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Tastings: April 2012
30 April 2012
88PTS
Barone Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico 2009
Tuscany, ItalyIntense spicy, meaty nose with plum, cherry, sandalwood, floral, peppery aromas. Round, ripe, smooth, fresh and elegant palate with light tannins. Smoky, gamey, liquorice, black cherry, plum, cedar and leather flavours with a cardamom and vanilla note. Open foward, fruity, juicy style for all consumers.Prices:| AB | $26.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $26.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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29 April 2012
88PTS
Altos Las Hormigas Clasico Malbec 2010
Mendoza, ArgentinaThe Clasico is 100% malbec grapes grown over 800 metres on similar soils all with low vigor in Lujan de Cujo and Valle de Uco from all the classic sites. The wine is vinified separately by site before the final blend is made. It's aged using new French and American oak insert staves. The 2010 has an enticing mix of red and black fruit flavours streaked with dried herbs, pepper and smoky notes. The wine is made by Alberto Antonini and Attilio Pagli. A classy almost Euro style red for the dinner table.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Gazela Vinho Verde NV
Vinho Verde, Northern Portugal, PortugalNot surprisingly refreshing at 9 percent alcohol and under screwcap with a pinch of CO2 to liven it up on the palate. The nose is mix of citrus and green melon, guava and mineral notes. The wine is colourless but the attack fresh with more citrus water and fresh fruit. Think summer salads and alfresco dining. Good value here and crazy cheap in the US at $4.99.Prices:| BC | $9.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Barone Ricasoli Campo Ceni 2010
Tuscany, ItalyDry peppery, meaty, prune, cherry aromas with bits of tobacco, light balsamic undertones. Soft, round, smooth palate with smoky, cherry, prune plum, earthy, tobacco flavours flecked with spicy, weedy, meaty flavours. Simple, easy sipping style for the use around the barbecue.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Soleus by MontGras Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Region del Valle Central, ChileGrapefruit rind, passion fruit, nettle, jalapeno, light herbal nose. Fresh, juicy, fairly dry palate with medium concentration and herbal, grapefruit, gooseberry, earthy, nettle flavours. Balanced and pure if simple. Clams anyone?Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Yalumba Y Series Vermentino 2011
South Australia, AustraliaOpen fresh pear, lime, lees nose with lemon rind and slightly smoky herb aromas. Fresh, crisp, elegant palate with thyme, grapefruit, pear, lemon and floral flavours. Simple, refreshing style for summer seafood.Prices:| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $18.00 | 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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88PTS
Il Poggione Rosso di Montalcino 2008
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalySpicy, peppery, tobacco, prune, black cherry, meaty, savoury, barnyard, leather, carrot top, and floral aromas. Dry, fresh slightly tight palate with light tannins and medium body. Classic cherry, tobacco, pepper and earth flavours with ash, carrot top, slightly herbal, olive flavours and a smoky, gamey finish. Lean but Tuscan and this will be fine with most grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $26.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $31.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Domaine de L'Olivette Red 2008
Corbières, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceRich peppery, savoury, smoky, resin, meaty nose flecked with tobacco, black cherry and blackberry aromas. Smooth, round, rich palate with a bit of warmth but with fine concentration. More black cherry, blackberry, resin, liquorice and savoury smoky meat and dried herb flavours. This certified organic wine is full flavoured and ready to drink with beef or lamb. Great value in a versatile food wine.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Gayda Figure Libre White 2009
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceQuince, floral, green apple, ginger, anise, spicy, earthy, lemon oil aromas. Round, full, dry, slightly austere palate with apple skin, quince, guava, butter, honey, lemon and dried herb flavours. Good intensity if a bit flat at the end. Drink now. Solid value.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Gayda Figure Libre Red 2010
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceBig liquorice garrigue and tobacco nose with leather savoury, barnyard, black cherry, blackberry, floral smoky notes. Fresh, dry, warm, juicy palate with smoky leather, peppery, plum, black cherry, tobacco, black olive tapenade, cedar and earth flavours. Solid fruit with a slightly austere finish but fine for food. Super value here.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
E Epiphany Gypsy 2008
Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesMedium ruby colour with peppery, liquorice, herbal, resin, cherry, black plum and smoky tobacco aromas. Soft, round, smooth, warm palate. Cedar bark, cocoa, chocolate, tobacco, leafy, herbal, smoky, caraway, black, cherry, rooty flavours. Suave but very warm on the finish with a strong herbal streak.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Gérard Bertrand Château L'Hospitalet La Reserve La Clape 2010
