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Tastings: July 2012
30 July 2012
87PTS
Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet 1977
South Australia, AustraliaChestnut brown colour. A much drier nose at this stage then the '76 with some dank tones. Earthy spicy tawny flavours that improve on the palate. Again harmonious soft tannins in the finish that make it still a pleasure to sip Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet 1976
South Australia, AustraliaDeep dark chocolate colours preview a relatively clean nose for the age of this wine. There is a bit of staleness (old cork) but otherwise the wine is foursquare and sturdy even after four decades. Soft mellow and surprisingly delicious. Soft round and harmonious. Inspirational for the modest collector.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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29 July 2012
90PTS
Fonseca 10 Year Old Aged Tawny Port NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalTen years in small casks helps shape this spicy tea and walnut nose flecked with cedar, cherry and rancio notes. The attack is rich and smooth, mellow if you prefer with honeyed, dried fruit, tobacco, walnut and tea flavours. Still quite youthful but it is ready to drink. Try this with a selection of cheese or solo with some fresh almonds.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $40.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $34.75 | 750ml |
| PEI | $40.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $39.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $40.00 | 750ml |
| NFL | $40.00 | 750ml |
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96PTS
Taylor Fladgate 40 Year Old Tawny NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalTaylor Fladgate 40 Year Old is made with estate fruit but in miniscule quantities. It's hard to imagine caring for a wine in wood for 40 years but care they do at Taylors and the result s are stunning. The essence of port its spicy nutty nose is as complex any you will ever smell yet the attack and palate is mellow and silky smooth as it gets. Any roll call of exotic spice is here along with a strong nutty, caramel, honey dried apricot flavours all within a tolerable oxidative environment that lends another layer of complexity super sipping wine and an experience few true oenophiles should miss.Prices:| BC | $197.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $250.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $244.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $245.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Intrigue Riesling 2011
Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaYear two is equally fine here with a little less bubble gum and oily components and more green apple skin, floral, slate, ginger notes. The attack is juicy and crisp with notes of orange zest and nectarine skin throughout the off-dry finish. A bit friendlier this year and certainly will be fun to serve with any variety of spicy dishes. Well done.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Heitlinger Riesling Trocken Shiny River 2011
Baden, GermanyYou won't fine the Heitlinger Riesling Trocken Shiny River 2011 from Baden in government stores but look for in private wine shops. Surprisingly fresh and lively for Baden it has a distinct trocken (dry) edge. I love the dry nectarine skin aromas and flavours and its sleek earthy mid-palate and clean fresh finish. A super food wine for fish, chicken and pasta, you name it. This wine will improve most menus. Drink now. Good value.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Pewsey Vale Individual Vineyard Selection Riesling 2011
Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaA thoroughly delicious edition of this crisp, dry riesling from a special site in the Eden Valley. So bright and floral, lime, mineral, slate-y aromas. The attack is intense with lemongrass, lime rind, mineral, nectarine skin flavours. A little more approachable this year, it should be a hit here on the West Coast. Think halibut, crab pasta, grilled scallops and a variety of sushi dishes.Prices:| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Pierre Sparr Extrem Riesling 2010
Alsace, FranceAnother delicious version of this cutting edge Alsace riesling finally listed in BC. Expect a full fresh floral nose with intriguing honey, pear, citrus, spicy and waxy aromas. The attack is dry and lively with elegance and fine acidity. More slate-y steel-y honey, citrus, guava flavours mark the palate before a long tasty finish. All under screwcap this is great bottle for the price. Pick you favourite food, any food, you can't go wrong.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Rudolf Muller Liebfraumilch Blue 2011
Rheinhessen, GermanySimilar to previous edition this riesling is opens with a candied apple/pear nose and is equally sweet on the palate. That said it remains relatively fresh and balanced on the nose. You may be surprised to learn how delicious this is with spicy barbecued ribs. An easy-sipping white you can chilled down and enjoy solo on the patio as well. Good value.Prices:| AB | $11.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
The Bishop of Riesling 2011
Mosel, GermanyWhat can you say about The Bishop of Riesling 2011 from Germany's Mosel-Saar-Ruwer region. Well you can start with the fact this is priced at $12. You can add freshness and vitality in what is a simple but complete wine that is just off-dry on entry. The mid-palate is a tasty mix of acidity and fruit with flavours of citrus and ripe baked apple and pear with just a hint of flatness and sugar in the finish. Try this with grilled pork or spicy sushi.Prices:| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $14.25 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Rudolf Muller Bunny Riesling 2011
