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Tastings: November 2011
28 November 2011
89PTS
Blue Mountain Gold Label Brut NV
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA classic for BC, and for good reason. Okanagan Falls estate pinot noir and chardonnay is splashed with a fruity 5 percent pinot gris before two years on the lees. All are whole cluster pressed, and fermented separately before blending. Based on 2013 fruit and disgorged in early 2016, this carries light dough, green apple and stones across a zippy, lemon-pith led and nimble palate. Lively, bright and complete, this is deserving of its classic status.Prices:| BC | $31.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $36.85 | 750ml |
| ON | $28.95 | 750ml |
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26 November 2011
90PTS
Whitehaven Marlborough Pinot Noir Greg Series 2009
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandPeppery, tobacco, spicy, cherry, herbal, vanilla, smoky, barnyard aromas with a good streak of strawberry jam and a savoury note. Rich, full, ripe, round and silky palate. Celery salt, thyme, carrot top, plum, strawberry jam, vanilla, smoky, savoury, tobacco flavours. Good concentration and flavours but the finish is a bit too oaky, heavy and warm. A blend of 3 clones, 115, 667, 777 from 3 different growers and regions.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Whitehaven Marlborough Pinot Noir 2009
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandSpicy, celery salt, rhubarb, strawberry, smoky, compost, herbal, barnyard aromas. Ripe, round, supple, warm palate with juicy acidity. Strawberry jam, rhubarb, vanilla, spicy, clove, celery salt, thyme, compost flavours. Good ripe pinot fruit with texture and balance, just a bit warm and soft on the finish.Prices:| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Whitehaven Marlborough Pinot Gris 2009
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandSpicy, honey, nutty lees, floral, earthy, ripe pear aromas. Round, full, rich and warm with juicy, creamy acidity but moderately sweet. Leesy, nutty, pear, spicy, melon, quince and citrus flavours. Good fruit and intensity with texture but as always the Kiwi style is too sweet.Prices:| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Whitehaven Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc Greg Series 2011
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandA blend of Awatere and Ure Valley fruit. The nose is a mix of bubble gum, passion fruit, nettle and pink grapefruit aromas with a floral, honey and tropical notes. Ripe, fresh, crisp and juicy with sweet fruit. Passion fruit. Lime sorbet, grapefruit, kiwi and nettle flavours with a jalapeno, peach finish. Very good ripeness and acidity with a creamy texture over top the light herbaceous notes. The series has a black labelPrices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Whitehaven Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandGrassy, jalapeno, grapefruit, passion fruit and light asparagus aromas with a smoky note. Ripe, round, full and fresh with grapefruit rind, gooseberry, smoky jalapeno, baked apple and honey flavours. Good ripeness and intensity with a hint of sweetness on the finish. Good solid styling.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Penfolds RWT Shiraz 2008
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaWe've been a fan of RWT since its inception but the 2008 is perhaps the most complete yet from Peter Gago. The 100 percent French oak (83 new) version of Grange may surpass the Oz icon with its restrained intensity. Make no mistake it's a giant wine but the mix of black berry jam, white pepper, fruit cake, tobacco and dried herbs on the nose projects a sense of elegance. That goes ditto for its saturated palate of black fruits, plums and spice with the subtle French oak finish. This gives Grange a run for its money in and won't be near its best before 2020. A blend of grower fruit and Penfolds own vineyards but somewhat unusual, it is all from Barossa Valley. A super red for collectors.Prices:| BC | $140.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $150.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $140.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $150.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $128.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $150.00 | 750ml |
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25 November 2011
86PTS
Tilia The Wines of Catena Torrontés 2009
Salta, North, ArgentinaThe Catena folks have a series of labels under the Tilia brand, a nod to the tree commonly found in and around Mendoza whose flowers are used by the locals to make an herbal tea. At the two year mark in bottle under screwcap this Cafayate, Salta-based torrontés is ready to drink. Expect a muscat-y, litchi fruit nose with a touch of citrus oil. The palate is a mix of grapefruit, litchi and green fruit flavours with a touch of rosewater in the finish. A versatile food wine it is also a comfortable fit on the patio.Prices:| ON | $13.00 | 750ml |
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24 November 2011
88PTS
Domaine Ferret Pouilly Fuisse Sous Vergison 2010
Pouilly-Fuissé, Mâconnais, Burgundy, FranceOpen floral, ripe apple, melon, pear nose with leafy, waxy honey aromas. Ripe, round, soft but elegant with creamy acidity. Melon, red apple, pear, honey and citrus flavours with a bit of nectarine. Good fruit and vibrancy. Delicious to drink now. Best with simple seafood dishes.Prices:| BC | $46.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Joseph Drouhin Chassagne Montrachet Blanc 2008
Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceCitrus, green apple, light lees, nutty, vanilla, grassy, floral, waxy aromas. Dry, elegant, tight, juicy palate with butter, lime, lees, butterscotch, spicy, green apple and pear flavours. Elegant but young and crisp with fresh acidity, needs 2-3 years.Prices:| BC | $66.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Villa Ponciago Fleurie Grand Cuvee la Roche Muriers 2009
Fleurie, Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceSpicy, plum, black cherry, liquorice, vanilla, barnyard, tobacco, floral, rooty aromas. Ripe, round, smooth and intense with very good acidity and light tannins. Full black cherry, liquorice, smoky, vanilla, mineral, tobacco, orange and barnyard flavours. Very fine intensity and length for drinking now but to age 2-5 years. Made from a select parcel of 60 year old vines with very low yields and some newer oak. Pricey but an impressive effort for Fleurie.Prices:| BC | $47.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Montes Limited Selection Sauvignon Blanc Leyda Vineyard 2010
Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileLeyda, a sub-district of San Antonio sits only a few kilometres from the coast and you can taste it in the wine. Fresh and grassy with a strong mineral undercurrent flecked with green fruits and lemongrass. Fine intensity and length for an un-wooded white with bits of dill and chalk and more of that stony minerality and liveliness. First class. Still not in government stores, are you kidding me.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $16.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2010
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileThe Veramonte style is always ultra-crisp previewed by a juicy gooseberry/lemongrass nose. The attack is similarly fresh and mouth-watering style with grassy, melon, kiwi fruit all with a hit of dried herbs. Perfect for west coast mussels or whole roasted chicken. Love the value too.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.25 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $15.00 | 750ml |
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23 November 2011
89PTS
Bouchard Père & Fils Chambolle Musigny 2008
Côtes de Nuits, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceAlthough not directly available, this offers a bit more fruit and finesses than the Gevrey offering, made from estate and purchased fruit. Spicy, floral, meaty, cherry, tobacco, incense, licorice and compost aromas. Ripe, round, supple and elegant with finesse and juicy acidity. Cherry, raspberry, smoky, gamey, floral, and orange and cedar flavours. Good expression of fruit and structure. Needs 3-7 years but worth trying.Prices:| BC | $56.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bouchard Père & Fils Gevrey Chambertin 2008
Côtes de Nuits, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceGamey, Oxo soup, spicy, peppery, cherry nose with bits of cedar, compost and tobacco aromas. Dry, elegant, juicy but slightly lean with light tannins. Cherry, gamey, riparian, tobacco, cedar, dried herb and raspberry flavours. Very solid with some structure to age 3-5 years.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Bouchard Père & Fils Pommard Rugiens Premier Cru 2008
Pommard, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceA tight, pure offering with smoky, meaty, floral, black cherry, tobacco, liquorice, spicy, gamey, tobacco aromas. Ripe, round, dry, supple and full with some chunky tannin. Cherry jam, peppery, liquorice, spicy, mineral, tobacco, mineral flavours. Full and long with a typical chunkiness that should allow this to improve for at least 3-7 years. Usually prefer the Volnay but in 2008 and 2009, this is a high performer to seriously consider.Prices:| BC | $82.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Clos du Soleil Fumé Blanc 2010
Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWaxy, leesy, nutty, bruised apple, cooked grapefruit, sweaty rind aromas. Round, full, dry, fresh acidity palate with vanilla, grapefruit, nutty, honey, passion fruit, and grassy, herbal, cooked apple flavours. Finish is a bit lean and tart with strong lees notes.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Clos du Soleil Capella 2009
Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig lemon, floral, lees, passion fruit, cooked grapefruit, baked granny smith, minty, grassy aromas. Fresh, crisp, round, creamy palate but a tad austere. Lemon oil, grapefruit, gooseberry, waxy, honey, baked apple and pear flavours. Warmer finish with good intensity. Drink now and over the next year.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mud House Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandGrapefruit rind, jalapeno, bell pepper, lime rind, grassy, nettle, herbal aromas. Fresh, crisp, juicy, slightly austere palate with lemon, granny smith, light bell pepper, grapefruit rind and light passion fruit flavours. Solid if a bit on the greener side but smooth.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.50 | 750ml |
| NS | $22.32 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Marisco Vineyards The Kings Favour Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandSpicy, passion fruit, pink grapefruit, peppery, canned jalapeno, nettle and wax aromas. Fresh, round, dry, full palate with creamy acidity. Jalapeno, grapefruit, passion fruit, kiwi, grassy, nettle flavours with a lime and herb finish. Good texture and fullness with a bit of green and ripe varietal.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Ara Pathway Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandBig grapefruit rind, sweaty, grassy, lemon grass, nettle aromas. Dry, tight, elegant, juicy but slightly lean palate. Spicy, lemon, waxy, leesy, passion fruit, grassy, light jalapeno flavours. A bit austere but elegant with a nice blend of fruit characters. Solid value here.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Casillero del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2011
Region del Valle Central, ChileGrapefruit, sweaty, passion fruit, floral, lemon grass aromas. Fresh, crisp, drier style but creamy and elegant with grassy, nettle, grapefruit, jalapeno, lemon, granny smith flavours. Good food style with freshness.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $14.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $14.25 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Black Hills Alibi 2010
