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Tastings: May 2011
24 May 2011
88PTS
CedarCreek Gewürztraminer 2010
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAlways a softer slightly sweeter style gewürztraminer the latest CedarCreek is simialr with perhaps alittle better supporting acidity that will be welcome by many drinkers. Big litchi fruit and melon with a softer edge. Easy to sip on the patio but will be perfect with spicy Pan-Asian dishes that need a cooling agent at the table.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
JoieFarm Chardonnay Un-Oaked (ii) 2010
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLook for that fruit salad, citrus, green apple skin aromas. The style is fresh and pleasant but without a lot of complexity or length the finish is a bit bitter. A patio style chardonnay best with simple appetizers. Pricey.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Yalumba Cabernet Sauvignon Menzies The Cigar 2006
Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaThe original Menzies cabernet plantings were in 1975 with additions in 1994. Cigar was launched to use some of the younger fruit as the brand grows although it is all as they say `small lot` winemaking. Expect a dry firm style red with slightly aggressive cabernet tannins and structure with peppery, black olive, cassis, compost, medicine chest/Coonawarra fruit flavours. The finish is dry with bits of resin, tobacco and black cherries and leather. Prime rib would be a delicious match here.Prices:| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Château Pey la Tour 2009
Bordeaux, FrancePey La Tour '09 comes under screwcap which undoubtedly gives it a fresher fragrant nose that reveals bits of dark plum and milk chocolate. Not to be confused with the Reserve de Chateau the entry level over delivers at its price obviously benefitting from the excellent 09 vintage. The mix is 77/14/8/1/ merlot/cabernet sauvignon/cabernet franc/petit verdot and it produces a simple but juicy rendition of modern Bordeaux red. If you like dry blends that are crafted for food this is it.Prices:| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Pasqua Amarone della Valpolicella Sagramoso 2007
Veneto, ItalyLovely floral, red fruit nose with hints of plum and savoury bits. No Brettanomyces makes this a delight to drink with its fragrant, rich, soft fruit with its Amarone intensity and power. The finish is long and persistent with soft tannins, almonds and vanilla but it will age for a decade and likely improve all the way till 2017.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Quails' Gate Chardonnay 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis wine is really improving each vintage out. Look for a fresh green apple hazelnut butter aromas that precede a creamy entry. Love the weight here and the fine tuning on the mid-palate with its green apple grapefruit honey flavours with flecks of orange. An impressive rendition of the ripeness one can get in British Columbia with the restraint and complexity. A terrific restaurant wine and a chardonnay for wine lovers.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $24.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Chartron La Fleur Merlot Cabernet 2008
Bordeaux, FranceIt was bit of a surprise to see this wine under screwcap, and in a lighter bottle, but eventually Bordeaux seems to moving into the 21 Century, if kicking and screaming. The wine is a 70/30 mix of merlot and cabernet sauvignon and the result is a fresh fragrant easy sipping dry red wine that ids perfect for most mid-week meals. Simple solid red wine.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Yalumba The Scribbler Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz 2008
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThe blend is a mix is 65/35 cabernet sauvignon/shiraz; the nose a mix of minty black currant fruit. On the palate the entry is soft and round with more sweet, smoky, minty black fruit all with a pinch of acidity and rounded, fine-grained tannins. You can drink it now with grilled meats or cellar through 2012.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $28.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
California, United StatesThe latest Liberty cabernet is duly soft and round in the mouth and easy to sip but seems slightly diluted showing more cool herbal characteristics followed by savoury milk chocolate and cassis flavours. This will be best with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.05 | 750ml |
| SK | $22.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $26.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $22.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Austin Hope Syrah 2009
Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, Central Coast, California, United StatesIt's been awhile since we last encountered this wine but the result is similar. The style is super rich and spicy with a savoury, bacon fat, Christmas cake nose with bits of vanilla and smoky roasted meats. The palate is full -bodied and spicy with warm rich, sweet black cherry fruti with liquorice, coffee, and vanilla flavours. The finish is long and warm. Not made for the feint of heart. Serve this New World syrah with game dishes.Prices:| BC | $61.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $60.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $40.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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21 May 2011
