it with roasted meats.Prices:| US | $55.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $100.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $117.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $107.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $92.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $103.00 | 750ml |
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16 March 2011
89PTS
Red Knot by Shingleback 2008
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaRed Knot reminds us of Oz shiraz about a decade ago when the fruit was dark and ripe and the acidity was under control. Love the spicy, juicy, black fruit with bits of chocolate and toasted oak. Rich,round, soft and drinkable. Very good quality for the price.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Kris Pinot Grigio 2009
Veneto, ItalySimilar to the previous edition the Kris is firm and dry from start to finish. Expect a dry, floral, spicy nose with green apple skin notes. On the palate there is subtle, mineral, pear almond flavour that finishes crisp and, you guessed it, dry. If ever there was a food wine this is it.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
CedarCreek Syrah 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFinally a softer, slightly riper style. There is still plenty of cool peppery, floral, meaty aromas but with a savoury cherry/chocolate undercurrent. The entry is round and supple with spicy red fruits and chocolate pudding flavours spiced with floral, liquorice root and cardamom. A much easier wine to sip but best with grilled lamb chops.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
CedarCreek Platinum Chardonnay 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAnother fine effort with that inviting creamy lees and nutty citrus nose flecked with butter, peach and orange zest. The mid-palate is rich and dry with fine elegance and weight with more spicy, vanilla, baked apple, nutty, citrus, melon flavours. Cool style chardonnay that works so well with food. Sleek and sophisticated.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
CedarCreek Platinum Merlot 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe CC Platinum merlot is a blend of clones 181 and 346 from Desert Ridge, CedarCreek, Greata Ranch, Mauz and Van Westen Vineyards. The oak is French, the nose a rich mix of black cherries and vanilla with a dash of roasted coffee. The palate is packed full of plummy, spicy, black raspberry fruit with bits of mocha vanilla and a fresh finish. A good example of why British Columbia can make better merlot than most other regions in the world. Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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15 March 2011
88PTS
Cono Sur Organic Chardonnay 2010
Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileThe 2010 makes it two in a row for this delicious unoaked organic chardonnay that over delivers. Expect its trademark clean fruit with gooseberry and passion fruit aromas mixed with just off-dry fruit flavoured with citrus, guava and passion fruit notes and swath of minerality. Well done.Prices:| BC | $14.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mission Hill Five Vineyards Pinot Grigio 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMission Hill has nailed this wine and style. Like last year the nose is super fresh with a dash of flinty lees notes and subtle mix of citrus, honey and pear fruit flavours that follow through to the finish. A great summer wine for seafood, or sushi or simply to cool you down when the temperature soars. Good value.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
CedarCreek Chardonnay 2008
British Columbia, CanadaA fine follow up to last year the latest estate chardonnay comes off nine different vineyards and is aged and fermented in both stainless steel and French oak. Look for a fresh style with ripe pear, red apple and creamy, citrus, mineral notes. Well made and ready for fresh oysters or roasted chicken.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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13 March 2011
86PTS
Feudo Maccari Grillo 2009
Sicily, ItalyA cleaner nose but tight with lees grass and citrus notes. The entry is similar on the palate with pear citrus grass and butter notes but the finish is flat and extremely dry or should I say Italian. This needs some a rich fish dish to help out the crisp, dry nature of this white.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Henri Bourgeois Sancerre Les Baronnes 2009
