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Tastings: June 2012
30 June 2012
88PTS
Trapiche Finca Las Palmas Chardonnay 2011
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaHoney, floral, butter, creamy mango, pear aromas with a hint of muscat. Fresh, soft, round, delicate palate but juicy. Vanilla, cream, spicy lees, cinnamon, mango, guava and baked apple flavours with a touch of citrus. Good finesse if a bit fat and light on the finish.Prices:| CDN | $21.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Trapiche Finca Las Palmas Malbec 2008
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaVery peppery, savoury, poultry spice, black cherry, smoky, gamey, licorice, leather aromas with a touch of sausage and cedar. Round, dry, smooth, fresh palate with black cherry, plum, vanilla, cedar, floral, peppery, tobacco, dried herb and savoury flavours. Good overall fruit and spice for current drinking. Good valuePrices:| CDN | $21.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Trapiche Finca Las Palmas Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaPeppery, tobacco, meaty, cassis, olive, savoury, mint, herbal aromas. Round, smooth, dry, juicy palate with light grainy tannins. Cassis, black cherry, coffee, vanilla, tobacco, olive, herbal, leather flavours with a bit of liquorice and chocolate. A bit green and oaky but solid fruit.Prices:| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Trapiche Iscay Syrah Viognier 2010
Mendoza, ArgentinaA three percent viognier co-ferment adds a big floral, ginger, orange peel component to its peppery, liquorice root, boysenberry, plum, meaty, chocolate nose. It is full, round, juicy and warm on the palate but with soft, elegant tannins. The palate is awash in coffee, ginger, boysenberry, floral, meaty, leather, chocolate flavours. The finish is youthful and a bit of warm but still with some finesse. Cellar for two to four more years Keep for 2-4 years.Prices:| CDN | $55.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Le Gouleyant Malbec 2010
Cahors, Sud-Ouest, FranceI'm a big fan of this easy sipping quaffable malbec from Cahors. The style is drier than what we are seeing at this price point from Argentina (yeah!). The fruit is primary with a distinct raspberry and cocoa flavours flecked with fresh black pepper. Should be perfect with grilled meats and chicken or hearty stews. Good value.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $16.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Penfolds Grange Bin 95 Shiraz 2005
South Australia, AustraliaTypically dark colour with a cool nose of red fruit aromas of cranberry mix with garrigue and spice and plenty of new American oak. At this early stage the '05 Grange is a mix of flavours including blackberry grilled meat and spicy sweet dark plums with a healthy dose of rich, small-grained tannins. The grape mix in '05 is just under 96% shiraz and a touch less than 4% cabernet sauvignon from the Barossa Valley (including substantial proportion of Kalimna Shiraz), McLaren Vale and Coonawarra. This needs a decade to find its feet and ultimate direction but will it go the distance? A solid vintage that is somewhat unlucky to be stuck between the blockbuster years of 2004 and the 2006. RoP tasting, New York City 06/19/12Prices:| BC | $423.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $300.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $299.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $310.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $298.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $300.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $320.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $296.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $298.00 | 750ml |
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29 June 2012
85PTS
Santa Julia Pinot Grigio 2011
Mendoza, ArgentinaI want to like this wine, with its fresh demeanour and herbal citrus notes but the palate is a bit diluted and washed out with cooked pear notes. Love the price but a bit more fruit focus should be the goal here. Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Alain Brumont Gros Manseng-Sauvignon 2010
Gascony, FranceThis kind of wine csn turn around your wine palate and get you headed in a new more positive space. The Brumont mixes gros manseng and sauvignon from the Gascogne region and the result is a fresh, grassy, mineral white flecked with bits of lemon and pear, gooseberry, honey and quince. Love the intensity and juicy mid-palate in what is a quaffable white wine of considerable interest with food. Clams, mussels, crab they will all work here. Good value.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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27 June 2012
88PTS
Masi Tupungato Passo Doble 2010
Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaSavoury, resin, olive, coffee, meaty, tobacco, floral aromas with a touch of licorice, vanilla and cedar. Dry, slightly lean and astringent palate but elegant with black cherry, savoury, olive, smoky, peppery, rooty flavours. Well balanced if a bit light on the finish and ready to go. Solid value here.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $17.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $19.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $18.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $19.00 | 750ml |
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26 June 2012
92PTS
Trapiche Manos 2005
Paraje Altamira, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThe grapes for Manos are produced in famed Altamira region of the Uco Valley. The wine is aged 18 months in French oak barrels and then bottle-aged for another 24 months. Look for rich aromas of cedar, tobacco, barnyard, coffee and savoury meaty, blackberry, chocolate aromas. Full and concentrated but juicy many will be drawn to its chocolate, tobacco, cedar, meaty, vanilla, savoury, bay leaf and blackberry flavours. The style is intense and chunky and still with tannins to shed over the next three to five years. Not quite as refined and balanced as the Iscay malbec cabernet franc blend.Prices:| CDN | $100.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Therapy Vineyards Freudian Sip 2011
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, spicy, ginger, honey, citrus and green apple aromas. Round, fresh, delicate palate with some sweetness but juicy acidity. Honey, spicy, nectarine, ginger, apple and peach flavours. A simple, elegant, fruity style for the summer. ry this with Indian or Thai dishes.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
St. Francis Chardonnay 2010
Sonoma County, California, United StatesPear, honey, butter, light floral nose with some baked apple and vanilla. Fresh, round, elegant, juicy palate with a bit of sweetness. Baked pear, apple, pineapple, grapefruit and butter flavours. Elegant, easy, simple style for immediate consumption.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $21.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $24.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay Vintner's Reserve 2010
California, United StatesHoney, floral, peach, citrus, butter aromas with a touch of pear and green apple. Fresh, juicy, round palate with a hint of sweetness. Citrus, green apple, baked pear, light butter and vanilla flavours with some creamy lees on the finish. Much more on the cooler, elegant side than in the past. C'mon KJ where is the screw cap?Prices:| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $21.00 | 750ml |
| US | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $27.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Rudolf Muller Bunny Riesling 2010
Pfalz, GermanyA new offering from Muller from the Pfalz, 'Bunny' offers a fresh, floral, green apple, nectarine, citrus nose with a juicy, fresh, crisp, slightly sweet palate. Elegant with slate, pear, nectarine, citrus and green apple flavours. A fine summer sipper or serve it with Chinese take-out. Outstanding value and not too sweet either!Prices:| AB | $11.50 | 750ml |
| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Re Manfredi Aglianico del Vulture 2007
Basilicata, ItalySmoky, meaty, ash, liquorice root nose with strawberry jam, peppery, cedar aromas and a touch of saddle leather. Full, round, juicy but chunky palate with black cherry, smoky, gamey, tobacco, ash and strawberry jam flavours. A bit rustic and astringent on the finish like most aglianico but offers plenty of fruit and concentration. Good value here in a hearty red.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
M. Chapoutier Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Bernardine 2009
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceMainly grenache with small amounts of syrah and mourvèdre. Spicy, black cherry jam, barnyard, tobacco, wild game, peppery, plum and garrigue aromas, very aromatic. Round, supple, elegant, fresh palate with light tannins. Juicy black plum, orange, floral, peppery, meaty, gamey, licorice, garrigue and chocolate flavours. Very well balanced with good fruit intensity. Drink now or keep for 3-5 years. Fine effort and price.Prices:| BC | $52.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $53.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $49.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $52.00 | 750ml |
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25 June 2012
88PTS
Chapel Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaVery earthy, tobacco leaf, ash, cassis, coffee grind, black olive, resin, black cherry, savoury aromas. Ripe, round, smooth, fresh palate with light tannins and very warm alcohol. Smoky, peppery, espresso, vanilla, cocoa, tobacco leaf, compost, cassis, black olive, savoury, and green bean flavours. Finish is very warm, somewhat tart and oaky. Needs five years to mellow or serve now with lamb chops.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Arc Du Rhone Côtes du Rhône Villages 2010
