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Tastings: May 2012
22 May 2012
91PTS
Champagne Larmandier-Bernier Latitude Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs NV
Champagne, FranceMade with natural yeast and malolactic fermentation, this has very fine mousse with toasty floral, baked apple, pear, nutty, citrus aromas. Fresh, elegant, creamy, toasty, nutty, spicy, baked pear and honey flavours. Good toasty, brioche, creamy mousse finish. Nice finesse in a more mature style for those that like it extra nutty and toasty.Prices:| BC | $76.99 | 750ml |
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21 May 2012
96PTS
Champagne Krug Grande Cuvée 169èmé Brut NV
Champagne, FranceGrand Cuvée is the signature Krug. So intense, so electric, so dry and fresh. Is this really made with grapes? A high proportion of reserve wine from ten or more vintages lend it a nutty, mature flavour flecked with citrus, honey, quince, lemon and mineral flavours. Long, persistent, incredibly nuanced it has no peer among multi-vintage blends.Prices:| BC | $285.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $289.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $290.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $313.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $280.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $295.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Villa Maria Pinot Noir Private Bin 2010
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandReliable most every year the 2010 opens with spicy, celery salt, smoky cherry fruit nose. The attack is round and generous with more earthy plummy juicy cherry fruit and soft, slippery tannins. It was a perfect foil to duck with Chinese chives.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Artazuri Garnacha Rosado 2011
Navarra and Basque Country, SpainA pale pink colour previews a very fresh floral, earthy, cherry mineral nose. On the palate this garnacha is soft and juicy with fresh raspberry, mineral, cherry fruit flavours with a pinch of spice. Think summer, picnics, beach, patio and a variety of suitably light and fresh menu items to make it all work. Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Stags' Leap Petite Sirah 2008
Napa Valley, California, United StatesStags' Leap is perhaps best known for its Petite Sirah, which comes from a handful of very old vines on the estate and from other sites in the northern part of the valley. The attack is smooth and generous with plenty of sweet concentrated blackberry fruit and dark peppery, raspberry chocolate flavours. There are also small bits of syrah, grenache and mourvèdre to add complexity and balance to the blend. Big bold and delicious. Try it with lamb dishes to best effect.Prices:| NB | $46.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $45.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $45.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $48.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $55.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Les Clos de Paulilles 2009
Côte Vermeille, Roussillon, Sud de France, FranceAt 90 hectares of Les Clos de Paulilles is the largest vineyard in the Collioure/Banyuls appellation nestled up against the Spanish border and planted to syrah, mourvèdre and grenache noir. The 2009 is similar in style and quality to the 2007 once again showing a rich spicy mineral scented nose with savoury black fruit aromas and flavours with a savoury liquorice finish. Fairly rich in soft tannins that will require a serious piece of beef to tame or another decade in the cellar.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Langmeil Three Gardens SMG 2017
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThe latest Three Gardens is a 43/37/20 mix of Barossa shiraz, grenache and mourvèdre. The style is typically Oz with spicy bright red and dark fruits with some mid-palate acidity poking through. The finish is soft and warm with more blackberry cherry liquorice and chocolate notes. Ready to drink now with lamb chops or grilld pork or cellar through 2017.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $27.00 | 750ml |
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20 May 2012
86PTS
Perseus Synergy Pinot Grigio 2010
Penticton Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSurprisingly fresh and bright on the nose and palate. The entry is soft, almost creamy with bright peachy fruit with bits of nectarine skin and honey in the finish. Ready to drink and fruity enough to work with spicy dishes. A fine first effort.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
No. 8 Wire Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandBasic Marlborough sauvignon style. Aromatic, grassy capsicum passion fruit nose with bits of melon and grapefruit rind, nettle and dried herbs. Ready to drink with steamed mussels or clams.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Luigi Bosca Malbec Single Vineyard 2009