Loire, FranceClassic French sauvignon blanc from Sancerre grown over stony clay slopes. The plate is both sift and inviting with mineral-scented fruit with a dusting of citrus and hay. Mouth-watering mid-palate and juicy fresh finish. A great turkey or pork wine.Prices:| BC | $31.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Apalta Valley, Santa Cruz, Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileLook for fresh red berry fruit with savoury, black olive bits with cedar and tobacco throughout. The grapes are grown on the La Finca de Apalta estate in the Apalta Valley, Colchagua. The cabernet is picked at just under 7 tons per hectare and mixed with some 10 percent of merlot to temper the tannins and acidity and aged for a year in French oak. Best over the next three to five years or serve now with grilled meat.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $34.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Joel Gott Chardonnay 2009
Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesYou would expect un-oaked Monterrey fruit to be crisp and tight and this chardonnay has both qualities. Look for citrus splashed green apple fruit with bits of peach and honey on the mid-palate and finish. A clean fresh simple style white that is perfect for clams or chicken.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Blue Mountain Chardonnay 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFive different clones make up the blend that is 50 per cent barrel fermented in one to four year old oak while the remainder is tank fermented to keep the fruit alive. Expect a crisp mineral citrus flavoured entry with bits of toasted oak and lees. The style is elegant and reserved - a mini Chablis perhaps, with a bright lemon toasted fruit finish. Should easily age through 2013 and beyond. Well done.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $35.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Calona Vineyards Artist Series Reserve Unoaked Chardonnay 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAttractive aromas of ripe citrus, red apple and peaches lead into a softish, sweet entry with ripe melon, red apple and butter. Very easy sipping if a bit on the sweet side to be considered a serious dinner wine. Try this with spicy Asian dishes for best results.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Red Rooster Chardonnay 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA fairly soft, warm style chardonnay with fresh aromatics on the nose. The palate is similarly warm, with some acidity and spicy, peach/pear fruit that slides into a creamy, buttery vanilla textured finish. Serve this well chilled and tried it with cold chicken dishes.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Heggies Vineyard Chardonnay 2008
Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThere are seven different selections of chardonnay at Heggies all are handpicked and gently whole bunch pressed. It is all fermented wild in new and used French oak. We love the citrus, pear skin, baked green apple aromas and the dry, crisp, mid-palate. The flavours run the gamut of pear, butter apples quince and spice all with a creamy finish. Not your average Oz chardonnay.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.00 | 750ml |
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12 March 2011
83PTS
Cupcake Vineyards Chardonnay 2009
Central Coast, California, United StatesExpect a warm fat Central Coast chardonnay with a creamy plate. The fruit is tropical and rich the acid low the finish flat. Actually it tastes a bit like a white cupcake with orange icing plus the mandatory oak and vanilla. This is chardonnay dumbed down to its lowest common denominator. Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Westside Red Troublemaker Blend 1 NV
Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, Central Coast, California, United StatesWestside Red is a 53/37/10 Paso Robles blend of syrah, mourvèdre and grenache all hand selected Templeton Gap fruit by winemaker Austin Hope. There is no vintage because it's a blend too: 2007 and 2008 barrel aged fruit with fresh juicy 2009. You will love its smoky, sultry, peppery fruit nose and soft silky black cherry fruit. The palate is soft and sippable with bits of chocolate cherry and vanilla in the finish. A mid-week Châteauneuf du Pape for immediate drinking.Prices:| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
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09 March 2011
90PTS
Miner Family Chardonnay 2009
Napa Valley, California, United StatesThe Napa chardonnay is made from a mix of vineyards and spends about 10 months in 45 percent new French oak and 55 percent neutral French barrels. The style is fresh and crisp thanks to partial malolactic fermentation that helps retain the freshness. Lovely honey and orange flecks complete this eminently drinkable white.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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07 March 2011
88PTS
Aljibes 2005
