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Tastings: January 2012
30 January 2012
89PTS
Terrabianca Campaccio 2007
Siena, Tuscany, ItalyGood dark colour with spicy, peppery, cassis, black cherry, olive, tobacco, earthy, meaty, liquorice aromas. Round, supple, smooth palate with light tannins and good acidity balance. Fresh, juicy palate with cassis, cherry, peppery, earthy, tobacco, rooty, cedar, olive and leather flavours with a touch of vanilla. True to Tuscany but the 30 percent cabernet sauvignon adds some finish.Prices:| ON | $40.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Terrabianca Croce Chianti Classico Riserva 2007
Siena, Tuscany, ItalyEarthy, floral, black cherry, meaty, liquorice, smoky, leather aromas. Round, dry, elegant, fresh palate with some light, grainy tannins. Smoky, peppery, black cherry, cedar, plum, tobacco, earthy, leather flavours. Good fruit and finesse with a slightly tannic edge. A bit rustic but true to form. Drink now-5 years.Prices:| ON | $29.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Regnard Grand Regnard Chablis 2009
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceA unique blend of grand cru and premier cru vineyard lots in a unique, squat but round bottle. Floral, lees, honey, waxy, oyster shell, red apple, nutty, lemon aromas. Ripe, round, fresh, juicy palate with creamy acidity and good delicacy. Lime, green apple, chalky, lemon, melon, peach pit, floral, grassy, lees flavours. Finish has a bit of chalk, citrus and oyster. Very pure, balanced and flavourful. Drink now or keep 2-4 years.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Ladoucette Pouilly-Fumé 2009
Pouilly-Fume, Upper Loire, Loire, FranceFresh grassy, nettle, grapefruit, gooseberry, lees nose flecked with honey and green melon aromas. Ripe, dry and fresh on the palate with creamy acidity and more gooseberry, nettle, light artichoke, smoky, grassy, lemon/chalk flavours with a note of dried herbs. A very pure expression with a long finish and finesse. A refined food wine.Prices:| ON | $38.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Comte Lafond Sancerre 2010
Sancerre, Upper Loire, Loire, FranceGooseberry, nettle, grassy, citrus, light passion fruit and green melon aromas. Dry, fresh, round, juicy palate with nettle, oyster shell, gooseberry, asparagus, spicy, grapefruit flavours. Juicy and fresh with a clean, creamy finish. Perfect for lighter fish dishes. Prices:| ON | $34.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tyrrell's Vat 8 Hunter Shiraz 2006
Hunter, New South Wales, AustraliaMature earthy, black cherry, prune, smoky, resin nose with meaty, tobacco, light barnyard, saddle leather and savoury notes. The attack is smooth and round with very light tannins and smoky, liquorice, meaty, peppery, savoury, cigar and prune flavours. Well balanced and near peak maturity and showing some finesse in an older style.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Deen De Bortoli Vat 8 Shiraz 2007
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaPeppery, liquorice, blueberry/black cherry aromas mark the nose with flecks of resin and earth. Fresh, somewhat sweet and tart on entry with light tannins and more smoky, resin, blueberry, peppery, coffee, jammy flavours. Good fruit but very warm finish with some tartness and candied notes. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $16.49 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Burrowing Owl Coruja NV
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPruny, stewed cherry, walnut, molasses, tobacco, resin, cigar ash aromas. Full, warm, fresh palate with light tannins and a spirity note. Stewed prune, walnut, bitter herb, smoky, resin, roasted tomato, leafy, savoury flavours with huge vanilla, clove, espresso notes on the finish. A curiosity that will need a bit more time in bottle. Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 500ml |
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86PTS
Vasse Felix Shiraz 2008
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaExpressive bacon, smoked meat, saddle leather and pepper nose with tobacco, coffee bean and medicinal, barnyard notes. Fresh and dry with a somewhat lean palate and light extract. The palate mixes smoked meat, saddle leather, pepper, tobacco, resin, coffee and scorched earth flavours. Oddly a bit South African in style.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $38.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $36.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $37.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Tyrrell's Moore's Creek Shiraz 2009
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaPrune, black cherry, coffee, menthol, cedar, bacon, smoky, tobacco aromas. Soft, round, somewhat tart, dry palate with licorice, resin, peppery, rooty, black cherry, savoury, smoky flavours. Simple generic stuff except for the price.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Tyrrell's Old Winery Shiraz 2010
South Australia, AustraliaOpen peppery, cedar, spicy, tobacco nose with earthy, resiny aromas. Fresh, smooth and light on the palate but with a sweet and sour note. Simple herbal, pepper, smoky, earthy, rooty, resin and black cherry flavours with a tart finish.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $20.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Ganton & Larson Prospect Winery Admiral Shorts Okanagan Tawny NV
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaToffee, prune, walnut, volatile, spirity, buttery, vanilla, cigar, candied peel aromas. Very warm, sweet but tart palate with huge rancio, prune, molasses, balsamic, cigar, black cherry, diacetyl and dried fig flavours with a cigar butt finish. Intense and tart but over somewhat over the top. More Oloroso than Tawny.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
The Lucky Country Shiraz 2010
Barossa Valley / McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaSpicy, floral, milk chocolate, plum jam, black cherry, graphite aromas. Ripe, round, smooth, fresh palate with light tannins. Black cherry jam, smoky, chocolate, coffee, prune and pepper flavours. Very warm, tart finish but with lots of fruit.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Katnook Founder's Block Shiraz 2008
Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaSmoky, tobacco leaf, black olive, peppery, meaty, savoury, black cherry and vanilla aromas with a touch of coffee. Smooth, round, fresh palate with light tannins. Gamey, peppery, blueberry, black olive, tobacco, smoky, vanilla, coffee flavours. A bit tart on the finish but with good fruit and complexity perhaps reflecting its cooler region. Good value.Prices:| NB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $21.00 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Herder Estate Chardonnay 2009
Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOxidized, try another bottle.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Tscharke Barossa Gold Marananga Shiraz 2009
Marananga, Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaBig tobacco, prune, peppery, spicy, smoky, blueberry jam and herb aromas. Round, fresh, warm, dry palate with peppery, prune, orange peel, licorice, smoky, spicy, chestnut flavours. The style is super ripe and warm. Needs a grilled steak to tame it.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Wynns Coonawarra Estate Shiraz 2009
Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaBig smoky, meaty, saddle leather, vanilla, blueberry, tobacco leaf, cigar, coffee bean, olive aromas. Round, fresh, slightly tannic palate with tobacco, meaty, peppery, savoury, herbal, coffee, smoky, blueberry, resin/Coonawarra earthy flavours. Suave but with a somewhat tart and smoky finish. Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Jacob's Creek Reserve Shiraz 2008
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaSmoky, spicy, chocolate, espresso, blueberry, black cherry, tobacco and rosemary aromas. Dry, fresh, somewhat tart palate with light tannins. Peppery, savoury, smoky, tobacco, resin, blueberry, and liquorice root flavours with a cedar bark note on the finish. This wine still could use a year or so in bottle or decant for 45 minutes and try with grilled meat.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.25 | 750ml |
| YK | $21.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Fazi Battaglia Titulus Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico 2010
Marche, ItalyNutty, lemon oil, spicy, baked pear aromas. Dry, fresh, round, slightly austere palate with lemon, cashew, citrus, quince, pear and anise flavours. Juicy, fresh finish to go with any seafood. Solid value and consistent from year to year too.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Yalumba Eden Valley Shiraz Viognier 2008
Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaSpicy, floral, black cherry jam, chocolate, almond, licorice, meaty, smoky, peppery nose. Round, full, smooth, fresh and supple palate with prune, tobacco, licorice, earthy, rooty, blueberry, peppery, savoury flavours. Smooth, fresh, warm finish. Good fruit and finesse if a bit short on the finish.Prices:| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Yalumba Y Series Shiraz Viognier 2008
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaSpicy, peppery, floral, blueberry, meaty, smoky, resin, tobacco aromas. Ripe, round, smooth palate with fresh acidity and some elegance. Blueberry, coffee, spicy, peppery, cherry jam, rooty, liquorice flavours. Solid fruit and balance. Try this with roasted chicken.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $18.00 | 750ml |
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0PTS
CedarCreek Platinum Chardonnay 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCorked, try another.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Meyer Family Vineyards Chardonnay McLean Creek Vineyard - OK Falls 2010
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy lees, baked apple skin, buttery, vanilla, creamy, pear and oatmeal aromas. Dry, fresh, slightly tart palate with an austere edge. Butter, honey, diacetyl, grapefruit rind, green apple, clove and waxy, oatmeal flavours. Very buttery, lees finish. Unusual style but this year there is enough fruit to keep it all interesting.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Meyer Family Vineyards Chardonnay Tribute Series - Sonia Gaudet Old Main Road Vineyard 2010
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaEnticing nutty lees, oatmeal nose with waxy, lemon, peach skin and vanilla aromas. It has a fresh, juicy, elegant entry all in slightly lean style with a touch of sweetness in the back end. Butter, baked apple, citrus, canned pear, oatmeal, vanilla, honey and clove flavours speak to its complexity. Well done and showing some elegance too.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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28 January 2012
89PTS
Luis Felipe Edwards Dona Bernarda Private Collection 2007
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileSimilar to the '06 the nose is mix of vanilla, black cherry, cassis and meaty notes flecked with resin, earth and floral notes. The palate is soft and round with more dried herbs, cassis, pepper, liquorice and vanilla mocha flavours. The wine is elegant in an old school kind of way. Best with roasted meats.Prices:| NS | $36.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $39.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Avalon Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Napa Valley, California, United StatesOpen smoky dried cherry fruit note with a touch of spicy vanilla and floral, meaty earthy aromas. The attack is warm and supple, with chocolate cherry/orange, cassis, dried herbs, liquorice and mineral flavours. Ready to drink New World cabernet. Try this with beef tenderloin.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $24.00 | 750ml |
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24 January 2012
87PTS
Cabriz Colheita Seleccionada 2008
Dão, Northern Portugal, PortugalEarthy, meaty, liquorice, floral, black cherry, peppery, prune aromas. Dry, light, tight palate with fresh acidity and light tannins. Cedar, tobacco, meaty, liquorice, peppery, spicy, black cherry and leather flavours. A fresh but traditional style with a slightly austere finish to go with beef or lamb dishes. Solid value.Prices:| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Fairhills Viognier 2011
South AfricaLight floral, pear, ginger, lemon oil, guava aromas. Round, fresh, light palate with orange peel, lemon, green apple, ginger, spicy, lees flavours. Simple and fresh with a touch of rose petal and oil on the finish.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Van Westen Vineyards Viognier 2010
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGreen apple skin, grapefruit, garlic lees, grassy, floral nose. Dry, fresh, somewhat flat and light palate with lime rind, soapy floral, apple skin, peach skin, garlic and ginger flavours. A bit bitter and tart on the finish in what tastes like an unripe year.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Paul Mas Viognier 2010
