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Tastings: June 2011
30 June 2011
88PTS
Gassier Rosé Sables d'Azur 2010
Côtes de Provence, Provence, Sud de France, FranceVery pale pink. Floral, earthy, citrus, mineral, tobacco, cherry aroma. Fresh, round, soft, easy palate but slightly oily. Citrus, floral, quince, honey, mineral, cherry flavours. Good texture and fullness with a dry finish. Solid food style for grilled fish or salads.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Chateau La Gordonne La Gravieres Rosé 2010
Côtes de Provence, Provence, Sud de France, FranceFloral, earthy, cherry, spicy, tobacco leaf aromas. Fresh, round, soft but juicy palate. Earthy, cedar, cherry, spicy, peppery, jalapeno, rhubarb flavours. Solid style and value with a bit of sweetness on the finish. Fair value.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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29 June 2011
86PTS
Desert Hills Gamay 2010
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTypically big and rustic with a touch of brettanomyces on this meaty, black cherry, liquorice scented red continues to be more pinot noir than gamay. The acidity is elevated on the mid-palate and finish with spicy, black cherry, mocha, mineral notes. Best with lightly spice and grilled poultry.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Finca Flichman Syrah Roble 2009
Mendoza, ArgentinaThis wine continues its descent as Argentina continues down the added acid road we have travelled with the Australians. Sour is the predominate flavour here punctuated by rubbery meaty syrah notes along with bits of espresso and spice. Simple barbecue red that canot be sipped without food to temper the acidity.Prices:| BC | $11.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Finca La Celia La Consulta Reserva Syrah 2008
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaIt's a shame a name like La Consulta, a famous production region in the Uco Valley, has to be associated with such an ordinary red. Again elevated acidity predominates on the palate lending the smooth spicy meaty notes a sour character that is difficult to overcome. Best with hamburgers or similarly grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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28 June 2011
88PTS
Gray Monk Pinot Gris 2010
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIt's been a while since we've seen any Gray Monk Pinot Gris in government stores but we are happy to see the winery's signature label more widely distributed. The 2010 is a very solid effort beginning with its dash of pale peach colour and rich, red apple pink grapefruit, mineral nose. The entry is soft, welcoming with a touch of Alsace character and citrus, honey, melon flavours that finish with a twist of spice. Love the balance. Try this with hard white cheeses or creamy pasta dishes. Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mission Hill Rosé Five Vineyards 2010
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMission Hill's 'Five Vineyard' lineup continues to be consistent and really, for the money, very hard to beat. The rosé one of the best locally with its fresh, alive fruit aromas and flavours mixing citrus, watermelon and strawberries with a dash of minerality and just the right amount of residual sugar. Grilled chicken, potato salad, corn you name it this will work all summer. Good value in a merlot and pinot noir blend.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Painted Rock Red Icon 2008
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaExpect intense smoky, meaty, gamey, tobacco, barnyard aromas flecked with coffee, vanilla, cassis, saddle leather, clove and savoury aromas. The attack is supple and fresh with light tannins and more cassis jam, black cherry, coffee, cedar, tobacco, liquorice, chocolate and savoury tea flavours. A bit hot and thin on the finish but it has fine intensity. It will require a few years to better integrate all its parts. The '08 Icon is a mix of 30% Merlot, 25% Malbec, 25% Cabernet Franc and 20% Petite Verdot all aged 18 months in new French oak.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
The Grinder Pinotage 2010
Western Cape, South AfricaSmoky, green coffee bean nose with tobacco, cherry, chocolate and cream aromas. Very tart attack and acidic with astringent, warm smoky leather, meaty notes all with bits of coffee bean, resin, tobacco leaf, tomato and sour cherry flavours. Lacking on most fronts as a wine except for acidity and alcohol. Not our cup of coffee. Tasted twice in 6 months.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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27 June 2011
88PTS
Ormarine Picpoul de Pinet 2010
Picpoul de Pinet, Coteaux du Languedoc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceMeyer lemon, honey, spicy, quince and ginger aromas and its fresh, alive, slightly oily textures that preview more juicy lemon oil, honey, quince, grapefruit, ginger and pear skin flavours. There is fine intensity and length all at a great price. Perfect with bouillabaisse but it is also a great summer sipper. Great value. Under screwcap it is now money in the bank for wine lists.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $12.55 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Stag's Hollow Cachet 02 Limited Edition 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCachet is made with the best fruit each year regardless of variety. Big spicy, licorice, black raspberry jam, leather, tobacco, floral, spicy, ginger, gamey with a bit of vanilla and chocolate. Ripe, rich, round, dry, warm, fresh palate with light tannins. Ginger, vanilla, coffee, peppery, black raspberry, cherry jam, orange, liquorice and savoury flavours. A bit warm and tart but offers very good fruit and intensity in a first release. A daring wine to make but well worth it now.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Stag's Hollow Cachet 01 Limited Edition 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky oak, coffee, vanilla, meaty, green olive, tobacco, savoury, poultry spice, rooty, barnyard aromas. Dry, fresh, tight but elegant palate. Sweet vanilla cube, coffee, cassis, herbal, savoury, meaty, leather, tobacco, clove, chocolate flavours. Finish is very warm and fresh with overt chocolate coffee beans, green tea and herbs.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Mission Hill Family Estate Oculus 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWe waited to taste the latest Oculus because it always seems so much better after it's been in the bottle for more than a year. The nose is peppery with the south Okanagan black olive, cassis, menthol mineral undertone and bits of cherry jam, vanilla, coffee, meat, tobacco and saddle leather. The attack is rich and dry with full, warm, fine-grained tannin the preview more coffee, vanilla, chocolate, pepper, blackberry jam, cassis and black olive and tobacco flavours. Long and warm with some youthful tannins and oak to shed. Like the last few Oculus it will improve over the next 3-5 years in bottle.Prices:| BC | $70.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $70.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $70.00 | 750ml |
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26 June 2011
86PTS
Kettle Valley Old Main Red 2007
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeppery, spicy, clove, meaty, barnyard, saddle leather, pruny, black cherry, savoury aromas. Round, smooth, fresh palate but warm. Spicy, vanilla, coffee, meaty, barnyard, cedar, saddle leather, prune, jammy, cassis, tobacco leaf, Band-Aid flavours. Good textures but rustic. This wine is a blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and merlot with 5% petit verdot and malbec.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Poplar Grove CSM 2008