Côtes du Rhône Villages, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceOpen, peppery, liquorice, black cherry, smoky, floral nose with a meaty note. Dry, fresh, slightly lean palate with light astringency. Similar flavours with a bit of resin, garrigue and blackberry on the finish. Fresh, simple, delicate style for food.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $13.50 | 750ml |
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24 June 2012
86PTS
Haywire Chardonnay Canyonview Vineyard 2011
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCanyonview Vineyard sits just above Trout Creek in Summerland. The grapes were concrete-fermented and were given a serious lees stirring regimen that extended in to three months. Despite no malolactic fermentation the wine isn't as crisp as advertised. What it lacks in vibrancy it more than overcompensates for in texture and creaminess that helps fill out the mouth and muted citrus, melon and lime peel flavours with just a hint of chalk in the back ground.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Louis Bernard Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2010
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceThe '10 is slightly drier and tighter than last year with less floral notes and more lemon and quince. The attack is juicy and fresh with apricot skin, pear and citrus flavours through the finish. Typically austere but with enough fruit to carry the day. Grilled chicken and or a variety of seafood work here. Good value.Stock up.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.45 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Ruby Blues Viognier 2011
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHoney, floral, grapefruit rind, mango, matchstick, light soapy aromas. Fresh, juicy, tart but sweet entry with grapefruit, soapy floral, canned pineapple, orange peel and apple skin flavours. The finish is sweet and sour.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Trapiche Broquel Malbec 2009
Mendoza, ArgentinaBroquel is a solid entry level malbec made by Trapiche winemakers that offers upfront aromas of savoury peppery, black cherry and blackberry. The attack is peppery with warm supple, fresh, juicy black fruit flavours flecked with bits of black olives and bitter dark chocolate. Made from 25 year-old plus vineyards sited between 900 and 1200 metres.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $16.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $17.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $19.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Young & Wyse Collection Amber 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, floral, honey, ginger, grapefruit rind, pear aromas. Fresh, juicy, crisp, elegant palate with grapefruit rind, spicy, soapy, green apple, grassy, floral flavours. Solid but very rind-y and brisk on the finish. Will be better with food.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Moon Curser Viognier 2011
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, honey, light grapefruit, ginger aromas. Round, fresh, soft, somewhat sweet entry with grapefruit, soapy floral, ginger, honey, butter, orange rind and apple skin flavours. Warm, bitter, somewhat flat finish. Needs more acidity and vibrancy.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Gatao Vinho Verde NV
Vinho Verde, Northern Portugal, PortugalSimilar to last edition with a slate, lemon, app[le, citrus nose and a touch of spritz. Fresh, light, juicy, slightly sweet entry with juicy apple, lemon, floral, peach pit flavours. Easy, juicy summer sipper and fabulous value.Prices:| BC | $11.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $13.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Nuance Sauvignon Blanc Pinot Grigio 2011
Nettle, grassy, almond, matchstick, melon, light bell pepper aromas. Soft, round, simple palate with soapy, floral, grapefruit, nettle, and honey flavours. A bit flat and sweet but easy consumer style.Prices:| BC | $11.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Tokaj Classic Tokaji Aszu 3 Puttonos 2005
HungaryCement, lees, eggy, apricot, baked pear, spicy aromas with a touch of lifted, volatile, burnt butter. Fresh, juicy, elegant, somewhat sweet entry with baked pear, butter, honey, lees, egg yolk, dried apricot, spicy, minty, grapefruit rind and cement flavours. Good finesse and balance with some fine concentration on the finish. This is a slightly oxidative style where the palate is much purer than the aromas would suggest. Will live for decades.Prices:| BC | $37.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Quails' Gate Chenin Blanc 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery sweaty grapefruit rind nose with some green apple, honey, pear skin notes and a touch of matchstick. Fresh, crisp, juicy, somewhat tart palate with big soapy grapefruit rind, apple skin, bitter green, and nettle flavours. Finish is just too rindy and bitter and more reminiscent of sauvignon.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.50 | 750ml |