Pfalz, GermanyJust for fun, grab your favourite Thai takeout and a bottle of Rudolf Muller Bunny Riesling 2011 from the Pfalz in Germany. We loved the last edition in 2010, despite the bunny graphic, and the 2011 is equally beguiling, mixing freshly squeezed lemon-lime flavours with nectarines and yellow flowers. The attack is crisp and juicy with more prominent floral, cool fruit flavours and a crisp finish. Crazy value here in a barely off-dry version. Stock up for warm days.Prices:| AB | $11.50 | 750ml |
| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
M. Chapoutier Condrieu Invitare 2010
Condrieu, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceGreat aromatic nose with floral, minty, ginger, honey, lychee, nectarine, apricot, spicy, acacia, orange peel aromas. Dry, fresh, juicy, tight palate but full and round. Lychee, honey, pineapple, mango, apricot, ginger, floral, slate, ginger and buttery vanilla flavours. Great juicy fruit, texture and balance with a slightly salty, bitterness. A wonderful expression for viognier fans to check out.Prices:| BC | $75.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
M. Chapoutier Hermitage Chante Alouette Blanc 2010
Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceInviting almond, quince, and floral, apricot nose with an undercurrent of lees, honey, baked pear, and vanilla and nut aromas. The attack is juicy and fresh; the palate slightly oily with a hint of salt. More orange, apricot, honey, butter, ginger, floral guava flavours mark the palate. Fine concentration and texture with a warm but persistent and juicy aftertaste. Very fine effort to drink now or in 10 years.Prices:| BC | $66.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $75.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $74.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $74.50 | 750ml |
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93PTS
M. Chapoutier De L'Orée Ermitage Blanc 2009
Hermitage, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceCompared to the 2008 which was elegant and balanced, this is a riper, more intense version. Floral, creamy, citrus, honey, pear, spicy, apricot, vanilla and guava aromas. Rich, full, round, concentrated and slightly warm. Honey, baked pear, apricot, pineapple, guava, vanilla cream, slate flavours. Fine intensity and balance. Michel suggests drinking this now and then again in 10-12 years.Prices:| BC | $200.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $225.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
M. Chapoutier Ermitage Le Méal Rouge 2009
Hermitage, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceThere's not a lot to choose from between Le Méal and Le Pavillon in 2009 in terms of quality. Here there's a smoky, peppery, garrigue, liquorice, animal, black cherry nose flecked with barnyard, tobacco, leather, floral, waxy, vanilla, savoury floral notes. The attack is smooth, fresh, juicy and slightly tannic with more peppery, smoky, savoury, black cherry, vanilla, orange, meaty, spicy, floral, blueberry, liquorice flavours. Long, elegant, warm and juicy which should age well over the next 10-20 years. Very fine.Prices:| BC | $230.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $275.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Dog Point Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandWhat delicious pinot. From front to back this Marlborough pinot surprises with richness and sweetness and texture far beyond its price point. Love the soft, ripe, round spicy cherry fruit that is so mouth filling. The attack is similarly supple and long with more fruit penetrating the palate to the back end. Ready to drink and nothing but fun to sip. Try this with duck confit or any type of mushroom dish.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $53.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Blüfeld Riesling Medium Sweet 2009
Mosel, GermanyThis is simple stuff albeit with a bit of fruit and style. The attack is light and fresh with green apple skin character and yellow fruit flavours and a lot of residual sugar in the finish. Drink this with spicy food or solo well chilled. Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Fonseca Late Bottled Vintage Port Unfiltered 2005
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalBig plum, soya/smoky, leather, black tea, fig and slightly spirity nose. Ripe, rich, full palate with light tannins and moderate sweetness but with balance. The attack is smoky with more liquorice, pepper, prune, dried cherry and nutty, black tea and light spirit flavours. Fine intensity. Try this with the classic match: Stilton cheese.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
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28 July 2012
93PTS
Taylor Fladgate 30 Year Old Tawny NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalYou don't see a lot of 30 Year Old aged tawny port on Canadian wine shop shelves so kudos to Taylor Fladgate for still producing the style. Expect an old tawny/gold colour that previews a fresh, nutty dried fruit nose flecked with butterscotch/caramel notes. The attack is rich and smooth with a raisin-y mix of crème brûlée flavours supported by nutty coffee bean notes. You will love the silky texture and long smooth complex impressive finish. A meal in itself.Prices:| BC | $155.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $145.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $193.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $193.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Stoneboat Vineyards Pinot Gris 2011