La Clape, Coteaux du Languedoc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceAnother success from the producer. We love the savoury, garrigue, smoked pepper nose flecked with blackberry, black plum, liquorice and floral, meaty, tapenade notes. Ripe and supple with a juicy palate of meaty, smoky red pepper, resin and mesquite flavours with plum, black cherry, tobacco and saddle leather notes. Very southern Rhone-like but fresh and balanced for near term consumption. Fine value here.Prices:| BC | $26.50 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
M. Chapoutier Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Blanc 2011
Côtes du Roussillon, Roussillon, Sud de France, FranceFloral, honey, ginger, quince, baked pear and lemon oil aromas. Soft, round, fruity, juicy palate with lime rind, honey, ginger, spicy, orange and baked pear flavours. Good fruit and ripeness but with soft acidity. drink now with summer fare.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
The Big Easy 2009
Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesMuch like the last edition the style is big with smoky, peppery, blackberry, floral, ginger, plum jam, cedar and garrigue aromas. The attack is fresh with medium tannins and plenty of alcohol. Full bodied with cedar, clove, vanilla, chocolate, blackberry jam, tobacco, leather and garrigue flavours with a cocoa/dried herb finish. Fine fruit and concentration but with a lot of alcohol and sweet oak on the finish. Not for the timid red wine drinker.Prices:| BC | $39.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $35.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Penfolds Bin 138 Shiraz - Mourvèdre - Grenache 2009
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaCedar, cocoa, black raspberry jam, black pepper, liquorice, coffee, floral, rooty, resin, smoky game aromas. Fresh, smooth, round, juicy, warm palate with a touch of tannin. Black raspberry jam, plum, peppery, spicy, smoky, liquorice, coffee, vanilla, and tobacco flavours. Good fruity, warm style that is ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $35.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $35.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $38.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Domaine de Vedilhan 2010
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceExpressive honey, floral, butter, orange, ginger, apricot, pear aromas. Round, fresh, juicy attack with just a hint of sweetness. The flavours mix apricot, orange peel, ginger, spicy, honey, pineapple and mint flavours. Good concentration and juicy fruit in a riper style. Very good value here and under screw cap closure too.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Craggy Range Sophia 2009
Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New ZealandThe 09 Sophia boasts the most cabernet sauvignon ever at 25 per cent mix seven per cent cabernet franc and three percent petit verdot. The nose mixes pepper, smoky, cedar, tobacco, resin and liquorice with streaks of menthol, chocolate vanilla saddle leather and cassis. Round, full, smooth, fresh palate with supple fine grained tannins. Smoky prune, coffee, vanilla, peppery, blackberry, anise flavours entice with flecks of orange, tobacco, leather and cranberry mint. Good finesse if a bit soft and warm on the finish. Approachable now but should develop more over the next two to four years. Impressive merlot.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $67.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Cuvée Mythique Rouge 2009
Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceOpen peppery, resin, tobacco, black olive, smoke and rosemary mix with bits of black cherry, saddle leather and gamey notes. Dry, fresh, juicy, somewhat lean entry with black cherry, plum, savoury, tobacco leaf, garrigue and olive flavours. Fruity yet lean and a touch tart on the finish. Good value here.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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23 April 2012
88PTS
Mission Hill Rosé Five Vineyards 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMission Hill's 'Five Vineyard' lineup is a steady as it gets and the Mission Hill Rosé Five Vineyards 2011 has become hard to beat for the money. This year's edition is light pink with a watery edge. The attack is fresh and lively with juicy citrus watermelon strawberries aromas and flavours with some pretty floral notes in the background. Ten grams of residual sugar make it both gulp-able and equally at home with spicy dishes.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.50 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Baillie-Grohman Pinot Gris 2011
Creston, British Columbia, CanadaYear two brings big improvement starting with a cleaner, fresher nose and palate. There's also more acidity too that livens up the green apple, flinty fruit flecked with lime rind, dried herbs and mineral notes. A delicate balanced, food-friendly and generally impressive gris from such a young site. Go Creston.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
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17 April 2012
89PTS
Two Paddocks Pinot Noir 2009
Central Otago, South Island, New ZealandCherry jam, barnyard, saddle leather, thyme, prune, smoky, savoury, vanilla, compost aromas. Smooth, rich, warm, round, fresh palate with compost, root beer, prune, strawberry jam, celery salt, dried herb, peppery, menthol, vanilla flavours. A slightly chunky but full style that should improve over the next 1-3 years.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Taylor Fladgate Late Bottled Vintage Port 2007