| NS | $22.50 | 750ml |
| PEI | $22.50 | 750ml |
| NB | $22.50 | 750ml |
| NF | $22.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Quails' Gate Gewürztraminer 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSweaty grapefruit rind, floral, soapy, ginger, honey and apple skin aromas. Fresh, round, sweet palate with grapefruit juice, honey, green apple skin, soapy floral and light lychee flavours. Finish is sweet but fresh with a bitter grapefruit rind note.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Viña Chocalán Grand Reserva Malbec 2006
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileOpulent blackberry, plum jam, chocolate, orange, vanilla, coffee, savoury nose flecked with spicy, black olive aromas. Rich, round, full, supple, velvety palate. Orange peel, black cherry jam, plum, chocolate, black olive, bay leaf and vanilla flavours. A touch flat but with fine concentration, richness, and complexity. Ready to drink now with prime rib.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $28.00 | 750ml |
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23 June 2012
87PTS
Moon Curser Afraid of the Dark 2011
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSoapy floral, ginger peel, honey, baked pear, matchstick, apricot. Fresh, juicy, sweet entry with grapefruit, floral, honey, butter, spicy, apricot skin, pear and green apple flavours. A simple, somewhat floral style with a sweet and sour finish.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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17 June 2012
89PTS
La Bargemone Cuvée Marina Rosé 2011
Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence, Provence, Sud de France, FranceThe Coteaux d'Aix is a smaller wine district within the larger appellation of Provence and the backdrop for Bargemone named after a wealthy Provencal family that owned it for 200 years prior to phylloxera wiping it out in the late 1800s. Today locals Christian and Marina Garin own the property and produce a range of wines including the upscale Cuvée Marina Rosé. You are going to love this syrah, cabernet grenache blend, so pretty in the glass and awash in floral, strawberry and watermelon fruit flavours. Just add sunshine to complete the match. As interesting as its square shaped bottle looks I can only imagine how much better this would taste under screwcap.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Chateau de Saint-Martin Eternelle Favorite Rosé 2011
Côtes de Provence, Provence, Sud de France, FranceThe tall square bottle shape reminds us an old-style gin brand. The nose is flat and more earthy than fruity, perhaps more old fashion. The attack is medium fresh with citrus and grapefruit dominating the soft red fruit finish. Not as electric as you might want in a rosé but would be fine on an outdoor patio for lunch.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
GM Côtes de Provence Rosé 2011
Côtes de Provence, Provence, Sud de France, FranceExpect a killer salmon pink colour. The nose is an attractive mix of bright red cherries and earth with an attractive minerality throughout. The attack is dry and fresh with more red fruits and dried herbs on the mid-palate followed by citrus and freshness. This will be a versatile food wine stretching from shellfish to grilled chicken and likely plenty in between.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Domaine Houchart Sainte Victoire Rosé 2011
Côtes de Provence, Provence, Sud de France, FranceMany will know Jerome Quiot from Châteauneuf-du-Pape; this is his foray in to rosé from the recently established Sainte Victoire appellation in Provence that is east of Aix-en-Provence. The colour is classic salmon orange. The style is weighty with a rich thread of orange peel and spicy cranberries. The attack is smooth and silky with more orange, cranberry and caramel notes throughout. Try this with grilled fish dishes or steamed mussels.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Mirabeau Rose 2011
Côtes de Provence, Provence, Sud de France, FranceMirabeau is carries the Cotes de Provence AOC and is made from vineyards around the village of Pourcieux, south-east of Aix-en-Provence and is a blend of grenache, cinsault and syrah grapes. The wine is made to a style from purchased grapes is direct pressed for skin colour. The nose and palate is classic red fruits with a dash of pear and citrus. Fresh tangy clean and screaming for food this is a winner.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
d'Arenberg Shiraz The Dead Arm 2008