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2011 pinot gris is likely the best yet from Stoneboat; likely due to older vines, more experience at making wine, and the rocks. So fresh and bright on the nose it has an electric citrus/mineral demeanour that spreads across the palate from front to back. We just love the dry, stony, nectarine flavours and the creamy textures. A fabulous argument for a Lower Black Sage Bench sub-Appellation. Stupid value here and the perfect match fresh halibut.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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27 July 2012
87PTS
Torres Vina Esmeralda 2011
Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainThe 40th anniversary of Esmeralda is better than ever. The 85/15 mix of moscatel/gewürztraminer sourced from the Upper Penedès is super fresh and floral with just a hint of rosé oil in the nose. Look for citrus, nectarine skin, litchi and lime notes. A wine made for sushi not to mention calamari, clams and even turkey.Prices:| BC | $14.49 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $17.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Zenato Lugana San Benedetto 2009
Verona, Veneto, ItalyEarthy, cooked apple, slate, honey, nectarine skin, a bit mature on the nose. Soft, light, dry palate with apple skin, baked pear, earthy, chalky flavours. Simple, leaner style.Prices:| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $25.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Junta Winery Chile Carménère Syrah Reserve 2010
Valle del Curicó, Region del Valle Central, ChileSmoky, meaty, leafy, tobacco, minty, earthy, resin aromas. Dry, slightly austere but elegant palate with resin, spicy, peppery, meaty, smoky, bay, black cherry, herbal flavours. Simple, straight up style.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Nollen Notorious Rooster Riesling QBA 2011
Mosel, GermanyMuch like last year Notorious over delivers for its price at $14. We love the fresh peach/nectarine aromas and the mouth-watering crisp apple and sweet peach throughout. Freshness and balance. A wonderful BYOW wine for Asian restaurants.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Tinhorn Creek Vineyards Kerner Icewine 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRipe pear, honey, orange peel, baked apple, butter and nalgene aromas. Ripe, rich, full, juicy, elegant palate with pear, honey, baked citrus, butter, spicy, floral, flavours. Good acidity and balance and a fine improvement from last few vintages.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 200ml |
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87PTS
Hillside Muscat Ottonel 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery floral, spicy, light peach skin, orange, ginger aromas. Fresh, dry, delicate, light bodied style with ginger, spicy, floral, minty, green apple, rose water flavours. Dry, austere, juicy finish to go with food.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Lugana Riserva Sergio Zenato 2008
Verona, Veneto, ItalyHoney, nutty, buttery, ripe peach, pineapple, ginger, floral, somewhat akin to viognier. Rich, ripe, fresh, slightly soft palate with a hint of sweetness. Floral, spicy, minty, honey, pear, citrus, creamy, apple flavours. Very good finesse and delicacy with intensity and acidity.Prices:| ON | $27.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $37.25 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Zenato Pinot Grigio delle Venezie 2010
Verona, Veneto, ItalyOpen expressive floral, pear, baked apple, spicy aromas. Fresh, juicy, round, slightly austere palate with pear, baked red apple, honey, citrus, floral flavours. Good solid styling and intensity for food. Good value too.Prices:| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Zenato Valpolicella Superiore 2009
Verona, Veneto, ItalyPrune, chocolate, tobacco, spicy, peppery, slightly meaty, coffee aromas. Dry, fresh, smooth palate with fresh acidity. Prune black cherry, orange peel, tobacco, savoury, green tea flavours. Clean, ready-to-drink style. Try it now with pasta Bolognese.Prices:| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $17.25 | 750ml |
| NB | $17.25 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $22.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Zenato Ripassa Valpolicella Superiore 2008
Verona, Veneto, ItalyChocolate, prune, black cherry, orange peel, floral, spicy aromas. Dry, fresh, elegant, slightly tannic palate with meaty, chocolate, peppery, prune, cherry jam, savoury, tobacco flavours. Good concentration and intensity, try with lamb or osso buco. Can age 2-3 years.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $27.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $30.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $17.00 | 375ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 375ml |
| MB | $30.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $32.45 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Zenato Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Sergio 2005
Verona, Veneto, ItalyPrune, coffee, light barnyard, saddle leather, black cherry jam, tobacco, slightly smoky, five spice aromas. Rich, full, smooth but slightly tannic palate with an unctuous note. Peppery, licorice, prune, dried cherry, chocolate, tobacco, orange peel, waxy, savoury, meaty, saddle leather flavours. A bit warm but big concentration and lots of fruit to carry through the next 3-7 years.Prices:| BC | $88.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $88.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $79.25 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Zenato Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2007
Verona, Veneto, ItalyBig black cherry, orange peel, chocolate, black plum, spicy, peppery aromas. Rich, fresh acidity, smooth but light astringency on the palate. Blood orange, peppery, licorice, chocolate, prune, black cherry, tobacco, savoury, vanilla flavours. Good intensity and fruit but youthful. Needs 2-4 years.Prices:| BC | $51.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $47.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $50.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $47.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $40.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $28.00 | 375ml |