l'Hérault, Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceSpicy, ginger, honey, floral, guava, apricot aromas. The attack is fresh with juicy, leesy crisp, slightly austere flavours of lemon, ginger, spicy, green apple fruit with a touch of pineapple. A bit rind-y on the finish but offers solid fruit and balance for the money. Jean Claude Mas blends viognier fruit from cool and warm sites using young and old vines and relatively low yields at 52hl/ha.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Unconventional Wisdom Told you So Viognier 2010
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, honey, nutty lees, matchstick, citrus rind, baked apple aromas. Round, fresh, somewhat sweet palate with rose petal, grassy, lees, butter, honey and baked apple flavours. Simple, easy style with a fresh finish. Try this with mildly spicy Asian dishes.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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23 January 2012
87PTS
LePlan Classic Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2010
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceFloral, quince, lemon, chalky, spicy aromas. Fresh, soft, round, dry palate with creamy acidity. Honey, apricot pit, green apple skin, lemon oil, quince and herb flavours. An elegant, riper style but an austere not in the finish. Solid seafood and pasta wine for all.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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22 January 2012
85PTS
Obikwa Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Western Cape, South AfricaAnother year and the drier style prevails with the same herbal/ asparagus/ passion fruit thread from front to back. It is a fine introductory style sauvignon blanc you can serve with a variety of simply prepared appetizers on the patio. Good value.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $10.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $9.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $10.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $11.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Cono Sur Organic Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileNot quite as sensational as last year this edition is more along the Kiwi lime rind and gooseberry path with canned jalapeno with fine acidity. The attack is juicy and vibrant with more pungent, smoky jalapeno and passion fruit flavours. Excellent concentration for the price all in a cool coastal style. A blend of three pickings and three Sancerre clones all grown organically.Prices:| BC | $13.49 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Rodney Strong Sauvignon Blanc Charlotte's Home 2010
Sonoma County, California, United StatesTwo in a row for RS and its Charlotte's Home sauvignon blanc. Expect a super fresh, grassy, nettle nose and similar grassy, lemon/lime rind and passion fruit flavours all in a clean, fresh style. Tailor-made for local shellfish. Love the price too. Buy this one buy the case in private wine shops and take advantage of the discount.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Encierra Vineyard Reserve Perallilo 2008
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileOpen peppery, liquorice, resin, gamey, spicy, black cherry, cassis jam, minty, black olive and garrigue aromas. Ripe, round, supple and smooth palate with very light-grained tannins. Juicy and warm with big licorice, smoky, resin, menthol, gamey, cassis jam, blackberry, herbal, tobacco, floral with vanilla, cedar and savoury chocolate notes on the finish. Somewhat warm but well balanced with some finesse and fruit. Drink now or over the next 2-4 years. Solid value for quality here.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Nederburg Sauvignon Blanc The Winemaster's Reserve 2010
Western Cape, South AfricaTypically fresh and pungent with sweaty grapefruit and gooseberry aromas and flavours. Soft and sippable with a grassy lime, nettle finish. Best with mussels and clams. Good value here.Prices:| AB | $11.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $11.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $14.00 | 750ml |
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21 January 2012
88PTS
Newharbor Pinot Noir 2009
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandI have bit of a soft spot for the juicy, easy-drinking pinots of Marlborough. Uncomplicated but seldom over extracted or over oaked they are just delicious drinking. They don't require any ageing and in the case of this spicy, soft, red fruited New Harbour pinot its simply needs drinking. Good value too.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Le Volte 2009
Tuscany, ItalyThe 09 saw the merlot ripen early while the cabernet sauvignon and sangiovese hung longer delayed by September rains. The nose is classic super Tuscan with a savoury earthy black olive, black cherry aroma flecked with meaty, floral notes. The palate is suave and supple with light tannins. More black fruit and earthy cassis and peppery, black olive, orange peel, dried herb flavours mark the palate and finish. Balanced yet with intensity it is the perfect wine for steak Florentine.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $30.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $37.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $62.00 | 1500ml |
| ON | $125.00 | 3000ml |
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20 January 2012
86PTS
Siren's Call Merlot 2010
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig compost, tobacco leaf, resin, leather, coffee, barnyard and prune aromas. Round, dry, fresh palate with some gritty tannins. Cool cedar bark, tobacco leaf, herbal, olive, resin, barnyard and leather flavours with flecks of espresso, tomato paste and tea leaf on the finish. It could use more fruit on the palate.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Mt. Boucherie Summit Reserve Merlot 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCedar bark, barnyard, prune, tobacco aromas with bits of compost and roasted tomato. Round, dry, slightly astringent palate with earthy, prune, barnyard, tobacco, resin, cedar, meaty, tomato paste flavours. Finish is tart and oaky with some tea tannins. Where's the fruit?Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Sumac Ridge Merlot Private Reserve 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTobacco leaf, cedar, earthy, resin, rhubarb, cherry aromas. Dry, fresh, somewhat lean palate with light tannins. Chocolate, espresso, peppery, resiny, rooty, leafy, tea flavours with a hint of berry fruit.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Young & Wyse Collection Merlot 2010
