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Anthony Gismondi on Wine
Tasting Notes

Tastings: August 2011

30 August 2011

Quails' Gate Pinot Noir Dijon Clone Selectiontext
90PTS

Quails' Gate Pinot Noir Dijon Clone Selection 2008

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA Dijon (Burgundy) clone selection, now over a decade old, is behind this new, only available at the winery (and restaurants) release. This no trophy wine but rather the result of 20 years of searching for the holy pinot grail. Expect a spicy, celery salt, rhubarb and ripe strawberry nose with flecks of tobacco leaf, dried herbs and barnyard. The attack is dry, fresh and supple with strawberry, smoky, herbal, rhubarb, tobacco, lees, and spicy, minty, vanilla flavours. Good finesse with fresh acidity and a juicy note. Best if decanted for about 15 minutes. Drink now or over the next 2 years. Duck confit would be a perfect match.Prices:
BC$55.00750ml
Producer: Quails' Gate Vineyards Estate Winery
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Haywire Pinot Noirtext
87PTS

Haywire Pinot Noir 2010

Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe ethereal Haywire style marks this pinot with its light rhubarb and strawberry nose and peppery, carrot top aromas. Soft, round, dry and easy on the palate with peppery, tobacco, rhubarb, sour cherry and herbal flavours. A fresh finish with very light tannins for near term consumption. Best with simply prepared food.Prices:
BC$27.00750ml
Producer: Haywire by Okanagan Crush Pad
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Chateau La Longuatext
85PTS

Chateau La Longua 2007

Fronsac, Libourne, Bordeaux, FranceDry peppery, meaty, saddle leather nose with bits of chocolate, beef Oxo aromas. Dry, light, tight palate with smoky, cedar, meaty, coffee, leather, prune, rooty flavours. No joy in Mudville especially at $25.Prices:
BC$25.00750ml
Producer: Château Dalem
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Quails' Gate Pinot Noirtext
87PTS

Quails' Gate Pinot Noir 2009

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTobacco, barnyard, rhubarb, smoky, herbal, celery aromas. Round, supple, dry, fresh palate with smoky, herbal, tobacco, celery root, barnyard, rhubarb and menthol flavours. Finish is solid but very warm with light tannins.Prices:
BC$25.00750ml
AB$24.00750ml
ON$25.00750ml
SK$25.00750ml
MB$25.00750ml
QC$26.00750ml
Producer: Quails' Gate Vineyards Estate Winery
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Antonin Guyon Hautes Côtes de Nuits Les Dames de Vergytext
87PTS

Antonin Guyon Hautes Côtes de Nuits Les Dames de Vergy 2009

Côtes de Nuits, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceSpicy, orange, compost, gamey, peppery, raspberry, meaty aromas. Dry, fresh, elegant, supple palate with tobacco, compost, orange, meaty, raspberry, leafy flavours. Solid style for near term consumption.Prices:
BC$31.00750ml
Producer: Domaine Antonin Guyon
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Antonin Guyon Chambolle-Musigny Clos du Village Monopoletext
90PTS

Antonin Guyon Chambolle-Musigny Clos du Village Monopole 2009

Côtes de Nuits, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceVery spicy, underbrush, orange, strawberry, raspberry, light smoky, tobacco, vanilla, waxy aromas. Round, dry, fresh, elegant, supple palate with vanilla, meaty, orange, floral, raspberry, smoky, light licorice and coffee flavours with a touch of rhubarb. Good fruit, acidity and finish. Drinkable now but should improve over the next -4 years. A feminine, delicious style.Prices:
BC$65.00750ml
Producer: Domaine Antonin Guyon
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Leopard's Leap Lookout Cabernet Sauvignon - Shiraz - Cinsaulttext
86PTS

Leopard's Leap Lookout Cabernet Sauvignon - Shiraz - Cinsault 2009

Western Cape, South AfricaFloral, cassis, tobacco leaf, smoky, earthy, cherry aromas. Round, fresh, slightly sweet and sour palate with cherry, plum, earthy, leather, coffee flavours. Simple, fresh style with good fruit and solid value.Prices:
BC$10.00750ml
Producer: Leopard's Leap Wine
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Château Roquetaillade La Grangetext
86PTS

Château Roquetaillade La Grange 2007

Graves, Bordeaux, FranceCedar, tobacco leaf, green olive, spicy, meaty, peppery, black cherry aromas. Dry, light, somewhat tart palate with light tannins. Smoky, earthy, olive, cassis, cedar, resin, leather flavours. Try this with roast beef. It doesn't really overcome the challenge of the vintage.Prices:
BC$26.00750ml
AB$24.00750ml
Producer: Château Roquetaillade La Grange
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Noble Ridge Pinot Noirtext
86PTS

Noble Ridge Pinot Noir 2008

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeppery, smoky, chocolate, tobacco, earthy, vanilla, rhubarb aromas. Round, supple, dry, warm palate with light cedary tannins. Big chocolate, mocha, peppery, rooty, prune, smoky flavours. Very warm and oaky on the finish which hides the wines varietal heritage.Prices:
BC$28.00750ml
Producer: Noble Ridge Vineyard and Winery
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Thelema Mountain Redtext
84PTS

Thelema Mountain Red 2007

Elgin, Overberg, South AfricaA shiraz merlot blend with a green tobacco leaf, olive, herbal, smoky, rooty, savoury aroma. Round and smooth on the palate with more tobacco leaf, cherry, coffee, barnyard and smoked leather saddle flavours. Should be cleaner in this day and age.Prices:
BC$20.00750ml
MB$16.00750ml
Producer: Thelema Winery
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La Casona de Castaño Old Vines G-S-Mtext
87PTS

La Casona de Castaño Old Vines G-S-M 2009

Yecla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainVery spicy, floral, plum, cherry, savoury, celery salt aromas. Fresh, tight, somewhat lean palate with white pepper, orange, plum, rooty, savoury, mineral flavours. A bit tart but has good fruit and freshness with some persistence. Great value.Prices:
BC$9.50750ml
Producer: Familia Castaño
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29 August 2011

Telmo Rodriguez Gaba do Xil Godellotext
89PTS

Telmo Rodriguez Gaba do Xil Godello 2009

Valdeorras, Galicia, SpainSpanish winemaker Telmo Rodriguez specialises in ancient local grape varieties enter Gaba do Xil. The grape is 100 per cent godello grown on old granite soils in the region Valdeorras. The wine is rich and intense with big aromas of pear and melons. The plate is equally rich with waxy textures and more mineral pear flavours. It could use a bit more acidity but it is definitely heading down the right road where new meets old and the food is the winner.Prices:
BC$24.00750ml
AB$28.00750ml
QC$19.00750ml
Producer: Compañia de Vinos Telmo Rodriguez
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Fazi Battaglia San Sisto Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Riservatext
88PTS

Fazi Battaglia San Sisto Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Riserva 2006

Marche, ItalyMuch like the previous version you can expect nutty, creamy, baked apple, honeyed aromas with a touch of spice in the background. This version is always oaky and lacks the bright acidity of the regular version of verdicchio but still for those who like the vanilla, honey and roasted nut flavours mixed with baked pear well this wine is for you. We suggest lobster or prawns pairing rich with rich.Prices:
BC$30.00750ml
Producer: Fazi Battaglia S.p.A.
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J Vineyards Pinot Noirtext
89PTS

J Vineyards Pinot Noir 2008

Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesClassic sweet New World nose with bits of spice, soy, ripe raspberry and dried herbs. The attack is supple and warm with sweet smoky back raspberry and clove flavours with cinnamon and vanilla in the back end. Very suave but with refinement and delicacy you expect from a cooler Sonoma site. Delicious.Prices:
BC$50.00750ml
US$25.00750ml
AB$30.00750ml
Producer: J Vineyards and Winery
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Albistext
85PTS

Albis 2010

Setúbal Peninsula, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalExpect an aromatic muscat-y with litchi notes and white flowers. The attack is lean and dry and mostly citrus with a flat mid-palate and finish. This is really a luncheon wine preferably for simply prepared seafood served cold on a warm summer's day. Needs food.Prices:
BC$12.00750ml
Producer: José Maria da Fonseca
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28 August 2011

Pentâge Winery Sauvignon Blanc - Semillontext
88PTS

Pentâge Winery Sauvignon Blanc - Semillon 2008

Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe latest "Bordeaux" white bend from Pentâge mixes roughly 2/3 sauvignon blanc with sémillon projecting a fresh grassy, citrus, nettle nose. The attack is equally fresh and round with gooseberry guava and tropical fruit notes throughout with bits of mint and spice in the back end. The texture is perfect, the new Stelvin closure has also added some brightness and lift to what is a great seafood match.Prices:
BC$20.00750ml
Producer: Pentâge Winery
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Chateau St. Jean Cabernet Sauvignontext
89PTS

Chateau St. Jean Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

Sonoma County, California, United StatesSonoma cabernet always has that inviting nose of black fruits, cedar and tea leaves. The '06 is coming into its own with plenty of ripe fruit to balance off some considerable tannin. Love the rich plummy fruit on the attack that lingers with bits of cedar, leather, black olive and tobacco. Perfect for grilled steaks or lamb chops.Prices:
BC$50.00750ml
AB$37.00750ml
ON$35.00750ml
NF$50.00750ml
Producer: Château Saint Jean
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Sacred Hill Sauvignon Blanctext
89PTS