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIntense lees, nutty, passion fruit aromas flecked with hay, lemon, nettle and smoky herb notes. The attack is dry and fresh, the palate crisp with an austere streak. Lemon, lees, grassy, grapefruit, passion fruit, marzipan flavours with a touch of bell pepper. A bit severe and tight at the moment, give it a year to settle down.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Lola Kay Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Napa Valley, California, United StatesGrassy, grapefruit, nettle, light lees, melon, nutty, melon rind aromas. Dry, fresh, juicy, full palate with spicy, lees, nutty, grapefruit, passion fruit, lemon and nettle flavours. Well balanced with solid intensity.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Alive Organic Red 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRiparian, smoky, saddle leather, meaty, medicinal, resin, barnyard, prune aromas. Soft, round, easy palate with smoked tomato, saddle leather, peppery, medicinal, resin and Band-Aid flavours. A bit to primal for us.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 3000ml |
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90PTS
Astrolabe Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Taihoa Vineyard 2010
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandSpicy, nutty, leesy, grapefruit, baked green apple, gooseberry, slightly smoky, passion fruit, and buttery aromas. Dry, fresh, tight, slightly austere but full palate. Grapefruit, passion fruit, jalapeno, grassy, lemon, leesy, nutty, nettle flavours. Good intensity and complexity with the lees and wild yeast work but finish is a bit austere. Will improve over the next year or two.Prices:| NZ | $28.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Astrolabe Voyage Pinot Noir 2009
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandSpicy, carrot top, celery salt, strawberry jam, smoky, tobacco and thyme aromas. Dry, tight, fresh, elegant, juicy style with light tannins. Smoky, carrot top, celery, peppery, tobacco leaf, licorice, rhubarb and plum flavours. A bit on the leafy side but has good fruit and concentration that should improve over the next year or two.Prices:| NZ | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Astrolabe Voyage Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandLemon, nettle, grapefruit, gooseberry, light artichoke aromas. Fresh, juicy, crisp, slightly sweet entry with pink grapefruit, gooseberry, lemon, honey, granny smith and light jalapeno flavours. Very pure and juicy with good length.Prices:| NZ | $18.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Astrolabe Discovery Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Awatere Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandVery grassy, artichoke, pea shoot, gooseberry, nettle aromas. Fresh, crisp, creamy, juicy palate with good concentration. Pink grapefruit, nettle, lemon grass, gooseberry, artichoke and herb flavours. Good texture and intensity, definitely a cooler style but with finesse with a touch of austerity.Prices:| NZ | $20.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Umbala Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Pinotage 2010
Western Cape, South AfricaSmoky earth, meaty, roasted bell pepper, barnyard, tobacco, cassis, riparian aromas. Dry, tart, somewhat lean palate with meaty, smoky game, peppery, black cherry, prune and bell pepper flavours with a sweet and sour finish.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Chateau Les Farcies due Péch 2008
Pécharmant, Bergerac, Sud-Ouest, FranceBig leafy, tobacco, herbal, smoky, earthy, olive, leather and weed aromas. Dry, tight, somewhat lean palate with green olive, tobacco leaf, and peppery, herbal, earthy, cedar bark flavours. A much greener, dry style. Pecharmant is a small, but growing, red wine appellation within the Bergerac region in the south-west of France.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Jackson Estate Stich Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandPassion fruit, nettle, jalapeno, guava, lime, granny smith aromas. Fresh, crisp, juicy, dry, slightly austere palate but elegant. Grapefruit, granny smith, jalapeno, lemon grass and nettle flavours with a passion fruit finish. Fine balance and intensity and solid value.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.45 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Il Conte Primitivo Negroamaro 2010
Salento, Puglia, ItalyPeppery, pruny, spicy, earthy, black cherry jam, resin, smoky game aromas. Dry, round, slightly tart palate and warm with black cherry kirsch, prune, chocolate, liquorice, peppery, meaty, tobacco flavours. A bit warm and tart on the finish but has solid fruit and ripeness for pizza, ribs or the barbecue. Solid value.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 3000ml |
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83PTS
Vernissage Purse Syrah Cabernet 2009
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceBig barnyard, animal, liquorice, peppery, meaty, roasted leather, gamey aromas. Dry, tight, lean but juicy palate. Black cherry, liquorice, meaty, gamey, peppery, barnyard flavours. Reductive nose but decent fruit on the palate; best with grilled meats to cut throught the tannin.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 3000ml |
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88PTS
San Pedro de Yacochuya 2008
Yacochuya, Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, ArgentinaBig black cherry, barnyard, wet tobacco leaf, black pepper, meaty, herbal, sage and leather aromas. Round, full, supple, juicy palate with black pepper, meaty, gamey, tobacco, smoky herb, vanilla, coffee, black cherry kirsch flavours. Good intensity with a leafy note on the finish.Prices:| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
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22 November 2011
88PTS
Santa Rita Cabernet Sauvignon Medalla Real 2008
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileSappy, cassis, menthol, bay, peppery, tobacco leaf, meaty, coffee aromas. Dry, tight, slightly astringent and tart palate. Cedar bark, peppery, smoky, vanilla, coffee, chocolate and savoury, cassis flavours. Solid cab but young, oaky and a bit too leafy now. Needs a year or two.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.29 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.60 | 750ml |
| NS | $22.60 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Carmen Gran Reserva Carmenere 2009
Apalta Valley, Santa Cruz, Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileTobacco leaf, saddle leather, barnyard, milk chocolate, sappy, bay, thyme, black cherry jam, vanilla and prune aromas. Round, supple, dry, full and juicy on the palate. Sweet vanilla, cassis jam, coffee, milk chocolate, tobacco and prune flavours. Solid effort if a bit soft in the finish.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Viña Chocalán Grand Reserva Blend 2008
Melipilla, Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileCedar, chocolate, vanilla, black cherry jam, bay leaf, olive, tobacco, licorice, sappy cassis aromas. Dry, round, full and juicy with some light tannins. Vanilla, coffee, cedar, cassis, tobacco leaf, savoury, chocolate and leather flavours. A bit tart and oaky but has solid balance. Needs 2-4 years.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Etude Chardonnay Grace Benoist Vineyard 2009
Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United StatesThe Etude Chardonnay is 100 percent Grace Benoist Vineyard fruit grown in the northwest corner of the Carneros appellation. A mix of clones and one heirloom selection go into this exciting chardonnay that mixes 10 percent tank fermented juice with 90 percent old barrel ferment juice. The process permits a vineyard driven style reflected in its cool lemony aromas flecked with pears honey melons and a rich lees character. The palate is mix of green apple and guava fruit with a pinch of passion fruit. Complex aromatic delicious white wine you can serve with most simply prepared seafood dishes.Prices:| ON | $50.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $52.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Vina Maipo Gran Devocion 2008
Maule, Valle del Claro, Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChilePeppery, sappy, black cherry, smoky, spicy, bay, coffee and menthol aromas with a bit of meat, olive, rubber and tobacco leaf. Dry, slightly lean and astringent palate. Smoky, coffee, riparian, sappy, cedar, cassis, meaty, vanilla flavours. A bit warm and leafy with an herbal streak.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Marques de Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Puente Alto, Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileVery Maipo with prune, cassis, cedar, tobacco, black berry, sappy, menthol, bay leaf aromas with a barnyard streak. Dry, fresh, round, somewhat grainy palate. Coffee, peppery, savoury, menthol, cassis, sappy, tobacco leaf and herb flavours. Balanced with a tart edge and a lot of oak showing. Cellar this for five years.Prices:| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $21.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $24.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Cono Sur Ocio Pinot Noir 2009
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileSmoky, tobacco, spicy, cherry jam, strawberry jam, barnyard, vanilla and licorice aromas with a touch of rhubarb. Dry, full, concentrated, slightly tight palate with good acidity and light tannins. Vanilla, licorice, orange peel, smoky, cedar, tobacco leaf, rhubarb, black cherry, rooty flavours with a hint of cedar and leaf on the finish. Good fruit but needs another one to three years to develop.Prices:| BC | $65.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $60.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $48.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Gran Mauro Primitivo 2009
Salento, Puglia, ItalyOpen plum prune cherry aromas on the nose. The attack is soft and ripe with sweet cherry fruit and a dollop of liquorice and milk chocolate. The finish is smooth and clean with a touch of dried herbs and more chocolate. A solid southern red for the price.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Raccolto Nero d'Avola Syrah 2010
Salento, Puglia, ItalyThis is quintessential southern Italian red that is astonishing sleek and satiny with a rich, peppery black fruit nose and palate stuffed with blueberries and black cherries with a savoury dried herb pepper finish. There is a touch of dryness in the finish but nothing a piece of barbecued beef wouldn't subdue. Terrific value here Buy this one by the case. Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Il Nostro Negroamaro Primitivo 2010
Salento, Puglia, ItalyLove the warm fresh liquorice and spice on the nose and perhaps an unexpected silky smooth plate. The attack is soft the fruit a mix of peppery dark berries with a floral, dried herb undercurrent and long persistent spicy finish. Pair this with flank steak or hard, aged cheeses.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAll Okanagan here with a tight, balsamic, smoky dried herb nose with bits of black cherry, leather, coffee, and tobacco. The attack is warm and the entry is soft with fairly rich tannins, cranberry and coffee and liquorice flavours with vanilla and cigar ash in the background. A slightly drier version than 07 with tannin yet to be absorbed. Serve it now with roasted or grilled beef or cellar through 2014.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $25.25 | 750ml |
| NS | $31.00 | 750ml |
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21 November 2011
91PTS
Luigi Scavino Azelia Barolo 2006