89PTS
Chateau de Pierreux Brouilly 2009
Brouilly, Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceChâteau de Pierreux sits at the base Mont Brouilly in the Beaujolais region. The large-ish site boast 77 hectares of 40 to 45-year old gamay sitting over red granite and schist lending the wine a big mineral quality. An impressive vintage yields a delicious ready to drink red brimming with floral red fruit aromas and flavours of spicy black cherries and blueberries. Fine complexity and class. A real winner at 13.5 alcohol.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Château des Aveylans Costières de Nîmes 2009
Costières de Nîmes, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceThis Costière de Nîmes wine often has a big mineral/menthol nose and the '09 is no exception. Typically more vibrant than the '08 or '07 and yet built with plenty of structure and a tannin. The attack is soft and supple upfront but the palate is a sturdy, feed-me-some grilled-meat with smoky, spicy, black fruit, roasted meat characters. Good value and you could cellar this for a year or two.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
JoieFarm Muscat The Pure Grape 2010
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAs usual intense and iconic as muscat can be with its soapy, floral, spicy nose with bits of nectarine skin and ginger. The attack is crisp, and perhaps a touch tarter than previous editions but still with that undeniable floral, mineral limey/grapefruit mid-palate and finish. Definitely unique for BC.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
JoieFarm A Noble Blend 2010
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe latest NB has added more riesling to the blend and it has more class. At 38 percent the riesling brings lightness and finesse with better acidity which is always a good thing. There is still 43 percent gewürztraminer here with a bit of pinot auxerrois and pinot gris. A slightly cooler demeanour enhances its delicate mouthfeel. Expect a fresh spicy, perfumed white with mineral, litchi, orange flavours that are fresh and juicy fruit on the palate. A patio star that can easily handle a variety of appetizers.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tedeschi Soave Classico 2009
Veneto, ItalyTedeschi is considered a top producer of Soave, and this cork-finished bottle delivers. One can only imagine how it would sing under a screwcap. From the 'Classico' region in the heart of the zone comes a bright citrus almond affair with a twist of sophistication. Made from 100 percent garganega, it is often picked late for ripeness.Prices:| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Louis Bernard Gigondas 2007
Gigondas, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceThe Bernard Gigondas is located on the right bank of the Rhone at the foot of the Dentelles. The soil is red clay with small pebble-like stones. The blend is a mix of grenache, syrah, mourvèdre and cinsault. The '07 has warm, open nose with savoury, meaty undertones. On the palate the wine is soft, the textures glossy with fine depth of flavour. Look for bits of black plums, cocoa and savoury elements throughout. Drink now with roasted or grilled lamb or cellar for another three to five years. Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chateau La Croix Martelle Grand Reserve 2009
Minervois, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceProduce near Siran in the heart of Minervois La Livinière the 44/30/20/6/ blend of syrah/grenache/mourvèdre/cinsault is fermented in open vats. The nose is redolent in raspberry aromas with bits of spice and floral/violet highlights. The attack is long and supple, the flavours similar with the classic garrigue and minerality of 2009. Load up and enjoy for the next five years. Great price in Quebec.Prices:| QC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Ogier Côtes du Rhône Heritages Rouge 2009
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceAnother very fine 2009. What value and promise from this vintage. Look for an aromatic dried herbs/ garrigue spicy nose flecked with milk chocolate and still with fine acidity. The palate is similar with bright black cherry, plum and liquorice fruit with a dose of spice, minerality and even a bit of tannin. So solid and so affordable. Buy this one by the case.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.25 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Ogier Gigondas Oratorio 2009
Crozes Hermitage, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceThis is getting tiresome. The 2009 vintage, the village of Gigondas, and a delicious, inky supple mineral red fruit flavoured red from the Rhone. Look for smoky red cherry fruit aromas mixed with chocolate, spicy, blueberry and Christmas cake with milk chocolate notes. Intense and rich and powerful this is a keeper and very good value too. Impressive.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $32.25 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Ornellaia 2007