Sacred Hill Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandFresh showy aromatic nose of tropical fruit/gooseberry notes. The palate is a lively mix of lemongrass, green fruits and citrus. The finish is super clean and fresh with a balance of fruit and acidity. A great vintage.Prices:
BC$19.00750ml
NS$23.40750ml
Producer: Sacred Hill
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27 August 2011

Terras Gauda O Rosaltext
89PTS

Terras Gauda O Rosal 2009

O Rosal, Rías Baixas, Galicia, SpainMuch like the previous version this exciting white with its intense citrus and melon aromas flecked with ginger and bits of slate is very inviting. The palate is both round and elegant with a crisp, clean, back end. The palate is all citrus with nectarine, chalky, ginger notes. We love the delicate styling and intense flavours that cry out for roasted chicken and shellfish dishes.Prices:
AB$28.00750ml
BC$30.00750ml
QC$23.00750ml
Producer: Bodegas Terras Gauda S.A.
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Poggiotondo Toscana Biancotext
88PTS

Poggiotondo Toscana Bianco 2010

Tuscany, ItalyPoggiotondo Toscana Bianco 2010 is an interesting new study for British Columbia given its owner /viticulturalist Alberto Antonini is working in Summerland at Okanagan Crush Pad. The fresh lean mineral styling is a given for Antonini as he works to express the vineyard's terroir. The 40/30/30 blend of vermentino, ansonica and malvasia works with no oak to reveal the chalky calcium makeup of the vineyard. Try this with shellfish and light seafood pasta dishes and enjoy the freshness and aromatics at work. It's amazing for the price.Prices:
BC$17.00750ml
AB$15.00750ml
ON$14.00750ml
QC$15.00750ml
Producer: Poggiotondo
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16 August 2011

Colle Secco Rubino Montepulciano d'Abruzzotext
86PTS

Colle Secco Rubino Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2006

Abruzzo, ItalyBig spicy, tobacco, barnyard nose with meaty game aromas. The entry is dry and round with fresh acidity and a touch of tannin in the back end. The palate mixes smoky, dried herb and meaty notes with leather, coffee, barnyard and cherry flavours. A rustic spaghetti red that can be tamed with some meatballs. Restaurants should serve this one by the glass.Prices:
BC$18.00750ml
Producer: Cantina Tollo
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The Lucky Country Shiraztext
88PTS

The Lucky Country Shiraz 2008

Barossa Valley / McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaRetased and equally fine. Look for a spicy, liquorice root, coffee, raspberry jam nose flecked with tobacco, black cherry aromas. Round, fresh, slightly tannic and warm palate. Raspberry kirsch, orange, tobacco, chocolate, black pepper, rooty flavours. Good fruit. Best with food. The Lucky Country label is made with declassified Two Hands fruit.Prices:
BC$20.00750ml
ON$16.00750ml
Producer: The Lucky Country
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15 August 2011

C'est la Vie Chardonnay - Sauvignon Blanctext
86PTS

C'est la Vie Chardonnay - Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceI get nervous when the French tell you, which grapes are in the wine, then put the said wine in a snappy package and then put a screwcap on it. Actually this chardonnay sauvignon blanc made in a 60/40 split isn't half bad. Fresh clean zippy with just a hint of butter it is a simple everyday white for mid-week meals at home. Especially chicken and pastas.Prices:
BC$14.00750ml
QC$14.00750ml
Producer: Albert Bichot
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Santa Cruz de Alpera Verdejotext
86PTS

Santa Cruz de Alpera Verdejo 2010

Almansa, Castilla-La Mancha, SpainAvoiding the heat is key to getting the Alpera blanco fresh and clean. The fruit is night harvested and fermented cool. The attack is fresh and crisp with super bright acidity on the mid-palate and finish. Look for a big citrus hit on the front of the palate with bits of guava and melon fruit throughout. Should be well suited to mussels. Good value.Prices:
BC$13.00750ml
Producer: Bodegas Santa Cruz de Alpera
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Haywire Pinot Gris Switchback Vineyard Clone 52text
88PTS

Haywire Pinot Gris Switchback Vineyard Clone 52 2010

Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIts year two for the single-vineyard, single clone (clone 52) pinot gris made from five year old vines. Last year we suggested Haywire is a study in subtlety and nuance and it remains so in 2010. Acidity is the primary focus of the undercarriage and it sets the stage for a delicate array of tree fruits and floral notes to entertain the nose. The flavour intensity has been bumped up ever so slightly as the vineyard finds its way. Minimalist and proud of it, 'Haywire' is anything but in year two. Oysters anyone.Prices:
BC$23.00750ml
Producer: Haywire by Okanagan Crush Pad
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14 August 2011

Kestrel Merlottext
88PTS

Kestrel Merlot 2007

Washington, United StatesTypically northwest dark and brooding in colour with a hint of lifted black fruit and cranberry. On the palate, it opens up showing richer layers of black and red fruits raked with a savoury spicy undercurrent. The finish is long, rich and warm with an abundance of ripe fruit. Serve this with your favourite cut of steak. Prices:
BC$24.00750ml
Producer: Kestrel Vintners
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Rodney Strong Merlottext
87PTS

Rodney Strong Merlot 2006

Sonoma County, California, United StatesThe nose is fragrant with cedar, spice vanilla and mint in the foreground. The attack is fresh with some obvious mid-palate acidity and dryness. The entry is slightly lean for California, almost Bordeaux-like in its demeanour. Look for delicate plum and black cherry fruit with a soft, toasted vanilla finish. This one is ready to drink now.Prices:
BC$23.00750ml
AB$22.00750ml
ON$20.00750ml
YK$24.00750ml
Producer: Rodney Strong Estate Vineyards
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Carmen Reserva Merlottext
86PTS

Carmen Reserva Merlot 2009

Valle del Cachapoal, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileMuch like last year, the nose is definitely leafy with a spicy cran-cherry aroma and bits of savoury, dried herbs. The attack is soft and dense with black olive, cedar, medicine chest, black cherry and tobacco flavours. Rustic but ready for grilled meats of the barbecue. Fair value at $12.Prices:
BC$12.00750ml
AB$13.00750ml
NS$13.00750ml
NB$13.00750ml
NF$13.00750ml
ON$11.00750ml
Producer: Viña Carmen
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Mankas Crest Dry Rosétext
85PTS

Mankas Crest Dry Rosé 2007

Suisun Valley, California, United StatesThis cabernet rosé is made after a short, early pressing of cabernet fruit. It gets a touch of oak otherwise, the style is round and soft with a touch of sweeter fat fruit. A richer, off-dry style with notes of blueberries cherries and watermelon. Less of a summer sipper and more of a light food wine. Getting long inthe tooth for a rosé.Prices:
BC$16.00750ml
Producer: Mankas Hills Vineyards
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13 August 2011

Sandhill Small Lots Program Syrah Phantom Creek Vineyardtext
88PTS

Sandhill Small Lots Program Syrah Phantom Creek Vineyard 2009

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig vanilla, smoky, coffee, mocha, meaty, black liquorice, savoury, five-spice, peppery aromas with a bit of roast meat. Dry, round, supple, fresh palate with vanilla, mocha, savoury, spicy, peppery, cherry jam, prune, savoury flavours. Very warm, oaky, somewhat tart finish. Lots of flavour but on the heavy, blockbuster side.Prices:
BC$35.00750ml
Producer: Sandhill Wines
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Domaines Astruc 'dA' Marsannetext
88PTS

Domaines Astruc 'dA' Marsanne 2009

Limoux, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceHoney, apricot, floral, light lees, butter, fresh pear aromas. Ripe, fresh, juicy, off dry palate with pear, nectarine, mineral, honey, red apple and lychee flavours. Fun, elegant, juicy, fruity style for any food. Bravo.Prices:
BC$18.00750ml
Producer: Domaines Astruc
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Thornhaven Syrahtext
86PTS

Thornhaven Syrah 2009

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWarm peppery, cedar, smoky, tobacco leaf, savoury, vanilla, tealeaf, meaty, black berry jam and chocolate. Palate is round, dry, warm and somewhat tart with light tannins but good concentration. Peppery, tobacco leaf, black tea, coffee, smoky, rooty, prune, meaty, sage flavours. Finish has some green tea tannins to dissipate.Prices:
BC$25.00750ml
Producer: Thornhaven Estates Winery
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Domaine Christian Moreau Chablis Grand Cru Les Clostext
95PTS

Domaine Christian Moreau Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2009

Chablis, Burgundy, FranceFloral, spicy, seashell, lees, nutty, pear, honey, grassy aromas with ripe red apple and peach notes. Fresh, juicy, elegant, succulent palate with lime, seashell, baked green apple, honey, spicy lees, pear, rose petal and lemon flavours. Great finesse and intensity with a juicy, clean finish. Excellent fruit and length. Drink now or keep for 3-5 years. A bit softer than the '08 but somewhat riper fruit notes. Delicious and wonderful value given other white Burgundy and Bordeaux.Prices:
BC$67.00750ml
AB$55.00750ml
MB$65.00750ml
Producer: Domaine Christian Moreau
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Domaine Christian Moreau Chablis Grand Cru Valmurtext
94PTS