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThe Bosca single vineyard malbec comes from the "La Linda" site at Vistalba in the DOC of Lujan de Cuyo that was created in 1989. The power and finesse of this wine is immediately noticeable on the nose and palate. Look for a rich soft ripe black fruit nose and plate. With bits of dark chocolate, liquorice and vanilla. The attack is super supple and long with sweet, ripe, black currant fruit and minerality swimming in the finish. Hedonistic yet serious and deserving of 14 months in oak. Cellar for five years or serve now with roasted lamb.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Gray Monk Pinot Gris 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFriendly ripe and sweet best describes the latest Gray Monk gris. The winery's signature is overtly ripe offering a mix of mineral, red apple with honey, litchi notes. The attack is similar with cherry citrus honey melon flavours. The palate is appealing, if a bit on the sweet side, but this makes it the perfect wine to accompany and cool down spicy, Pan-Asian dishes.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tinhorn Creek Pinot Gris 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLoving the lower alcohol in 2011 (13.5) and the wine's fresh palate and creamy textures. The attack is slightly off-dry, or is it that ripe fruit, but with freshness and mouth feel that makes it so easy to sip. Less honey and earth and little more citrus and green apple with a pinch of dried herbs. The fruit is a mix of Black Sage Bench and Golden Mile Bench. Well done. Fish tacos anyone?Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Valle Las Acequias Malbec Oak 2007
Medrano, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaWe like this old vine version of malbec (85+ years) that delivers intensity with finesse and style and plenty of red fruits and floral undertones. The fruit is ripe but not over the top with flecks of cranberry and crushed black pepper. The palate is fresh with savoury red fruit flavours and spice. A slightly cooler version than the 2006 but still enjoyable and ready to drink. Try this with your favourite firm cheese or meat dish.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $24.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Vistalba Corte C 2009
Vistalba District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThis wine continues to impress each year it arrives. There is a pureness of fruit that attracts with minty, bay leaf, mineral black fruit aromas. The attack is soft but dense with fine mid-palate tasting of cassis, currants and coffee with savoury, floral dried herbs. Finer concentration and balance. Drink or hold for three to five years or serve now with your favourite cut of steak.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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19 May 2012
91PTS
Dog Point Vineyard Section 94 2010
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandA more subtle version of the regular DP sauvignon with a pronounced, chalky minerality and a strong citrus undercurrent. The attack has a buttery, creamy lees underbelly with lemon and oyster liqueur notes throughout the finish. An intense, rich, complex white that steps out of the norm of most Marlborough sauvignon. Unique, food-friendly and age worthy; need we say more.Prices:| AB | $44.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $47.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Dog Point Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandOpen fresh intense nose of passion fruit nettle yeast minerality and citrus. The attack is fresh the acidity electric. The attack is fresh and with tropical fruit characters and more nettle lemongrass and ripe melon. Lovely fresh serious sauvignon for a variety of white cheeses or west coast shell fish. This will hold a number of years under screwcap but it's drinking perfectly well now.Prices:| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $21.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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18 May 2012
85PTS
Flat Roof Manor Pinot Grigio 2011
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaMuch the same as the previous version this simple, easy sipping white shows appears as if it is half sauvignon blanc. The entry is soft and round with fresh, lemony peachy fruit with a hint of honey. There is enough residual sugar here to work with spicy appetizers. Good value.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $14.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $15.50 | 750ml |
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13 May 2012
86PTS
Escorihuela 1884 Extra Brut 2011
Mendoza, ArgentinaGreen apple, honey, light lees, floral, pear aromas. Fresh, juicy, somewhat foamy palate with light sweetness. Pear skin, toasty, floral, baked apple and honey flavours. Fresh, juicy fruit and somewhat sweet finish. Easy-sipping style.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Pergolo Prosecco Extra Dry NV
Veneto, ItalyLots of foamy mousse with floral, spicy, pear and slate aromas. Fresh, foamy, off dry palate with light lees, perfume, pear and apple skin flavours. Simple, easy-sipping, drier style in a value bubble. Weddings anyone?Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Miguel Torres Cordillera Chardonnay 2011
Valle del Limari, ChileGreen apple, pea shoot, honey, citrus, spicy lees, light vanilla aromas. Round, fresh, sweet entry with green apple, citrus, honey, lime, pear skin and vanilla flavour. Good acidity and flavours but way too sweet to be taken too seriously. Try it with spicy fare.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Taittinger Brut Reserve NV