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaChocolate, vanilla, black cherry jam, spicy, cedar ball, menthol, prune aromas. Fresh, round, dry palate with light tannins. Espresso, chocolate, cherry jam, prune, menthol, compost, tobacco, olive flavours. Juicy, cherry finish. Solid effort.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Cono Sur Merlot 2010
Region del Valle Central, ChileMinty, herbal, tobacco leaf, cherry, olive, briary, weedy aromas. Dry, fresh, slightly lean palate with cedar bark, olive, prune, peppery, minty, tobacco flavours. Finish is tart and weedy with a pruny, cedar note. Simple stuff for burgers or pizza.Prices:| BC | $11.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $13.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Painted Rock Merlot 2009
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaChocolate, prune, black cherry, vanilla, tobacco, cedar, barnyard, leather, savoury aromas. Dry, tight, fresh palate with grainy tannins. Coffee, chocolate, prune, earthy, peppery, briary, tobacco, resin, black tea flavours with a savoury, cedar finish. It is oaky and dry at this point masking the fruit and will need another two to four years in bottle to develop properly.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Wynns Coonawarra Estate Chardonnay 2009
Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaBig fresh garlic/nutty lees, spicy, pear skin, canned pear aromas. Fresh, juicy, off dry palate but elegant with baked pear, garlic, nutty, grassy, citrus, green apple skin flavours. Fresh, easy style with some finesse as long as you like the leesy flavours.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $22.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Falesco Umbria Merlot 2008
Umbria, ItalyMeaty, barnyard, saddle leather, prune, tobacco, compost, chocolate, cedar aromas. Dry, fresh, elegant palate but light with tobacco, compost, peppery, earthy, rooty, chocolate, leather and tea flavours. Elegant but green and rustic.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Gray Monk Chardonnay Unwooded 2010
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFresh apple, pear, citrus, lees, earthy aromas. Very fresh, tart, slightly sweet and sour palate with green apple, grapefruit, lees and baked pear flavours. Simple, clean, juicy style.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Wolf Blass Yellow Label Merlot 2010
South Australia, AustraliaTobacco, prune, cedar, olive, green bean, peppery aromas. Fresh, round, elegant palate with green bean, olive, tobacco leaf, sour cherry, prune and chocolate. Light tea tannins and herbs on the finish.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $17.50 | 750ml |
| PEI | $20.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Stone Cellars Beringer Merlot 2007
California, United StatesTobacco leaf, cedar bark, earthy, resin, prune aromas. Sweet, round, somewhat tannic palate with cedar bark, tobacco, chocolate, herbal, and resin flavours. Simple stuff for the price.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Lindemans Bin 40 Merlot 2010
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaCedary, earthy, resin, tobacco, cherry, chocolate, rooty aromas. Fresh, slightly astringent palate with a bit of sweetness. Cherry, cedar, herbal, weedy, tobacco, peppery, resin, menthol flavours. A bit rustic and green best with hamburger.Prices:| BC | $11.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Columbia Crest Two Vines Unoaked Chardonnay 2010
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesPear, earthy, apple core, lees, honey, baked quince aromas with a bit of butter. Round, fresh, somewhat sweet palate with baked pear, apple skin, honey, butter and canned citrus flavours. Simple, entry level style.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
The Little Penguin Merlot 2010
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaRubber, tobacco, earthy, floral, chocolate, herbal nose. Soft, round, smooth palate with tobacco, herbal, olive, chocolate, weedy, prune flavours. Finish is somewhat sweet and fresh with herbs.Prices:| AB | $11.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $13.50 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.50 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $13.25 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Beringer Founders' Estate Merlot 2009
California, United StatesRubbery, mercaptan, earthy, resin, cement, peppery, cedar bark aromas. Dry, round, slightly tannic palate with earthy, peppery, cedar bark, smoky, resin, tobacco, compost flavours. Basic and somewhat herbal style merlot. Flanks steak would be a good match.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Rosemount Merlot 2009
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaHerbal, tobacco leaf, cedar, resin, wet cement, soupy, compost aromas. Sweet, fresh, slightly tannic palate with cherry, orange peel, earthy, resin, peppery, tobacco leaf and compost flavours. Simple, commercial wine.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Rodney Strong Chardonnay 2010
Sonoma County, California, United StatesLight lees, green apple, pear, vanilla, floral, honey and guava aromas. Fresh, juicy, slightly sweet palate with honey, grapefruit, vanilla, butter, green apple and pear flavours with some lees on the finish. Solid New California consumer-style chardonnay.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $22.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Hester Creek Pinot Blanc 2010
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHoney, floral, red apple, guava, citrus, lees aromas. Dry, fresh, soft palate with earthy, lees, pear, baked apple and citrus flavours. Simple, clean and balanced. Perfect for seafood pasta dishes.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
CedarCreek Merlot 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCedary, resin, leather, peppery, menthol, savoury, cherry and herb aromas. Dry, fresh, elegant, slightly lean palate with prune, tobacco, smoky, peppery, and cherry, cedar, resin and mint flavours. A bit green and fresh but has some aromatic complexity and finesse. Ready top drink.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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17 January 2012
88PTS
Yalumba Y Series Viognier 2010