Domaine Christian Moreau Chablis Grand Cru Valmur 2009

Chablis, Burgundy, FranceSpicy, jasmine, pear, anise, seashell, lees, seashell, seashore, baked green apple and grass aromas. Fresh, round, juicy, dry, slightly austere palate with nutty lees, spicy, floral, honey, baked pear, green apple, lime, seashell, acacia and vanilla flavours. A bit more austere and backward than Le Clos but super fine intensity. Perhaps give it a year or so or keep for 3-5 years.Prices:
BC$67.00750ml
AB$55.00750ml
MB$58.00750ml
Producer: Domaine Christian Moreau
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Drouhin Vaudon Chablis Reserve de Vaudontext
88PTS

Drouhin Vaudon Chablis Reserve de Vaudon 2009

Chablis, Burgundy, FrancePear, green apple skin, seashore, light lees, floral, lime and nut aromas. Fresh, crisp, juicy, forward palate with good finesse. Ripe apple, pear, honey, lemon, seashell and lees flavours. Good intensity for matching with seafood.Prices:
BC$29.00750ml
AB$32.00750ml
QC$32.00750ml
Producer: Maison Joseph Drouhin
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Laughing Stock Vineyards Syrah+1/10text
89PTS

Laughing Stock Vineyards Syrah+1/10 2009

Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAttractive spicy, peppery, floral, savoury nose with flecks of sweet vanilla, blackberry jam, tobacco, saddle leather and warm prune aromas. Ripe, round, supple, smooth palate with light tannins but warm. Peppery, tobacco, liquorice, vanilla, spicy, blackberry jam, meaty, tea flavours. Good texture and length despite the warmth on the finish. Will go well with roast lamb or beef. A classy interpretation of syrah.Prices:
BC$34.00750ml
Producer: Laughing Stock Vineyards
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Painted Rock Syrahtext
89PTS

Painted Rock Syrah 2008

Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig five spice, mocha, vanilla, wild game, peppery, black cherry jam, meaty, tobacco and barnyard aromas. Ripe, rich, fresh, round palate with good texture and acidity. Spicy, savoury, vanilla, coffee, licorice, smoky, tobacco, black tea, roast meat flavours with a bit black tea tannin on the finish. Suave, fresher style with good intensity but still with a fair bit of oak showing. Time in the bottle will help this wine reach its full potential.Prices:
BC$40.00750ml
Producer: Painted Rock Estate Winery
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Sibling Rivalry Redtext
86PTS

Sibling Rivalry Red 2009

Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaTobacco leaf, savoury, spicy, meaty, cherry aromas. Soft, round, supple, fresh palate with coffee, vanilla bean, herbal, tobacco, peppery, meaty, cherry flavours. Simple, easy sipping red that offers fair value.Prices:
BC$15.00750ml
ON$14.00750ml
AB$21.00750ml
Producer: Henry of Pelham
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Moon Curser Tempranillotext
86PTS

Moon Curser Tempranillo 2009

Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeppery, cherry, earthy, smoky, sage, licorice, vanilla, tobacco leaf aromas with a touch of coffee. Dry, tight, fresh palate with some light, cedar tannins. Smoky, sour cherry, herbal, tobacco, rooty, vanilla, smoky, vanilla, savoury flavours. Well-made if a bit tart and thin in the aftertaste.Prices:
BC$29.00750ml
Producer: Moon Curser
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Moon Curser Merlottext
88PTS

Moon Curser Merlot 2009

Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaExpressive rich open smoky, cherry, plum nose with bits of tobacco, vanilla, spicy, saddle leather, and barnyard aromas. Ripe, round, supple, smooth palate with fresh acidity and more tobacco, cedar, meaty, saddle leather, cherry kirsch, black olive, savoury flavours. Finish is warm and fresh with light tannins but with a strong core of fruit. Very well done.Prices:
BC$25.00750ml
Producer: Moon Curser
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Moon Curser Syrahtext
88PTS

Moon Curser Syrah 2009

Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, savoury, vanilla, mocha, black cherry jam, saddle leather aromas. Dry, fresh, elegant but warm palate with light tannins. Smoky, savoury, tobacco, licorice, herbal, cherry, mocha, salted meat flavours. A bit warm and youthful but has potential. What it really needs is a bit more texture to support the flavour and weight.Prices:
BC$25.00750ml
Producer: Moon Curser
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Finca Los Primos Syrahtext
86PTS

Finca Los Primos Syrah 2010

San Rafael, General Alvear, Southern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaFloral, plummy, spicy, peppery, meaty aromas, nice and fresh. Ripe, round, fresh, smooth palate with a hint of sweetness. Black cherry jam, smoky, spicy, peppery, tobacco, chocolate flavours. Good fruit and clean, back on track. Great value.Prices:
BC$11.00750ml
Producer: Bodegas y Vinedos Valentín Bianchi S.A.
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Durbanville Hills Shiraztext
85PTS

Durbanville Hills Shiraz 2008

Coastal Region, South AfricaVery smoky, meaty, peppery, black cherry, rooty aromas with some sweaty saddle. Fresh, dry, round palate with earthy, smoky, meaty, peppery, black cherry, herbal flavours. Warm and a bit tart on the finish with some pruny fruit.Prices:
SK$16.00750ml
ON$12.00750ml
PEI$16.00750ml
Producer: Durbanville Hills Winery
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Jose Maria da Fonseca Domingostext
87PTS

Jose Maria da Fonseca Domingos 2008

Setúbal Peninsula, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalBig black pepper, spicy, minty, black olive, black cherry jam, plum, smoky, savoury aromas. Round, dry, supple, slightly tight palate with fresh acidity. Dried herb, tobacco, mineral, smoky, meaty, licorice root, floral, black cherry flavours. Good solid effort if a bit thin and austere on the finish. A good value food wine.Prices:
BC$17.00750ml
Producer: José Maria da Fonseca
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Miss Molly by Môreson In My Bed Cabernet Sauvignon Merlottext
86PTS

Miss Molly by Môreson In My Bed Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2008

South AfricaEarthy, rooty, black olive, tobacco, smoky, cassis, meaty aromas. Soft, supple, round palate with fresh acidity. Smoky, tobacco leaf, herbal, olive, cassis, coffee, and resin flavours. Simple, cleaner style.Prices:
BC$20.00750ml
Producer: Môreson
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Sandhill Syrah Sandhill Estate Vineyardtext
87PTS

Sandhill Syrah Sandhill Estate Vineyard 2008

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSavoury, liquorice, vanilla, sage, spicy, blackberry, coffee, slightly meaty aromas. Round, dry, warm, supple, slightly flat palate. Liquorice, peppery, spicy, rooty, vanilla, chocolate, dried herb, berry flavours. Very warm, oaky finish but ready to drink. Perhaps a bit over ripe this time but solid fruit.Prices:
BC$20.00750ml
AB$22.00750ml
Producer: Sandhill Wines
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11 August 2011

Cono Sur Pinot Noirtext
85PTS

Cono Sur Pinot Noir 2010

Region del Valle Central, ChileRetasted but the same nose with spicy, rooty, rhubarb, cedar, cola, celery salt aromas and a note of reduction. Dry, fresh, supple, easy palate with cedar bark, resin, black cherry, rhubarb, smoky, celery and carrot top flavours. A bit tart on the finish but shows pinot character at an affordable price. Seems stretched these days. It's no longer the pinot it was at the turn of the millennium.Prices:
BC$11.49750ml
NS$11.99750ml
AB$13.00750ml
ON$10.45750ml
Producer: Viña Cono Sur
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Quinta Ferreira Cabernet Merlottext
83PTS

Quinta Ferreira Cabernet Merlot 2009

Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen but somewhat volatile, gamey, animal, jammy, pruny, coffee aromas. Dry, slightly lean, tart, astringent palate with coffee, vanilla, volatile, animal, herbal, toffee, cranberry, cassis, carrot top flavours. Too green and dirty, our least favourite of a good series of recent releases.Prices:
BC$21.00750ml
Producer: Quinta Ferreira
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Quinta Ferreira Cabernet Franctext
89PTS

Quinta Ferreira Cabernet Franc 2008

Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig chocolate, coffee, vanilla pudding, peppery, tobacco, saddle leather, cedar, cherry jam aromas. Ripe, dry, round, fresh palate with tobacco, vanilla, cherry, orange peel, cedar, meaty, leather, licorice and olive flavours. A bit warm and dominated by oak but has good intensity and balance. Needs -3 years. This one is on track.Prices:
BC$30.00750ml
Producer: Quinta Ferreira
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Quinta Ferreira Syrahtext
89PTS

Quinta Ferreira Syrah 2008

Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig spicy, floral, meaty, sausage, gamey, peppery, tobacco, sage, liquorice, bacon aromas, good complexity. Ripe, round, fresh, supple palate but a touch hollow. Spicy, coffee, peppery, smoked meat, tobacco, roasted bell pepper, liquorice, vanilla and black cherry flavours. Finish is warm, youthful and fresh with some light tannin, should improve over the next year or two or try with beef stew.Prices:
BC$25.00750ml
Producer: Quinta Ferreira
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Herder Cabernet Franctext
89PTS