Champagne, FranceIdentical twin to last edition with toasty, honey, baked pear, light strawberry and citrus aromas. Fresh, clean, fairly dry and very elegant with fine mousse. Light toasty, pear skin, citrus, baked green apple, honey, strawberry, citrus flavours. Refined and balanced on the finish. A consistently delicious and attractive style.Prices:| BC | $74.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Taittinger Prélude Grands Crus NV
Champagne, FranceVery pale yellow colour previews a fine, tight bead of continuous mousse. Honey, toasted, baked pear nose with dry citrus, light floral and green apple aromas with a touch of strawberry. Crisp, juicy, full palate with some sweetness along with a rich toasty, nutty, spicy, baked pear, apple skin, honey, butter and lemon flavours. Full, rich style but with some austerity and restraint in the backend. Perfect for lightly spiced, Asian dishes.Prices:| BC | $95.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Champagne Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2000
Champagne, FrancePale yellow with fine, continuous bead. Bright fresh floral, nutty, toasted nose with baked green apple, citrus, light honey. The attack is juicy and crisp with some a hint of sweetness (ripe fruit) but good balance and fine mousse. The flavours are intense reminiscent of baked green apple, butter, toasted nuts, honey, peach pit and citrus flavours. Long and flavourful, quite concentrated and ripe but all with elegance and lightness. A bit riper than last vintage but intense with fine acidity.Prices:| AB | $200.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $180.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Montecillo Crianza 2008
Rioja, SpainBig meaty, barnyard, prune, medicinal, Bandaid, stewed carrot aromas. Fresh, easy, dry palate with light tannins. Carrot, meat, resin, peppery, cherry, barnyard, sweaty saddle and menthol flavours. Finish is rustic. A step back in time.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $17.16 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $20.00 | 750ml |
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12 May 2012
89PTS
De Martino Legado Reserva Chardonnay 2011
Valle del Limari, ChileLike last edition, open baked apple, pear, spicy lees, creamy, vanilla, light butterscotch, citrus and mango aromas. Fresh, juicy, round, slightly sweet entry with grapefruit, honey, peach, pineapple, creamy lees and light vanilla flavours. Good fruity, juicy consumer style with some intensity. Halibut with a fruit salsa would be afine match.Prices:| MB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Kumeu River Hunting Hill Chardonnay 2007
Kumeu, North Island, New ZealandLovely open baked pear, spicy lees, nutty, honey, flinty nose with butter, melon and peach flecks. The attack is fresh and dry with juicy, creamy but slightly austere flavours of baked red apple, lime, honey, mango, flinty, vanilla, pear skin and nutty lees flavours all with a stony note. A bit leaner on the finish but with richer extract when compared to Mate's Vineyard. This one needs a bit more tine in bottle but will be an excellent wine in the end.Prices:| NS | $48.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $45.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Kumeu River Mate's Vineyard Chardonnay 2007
Kumeu, North Island, New ZealandVery nutty, creamy, spicy lees aromas with gun flint, vanilla, honey, peach and melon aromas with a bit of baked pear. Fresh, elegant, juicy palate with honey, clove, butter, spicy lees, nutty, grapefruit and pineapple flavours. Finish is quite dry and austere with lots of fruit and good concentration. Expect this to improve in the bottle through 2015.Prices:| NS | $48.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $45.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Kumeu River Village Chardonnay 2008
Kumeu, North Island, New ZealandHoney, peach pit, spicy lees, nutty, creamy, baked pear, red apple aromas. Fresh, dry, elegant palate with juicy pear, baked apple, honey, melon rind, spicy lees, guava and lime flavours with a bit of vanilla and apple skin on the finish. Should be a perfect match for a wide swath of West Coast seafood.Prices:| NS | $23.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Kumeu River Estate Chardonnay 2007
Kumeu, North Island, New ZealandNutty, flinty, honey, spicy lees, floral, peach skin and citrus aromas. Ripe, full, round and juicy palate with honey, nutty lees, cream, clove, melon, guava, baked peach and citrus flavours. Good intensity and balance with a touch of austerity. A delicious drinking chardonnay and very food friendly. Incredible value in Ontario.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Six Hats Shiraz 2010
Western Cape, South AfricaOpen smoky, barnyard, leather SA nose with blackberry, liquorice root, meaty, savoury aromas and a touch of rubber or reduction. Fresh, smooth, round palate with a peppery, smoked meat, tobacco, blackberry, menthol and garrigue flavours with a pruny finish. Interesting flavours in a warm rustic red showing some acidity in the finish. Try with grilled meats aka hamburgers.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Wolf Blass Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Malbec 34th Vintage 2006