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky peppery tobacco nose with bits of coffee, cassis, black cherry, olive and barnyard aromas. The attack is dry and tight with smooth textures and a touch of grainy tannins. More tobacco, vanilla cream, chocolate and meaty, coffee, cassis jam, black berry jam, black olive flavours assault the palate before finishing warm and oaky. A solid Bordeaux blend with some syrah to boost its intensity and alcohol.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Poplar Grove Merlot 2007
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLike the previous version this is on big showy rich merlot that flirts with volatility and too much alcohol but manages to pull it off in the end. Sweet oak and black cherries and lots of vanilla mix with savoury dried herbs and plenty of gripp-y tannins but somehow it all works. You can drink it now with rich meat dishes or cellar this bottle for three to five years. Could be even better in the future with a bit more restraint.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Noble Ridge Meritage 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 07 Meritage has gone down the tobacco, green olive road with smoky, clove, spice, vanilla and savoury espresso aromas. Ripe, round, dry, smooth but tight with more tobacco leaf, pepper, herbal, smoky, resin, savoury, chocolate, coffee, liquorice flavours. Solid but very oaky finish with a bit of green tea. Serve this with grilled meats for best results.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Portillo Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaFrom the Uco Valley, Portillo is all modern with its grassy citrus lemon sauvignon blanc aromas reflecting its fresh and clean site elevated to 1,100 meters above sea level. Gentle handling and cool temperatures yield a fresh, grassy limon grapefruit palate with flecks of passion fruit before a dry finish. Crisp and clean this is a versatile summer sipper for light foods.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Stomping Ground Reserve Merlot 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSurprisingly soft and easy sipping on entry if touch herbaceous and warm. The fruit is a mix of cranberries and cherries with a dusting of dried herbs and milk chocolate and a spicy finish. Cool climate merlot. Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Chardonnay Organic 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis one hundred percent organic grown chardonnay is fiercely crisp and tight on the nose and the palate. Light melon notes mark the palate but it finishes dry and watery with persistent citrus notes. Simple chardonnay for immediate consumption. We do like the low alcohol at 10.9 percent but would like a bit more flavour.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Mission Hill Five Vineyards Chardonnay 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA slightly sweeter version of last year with more honey mixed into the green apple skin, citrus, vanilla and canned fruit aromas. The attack is fresh if a little candied with more canned grapefruit, honey and butter notes. Solid, fresh but otherwise unexciting. Try this with grilled chicken or pasta dishes.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $17.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $18.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Arrowleaf Merlot 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMid-valley merlot that is barrel aged for one year in both French and American oak. This is ripe stuff with a big sweet attack of spicy black cherry fruit and dried herbs with plenty of alcohol. The finish is smooth and sleek with some awkward acidity poking through at the end. Try it with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Twin Islands Pinot Noir 2008
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandLight ruby colour with thyme, tobacco leaf, celery salt, rhubarb and resin aromas. Dry, light, elegant palate but not much concentration. Cedar, rhubarb, smoky, herbal, tobacco leaf and celery salt flavours. Simple, cool style.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
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25 June 2011
88PTS
Castello di Bossi Chianti Classico 2007
Castelnuovo Berardenga, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyVery spicy, peppery, meaty, savoury, tobacco, black cherry, cedar, floral and warm leather aromas. Ripe, round, supple, dry and fresh palate with good balance and intensity. Smoky, meaty, peppery, savoury, leather, cedar, prune and cherry jam flavours. Warm, round finish with a bit of coffee and cedar. Good solid fruit and balance in an affordable Classico. Ready now.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Schug Chardonnay Carneros 2008
Carneros, Sonoma County, California, United StatesSchug chardonnay remains unlisted in BB Liquor stores where the New World chardonnay category is a mess. This all Carneros chardonnay save three percent Sonoma Valley is barrel fermented and aged "sur-lie" for 8 months in only 16 percent new oak. Multiple Carneros site and complexity to what is a very elegant style California chardonnay with citrus and nectarine fruit and spicy highlights. We love the nutty lees and elegant honey, mango, baked apple flavours. Drink now with lobster, crab, veal and or creamy pasta dishes. Delicious.Prices:| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Calafate Pinot Noir Reserva 2009
Neuquén, Patagonia, ArgentinaTobacco, cedar, cherry, spicy, licorice root aromas with a touch of dried herbs. Round, dry, fresh palate with a touch of tannins. Cherry, licorice, smoky, herbal, orange peel and carrot top flavours. A tad stemmy on the finish but offers solid fruit at a fair price.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Audacia Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaEarthy, meaty, barnyard, tobacco, black berry, rooty aromas. Dry, tart, lean palate with cassis, herbal, cedar, tobacco leaf, meaty, barnyard, olive flavours. Way too tart for a modern wine.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Dante Robino Bonarda 2009
Mendoza, ArgentinaPeppery, savoury, floral, black cherry, minty, smoky leather aromas. Very warm, thin, sweet and sour lean palate with tobacco leaf, sour cherry, herbal, confected flavours. Very poor balance and not representative of Bonarda.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Allan Scott Family Winemakers Chardonnay 2008
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandIt's easy to like this eminently drinkable chardonnay that is a mix of four sites within the Rapaura region of Marlborough. Full malolactic and Battonage seems easily accomplished without fattening up the wine. Look for a creamy lees character that offsets its peach fruit and butter flavours. A perfect wine for clams.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $22.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Zvy-Gelt Zweigelt 2008
Niederösterreich, Weinland Österreich, AustriaSpicy, smoky, orange peel, sausage meat, smoky, riparian aromas. Dry, slightly tart and light palate with light tannins. Sour cherry, rhubarb, spicy, herbal, minty flavours. Simple, basic style.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Henry's Drive Vignerons The Morse Code Shiraz 2008
Padthaway, South Australia, AustraliaBlueberry, prune, spicy, menthol, floral, liquorice, peppery, meaty aromas. Round, smooth, fresh, slightly sweet palate with black berry jam, blueberry, orange peel, chocolate flavours. Lots of fruit and intensity but pretty fresh finish. Try with duck in blueberry sauce. Solid value.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Misiones de Rengo Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah Reserva 2009
Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileSpicy, meaty, peppery, orange peel, black cherry, cassis, minty, cedar bark aromas. Dry, somewhat lean palate with cassis, savoury, eucalyptus, tobacco leaf, cherry, herbal, olive, green bean flavours. Straight up stuff but pretty lean style.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Sperling Vineyards Pinot Gris 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen spicy, earthy, creamy, honey nose with nutty lees and baked pear aromas. The attack is dry and austere with lemon, mineral, nutty, honey, baked citrus and apple skin flavours. Similarly the finish is lean but long. Definitely needs food to shine.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Yalumba Shiraz Barossa 2006