Herder Cabernet Franc 2008

Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTobacco, barnyard, coffee, black pepper, cigar, earthy, dried cranberry, saddle leather aromas. Ripe, round, fresh, dry, slightly tannic palate with good acidity and concentration. Peppery, cranberry, cherry, tobacco leaf, green olive, smoky, cedar, mineral, vanilla and tar flavours. A very solid, youthful wine that will improve over the next 1-3 years. Fine effort.Prices:
BC$35.00750ml
Producer: Herder Winery & Vineyards
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Herder Josephinetext
88PTS

Herder Josephine 2008

Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCoffee, vanilla, meaty, prune plum, cherry jam, tobacco, cedar, barnyard, saddle leather, sage aromas. Ripe, round, rich, elegant but warm palate with fresh acidity and some youthful tannins. Cranberry, cherry jam, coffee, chocolate, cedar, tobacco leaf, peppery, black olive, licorice and vanilla flavours. Good concentration but finish is warm, and a bit tart and rustic, needs 3-4 years to soften.Prices:
BC$50.00750ml
Producer: Herder Winery & Vineyards
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Gray Monk Odyssey Meritagetext
85PTS

Gray Monk Odyssey Meritage 2009

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, leafy, pruny, tobacco, meaty, leesy, coffee, resin, cranberry aromas with barnyard streak. Dry, tart, astringent but full palate with cranberry, orange, leafy, tobacco, coffee, vanilla, herbal, resiny flavours. A greener, austere style with a tannic finish.Prices:
BC$35.00750ml
Producer: Gray Monk Estate Winery
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Gray Monk Odyssey Cabernet Sauvignontext
87PTS

Gray Monk Odyssey Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeppery, roasted bell pepper, spicy, coffee, smoky, cassis, black olive, cranberry aromas. Dry, elegant, tight, fresh palate with some light tannins. Cranberry, cassis, coffee, smoky, herbal, tobacco, leather, black olive and roasted pepper flavours. Solid but a bit too green and tart on the finish. Should improve with another year in bottle. Good effort.Prices:
BC$30.00750ml
Producer: Gray Monk Estate Winery
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Gray Monk Odyssey Merlottext
87PTS

Gray Monk Odyssey Merlot 2009

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, coffee, resin, tobacco, cola, peppery, black cherry, toffee aromas. Ripe, round, dry, supple but fresh palate with light, dry tannins. Soy, cedar, peppery, toffee, espresso, smoky, herbal, cherry, tobacco flavours. Solid with some green olive on the finish.Prices:
BC$24.00750ml
Producer: Gray Monk Estate Winery
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Young & Wyse Collection Ambertext
86PTS

Young & Wyse Collection Amber 2010

Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAmber mixes viognier, pinot gris and gewürztraminer in search of an aromatic fresh summer sipper style with a bit of weight. It's hard to pick up any single variety so I guess the blend is a success. The palate is warm yet surprisingly skinny and awash in acidity and somewhat sour nectarine skin notes. The direction is great and the styling will appeal to minimalists but this needs some food to calm down the acidity and bitter notes. It's a fine line, and a good start but it is just off the mark.Prices:
BC$20.00750ml
Producer: Young and Wyse Collection
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Volcanic Hills Gamaytext
86PTS

Volcanic Hills Gamay 2009

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGamay noir is the grape of Beaujolais and one that has worked well in the Okanagan. Soft earthy sweet notes preview a similar style in the mouth. Grown on volcanic soils on the side of Mt Boucherie you get a mid-weight in colour, ripe, juicy red berry fruit with an earthy grapey finish. Pleasant well made and easy to drink. Try it with simple chicken dishes.Prices:
BC$15.00750ml
Producer: Volcanic Hills Winery
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10 August 2011

The Doctor's Rieslingtext
90PTS

The Doctor's Riesling 2010

Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandA low alcohol Kabinett style riesling picked at an early stage of ripening (8.5%) much like a German Mosel. We love the lime, slate, wet earth, floral nose streaked with green apple, spicy aromas with a touch of lees. Fresh, crisp, juicy, elegant palate with a zippy, creamy texture and more lime, floral, green apple skin, grassy, minty, mineral, sherbet mango flavours. Great balance and juicy acidity with lots of flavour. Equivalent to any German Kabinett. Terrific effort. Riesling freaks should buy this one by the case. Perfect for spicy foods.Prices:
BC$20.00750ml
Producer: Forrest Estate Wines
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Gunderloch Fritz's Rieslingtext
88PTS

Gunderloch Fritz's Riesling 2009

Rheinhessen, GermanyNice peach, ripe apple, honey, floral, orange, tropical aromas. Fresh, crisp, juicy, elegant, slightly sweet palate. Ripe apple, honey, mango, orange, mineral, floral flavours. Good flavour intensity and length, great for halibut with peach salsa.Prices:
BC$17.00750ml
AB$17.00750ml
Producer: Weingut Gunderloch
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Bret Brothers Pouilly-Fuissé Climat en Carementranttext
90PTS

Bret Brothers Pouilly-Fuissé Climat en Carementrant 2009

Pouilly-Fuissé, Mâconnais, Burgundy, FranceAttractive butter, seashore, apple skin nose with citrus, waxy, leesy, flora, honey aromas much like an oakier Chablis. Rich, dry, round, fresh, juicy palate but a bit austere. Waxy, nutty lees, green apple, baked pear, seashell, mineral, buttery flavours. Very good intensity with a price to match.Prices:
BC$60.00750ml
QC$48.00750ml
Producer: Bret Brothers
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Wild Goose Rieslingtext
87PTS

Wild Goose Riesling 2010

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, perfumed, green apple, spicy, matchstick, pear aromas. Ripe, fresh, elegant palate if a touch soft and sweet. Green apple, honey, floral, spicy, baked pear flavours with good texture and some citrus rind on the finish. Good value in a food friendly style.Prices:
BC$14.50750ml
Producer: Wyse Family Vineyards
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Wild Goose Riesling God's Mountain Vineyardtext
88PTS

Wild Goose Riesling God's Mountain Vineyard 2010

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery floral, spicy, light lychee, honey, red apple, citrus, ginger, grassy and mango aromas. Ripe, fresh, elegant, off dry palate but crisp with a stony, austere edge. Honey, floral, spicy, ginger, grassy, apple skin, lime rind flavours. Good intensity if a bit heavier style, somewhere between Alsace and Pfalz.Prices:
BC$20.00750ml
Producer: Wyse Family Vineyards
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Tantalus Rieslingtext
89PTS

Tantalus Riesling 2010

East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLots of green apple, lime, floral, mineral aromas but a fair bit of SO2 also. Fresh, crisp, elegant, delicious creamy palate with green apple, floral, lime, honey and tangerine skin flavours. Finish is very juicy and crisp with just a touch of bitterness in the back end. This will no doubt improve in the bottle over the next five years.Prices:
BC$23.00750ml
AB$23.00750ml
SK$23.00750ml
Producer: Tantalus Vineyards
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Jacob's Creek Steingarten Rieslingtext
89PTS

Jacob's Creek Steingarten Riesling 2006

Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaPale yellow colour. Maturing nose of wax, petrol, Vaseline, lime, cream, oatmeal, ginger, aromas. Dry, fresh, austere but elegant style with good acidity balance. Nutty, floral, petrol, Vaseline, lime, creamy, ginger, smoky, slate flavours. Fine elegance but it's a more austere, mature style that won't appeal to everyone.Prices:
NF$35.00750ml
Producer: Jacob's Creek
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Jacob's Creek Reserve Rieslingtext
86PTS

Jacob's Creek Reserve Riesling 2010

Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaRipe peach, ripe apple, floral, lime, pineapple, stony aromas but noticeable matchstick. Ripe, round, slightly flat but crisp palate with apple skin, baked pear, peach pit, lime, floral flavours with some matchstick. Solid style but a bit too much sulphur with an austere, dryer streak. Needs some time in the glass to reduce the SO2.Prices:
ON$17.00750ml
NF$20.00750ml
BC$17.00750ml
Producer: Jacob's Creek
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Selbach Rieslingtext
88PTS

Selbach Riesling 2009

Mosel, GermanyJust in time for summer. It's intriguing slate, floral, lime, green apple, matchstick, grassy, citrus aromas previews a crisp, fresh off-dry, juicy yet very elegant palate. More honey, floral, slate, orange, mango, red apple flavours appeal. Fine length and flavours and all a great price. Stock up.Prices:
BC$16.00750ml
Producer: J & H Selbach
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Calliope Rieslingtext
86PTS

Calliope Riesling 2010

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight lees, buttery, spicy, apple skin, lemon aromas. Round, fresh, crisp, dry palate with leesy, green apple skin, pear, buttery, nutty flavours with a tart finish. Needs a bit more fruit and less lees to better reflect its riesling varietal.Prices:
BC$15.00750ml
Producer: Calliope Wines
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Joseph Drouhin Pouilly-Fuissétext
88PTS