Piedmont, ItalyNot your typical Barolo one whiff of its sophisticated bouquet of dark cherries and you will be drawn to the glass. The attack is rich but with chalky soft round tannins and more persistent floral, cherry, cranberry liquorice flavours. Subtlety, balance and harmony are the attraction. Impressive styling in a first rate Barolo.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Luigi Scavino Azelia Dolcetto d'Alba Bricco dell'Oriolo 2009
Piedmont, ItalyI must confess I have only just encountered the wines of Azelia owned by Luigi Scavino the cousin of Enrico Scavino of the Paolo Scavino estate. The "Bricco dell'Oriolo" is a stunning dolcetto. Soft silky and sensuous it is one of the best balanced reds I have ever tasted. The acidity is perfectly in check while the fruit is fashionably forward. There's plenty of finesse for the price not to mention authenticity. Well done.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Vernissage Chardonnay Viognier 2010
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceChardonnay (80) and viognier (20) makes for a heady, aromatic white blend with tropical pineapple notes and a citrus undercurrent. There is a dash of lees and oak that keeps the ripe apple fruit flavours more interesting than just the standard fruit salad. Ripe enough to work with spicy Asian dishes. Decent value 3L box wine at the equivalent of $11.25 per bottle. Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 3000ml |
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85PTS
ll Nostro Cattaratto Grecanico 2010
Sicily, ItalyThe blend here is 80/20 catarratto/grecanico. The nose is a clean mix of apple, honey and marzipan. The attack is dry with peachy apricot melon fruit flavours with just a hint of dryness in the back end. A good work house party wine for light meats and seafood appetizers.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 3000ml |
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88PTS
Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages Combe aux Jacques 2009
Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceSmoky, spicy, meaty, black cherry jam, earthy, gamey, forest floor aromas. Dry, fresh, elegant but light palate with spicy, cherry, peppery, licorice, gamey, plum, smoky, mineral flavours. An restrained style but with some juicy fruit. Try this with pork, duck or turkey.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Valdo Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Superiore Marca Oro Extra Dry NV
Treviso, Verona, Veneto, ItalyDependable fresh nose of mineral, apple pear aromas with a touch of almonds in the background. The attack is fresh with more green apple pear and spicy nutty notes and a slightly sweet tinge to the finish. Best suited to accompany appetizers before dinner.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Peter Lehmann Barossa Shiraz 2008
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaCola, peppery, liquorice, spicy, savoury, cherry jam, blueberry, coffee aromas. Round, fresh, slightly tart and juicy palate with light tannins. Chocolate, blueberry, tart cherry, rooty, liquorice, vanilla bean, coffee and tobacco flavours. Good fruit but with prevalent acidity.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $20.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $23.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Segura Viudas Metodo Tradicional Reserva Cava NV
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainOur annual appraisal of this bargain bubble seldom wavers. Fresh floral, nutty, lemon notes greet the nose. The palate is fresh, with a creamy mousse and more dried pears, citrus, apple, nutty honey almond flavours. The finish is dry but elegant and with plenty of flavour. A grade "A "sparkler made for appetizers or light meals. Good value.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $20.49 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $19.79 | 750ml |
| PEI | $18.39 | 750ml |
| NFL | $18.99 | 750ml |
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20 November 2011
89PTS
Xurus Cabernet Sauvignon Sonatina Vineyard 2007
Lake County, California, United StatesBlack cherry jam, prune, peppery, earthy, tobacco, cedar, vanilla, camphor aromas. Dry, elegant, tight but lighter style palate. Peppery, spicy, earthy, tobacco, leather, prune, coffee, blackberry jam and menthol flavours with a bit of cedar and warmth on the finish. Well balanced but lacks a bit of complexity at this point.Prices:| US | $65.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Sassicaia 2008
Bolgheri, Tuscany, ItalySpicy, cassis, peppery, black olive, chocolate, plum, tobacco leaf, savoury, thyme, balsamic, cranberry, vanilla and menthol aromas. Dry, elegant, fresh, slightly tight palate but good finesse. Cassis, cranberry, peppery, tobacco, black olive, gamey, chocolate, liquorice, vanilla cream flavours with a touch of green herbs. Good finesse and balance in a fresher, lighter style.Prices:| QC | $175.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $190.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $150.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $195.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $185.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Thelema Mountain Red 2008
Elgin, Overberg, South AfricaSmoky leather, roasted tomato, tobacco leaf, pruny, earthy, savoury, vanilla aromas. Round, warm, slightly sweet and sour palate with chocolate, earthy, gamey, roast tomato, smoky, rooty, menthol flavours.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bartier Bros. The Cowboy 2010
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, floral, ginger, passion fruit, grassy, grapefruit, nettle aromas. Fresh, crisp, juicy palate but slightly austere. Honey, floral, ginger, grassy, grapefruit rind, nettle flavours. An elegant, juicy style with wide food appeal.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Bartier Bros. The Goal 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, chocolate, coffee, tobacco leaf, cherry, rooty, savoury aromas. Round, dry, fresh, easy palate with cherry, tobacco, smoky, chocolate, roasted tomato, savoury, peppery flavours. A bit oaky but solid balance with a bit of green tea and tartness on the finish. Should improve over the next year in bottle.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Andrew Peller Signature Series Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaPassion fruit, gooseberry, apricot skin, floral, nettle aromas, good nose. Round, fresh, elegant, dry palate with grapefruit, passion fruit, cooked gooseberry and lemon nettle flavours. A bit austere but well balanced with solid fruit.Prices:| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Andrew Peller Signature Series Cabernet Franc 2008
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaSmoky, cranberry, peppery, coffee, vanilla, meaty, barnyard, leather, brine, olive aromas. Smooth, fresh, round palate with dill, cranberry, smoky, espresso, vanilla, olive, roasted tomato, tobacco leaf, savoury flavours. Although on the herbal side with plenty of showy oak there is a balance of fruit that will allow for a bit more bottled ageing. Well done.Prices:| ON | $38.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Peller Estates Private Reserve Gamay Noir 2009
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaLeesy, barnyard, garlic, reductive vegetal, leather, tobacco aromas. Dry, soft but thin and tart palate with vanilla, rooty, tobacco leaf, barnyard, mercaptan and sour cherry flavours.Prices:| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Peller Estates Sparkling Ice Cuvée Rosé NV
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaPale raspberry colour. Tobacco leaf, candied cherry, matchstick, light lees aromas. Sweet, foamy, candied cherry and tobacco leaf palate with some herbal, olive notes on the finish. Sweet and herbaceous is at tough combination. Dosed with vidal icewine.Prices:| ON | $35.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Peller Estates Sparkling Ice Cuvée Classic NV
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaLots of foamy mousse. Floral, candied green apple, citrus, plasticene, sour cherry aromas. Fresh, juicy, sweet palate with foamy mousse. Candied apple, candied citrus, honey, baked pear flavours. A simple, sweeter style stemming from its icewine dose.Prices:| NB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NF-LAB | $26.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $30.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $32.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $33.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Sacred Hill Helmsman Cabernet Merlot 2007
Hawkes Bay, North Island, New ZealandChocolate, black berry, cassis jam, smoky, savoury, licorice root, resin, tobacco aromas. Dry, tight, elegant, slightly hollow palate. Smoky, herbal, tobacco, vanilla, chocolate, savoury, black cherry, cassis, licorice and coffee flavours. A more restrained, somewhat oaky style that should improve over the next few years.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $46.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Sacred Hill Prospector Pinot Noir 2006
Central Otago, South Island, New ZealandPruny, sweaty saddle leather, medicinal, gamey, thyme, tobacco, very dirty aromas. Dry, round, fresh but slightly lean palate. Cooked carrot, tobacco, meaty, saddle leather, barnyard, medicinal, prune flavours with a savoury, stewed cherry note. Lacks normal Otago fruit and purity.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Robert Oatley Chardonnay 2009
Mudgee, New South Wales, AustraliaNutty, spicy, baked apple, pear skin, honey, light butter, peach aromas. Fresh, elegant, easy palate with melon, peach, honey, light butter, citrus, nutty, baked apple flavours. A delicious food style chardonnay with balance and style. Well done.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Canta Perdices Tempranillo 2008
Ribera del Duero, Castilla-Leon, SpainSpicy, black cherry, orange, tobacco, chocolate, peppery, gamey aromas. Round, fresh, dry, slightly lean but full palate. Smoky, meaty, peppery, black cherry, roasted pepper, coffee flavours. Good flavours especially made for food. Try this with lamb or pork.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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75PTS
Shao Hsing Hua Tiao Chiew NV
ChinaVery brown colour. Madeirized, rancio nose. Bitter, herbal, rancio flavours. Not for any kind of human consumption as it relates to wine.Prices:Read Full Note
80PTS
Therapy Vineyards Pinot Noir 2009
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBlack pepper, herbaceous, cooked rhubarb, cologne and green tobacco leaf aromas. Dry, tart, thin, lean palate with herbal, meaty, rhubarb, meaty, medicinal flavours. A very poor representation.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Therapy Vineyards Freud's Ego 2008
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, floral, chocolate, tobacco leaf, cranberry, herbal, carrot top aromas. Dry, thin, tart palate with cranberry, vanilla, chocolate, roasted tomato, barnyard, leather, tobacco leaf flavours. Oaky, lean and green.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Casolari Lambrusco di Sorbara Vino Frizzante Secco 2010
Modena, Emilia-Romagna, ItalyRaspberry colour with lots of mousse. Very fruity cherry, raspberry jam, spicy, floral aromas. Very fresh, dry, slightly tart palate with foamy mousse. Earthy, tobacco, sour cherry, smoky, rhubarb flavours with a gamey note. Perhaps try with turkey or a duck canapé.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Casolari Lambrusco dell'Emilia Vino Frizzante Secco 2010
Modena, Emilia-Romagna, ItalyRaspberry colour with foamy mousse. Cherry, earthy, tobacco, cranberry, gamey aromas. Dry, fresh, foamy palate with tobacco leaf, olive, cranberry, sour cherry, herbal flavours. Simple, fresh style with a floral finish.Prices:| BC | $13.50 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Ornellaia 2008