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaVery peppery, ginger, gamey, floral, spicy, black berry, tarry, vanilla aromas. Dry, round, slightly fresh palate with light tannins. Smoky, peppery, eucalyptus, black cherry, ginger, coffee, and liquorice flavours. Unique characters but finishes a bit hollow and tart.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Nederburg Manor House Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Western Cape, South AfricaRoasted bell pepper, meaty, smoky, peppery, tobacco, barnyard aromas. Dry, tart, flat palate with green tannins. Herbal, tobacco leaf, peppery, resin, meaty, barnyard, Band-Aid flavours. Lean and green.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Averill Creek Vineyard Prevost 2008
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaPrevost spends about 11 months in French oak, 25% of it new; the mix is 80% Maréchal Foch, 15% Foch Cabernet and 5% Merlot. Expect a smoky, riparian, spicy, black cherry nose with rooty, menthol, tobacco leaf aromas. The attack is thin, dry, light and tart palate with sour cherry, earthy, leafy, stemmy, smoky flavours. Not much texture or concentration but should be fine with pasta.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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24 June 2011
85PTS
Fairview La Capra Shiraz 2009
Coastal Region, South AfricaSmoky, earthy, meaty, peppery, gamey, cigar aromas. Round, smooth, fresh palate with black berry, smoked meat, peppery, blueberry, coffee flavours. Simple style with fresh acidity on the finish.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Vina Chela Reserve Malbec 2009
Mendoza, ArgentinaOrange peel, black cherry jam, smoky, peppery, coffee aroma. Tart, dry, round but skinny palate with peppery, smoky, chocolate, confected fruit, orange and herb flavours. An artificial style that lacks balance.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Michel Torino Don David Tannat Reserve 2008
Cafayate, Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, ArgentinaSmoky, peppery, meaty, chocolate, coffee, clove, menthol, savoury aromas. Dry, round, fresh, slightly tannic, chalky palate. Tobacco, peppery, menthol, cherry, savoury, mineral, chocolate flavours. Solid but best with grilled meat to fill out the finish.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $15.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $16.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Michel Torino Cuma Organic Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Cafayate, Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, ArgentinaSmoky, meaty, peppery, tobacco, saddle leather, cassis, cedar aromas. Dry, fresh, somewhat lean palate with cranberry, cassis, herbal, tobacco leaf, smoky. Solid but lean and a bit too tart.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $12.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
La Posta Malbec Pizzella Family Vineyard 2008
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaSpicy, vanilla, coffee, meaty, savoury, tobacco leaf, orange peel aromas. Round, dry, somewhat tart and lean palate with tobacco leaf, cherry, herbal, roasted mushroom, herbal flavours. Somewhat lean, tart finish. Better with beef to balance the acidity but frankly where is the beef?Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
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23 June 2011
87PTS
Cupcake Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Central Coast, California, United StatesI can't say a name like cupcake inspires me to taste a wine but to each his own I guess. Black cherry, cassis, minty, spicy, peppery cola aromas. This cabernet is surprisingly balanced and supple in the mouth with ripe black fruit flavours with some cassis, tobacco leaf, herbs and rooty, cola notes. A solid hamburger red for the summer, but serve the cupcakes for dessert.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet 2008
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaKudos to Peter Gago and crew for resurrecting this brand over the years. He should be running Fosters and making the beer too. Love the pure fruit here and the spicy liquorice, black cherry, cassis notes. Expect a solid red blend that will perform well with myriad food possibilities.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.50 | 750ml |
| SK | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $18.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $17.50 | 750ml |
| NB | $18.50 | 750ml |
| PEI | $12.50 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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22 June 2011
90PTS
Tesch Karhauser Riesling Trocken 2009
Nahe, GermanyThe original vineyard site belonged to the Carthusian monks at Laubenheim where its ancient sandstone soils face south-east. Look for a light petrol, lemon rind, honey, clover, spicy, green apple nose with notes of oyster shell and slate aromas. Fresh, delicate, juicy, crisp but creamy palate with a touch of sweetness. Pear, spicy, peppery, lemon, grapefruit, floral, honey, petrol flavours. Very fine flavour intensity and juiciness. Clean, correct dry and delicious. For serious aficionados.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $26.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Tesch Konigsschild Riesling Trocken 2009
Nahe, GermanyFrom south-east facing slopes at Langenlonsheim the Königsschild or the King's shields riesling is grown over chalk and loess soil dotted with seashells. Love the fresh nose of apricot fruit and the more austere chalky mineral honey, floral notes flecked with spice, apricot and slate. The attack is fresh, round, full and dry palate with ginger, honey, floral, green apple, quince and lemon flavours. Good intensity and length for food. Great restaurant wine.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
M. Chapoutier Petit Ruche Crozes-Hermitage Blanc 2010
Crozes Hermitage, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceRipe pear, lemon, honey, floral, apricot, spicy, ginger aromas. Rich, round, fresh, dry and elegant palate with a juicy edge. Quince, lemon, honey, orange, green apple, pear and butter flavours. Good length and finesse with some ability to age 1-3 years.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
McWilliams Hanwood Estate Moscato NV
AustraliaI'm not sure who is behind the big moscato push in the US and apparently according to some it is heading for Canada. Given the obscure nature of the grape I'm guessing the big attraction is sugar. Don't get me wrong it's not sickly sweet in fact this example is delicate, sweet, aromatic white that is fun to sip. Look for orange, guava, red apple, honey, lime flavours. All you need is a hot day and an even warmer patio. Pour this one by the tumbler and if you must have food make sure it is spicy. Fresh, light, breezy and good value.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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21 June 2011
89PTS
Tesch Unplugged Riesling 2009
Nahe, GermanyThe antithesis of Germany's complicated grading and labelling system, all of the Tesch wines are finished dry or trocken led by the most ingenious 'Unplugged' label. Could there be a better moniker than 'unplugged' for a riesling that is sees no new wood and is finished completely dry. Honey, slate, floral, spicy, apricot, chalky aromas. Fresh, round, full, dry palate with ginger, honey, floral, green apple, quince and lemon flavours. Good intensity and length for food.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $19.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Argiolas Costamolino Vermentino di Sardegna 2010