Aragon, SpainPeppery, meaty, plum, cassis, cedar, floral, liquorice root, saddle leather aromas with a bit of resin and dried herbs. Dry, tight, full, fresh palate with light tannins. Big cherry jam, cassis, spicy, cedar, tobacco, gamey, coffee, peppery flavours with a cranberry, vanilla and crushed herb finish. This is still a bit youthful but can drink now with pork or game. Solid effort.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Torres Coronas Tempranillo 2006
Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainSpicy, tobacco, earthy, olive, leather, gamey aromas with a cherry, floral note. Soft, round, dry, elegant palate with leather, tobacco, cherry, plum, orange, earthy, spicy flavours. A simple, fresh, food friendly style with some finesse.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Luigi Bosca Gala 1 2008
Mendoza, ArgentinaCedar, floral, black cherry, plum, gamey, coffee, barnyard, saddle leather, roasted beef, peppery, savoury aromas. Dry, full, round and fresh palate with juicy acidity and light tannins. Coffee, smoked meat, violet, black cherry, liquorice, vanilla, cedar, gamey, saddle leather, cigar and resin flavours. Finish is warm, simple and meaty with a rustic note but has balance and is ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $34.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Finca La Linda Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
ArgentinaTobacco, herbal, prune, barnyard, leather, light cassis, earthy aromas. Similar flavours with a soft, round, warm palate and a dry, slightly rustic finish. Not particularly varietal. A basic barbecue red.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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06 March 2011
89PTS
Davis Bynum Pinot Noir 2008
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesA mix of clones 113, 114, 115, Pommard and Mariafeld grown on gravelly loams from the Middle Reach vineyard in the Russian River Valley. It's been three decades since the first Davis Bynum pinot and the latest reveals polish and style. Richly fruited with muted forest floor elements, raspberry and mineral notes. It's food friendly and sexy at the same time. Now owned by Rodney Strong.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Beso de Vino Old Vine Garnacha 2009
Cariñena, Aragon, SpainSpicy, almond, black cherry, tobacco, rooty, peppery, saddle leather, cooked plum aromas. Round, full, supple palate with warm black cherry, orange, savoury, meaty, barnyard, peppery, tobacco flavours. A bold, warm, ripe fruit style for fowl and pork dishes. Good value.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Dominio Campo Viejo Rioja 2007
Rioja, SpainPeppery, meaty, spicy, black cherry, plum, chocolate, vanilla, tobacco, liquorice root, floral, menthol aromas. Rich, round, supple and smooth palate but dry with good extract. Smoky, meaty, peppery, cherry, plum, savoury, orange, tobacco, leather and cedar flavours. The finish is fresh and full with a light barnyard, compost note. Well balanced with some finesse for drinking now - 3 years. An updated style we like.Prices:| NS | $43.00 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Campo Viejo Crianza 2006
Rioja, SpainCorked, try another bottle.Prices:| MB | $15.49 | 750ml |
| NS | $18.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $17.49 | 750ml |
| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $19.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Campo Viejo Gran Reserva 2002
Rioja, SpainGood cherry colour. Meaty, gamey, prune plum, cherry jam, light Band-Aid, resin, tobacco, cigar, black olive, coffee, cedar, dried sage aromas. Rich, round, ripe, supple but fresh and elegant palate. Cherry, orange, prune, tobacco, leather, meaty, menthol, resin, cooked carrot, barnyard, peppery flavours. Good intensity and length in a drier style with only a light level of Brett. Drink now or over the next five years. Solid value here in a neo-traditional style.Prices:| MB | $30.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $32.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $37.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $32.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Vina Punto Alto Chardonnay 2008
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileFloral, grassy, green apple, citrus, nettle, spicy, pear aromas. Dry, crisp, elegant, and creamy palate with juicy acidity. Grassy, green apple, mineral, spicy lees, lime, pear and grapefruit flavours with a touch of butter on the finish. A fresh, elegant, more refined and citrusy style with some length. The Casablanca influence is strong here as is the hand of owners Laroche in establishing something akin to Chablis. A bright future here. Solid value.Prices:| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Conde de Valdemar Gran Reserva 2001