South Australia, AustraliaAnother solid release that begins with a fresh, ginger, orange/nectarine skin aromas with bits of butter and mango. The attack is fresh with bright, lush fruit and a mix of honey, mango, spicy marmalade and orange tropical flavours. Well done.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $18.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $18.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $18.00 | 750ml |
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16 January 2012
88PTS
Domaine de Nizas 2007
Coteaux du Languedoc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceLots of meaty, peppery, garrigue, liquorice, blackberry, roasted bell pepper and resin aromas. Ripe, round, smooth and supple palate with smoky, peppery, blackberry jam, licorice, meaty, gamey, chocolate, and savoury and tobacco flavours. Finish is a bit warm but has good fruit and finesse for current consumption. Good solid value and effort here.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Township 7 Rosé 2009
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPale raspberry colour with earthy, tobacco leaf, rhubarb, sour cherry, citrus aromas. Soft, round, slightly sweet entry with grapefruit, herbal, tobacco leaf, rhubarb, earthy, spice flavours. Not a lot of fruit, some finesse but fading. Try the 2011 or the upcoming 2012 for a fresher experience.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Township 7 Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTypical Okanagan black olive, green bean, tobacco, cassis, smoky, peppery, cedar aromas. The attack is soft and fresh, the palate elegant with light tannins. Saddle leather, earthy, peppery, cedar, and tobacco leaf, herbal, resin flavours with a bit bell pepper and bitter herbs mark the flavours and finish with flecks of vanilla to spice it up for current consumption.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Spierhead Vanguard 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeppery, prune, stewed cranberry, cassis, herbal, riparian, black olive, roasted pepper, smoky, resin, vanilla and chocolate aromas. Dry, round, elegant palate with light tannins but low mid-palate extract. Tobacco leaf, herbal, cassis, vanilla, coffee, bell pepper, green olive, minty, tomato leaf, soapy cranberry, floral, tea leaf flavours. Needs more texture and ripeness at thi price level.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Château de Tracey Pouilly-Fumé 2005
Pouilly-Fume, Upper Loire, Loire, FranceLight honey, grapefruit, floral, waxy, smoky, light jalapeno and passion fruit aromas. Dry, round, elegant, fresh palate. Grassy, grapefruit, passion fruit, melon, nettle, lees and gooseberry flavours. A mature style but still fresh with good delicacy and not herbaceous. Try with halibut and fruit salsa.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Clos du Soleil Signature 2009
Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, vanilla, chocolate, prune, barnyard, spicy, peppery, liquorice, cedar and tobacco aromas. Dry, lean, elegant palate with fresh acidity and very light tannins. Cranberry, cedar, chocolate, vanilla, herbal, dill, compost, tobacco, rooty, ash and sour cherry flavours. Needs a few years to integrate but on the cooler/low fruit side. Best with roasted meats.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Clos du Soleil Célestiale 2009
Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTobacco leaf, cranberry, cedar, sour cherry, earthy, rooty nose. Fresh, smooth, supple palate with peppery, dill, roast pepper, herbal, spicy, coffee, cranberry, cedar and tobacco flavours flecked with vanilla and coffee on the finish. Cool style with some finesse, shows franc character strongly at this point but should improve in bottle.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Guidalberto 2009
Tuscany, ItalyVery spicy, meaty, peppery, gamey, cassis, tobacco, cedar, chocolate, vanilla, herbs and olive aromas with a hint of leather and barnyard. Ripe, round, dry and smooth with light, grainy tannins and fresh acidity balance. Smoky, peppery, spicy, and meaty, cassis, black cherry, olive, coffee, vanilla, garrigue, tobacco and leather flavours with a touch of cedar and mint. Good finesse but youthful, could use 1-3 years aging or try with grilled beef. A more understated cab/merlot style.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $50.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $70.00 | 750ml |
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15 January 2012
87PTS
Laurenz V. Friendly Grüner Veltliner 2010
Niederösterreich, Weinland Österreich, AustriaWhite pepper, grassy, grapefruit, passion fruit, garlic, spicy, minty aromas. Fresh, juicy, dry, elegant palate with creamy acidity. Spicy, passion fruit, grapefruit, nettle, grassy, lees and green apple skin flavours. A bit light but fresh. Reminiscent of a low key sauvignon blanc this time around.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Chardonnay 2010
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHoney, light butter, floral, vanilla, spicy lees nose with baked green apple, grapefruit and pea skin aromas. Fresh, juicy, round, elegant entry on the light side with an austere edge. Grassy, grapefruit, honey, nutty lees, spicy, butter, vanilla, quince and pear flavours. A very solid, fresher style with some structure and a lighter mid-palate. Drink now and over the next year or so with a variety of seafood.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $20.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Daniel Belda Verdil Joven 2010
Valencia and Murcia, SpainGarlic, lemon oil, spicy, grassy, herbal, grapefruit and nettle aromas. Round, elegant, light palate with fresh acidity. Lemon, grapefruit, passion fruit, nettle, herbal, garlic flavours. Akin to sauvignon blanc but the garlic notes and lack of concentration detract from the finish.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Daniel Belda Ponsalet Monastrell Joven 2009
Valencia and Murcia, SpainBig liquorice root, tobacco, savoury, meaty, cedar, spicy, resiny, black plum aromas. Fresh, juicy, round, easy palate with tobacco leaf, herbal, cherry, plum, smoky, gamey, resin flavours. Simple, easy, barbecue red at a fair price.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Montes Alpha Syrah 2008
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileOpen peppery, meaty nose with liquorice, dried cherries and chocolate bits. The palate is full and dry with firm tannins and more smoky black fruit, liquorice, vanilla leather and smoked meat characters. Plenty of power with a bit of finesse highlights its long finish. This needs another three to five years in bottle to reach its potential.Prices:| BC | $27.40 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $28.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $30.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $29.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $30.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Montes Alpha M "La Finca Estate" 2009