Sardinia, ItalyGood honey, floral, butter, pear quince, chalky aromas. Ripe, round, fat palate with a bit of sweetness. Quince, butter, honey, pear, baked citrus and mango flavours dominate this ripe rich white from Sardinia.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Laughing Stock Vineyards Blind Trust Red +29/9 2009
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaChocolate, coffee, vanilla, meaty, barnyard, saddle leather, prune, black berry, tobacco leaf, olive aromas. Round, smooth, supple palate but very warm with a tart edge. Spicy, vanilla, coffee, oak cube, peppery, tobacco leaf, leather, prune, meaty, Jammy flavours. Ripe and rich but lacking at bit of finesse. The finish is warm and oaky calling for roasted meats to tame its youth.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Ogier Côtes du Rhône Heritages Blanc 2010
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceWhite peach, floral, honey, quince, almond, lemon, ginger aromas. Ripe, round, fresh, juicy, slightly austere palate with honey, chalk, ginger, apple skin, quince and lemon flavours. Good intensity and length with freshness and a bit of austerity for seafood.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Intrigue Riesling 2010
Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLemon oil, petrol, green apple skin, floral, slate, ginger and bubble gum aromas. Fresh, crisp, juicy, off dry palate with orange peel, ginger, green apple, nectarine skin, lemon and slate flavours. A bit austere on the finish but has good intensity. A good start with us.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Spierhead Riesling 2010
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, candied apple, honey, peach, passion fruit aromas. Juicy, fresh, crisp palate with lime, ginger, floral, grapefruit and slate flavours. Good intensity but somewhat austere and tart on the finish. Needs a year or two. Impressive start.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Thelema Shiraz 2007
Western Cape, South AfricaSpicy, meaty, sausage, black berry, tobacco, savoury, licorice aromas. Round, dry, somewhat tart and warm palate with coffee, savoury smoked meat, sausage, vanilla, caraway flavours. Would be a much better wine if the aroma and flavour profile were cleaner.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
M. Chapoutier Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Blanc 2010
Côtes du Roussillon, Roussillon, Sud de France, FranceSpicy, floral, pear, honey, ginger, lemon, melon aromas. Dry, fresh, full, round palate with juicy acidity. Lemon grass, grapefruit, honey, ginger, floral, almond flavours. Very crisp, spicy finish. Good solid summer seafood wine and fine value.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Devil's Lair Fifth Leg Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaArtichoke, grassy, nettle, gooseberry, passion fruit, pea shoot aromas. Fresh, clean, juicy palate with some sweetness. Passion fruit, gooseberry, lemon grass, nettle flavours. Good solid style and fruit.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Allan Scott Family Winemakers Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandGrassy, gooseberry, canned jalapeno, grapefruit, nettle, butter aromas. Fresh, crisp, round palate with butter, passion fruit, canned grapefruit, honey, lemon and nettle flavours with a hint of sweetness. Ready to drink, try it with steamed mussels.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $22.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Rubicon 2006
Rutherford, Napa Valley, California, United StatesFrancis Ford Coppola is on a mission to restore this property to its original form in the glory days of Inglenook and it's moving in the right direction. Look for plum jam and smoky, vanilla, coffee, cassis aromas flecked with meaty, peppery, menthol, saddle leather, cedar and chocolate notes. The attack is rich and ripe, the palate warm with fine grainy tannins. More plum, cassis jam, coffee, vanilla, cedar and tobacco combine with chocolate pudding, clove and kirsch flavours with a cigar and clove finish. Suave and intense but warm with lots of ripe fruit and oak. Drink through 2017.Prices:| US | $125.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $180.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $161.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $178.50 | 750ml |
| QC | $190.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $157.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $167.00 | 750ml |
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20 June 2011
93PTS
Antica Chardonnay 2009
Napa Valley, California, United StatesAntica or 'Antinori California' is finally coming to fruition and the 2009 chardonnay is great example of how far the Atlas Peak property has come. After two decades of partnerships and business machinations Piero now has control of the property and the wine looks it. The vines span nine to 21 years of age picked at six different sites with an average elevation of 1420' in mostly alluvial soils. Only 30 percent new French helps release the intense fruit and minerality that jumps from the glass. Antinori Chief Enologist Renzo Cotarella and Antica Winemaker Nate Weis have really outdone themselves with this edition. Love the pear apple fruit, nutty lees and big orange flecks. So lean and trim this is magical Napa chardonnay only marred by a bit of alcohol that warms the finish. Very impressive for the price and should be on every wine list in the city.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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96PTS
Antinori Solaia 2007
Tuscany, ItalyThe latest Solaia strays a bit from the classic reverse Tignanello blend of 80/20 cabernet sauvignon and sangiovese dropping the cab to 75 percent and adding 5 cabernet franc but the result is no less impressive. This is a very fine rendition of Solaia that is redolent in cassis, black olive, blackberry and tobacco scented fruit but with very firm acidity, minerality and chiselled but form tannins. Very young and while it there is some of the 2007 ripe exuberance this wine has a long life ahead of it, certainly 20 years in bottle is possible and likely will be very rewarding to the collector.Prices:| BC | $250.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $250.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $250.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $242.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $561.00 | 1500ml |
| NB | $209.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $483.00 | 1500ml |
| NF | $887.00 | 1500ml |
| NF | $1873.00 | 3000ml |
| NF | $3776.00 | 6000ml |
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88PTS
Frescobaldi Remole Chianti 2009
Tuscany, ItalyPeppery, spicy, meaty, black cherry, tobacco, cassis aromas. Dry, round, supple, slightly tannic palate with black cherry, cassis, peppery, spicy, meaty, tobacco and earth flavours. A bit fresh and rustic but has very good fruit and solid balance that offers fine value.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.45 | 750ml |
| NS | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Errazuriz Carmenère Max Reserva 2009
Valle de Aconcagua, Region de Aconcagua, ChilePeppery, savoury, spicy, sappy, meaty, vanilla, coffee and cassis aromas. Full, dry, slightly tannic palate. Coffee, chocolate, clove, cedar, sappy, vanilla cube flavours. Full but very oaky treated style.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Finca Los Primos Malbec 2010
San Rafael, General Alvear, Southern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaBig black cherry jam, spicy, peppery, tobacco aromas with a touch of barnyard and compost. Full, round, dry, slightly chunky palate. Cherry, plum, tobacco, vanilla, rooty, tobacco, spicy flavours. Simple but offers a full palate with solid fruit and continued fine value.Prices:| BC | $11.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Allan Scott Family Winemakers Pinot Noir 2009