Bolgheri, Tuscany, ItalyWe are bit late getting to this wine but patience has its rewards. The '07 is a 55/27/14/4/blend of cabernet sauvignon/merlot/cabernet franc/petit verdot and it delivers. It was an excellent year with no over ripe characters that led to a spectacular Bordeaux-like wine with that savoury, Mediterranean/Bolgheri undercurrent. The wine spends 30 months in wood and bottle before release. Love the deep, intense, dark fruit, characters with a twang of acidity or balsamic notes. The mid-palate is already smooth and showing silky tannins/ the finish is long complex and suitably rich to match the savoury fruit flavours. A great bottle of Ornellaia. This will keep for decades.Prices:| BC | $179.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $170.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $160.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $160.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $429.00 | 1500ml |
| ON | $499.00 | 1500ml |
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20 May 2011
91PTS
Champagne Taittinger Prestige Rosé NV
Champagne, FranceTaittinger hits mark with its pale/salmon-raspberry colour rosé and spicy, nutty, baked pear and earthy, strawberry, citrus aromas. The attack is creamy upfront with more nutty strawberry citrus, dried herbs and red apple flavours. Just a hint of sweet fruit alongside and earthy character make it a terrific choice with appetizers and light meals.Prices:| BC | $79.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $75.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $75.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Taittinger Nocturne Sec NV
Champagne, FranceFrom the sweet side at 20g/l of sugar at dosage look for a fragrant, toasted, baked apple nose with a commensurate amount of minerality. Full bodied with good acidity balance and more complex notes of spice, brioche, citrus and cherry flavours. East to drink with a little less austerity on the palate. Think foie gras or desserts.Prices:| BC | $93.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Robert Mondavi Chardonnay 2007
Napa Valley, California, United StatesNot sure why we are seeing the 2007 label in Canada, unless white wine is still dragging its butt in California. In any event this ready to drink Napa chardonnay remains well made with a focus on citrus apple honey and a fair bit of spicy lees and mineral character no doubt from Battonage or lees stirring. Definitely interesting on the palate especially with food. Love the creamy spicy textures and long finish.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $32.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $32.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Louis Bernard Gigondas 2009
Gigondas, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceThe Bernard Gigondas is located on the right bank of the Rhone at the foot of the Dentelles. The soil is red clay with small pebble-like stones. The blend is a mix of grenache, syrah, mourvèdre and cinsault. Great colour and a wonderful floral, mineral nose with fresh, black fruit nuances. The attack is persistent with more black plum and mineral flavoured fruit with smoky, meaty savoury notes in the back end. Impressive wine for the price and certainly worthy of some cellar ageing. You can serve it now with big game dishes.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sperling Vineyards Market White 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 09 Market White mixes is a new mix of pinot blanc, bacchus and riesling but with more or less the same result. Look for a fresh fruit salad nose with pear, peaches and tropical litchi notes that finishes off-dry. A touch flat, or heavy in that Alsace style but still a solid summer sipper or a wine you can serve with some of your favourite spicy pan-Asian dishes.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Nederburg Manor House Shiraz 2007
Western Cape, South AfricaSmoky, peppery, earthy, resin, black berry, coffee, spicy aromas with a meaty note. Round, fresh, juicy palate with warmth but full. Black berry jam, smoky, rooty, licorice, bacon, meaty, savoury flavours with a saddle leather streak. A bit rustic but has solid fruit and intensity.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Austin Hope Grenache 2009
Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, Central Coast, California, United StatesThe 2009 delivers all you could want in New World grenache. It has the raspberry scent and flavours you would expect flecked with milk chocolate and spice and fine grained tannins. Soft and glossy it is easy to drink now but has enough acidity and power to age gracefully through 2018. Try this with a whole oven roasted chicken.Prices:| BC | $61.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $60.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $40.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Miguel Torres Santa Digna Merlot Reserve 2008
Valle del Curicó, Region del Valle Central, ChileChocolate, peppery, bay leaf, savoury, cherry, tobacco, cedar aromas. Round, full, fresh palate with some warmth. Warm chocolate, cassis, sappy, cooked cherry, tobacco, earthy, cedar and herb flavours. Finish is warm and full with some light astringency. Solid beef wine.Prices:| US | $10.00 | 750ml |
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16 May 2011
88PTS
Bolla Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso 2007