Bolgheri, Tuscany, ItalyOpen fresh savoury black cherry jam, vanilla and spicy, peppery nose with gamey, chocolate and tobacco with bits of cassis, black olive, cedar aromas. Rich, full, round, supple, polished palate with some fine, grainy tannin. Dark chocolate, coffee, vanilla, black berry, cassis, tobacco, cedar, meaty, spicy, savoury flavours. Very well balanced with a long finish but some youthful tannin to dissipate over the next 5-10 years. The blend is 54% cabernet sauvignon, 27% merlot, 16% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot.Prices:| AB | $185.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $185.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $160.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $450.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $439.00 | 1500ml |
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86PTS
Fort Berens Cabernet Franc 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMeaty, cigar, prune, tobacco leaf, cranberry, smoked tomato, sour cherry aromas. Round, fresh, supple palate with light tannins but a bit tart. Roasted tomato, cigar, meaty, leather, coffee, vanilla, black tea flavours. A bit tart and hollow but mostly varietal in character with some oak.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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19 November 2011
88PTS
Wynns Coonawarra Estate Riesling 2008
Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaBig petrol, slate, lime rind, green apple skin, mineral aromas. Fresh, crisp, dry, slightly austere style with a touch of spritz. Juicy green apple, petrol, lime, slate, spicy, nectarine skin flavours. Very fresh, austere style but good flavours. Best with smoked salmon or mussels.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $19.00 | 750ml |
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17 November 2011
90PTS
Villa Ponciago Fleurie la Réserve 2009
Fleurie, Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceMade using traditional fermentation for 18-20 days. A blend of select estate parcels, this offers spicy, peppery, black cherry, liquorice, gamey, tobacco, smoky, mineral aromas. Rich, full, round and supple but juicy with a touch of warmth. Black cherry, plum jam, spicy, liquorice, floral, tobacco, smoky, gamey flavours. Young with good fruit and intensity, this will age well for two to seven years. Good value in a Fleurie and Beaujolais.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $28.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Villa Ponciago Beaujolais Villages 2009
Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceA year later this is still showing super fruit. Spicy, floral, liquorice, black cherry, menthol, smoky, strawberry jam aromas. Fresh, round, supple and rich with a juicy palate. Strawberry, black cherry, liquorice, spicy, tobacco, orange flavours. Long, full, ripe palate with good fruit and concentration. There is very good value here in what is essentially declassified Fleurie cru.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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16 November 2011
87PTS
Louis Bernard Côtes du Rhône Rouge 2009
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceOn the lighter side of most '09s with soft, plummy black fruit aromas and flavours all with a touch of dried herbs and tannin in the back end. A simple straightforward red you can serve with hamburgers or grilled chicken. The blend is roughly 65 percent grenache and 35 percent syrah. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Louis Bernard Côtes du Rhône Villages Rouge 2009
Côtes du Rhône Villages, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceThe Bernard 'Villages' is always a bit warmer and glossier that the simple Côtes du Rhone but in this case it's a big jump up in weight and power for very little in price. Spicy blackberry fruit dominates with bits of liquorice and some classic garrigue or dried herbs in the finish. It is warm but with impressive concentration of fruit. Good value. Should be on every wine list in the city.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.40 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
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13 November 2011
86PTS
Santa Cristina Antinori Pinot Grigio 2008
Sicily, ItalyAntinori still handpicks this fruit before a cold stabilization and stainless steel fermentation. The style is light and refreshing with light citrus, green apple fruit and pear flavours. A simple easy drinking white for light fish and white sauce pastas dishes. Good but really needs a screwcap to over deliver.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
40 Knots Pinot Gris 2009
Comox Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaA lovely fresh floral nose of honey, citrus and butter. The attack is similar with citrus and ripe tropical fruit notes fore, and bit of burnt butter aft. A solid effort that if anything could be a bit drier. Would be fun with a spicy tuna roll. Well done. Drink now.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
40 Knots Pinot Gris 2010
Comox Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaSlightly fresher, cleaner version of the '09 with more floral notes. The attack is fresh with ripe red apple fruit and bits of pineapple, guava with a pinch of tangerine. Solid but again a slightly drier version would be even more welcomed.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Astrolabe Voyage Pinot Gris 2010
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandI must confess, I've never been a big fan of New Zealand pinot gris mostly because I find it to be too sweet and overbearing in the way Alsace can be. Expect a spicy, peachy, ripe stone fruit nose and a flavour pattern with bits of pear, lime rind and touch of vanilla. There is some minerality here that helps but we would like to see a leaner, fresher style before we are totally convinced.Prices:| NZ | $19.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Palataia Pinot Grigio 2010
Pfalz, GermanyWow what a pleasant surprise. This is not your average grigio given it comes from Germany but you will be impressed with its attractive fresh, citrus, aroma nose. The palate is equally lively with hint of ripe, red apples and tangerines. There's a dash of pinot blanc in the mix to add just a hint of complexity.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Wine Men of Gotham 2008
South Australia, AustraliaThe nose is heady with loads of rich chocolate all with a savoury notes. The palate is rich and soft with sweet chocolaty flavours lined with spice and oak. A bit on the sweet, dense, soft fruit side but with enough savoury elements to provide some balance.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Andrew Peller Signature Series Chardonnay Sur Lie 2009
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaSpicy, earthy, buttery, baked apple, creamy, floral and citrus aromas. Dry, fresh, crisp palate with nutty, spicy, earthy, butter, citrus, red apple flavours. Solid food style with just a bit of bitterness with a lean edge on the finish. Ready to drink.Prices:| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Peller Estates Private Reserve Riesling 2010
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaBright fresh nose with a streak of diesel/Vaseline. Fresh citrus attack with prominent acidity, melon and peach flavours. Super crisp and clean this wine will match a variety of foods. A perfect match for the oily flavours you find in salmon.Prices:| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Peller Estates Private Gewurztraminer 2010
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaExpect a clean tank fermented white with an aromatic nose of rose petals, litchi fruit and tangerine peel. The attack is sweet and spicy with a mix of melon and orange fruit with some nutty notes in the finish. Try this with your favourite curry dish.Prices:| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Peller Estates Private Pinot Gris 2010
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaFresh clean simple style gris that is mostly stainless steel fermented with a small portion aged in older French oak for five months. All of it is sur lie aged for four months to add a bit of texture. Expect a melon/red apple nose with similar flavours on the palate with touch of spice. Ready to drink. Baked fish is a good match.Prices:| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Deer Stalkers Syrah 2006
Hawkes Bay, North Island, New ZealandSpicy, peppery, tobacco leaf, meaty, savoury, smoky, chocolate, black cherry jam with a cool, roasted pepper note. Dry, round, supple, fresh palate but a bit austere. Black cherry, licorice, gamey, meaty, dried sage, smoky, thyme, tobacco leaf flavours. Good finesse in a cooler style with some light tannin to shed.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Robert Oatley Shiraz 2009
Mudgee, New South Wales, AustraliaThe style is modern and elegant but in this slightly underripe. Fresh lean nose with a cedar-y red berry character. The palate is similar with dry floral, peppery, mineral red berry fruit with flecks of dried herbs. The finish is very acidic and lean. Not near as good as the previous edition.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $21.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $22.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $24.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Altesino Rosso di Montalicino 2008
Tuscany, ItalySpicy, peppery, sausage meat, black cherry, light barnyard, tobacco, savoury aromas. Dry, fresh, juicy palate with light tannins. Smoky, meaty, medicinal, coffee, peppery, cedar, tobacco, leather, Band-Aid flavours. Good balance and intensity but definitely showing some rustic qualities.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Fielding Estate Chosen Few Reds 2007
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaSpicy, peppery, black olive, light bell pepper, meaty, leather, cassis, menthol, barnyard aromas. Dry, tight, elegant but slightly lean palate. Coffee, meaty, medicinal, cedar, tobacco leaf, cassis, vanilla, herbal, olive flavours. Young and sappy, may improve over the next few years.Prices:| ON | $0.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Fielding Estate Meritage 2007
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaCoffee, tobacco leaf, meaty, cassis, cherry barnyard, vanilla, medicinal aromas. Round, dry, elegant but somewhat austere and light. Peppery, coffee, tobacco leaf, cedar, meaty, vanilla, leesy, Band-Aid, saddle leather, earthy, gamey flavours with a soapy cranberry finish. Could be cleaner.Prices:| ON | $0.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Trentadue Winery OPR Old Patch Red 2009
North Coast Region, California, United StatesBig spicy, peppery, black berry jam, black raspberry, liquorice, floral, meaty, chocolate aromas. Ripe, round, smooth, fresh palate with light grainy tannins. Cedar, peppery, coffee, meaty, vanilla, savoury, black cherry jam and liquorice flavours. A touch rustic and warm but has good fruit and balance.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Kestrel Rosé 2009
Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesCherry, herbal, tobacco, earthy, rhubarb, floral, spicy nose. Fresh, round, fuller palate with a hint of sweetness. Earthy, tobacco, cherry, strawberry, mineral, ginger, liquorice root flavours. Fuller style to have with food with some fruit intensity.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Pentâge Winery Pentâge 2006
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMeaty, compost, tobacco leaf, herbal, barnyard, prune, saddle leather, peppery, cassis aromas. Dry, fresh, lean palate with light tannins. Cassis, black cherry, coffee, herbal, tobacco leaf, olive, meaty, barnyard, pruny, cranberry flavours with a touch of Band-Aid. Like last edition, could be cleaner and more generous.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Miguel Torres Las Mulas Organic Cabernet Sauvignon Rose Reserve 2010