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandLight ruby colour. Spicy, raspberry, strawberry, cedar, tobacco leaf, floral, savoury aromas with a touch of smoked meat and compost. Dry, fresh, elegant palate with strawberry, tobacco, herbal, smoky, cedar and meat flavours. A simple, fresh, elegant style that's ready to drink. Solid value.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $22.00 | 750ml |
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10 June 2011
89PTS
Beringer Merlot 2008
Napa Valley, California, United StatesIt's great when Merlot is soft and succulent and still firm and fresh and this Beringer is all that and more. Love the plum aromas, black cherry and cedar and the super sleek palate and ripe black fruit. It's all California with just enough restraint to keep it real. Try this with grilled beef.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.00 | 750ml |
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09 June 2011
87PTS
Louis Bernard Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2009
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceLike the last edition, this has floral, honey, apricot, lemon, quince aromas with a bit of slate. Fresh, juicy, round, slightly fat palate with honey, pear, floral, apricot and butter flavours. A bit austere at the end but offers good fruit and balance for seafood with some uniqueness. Again, a well-made wine that offers fine value.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.65 | 750ml |
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08 June 2011
87PTS
Olivares Jumilla Rosado 2010
Jumilla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainFresh cut watermelon, candied citrus rind, cherry, earthy, mineral aromas. Fresh, crisp, round palate with a touch of sweetness. Sour cherry, rhubarb, almond, citrus, mineral, floral, apple flavours. Solid value here in a clean, fresh rosé style.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Santa Julia Syrah Rose 2010
Mendoza, ArgentinaSpicy, citrus, liquorice, earthy, black cherry aromas. Rich, round, fresh, slightly sweet and sour palate. Tobacco, cherry, plum, liquorice, earthy, herbal, floral flavours. Good intensity if a bit sweet. Good value.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Marqués de Cáceres Rosé 2010
Rioja, SpainPale cherry. Spicy, citrus, floral, candied cherry, grapefruit rind, tobacco aromas. Fresh, juicy, elegant palate with some sweetness. Tobacco, floral, cherry, plum, grapefruit, earthy flavours. Solid if a bit sweet for the fruit.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $15.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Pierre Sparr Crémant Brut Rosé NV
Alsace, FrancePale strawberry colour. Fine mousse with nutty, spicy, strawberry, citrus aromas. Crisp, juicy, dry palate with green apple, pear, strawbery, citrus, honey and almond flavours. Well balanced if a bit austere to go with duck salad.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $32.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Yalumba Organic Shiraz 2010
South Australia, AustraliaOrganic wines can stumble on the nose but not this plummy, red fruit affair with floral undertones. The attack is dry with sweetish, ripe fruit with plenty of peppery notes and bits of blueberries and milk chocolate. Attractive red wine for grilled meats. Suitable for both vegans and vegetarians.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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07 June 2011
89PTS
Fuse Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Napa Valley, California, United StatesCassis, cedar, earthy, tobacco, black berry, resin, black olive, licorice aromas. Rich, dry, fresh and warm palate with light tannins. Prune, black berry jam, cassis, earthy, meaty, peppery, spicy, coffee and dark chocolate flavours. Finish is hot but has good fruit intensity. The syrah adds a bit of complexity here.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $33.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Batasiolo Barolo 2006
Piedmont, ItalySmoky, tar, peppery, floral, plum, black cherry, barnyard, orange and tobacco leaf aromas. Dry, round, smooth, elegant style with good acidity balance. Black cherry, coffee, peppery, smoky, resin, licorice, prune and tobacco flavours. A more forward, feminine style that is drinkable now or over the next 3-4 years.Prices:| BC | $39.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $38.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $33.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $33.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Farnese Sangiovese Daunia 2009
Puglia, ItalySpicy, peppery, prune, roasted meat, black cherry, tobacco, savoury aromas. Smooth, round, juicy palate with black cherry, peppery, meaty, tobacco, smoky leather and plum flavours. A simple, forward and fruity style that offers continued fine value.Prices:| BC | $9.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Cono Sur Organic Cabernet Sauvignon / Carmenere 2009
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileI'm not a big fan of carmenère as solo varietal but this blend with cabernet works well mixing the cassis and sweet fruit of this organic cabernet sauvignon and the softer, milk chocolate, dried herbs you find in carmenère. The texture is soft and attractive. A friendly red for the barbecue that is made with organic fruit. Try it with beef kabobs.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.85 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Tangley Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 10 2006
Spicy, peppery, prune, earthy, olive, cedar, chocolate aromas. Full, round, fresh and warm on the palate with cedar bark, coffee, prune, cassis jam, black olive flavours with a savoury, earthy, tobacco aftertaste. Supple and very warm on the finish.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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06 June 2011
89PTS
Edge Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Napa Valley, California, United StatesSpicy, smoky, earthy, black berry, licorice, cassis, dark chocolate aromas with a bit of prune and cedar. Ripe, round, supple, juicy palate with black berry, cassis, peppery, smoky, cedar, chocolate flavours. Good fruit and balance for current drinking.Prices:| BC | $34.00 | 750ml |
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05 June 2011
89PTS
Poplar Grove Reserve Chardonnay 2010
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMuch better style in the reserve with its butter, light lees, pineapple fruit and underlying richness. Love the baked apple entry and the French oak, both of which are still interacting. Dry long buttery tarte tatin notes with nutty, oily pineapple fruit and ripe red apples. This wine needs another three years to settle down and work with the likes of halibut and fresh fruit salsa, abalone or lobster.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Poplar Grove Chardonnay 2009
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaClosed tight mineral grape fruit light lees and orange blossoms on the nose. The palate is similar with a lean nutty resiny texture with guava, leesy, buttery, grapefruit rind and green apple skin flavours. The finish is touch dry, warm and bitter. A decent mid-weight chardonnay for simply prepared chicken or pork dishes.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Robert Mondavi Private Selection Chardonnay 2008
Central Coast, California, United StatesThe 09 Robert Mondavi 'private selection' chardonnay has always been good value and '09 continues the tradition, just do not confuse it with the Napa wines. The fruit is mostly Central Coast or Monterey and production is big. That said the wine has solid varietal character, low-ish alcohol and mixes ripe apples, bananas, citrus, vanilla and spice in a mid-white that is made for lightly spiced seafood, chicken or pasta dishes. Only one problem here...it is half the price in the USA.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $20.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $20.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Tangley Oaks Chardonnay Lot 4 2006