Joseph Drouhin Pouilly-Fuissé 2008

Pouilly-Fuissé, Mâconnais, Burgundy, FranceCitrus, baked apple, pear, matchstick, buttered popcorn, grassy aromas. Crisp, dry, fresh palate with juicy green apple, mineral, honey, pear skin, gooseberry flavours. Finish is very fresh, will suit mussels and clams perfectly.Prices:
BC$33.00750ml
AB$33.00750ml
Producer: Maison Joseph Drouhin
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Monster Vineyards Rieslingtext
86PTS

Monster Vineyards Riesling 2010

British Columbia, CanadaHoney, perfumed, matchstick, baked apple, floral aromas. Ripe, round, elegant but soft and a bit sweet with canned grapefruit, honey, floral, ripe apple flavours. Fun style consumer style for summer drinking.Prices:
BC$18.00750ml
Producer: Monster Vineyards
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Kendall-Jackson Merlot Grand Reservetext
91PTS

Kendall-Jackson Merlot Grand Reserve 2008

Sonoma County, California, United StatesHuge black liquorice, spicy, sage, black cherry, plum, tapenade, cedar, menthol, saddle leather, barnyard and vanilla aromas. Rich, ripe, round, full but fresh palate with supple tannins and big extract. Black cherry jam, plum, cedar, black licorice, peppery, spicy, orange, espresso, sage and herb flavours. A bit warm on the finish but has great fruit and complexity. Should improve over the next 3-5 years.Prices:
QC$37.00750ml
BC$51.00750ml
AB$40.00750ml
ON$37.00750ml
Producer: Kendall-Jackson (Jackson Family Wines)
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Kendall-Jackson Merlot Vintner's Reservetext
89PTS

Kendall-Jackson Merlot Vintner's Reserve 2008

Sonoma County, California, United StatesPeppery, prune, black cherry, black olive, tobacco, dried herb, leather, cedar and coffee aromas. Ripe, round, supple, elegant palate with black cherry, plum, coffee, cedar, chocolate, tobacco, sage, orange and vanilla flavours. Finish has good fruit but some youthful tannin with a slight green edge. Another step in refinement that is very encouraging.Prices:
AB$25.00750ml
ON$25.00750ml
US$18.00750ml
BC$32.00750ml
QC$23.00750ml
MB$22.00750ml
Producer: Kendall-Jackson (Jackson Family Wines)
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Focus Rieslingtext
86PTS

Focus Riesling 2010

Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMineral, salty, matchstick, green apple, pear skin aromas. Fresh, crisp, somewhat austere palate with light lees, green apple, green peach, butter and marzipan flavours with a citrus skin finish. Try with smoked salmon.Prices:
BC$20.00750ml
Producer: Intrigue Wines Ltd.
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Painted Rock Merlottext
89PTS

Painted Rock Merlot 2008

Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaChocolate, coffee, vanilla, cherry jam, barnyard, saddle leather, cedar, dried orange peel, tobacco, menthol aromas. Dry, tight, slightly lean entry with some grippy youthful tannins but good extract. Flecks of orange and coffee and vanilla permeates its peppery, chocolate, black cherry, tobacco, mineral, cedar flavours with a touch crushed olives. It appears to be shutting down for the moment and will need two to four years before emerging to show its stuff. Definitely on track.Prices:
BC$40.00750ml
Producer: Painted Rock Estate Winery
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Herder Merlottext
89PTS

Herder Merlot 2008

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen peppery, black cherry, prune plum, chocolate cedar nose with bits of tobacco, black olive, and vanilla, coffee and saddle leather aromas. Ripe, round, dry, elegant palate with some youthful tannins followed by more smoky, coffee, peppery, plum, cherry jam flavours spiked with cedar, earth and a touch of barnyard. A bit young, dry and youthful but with fruit and the ability to improve in the bottle over the next -4 years. Well done. Prices:
BC$35.00750ml
Producer: Herder Winery & Vineyards
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Mission Hill S.L.C. Merlottext
89PTS

Mission Hill S.L.C. Merlot 2006

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRound, dry, full palate with some youthful, tight tannin but not extracted. Chocolate, coffee, dried cherry, plum, peppery, savoury, aromas which preview plum tapenade, cedar, orange peel, earthy, leather flavours. Good overall concentration and ripeness, but still needs a few years to soften the tannins. More restrained style for food like grilled steak or veal chop. Expect even better evolution from this wine five years down the road.Prices:
BC$30.00750ml
AB$30.00750ml
Producer: Mission Hill Family Estate
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09 August 2011

Santa Rita Triple Ctext
90PTS

Santa Rita Triple C 2005

Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileBig chocolate, cedar, menthol, sappy, cassis, peppery, leather, tobacco, minty, bay aromas. Rich, dry, elegant, round but slightly austere style with some youthful tannins. Spicy, black olive, cassis, riparian, vanilla, cedar, tobacco, bay leaf, smoky, coffee, peppery, sappy, orange peel flavours. Good intensity and finesse but youthful with the carmenère showing strongly at this point. Will cellar with ease through 2015.Prices:
BC$58.00750ml
ON$48.00750ml
AB$45.00750ml
QC$48.00750ml
Producer: Viña Santa Rita
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Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Gewurztraminertext
89PTS

Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Gewurztraminer 2009

Alsace, FranceLight yellow colour. Honey, baked peach, warm apple, lychee, waxy, pear and slate aromas. Rich, round, fresh, elegant, very slightly sweet palate. Waxy, honey, baked pear, butter, mineral, rose and light lychee flavours. Good finesse and length and better pricing. Veal, pork and cheese are all in the mix.Prices:
BC$29.00750ml
Producer: Domaine Zind-Humbrecht
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Wild Goose Gewurztraminertext
87PTS

Wild Goose Gewurztraminer 2010

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAfter some quick airing it has rich litchi sausage nose flecked with orange, rose petal and ginger aromas. Round, fresh, warm but balanced palate with ginger, soapy rose petal, lychee, mineral, green apple flavours with a green mint and citrus rind finish.Prices:
BC$19.00750ml
Producer: Wyse Family Vineyards
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Wild Goose Gewurztraminer Mystic River Vineyardtext
88PTS

Wild Goose Gewurztraminer Mystic River Vineyard 2010

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, spicy, soapy, lychee, ginger, honey, grapefruit aromas, good intensity. Fresh, crisp, round, off-dry palate with mineral, lime, grapefruit, lychee, rose water and baked green apple flavours. Year in and year out a very reliable label.Prices:
BC$23.00750ml
Producer: Wyse Family Vineyards
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Sperling Vineyards Gewurztraminertext
84PTS

Sperling Vineyards Gewurztraminer 2010

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBruised apple, matchstick, mineral, citrus, butter aromas. Soft, flat, round and sweet with baked apple, honey, butter, mineral flavours. Lacks vivacity with a warm finish.Prices:
BC$24.00750ml
Producer: Sperling Vineyards
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Hillside Gewürztraminertext
87PTS

Hillside Gewürztraminer 2010

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAttractive lime rind, rose petal, ginger, leesy aromas. Fresh, crisp, light, elegant palate with green peach, lime, ginger, buttery lees and rose petal flavours. It finishes a bit soapy with some green nuances. Simple but well made gewürztraminer made in the tart food friendly style.Prices:
BC$19.00750ml
Producer: Hillside Winery
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Bottega Petalo Il Vino dell' Amore Moscatotext
87PTS

Bottega Petalo Il Vino dell' Amore Moscato NV

Veneto, ItalyFresh clean sparkler with floral, peach, mineral aromas and medium froth. The style is sweet and delicate but there is a good balance of acidity. Look for peach apricot and ripe apple flavours on the palate with a perfect dash of minerality. A patio sipper with style, serve liberally all summer. Good value.Prices:
BC$16.49750ml
Producer: Bottega S.p.A.
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Blasted Church Gewurztraminertext
87PTS

Blasted Church Gewurztraminer 2010

Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGrapefruit rind, canned fruit salad, floral, matchstick and lees aromas. Fresh, crisp, slightly oily and rindy palate with grapefruit, lees, mineral, green apple skin and butter flavours. A summer sipper from the Okanagan you can pair with chicken dishes.Prices:
BC$17.00750ml
Producer: Blasted Church Vineyards
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Kettle Valley Gewurztraminertext
86PTS

Kettle Valley Gewurztraminer 2009

Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA broader softer style of gewürztraminer with sausage, cooked peach, almond, citrus and baked apple aromas. Full, round, dry and slightly warm on the palate with mineral, ginger, honey, baked peach, almond, bitter citrus rind finish. Solid if a touch bitter and rindy. The grapes are blend of Oh, Selwood, McGraw Estate and King vineyards in Naramata, the Marchand, Intile and Cossentine vineyards in Penticton and the Lerchs vineyard in Summerland.Prices:
BC$22.00750ml
Producer: Kettle Valley Winery
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Intrigue Gewurztraminertext
86PTS

Intrigue Gewurztraminer 2010

Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, green apple, spicy, peach skin, butter, mineral aromas. Round, soft, full palate with a touch of sweetness. Light lychee, green apple skin, lees, sausage, soapy, citrus rind flavours. It finishes a touch bitter but otherwise a solid effort at a fair price. Ready to drink.Prices:
BC$16.00750ml
Producer: Intrigue Wines Ltd.
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Cono Sur Gewurztraminer Limited Releasetext
85PTS