Region del Valle Central, ChileRhubarb, raspberry, tobacco leaf, earthy, spicy aromas. Fresh, crisp, juicy palate with tobacco leaf, olive, herbal, cherry, rhubarb flavours. Simple, fresh and fruity with a touch of herbaceousness. A very solid food style at a fair price.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
William Fèvre Fourchaume 1er Cru Chablis Vignoble de Vaulorent Domaine 2008
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceA sub-parcel of Fourchaume next to the Grand Cru Les Preuses. Floral, lemon, spicy, perfumed, green apple, pear, mineral aromas. A very fine nose. Ripe, rich, creamy, full and juicy palate with elegance. Green apple, spicy, floral, anise, seaweed, lime mix with waxy, orange flavours. Long and juicy and very fine. This will age with great finesse. A stunner for a 1er Cru although the higher price reflects the quality.Prices:| BC | $62.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $48.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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12 November 2011
87PTS
Marisco Vineyards The Kings Thorn Pinot Gris 2010
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandFrom a fine vintage the '10 Thorn is mostly stainless steel with 10 per cent made in French oak puncheons. Look for a, floral. rose water and nutty nose. The attack is full and rich, with ripe fruit characters and more floral, pear fruit flavours with a touch of butter. Try this with avocado sushi rolls.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Peller Estates Private Reserve Chardonnay 2009
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaNutty, spicy, butter, baked pear, apple skin aromas. Fresh, dry, crisp, slightly fat palate but somewhat thin. Apple skin, spicy, leesy, buttery, grassy, baked pear flavours. Simple if a bit light and buttery.Prices:| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Fort Berens Meritage 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCedar bark, herbal, cassis, cranberry, olive, tobacco leaf aromas. Dry, fresh, elegant but somewhat lean palate. Coffee, vanilla, herbal, tobacco leaf, cedar, cranberry, sour cherry, slightly stemmy flavours. Simple, clean but young and a bit herbaceous.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Sheridan Vineyards Mystique 2008
Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesSpicy, coffee, menthol, chocolate, vanilla, tobacco, black cherry, roasted bell pepper, prune, liquorice and balsamic aromas. Dry, fresh, elegant, slightly lean palate but balanced with light tannins. Peppery, chocolate, meaty, smoky, vanilla, herbal, savoury, caraway, leather, barnyard, orange peel, cassis jam and prune flavours. Finish is full with some savoury tannins, should round out over the next few years.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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08 November 2011
88PTS
Pentâge Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOur first look at a straight sauvignon form Pentâge ad we like its style. The nose is tropical with pear pineapple notes all over a bony, stony, mineral underbelly. More smoke and mineral marks its fresh, grassy, citrus palate and clean finish. A perfect seafood wine. Prices:| BC | $19.50 | 750ml |
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07 November 2011
86PTS
Errazuriz Max Reserva Pinot Noir 2010
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileStewed cherry, cedar, vanilla, coffee, tobacco leaf, carrot top, barnyard aromas. Dry, full, round but somewhat green and astringent. Coffee, smoky, rhubarb, sour cherry, herbal, dill, vanilla cream flavours. Too oaky and stewed, hot finish.Prices:| NS | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Errazuriz Estate Reserva Pinot Noir 2010
Valle de Aconcagua, Region de Aconcagua, ChileFloral, rhubarb, strawberry, compost, dill, spicy aromas. Fresh, round, dry, elegant palate with candied cherry, strawberry jam, smoky, spicy, orange and chocolate flavours. Nice juicy fruit if a bit candied.Prices:| NS | $20.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Cono Sur Visión Pinot Noir 2010
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileVery ripe plum, cherry jam, spicy, floral, tobacco, dried orange peel, smoky, rhubarb aromas. Ripe, round, smooth and suave with good concentration and fresh acidity. Wild plum, strawberry jam, smoky, vanilla, tobacco leaf, spicy, rooty flavours with a bit of blood orange. A bit warm on the finish but exhibits great fruit and balance. Good value and worth trying.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Peller Estates Private Reserve Rosé 2010
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaTobacco, candied cherry, herbal, spicy, peppery nose. Fresh, austere, flat, candied palate with tobacco leaf, peppery, rooty, herbal, bitter mint flavours. Very fresh, bitter finish.Prices:| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Arboleda Cabernet Sauvignon Vinedos Las Vertientes 2009
Valle de Aconcagua, Region de Aconcagua, ChileBig sappy, cassis, minty, tobacco leaf, peppery, waxy, black berry nose with some saddle leather. Dry, somewhat lean and warm with gritty tannins. Smoky, cassis, black cherry, tobacco leaf, cedar bark, minty, resin flavours. Has fruit but it's too dry and rustic with green tannins.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Staete Landt Map Maker Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandSimilar to last edition with ripe gooseberry, sweaty grapefruit, passion fruit, nettle, marzipan aromas. Fresh, crisp, juicy, creamy palate with similar flavours. Finish has a touch of lemon and smoked jalapeno. Good solid juicy style that is a tad austere.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $21.00 | 750ml |
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81PTS
Hemispherio Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Valle del Curicó, Region del Valle Central, ChileCedar bark, incense, tobacco leaf, barnyard, saddle leather, resin, menthol aromas. Soft, sweet, slightly tannic and stewed palate with peppery, tobacco leaf, meaty, barnyard, leather, cassis, sappy flavours. Very commercial and somewhat unclean.Prices:| ON | $12.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Hemispherio Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Valle del Curicó, Region del Valle Central, ChileGooseberry, grapefruit rind, nettle, lemon, matchstick and jalapeno aromas. Fresh, juicy, somewhat sweet and sour palate with grapefruit rind, jalapeno, bell pepper, lemon flavours. Zesty, sweet and sour finish. An entry level style but too sweet for us.Prices:| ON | $12.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Miguel Torres Santa Digna Syrah Reserve 2009
Valle del Curicó, Region del Valle Central, ChilePeppery, spicy, roast bell pepper, tobacco leaf, meaty, barnyard, sappy, minty aromas. Dry, round, full palate with grainy tannins. Tobacco leaf, vanilla, peppery, caraway, cedar bark, herbal, spicy, smoky, rooty, black cherry flavours. A cool, herbal, chunky style.Prices:| BC | $18.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Fort Berens Pinot Gris 2010
British Columbia, CanadaFresh grapefruit, lemon nettle, floral, pear, green apple, minty, grassy aromas. Fresh, round, juicy, creamy palate with gooseberry, green apple, green melon, pear skin flavours with a lemony finish. Good texture and intensity although more akin to sauvignon blanc.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander's Crown Single Vineyard 2008
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesSpicy, espresso, prune, barnyard, leather, chocolate, cassis, peppery, black berry, menthol aromas. Rich, round, full, juicy, warm palate with supple tannins. Big cassis jam, black berry, coffee, chocolate, vanilla, tobacco ash, peppery, barnyard, saddle leather and liquorice flavours. A big, bold, oaky style but with fine textures. Needs more bottle age and some time to settle down.Prices:| BC | $45.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $39.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $39.95 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Nederburg Cabernet Sauvignon Winemasters Reserve 2009
Western Cape, South AfricaSmoky, herbal, tobacco ash, black olive, barnyard, meaty, cassis aromas. Round, fresh, slightly tart and sweet palate with red current, smoky, espresso, meaty, peppery, tobacco and roasted bell pepper flavours. Continued sweet and sour herbal style.Prices:| BC | $11.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.86 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.45 | 750ml |
| NS | $13.85 | 750ml |
| NF | $14.38 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Brotte Côtes du Rhône Les Brottiers 2009
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FrancePeppery, black liquorice, black cherry jam, gamey, smoky rosemary aromas. Ripe, round, full, smooth palate with juicy, black raspberry jam, peppery, meaty, liquorice, spicy, roasted pepper and thyme flavours. Warm finish but has very good fruit and balance with intensity. Good value.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $18.50 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Obikwa Shiraz 2010
Western Cape, South AfricaSmoky, earthy, saddle leather, roast meat, chocolate, black cherry aromas. Ripe, round, fresh, supple palate with a touch of sweetness. Peppery, smoky leather, black cherry jam, plum, meaty, tobacco leaf, black tea flavours. Simple, entry level style at a fair price.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $10.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $10.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Obikwa Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Western Cape, South AfricaFairly simple stuff this barbecue red has an aromatic peppery, tobacco leaf, black olive nose with a streak of menthol. The attack is fresh and supple with a hint of sweetness before its roasted bell pepper, cassis, espresso, cedar finish. Try this with stews or rustic meat dishes for best results.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $10.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $10.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $10.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wind Gap Syrah Griffins Lair 2007
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, United StatesIntense gamey, smoked meat, liquorice, peppery, garrigue, saddle leather, barnyard, medicinal, menthol aromas. Rich, round, smooth, full palate with light tannins. Pepper, tobacco leaf, compost, smoky, meaty, liquorice, Band-Aid, leather, black cherry, plum jam flavours. Well balanced but a rather intense version with some Bretty components and slightly green tannins on the finish. Try again in 2012.Prices:| BC | $75.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $60.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Hacienda Araucano Reserva Pinot Noir 2010
Lolol Valley, Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileBarnyard, cologne, incense, resin, compost, tobacco leaf, carrot top aromas. Round, smooth, supple, full palate with cedar bark, vanilla, cherry jam, candied rhubarb, sappy, smoky, tobacco leaf flavours. Well balanced and textured but has some very herbal, leafy notes.Prices:| QC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $30.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Nativa Terra Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileBig sappy, cassis, minty, tobacco leaf, peppery, cedar, leather aromas, very cool characters. Dry, full, round but somewhat tannic and austere. Smoky, peppery, earthy, cassis, menthol, tobacco leaf, saddle leather, barnyard, bay leaf flavours. Big and young with a chunky finish. Needs time and rare beef.Prices:| NF | $15.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Concha y Toro Winemaker's Lot 148 Peumo Vineyard 2009
Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileBig cedary, minty, sappy cassis, smoky, espresso, tar, spicy, vanilla, meaty, leather aromas. Rich, ripe, round, fresh palate with grainy tannins. Sweet vanilla, espresso oak, peppery, cassis jam, menthol, sappy, tobacco leaf flavours. A bit hot and very oaky but offers full carmenère character at its ripest. Excellent, serious wine with a seriously ridiculous label that looks as if it came off the shelf from Staples.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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06 November 2011
88PTS
Thornhaven Decadence 2010
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery pale orange colour. Baked citrus, candied apple, strawberry jam aromas. Soft, fresh, easy palate with honey, buttery, baked apple, citrus, strawberry candy flavours. Simple, fresh, juicy style with moderate sweetness.Prices:| BC | $14.90 | 375ml |
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90PTS
Etude Pinot Noir 2008
Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United StatesThe Etude pinot is grown at the Grace Benoist Vineyard in the northwest corner of Carneros on well-drained, rocky upland soils. In all there are 30 parcels, on six soil types, using nine clones and nine heirloom pinot selections. Only the best casks are selected after 12-14 months in French oak. Look for a darkish ruby colour and a sweet pinot, cherry jam confiture nose and palate with a thread of rooty spicy notes throughout. It's clear the site is cool (in fact it's the back door to the windy Petaluma Gap) lending the wine elegance to go with its finesse and soft tannins.Prices:| AB | $60.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $60.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $67.00 | 750ml |
| US | $42.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Van Westen Vineyards Vice 2010
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA first in viognier ice wine, at least for us. Big candied, ginger, orange peel, floral nose with spicy, minty, honey aromas and a touch of raisin. Fresh, juicy, sweet palate but balanced with creamy acidity. Honey, ginger, lychee, orange peel, dried apricot, minty, floral flavours. Intense, juicy, long palate. Fine effort here and fairly priced.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 200ml |
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92PTS
Mission Hill Vidal Ice Wine Reserve 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig lime, green apple, honey, apricot, orange, plasticene aromas. Rich, ripe, round, full, sweeter style but good acidity and texture. Apricot, orange peel, lime, green apple, floral, plasticene flavours. Very good intensity and balance with good freshness now.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 375ml |
| AB | $38.00 | 375ml |
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90PTS
De Martino La Aguada Old Bush Vines 2008
Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileOpen peppery, floral, leafy nose with cranberry, cherry jam, menthol, tobacco, vanilla, caraway and chocolate aromas. An elegant ripe, round, smooth and fresh red with very light tannins. Cherry, plum, cedar, tobacco, white pepper, smoky, savoury, gamey, mineral, menthol, licorice flavours. Good intensity in a cooler, fresh style. Now-2 years.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Castillo de Monséran Old Vine Garnacha 2007
Cariñena, Aragon, SpainPeppery, barnyard, tobacco, saddle leather, vanilla, coffee, black raspberry jam, smoked meat aromas. Fresh, dry, slightly lean palate with similar flavours. The finish is tight and a touch oaky but with fine fruit.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Doña Paula Los Cardos Malbec 2010
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaPrune, cedar, cologne, cherry, roasted pepper, menthol, coffee bean, leafy aromas. Smooth, round, easy palate with black cherry, tobacco, herbal, savoury, menthol, cedar, coffee, cologne flavours. Somewhat reductive under screwcap and is best if decanted.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bramito del Cervo Chardonnay 2008
Umbria, ItalyVery spicy, nutty, garlic lees aromas with citrus, buttery, baked apple aromas. Dry, full, round, juicy palate with good texture but slightly fat. Honey, buttery, nutty, leesy, garlic, cheese, citrus flavours with a floral note.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Calvet Bordeaux Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Bordeaux, FranceSpicy, peppery, chocolate, gamey, leather, cherry, cedar aromas. Dry, fresh, round, elegant palate with cedar, coffee, peppery, rooty, tobacco, olive and smoke flavours. Simple, forward style for meat.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Obikwa Chardonnay 2010
Western Cape, South AfricaHoney, mango, citrus, apple aromas. Light, fresh, off dry palate with lemon, red apple, honey, butter and peach flavours. Fresh, fruity, juicy style that offers great value now. Amazing for the price. Prices:| BC | $9.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
E. Pira & Figli Dolcetto D'Alba Chiara Boschis 2009
Piedmont, ItalyBig coffee, tarry, tobacco, prune, barnyard, black cherry, licorice root, saddle leather aromas. Very dry, fresh palate with light tannins in this organic wine. Black cherry, coffee, resin, smoky, tobacco, peppery, meaty flavours. Finish is quite tart and slightly astringent. Designed for steak tartare.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
San Pedro Cabo de Hornos Special Reserve 2006
Region del Valle Central, ChileVery peppery, cassis, tobacco, curry, bay leaf, minty, smoky, licorice, meaty, olive aromas. Rich, full, round, ripe palate with supple tannins. Coffee, vanilla, peppery, resin, plum, cassis, herbal, olive, cedar, meaty, Christmas cake, saddle leather and tobacco flavours. Finish has a bit of barnyard and chocolate. A big, somewhat older style but offers good balance. Still youthful.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Estampa Assemblage Gold Carmenère Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc Petit Verdot 2008
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChilePeppery, spicy, savoury, menthol, cassis, tobacco ash, sappy, black cherry, cranberry aromas. Dry, full, ripe, juicy palate with some gritty tannin. Leafy, cranberry, chocolate, tobacco leaf, herbal, espresso, bay leaf and vanilla flavours. Young and a bit chunky and leafy, needs a few years to round out.Prices:| BC | $31.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $24.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Estampa Estate Malbec Petite Syrah 2010
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileVery spicy, black pepper, sausage meat, espresso, bay leaf, tobacco, black cherry aromas. Dry, full, ripe, round, slightly chunky palate. Smoky, meaty, chocolate, peppery, black cherry jam, liquorice, garrigue flavours. Good intensity and balance with solid fruit. Excellent value, again.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Estampa Assemblage Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenère Petit Verdot 2009
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileBig sappy cassis, minty, tobacco leaf, cherry, bay leaf, sage, dry cedar aromas. Dry, full, round, slightly chunky palate with fresh acidity. Menthol, peppery, bay leaf, cassis, sappy, riparian, black cherry, cedar and black tea flavours.Prices:| MB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Hacienda Araucano Clos de Lolol 2009
Lolol Valley, Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileCranberry, soapy, clove, chocolate, barnyard, leafy, black olive, herbal, peppery aromas. Fresh, supple, round, elegant palate with coffee, smoky, cranberry, cherry, herbal, olive, tobacco leaf, orange, stewed plum and vanilla flavours. A cooler style with good concentration, balance and finesse. Cab franc is fairly dominant right now. Retasted in 2015 now just reaching its peak. Super fragrant/cedar resin tobacco all in bloom. Serve with lamb.Prices:| QC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Emiliana Novas Winemaker's Selection Syrah Mourvedre 2008
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileVery spicy, savoury, chocolate, peppery, meaty, black cherry, cigarette ash aromas. Ripe, round, supple, smooth and fresh palate. Juicy black cherry jam, peppery, floral, bay leaf, licorice, coffee, tobacco, garrigue and plum flavours. A bit warm but has great fruit and fullness in this organic edition. Solid value here. Certified organic.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Hamilton Russell Vineyards Chardonnay 2010
Hermanus, Walker Bay, Overberg, South AfricaVery spicy, nutty, floral, honey, waxy, vanilla, baked pear, butter aromas. Dry, fresh, elegant but slightly lean style with a juicy edge. Floral, citrus, muscat-y, honey, melon, red apple, nutty lees, spicy, vanilla flavours. Well done.Prices:| BC | $53.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $43.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Chateau du Moulin Terres de Grés 2009
Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceSpicy, garrigue, peppery, meaty, black cherry, liquorice, floral, chocolate, earthy aromas. Round, dry, full, supple palate with peppery, black cherry jam, smoky, meaty, garrigue, and liquorice root flavours. Good juicy, fruity finish with very light tannins. Solid value here to go with grilled lamb or duck.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Township 7 Merlot 2008
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, cherry, coffee, menthol nose with black olive, tobacco, vanilla, herbal aromas. Dry, round, full, supple and suave palate with fresh acidity. The attack is clean with cedar, mint, cherry jam, prune, espresso, vanilla, black olive, leather, tea flavours. Trendy style with a very oaky, herbal finish.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
De Martino Las Cruces Old Bush Vines 2008
Valle del Cachapoal, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileMinty, sappy, cassis, black cherry, savoury, peppery, floral, tobacco, vanilla, tobacco, mineral, licorice aromas. Dry, full, round, supple palate with juicy acidity. Peppery, sappy, bay leaf, cassis jam, plum, cedar, coffee, vanilla, savoury, mineral, minty, chocolate, meaty flavours. Good complexity but still youthful. Has some finesse. The Old Bush Vines, "Las Cruces," is a first for De Martino in the Cachapoal Valley. The vineyards is 60 plus years old and while it is principally covered with malbec and carmenère there are other vines in the vineyard that have yet to be identified. It's dry farmed.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Thornhaven Evolution 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMenthol, black olive, cedar, tobacco, coffee, vanilla, peppery, light barnyard aromas. Dry, tight, fresh, full palate with some gritty tannin. Coffee, chocolate, cedar, minty, vanilla, tobacco leaf, tea and cherry jam flavours. Very youthful and oaky now, should improve with 2-4 years aging but the artificial cork might be limiting.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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05 November 2011
89PTS
Greywacke Riesling 2010
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandDelicate cool-climate styling give us a New Word riesling with a subtle, lemon lime nose flecked with bits of melon, honey and green fruit aromas. The palate is equally attractive with a delicious mix of fruit and acidity. Not terribly complex or cheap but a lot of fun to drink.Prices:| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mionetto Il Moscato delle Venezie NV