Central Coast, California, United StatesDefinitely old style on the nose with cream, oak and baked apple jumping from the glass. Similar palate flavours with a little bit of citrus and lemon to lighten the image but this is mostly a warm fat chardonnay you eat as easily as you can drink it. Roast chicken would be a perfect match.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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04 June 2011
88PTS
Camelot Vineyards Pinot Gris 2008
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNot sure where this bottle came from given the old-ish vintage but I thought it would be fun to see how it is holding up. Fear not, despite a slightly advance colour the wine is in great shape with delicious honey flavours crisp acidity and light refreshing local alcohol finish. Serve this with barbecue chicken and discover the freshness of British Columbia wine.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tranchero Casot Moscato d'Asti 2010
Piedmont, ItalyIt's back to back winners for this little moscato with its lightly frizzante sparkle. So fresh and floral on the on the nose with an orange peel, nectarine skin, honey nose. This is a slightly fresher edition with more acidity but plenty of green apple, nectarine and spicy, peach fruit. Great value and a fun wine to pull out after dinner to lighten palates and finish off the evening.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Therapy Vineyards Alto Ego 2010
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2010 mix is 45/35/10/10 pinot gris/sauvignon blanc/viognier/chardonnay that resembles the classic BC aromatic white. The nose and palate is mix of melon honey and orange flavours with flecks of citrus and lees all with a touch oak for mid-palate fatness. Solid. Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Therapy Vineyards Pinot Gris 2010
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight bubble-gum aromas with a touch of sulphur on the nose. More garlic sulphur notes on the palate that is supressing the fruit. The texture is good and the alcohol nicely balanced but it appears a bit to reductive at this point. Aerate for 15 minutes.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Summa Quies Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2010
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe mix is 70/30 sauvignon blanc/sémillon and the result is indifferent. Expect some sulphur on the nose with bits of marzipan and citrus nut. The entry is intense with more sulphur on the fruit. It finishes better than you might expect with a crisp tangy mineral, dried orange note. Best with shellfish and be sure to aerate for 15 or twenty minute to let the nose settle down.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Smart Grasshopper Gruner Veltliner 2010
Niederösterreich, Weinland Österreich, AustriaA fun little wine with great story. First off grüner is for wine aficionados, meaning its bone dry and fairly austere, but the minerality and mere whiff of stony fruit makes it fun to drink with oysters and shell fish. The grasshopper is clever enough to select some leaves to eat and leave others alone. In this case they do not like grüner veltliner leaves.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Pinot Gris 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBad cork - oxidised. Try another. Where's the screwcap?Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $22.30 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Hillside Un-oaked Pinot Gris 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLove the vitality in this Naramata sourced pinot gris. The nose is textbook fragrant with floral, citrus, white peach notes. The fruit is similarly flavoured with a creamy lees character free from any oak. The finish is fresh medium long and dry. Well done. Serve with hummus and warm flatbread. Good value.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Quails' Gate Chasselas - Pinot Blanc - Pinot Gris 2010
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNo changes here. Crisp clean tart nose with green apple, green peas and soapy/floral, mineral, citrus aromas. The attack is ultra-fresh and clean with more floral, pear, grapefruit and honey flavours. Simple but refreshing summer sipper. Load up.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Farnese Trebbiano d'Abruzzo 2009
Abruzzo, ItalyI'm always surprised by the Farnese wines. Skinny and dry it still comes with a hint of orange blossoms and just enough fruit to pull of its attractive price point. The palate is a fresh mix of lime, orange and a bit of tinned fruit and cardboard. Would be the perfect palate cleanser for most cream-based pasta dishes or linguine vongole. Good value.Prices:| BC | $9.00 | 750ml |
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03 June 2011
87PTS
Esperanza Rueda Verdejo 2010
Rueda, Castilla-Leon, SpainMuch like our previous experience this verdejo is slightly richer on the nose and palate with honey, mango, lime rind and a slightly softer attack. The palate is more along the grapefruit, guava, lemongrass path with bits of mineral and again a fairly dry finish. A great bet for simply prepared shellfish dishes.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Château Roquetaillade La Grange Blanc 2009
Graves, Bordeaux, FranceLet's see affordable Graves (Bordeaux) that delivers. Love the richness and the freshness here and the subtle but correct mix of sémillon and sauvignon that spawns its white peach and guava aromas. On the palate it is a bit more exotic with orange and grapefruit nuances. Simply prepared fish dishes and or steamed shellfish are the ticket here. Good value.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Antinori Santa Cristina Casole Orvieto Classico Amabile 2010
Veneto, ItalyAn intriguing blend of 40 percent procanico, 40 grechetto, 15 verdello and 5 percent drupeggio and malvasia with 50 grams of residual sugar and only 10 percent alcohol. The aromas are rich and suggest ripe banana with an orange blossom undertone. The palate is sweet with decent acidity. This could certainly work with spicy "hot" Asian dishes. A classic old style Orvieto form the past.Prices:| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $15.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.50 | 750ml |
| NB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $15.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Frescobaldi Danzante Pinot Grigio delle Venezie 2009
Veneto, ItalyOpen pear, floral, red apple aromas with light lees and grapefruit notes. Fresh, juicy, creamy palate with a touch of sweetness. Grapefruit, honey, pear, quince and spice flavours. A good fruity, creamy style with nice freshness. A new label, new packaging and now under Stelvin this is well worth investigating.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.45 | 750ml |
| NF | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Armonia Verdejo-Viura 2010
Rueda, Castilla-Leon, SpainThe mix of verdejo and viura seems to be the ticket to this fresh floral white with lemon, melon, butter, and grassy apple notes. There's elegance and a touch of sweetness that draws you into a fresh mix of nectarine and grapefruit flavours flecked with citrus and honey notes. A fine value summer sipper that will impress your patio friends.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Frescobaldi Danzante Chianti 2009
Tuscany, ItalySpicy, black cherry, rooty, leather, meaty, peppery aroma with a touch of smoke. Dry, fresh, round, elegant palate with a touch of tannins. Black cherry, smoky, earthy, meaty, leather, chocolate, tobacco leaf flavours. Simple, straight up sangiovese at a fair price.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Vina Paquita Macabeo Chardonnay 2010