| BC | $30.00 | 375ml |
| QC | $47.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $60.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $59.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Sansonina 2005
Verona, Veneto, ItalySpicy, smoky, light barnyard, meaty, tobacco, black cherry, licorice root, resin aromas. Dry, lean, somewhat hard palate with fresh acidity. Tobacco leaf, peppery, herbal, sour cherry, coffee, resiny flavours with a bitter, barnyard, saddle leather finish. Perhaps past its best date.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $50.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $54.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Zenato Cormi Corvina Merlot 2007
Verona, Veneto, ItalyPeppery, savoury, cherry, chocolate, meaty, lees, spicy aromas. Smooth, soft, fresh palate with coffee, black cherry, liquorice, herbal, savoury, black tea flavours. A bit tart but has good concentration in a more modern style. Impressive.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $22.35 | 750ml |
| MB | $30.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
JoieFarm Pinot Blanc 2011
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPear, cooked apple, light citrus, chalk aromas. Fresh, delicate but somewhat sweet and rind-y with baked pear, apple skin, citrus rind and peach flavours with a bitter citrus rind finish.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
JoieFarm Muscat The Pure Grape 2011
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, floral, lemon oil, citrus rind, apple skin, soapy orange aromas. Fresh, juicy, crisp palate with minty, ginger, floral, lemony, citrus oil, green apple and lychee flavours. A bit tart on the finish but with fine varietal intensity. Try this with fish dishes.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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26 July 2012
88PTS
Therapy Vineyards Pink Freud 2011
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaEarthy, spicy, tobacco, strawberry, rooty, light raspberry aromas. Fresh, juicy, slightly sweet style but elegant with strawberry, leafy, tobacco, apple, earthy flavours with a bit of cranberry. A touch tart but good fruit throughout. Drink now. Odd blend of merlot and pinot noir.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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24 July 2012
92PTS
Signorello Chardonnay Vieilles Vignes 2009
Napa Valley, California, United StatesThirty year old vines are behind the Vieilles Vignes estate chardonnay. At 1.8 tons per acre the yields are miniscule. The nose is a fresh mix of honey suckle and melon aromas flecked with tropical, floral notes. The attack is a fresh mix of green apple, citrus and spice with just a hint of caramel. Only 30 percent new oak leaves the entire wine with a vibrant, fresh, character that suggests it will age for well for many years. Well done.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $52.00 | 750ml |
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14 July 2012
90PTS
Insoglio del Cinghiale 2010
Bolgheri, Tuscany, ItalyInsoglio del Cinghiale is a Maremma-base red blend and the little brother of Tenuta di Biserno. In 2010 the mix is 34/30/30/6/ of syrah, cabernet franc, merlot and petit verdot. The style is fresh and round with an inviting nose of savoury black fruit. The attack is rich but with slippery, supple tannins and a lively mix of red fruits, liquorice, grilled meat and oak. A country red with a lot of style. The winery says it could run a marathon but wouldn't win. A versatile food wine that is ready to drink. Good value.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $36.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Fort Berens Riesling 2011
British Columbia, CanadaAll Lillooet fruit is the attraction here and a fresh clean nose. The attack is austere with bracing acidity and a pinch of minerality. The issue is the soapy, bitter litchi, grapefruit flavours are just a bit over the top. Still you could serve this well chilled with Indian and it would be a fine match. A good effort and definitely heading in the right direction. I would be tempted to pick the fruit earlier and reduce the alcohol to lighten up the style.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Gray Monk Riesling 2010
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaImpressive value here in an expressive riesling mixing peachy, limon/mineral aromas that spilled onto the palate. The attack is juicy and fresh with more lemongrass, peach and mineral characters with just a hint of lees in the finish. Perfect for Pan Asian seafood dishes or your favourite vegetable sushi roll.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
JoieFarm Riesling iv 2011
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaClearly the best Joie riesling we have had since the beginning. Older vines, better sites, better wine making take you pick but this is the stuff that turns heads. Love the intensity of pure fruit flavours especially the exotic peachy orange notes. There is a sense of blance here and no bitter notes in the juicy fresh finish. Practically unlimited in its ability to pair with food. Well done.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Jim Barry The McRae Wood Shiraz 2006