Veneto, ItalyA nice frizzante style in a blue package sealed with a crown cap.Offers fresh floral, peach, honey, spicy, ginger, mint and red apple aromas. Fresh, crisp, juicy, somewhat sweet palate with only 7% alcohol. Nectarine, honey, spicy, melon, red apple flavours. A fun, fruity style that can be drunk anytime.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Stag's Hollow Heritage Block 1 Cabernet Merlot 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLeaking cork/oxidised. Will retaste another bottle.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Port Phillip Estate Shiraz 2006
Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, AustraliaAttractive cool, peppery, sausage meat nose with black cherry, liquorice root, menthol, barnyard, smoky herb aromas. Dry, elegant, light palate but in a lean and tart style. Smoky, meaty, peppery, plum, cherry, barnyard, vanilla, coffee and roast tomato flavours. Unique characters but the finish is just too tart to entice.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
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04 November 2011
97PTS
Taylor Fladgate Quinta de Vargellas Vinha Velha 2009
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalSome wines can make your year, like this incredible Vinha Velha 2009. Chosen from the oldest vines grown on the five plots known to be the 'old vineyard' at Quinta de Vargellas, 2009 is even more compelling given the dry conditions and low yields that drive its concentration. The nose is staggeringly complex and rich offering fruit and terroir all in one whiff. You can still expect the Vargellas elegance and stamina but with fruit and composure and length and persistence. Simply amazing and decades from its peak. A massive bargain when compared to any first growth Bordeaux. The terraced plots containing the oldest vines (80-120 years) account for over 15% of the estate's total production although Vargellas Vinha Velha vintage port seldom exceeds 2% of the total production of the property.Prices:| BC | $247.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
De Martino Legado Reserva Syrah 2010
Choapa Valley, Coquimbo Region, ChileHuge peppery, smoked meat, sausage, garrigue, licorice root, black cherry, menthol aromas. Round, dry, smooth, fresh palate with black cherry, smoky, meaty, peppery, savoury, leather, five spice flavours. Fine length and concentration with just a hint of elevated acidity in the finish.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Viridian Pinot Noir 2008
Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesCarrot top, caraway, minty, tobacco leaf, strawberry, earthy, barnyard aromas. Dry, fresh, elegant but slightly lean with smoky, cedar, earthy, vanilla, strawberry, rhubarb, minty, carrot top flavours. A bit tart and leafy but solid.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Maquis Lien 2007
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileBlack cherry, barnyard, saddle leather, prune, bay leaf, sappy cassis, resin, smoky aromas. Dry, full, somewhat chalky dry tannins with smoky, herbal, tobacco, meaty, peppery, black cherry, rooty, resin flavours with a Band-Aid note. Needs to be cleaner with more fruit.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Domaine Jean Fournier Marsannay Rosé 2010
Burgundy, FranceFloral, strawberry, leafy, apple aromas. Dry, round, fresh palate with sour cherry, rhubarb, leafy, herbal, green apple flavours. Very fresh finish, best with duck confit.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Paul Dolan Zinfandel Mendocino/Amador County (Organic Grapes) 2007
Mendocino County, California, United StatesCherry jam, brambleberry, earthy, compost, barnyard, licorice, spicy, peppery aromas. Ripe, round, dry, supple palate with light tannins. Blackberry, black cherry, vanilla, peppery, red licorice, spicy flavours. Warm and juicy on the finish with some rustic tannins to shed. Impressive organic zin.Prices:| ON | $22.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Cloudline Pinot Noir 2009
Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesTobacco leaf, earthy, smoky, rhubarb, strawberry, menthol aromas. Dry, light, elegant, fresh palate with cedar, tobacco leaf, rhubarb, sour cherry, smoky, herbal, resin, rooty flavours. A bit tart and green on the finish.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Vina Robles Red 4 2009
Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, Central Coast, California, United StatesPrune, black berry jam, raspberry jam, floral, peppery, tobacco leaf, chocolate, barnyard aromas. Very fresh, somewhat sweet palate with some chunky tannin. Big blueberry, black cherry jam, prune, coffee, chocolate flavours with a slightly leafy, tannic palate. Lots of fruit but in a sweet and sour rustic style best with some barbecued meat.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Cuatro Vacas Gordas Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Mendoza, ArgentinaSpicy, savoury, tobacco leaf, black cherry, earthy aromas. Dry, fresh, somewhat lean palate with cedar bark, rhubarb, earthy, tobacco, smoky, resin flavours. Somewhat lean and leafy and lacking in normal ripe Mendoza fruit.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Domaines Astruc 'dA' Syrah 2009
Limoux, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceBig gamey, meaty, rooty, tobacco, barnyard, black liquorice aromas. Dry, round, slightly lean palate with blackberry, meaty, smoky, leather, medicinal, garrigue, tobacco flavours. Finish is full but a bit tart. Needs a bit of air and a piece of roast lamb.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Santa Rita Carmenère Medalla Real Gran Reserva 2007
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileBadly corked, try anotherPrices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Brazin Old Vine Zinfandel 2008
Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesBrambleberry, riparian, peppery, earthy, spicy, licorice, light compost aromas. Full, round, warm with some gritty tannin and fresh acidity. Similar flavours with a very hot, acidic, astringent finish and an extra dollop of kirsch and cedar bark. Lacks balance.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Concha y Toro Carmin de Puemo Carmenere 2007
Puemo, Valle del Cachapoal, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileOften considered Chile's best carmenère, Puemo has a spicy, sappy, meaty, bay leaf nose with tobacco, caraway, cassis jam, and clove and vanilla aromas. Ripe, rich, round, smooth and elegant there is fine concentration and acidity in perfect balance. Cedar, peppery, meaty, cassis jam, black cherry, orange flecked flavours with leather, coffee, vanilla, tobacco leaf and minty flavours. Still youthful with a warm, slightly tart finish. Needs 2-4 years to blossom. One to watch.Prices:| ON | $120.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $102.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $126.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $120.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $121.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $120.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
HMC McWatters Collection Meritage 2007
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSweaty saddle leather, meaty, barnyard, tobacco leaf, spicy, clove, menthol, Band-Aid aromas. Dry, lean, tart, somewhat tannic palate and hollow with similar flavours with a big tobacco leaf, herbal, espresso finish. Green, tart, oaky style.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Apothic Red 2009
California, United StatesCedar bark, menthol, tobacco leaf, cherry jam, perfumed, coffee bean aromas. Sweet, acidic, round, slightly astringent palate with butterscotch, dried cherry, coffee bean, cedar bark, tea leaf flavours. Too sweet to be anything more than a beverage wine.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $17.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $17.50 | 750ml |
| NF-LB | $18.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Road 13 Rockpile 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, floral, peppery, tobacco leaf, cranberry, prune, roasted tomato, espresso, green olive aromas. Full, round, fresh palate with a touch of sweetness and tannins. Smoky, herbal, carrot top, vanilla, prune, tobacco, cranberry, rhubarb, espresso, roasted tomato flavours. Very warm, coffee cream finish.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Penfolds Shiraz Bin 128 2008
Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaFloral, cedar, menthol, blueberry, black cherry, tobacco leaf, resin, peppery, tea and vanilla aromas. Round, dry, smooth but slightly tart palate with light tannins. Blueberry, menthol, prune, coffee, vanilla, cherry jam, coconut, licorice flavours. Lots of fruit but also very cool and tart on the finish.Prices:| BC | $41.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $35.00 | 750ml |
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03 November 2011
92PTS
Croft Vintage Port 2009
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalDeep black colour. The nose is an aromatic open mix of liquorice, spicy, minty cherry jam aromas. The attack is round, with fine underlying acidity and that Croft sweetness/ balance. Not as concentrated as the Fonseca or Taylor but it has an easy likeability that suggest you can drink this sooner than later and enjoy it. Rich warm, opulent and fat it is a good example of the warm '09 vintage. Certainly Croft is back now that it is under the control of the Taylor Fladgate group. Drink through 2040. Tasted again in 2014 and is showing to be even better and more complex than at release.Prices:| BC | $130.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $100.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $109.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $59.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $73.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port 2000
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalCool calm and sophisticated at 11 years the nose is a pretty mix of spice, liquorice black fruit and molasses. Still youthful and fiery but with a hint of bottle age starting to develop. The palate is long and unrelenting delivering a whack of plums and chocolates all in a linear balanced mode. Harmonious and only beginning to show its stuff. Enjoy through 2030.Prices:| BC | $299.99 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Croft Vintage Port 1991
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalStill dark and nearly opaque the '91 is looking and tasting quite youthful. The nose is equally fresh with floral and red fruit aromas and liquorice. The palate is perfumed and spicy with tea grapes prunes and minty warm chocolate cherry flavours through-out. There is a roundness of tannins at this point but there is still some grip on the mid-palate. No rush to drink this one before 2020. Fantastic value at CDN $86.Prices:| BC | $85.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Greywacke Late Harvest Gewurztraminer 2009
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandVery ripe apricot, honey, floral, mango, spicy, ginger aromas. Rich, ripe, full, soft but juicy palate. Honey, apricot, ripe mango, baked pear, spicy flavours with a touch of lychee on the finish. Well balanced, softer style for current drinking.Prices:| AB | $30.00 | 375ml |
| BC | $35.00 | 375ml |
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86PTS
Kestrel Pure Platinum 6th Edition 2007
Washington, United StatesHoney, ginger, grapefruit rind, spicy, orange, buttery, baked apple aromas. Fresh, round juicy but sweet entry with leesy, buttery, honey, ripe pineapple, bitter citrus rind flavours. Has fruit but on the super ripe style. Try this with Indian curries.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Koyle Cabernet Sauvignon Royale Alto Colchagua 2008