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalTaylor has gone back to a brighter, fresher, and in MHO, better looking white label. Expect a big black pepper, blackberry, black liquorice/prune nose flecked with tobacco, dried fig, orange peel and spicy caramel notes. The attack is supple but with fine acidity and sugar balance and rich blackberry, cedar, tobacco, peppery, licorice root and smoky, resin, baked prune/plum, menthol flavours. A slightly drier style but good intensity to drink now or keep a few years with some tannin to help. Well done.Prices:| QC | $21.50 | 750ml |
| NS | $22.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.00 | 750ml |
| NL | $21.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $22.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $16.00 | 375ml |
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87PTS
Kendall-Jackson Pinot Noir Vintner's Reserve 2010
California, United StatesCherry, strawberry jam, floral, prune, compost, leather, minty aromas with a hint of carrot top and herb. Smooth, round, fresh, juicy palate with cedar, vanilla, strawberry jam, coconut, tobacco leaf, peppery, carrot top, herbal flavours. Solid, ripe, sweeter pinot style with some light leafy tannins on the finish.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $27.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $30.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Opawa Pinot Noir 2010
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandFloral, celery salt, spicy, strawberry, light barnyard, raspberry, thyme and vanilla aromas. Fresh, dry, juicy, slightly leaner but elegant style. Sour cherry, strawberry, tobacco leaf, compost, thyme, orange, licorice root and herb flavours. Good intensity and very juicy acidity on the finish.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Quails' Gate Pinot Noir 2010
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeppery, tobacco leaf, rooty, rhubarb, floral, celery salt, dill aromas with a light cherry note. Dry, fresh, lean, elegant palate with some light, cedary tannin. Compost, herbal, cedar bark, rhubarb, leafy, raspberry, rooty. A cool, pure, savoury, herbal style.Prices:| SK | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $30.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $30.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $30.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Villa Maria Pinot Noir Private Bin 2009
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandSpicy, celery salt, strawberry jam, tobacco leaf, light smoke and vanilla aromas. Smooth, fresh, supple, elegant palate with celery salt, strawberry, spicy, savoury, thyme and tobacco flavours. Juicy, simple but attractive style for current drinking. Tasty if a bit pricey.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Arrowleaf Solstice Pinot Noir 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPerfumed, compost, barnyard, herbal, carrot, rhubarb aromas. Soft, flat, smooth palate with some acidity freshness. Smoky, stewed rhubarb, compost, coffee, herbal, tobacco leaf, meaty, sour cherry flavours with a light oaky, medicinal finish.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
G. Marquis Single Vineyard Stone Road Pinot Noir 2010
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaRhubarb, raspberry, smoky, bacon, herbal, perfumed, barnyard aromas. Dry, tart, light palate with cologne, rhubarb, herbal, compost, tobacco, dill, coffee, chocolate flavours. Pretty light and somewhat artificial.Prices:| AB | $23.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Closson Chase Pinot Noir Churchside 2009
Prince Edward County, Ontario, CanadaBig smoky bacon, vanilla, coffee, rhubarb, raspberry, compost, peppery, barnyard, saddle leather aromas. Dry, elegant, fresh, somewhat lean palate with rhubarb, raspberry, smoky, herbal, compost, tobacco leaf, menthol, light Band-Aid. Some light, cedary tannins on the elegant but tight finish. Will be good with fowl.Prices:| ON | $50.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Closson Chase Pinot Noir Closson Chase Vineyard 2009
Prince Edward County, Ontario, CanadaSmoky, cedar, barnyard, tobacco leaf, cherry, bacon, strawberry, carrot top aromas. Dry, elegant, fresh, juicy palate with some light tannins. Strawberry, raspberry leaf, peppery, smoky, tobacco, celery, carrot top, coffee flavours. Simple but has some potential to age and soften the light, green tea tannins on the finish.Prices:| ON | $40.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Quails' Gate Stewart Family Reserve Pinot Noir 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCool rhubarb, cherry, coffee, tobacco leaf, celery salt, savoury, light barnyard aromas. Round, dry, smooth, elegant palate with very light tannins. Cherry, strawberry, sage, dried herb, tobacco, celery, smoky coffee, vanilla, gamey, liquorice flavours. Solid balance and finesse in a cool but slightly oaky style. Needs a year or two to integrate.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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16 April 2012
89PTS
Clos du Soleil Capella 2010
Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2010 represents another evolution in the short history of this sauvignon blanc with a five percent dash of sémillon. The nose is fresh but round with grassy, grapefruit, passion fruit notes easily expressed by the use of neutral oak. The attack is similar with fresh restrained almost austere notes of lemon, grapefruit, grass and nettle with mineral overtones. A terrific food wine from the underrated Similkameen Valley.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Rocca delle Macie Chianti Classico Riserva 2007
Florence, Tuscany, ItalyPeppery, tobacco, ash, black licorice, plum, black berry, sweaty saddle leather, meaty, vanilla and game aromas. Round, dry, full, warm palate with smooth tannins and good acidity balance. Meaty, saddle leather, prune, black cherry, spicy, coffee, vanilla, tobacco, rooty flavours with a hint of Band-Aid. Finish is slightly astringent but well balanced with good fruit intensity to drink now and over the next 2-3 years.Prices:| BC | $34.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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14 April 2012
87PTS
Yalumba Y Series Sangiovese Rosé 2011
South Australia, AustraliaThe Y Series rosé is all sangiovese from two Barossa sites and one in Wrattonbully. The colour is a gorgeous watermelon pink, the nose a mix of citrus and minerality with a wisp of dried herbs and strawberry. The attack is fresh with strong, earthy (sangiovese?)cranberry flavours with a tart citrus undercurrent. Clean with a dry lip smacking finish calling for simply prepared west coast seafood dishes or curries. Good value.Prices:| ON | $11.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Quails' Gate Rosé 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFresh tight mineral, sweaty grapefruit, herbal nose. The entry is tight and fresh with a strong leafy citrus entry with bits of rhubarb, dried herbs and tangerine skin in the aftertaste. As is the norm at QG, the rosé is super crisp a touch green and dry waiting for summer foods to set it free. Crab would be ideal but so would chicken tuna and assorted summer salads.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
JoieFarm Rosé Re-Think Pink 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe latest rosé from Joie has a candied red pink colour that often signals a slightly richer version of this gulp-able summer wine style. The base is gamay, no doubt where the colour comes from with additions of pinot noir, pinot meunier and pinot gris in 2011. The nose is mix of burnt caramel, dried herbs, rhubarb and cranberries; the palate is fresh and clean with intense citrus and savoury red fruits. Almost too big to sip solo we suggest cold chicken and potato salad to maximise your enjoyment.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Quinta Ferreira Obra Prima 2008
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen inviting smoky, peppery, tobacco black cherry nose flecked with chocolate, cedar, tar and liquorice aromas. The entry is supple and warm the palate fresh and dry with light tannins. More black cherry, cassis, smoke and coffee notes mixed with vanilla, tobacco, sage and liquorice streaks. Impressive if a bit warm but maturing nicely. Try this with lamb or beef for best results.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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10 April 2012
92PTS
Kenwood Cabernet Sauvignon Artist Series 'Kenwood Rose' 2007
Sonoma County, California, United StatesRipe blackberry, cassis jam, black olive, vanilla, spicy, leather, tobacco, cedar and menthol aromas. Ripe, round, elegant palate with some fine grained tannins. Cedar, smoky, vanilla, peppery, olive, Oxo, blackberry, earthy, tobacco, menthol, leafy flavours. Finish is somewhat oaky with some tannin to shed. Keep for 2-4 years. One of the best Artist Series in many years.Prices:| BC | $75.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $92.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $69.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $69.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Rodney Strong Zinfandel Knotty Vines 2009
Northern Sonoma, Sonoma County, California, United StatesLiquorice root, black cherry jam, chocolate pudding, mint, saddle leather, rubber aromas. Full, round, slightly chunky palate with black cherry, smoky, licorice, leather, chocolate, barnyard, tobacco and vanilla flavours with a coffee finish. Solid, somewhat robust style.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| US | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $26.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesSavoury, spicy, black olive, vanilla, earthy, tobacco, leather aromas with a touch of cassis. Round, dry, smooth palate with very light tannins. Cedar, earthy, vanilla, coffee, black olive, beefy, resin and tobacco flavours with a cooked cassis finish. Easy-drinking, forward style for current drinking.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $28.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Parker Station Pinot Noir 2010
Central Coast, California, United StatesCherry jam, celery salt, rooty, carrot top, earthy, menthol aromas. Fresh, juicy, somewhat sweet entry with cooked cherry, spicy, celery, earthy, fishy, tobacco flavours. Soft simple commercial pinot for immediate drinking.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Peter & Peter Pinot Noir 2010