Clare Valley, South Australia, AustraliaA wonderful year has yielded an amazing edition of McRae Wood replete with fabulous texture and intense cedar minty blueberry, black plum fruit. The mid-palate is awash in dense dark spicy fruit flecked with smoky tobacco and dried herbs and a wallop of new oak. A hedonistic, glossy red that should easily age twenty years in bottle but you could enjoy it today with a grilled butterflied leg of lamb on the barbecue.Prices:| NS | $62.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $47.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $65.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Yalumba Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz The Signature 2006
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThe '06 Signature is a 69/31 cabernet sauvignon shiraz mix from a terrific vintage. The nose is floral with riffs of cedar and tar and smoky black cherry fruit. A mix of French, American and Hungarian oak barrels lends a complexity to the, supple, mid-palate textures all of which preview a dusty smoky refined mix of silky plum, black olive, leather and mineral flavours. Just a babe in arm this wine will age easily through 2020 and beyond.Prices:| AB | $50.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $52.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $65.00 | 750ml |
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13 July 2012
88PTS
Haywire Pinot Gris Switchback Vineyard Clone 52 2011
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2011 Switchback gris clone 52 offers more concentration flavour as the vineyard rounds into shape. What we like about this wine is it tastes less like pinot gris and more like white wine made in a northern climate that is Summerland. Farmed sustainably and heading toward full organic and possibly biodynamic standards the acidity is off-the-charts delicious with a restrained nectarine skin, citrus melon fruit aromas and flavours that do not overpower. Oysters, seafood, heirloom tomato salads, it all works.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Benziger Chardonnay Los Carneros 2009
Carneros, Sonoma County, California, United StatesNot a lot of change here if anything it looks a touch old fashioned with its abundant style. Creamy spicy baked apples with a twist of butterscotch mark the palate and finish with bits of toast, honey and vanilla as well. A friendly, fruit-forward, California chardonnay you can serve with creamy rich pastas dishes or lobster.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Cakebread Cellars Chardonnay 2010
Napa Valley, California, United StatesThe nose is typically Napa warm with pear and butter notes but the attack is crisper with pear, mineral and citrus aromas and richer pear and nutmeg mixed with spicy, floral, creamy mineral tones. Balance and restrained it is fully ready to drink. The 2010 is an 88/12 barrel versus tank ferment with only 11 percent going through malolactic fermentation before the vast majority spends eight months in barrel.Prices:| BC | $64.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $55.45 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay Grand Reserve 2010
Monterey - Santa Barbara, California, United StatesThe latest GR chardonnay fruit is split almost evenly between Monterey and Santa Barbara and more than two thirds comes of the same blocks now each year and represents about six percent of total chardonnay that comes off all Jackson estates. The old vine Santa Maria benchland vineyards in Santa Barbara County are the building blocks here for structure and richness while the zippy, mineral fresh flavours are form the Monterey component. Slowly getting slimmer and crisper and we like that.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $28.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $32.00 | 750ml |
| US | $24.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Yalumba Organic Chardonnay 2011
South Australia, AustraliaMurray River organic fruit and organic winemaking techniques set the stage for this chardonnay made with 'very little winemaking intervention'. Expect a slightly subdued nose of stone fruits, nectarine skins and a bit wild yeasts character. The attack is soft and with more peachy fruit flavours flecked with orange and candied lemon rind and baked apple finish. Fun to sip but try this with fresh cracked crab.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Eve Chardonnay 2009
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesClassic Washington with its round, sweet fruit attack and soft creamy textures. Ripe baked apple, spice and sweet pear flavours mark the palate and the finish. This is best served well chilled before dinner with small bites or solo.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.00 | 750ml |
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11 July 2012
88PTS
Luigi Bosca Malbec 2009
Mendoza, ArgentinaIntense floral, black cherry nose with olive, dill, coriander and pepper notes. The attack is fresh and round with soft, juicy, black fruit, liquorice and a strong savoury, balsamic, spicy undercurrent. The finish is warm and long flecked with bits of orange and tobacco. Classic barbecue steak red.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
JoieFarm A Noble Blend 2011
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis wine has scored well over the years but we were always looking for that something extra: more pure fruit, and less of those rind-y bitter notes in the finish so prevalent in many aromatic Okanagan blends. The '11 NB puts riesling to the head of the blend at 38 percent the rest of the mix is 33/14/11/4 gewürztraminer/pinot blanc/pinot auxerrois/schönburger; the result is magic. So pure and fresh and focused with intense tangerine, guava and fruit aromas and flavours. This is a delicious bottle of wine.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $34.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Mount Pleasant Maurice O'Shea Shiraz 2009