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileNice spicy, vanilla, mocha, bay leaf, tobacco, barnyard, saddle leather, blackberry, peppery aromas. Ripe, round, supple but grainy tannins with elevated acidity. Cassis, peppery, chocolate, vanilla, prunes plum, licorice, orange peel, Christmas cake flavours. Very warm, somewhat tart and astringent finish. Perhaps will improve in bottle.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Calcu Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileCassis, blackberry, coffee, vanilla, tobacco, earthy, barnyard, bay leaf aromas. Soft, round, fresh palate with some light, tight tannins. Peppery, vanilla, coffee, herbal, cassis, sappy, spicy, black olive, leather flavours. Good flavours and concentration but needs food to balance youthful tannins and acidity.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Santa Rita Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva Organic 2009
Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileBig sappy, cassis jam, black cherry, peppery, savoury, leather, tobacco leaf aromas. Dry, fresh, round, somewhat tannic palate with fresh acidity. Coffee, peppery, cassis, blackberry, olive, tobacco, minty, vanilla, coffee flavours. Good concentration if a bit stewed and leafy on the finish. It still needs two to three more years of bottle age or try it with a rare steak.Prices:| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Wild Goose Autumn Gold 2010
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, rose petal, matchstick, red apple, honey, peach and citrus rind aromas. Ripe, fresh, juicy, somewhat sweet entry with red apple, lime, ginger, spicy, floral, nectarine flavours. Good fruit and elegance if a bit too sweet for the acidity. Best with spicy Pan Asian dishes.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Stag's Hollow Con-Fusion 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBaked apple, pear, honey, matchstick, floral, grapefruit rind, light lees aromas. Ripe, round, soft, slightly sweet entry with honey, baked citrus, apple skin, ginger, light lychee flavours. Juicy, citrus finish but a bit lacking in intensity.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Jacob's Creek St Hugo Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaBig black olive, smoky, coffee bean, tobacco leaf, peppery, green bean aromas. Dry, round, smooth but slightly tart and hollow palate. Vanilla, coffee, peppery, green olive, cassis, smoky, herbal, caraway, tobacco, resiny flavours. It's Coonawarra but it really needs a big juicy steak to balance out the cool, lean tart finish.Prices:| NF | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $44.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Jacob's Creek Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaTobacco leaf, black olive, rooty, floral, coffee bean, cedar, red currant aromas. Skinny, tart, lean palate with rhubarb, herbal, tobacco leaf, peppery, cool, green bean, balsamic flavours. Too acidic for the low level of fruit. Prices:| NF | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Thornhaven Merlot 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGamey, tobacco, prune, peppery, black olive, vanilla, barnyard aromas. Dry, soft, round, slightly hollow palate with fresh acidity. Herbal, tobacco leaf, leather, meaty, cassis, coffee, vanilla, peppery, resin, leafy flavours with a slightly stewed prune note. Chewy, tea leaf, cedar bark finish.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Carmen Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileStrong intense nose of bay leaf, cedar, mint, rubber, tobacco, cassis and smoky aromas. Dry, elegant, fresh but soft palate lacking in concentration. More cedar, black olive, tobacco leaf, herbal, menthol, earthy flavours. Dry, tart, press wine finish. Too herbaceous to be considered anything more than ordinary.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.25 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Hillside Merlot Taylor Vineyard 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMeaty, barnyard, saddle leather, sour cherry, cedar, stewed prune aromas. Dry, full, concentrated palate with youthful tannins. Leather, beef, barnyard, tobacco, gamey, savoury, orange, cherry, espresso oak flavours. Very young and oaky with lots of tannins and fruit but a bit unclean. Let it age another year or two.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port 2009
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalWe love the new 2009 Taylor vintage port with its fragrant, savoury, spicy, tobacco nose flecked with black tea, olive, black plum jam, dried fig and spirity, liquorice root aromas. Still super young it is rich and round with a warm, supple palate but with well-defined tannins in abundance. Mineral, floral, black plum, black cherry jam, dried fig, black tea, licorice, peppery, orange peel, dried lychee flavours swamp your palate. Long, warm, linear, exotic and dried. One to age for 15+ years. Well done.Prices:| BC | $130.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $107.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $140.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $120.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $141.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $142.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $144.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $249.00 | 1500ml |
| ON | $62.00 | 375ml |
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93PTS
Fonseca Vintage Port 2009
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalExpect an expansive peppery, dried fig, blackberry jam nose with bits of liquorice, black tea, tobacco, spice and grapey notes. The attack is youthful, ripe and juicy but with a largely tannic palate and big concentration. Black cherry jam, dried plum, tobacco, liquorice, chocolate, pepper and black tea flavours. Lots of power, intensity and fruit that is all on the sweeter side, warmer side. Will need 10-15 years bottle ageing to mature.Prices:| BC | $130.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $126.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $125.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $140.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $67.00 | 375ml |
| AB | $65.00 | 375ml |
| MB | $125.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $73.00 | 375ml |
| SK | $120.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $65.00 | 375ml |
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90PTS
Taylor Fladgate Late Bottled Vintage Port 2005
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalTaylor's created the Late Bottled Vintage category blending wines of a single year and ageing those four to six years in 20-70,000 litre vats. Upon release its black cherry jam and liquorice aromas entice while its supple slightly sweet style invites you to the glass. On the palate more chocolate, pepper, black tea, cassis and coffee flavours dominate. An excellent example of the LBV category providing big flavours, early drinkability and fine value.Prices:| QC | $21.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $22.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NL | $21.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $22.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $16.00 | 375ml |
| NS | $21.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Taylor Fladgate 10 Year Old Tawny NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalTaylor's 10 Year Old Tawny is a blend of individual 630 litre casks aged for an average of 10 years. The colour is pleasingly tawny the nose infatuating. Look for bits of almonds dark chocolate toffee and spice with superb sweetness and length. The finish is long silky and polished with more toffee orange and fig notes. Serve slightly chilled fireside with walnuts or try it with an almond cake.Prices:| BC | $41.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $34.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $34.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $32.95 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Taylor Fladgate 20 Year Old Tawny NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalSomehow this wine is always fresh and intense despite its average age of two decades. We love the toffee/vanilla orange rind nose; the attack is opulent and complex offering up spicy, nutty, fiery, tea flavours with a delicious mellow vanilla finish. It is an exquisite piece of work that transcends the humble nature of grape.Prices:| BC | $72.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $69.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $69.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $69.75 | 750ml |
| NF | $78.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $90.75 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Fonseca Terra Prima Organic Reserve Port NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalTerra Prima is the only 'Reserve' port that we know of made from organically grown grapes and organic grape spirits in the market. Expect a dry, spicy, tobacco, cedar nose with bits of menthol, earth, spirit, ash and liquorice. A somewhat drier style on the palate with light tannins and some spirity warmth with a rich palate of coffee, tobacco, cedar, menthol, dried fig, black tea and smoky, raisin flavours. A bit rustic but with fine intensity and some light tannins. Serve this one fireside after dinner or with berry fruit and choclate dishes.Prices:| BC | $31.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $28.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $28.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $33.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $31.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Croft Pink Port NV
PortugalFun light raspberry colour. Spicy, licorice, candied black cherry, fig and ginger aromas. Round, moderately sweet, medium acidity, warm palate. Elegant with tobacco, spicy, licorice, fig, cherry, peppery, black olive flavours. An informal style of port that is easily served solo or with soda and lemon over ice.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $20.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $20.00 | 750ml |
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01 November 2011
91PTS
Tantalus Old Vines Riesling 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOld Vines is the definition of iconoclastic. Freethinking and individualistic, the fruit (essentially grown organically) comes off a single block planted in 1978. Expect super intense aromas of lime and lemon preview a palate that is equally intense offering up peachy stone fruit characters all with an incredible undercurrent of acidity. This wine will live forever but in the meantime you can drink it with just about any food just for fun. Stock up. Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Nk'Mip Cellars Qwam Qwmt Syrah 2008
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe '08 is a fine upgrade in the previous edition adding riper fruit to an intoxicating mix of savoury, peppery, black fruit aromas. The attack is dry and rich with savoury, liquorice, dried herb and black cherry fruit. We love the balance here and the sweet tannins that make the difference in the finish. Roast lamb anyone?Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Domaine Drouhin Laurène 2008
Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesOpen spicy, thyme, carrot top, strawberry jam nose with floral, smoky, vanilla, leather and cherry aromas with a touch of tobacco compost. Dry, fresh, elegant, juicy palate but round and full with light tannins. Cherry, strawberry jam, orange, vanilla, smoky, tobacco, gamey, tea flavours. Good concentration and intensity, will age well for 3-7 years. A big improvement over the 2007. Has more fruit and concentration than the regular cuvée. Prices:| BC | $74.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $60.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $56.50 | 750ml |
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December 2011