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaThe Dead Arm reference is to Eutypa Lata a disease that afflicts some of the oldest vines at d'Arenberg from whence this wine comes. The short term effect is low yields and superb juice before eventually the vine succumbs to the disease. Look for peppery, black raspberry fruit nose with smoky, meaty coriander notes. The attack is rich and warm with spicy, blueberry/blackberry meaty flavours flecked with orange and five spice. Super quality here that finishes fresh and long.Prices:| BC | $70.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $65.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $55.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tamaya Chardonnay Reserva 2010
Valle del Limari, ChileOpen honey, toasted, oatmeal, baked apple nose with citrus, pear, matchstick, waxy, light floral aromas. Fresh, round, juicy, dry palate with apple skin, honey, pea shoot, spicy, toasty lees, vanilla and grapefruit flavours. Good intensity and concentration with lots of acidity to keep it going for the next few years. Well done.Prices:| CDN | $15.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Tamaya Winemaker's Selection Single Vineyard Syrah 2008
Valle del Limari, ChileAlways intense and terroir driven we love the peppery, liquorice, blackberry, floral nose flecked with plums, resin, gamey, smoked meat and vanilla aromas. The attack is round; the palate is juicy with light tannins and good concentration. More smoky, savoury, menthol, black pepper, gamey, blackberry, plummy, roast pepper flavours coat the palate. It finishes full but balanced with light, chalky tannins. A terrific style for Chile.Prices:| CDN | $18.00 | 750ml |
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09 June 2012
90PTS
Château d'Esclans Whispering Angel Rosé 2011
Côtes de Provence, Provence, Sud de France, FranceSascha Lichine, son of the legendary Alexis, is behind this high-end Provence project and what is a sleek slippery, delicate, delicious rosé. Strawberry watermelon is the theme on the nose and palate with juicy fresh lemons and rhubarb in the finish. Elegant and expressive as you can get for rosé. Chicken pâté would be a great match.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Gassier Rosé Sables d'Azur 2011
Côtes de Provence, Provence, Sud de France, FranceProvence rosé always comes with that attractive dusty pink colour. Add to that a fresh floral, earthy, citrus, mineral, dried herbs nose and you are ready for some fun. The attack is fresh and round with more mineral floral, quince, cherry citrus fruit flavours. Full dry and delicious it works well with a variety of grilled salmon dishes.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
La Chapelle Gordonne Rosé 2011
Côtes de Provence, Provence, Sud de France, FranceClassic Provence; from its pale orange colour to its fresh nose of raspberry and orange aromas. The attack is similarly fresh and juicy with bright acidity and crisp red berry fruit flavours flecked with orange. Perfect for al fresco dining and grilled prawns or a freshly prepared homemade potato or chicken salad.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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08 June 2012
87PTS
William Fèvre Petit Chablis 2010
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceGreen leaf, green apple, seashell, citrus, light lees and chalk aromas. Dry, juicy, full but tight with fresh acidity. Citrus/lime, green apple, pear, light lees and seashell flavours with a bit of honey. A bit young but has purity and balance.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $28.00 | 750ml |
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02 June 2012
89PTS
Mionetto Il Moscato NV
Veneto, ItalyYear in and year out this Moscato gets the job done with class. Most important it has nothing to do with the current moscato craze that has commercial wineries worldwide selling sweet crap that is killing the image of these great sparklers. Expect a clean fresh, floral, spicy, peach nose that is nimble on the palate. Well balanced and refreshing it offers up ripe peach flavours and spicy baked apple mineral fruit that is in harmony with the bubbles. Love the crown cap; simply pop off with a bottle opener and serve with your favourite Thai or Indian dishes.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $20.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $14.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Altos Las Hormigas Clasico Malbec 2011
Mendoza, ArgentinaThe Clasico Hormigas is grown at or above 800 metres on mostly low vigor soils in Lujan de Cujo and Valle de Uco to Alberto Antonin's exacting standards. The wine is vinified separately site by site before the final blend is made and aged using new French and American oak insert staves. The 2011 follows on and excellent 2010 once again offering a fragrant mix of red and black fruit flavours flecked with smoky dried herbs notes. The textures are ultra-silky; the style Euro classy. Serve for dinner all week long. Great value.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Poggiotondo Toscana Bianco 2011