Apalta Valley, Santa Cruz, Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileLove the freshness and styling of this mix of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc and petit verdot. Lots of refined red berry fruits with a savoury, cedar and black olive under current. Leaner with more finesse and less overwhelming bay leaf character. Lots of new French oak but it is well-integrated after two years in bottle. Steaks anyone.Prices:| AB | $90.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $82.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $86.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $85.00 | 750ml |
| US | $80.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $85.00 | 750ml |
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12 January 2012
86PTS
Spierhead Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, vanilla, earthy, cassis, riparian, gamey, curry, tobacco, leather, prune, smoky coffee aromas. Round, dry, elegant palate with light extract. Peppery, earthy, minty, green bean, olive, tobacco leaf, cassis, meaty, resin and vanilla flavours with an herbal, tea leaf finish. A simple style with solid varietal notes if somewhat green and light on the finish.Prices:| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Spierhead Merlot 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaResin, earthy, tobacco, leather, coffee, smoky, menthol aromas with a bit of curry and prune. Round, dry, elegant but slightly tart palate with meaty, earthy, peppery, prune, vanilla, floral, resin, licorice, curry and tobacco leaf flavours. A lighter style but lacks mid-palate with some light, slightly green tannins on the finish and a barnyard note. Lacks fruit and texture.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chateau Ste. Michelle Merlot Indian Wells Vineyard 2009
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesBlack olive, prune, dill, savoury, floral, peppery, tobacco, smoky, black cherry, vanilla and barnyard aromas. Ripe, round, smooth, elegant palate with very soft tannins. Prune, black cherry, coffee, chocolate, saddle leather, meaty, spicy, poultry spice and vanilla flavours. A very forward style with some finesse for current drinking. Try this with variety of grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $28.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $27.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon Indian Wells Vineyard 2009
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesMenthol, cassis, black berry, riparian, tobacco, black olive, cedar, chocolate and vanilla aromas with a touch of saddle leather. Round, dry, supple and juicy palate with light tannins. Cassis, black berry, mocha, cedar, tobacco, vanilla, savoury, meaty, saddle leather and liquorice flavours. Good fruit and suppleness with a warm finish. Drink now and over the next 2 years. Solid value in cabernet from just south of the border.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Riesling Ice Wine 2010
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight gold colour. Waxy, lime, baked green apple, lifted, plasticene, apple skin and orange aromas. Fresh, juicy, round, sweet but balanced with apricot, honey, citrus, bruised green apple, honey, slightly volatile flavours. Seems a bit advanced and somewhat lifted at this stage. It may need another year in the bottle to settle down.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 375ml |
| AB | $45.00 | 375ml |
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88PTS
Clos du Soleil Winemaker's Reserve 2009
Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe first reserve, small lot was only four barrels. Cedar, menthol, tobacco, cassis, peppery, cranberry, sage and savoury aromas. Dry, fresh, tight, elegant palate with some young tannin. Smoky, herbal, savoury, peppery, curry flavours flecked with cranberry, vanilla, coffee, olive flavours. A solid, cool style effort that will benefit from a few years in bottle.Prices:| BC | $59.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Burrowing Owl Cabernet Franc 2009
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, sweaty saddle leather, tobacco, prune, dried cranberry, liquorice, coffee, chocolate, barnyard aromas. Round, dry, fresh, somewhat astringent palate with light tannins. Coffee, vanilla, prune, leather, herbal, cranberry, smoky, rooty, cherry flavours with a meaty, ash and liquorice finish. A bit young and rustic but will be better with a year or two in bottle.Prices:| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Burrowing Owl Athene 2009
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMeaty, spicy, black cherry, cassis, green bean, olive, tobacco, vanilla, floral and riparian aromas. Full, round, dry, fresh palate with some tannin. Sour cherry, meaty, peppery, smoky oak, vanilla, coffee, cassis, olive, savoury, herb and liquorice flavours. Solid balance with some fruit and intensity but needs a year or two to soften the light, cedary tannins on the finish.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Le Difese 2009
Tuscany, ItalyMeaty, balsamic, sweaty saddle, barnyard, smoky, black cherry and spice nose with a hint of cassis jam. Fresh, round, smooth palate with peppery, smoky, meaty, black cherry, cassis, savoury, tobacco flavours with gamey, saddle leather, balsamic finish. A bit rustic but well balanced for current consumption.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $29.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $35.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Lola Kay Red Wine 2009
Napa Valley, California, United StatesIt's always better to have some elegance if you are a wine; it is especially true for Napa wines often rich in fruit and alcohol but not much else. Lola Kay named after the grandmothers of second generation Napa vintner Peter Rubissow is a vineyard selection that displays a modicum of elegance with peppery, rich California fruit emanating from its unusual mix of mostly merlot with cabernet franc, syrah and cabernet sauvignon. We applaud the price and the effort to get this into the Canadian market at an affordable level.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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11 January 2012
0PTS
Daniel Belda Tempranillo 2007
Valencia and Murcia, SpainCorked, try anotherPrices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Calliope Figure 8 Red 2010