Mountview, Hunter, New South Wales, AustraliaLifted sweet fruit aromas of red and black berries with notes of cedar, coffee and chocolate. The attack is soft and round with fine spicy undertones and black liquorice notes. The mid-palate is light and juicy with more weight and power and spicy, cedar, dark chocolate, plummy fruit with fine-grained tannins. An elegant expression of shiraz with a firm, dry finish.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Tyrrell's Vat 9 Hunter Shiraz 2009
Hunter, New South Wales, AustraliaA mix of the best and oldest from Ashmans vineyard in the Hunter that is all aged in matured large French oak casks. The textures are remarkably suave and glossy, the aromas an enticing mix of electric black fruit and spice. The palate is equally persistent and balanced at even at this young age suggesting cellaring will be rewarded for decades. An excellent shiraz with character and breed for the collector or the impatient eater. Love the elegance here.Prices:| AB | $61.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wakefield St Andrews Single Vineyard Shiraz 2006
Clare Valley, South Australia, AustraliaExpect an open, warm generous spicy, vanilla, mint and black fruit nose. The attack is similar with a stronger red fruit, cherry menthol, pencil lead, tobacco flavour that coats your palate from start to finish. The style is somewhat tart with fresh acidity poking through the backend. Try this will grilled lamb chops for best results.Prices:| US | $43.00 | 750ml |
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10 July 2012
85PTS
Calliope Figure 8 White 2011
British Columbia, CanadaFloral, passion fruit, grapefruit, matchstick, green apple and pear skin aromas. Fresh, juicy, somewhat sweet and sour palate with grapefruit juice, passion fruit, rind-y, nettle and honey flavours with a bitter zest finish. The blend is sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, pinot gris and touch of viognier.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Calliope Rosé 2011
British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, cherry, green apple, grapefruit, olive aromas. Fresh, juicy, somewhat sweeter style but tart with floral, currant, herbal, tobacco, apple, cherry, honey flavour. A simple, somewhat sweet and sour style with a touch of bitterness in the finish. Simple ready to drink Rosé. Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Hillside Rose 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFresh spicy, cherry, strawberry aromas waft from the glass flecked with bits of dried herbs. Fresh, juicy, somewhat sweeter palate with cherry, strawberry, minty, tobacco leaf flavours. An easy-sipping juicy off-dry summer sipper for the patio. The 2011 is blend of merlot, cabernet franc, gamay, and pinot noir. Try this with crab cakes.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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09 July 2012
88PTS
Bartier-Scholefield B-S White Table Wine 2011
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWe like the latest BS white from Bartier and Scholefield and this year's chardonnay pinot gris mix. Still floral and dry it is slightly more aromatic with bits of apple, grapefruit and grass throughout. The attack is austere and restrained on the front palate but easy sipping and juicy fruit helps it slide down easily with flavours green apple, citrus and lemongrass. Quintessential Okanagan white for the thoughtful.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Hillside Gewürztraminer 2011
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLovely spicy, floral, smoked sausage, light lychee, peach, ginger aromas. Fresh, juicy, elegant, slightly sweet entry with honey, floral, pink grapefruit, sausage, rose water and lychee flavours with some peach skin on the finish. Nice friendly, juicy style with some intensity. Delicious and affordable.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Roodeberg Red 2010
Western Cape, South AfricaThe Roodeberg blend has been tweaked over the years and in 2010 it is a mix of a cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, merlot and petit verdot grapes. The attack is fresh with fairly prominent acidity over a core of leafy, rubbery meaty flavours that finish tart. A hamburger red at best and it will need the beef to tame the acidity and dryness in the finish.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $14.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $16.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Saxenburg Guinea Fowl Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2009
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaThis wine remains the same most years marked by its intensely spicy dried herbs nose with smoky meaty undertones. The attack is soft and ripe with sweet cherry fruit on entry and resiny, herbal, tobacco, blueberry flavours. The finish is round and soft with a leafy, smoky, rubbery aftertaste. Best with grilled meats. Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $21.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Melba Lucia Cabernet Sauvignon Sangiovese 2008
Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia"A well-crafted red made to express the details of the place," or so says the winemaker and you know what it does. Melba 'Lucia' is named for the opera Lucia Di Lammermoor as performed by Dame Nellie Melba but what it really is a delicious blend of cabernet with bits of sangiovese merlot and petit verdot. It's not Bolgheri but there is a savoury edge in a light-ish floral red with black cherry flavours tempered by black olives. A modern red that takes you back in time.Prices:| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $34.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Tahbilk Eric Stevens Purbrick Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Victoria, AustraliaThe Tahbilk 'Eric Stevens Purbrick' is cabernet sauvignon that is selected from the finest casks of the estate from a particular vintage. The estate fruit is now over 60 years old and the wine is fermented in 100-year old plus open oak vats before it is further aged in oak barriques and then bottle. The wine opens with an intense mix of spice and cedar and resin mixed with black fruits and a strong undercurrent of earth. The finish is long, smooth, firm and dry but with a fair bit of tannin to disperse. Best now with a leg of lamb.Prices:| AUS | $55.00 | 750ml |