South Australia, AustraliaBig ripe, lifted nose with blackberry jam, prune, cassis, vanilla, coffee, balsamic, meaty, blueberry, waxy, tobacco aromas. Full, ripe, round, dry palate with some young tannins and some warmth. Smoky, coffee, vanilla, blueberry jam, cassis jam, peppery, licorice, cigar, resin, compote flavours. Finish is very warm, tart and somewhat astringent. Needs a few years in the bottle to mellow out or serve now with a grilled piece of meat.Prices:| BC | $100.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $100.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $100.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $95.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $100.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $87.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $91.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $100.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Arrowleaf Zweigelt 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCedar, cocoa, chocolate, menthol, prune, barnyard, liquorice aromas. Soft, round, easy palate with cocoa, chocolate, prune, earthy, barnyard, meaty, smoked leather and herb flavours. Well balanced if somewhat rustic.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Arrowleaf Solstice Reserve 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTobacco, meaty, leather, prune, cherry jam, menthol, vanilla, cocoa, chocolate, roast tomato aromas. Ripe, round, dry, smooth palate with chocolate, prune, peppery, riparian, tobacco, menthol, meaty flavours with a warm, juicy finish. Solid if unusual.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Osborne Solaz Shiraz Tempranillo 2009
Valdepeñas, Castilla-La Mancha, SpainOpen tobacco, prune, leafy, earthy nose with candied cherry aromas. Soft, round, fresh, sweet entry with gritty tannin. Bitter cherry, smoky, herbal, tobacco leaf flavours with peppery, candied orange peel flavours. Lacks balanced and is bitter on the finish.Prices:| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $13.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.00 | 750ml |
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81PTS
Osborne Solaz Tempranillo Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Valdepeñas, Castilla-La Mancha, SpainCooked prune aromas with bits of cocoa, cedar bark, floral, tobacco leaf and green cassis. The attack is soft and sweet with cola, cocoa, stewed prunes, chocolate, leafy, green cedar flavours. A simple, sweet commercial style red.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $14.25 | 750ml |
| SK | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $14.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Junta Winery Chile Carménère Syrah Reserve 2010
Valle del Curicó, Region del Valle Central, ChileSmoky, herbal, menthol, meaty, roast tomato nose with bits of cocoa and blackberry. Round, fresh, somewhat sweet entry with more cocoa, coffee, herbal, menthol, savoury, tobacco leaf flavours. Green and sweet not the best combination for red wine.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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10 May 2012
90PTS
Dog Point Vineyard Chardonnay 2009
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandGrapefruit, nutty lees, honey, floral, vanilla, toasty, buttery, baked pear and passion fruit aromas. Ripe, round, fresh, juicy, slightly sweet palate with creamy, spicy, honey, pineapple, passion fruit, butter, vanilla and citrus flavours. Good finesse and fruit in a more modern style. Well done.Prices:| AB | $39.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $40.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $47.00 | 750ml |
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09 May 2012
87PTS
Hillside Pinot Noir 2010
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2010 is the first pinot noir at Hillside that is grown on Naramata bench and guess what, it has real pinot character. The team at Hillside under winemaker Kathy Malone is really pulling hard to develop its own identity after all these years and this wine is an excellent start. Expect a pretty strawberry/raspberry nose with a thread of dried herbs and earth. The attack is soft and juicy the palate just the right weight and acidity to set up the soft easy drinking finish. Grilled piazza or tapas would be a good match along with salmon anything.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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08 May 2012
90PTS
Insoglio del Cinghiale 2009
Bolgheri, Tuscany, ItalyInsoglio del Cinghiale is a Maremma-base red and the little brother of Tenuta di Biserno. The blend is an unusual 32/31/32/5/mix of syrah, cabernet franc, merlot and petit verdot and is predictably easy sipping rich and savoury like most Bolgheri reds. As in previous years the style is approachable, that tannins supple with a whack of savoury red fruit and liquorice. A rich country red with a real sense of style. A versatile food wine that should be on many a restaurant list. Good value.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $36.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $29.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Ortas La Domeliére Rasteau 2010