Pfalz, GermanyRooty, earthy, sweaty leather, cedar, smoky, stewed rhubarb, lifted cherry nose. Fresh. Light, dry palate with low extract. Cedar, rhubarb, sour cherry, smoky, herbal, light barnyard flavours. Simple, light, dirty style.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Plume Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Napa Valley, California, United StatesDark youthful, black purple colour with an open peppery, earthy, blackberry nose flecked with vanilla, coffee, cedar and candied orange aromas. The attack is ripe and round the texture dry with light, grainy tannins. It has restrained, at least for Napa, smoky coffee, cedar, minty blackberry jam and cassis flavours with a resiny, tobacco, chocolate and savoury undercurrent. A solid effort to go with beef or lamb. Plume is a joint venture project with the Okanagan's Stewart family (Quails' Gate) and the Zepponi family of Napa Valley founders of ZD Winery and now working across California in the wine business.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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09 April 2012
89PTS
Bonterra Vineyards Zinfandel 2009
Mendocino County, California, United StatesMcNab Ranch in Mendocino County boats some 378 acres of organic vineyard and is home to most of the zinfandel. The blend mixes 8 per cent petite syrah and 4 percent cabernet sauvignon. It's mostly dry farmed vineyards low yielding vines with no artificial irrigation. The wine spends 8 months in previously used oak barrels and is certified organic on the vineyard and the bottle. Expect a clean, fresh, pure zinfandel with red fruit flavours and spice. Long warm and pleasingly ripe it is ready to drink now with barbecue fare but will keep another year or two under screw capPrices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $21.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Bonterra Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
North Coast Region, California, United StatesA 90/10 blend of Mendocino and Lake County fruit and the 81 percent cabernet sauvignon is joined by a 9/7/3 mix of petite sirah, syrah and carignane. This wine gets more elegant with each passing vintage. The nose is aromatic with spicy, red fruit undertones. The attack mixes soft cherry and cassis fruit with dried herbs, liquorice and well managed tannins. Drink now with your favourite grilled chicken dishes.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $21.00 | 750ml |
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08 April 2012
89PTS
Ridge Three Valleys 2009
Sonoma County, California, United StatesThe easier and earlier drinking Ridge Three Valleys is a blend of fruit from several vineyards and several varieties. Zinfandel makes up about 72 percent of the blend Zinfandel mixed with carignane, petite sirah, syrah, grenache and alicante bouschet. Expect a fresh, spicy plummy fruit nose followed by spicy, rich textures. The palate is warm and spicy with intense red fruit flavours bits of tobacco, earth and cocoa powder. Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $35.00 | 750ml |
| US | $22.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $28.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $27.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $29.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $31.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Ridge Lytton Springs Zinfandel 2009
Sonoma County, California, United StatesFasten your seatbelt this 74/23/6 blend of zinfandel, petite syrah and carignane from the ancient Lytton Springs property in Sonoma County. The blend is aged some 14 months in American oak of which only 18 percent is new, the rest a mix of one, two and three year old wood. The nose is rich and open black fruit, vanilla clove and black liquorice barnyard notes. The palate is similar with dark fruits, black raspberry, fine intensity and length flecked with dried herbs. A great match for a leg of lamb or roast beef. Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $47.00 | 750ml |
| US | $35.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $41.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $47.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Mount Ara Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandSimple fresh, lime rind mineral aromatic nose. The attack is similar with more mineral, grapefruit lime rind and passion fruit character. Fine balance and weight; try this with steamed mussels and garlic.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Echeverria Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Casablanca - Curico, ChileOpen minty savoury, bay leaf notes with bits of black fruit. The attack is soft and round more black cherry fruit with bits of tobacco and mocha. The finish is warm and spicy. Basic red cabernet for hamburgers or grilled meat entrées. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
One Tree Merlot 2008
Hawkes Bay, North Island, New ZealandSoft simple easy-sipping red wine with spicy plummy red fruits and a dusting of herbs and cocoa in the back end. The texture and weight is perfect for the price. Hamburgers, osso buco and meaty pasta dishes are all good matches here.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Babich Gimblett Gravels Hawke's Bay Merlot 2009