Cono Sur Gewurztraminer Limited Release 2010

Region del Valle Central, ChileAttractive floral, ginger nose with spicy, honey, melon aromas. Expect a slightly sweet palate with spicy, red apple skin, lime, butter and candied citrus flavours. Simple consumer style and sweet enough to work with spicy ribs or noodle dishes. Good value.Prices:
BC$11.00750ml
AB$12.00750ml
MB$12.00750ml
YK$12.00750ml
Producer: Viña Cono Sur
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Errazuriz Estate Reserva Chardonnaytext
88PTS

Errazuriz Estate Reserva Chardonnay 2010

Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileLight toasty lees, green apple skin, honey, citrus and pear skin aromas mark the nose of this terrific chardonnay value. The palate is dry, fresh and elegant with light honey, vanilla, green apple skin and bright floral flavours. Good delicacy in an exciting cool-climate style. Good value.Prices:
BC$14.00750ml
AB$13.00750ml
ON$11.00750ml
MB$14.00750ml
QC$14.00750ml
Producer: Viña Errazuriz
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Carmen Reserva Gewurztraminertext
0PTS

Carmen Reserva Gewurztraminer 2010

Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileLight spice, honey, floral aromas but has cork characters. Try another bottle.Prices:
BC$14.00750ml
Producer: Viña Carmen
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Herder Chardonnaytext
87PTS

Herder Chardonnay 2009

Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight honey, floral, butter, vanilla, light lees, baked apple aromas. Fat, round, ripe, somewhat sweet entry with honey, baked apple, baked peach, butterscotch, popcorn and lees flavours. Ripe fruit style with a good whack of oak and lees. This is the full meal deal if a little bit old style.Prices:
BC$20.00750ml
Producer: Herder Winery & Vineyards
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Volcanic Hills Gewurztraminertext
87PTS

Volcanic Hills Gewurztraminer 2009

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight dried lychee, sausage, rose petal, honey, mineral, peach aromas. The style is fresh and crisp with elegance. The attack is sweet with ripe litchi fruit, mineral, honey, butter and citrus rind flavours. Ready to drink. We hope to see this under screwcap next year.Prices:
BC$0.00750ml
Producer: Volcanic Hills Winery
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Therapy Vineyards Gewurztraminertext
87PTS

Therapy Vineyards Gewurztraminer 2010

Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGrapefruit, lime, earthy, floral, spicy, peach skin aromas. Fresh, crisp, dryer style with green apple, nectarine, light lychee and citrus flavours with a slightly warm finish. Solid, crisp style. A versatile food wine for an array of Pan-Asian dishes.Prices:
BC$18.00750ml
Producer: Therapy Vineyards I Inn
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08 August 2011

Masi Mazzano Amarone Classicotext
93PTS

Masi Mazzano Amarone Classico 2000

Veneto, ItalyA single vineyard parcel in the highest, coolest and driest part of the vineyard area. Spicy, floral, leather, tobacco, coffee, roasted meat, dried herbs, barnyard, eucalyptus and dried cherry nose. Fresh, full, round, juicy, warm palate with some smooth tannins. Tobacco, dark chocolate, cedar, roast meat, prune, dried cherry, licorice, menthol and almond flavours. A more structured wine with good finesse and balance with fine flavour concentration.Prices:
BC$133.00750ml
Producer: Masi Agricola
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Wild Goose Blanc de Noirs Merlot - Pinot Noirtext
87PTS

Wild Goose Blanc de Noirs Merlot - Pinot Noir 2007

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWild Goose doesn't make rose every year but when they do its made like a white wine to conserve as much fruit as possible. You will love the ripe red apple fruit flavours with a dash of pear and apple. Easy sipping off-dry version that would be great with spicy Asian noodle salads.Prices:
BC$19.00750ml
Producer: Wyse Family Vineyards
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Masi Riserva di Costasera Amarone Classicotext
91PTS

Masi Riserva di Costasera Amarone Classico 2005

Veneto, ItalyCostasera Riserva is a special cuvée of the flagship Costasera Amarone. It's grown on south facing hillside vineyards that face the "sera" or the sunset. It's made using the ancient Oseleta, re-discovered by Masi, and using a long appassimento process lasting more than 120 days in new 600L oak barrels. Look for a spicy, gamey, meaty, black cherry jam nose with pepper, tobacco, dried herb, plum and chocolate aromas. Rich, round, full, warm slightly tannic palate. Big tobacco, peppery, prune, soy, dark chocolate, earthy, black cherry and almond flavours. Lots of concentration and flavours with a warm finish. Will be better in another five years and should keep for 20 years.Prices:
BC$77.00750ml
Producer: Masi Agricola
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Masi Costasera Amarone Classicotext
90PTS

Masi Costasera Amarone Classico 2000

Veneto, ItalyPeppery, spicy, almond, cherry jam, tobacco leaf, coffee, meaty, saddle leather, prune and licorice aromas with a bit of menthol. Round, supple, slightly tannic palate with prune, coffee, leather, meaty, smoky, raisin, nutty, tobacco, cedar and dried fig flavours. Well balanced, fruity style.Prices:
BC$70.00750ml
Producer: Masi Agricola
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Florio Zighidi Passito Liquorosotext
94PTS

Florio Zighidi Passito Liquoroso NV

Sicily, ItalyZighidì follows the traditional Pantelleria wine lines, the dried grapes, the golden caramel colour, the aromatics, the raisins and figs. The difference is the ferment is halted at 5° to 6° of alcohol. With the addition of distilled wine to 16° alcohol the sugar is preserved. The result is a richer dessert wine with bits of orange and apricot marmalade with raisins and vanilla. The finish is long and persistent and sweet. Will keep for decades. Prices:
BC$33.00500ml
Producer: Florio
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Florio Passito di Pantelleriatext
92PTS

Florio Passito di Pantelleria 2008

Sicily, ItalyA delicious drinking dessert wine made from bush trained moscato di Alessandria, also known as zibbibo grown on island of Pantelleria. After the grapes are harvested they are left on the ground to dry in the sun for about 20 days. The shrivelled raisins are eventually pressed and aged first in glass lined vats and then 225-liter fine oak barrels. The wine is golden in colour orange flecks and highly aromatic. The nose is a mix of raisins, figs and apricots with a dusting of vanilla and almonds. Perfect for after dinner with or without cakes or rich peppery cheeses.Prices:
BC$57.00500ml
Producer: Florio
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Tantalus Rosétext
86PTS

Tantalus Rosé 2010

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe colour is bright pink the nose a mix of strawberry/raspberry that is a bit muted when cooled to the correct temperature. The attack is dry, the palate is dry with citrus predominating and the finish is probably too dry for the casual sipper. Still this wine is totally on the right track it just needs a bit more ripe fruit or even a pinch of sugar to make it more approachable. Ready to drink.Prices:
BC$22.00750ml
Producer: Tantalus Vineyards
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Road 13 Honest John's Rosétext
86PTS

Road 13 Honest John's Rosé 2010

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAnother tight, dry low fruit version of rosé that will be terrific with food. I must say it's encouraging to see the sugar dropped out of this category in BC one can only hope consumers respond. The nose is more herbal leafy cran-cherry flavours and like Tantalus the fruit quotient is dry and quite low. Food is the solution here; a creamy potato salad or an Italian bread salad would be perfect matches.Prices:
BC$16.00750ml
Producer: Road 13
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Thornhaven Rosétext
85PTS

Thornhaven Rosé 2005

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight orange/pink colour. Bright fresh nose of citrus fruits and red berries and black cherries. The attack is sweetish with a smooth finish. Simple fun summer sipping style with enough sugar to tame spicier meats. The blend is gamay, merlot, pinot noir and syrah.Prices:
BC$17.00750ml
Producer: Thornhaven Estates Winery
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Les Ligeriens Rosé d`Anjoutext
86PTS

Les Ligeriens Rosé d`Anjou 2010

Anjou, Loire, FranceLes Ligeriens hails from Anjou in the Loire Valley. The colour is redder than pink but the nose slightly aromatic with notes of sliced watermelon. The attack is fairly sweet with strawberry and watermelon notes throughout and a sweet finish. This would be best served cold as an apéritif or with lightly spicy appetizers.Prices:
BC$15.00750ml
Producer: Les Vignerons des Terroirs de la Noelle
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Jacob's Creek Reserve Shiraztext
87PTS

Jacob's Creek Reserve Shiraz 2007

South Eastern Australia, AustraliaSpicy nose of blueberries and black fruits with hints of cedar. The attack is dry and fresh, that sweet jammy fruit but brighter and drier plummy mulberry fruit with a touch of briar. Perfect for grilled meats and most barbecue fare.Prices:
BC$19.00750ml
AB$23.00750ml
ON$17.00750ml
QC$19.25750ml
YK$21.00750ml
Producer: Jacob's Creek
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C'est la Vie Pinot Noir - Syrahtext
85PTS