Rasteau, Côtes du Rhône Villages, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceIt's unthinkable that the 2010 could be as good as the 2009 but it may be even better. The mix is a blend of 70/20/10 grenache, syrah and mourvèdre and it grabs your attention from the nose to the finish. The nose is a mix of ripe, red and dark fruit flavours with smoky spicy notes. The entry is fragrant with soft slippery black cherry and plum fruit with bits of kirsch, licorice root and some savoury, meaty notes. This is a barbecue star you should buy by the case. Try it with assorted grilled meats or cellar and drink through 2015.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Tamaya Winemaker's Selection Single Vineyard Syrah 2009
Valle del Limari, ChileBig smoky, black pepper, meaty, tobacco, liquorice root, resin, leather, black cherry, gamey, garrigue aromas with a touch of bacon. Ripe, round, smooth, fresh palate with light tannins. Peppery, savoury, vanilla, black cherry, plum, garrigue, meaty, resin, liquorice and orange flavours. Good intensity and balance for current drinking but should improve over the next few years.Prices:| CDN | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Miguel Torres Cordillera Special Reserve Syrah 2008
Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileBig menthol, savoury, tobacco, earthy, black cherry, vanilla and dried licorice aromas. Rich, round, full palate with some grippy tannins. Black cherry, smoky, savoury, cedar, tobacco, peppery, menthol flavours with a chocolaty, vanilla, game finish. Good intensity if a bit astringent. Drink now with meats or cellar for a year or two and let it further mellow.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $33.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Saint Desirat Syrah 2009
Vin de Pays des Coteaux de l'Ardèche, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceInteresting dry savoury, smoky garrigue aromas with bits of tobacco, liquorice, black cherry and roasted pepper notes. Round, rich, smooth, fresh palate with light dry tannins. Black cherry, smoky, herbal, savoury, tobacco, resin, cedar and roast meat flavours. Solid fruit and intensity but in a fairly lean style with some tartness. Best with grilled lamb, grilled duck or a beef stew.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Arrowleaf Merlot 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig tobacco, prune, barnyard, medicinal, tobacco, balsamic, black cherry aromas. Round, smooth, fresh palate with light, cedar tannins. Peppery, cooked prune, coffee, vanilla, barnyard, saddle leather, tobacco leaf and herb flavours with a bit of orange rind and cedar bark on the finish. A rustic style for barbecued meats.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Arrowleaf Bacchus 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig minty, lemon verbena, floral, app skin, citrus, grapefruit rind aromas. Fresh, juicy, slightly austere palate with grapefruit rind, canned pear, soapy, floral, minty, nettle flavours. Young and juicy for summer spicy seafood.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Shiraz 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeppery, blackberry jam, spicy, chocolate, vanilla, savoury aromas. Fresh, juicy, slightly tannic and sweet entry with plum jam, blackberry, smoky, savoury, cocoa, cedar, vanilla flavours. Warm, jammy finish with lots of fruit and oak.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $24.70 | 750ml |
| SK | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $24.25 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Montes Alpha Syrah 2009
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileMinty, bay, peppery, savoury, tobacco, black cherry, coffee, liquorice, gamey, leather aromas with a touch of blueberry. Rich, full, round but somewhat astringent and chunky palate. Coffee, blueberry jam, blackberry, vanilla, cedar, tobacco, liquorice, peppery, minty, dried herb flavours. Youthful and a bit rustic but good fruit concentration. Needs a few years to round out or decant now and serve with a rich piece of meat.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $29.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $25.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Deakin Estate Shiraz 2009
Victoria, AustraliaPeppery, floral, blackberry, candied plum aromas with a touch of rubber. Smooth, round, fresh, soft palate with spicy, coffee, peppery, blackberry jam and liquorice flavours with a hint of sweetness. Simple, soft and ready to drink. Serve all summer around the barbecue.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Evans and Tate Metricup Road Shiraz 2009
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaOpen spicy, savoury, minty nose with cedar, black cherry, smoky, liquorice roast pepper and tobacco aromas. The attack is dry and smooth, the palate fresh with light tannins. Black cherry, plum, resin, smoky, tobacco, liquorice, peppery, meaty flavours. Good solid style with some tannin to shed on the finish.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Grooner Gruner Veltliner 2009