Hawkes Bay, North Island, New ZealandFresh aromatic dry earthy nose with bits of black fruit and liquorice. The attack is super dry and the tannins persist drying out the back end of the palate. There is fine weight and perfect merlot texture but it really requires a bit more fruit to be fun to drink. Try it now with lamb or roast beef for best results. Ageing in bottle may allow the fruit component to break through in another year or two.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Quails' Gate Merlot 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSimilar on the nose to last year with cool, floral cedar-y, black cherry aromas with a dusting of dried herbs. The entry is supple and this year the softness extends through the finish. On the palate the wine offers up a spicy, tart, red fruit characters with bits of tobacco and dried cranberries in the finish. All in all a lean northwest merlot that is best served with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $25.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Felino by Viña Cobos Malbec 2010
Mendoza, ArgentinaRooty, tobacco, savoury, peppery, spicy, black cherry aromas. Fresh, smooth juicy palate with peppery, coffee, spicy, tobacco, black berry, liquorice, savoury flavours. There is a bit of acidic pushing through on the finish but it's supported by solid fruit. Ann excellent introductory style of Argentine malbec.Prices:| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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07 April 2012
89PTS
Bonterra Vineyards Chardonnay 2010
Mendocino County, California, United StatesThis is an all-organic chardonnay including the winemaking from Mendocino County ranches. The nose is fresh and clean with citrus and red apple aromas and just a touch of lees/bread dough to lift it above the ordinary. The palate is similar with dry buttery, nutty, citrus, fruit flavours and mineral notes in the background. A modern delicious, healthy food-style white. Try it with fresh halibut and a fruit salsa. Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $21.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe reserve sauvignon gets a dusting of oak to add a bit of weight and texture to what is a mostly skinny wine with nettle, grapefruit, green apple grassy lees aromas and passion fruit flavours. The attack is juicy and fresh and screams for seafood. Try this with west coast oysters or mussels. Well done.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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06 April 2012
86PTS
Moillard Viognier Huges le Juste 2010
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceMoillard has this wine nailed most years now. Expect a lighter floral, light litchi, spicy nose with bits of citrus and pear. The attack is dry and fresh with a lean/watery style with citrus, green apple floral flavours. Good value and a friendly introduction to the French style of this variety.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $16.30 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Vina Zaco Tempranillo 2007
Rioja, SpainDon't let the modern label scare you. This Rioja sporting the 'tempranillo' tag is more classic than new but I'll admit there's more fruit than it used to be in the wines and that's a good thing. Look for earthy red fruit flavours with a bit of that Euro restraint. An affordable wine for mid-week duty.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Secco Bertani Valpolicella Valpantena 2008
Veneto, ItalyThe '09 appears equal to the very good '08 showing as much sweetness as you could expect from Valpolicella while remaining essentially as dry as any Italian wine can be. The mix of mostly corvina Veronese with rondinella and molinara is typically mostly aged in large Slavonian oak casks - 25 percent spends 18 months in French oak. The attack is soft and round with smoky savoury cherry jam flavours. Grilled vegetables or meats are the match.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $21.00 | 750ml |
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03 April 2012
87PTS
Henry Fessy Brouilly Cru du Beaujolais 2010
Brouilly, Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceSpicy, cherry, floral, tobacco, smoky slate aromas. Dry, fresh, juicy, slightly lean but elegant palate with cedar, cherry, raspberry, rooty, earthy, tobacco, peppery flavours. A lighter, fresher style gamay that will go well with duck or pork.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Louis Latour Pinot Noir Domaine de Valmoissine 2009
Vin de Pays du Var, Vin de Pays de Provence, Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceEarthy, spicy, liquorice, meaty, cherry, tobacco and rhubarb aromas with a touch of forest. Fresh, dry, delicate, juicy palate with raspberry, tobacco, orange, peppery, rooty, carrot top, compost flavours with a bit of cedar. Simple, fresh and varietal with balance, a nice surprise for this category.Prices:| NF | $19.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.49 | 750ml |
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02 April 2012
94PTS
O. Fournier Red Blend 2008
Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe Chilean O. Fournier red is made from ungrafted and unirrigated, cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon and carignan grown on sandy soils and yielded a mere 20 hl/ha are at the heart of this blend. The franc was planted around 1890 while the cabernet sauvignon is 100-years old; the carignan is 60-years old. The blend in 08 is 80 percent franc with then ten percent each of sauvignon and carignan and all of it spends 17 months in new French oak. The wine is strikingly lively on the nose and the palate with a fresh style you could call electric. The entry round the textures smooth and chalky, the aromas are sauvage-like with floral/mineral notes. The flavours are spicy, mixing more dried herbs with earthy black fruit. Again the O. Fournier power with elegance is evident. Age this for a decade. Only 2-4 000 bottles are made each year. Expected release in 2013.Prices:| US | $80.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