C'est la Vie Pinot Noir - Syrah 2009

Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceAn odd combination of grapes pinot noir and syrah are the mix here. It is lighter than you might suspect with a fair bit of tannin and acidity but then it's French and it's calling for traditional bistro food. Grilled sausages or pate would be affine match and help to shrug off the dryness.Prices:
BC$14.00750ml
ON$12.00750ml
QC$12.00750ml
Producer: Albert Bichot
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Junta Winery Chile Carménère Syrah Reserve Momentostext
85PTS

Junta Winery Chile Carménère Syrah Reserve Momentos 2010

Valle del Curicó, Region del Valle Central, ChileAnother entry level red from Chile with soft, juicy, black fruit medium structure with just enough floral and mineral undertones o keep it interesting. Fresh and clean with a dry finish, we can see this working at most parties and or around barbecues. Pizza anyone.Prices:
BC$15.00750ml
Producer: Junta Winery Chile
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Junta Winery Chile Carménère Reserve Momentostext
86PTS

Junta Winery Chile Carménère Reserve Momentos 2010

Valle del Curicó, Region del Valle Central, ChileRich purple colour. Bright savoury ripe fruit nose with leafy peppery undertones. The attack is soft, the fruit ripe, with a cran-cherry underbelly. Friendly soft, sippable carmenère that gets six months in French oak and is still sold at an affordable price. Who needs Yellow Tail? A hamburger red with some class.Prices:
BC$15.00750ml
Producer: Junta Winery Chile
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Saxenburg Private Collection Shiraztext
85PTS

Saxenburg Private Collection Shiraz 2006

Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaConsistent in style but unfortunately not one we like very much. Earthy menthol, soupy, spicy fruit with a dollop of smoky, burnt rubber. The mid-palate is sweet and sour with cooked fruit flavours. The finish dry with earthy tobacco leaf notes. Drink with roasted meats.Prices:
BC$30.00750ml
QC$32.00750ml
Producer: Saxenburg
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Santa Cruz de Alpera Garnacha Tintoreratext
86PTS

Santa Cruz de Alpera Garnacha Tintorera 2010

Almansa, Castilla-La Mancha, SpainTwenty five year old vines are at the heart of this carbonic macerated red. So fresh and peppery with juicy ripe raspberry fruit and soft tannins it is the ultimate patio red. Hamburgers pizza chicken appetizers they all work. The variety is garnacha tintorera. Good value here.Prices:
BC$13.00750ml
Producer: Bodegas Santa Cruz de Alpera
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Palestratext
85PTS

Palestra 2008

Dão, Northern Portugal, PortugalPersistent fresh, earthy, black cherry fruit with a touch of oak. The attack is fresh with red cherry mineral notes and more earthy spicy undertones. A simple but solid hamburger or rib red for mid-week meals. The mix is touriga franca, tinta roriz and tinta barroca.Prices:
BC$13.00750ml
Producer: Encostas do Douro
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Foppiano Estate Bottled Petite Sirahtext
91PTS

Foppiano Estate Bottled Petite Sirah 2008

Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesThis is a full service petit sirah. Super dark black fruit with a rich open nose which previews a huge red robust in tannins and flavours and fruit. Glossy black sweet fruit slides down effortlessly. Delicious peppery finish.Prices:
AB$30.00750ml
Producer: Foppiano Vineyards
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Rolling Shiraztext
85PTS

Rolling Shiraz 2009

Central Ranges, New South Wales, AustraliaSimple cedar candied fruit nose with bits of plums and white pepper. Soft entry and light mid-palate with skinny, spicy, cedar, red fruit flavours with a touch of elevated acidity poking through the back. Simple ready to drink red.Prices:
BC$17.00750ml
AB$16.00750ml
Producer: Cumulus Wines
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Devil's Lair Fifth Leg Shiraz Merlot Sauvignontext
87PTS

Devil's Lair Fifth Leg Shiraz Merlot Sauvignon 2008

Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaThe real "fifth leg" was part of an archaeological find not far from Devil's Lair winery where fossilised remains of a Tasmanian tiger were discovered along with a mysterious extra leg. Look for an herbaceous leafy, Western Australian, style red with dark fruit, blueberries with soft textures and spicy toasted oak in the finish. The fruit comes off a mix of sites from the Geographe and Margaret River regions. The blend is shiraz (55%), cabernet sauvignon (30%) and merlot (15%). Ready to drink; try it with flank steak.Prices:
BC$18.00750ml
AB$16.00750ml
ON$16.00750ml
Producer: Devil's Lair Vineyard
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05 August 2011

Miopasso Nero d'Avolatext
87PTS

Miopasso Nero d'Avola 2009

Sicily, ItalyMiopasso is the Sicilian version of Veneto's ripasso system. Hence a portion of the néro d'Avola grapes are dried in the sun prior to fermentation and the result is an intense red with a little more richness and complexity. The fruit is plummy and dry with more acidity than you might expect which dries out the finish. Best with rustic southern-style Italian fare. Should be good with hard cheese too.Prices:
BC$22.00750ml
NB$17.00750ml
NF$16.00750ml
Producer: Miopasso
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Nollen Notorious Rooster Riesling QBAtext
87PTS

Nollen Notorious Rooster Riesling QBA 2010

Mosel, GermanyEvery once and a while an inexpensive Germany riesling, almost always from the Mosel, over delivers and that is the case with Notorious a delicious little$14 riesling. We love the fresh nectarine skin aromas and the peachy, watermelon fruit all with freshness and balance. Great value for $14.Prices:
BC$14.00750ml
Producer: Josef Drathen
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Haywire Gamay Noir Rosétext
88PTS

Haywire Gamay Noir Rosé 2010

Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRe-tasted 18 months after it was bottled and tis wine is singing. Its medium pink/orange colour, a la Provence, entices the eye while its subtle strawberry and green apple aromas pull your nose into the glass. The attack is crisp and juicy, with more feint red fruits, watermelon and citrus all with terrific acidity. Try this with a feta and watermelon salad.Prices:
BC$21.00750ml
Producer: Haywire by Okanagan Crush Pad
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03 August 2011

Cassini Cellars Sauvignon Blanctext
87PTS

Cassini Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis Golden Mile sauvignon and as such is definitely a warmer, riper style. Look for a grassy nettle, crisp ripe candied lemon flavours, tropical fruits with notes of pear and white pepper. Served well chilled with your favourite Pan Asian noodle dishes.Prices:
BC$19.00750ml
Producer: Cassini Cellars
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Caliterra Tributo Sauvignon Blanc Single Vineyard Block Vignoble Algarrobotext
89PTS

Caliterra Tributo Sauvignon Blanc Single Vineyard Block Vignoble Algarrobo 2010

Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileA long cool season has conspired to shape this quality sauvignon blanc from the Leyda appellation that was picked three times with a ten day difference between the start and finish. No oak is used and it is not required. Love the lees treatment and the long peppery flavours form this single block sauvignon. Try this with an Alsace-style onion pie.Prices:
BC$18.00750ml
Producer: Viña Caliterra
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Carmen Reserva Sauvignon Blanctext
87PTS

Carmen Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileCarmen has a long history of making excellent sauvignon and this Casablanca version is no exception. Expect an intense gooseberry and grassy experience with green fruit and asparagus undercurrents. The palate is fresh, clean and elegant. A terrific style that has finesse and elegance and intensity. Oysters. Clams and or mussels are the ticket here.Prices:
AB$13.00750ml
BC$14.00750ml
QC$13.00750ml
Producer: Viña Carmen
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Pomorie Sauvignon Blanctext
86PTS

Pomorie Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Black Sea Region, BulgariaNettle and grass mark the nose of this muted Bulgarian sauvignon and we mean that in a good way. Look for some spice mixed with citrus and almond undertones and grassy figgy notes in the finish. Not quite as tight as it should be competent for the price. Try this with baked clams.Prices:
BC$16.00750ml
Producer: Black Sea Gold
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Mission Hill Sauvignon Blanc Five Vineyardstext
85PTS

Mission Hill Sauvignon Blanc Five Vineyards 2010

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFresh candied grapefruit nose with bits of lime rind, grass and nettle aromas. The attack is flat and round with a sweetish, cooked apple, grapefruit, herbal, nettle, lemon flavours. Solid if simple sauvignon for by the glass wine lists or summer salads.Prices:
BC$14.00750ml
AB$17.00750ml
Producer: Mission Hill Family Estate
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Monster Vineyards Sauvignon Blanctext
87PTS

Monster Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA cool year has spawned a cool style guava, green peach, gooseberry nose with bright melon flavours and a fairly intense lemon grassy character in the finish. A different looking style for British Columbia but one that is suited to much of our West Coast cuisine.Prices:
BC$18.00750ml
Producer: Monster Vineyards
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Kendall-Jackson Sauvignon Blanc Vintner's Reservetext
88PTS