Verona, Veneto, ItalyThe blend is 70 percent corvina and corvinone and 30 per cent rondinella. This is a pretty delicious drop of wine at four years of age. Rich soft fleshy and showy it has a spicy, black fruit, liquorice nose with a touch of milk chocolate. The palate follows the black fruit and chocolate theme. After fermentation the wine is stored in stainless steel until the Amarone grapes are dried and pressed, it is then the ripasso takes place. Then the wine gets another twenty days on the skin to add body and depth and 18 months in cask and barrels. Try this with mature cheeses and or game dishes. If you are adventurous it's pretty tasty with dark chocolate.Prices:| BC | $19.49 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Big House Red 2009
California, United StatesThe 2009 Big House Red is a kitchen sink blend of petite sirah/syrah/montepulciano/néro d'Avola and tempranillo 27/14.5/8.6/8.2/6.4/6.1 plus a few other tank ends. The nose is aromatic with plenty of spice and candied fruit flavours. The palate is soft and sweet with some elevated acidity and slightly dirty, earthy, savoury finish. Should be fine around the barbecue for the price.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Kenwood Cabernet Sauvignon Artist Series La Boheme 2006
Sonoma County, California, United StatesIt's been a while since we've tasted the Artist series but judging by this 06 it won't be as long next time. We love the finesse here, dried black fruits mixed with savoury, earthy fruit notes. Definitely Sonoma in origin, reserving its biggest punch for a few years down the road. Best now with prime rib or hard cheeses but you can cellar this through 2016 easily. The '06 is the 32nd release of the Artist Series cabernet; the blend 78% cabernet sauvignon, 9% malbec, 7% cabernet franc, 6% petit verdot.Prices:| BC | $75.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $92.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $69.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $69.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
CedarCreek Ehrenfelser 2010
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWinemaker Darryl Brooker has done a masterful job with his first ehrenfelser seemingly upping the acid to even better balance the sweet fruit of this showy white wine. The nose is a delightful mix of floral tones with tangerines, ripe apple and pink grapefruit aromas. The attack is fresh and crisp with a taut mixture of fresh fruit flavours including more juicy tangerine, melon, peach and gooseberry. A classic patio white this will also make any spicy Indian or Thai dishes better. Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
CedarCreek Riesling 2010
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaUnder new winemaker Darryl Brooker has performed a small but significant upgrade on the riesling. Citrus is the theme on the nose and palate with a slightly more taut mid-palate and a touch less obvious alcohol. The style is fresh with a little less upfront sweetness and more mid-palate citrus and limey notes with a touch of sweetness in the finish. Juicy fun to sip and seemingly available for an endless amount of West Coast dishes. Great value in a simple straightforward affordable riesling.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Saint Saturnin Le Clocher 2009
Languedoc, Sud de France, FrancePlenty has been written about the terrific 2009 vintage in the nearby Rhone so why not take a chance on a $15 red blend from the south of France. Dry and fresh with earthy fruit flavours with mostly soft textures and a pinch of tannin in the finish. Fire up the barbecue, grill some beef and serve this red all summer long. Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Pirramimma Petit Verdot 2006
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaPirramimma has been run by the Johnston family for over 100 years and the latest PV is one of the best. Pirramimma, or the moon and the stars in aboriginal speak is home to Oz's first 100 percent petit verdot. Always ripe and hedonistic the acid is in check and the fruit and finish are voluptuous without the knock-out alcohol. I assume the alcohol has been dial back but so what, the result is fine with us. Rich dense, dark, glossy black fruit is the story with an earthy underbelly that keeps it all in balance. Lamb chops anyone.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Viognier 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, ginger.honey, grapefruit rind, light lees, floral, melon aromas. Rich, round, fresh, slightly fat palate with honey, grapefruit, ginger, orange, waxy, creamsicle flavours. Good texture and intensity with a touch of warmth and tropical fruit on the finish. Another solid effort. Fine value.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Pacific Breeze Killer Cab 2008
Product of CanadaThis wine remains consistent which is always a good sign. The entry is soft and warm with spicy sweet black fruit and vanilla undertones. The attack is soft with a simple but hedonistic fruit component of black cherries and cream with some grippy tannin in the finish. Should be fine with steak.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Zonin Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore 2008
Pedemonte Valpolicella, Verona, Veneto, ItalyThanks to its association with Negrar Zonin's ripasso is typically rich on the palate thanks to its secondary ferment on dry Amarone skins. The nose is full with black fruit notes and liquorice with bits of cocoa powder and coffee. Similar flavours grace the palate with soft tannins and an easy-drinking finish. Try this with fresh pasta in a Bolognese sauce.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Feudo Maccari Nero d'Avola 2009