O. Fournier Alfa Centauri Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc Merlot 2008
Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileThis wine has been well decorated and rightly so. The nose is all about the franc with its menthol savoury, bay leaf notes. I can't say it's my favourite style but it's typical and correct. The colour is opaque and as brooding as its dark peppery, black liquorice and black fruit flavours. Again the dried herbs and spice dominate the fruit but the old 100-125-year old vines add a lushness and vibrato to this wine that resonates throughout the finish. Best with grilled meats now but you could easily cellar it through 2018. Aged 18 months in new French oak barrels and bottled unfined and unfiltered.Prices:| US | $55.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
O. Fournier Centauri Red Blend 2009
Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe blend results from a single tasting done during the only racking after one year. The blend favours the house style that is terroir/site-driven, food friendly and capable of aging as opposed to the fruitier style. In 2009 the blend is 45 percent 120-years old cabernet franc, 25 percent merlot, 20 percent cabernet sauvignon with only 10 percent carignan due to a tough year for the carignan. The nose is surprisingly floral and spicy with hints of black fruit. The palate is huge with warm rich fruit characters and quite a lot of power but the tannins are soft and the acidity adequate. A more new world blend this time out with rich smooth velvety fruit and plenty of alcohol. Try this one with lamb.Prices:| US | $27.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
O. Fournier Centauri Carignan Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2008
Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe blend results from a single barrel tasting done during a single racking and the blending favour the house style that is terroir/site-driven and food friendly that age as opposed to the fruitier style. The '08 Centauri mixes 45/30/25 carignan, cabernet sauvignon and merlot given 28 days of total maceration before aging 12 months in first and second year old French barrels. The nose is a mix of black fruits with hints of iodine and dried herbs. The attack is fresh with fine minerality and floral notes that precede its chalky soft tannins textures. The fruit is black and juicy with more savoury grilled meat notes in the finish. Another Maule red blend that over delivers for the price.Prices:| US | $27.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Auslese ** 2010
Mosel, GermanyThis 2 star auslese is essentially BA level and what a wine. Floral, honey, mango, pineapple, green apple, apricot, botrytis egg yolk, orange and lime aromas. Ripe, rich, crisp, juicy, intense palate. Red apple, pineapple, lime, orange, nectarine, spicy, slate, eggy flavours with a very juicy, crisp, vibrant finish. Incredible flavours and concentration and exceptionally high acidity and sugar should allow this wine to age for 40 years. Tasted in full bottles.Prices:| BC | $70.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
O. Fournier Urban Red Blend 2009
Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe all Maule fruit mix is 50/25/20/5 cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot and the secret weapon carignan. The vines are mix of ages from 40 to 100 years old that are cane pruned and get limited flood irrigation. Low-ish yields of 50 hl/ha lead to a wonderful red with an open fresh savoury nose with a touch of fresh oak. Delicious drinking is a fine description of this inexpensive red packed full of plummy savoury dark fruit with bits of liquorice and vanilla. Crazy value in a red blend with style.Prices:| US | $12.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
O. Fournier Urban Red Blend 2010
Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileJose Manuel Ortega dramatically altered the mix in the 2010 shifting to 50/30/10/10 cabernet franc, carignan, cabernet sauvignon and merlot hoping to up the texture and weight of the wine while lowering the fruit and an enhancing more earthy tones. The vines are mix of ages from 40 to 100 years old that are cane pruned and get limited flood irrigation. Indeed the wine is firmer and drier, and perhaps even more food friendly relying on spice, mineral and inviting chalky dusty tannins to attract. T-bone steak jumps immediately to mind.Prices:| US | $12.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
O. Fournier Urban Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileThe 2010 edition is slightly more rugged than its 09 predecessor. The value is still there and the rich black fruit is as big as ever but the textures are a little more rustic and the tannins slightly tougher. It needs another year or two to settle down or serve it now with grilled beef dishes. It is made with 100-plus years old cabernet vines and spends about three months in older French oak. Both unfined and unfiltered.Prices:| US | $12.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