Tuscany, ItalyAlberto Antonini mixes vermentino, ansonica and malvasia to craft his Tuscan bianco. Expect a pale colour followed by a fragrant ripe nose of pear and apples. There's some classic mid-palate nuttiness to add just a touch of weight to an otherwise fresh white wine with spicy pear fruit flavours. Creamy cheeses light seafood and summer weight foods are a great match.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Therapy Vineyards Artist Riesling Kerner 2011
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2011 Artist Series Riesling Kerner is a limited production wine sold only at the winery. The wine is tighter and skinnier than you might suspect by sniffing its aromatic nose with crisp lemony undertones and floral fruit flavours that mix apricots and apples with melons honey and citrus. There is some mid-palte sweetness but it is easily offset by the acidity in the finish. Try this with Indian food.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Clos du Soleil Rosé 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaStrawberry, light earthy, spicy, olive and apple aromas. Fresh, juicy, somewhat sweet entry with similar flavours. Fun, easy style for the summer and not too sweet on the finish. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $17.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Botter Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore 2008
Treviso, Verona, Veneto, ItalyGood fine mousse with floral, pear, apple skin, peach, light lees and earth aromas. Fresh, crisp, juicy, off dry palate with red apple, honey, peach, floral, slate and citrus flavours. Good balance and fruit in an attractive, somewhat less sweet style for all to drink.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Quails' Gate Dry Riesling 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSuper tart dry minimalist style that will appeal to extreme, riesling fans. The nose is a mix of green apple and citrus aromas that spill across its super dry and tart palate. Creamy pasta dishes or milder Indian dishes come to mind as useful menu matches. Clean fresh and bracingly acidic this one needs food.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Tinhorn Creek Oldfield's Collection Merlot (Stelvin) 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPart of a recent comparison (see note for cork finished 2001). This wine is on the down slope now showing more earth, black olive and liquorice notes than any real fruit at this stage. After a decade in bottle it is showing more fruit than the version under cork but it is ready to drink and preferably with a finely sauced meat dish.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Tinhorn Creek Oldfield's Collection Merlot 2001
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPart two of a ten year comparison of the same wine under Stelvin and cork has yielded a mostly tired cork finished version. Its northwest merlot but without the verve and ripe fruit of it had a decade ago. Dry but smooth with spicy, peppery, smoky black olive notes; the attack is similar with a drying finish. Past its prime under cork with little or no fruit left. Drink up.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Pascual Toso Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Las Barrancas Vineyards 2009
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaBlack olive, peppery, cassis jam, tobacco, earthy, tar, spicy, vanilla aromas. Full, round, dry, smooth palate with cassis, herbal, peppery, black olive, meaty, tobacco flavours with some gritty tannin on the finish. Solid fruit style that could use a year or two.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bodega Lurton Pinot Gris 2011
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaWe know pinot gris in BC so I'm not exaggerating when I say this is one of the best white wine buys on the planet. This winery has been grossly underrepresented in Canada for too many years but don't let that stop you from tracking down this delicious and affordable wine. The 2011 is a little lower in alcohol which only highlights its aromatic nose and pristine flavours of ripe yellow fruits all with a dash of lees for complexity. Balanced fresh and persistent it really over delivers for its price.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $15.00 | 750ml |
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01 June 2012
87PTS
LangeTwins Zinfandel 2009
Lodi, Central Valley, California, United StatesOpen peppery, blackberry jam, black cherry, clove, barnyard, coffee, minty aromas. Ripe, round, smooth attack with somewhat chunky tannins. The flavours mix coffee, pepper, liquorice, menthol, blackberry jam, plum and tobacco notes. Good fruit intensity if somewhat warm on the finish. Try this with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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July 2012