Niederösterreich, Weinland Österreich, AustriaAttractive slate, spicy, lees nose with a wisp of smoke and lime. Round, fresh, generous entry with just a hint of oil and sweetness. Mineral grassy, green apple flavours line the palate and finish crisp. Delicious food style white you can serve with a variety of seafood pasta dishes, shellfish and chicken. Excellent value.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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07 May 2012
0PTS
Barone Ricasoli Castello di Brolio Chianti Classico 2006
Florence, Tuscany, ItalyCorked, try another.Prices:| BC | $75.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $50.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $65.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $59.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $46.00 | 375ml |
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90PTS
The Chocolate Block 2010
Western Cape, South AfricaA complex mix of peppery, savoury, tobacco, gamey, resin and black liquorice aromas flecked with black berry, cassis, leather and menthol aromas. The attack is fresh and juicy, the palate rich but with light tannins and a bit of warmth previewing a mix of smoky, meaty, savoury, black cherry, plum, vanilla and game flavours with a chocolate and mint in the finish. Good syrah expression within a well-balanced, cleaner style. Drink now or over the next three to five years. One of the best South African listings in the province and the best yet from Boekenhoutskloof.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $42.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $40.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $40.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $43.00 | 750ml |
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06 May 2012
87PTS
Therapy Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLemon, grapefruit rind, soapy, nettle, honey and matchstick aromas. Fresh, juicy, crisp palate with herbal, grassy, grapefruit, lemon and gooseberry flavours and a tart granny smith apple finish. Solid fruit and style for this summer's seafood.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Cakebread Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Napa Valley, California, United StatesLees, light garlic, grassy, grapefruit, light bell pepper, passion fruit aromas. Fresh, round, somewhat flat entry with soapy grapefruit rind, lees, gooseberry, light bell pepper and grass flavours with a tart, green apple finish. The finish is full and warm but with some bitterness.Prices:| BC | $47.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $39.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tamaya Winemaker's Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Valle del Limari, ChileFresh pea shoots, grassy, light jalapeno, grapefruit, seashell aromas. Fresh, crisp, juicy, elegant palate with gooseberry, light artichoke, grapefruit rind, pea and lime flavours. Finish is brisk and long with grassy, minty, grapefruit flavours almost Loire-like. A bit austere but has the ability to age a few years.Prices:| Chile | $20.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Kendall-Jackson Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Reserve 2009
Napa - Sonoma, California, United StatesSpicy, savoury, dusty earth, cassis, vanilla, floral, black pepper, light coffee and licorice aromas. Dry, round, full, juicy palate with light, fine tannins. Cassis, chocolate, peppery, tobacco, leather, earthy, black olive, cedar flavours with a bit of mint and bay. Finish is a tad warm and fresh but youthful, needs a few years.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $47.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $36.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $52.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $33.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Kendall-Jackson Sauvignon Blanc Vintner's Reserve 2010
California, United StatesLight melon, honey, grapefruit, passion fruit, and pea shoot aromas. Fresh, juicy, slightly sweet entry with canned grapefruit, honey, lees, orange, passion fruit and baked pear flavours with a touch of vanilla. Good fruit and friendly style for most consumers. Well done.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Kendall-Jackson Cabernet Sauvignon Vintner's Reserve 2009
California, United StatesPeppery, olive, spicy, tobacco, cassis, prune, earthy aromas. Smooth, round, full palate with light tannins. Cassis, peppery, blackberry, smoky, leather, vanilla, earthy, cedar, tobacco flavours. Good solid effort in what is a ripe cabernet.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| US | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $21.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.00 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Kendall-Jackson Cabernet Sauvignon Vintner's Reserve 2010