Sicily, ItalyTypical spicy white pepper and liquorice nose with hints of smoke, rubber and meaty notes. The attack is soft and warm with morefresh red liquorice flavours and a spicy aftertaste flecked with black cherries and almonds. A rustic red with a comfortable zinfandel-like quality that shouts grilled meat.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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12 May 2011
88PTS
Alvear C. B. Fino NV
Montilla-Moriles, SpainMontilla-Moriles is in some ways the forgotten wine of Andalucía. It's production mirrors Jerez with the same grapes, 'flor' yeast and ageing in a Solera cask system. The difference is alcohol. There is no fortification here only natural levels (15%). Fresh citrus nutty lemony flavours permeate its palate and aftertaste. This wine cries out for a salty appetizer. The C.B. refers to Winemaster Carlos Billanueva who in the early 19th century marked the casks containing the best wines with his initials.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 500ml |
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10 May 2011
89PTS
Chateau Saint Roch Chimères 2008
Côtes du Roussillon, Roussillon, Sud de France, FranceWe love the 08 version of this wine. So impressive on the nose with spicy, floral, black fruit scents flecked with savoury liquorice aromas. The palate is supple and rich with fine acidity and minerality throughout. You will enjoy the black fruit, smoky, meaty, flavours with just hint of exotic mandarin notes. Prime rib, lamb even game works here.Prices:| BC | $24.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chateau Saint Martin de la Garrigue Cuvee Bronzinelle 2007
Coteaux du Languedoc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceThe Bronzinelle continues to improve getting brighter and more floral with better acidity and lift on the palate. The attack is rich and soft with fine black cherry, tobacco, cedar, liquorice and smoky meaty flavours. A classic stew wine that would be just as easily at home in the barbecue. All meats work here. The blend is 43/18.5/17.5/21 syrah, mourvèdre, grenache noir and carignan.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.50 | 750ml |
| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Château de Moujan 2008
La Clape, Coteaux du Languedoc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceThis is an uncomplicated by highly correct French country wine with an earthy spicy red wine nose flecked typical savoury/garrigue notes. The fruit is a mixture of plums and blueberries reflecting its grenache, syrah, mourvèdre, carignan blend. You can learn a lot about wine by sipping this with any mid-week meal. Bravo price quality here.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Les Clos de Paulilles 2007
Côte Vermeille, Roussillon, Sud de France, FranceAt 90 hectares of Les Clos de Paulilles is the largest vineyard in the Collioure/Banyuls appellation pushed up against the Spanish border. The steeply terraced site is planted to syrah, mourvèdre and grenache noir. Not all Languedoc wine is inexpensive but Paulilles over delivers at $35 with it spicy minerality and powerful savoury black fruit aromas. The slate soil seems to sharpen and clarify its bright black fruit, cinnamon, coffee, liquorice underbelly and mineral vanilla finish. Sophisticated, long and yet it is still a baby.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Quinta do Crasto Douro Vinho Tinto Reserva Old Vines 2008
Douro Superior, Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalSpicy, vanilla, savoury, floral, black cherry, black plum jam, liquorice, meaty, tobacco, peppery aromas. Dry, fresh, round and juicy palate with supple tannins and a touch of warmth. Clove, vanilla, peppery, black cherry jam, black berry, smoky, rooty, meaty, savoury coffee flavours. The finish is warm and fruity with a bit of chocolate and black olive. Very good fruit to keep this aging well for the next 3-6 years.Prices:| BC | $43.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
M. Chapoutier Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Rouge 2009
Côtes du Roussillon Villages, Roussillon, Sud de France, FranceSpicy, peppery, black licorice, leather, black plum and smoke aromas with a floral note. Dry, slightly tannic, full palate but a bit austere with good acidity from the carignan. Black plum, dark chocolate, meaty, peppery, earthy, spicy flavours. Good youthful, tight style for drinking with rabbit or lamb or keep a year or two. Excellent value here.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Pavillon Arnaud Minervois 2008
Minervois, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceNice spicy, liquorice nose with black cherry, floral, rooty, clove and cardamom aromas. Ripe, round, full, fresh palate with ripe tannins. Big black raspberry, plum, spicy, peppery, licorice, orange peel flavours with a touch of olive. Great fruit intensity if a bit too fresh. Will go well with pork or turkey dishes. Solid value here. What a steal.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Mont Tauch Fitou Growers Reserve 2008
Fitou, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceMeaty, peppery, warm plum, resin, savoury nose with bits of leather and cherry. The attack is warm and dry with cherry, spicy, liquorice, meaty, orange and five spice flavours. The finish is fresh and it is now ready to drink. Pizza, barbecue or even Mexican food works well here.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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08 May 2011