British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, meaty, earthy, floral, blackberry, rooty aromas. Fresh, soft, dry, light palate with black cherry, tobacco, meaty, tomato paste, coffee and roast pepper flavours. A simple, cool and easy style.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $26.00 | 750ml |
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10 January 2012
87PTS
Marqués de Riscal Rioja Reserva 2005
Rioja Alavesa, Rioja, SpainBig cedar, tobacco, sweaty saddle leather, barnyard, smoky, vanilla, coconut, cherry jam savoury aromas. Round, full, dry, supple and elegant palate. Smoked meat, coconut, vanilla, cedar, tobacco leaf, peppery, savoury, light brettanomyces, gamey, dill and smoke flavours. Good finesse and balance but definitely on the older, rustic style. Drink now with lamb chops.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $21.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $29.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Boekenhoutskloof The Wolftrap 2010
Western Cape, South AfricaMeaty, smoky, light barnyard, leather, chocolate, black cherry kirsch with a floral and savoury note. Fresh, round, supple palate with smoked meat, saddle leather, peppery, gamey, floral, black cherry jam, ginger, barnyard and cigar flavours. Seems to have upped the SA, scorched earth character intensity here but it will likely not bother its many fans. Go with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $14.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Galterra 2009
Tuscany, ItalyVery smoky, barnyard, gamey, sweaty saddle, tobacco, peppery liquorice, rooty, blackberry aromas. Round, dry, fresh, slightly tannic palate with cassis, barnyard, tobacco leaf, leather, meaty, savoury, peppery flavours. Elegant but very rustic, barnyard, Brettanomyces streak. Serve with T-bone steak.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
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06 January 2012
86PTS
Spier Chenin Blanc 2011
Western Cape, South AfricaFloral, grassy, minty, honey, green apple and gooseberry aromas with a touch of grapefruit. Fresh, juicy, creamy palate with a bit of sweetness. Grapefruit, honey, butter, floral, baked pear, green apple and nettle flavours. A nice juicy, entry level style that offers good value.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Greywacke Chardonnay 2009
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandOpen floral, citrus, honey, baked green apple, pear, nutty lees nose with bits of spice and butterscotch. Ripe, round, rich, creamy palate with a touch of warmth and sweetness. A similar attack with vanilla, spicy, nutty, light garlic, honey, butter, baked pear and guava flavours. Good intensity showing some tropical notes and a lot of lees character from the wild yeast. Drink now and over the next year or so. Made in a riper, Burgundian style.Prices:| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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04 January 2012
86PTS
Rocky Creek Ortega 2010
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, candied apple, spicy, waxy, leesy, pear skin aromas. Light, fresh, elegant, soft palate with waxy, floral, minty, bready, ginger and apple skin flavours. Simple, forward style ready to consume.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Batasiolo Bosc Dla Rei Moscato d'Asti 2008
Piedmont, ItalySpicy, lychee, sausage, minty, floral, apple skin, nectarine, light lees aromas. The palate is fresh and juicy with some sweetness and a solid frizzante mousse. Honey, floral, lees, spicy, green apple, nectarine skin flavours. Delicate style at 5.5% alcohol but fresh and juicy to carry the sweetness.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.50 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Greywacke Pinot Noir 2009
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandPeppery, strawberry jam, black cherry, celery salt, thyme, slightly smoky aromas with light vanilla, cedar and tobacco leaf notes. Ripe, round, smooth, elegant and juicy palate. Vanilla, black cherry jam, strawberry, savoury, celery root, thyme, herbal flavours with a blood orange and liquorice note. Good finesse and fruit. Drink now or keep for 2-4 years.Prices:| AB | $40.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $43.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $45.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $46.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Greywacke Pinot Gris 2010
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandHoney, lemon drop, marzipan, ripe pear, floral, leesy, waxy aromas. Fresh, round, soft palate with ripe pear, honey, spicy, leesy, pineapple, lemon oil flavours. Lots of ripe fruit here but a bit too flat.Prices:| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Greywacke 'Wild Sauvignon' 2009
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandVery ripe melon, grapefruit, honey, waxy, floral, light vanilla, lees, kiwi, lemon nettle aromas. Very ripe, round, full, slightly fat entry with guava, grapefruit rind, lemon oil, honey, lees, jalapeno, marzipan flavours. Very ripe, intense style but could use a bit more sauvignon varietal intensity.Prices:| AB | $38.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandFloral, grapefruit rind, melon, spicy, pear, light jalapeno, waxy, lemon aromas. Fresh, juicy, round, slightly sweet entry with good acidity. Big grapefruit, Granny Smith, jalapeno, grassy, spicy, gooseberry flavours. Very good intensity and fullness with ripe fruit and higher alcohol than most. A delicious style.Prices:| AB | $27.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Layer Cake Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
California, United StatesOpen cedary black fruit nose with hints of tobacco and leather.Soft stemmy peppery fruit with a long warm mid-palate and finish. Attractive in a simple, warm fat way. Would be fun at $15 but at $28 its not so funny.Prices:| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Palo Alto Reserva 2009
Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileRipe cassis, black cherry, peppery, savoury, meaty, herbal aromas. Dry, fresh, light palate with meaty, herbal, smoky, savoury, tobacco, barnyard and dried herb flavours. A touch herbaceous but otherwise solid. Would be perfect with barbecue ribs.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $17.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $13.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Napa Valley, California, United StatesOpen spicy, peppery, chocolate, vanilla, prune, cassis jam nose flecked with blackberry jam, bay leaf, tapenade and roasted meat aromas. Big, rich, full, round, intense palate with chalky, youthful tannins. The fruit is rich with vanilla, blackberry kirsch, savoury, coffee, chocolate cedar, tobacco, tomato paste and olive flavours. Big concentration and intensity with some grainy tannin yet to disperse. Give it 2-4 years. It definitely has the fruit to support another five to seven years in bottle.Prices:| BC | $125.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $135.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $149.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $140.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $138.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Blasted Church The Big Bang Theory 2010
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMeaty, earthy, peppery, smoky, spicy, black cherry, chocolate aromas. Round, smooth, fresh palate with a touch of sweetness. Prune black cherry, smoky, earthy, light vanilla cube, chocolate, tobacco leaf flavours. Simple, easy pizza style red.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Montes Classic Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileBlack olive, peppery, savoury, cassis, tobacco and bay leaf aromas. Round, full, slightly tannic palate with peppery, blackberry, cassis, tobacco leaf, minty, olive, leather and vanilla flavours. A bit rustic but offers solid cab character with some intensity and ripeness. Drink now through 2015.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Apalta Valley, Santa Cruz, Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileBig savoury, peppery, spicy, bay leaf and menthol nose with bits of black olive, cassis and smoky, coffee aromas. Ripe, round, smooth palate with some acidity showing through. Big cassis jam, blackberry, savoury, smoky, resin, black olive, dry bay, leather and beef flavours. There is fine fruit concentration a la Apalta but with some Oz style acidity in the back end. Best with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $34.00 | 750ml |
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03 January 2012
85PTS
Primo Amore Moscato NV
Puglia, ItalyA pétillant style with ripe peach, honey and candied ginger and citrus on the nose. Ripe, round, full, sweet palate with fresh acidity. Honey, apricot, ginger, spicy, waxy, floral flavours. Lots of flavour intensity with some good acidity but in a very sweet style. At 7 percent alcohol it is a fun-style patio wine.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Graham Beck The Game Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Robertson, Breede River Valley, South AfricaBig tobacco leaf, cigarette ash, meaty, smoky, roasted bell pepper, cooked tomato aromas. Round, full, warm, juicy but slightly tart palate. The attack has more smoked meat, pepper, tobacco leaf, cigar, cassis, roasted pepper and menthol flavours all on the slightly acidic side. Drink now with grilled meats or chicken.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Casa Silva Doña Dominga Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenère 2010
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileRooty, peppery, menthol, bay, savoury, cassis, meaty, reduced lees. Round, dry, fresh, somewhat light with a bit of a sweet and sour note. Cigarette ash, leafy, peppery, savoury, cassis, olive, menthol flavours. A leafy herbaceous red that reflects its cab and carmenère origins. Try this with lamb chops.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.00 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Napa Angel by Montes Cabernet Sauvignon Aurelio's Selection 2007
Napa Valley, California, United StatesBadly corked, try another.Prices:| BC | $85.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $85.00 | 750ml |
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01 January 2012
88PTS
Three Saints Steak House Red 2007
Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesA cabernet sauvignon, syrah merlot blend that is surprisingly leanish and food friendly. We love the refreshing red fruits on the nose and the balanced mid-palate attack. Look for medium to smallish dry tannins in the finish. The name 'Steak House Red Wine is your dinner cue.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Voga Quattro 2009
Veneto, ItalyOpen spicy, grapey nose with bits of tobacco and prune juice. The attack is soft and fragrant with light tannins and sweetish cassis, grape and black cherry flavours. Simple stuff you can serve with meaty pizzas.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Graham Beck Shiraz Viognier 2009
Coastal Region, South AfricaThe shiraz and viognier are co-fermented giving the meaty slightly reduced nose a floral edge. The attack is soft with smoky, rubbery, resin, black fruits flecked with saddle leather and sausage flavours. The finish is warm with more liquorice and savoury notes. A simple red. Try it with barbecued ribs.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $17.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Quartage 2008
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThis label continues to impress us with its balance; not too much acid and not too much sweet fruit. Look for blueberry and red liquorice aromas and flavours with supple textures flecked with plums blueberry and a savoury olive finish. Prime rib, lamb chops or grilled steaks all work here.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Black Hills Nota Bene 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA much welcomed hint of ripeness helps to supress Nota Bene's signature herby resiny characters. I know green wines are fashionable but underripe is never attractive in this cabernet sauvignon dominated blend. Expect a fairly smooth entry of red fruits and resiny leafy notes with flecks of cassis and plums. Tannins are well managed and soft with a medium long, earthy finish. Best we've tasted in years.Prices:| BC | $53.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Star Angel by Montes Syrah 2007
Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, Central Coast, California, United StatesTypically deep, dark, dense and Paso, this Aurelio Montes project embraces the power and extract of Paso Robles. Look for rich aromas and flavours of spicy blueberries, cassis and all with a dollop of showy oak. It needs something like a leg of lamb at this stage but five to seven years in bottle should help it settle down.Prices:| US | $38.00 | 750ml |
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February 2012