Rioja Alta, Rioja, SpainBig prune, coffee, barnyard, black cherry, vanilla, roast beef, leather, smoky, resin, soy, cigar, tobacco, cooked carrot aromas. Round, rich, supple, dry palate with good acidity and ripeness. Smoked beef, gamey, carrot, tobacco leaf, dried herb, barnyard, saddle leather, menthol, light Band-Aid and prune flavours. Good finesse in an older style Rioja. Drink now - 5 years.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $45.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Vistalba Corte A 2007
Vistalba District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaSpicy, blackberry, plum, coffee, peppery, cigar, floral, smoky, leather and barnyard aromas with a bit of liquorice and garrigue. Round, dry, supple but grainy tannins. Coffee, vanilla, peppery, blackberry, tobacco, spicy, liquorice, weedy, savoury flavours. Finish is a bit tart and green but has good fruit intensity.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $50.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $40.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Chamarré Sauvignon Blanc Grande Reserve 2008
FranceA multi-regional blend from France shows grapefruit, kiwi, chalky, gooseberry, lime and jalapeno aromas. Fresh, juicy, crisp and dry with grapefruit rind, passion fruit, lemon, grassy, nettle, herbal flavours. Finish is very citrus and fresh but has decent length in a Euro-dry style. Solid value.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Cassini Cellars Reserve Chardonnay 2008
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaButter, honey, canned peach, citrus, canned pineapple aromas with a bit of vanilla and spicy lees. Round, full, somewhat sweet entry with fresh acidity. Big buttery, honey, candied pineapple, baked peach, vanilla cream, popcorn flavours. A fruity but somewhat commercial, old style, consumer friendly wine at a big price.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Cassini Cellars Malbec Collector's Series 2008
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaEarthy, liquorice, savoury, cherry, leafy, floral, coffee nose with some herbal, barnyard hints. Dry, somewhat tart, lean entry. Peppery, spicy, savoury, liquorice, cherry, vanilla, herbal, cedar flavours. A simple style with a warm, somewhat tart finish.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Tandem Ars in Vitro 2006
Navarra and Basque Country, SpainSmoky, peppery, herbal, liquorice, tobacco, floral, cedar, rooty, cherry aromas. Round, fresh, supple and elegant but very dry palate. More spicy, cherry, liquorice, plum flavours with tobacco, meaty, peppery, savoury notes. A solid food style wine with some light tannins and acidity that will balance grilled meats and other dishes. Classic styling.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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05 March 2011
86PTS
Emiliana Adobe Chardonnay Reserva Orgánico 2009
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileLook for fresh green apple, grassy, grapefruit, spicy, butter aromas with some pear skin notes. The palate is fresh, crisp and juicy with pear, honey, green apple, citrus rind and butter flavours. A simple elegant balanced style of chardonnay made for current drinking at a good price. The bonus is it is certified organic.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Anciano Gran Reserva Tempranillo Aged 10 Years 2000
Valdepeñas, Castilla-La Mancha, SpainSpicy, curry, meaty, gamey, cherry jam, prune, smoky, floral, saddle leather, tobacco, carrot top, barnyard, cigar aromas with a note of stewed black tea. Round, dry, elegant, slightly tannic palate with good acidity. Peppery, tobacco, smoky, meaty, dried herb, prune, cherry, saddle leather, and rooty, earthy, cigar flavours. A bit lean and chunky on the finish but has some intensity and length. Drink now with rare beef or keep for 2-4 years. Incredible value.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Anciano Gran Reserva Tempranillo Aged 7 Years 2002
Valdepeñas, Castilla-La Mancha, SpainSpicy, black olive, garrigue, resin, roast meat, saddle leather, prune, earthy, almond, black cherry and barnyard aromas. Round, dry, supple and smooth palate with good acidity. Black cherry, prune, meaty, leather, tobacco, licorice, savoury, light Band-Aid, and resin flavours. A very solid, balanced tempranillo style with light tannins that shows a bit of both newer and traditional winemaking in the area. Drink now and over the next five years. Unbelievable value.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Torres Salmos Priorat 2008