Cariñena, Aragon, SpainThe largest of the four DO zones of the Aragón region, Cariñena is the name of both the region and a grape variety that is more commonly found in France. In this case the wine is an unusual blend of macabeo and chardonnay that shapes what is a skinny, but round, palate with grassy, figgy, tropical notes. West Coast shell fish works here.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Copaboca Verdejo Rueda Blanco 2010
Rueda, Castilla-Leon, SpainIf you like clean, pure wines that reflect their region and grape this is it. Dry and fresh it this verdejo offers up the classic grassy citrus nose and palate with flecks of mandarin skins and grapefruit. Lean and dry it needs oysters or the like to sing. Natural farming; chemical free.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Chartron La Fleur Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Bordeaux, FranceAn introductory style sauvignon blanc from Bordeaux négociant Schröder and Schyler certai8nly offers value. The nose is fresh and open with mineral, floral, grass and apple skin notes. The entry soft, round, with grassy peachy mineral fruit flavours. Dry, fresh summer white for clams or mussels.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Concha y Toro Trio Merlot Carmenere Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileDried herb, cranberry, chocolate, tobacco leaf, menthol, smoky, saddle leather, cherry, cedar aromas. Fresh, juicy, supple palate with savoury, tobacco, cedar bark, cherry, rooty, licorice, herbal flavours. Very fresh finish. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $14.80 | 750ml |
| NS | $16.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Little Yering Pinot Noir 2008
Yarra Valley, Victoria, AustraliaStrawberry, liquorice, smoky, black pepper, tobacco, celery root nose with a touch of barnyard. Soft, round, easy palate with juicy strawberry, spicy, liquorice, orange, dried herb flavours. Solid, forward style with fruit for immediate appeal. A value proposition that is ready to drink all summer. Try it with salmon.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
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02 June 2011
88PTS
Dr. Pauly - Bergweiler Riesling 2009
Mosel, GermanyFloral, spicy, green apple, grassy, citrus, mango, clover and slate aromas. Fresh, juicy, round palate with good elegance. Slightly sweet with creamy acidity and lots of granny smith apple, lime, honey, orange, slate and pineapple flavours. Good delicacy and juicy fruit for immediate consumption.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Kruger-Rumpf Riesling Shiefer 2009
Nahe, GermanyThis edition is a Feinherb or off dry version. Green apple, floral, slate, peach, earthy, guava and lime aromas. Crisp, juicy, elegant, medium bodied palate with some sweetness and crisp acidity. Slate, light petrol, lime, green apple, nectarine and honey flavours. Offering a slightly fuller off dry palate with good fruit, try with pork, salmon or sole.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.55 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Artazuri Garnacha Rosado 2010
Navarra and Basque Country, SpainLike the last vintage, hit has a bright pale pink colour. Floral, cherry, spicy, earthy, mineral aromas with a touch of fresh raspberry. Round, fresh, juicy, off dry palate with licorice, mineral, raspberry, cherry, tobacco and spice flavours. A fun summer style for light foods. Offers balanced fruit, sweetness and acidity.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Luigi Bosca Reserva Syrah 2008
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaMeaty, black cherry, black berry jam, tobacco, coffee, spicy, savoury, vanilla aromas. Rich, ripe, dry, supple palate with coffee, meaty, savoury, peppery, leather, black cherry, smoky flavours. Solid fruit but somewhat rustic and could use a bit more varietal intensity.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $21.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
La Casona de Castaño Rosé Monastrell 2009
Yecla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainPepper, floral, plum, raspberry, rhubarb aromas. Fresh, juicy, easy style with some sweetness. Earthy, mineral, raspberry, meaty, citrus, rhubarb flavours. Simple, fresh, summer sipper at a good price.Prices:| BC | $9.50 | 750ml |
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85PTS
CedarCreek Rosé Pinot Noir 2010
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBubble gum, floral, spicy, cherry, raspberry, rooty aromas. Fresh, juicy, sweet and soft palate with cherry, bubble gum, rhubarb, soapy, floral flavours. Fresh and fruity but a sweet sipper style.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Laughing Stock Vineyards In the Pink +18/10 2010
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, grapefruit, bubble gum, earthy, leafy nose. Fresh, round, juicy but sweeter style with leafy, tobacco, earthy, cherry, herbal flavours.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Joseph Drouhin Beaune Premier Cru 2008
Beaune, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceTypically Drouhin with the acidity and reserved earthy/fruit nose with bits of black teas and barnyard. The palate is a mix of dry, smoky black cherry fruit with a touch of tannin in the back end. Try this with classic duck confit dish or something similarly fatty.Prices:| BC | $46.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Joseph Drouhin Cote de Beaune Rouge 2008
Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceThe colour is light but the nose open and spicy with bits of raspberry and black cherry fruit and a wisp of barnyard. The palate is soft and the textures smooth with more red fruits and fine acidity. Fine harmony here and should do well with an assortment of lightly seasoned foods. Only 12 15 months in 10 percent new oak.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Batasiolo Nebbiolo Langhe 2008
Piedmont, ItalyCherry, peppery, licorice, meaty, tobacco, smoky, leather aromas. Ripe, round, dry, elegant and fresh with juicy black cherry, licorice, smoky, savoury, mineral, meaty flavours. Good fruit finesse and value.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Prinz von Preussen Riesling Medium Dry 2009
Rheingau, GermanyCitrus, green apple, slate, floral, nectarine aromas. Fresh, round, juicy, slightly creamy and soft palate. Apple skin, peach, honey, citrus, slate flavours. Good solid, dryer style but just a bit short.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Schloss Reinhartshausen Riesling Spatlese 2007
Rheingau, GermanyHoney, red apple, spicy, lime, petrol, slate, guava aromas. Ripe, elegant, juicy slightly soft palate but good sweetness with creamy acidity. Mango, peach, slate, citrus, baked red apple, honey and cream flavours. Good intensity and finesse with nice fruit and medium aging potential. Solid value.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Schloss Reinhartshausen Riesling Dry Rheingau 2009
Rheingau, GermanyFloral, honey, guava, apple, peach aromas, good ripe fruit. Fresh, juicy, off dry palate with good acidity. Citrus, honey, slate, peach skin, apple flavours. Good body and finesse in the dryer style. Solid value.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
JoieFarm Rosé Re-Think Pink 2010
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, rhubarb, raspberry, leafy, spicy, earthy aromas. Fresh, juicy, slightly sweet palate with a bit of bitterness. Soapy floral, strawberry, leafy, mineral, rhubarb flavours. Simple, easy style with a citrusy apple, green leaf finish.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
JoieFarm Riesling iv 2010
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGranny smith, floral, spicy, honey, clove, guava aromas. Ripe, full, juicy, slightly warm palate with good acidity but noticeable sweetness. Nectarine, guava, granny smith, lime, mineral flavours. Good intensity if a bit sweet and sour on the finish. Try this with spicy dishes.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Deinhard Green Label Riesling 2009