88PTS
Chateau de Cabriac 2008
Corbières, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceCabriac has little less influence from the sea making its syrah mourvèdre, grenache and carignan a little riper on the nose and the palate. The style is smooth and rich with black raspberry, black cherry and smoky liquorice notes. An impressive red wine for the price that is ready to drink with barbecue favourites especially grilled sausages.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chateau Pech-Céleyran Cinquième Génération 2009
La Clape, Coteaux du Languedoc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceFrom a leading estate in Le Clape, formerly owned by the grandfather of the famous painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Château Pech Céleyran has been in the de Saint Exupéry family for four generations. Look for a relatively lean style with crisp notes of peach and cherry all with a dusting of oak. A well-structure serious dinner wine whose hints of garrigue would be perfect with roast chicken. Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
M. Chapoutier Banyuls Vins Doux Naturel 2008
Sud-Ouest, FranceGood dark cherry colour. Big plum, black cherry jam, raisin, chocolate, floral, spicy, liquorice, peppery aromas. Rich, smooth, sweet, fresh, slightly tannic palate with big raisin, black cherry jam, plum, smoky, peppery, liquorice, orange peel flavours. Good sweetness and acidity balance with lots of intensity for chocolate desserts or a pecan pie. Serve slightly chilled. Good value dessert wine. Made from 100 percent black grenache. Grown on schist.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 500ml |
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03 May 2011
88PTS
Domaine Louis Moreau Chablis 2008
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceLime, granny smith, floral, seashore, grassy, chalky, anise aromas. Fresh, crisp, juicy palate with a bit of austerity. Big citrus, green apple, lemon, butter, pear, chalky, seashell flavours. Good balance and elegance.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.11 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Domaine Louis Moreau Petit Chablis 2009
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceCitrus, green apple, floral, pear, slate aromas. Dry, fresh, juicy and crisp palate with grapefruit, green apple, chalky, mineral flavours. Simple, fresh style for seafood and under Stelvin now. Solid value.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Domaine Louis Moreau Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2007
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceBig floral, peach skin, green apple, spicy, seashell, lime, lees aromas with a touch of honey. Dry, fresh, elegant and austere but with good finesse and concentration. Green apple, lime, lemon, light butter, lees, grassy, chalky, seaweed flavours. Nice delicacy and length, will age 2-5 years, just a bit less intense than the Valmur.Prices:| BC | $75.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $63.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Domaine Louis Moreau Chablis Grand Cru Valmur 2007
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceSeashell, citrus, floral, waxy, lime, seashore, green apple, grassy, chalky, brine flavours. Round, dry, fresh, crisp but full with good concentration but some austerity. Lime, green apple, lees, spicy, grassy, lees, floral, anise and herb flavours. Still young, can age 2-5 years but good complexity.Prices:| BC | $75.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $63.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Domaine Louis Moreau Les Vaillons 1er Cru Chablis 2008
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceSpicy, floral, green apple, lemon, light lees, seashell aromas. Dry, tight, fresh, crisp and juicy with good concentration but tight. Lemon, lees, green apple, nutty, pear skin, spicy, grassy, chalky, seaweed flavours. Good length and finesse, pure and expressive but youthful, needs 2-4 years.Prices:| BC | $44.99 | 750ml |
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01 May 2011
90PTS
Mission Hill S.L.C. Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAnother fine effort with floral, passion fruit, grapefruit, honey, baked pear, light lees and vanilla aromas. Fresh, juicy, elegant palate with good acidity balance. Grapefruit, passion fruit, guava, lemon grass, lees, vanilla and honey flavours. Good finesse and intensity. Ready to drink but may improve over the next 1-2 years.Prices:| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $27.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $30.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Quinta do Crasto Crasto Douro Vinho Tinto 2009
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalVery spicy, black cherry, plum jam, floral, cedar, licorice aromas with a bit of smoky herbs. Ripe, rich, round and full with good suppleness and light tannins. Plum jam, black berry, spicy, vanilla, floral, savoury, gamey, licorice flavours. A tad warm on the finish but good fruit and finesse with balanced acidity. Drink now-3 years. Consistently fine value.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
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June 2011