Priorato, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainVery spicy, black pepper, black liquorice, cherry jam, smoky, leather, prune plum, savoury, meaty, barnyard aromas, shows good complexity. Ripe, full, round, supple palate with good acidity and freshness. Plum jam, black cherry, boysenberry, peppery, tobacco, olive, liquorice, orange, spicy herb flavours with some peppery chocolate on the finish. A bit hot and fresh but has good fruit and finesse. Drink now-3 years.Prices:| BC | $39.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $32.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Torres Grans Muralles 2005
Conca de Barbera, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainGran Muralles is a different concept at Torres. It's a blend of ancient Catalan grape varieties including monastrell, garnacha tinta, garró, samsó and cariñena. Expect a spicy, black cherry, black raspberry, coffee, roasted meat, floral nose with notes of leather, barnyard, liquorice root and smoky, savoury. There is lots of complexity here. Dry, full, round, warm and fresh with supple, grainy tannins. Chocolate, meaty, coffee, cassis, black cherry, orange, pepper, tobacco, cedar, licorice and slate flavours. Finish is long and dry but elegant with some tannin to shed. Drinkable now with any meat dish, it should improve for 3-7 years. A unique and enjoyable blend of native varieties.Prices:| BC | $100.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $100.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Torres Family Ibéricos Crianza Tempranillo 2008
Rioja, SpainAnother solid follow up here. Spicy, black cherry, orange, leather, floral aromas with a slightly smoky, dried herb scent. Dry, round, fresh, supple but tight palate. Cherry jam, orange peel, tobacco, peppery, cranberry, leather, licorice and coffee flavours with a hint of dill and roast meat. Good fruit and balance for food. Solid, newer style Crianza without big oak. Well done.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $19.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Torres Celeste Crianza 2008
Ribera del Duero, Castilla-Leon, SpainVery meaty, smoky, barnyard, coffee, cedar, tobacco leaf, peppery aromas with a savoury, plum and vanilla streak. Round, dry, fresh palate with light tannins and medium light palate extraction. Big meaty, gamey, smoky, leather, barnyard, cooked carrot, resin, coffee and cherry flavours with a light rooty, vanilla, savoury, Band-Aid finish. Solid but a bit too rustic and lacking the extract of past vintages.Prices:| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.85 | 750ml |
| MB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $26.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Montes Alpha Chardonnay 2009
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileA new, more refined style in this latest edition with baked apple, pear, honey, floral, butter, vanilla and orange aromas. Ripe, fresh, juicy, slightly oily palate with a hint of sweetness. Ripe peach, baked pear, honey, pineapple, butter, vanilla, spicy lees flavours with a touch of butterscotch and citrus on the finish. Much less oak and better fruit and acidity management here than in the past. A solid sign, next up a screwcap?Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.50 | 750ml |
| QC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
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02 March 2011
87PTS
Torres Family Ibéricos Crianza Tempranillo 2007
Rioja, SpainSavoury, meaty, peppery, black cherry, leather, tobacco, sage aromas with a touch of barnyard. Dry, fresh, somewhat juicy palate with black cherry, olive, liquorice, dusty earth, smoky, leather and tobacco flavours. A somewhat more modern style Crianza with good fruit and length.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Torres Gran Coronas Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainSpicy, peppery, cassis, meaty, prune, leather, barnyard, coffee and black olive aromas with a tobacco leaf and herb background. Dry, round, supple, elegant palate with juicy acidity. Cassis, peppery, cigar, black olive, leather, coffee, meaty, chocolate and cranberry flavours. A tad rustic and dry but offers balance and current drinkability.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| US | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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01 March 2011
88PTS
Vina Mayor Reserva 2004
Ribera del Duero, Castilla-Leon, SpainSpicy, meaty, leather, cherry jam, floral, tobacco, cedar, coffee, carrot top and resin aromas. Dry, slightly lean and tannic palate with juicy acidity. Cherry, plum, cedar, tobacco, earthy, meaty, savoury, smoky, resin flavours. Finish is very dry and slightly astringent. Neo-classic style that will go well with beef or keep for 2-3 years.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.00 | 750ml |
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April 2011