O. Fournier Urban Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileWow. Texture, texture, texture. You are going to love the soft round voluptuous fruit here. The value is crazy when you combine the mouthfeel and the picture perfect spicy fruit flecked with spice, tobacco and floral elements you seldom encountered at this price point. So delicious this would be a barbecue hit all year round in Canada. Did we mention the vines are 100-plus years old and it gets about three months in older French oak. Both unfined and unfiltered. Buy this one by the casePrices:| US | $12.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
O. Fournier Alfa Centauri Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileThe '09 Alfa sauvignon is culled from a smaller part of the vineyard with slightly lower yields. Jose Manuel Ortega respects the Didier Dagueneau method so the wine is all barrel-fermented for 12 months in new 500-litre French oak. The lees is worked for about nine months to add texture and mouthfeel and to balance the intense yellow fruit flavours flecked with dried herbs and tinned asparagus juiced. A paradigm shift for Chilean sauvignon because it will age. This style has a bright future. Well done.Prices:| US | $20.00 | 750ml |
| CDN | $25.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
O. Fournier Centauri Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileThe 2010 Centauri sauvignon is a blend of cane pruned clones 107 and 108 fermented in stainless steel. A small amount (15 per cent) is fermented in French oak to add texture and weight. O. Fournier wants more texture than aroma in his sauvignon and less alcohol when possible. The wines are cork finished but the style and flavours remain crisp and clean. Look for dense rich texture, sweet fruit harvested early to retain its nervousness lined with citrus, tangerine and creamy lees. Sensational style for the price with just enough complexity to think you may have underpaid. Seafood anyone?Prices:| US | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $24.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
O. Fournier Centauri Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileThe 2011 is a slightly richer style but still in an attractive new world style. The attack is ripe and sweet with peppery melon fruit and a touch more alcohol than last year's sauvignon; still the fruit is impressive. Pineapple, melon and lime dominate the palate. The finish is exuberant and fresh with impressive texture and ripeness. Good but likely not typical of what this wine will be going forward. O. Fournier's 2010 Centauri Sauvignon Blanc is a blend of cane pruned clones 107 and 108 fermented in stainless steel. A small amount (15 per cent) is fermented in French oak to add texture and weight. This wine should be sold everywhere in Canada.Prices:| US | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $25.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese 2009
Mosel, GermanyRed apple, floral, nectarine, guava, orange, lime, lees, slightly waxy aromas with a hint of botrytis. Rich, fresh, juicy, sweet palate with good acidity balance. Lots of apricot, lime, green apple, honey, waxy, guava, mango and floral flavours. Concentrated with finesse and acidity balance, drink now or keep for 20 years. Made from vines over 40 years old.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 375ml |
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89PTS
Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Kabinett 2008
Mosel, GermanyGreen apple, slate, struck matchstick, slightly smoky, guava and lime aromas. Fresh, juicy, crisp and slightly sweet palate with earthy, slate, lime, green apple, light petrol flavours. Good finesse and balance but a touch short on the finish. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $31.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Masi Modello Rosso delle Venezie 2010
Verona, Veneto, ItalyFresh dry light easy-sipping red in the drier slightly more acidic style. The flavours are a mix of red fruits with a touch of earth and pepper. Basic red wine that would be suited to a four cheese pizza.Prices:| QC | $40.25 | 1500ml |
| NS | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $15.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.50 | 750ml |
| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $14.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Spätlese 2009
Mosel, GermanyFloral, honey, nectarine, slate, guava, lime and green apple aromas with a wild yeast note. Juicy, fresh, crisp palate with good sweetness balance. Mango, nectarine, lime, green apple, slate, orange and apricot flavours. Fruity finish with good concentration and finesse.Prices:| BC | $39.00 | 750ml |
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01 April 2012
88PTS
Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc Private Bin 2011
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandYou can pretty much set your watch by this wine each year. Consistently fresh and clean it is the best pure Marlborough sauvignon for the money in our market. Passion fruit, oyster liqueur with bits of jalapeño introduce the front palate followed by citrus, passion fruit and dried herbs. Mussels anyone.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $20.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Cantinian Malbec 2010
Perdriel District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaSpicy, smoky, sausage meat, liquorice nose with resin, black cherry, savoury aromas and a touch of prune. Dry, fresh, slightly tight palate with cedar, peppery, savoury, black cherry, resin, rooty, tobacco and leather flavours. A bit light on concentration and warm on the finish but solid effort.Prices:| BC | $16.80 | 750ml |
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May 2012