Mosel, GermanyFloral, slate, apple, honey, green peach aroma. Fresh, juicy, crisp, slightly sweet palate with a touch of spritz. Red apple, honey, peach, light guava flavours. A fun, juicy style at a great price. Stock up for summer.Prices:| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville District 2006
Oakville, Napa Valley, California, United StatesAlways fragrant and complex the nose mixes juicy black berry jam and smoke with toasted vanilla and flecked with olives, spices. The mostly To-Kalon fruit is always ripe and concentrated but with fine grained supple tannins. Love the plummy black currant fruit and sophisticated mouth feel and length. Another stunning wine that in the scheme of things vindicates the long term direction Robert, Tim and Genevieve Janssens have always had for this property. In time others will catch up.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $55.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $56.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $55.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Chateau Bellevue la Randée 2009
Bordeaux, FranceSmoky, coffee, toasty oak, barnyard, cedar bark, peppery, iodine, cassis aromas. Dry, fresh, round, full palate with good acidity. Vanilla, cedar, peppery, cassis, spicy, cherry, coffee flavours. Finish is a bit tart and oaky with some stemmy notes. Drink now -2 years.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Catena Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Mendoza, ArgentinaLike last vintage, lots of peppery, spicy, blackberry, cassis, smoky, saddle leather, iodine, floral, meaty, barnyard aromas. Rich, round, supple palate with cassis, black cherry, coffee, savoury, vanilla, black olive, resin, and tobacco flavours. Solid fruit and finesse if somewhat short and light on the finish. Drink now - 2 years.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.75 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Signorello Padrone 2007
Napa Valley, California, United StatesAnother intense aromatic spicy nose from Signorello's best cru. Love the opulent milk chocolate savoury cigar tobacco notes that saturate the palate. This is full blown California cabernet with the lines held taut in the finish. The mix 84/8/8/ cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc and it meshes seamlessly in along supple finish flecked with cedar, minerals, menthol and cassis. Structure and will easily keep 15 years and beyond. Worth collecting.Prices:| BC | $155.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Pacific Breeze Big Red 2008
Product of CanadaSpicy, cola, black cherry, licorice, cedar, smoky, resin, rooty, peppery, jammy nose. Full, round, hot palate with some fresh acidity and a sweet note. Black cherry jam, plum, smoky, dried herbs, orange, coffee, cedar flavours with a very smoky, leather, char oak finish. Solid fruit but very warm on the finish.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Pacific Breeze Vin de Garagiste P3 2007
Product of CanadaEarthy, cassis jam, black berry jam, rooty, floral, coffee, chocolate, tobacco and prune aromas. Fresh, juicy, warm palate with light astringency. Peppery, coffee, cassis jam, cherry kirsch, clove, tobacco, barnyard, olive and cedar bark flavours. Good fruit and intensity but somewhat hot and overripe at 15.4 percent acohol.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Rilento Nerello Mascalese 2009
Sicily, ItalyOnly grown in Sicily on Mt. Etna, this offers a very spicy, peppery, black cherry, red plum, licorice, meaty, savoury aromas. The palate is round, dry, fresh and elegant with juicy acidity. Black cherry, clove, licorice, peppery, smoky, cedar, rhubarb flavours. Good juicy style with some finesse and fruit. Great value too.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Justin Vineyard Syrah 2008
Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, Central Coast, California, United StatesPeppery, spicy, savoury, black cherry, sausage meat, smoky, dried herb and plum aromas. Dry, fresh, slightly tight palate with light astringency. Coffee, smoky, meaty, peppery, licorice, savoury, cedar bark flavours. Solid with a warm, slightly rustic finish.Prices:| AB | $40.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Justin Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, Central Coast, California, United StatesBig cassis, black berry jam, smoky, savoury, tobacco, earthy, meaty, cedar, black olive aromas. Ripe, round, fresh, slightly sweet entry. Blackberry, plum jam, cedar, tobacco, savoury, coffee bean flavours with a black olive and cedar bark finish. Lots of fruit in a more commercially appealing style.Prices:| AB | $40.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $37.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $46.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Justin Vineyard The Orphan 2008
Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, Central Coast, California, United StatesLiquorice, peppery, cedar bark, meaty, smoky, vanilla cube, cassis, floral nose. Fresh, juicy, somewhat tart entry with cranberry, cassis, black cherry, tobacco leaf, herbal, cedar flavours. Simple, fresh style for barbecue ribs.Prices:| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $26.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Nk'Mip Cellars Qwam Qwmt Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCassis, black olive, green bean, tobacco leaf, earthy, leather, spicy, coffee, herbal aromas. Dry, tight, elegant, fresh palate but smooth. Earthy, coffee, black olive, resin, tobacco, barnyard, leather, cassis, cedar, savoury flavours. Good finesse but a bit fresh and green on the finish. May improve with 1-3 years aging.Prices:| BC | $31.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Blasted Church The Big Bang 2008
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, sausage meat, cassis, rooty, black cherry, floral, coffee, tobacco leaf aromas with a gamey note. Dry, fresh, slightly tart palate with cedar, cherry, plum, herbal, tobacco leaf, rooty flavours. Very fresh, fruity, herbal style.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Blasted Church Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot 2008
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBlack olive, weedy, cassis, peppery, earthy, coffee, vanilla bean nose with barnyard, saddle leather notes. The attack is dry and tart, the palate warm with coffee, cedar bark, tobacco leaf, cassis, cranberry, leather, savoury resin flavours. A full, rich red that is slightly underripe to this palate. Serve with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Blasted Church Merlot 2007
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, cherry jam, earthy, roasted meat, herbal, olive, barnyard aromas. Dry, fresh, round, slightly tannic palate. Earthy, coffee, resin, liquorice, cherry, cranberry, cedar, olive flavours with a saddle leather and barnyard note. Full but rustic and warm.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Alvear Cream NV
Montilla-Moriles, SpainThis is an Oloroso style with a bit of sweet Pedro Ximénez added. Amber walnut colour. Cedar, spicy, peppery, walnut, rancio, raisin, toffee, dried ginger and earth aromas. Fresh, rich, elegant and round palate with medium sweetness. Very spicy, walnut, toffee, peppery, tobacco, cedar, dried fig and dried apricot flavours. Long finish with a touch of astringency lends this to drink with dried fruits or perhaps a Tandoori chicken. Again, a great value.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Parés Baltà Cava Brut B Organic NV
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainLooking for a classy sparkler for the wedding toast reach for this dry, elegant, stylish organic bubble with the creamy textures. Fresh nutty, creamy, apple skin aromas preview a similar creamy, nutty, mineral, floral palate. An attractive, sophisticated bubble for current drinking that works well with a variety of appetizers or main dinner plates. Good value.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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July 2011