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08 July 2012
95PTS
Biserno 2008
Bolgheri, Tuscany, ItalyThe latest Biserno is something special. The nose is a huge mix of cedar and dried herbs and spice no doubt stemming from its mostly cabernet franc base. The attack is silky and elegant with fabulously smooth fine grained tannins that preview a whack of dark brooding, smoky, black fruits with a spicy dried herbs undercurrent. The palate is long and supple with just a hint of signature bitterness in the finish. This wine has a big life ahead of it; no need to really open this wine before 2020 unless lamb is on the menu in which case indulge. Terrific value.Prices:| BC | $180.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $165.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Il Pino di Biserno 2008
Bolgheri, Tuscany, ItalyIl Pino di Biserno is a solid jump up from Insoglio del Cinghiale trading its woodsy rustic shirt for a more elegant urbane styling. The mix of cabernet franc (35%), cabernet sauvignon (35%), merlot (20%) and petit verdot (10) is all grown at Bibbona in the Upper Maremma. The less is more philosophy begins only 65 per cent oak both new and used allowing an inviting savoury floral character to come to the fore. The palate is a glossy concern (a la Michel Rolland) of blueberries, dark red fruits and dark chocolate flecked with liquorice. Drinkable now but really this wine needs a decade to shine in bottle.Prices:| BC | $70.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $65.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Primus Malbec 2010
Mendoza, ArgentinaVeramonte winemaker Cristian Aliaga working with Alvaro Espinoza on the Primus wines has come up with a gem of a malbec from across the Andes. Primus malbec is a dark brooding intensely floral red wine with a big white pepper and intense pure raspberry fruit nose and flavours. So floral, so intense and so primary you would think there was some grenache in the 82/108 mix of malbec, syrah and petit verdot. Well done.Prices:| US | $20.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Il Pino di Biserno 2007
Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy07 92 Il Pino di Biserno is the nest step up from the Insoglio del Cinghiale and it trades the woodsy rustic shirt for a more elegant style. The blend is a mix of cabernet franc (35%), cabernet sauvignon (30%), merlot (20%) and petit verdot (15). The less is more philosophy begins with its understated, savoury nose hinting at floral, red fruit notes with bits of earth and mushrooms. The palate is concentrated yet balanced with glossy tannins and silky textures that are persistent in the mouth with some liquorice and resin in the finish.Prices:| BC | $70.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $65.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Young & Wyse Collection Pinot Gris 2011
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIt's not hard to like this crisp version of Okanagan pinot gris. The nose is tight and fresh with big stone fruit and citrus aromas. The attack is a soft juicy mix of minerals and citrus with nectarine skin notes and a hint of sagebrush throughout. A super rendition of Okanagan pinot gris in a restrained cool style that in my opinion is the best style to pursue in BC.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Morandé Pionero Pinot Grigio Reserva 2011
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileA rare offering from Chile and it is a bit like bringing coals to Newcastle here in BC. Expect a fresh flavourful white with ripe, peachy, melon fruit aromas and flavours. The wine is soft and creamy but with just a bit too much residual sugar to make us want to finish the bottle. This would be fine with spicy Pan Asian dishes or serve well chilled on the patio.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Fort Berens Pinot Gris 2011
British Columbia, CanadaThe first Lillooet gris fruit appears in the 2011 and it is a good start. If anything the fruit is slightly over cooked offering rich pear and honey notes on the nose and palate. The mid-palate is a touch flabby but there are some citrus notes that helps freshen the finish. A solid start and would be a fine match to lighter seafood and or chicken dishes.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Domaine du Chalet Pouilly Pouilly-Fuissé 2008
Pouilly-Fuissé, Mâconnais, Burgundy, FranceFloral, baked green apple, pear, honey, spicy nose with a touch of slate. Round, dry, succulent palate with juicy acidity. Honey, light lees, spicy, pear, nectarine skin, baked apple and vanilla flavours. A well balanced, ripe but somewhat austere style that is perfect for sole.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $45.00 | 750ml |
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06 July 2012
86PTS
Castillo de Monséran Garnacha 2010
Cariñena, Aragon, SpainA perennial best buy the latest Monseran has a grapey/black raspberry, cherry jam nose flecked with liquorice. The attack is round with more raspberry jam, orange, mineral and licorice flavours. Definitely a wine the over delivers for its price. Try this with grilled lamb chops or barbecue pork ribs.Prices:| BC | $11.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $9.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $11.00 | 750ml |