Sonoma County, California, United StatesCorked, try anotherPrices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| US | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $21.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Nautilus Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandA riper version here with grapefruit, passion fruit, green melon, kiwi, lemon nettle aromas with a touch of jalapeno. Fresh, juicy, round, slightly sweet entry with pea shoot, asparagus, passion fruit, grapefruit, grassy, green apple flavours. A fuller, juicy style with fresh acidity on the finish.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Chat-en-Oeuf Rouge 2010
Ventoux, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceSoft spicy, ripe red fruit nose with bits of licorice and rooty gamey notes. At $13 it's hard to beat the freshness of this simple southern French red with its juicy black cherry plum liquorice garrigue and smoky flavours. Delicious with summer styled grilled chicken. Good value too.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Quails' Gate Maréchal Foch Limited Release Fortified Vintage 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWarm stewed tomato, smoky, herbal, tobacco leaf, prune with rancio, caramel aromas flecked with coffee and vanilla. Fresh, elegant palate with similar flavours and a touch of nutty, rancio, herb on the finish. Try this with chocolate desserts.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 375ml |
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05 May 2012
86PTS
Miguel Torres Las Mulas Organic Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2011
Region del Valle Central, ChileNettle, lemon, sweaty grapefruit rind, gooseberry, light passion fruit aromas. Soft, fresh, juicy palate with canned grapefruit, nettle, gooseberry, chalky, grassy flavours. Very brisk but juicy finish and clean.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Kendall-Jackson Merlot Vintner's Reserve 2010
Sonoma County, California, United StatesSpicy, black olive, dill, tobacco, cherry, earthy, leather, peppery, vanilla aromas. Dry, fresh, slightly tart palate with cherry, prune, cedar, tobacco, earthy, resin, coffee, and leather flavours. A bit green and tart on the finish. Simple well made.Prices:| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
| US | $17.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Kendall-Jackson Merlot Vintner's Reserve 2009
Sonoma County, California, United StatesSmoky, cedar, tobacco, resin, black olive, cherry, spicy, savoury aromas. Dry, round, smooth palate with coffee, mocha, cedar, tobacco, herbal, spicy, savoury, vanilla, cedar and cherry jam flavours. Somewhat oaky and resiny but balanced. Ready to drink.Prices:| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
| US | $17.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.00 | 750ml |
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02 May 2012
88PTS
Carmen Viognier Reserva 2011
Valle de Marchigue, Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileValle de Marchigue is a cooler section of the famed Colchagua Valley and this viognier reflects the site offering a cool restrained style. Lemon scented with florals and minerals the palate is a bright fresh mix of citrus butter and baked pear with flecks of orange peel in the finish. Very food friendly and perfect before or during the meal.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling 2010
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesHoney, orange, baked green apple, matchstick, light lees aromas. Fresh, soft, round, elegant palate with some sweetness. Baked green apple, lime, grapefruit, honey, floral flavours. Good vibrancy with a bit of warmth on the finish. Best styling yet for this wine. Good value. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $16.00 | 750ml |
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01 May 2012
87PTS
Yalumba Y Series Riesling 2010
South Australia, AustraliaFloral, lime rind, peach, guava aromas with a touch of diesel and Vaseline. Crisp, juicy, fuller palate with apple skin, marzipan, lime, diesel and peach pit flavours. Good acidity and balance but finishes somewhat bitter and austere. You can easily balance the ending with most Asian dishes.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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88PTS
Santa Margherita Brut Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Superiore NV
Veneto, ItalyMedium fine mousse with pear, nutty, light garlic, floral, lemon, earthy aromas. Fresh, crisp, dry brut style with lots of mousse. Baked pear, quince, lemon, apple skin, nutty, lees, spicy garlic flavours. This edition is a bit more austere and full on the finish, perhaps a bit more serious for food.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $22.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $22.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Two Oceans Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Western Cape, South AfricaPear, canned grapefruit, passion fruit, matchstick, light lemon and jalapeno aromas. Fresh, juicy, slightly soft palate with a hint of sweetness. Grapefruit rind, melon, pear, lemon drop and grassy herb flavours. Simple and a bit tart on the finish but good value here.Prices:| BC | $9.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 1500ml |
| SK | $12.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.50 | 1500ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $12.45 | 750ml |
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June 2012