Kendall-Jackson Sauvignon Blanc Vintner's Reserve 2009

California, United StatesWinemaster Randy Ullom continues to fine tune his sauvignon into a more food- friendly, fresh style sauvignon using Lake County fruit as the base adding the melon, lemon grass notes to Monterey's citrus; Mendocino's florals and Sonoma's pear. The five percent chardonnay/sémillon helps top broaden and enrich the palate. The KJ style is always friendly but we like the acidity and the fine line Ullom walks with this wine. A small quibble is the heat in the finish. The winery pairing is sole with a lemon sauce or olives with feta cheese.Prices:
BC$21.00750ml
AB$20.00750ml
ON$18.00750ml
QC$18.00750ml
Producer: Kendall-Jackson (Jackson Family Wines)
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Cottesbrook Sauvignon Blanctext
87PTS

Cottesbrook Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandMuch like last year we enjoy this crisp lemony wine with the intense gooseberry, lemon grass and smoked jalapeno nose. The attack is fresh and well a balanced with grapefruit, baked apple and gooseberry flavours. Love the cleanliness and value of this sauvignon with a touch of Sancerre.Prices:
BC$15.00750ml
Producer: Cottesbrook
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Two Tracks Sauvignon Blanctext
86PTS

Two Tracks Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Wairau Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandBilled as an easy drinking sauvignon the combination of sweet fruit and tinned asparagus suggest the cooler you serve this the better. Pungent, fresh powerful, sauvignon flavours that can stand up to busy salads or Asian noodle dishes. We like the price.Prices:
BC$16.00750ml
AB$15.00750ml
ON$15.00750ml
Producer: Wither Hills Vineyards
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Blue Mountain Pinot Noirtext
90PTS

Blue Mountain Pinot Noir 2009

Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThere is plenty to like here beginning with a standard the rest of the valley would do well to ape. The wine is open top fermented, hand punched down and the result is the perfect combination of red and black fruit flavours flecked with vanilla and spice form the barrel. We love its dry attack and the firm dark fruit, fresh ripe rhubarb and compost and strawberry jam flavours. You can drink it now but it will improve with age in the bottle. Love the sensible alcohol here and its greta value. The vines are now 12 to 25 years old and the vineyards include multiple clones of pinot noir that surely add to its complexity.Prices:
BC$25.00750ml
Producer: Blue Mountain Vineyard & Cellars
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Blue Mountain Reserve Pinot Noirtext
91PTS

Blue Mountain Reserve Pinot Noir 2008

Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Striped Label Reserve is a blend of five clones and older vines - 19 to 25 years of age. When compared to the regular pinot is appears spicier and more deep fruited with dried cherries, forest floor and compost flavours prevailing on the palate. It supple palate plays host to a more savoury style pinot with bits of exotic orange and or nectarine in the finish to turn heads. Duck would a great pairing but roast chicken would be equally satisfying.Prices:
BC$36.00750ml
Producer: Blue Mountain Vineyard & Cellars
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The Ned Sauvignon Blanctext
88PTS

The Ned Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandA solid mid-weight sauvignon that has bracing, crunchy acidity throughout. Think food. Expect citrus, herbal passion fruit flavours with a zingy under carriage and notes of minerality. Well made an easily adaptable to most West Coast fresh seafood menu items. My choice oysters.Prices:
BC$16.00750ml
NS$21.00750ml
Producer: Marisco Vineyards Limited
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Mark West Pinot Noirtext
86PTS

Mark West Pinot Noir 2009

California, United StatesOpen spicy floral aromatic nose with cherry rhubarb aromas dominating. The attack is supple and sweet with herbal, leafy, rhubarb, strawberry jam and vanilla flavours. A touch wild and gamey even bretty but at least it has some interesting flavours.Prices:
AB$20.00750ml
BC$20.00750ml
Producer: Mark West Winery
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Mission Hill Reserve Pinot Noirtext
88PTS

Mission Hill Reserve Pinot Noir 2009

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe reserve pinot has become softer and rounder over the years and now in 2009 it has acquired a bit of that elusive sweet pinot fruit. The attack is warm and spicy with bright cherry jam, barnyard and vanilla. Easy to sip and finally showing a bit of pinot finesse and style. Drink now or through 2014 with rich game dishes or a simple roast chicken. Well done.Prices:
BC$25.00750ml
AB$25.00750ml
ON$25.00750ml
QC$24.00750ml
Producer: Mission Hill Family Estate
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01 August 2011

Masi Brolo di Campofiorintext
88PTS

Masi Brolo di Campofiorin 2007

Verona, Veneto, ItalySpicy, floral, black cherry, almond, tobacco, herbal, meaty, vanilla, saddle leather aromas with a touch of sage and curry. Round, full, fresh and supple, warm palate. Tobacco, smoky, meaty, black cherry, prune, coffee, earthy, almond and chocolate flavours. A bit warm on the finish but good fruit and complexity.Prices:
BC$30.00750ml
QC$27.00750ml
Producer: Masi Agricola
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Masi Campofiorintext
87PTS

Masi Campofiorin 2007

Verona, Veneto, ItalyCoffee, earthy, tobacco, meaty, cherry, barnyard, spicy, prune aromas. Round, fresh, supple and dry palate with good acidity. Chocolate, black cherry, tobacco, smoky, earthy, minty, meaty, Band-Aid flavours. Good solid fruit and balance but a bit rustic.Prices:
BC$20.00750ml
AB$23.00750ml
ON$17.45750ml
QC$20.00750ml
SK$22.00750ml
MB$20.00750ml
NS$20.00750ml
Producer: Masi Agricola
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Masi Masiancotext
87PTS

Masi Masianco 2009

Verona, Veneto, ItalyPear, apple, citrus, butter, quince aromas. Round, dry, elegant, slightly lean palate with citrus, butter, apricot, green apple, quince an almond flavours. A fresh, elegant style with some length, try with steamed clams. The blend is 75 grigio and 25 percent verduzzo.Prices:
ON$15.00750ml
AB$14.50750ml
BC$18.00750ml
QC$17.00750ml
NF$17.00750ml
MB$17.00750ml
Producer: Masi Agricola
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Stag's Hollow Sauvignon Blanctext
87PTS

Stag's Hollow Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight medium intensity sauvignon with lemongrass and nettle notes on the nose. The attack is slightly sour with grassy pear, passion fruit and apple skin flavours all with a dusting of lemongrass. The finish could be crisper. Try it with chicken or seafood salads, or before dinner with passed hors d'oeuvres. Prices:
BC$19.00750ml
Producer: Stag's Hollow Winery and Vineyard
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Fazi Battaglia Titulus Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classicotext
87PTS

Fazi Battaglia Titulus Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico 2009

Marche, ItalyThis wine is consistently fresh and clean nowadays although it could surely use a screwcap for ultimate reliability. Look for a nutty, green apple skin bouquet with bits for dried herbs for highlights. The body is round and supple but with enough acidity and herbal, gooseberry, green apple, citrus flavours to clean your palate after each bite. Grilled fish or simply prepared clams would be a perfect match. Good value.Prices:
BC$15.00750ml
AB$13.00750ml
ON$11.00750ml
QC$13.00750ml
Producer: Fazi Battaglia S.p.A.
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Cameron Hughes Lot 212 Chardonnaytext
87PTS

Cameron Hughes Lot 212 Chardonnay 2008

Carneros, Sonoma County, California, United StatesLot 212 is made with excess juice grown on the Sonoma side of Carneros fermented in 30 per cent new oak. The style is rich with pineapple, tropical fruit notes on the nose with bits gunflint. The attack is rich with buttery baked apple flavours bits of lemon custard and spice. Big and rich with juts a modicum of restraint. Solid wine for halibut.Prices:
BC$20.00750ml
AB$21.00750ml
Producer: Cameron Hughes Winery
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Kendall-Jackson Cabernet Sauvignon Vintner's Reservetext
88PTS

Kendall-Jackson Cabernet Sauvignon Vintner's Reserve 2008

California, United StatesA fresher style for KJ and its welcome. Love the blackberry, spice cassis aromas and the dry, fresh, elegant styling. The attack is soft and warm with earthy, black olive, coffee and dried herbs flavours. One of the better editions with less tannin and more finesse. Try it with most grilled meats off the barbecue.Prices:
BC$25.00750ml
AB$19.00750ml
US$18.00750ml
MB$22.00750ml
ON$22.00750ml
QC$22.00750ml
Producer: Kendall-Jackson (Jackson Family Wines)
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Santa Rita Sauvignon Blanc Reservatext
88PTS

Santa Rita Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2010

Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileThe style of Santa Rita sauvignon is all but locked down nowadays with its intense lime rind and gooseberry and cassis leaf aromas and flavours. Its Casablanca fruit shouts cool and clean and crisp with a citrus lime rind gooseberry undercurrent that persists through the finish. Serve is with grilled prawns or the Greek specialty saganaki.Prices:
BC$15.00750ml
AB$13.00750ml
MB$13.00750ml
ON$12.00750ml
NB$17.00750ml
NF$16.00750ml
Producer: Viña Santa Rita
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Pierre Sparr Crémant Brut Reservetext
87PTS

Pierre Sparr Crémant Brut Reserve NV

Alsace, FranceClean correct fresh brut style with nectarine skin and peachy undertones. The attack is dry and fresh with citrus, creamy par fruit flavours. A spare style suited to pre-dinner appetizers with a citrus aftertaste. Prices:
ON$17.00750ml
PEI$21.00750ml
AB$32.00750ml
Producer: Pierre Sparr & Successeurs
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