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05 July 2012
86PTS
The Lucky Country Shiraz Grenache 2009
Barossa Valley / McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaCedar mixed with raspberries and blueberries dominate this 'sweet 'spicy red from Down Under. Soft and sippable but lacking any finesse or complexity it's made for smoky barbecued meats and outdoor quaffing. The finish is long, warm and showing some acidity.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Bottega Il Vino dei Poeti Prosecco Brut 2011
Veneto, ItalyVery floral, peach skin, butter, candied red apple aromas. Fresh, zesty, somewhat foamy mousse with green apple, muscat-y, rose petal, peach skin flavours. Good juicy style with fresh acidity and only a touch of sweetness. A fun style for summer sipping on the patio.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.15 | 750ml |
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04 July 2012
87PTS
The Velvet Devil Merlot 2010
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThis wine leads with milk chocolate, leather and tobacco on the nose. Expect glossy smooth textures with dark, plummy, chocolate drenched fruit. The finish mixes cedar blackberries and a touch of heat. Ready to drink but it will cellar well through 2014. Try this with T-bone steaks off the barbecue.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
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03 July 2012
85PTS
Calliope Riesling 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGreen apple, citrus, floral, grassy, grapefruit rind and strong struck matchstick aromas. Palate is somewhat flat with light green apple, grapefruit rind, pear skin flavours and a tart finish. A skinny effort that needs a bit more flesh and concentration.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
M. Chapoutier Banyuls Vins Doux Naturel 2009
Banyuls, Côte Vermeille, Roussillon, Sud de France, FranceBlack cherry, black raspberry jam, liquorice, savoury, gamey, white pepper aromas with a bit of tobacco and coffee. Sweet, concentrated, slightly tannic palate with good acidity balance. Raisin-y, black raspberry jam, orange compote, floral, white pepper and red liquorice flavours. Fairly alcoholic but with fine fruit intensity for a dessert wine. The blend is 90 grenache fortified to 16 per cent alcohol. This will age for decades.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 500ml |
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89PTS
M. Chapoutier Domaine de Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem Rouge 2009
Côtes du Roussillon Villages, Roussillon, Sud de France, FranceBila Haut is a blend of syrah/grenache and carignan that is aged in 50 per cent oak and 50 per cent tank. Expect a meaty, peppery, smoky, floral nose with plum jam, black cherry, spice menthol and a hint of barnyard. Dry, fresh, juicy, suave and concentrated with peppery, savoury, black raspberry, plum, spice tobacco and curry flavours. A warm style country red with great fruit and balance to drink now or hold for a few years. Excellent value.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Red Rock Malbec Reserve 2010
Lodi, Central Valley, California, United StatesSpicy, peppery, floral, black cherry, prune, ash, compost aromas. Fresh, juicy, slightly lean and hollow palate that's both sweet and sour. Cedar bark, compost, oak cube, coffee, candied cherry, and tobacco flavours. Simple, ready-to-drink hamburger red.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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02 July 2012
88PTS
Mission Hill S.L.C. Merlot 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe SLC merlot is made from select blocks and rows grown at several Osoyoos estates. There wasn't much easy about the 2009 vintage but this 100 percent merlot prevailed. Look for a spicy, peppery, saddle leather nose with bits of barnyard, liquorice, tobacco, olive, vanilla and cherry jam aromas. The palate is full and round with juicy, peppery, coffee, chocolate, spicy, black cherry flavours flecked with resin, sagebrush and vanilla, black olive flavours. Expect this to fill in and improve over the next few years.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $40.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $40.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $37.15 | 750ml |
| QC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Martin's Lane Pinot Noir 2010
West Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA surprising effort with spicy, smoky, celery salt, rhubarb, cherry nose flecked with pepper, Worcestershire and a touch of barnyard. The attack is dry and fresh with peppery, green tea, rhubarb, cherry, resin, smoky, carrot top, herbal flavours. Still tight and oaky, but this will blossom in bottle. The 2010 limited edition Martin's Lane pinot was hand-picked from select pinot parcels in East and West Kelowna. The fruit is a mix of four clones 777, 667, 114, 115 on three rootstocks.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Martin's Lane Riesling 2011
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMartin's Lane is hillside-grown on the steepest portion of the Mission Hill Road vineyard. Love the intensely floral, green apple, lime, honey, peach skin and grass aromas. The palate is juicy and fresh with crisp, crunchy fruit reminiscent of mango, orange, lime and green apple flavours. Plenty of acidity will allow for this to grow in the bottle over the next five years or allow endless food pairing now.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mission Hill S.L.C. Chardonnay 2010
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight honey, baked pear, vanilla, spicy, clove, apricot nose with floral, red apple and mango aromas. The attack is fresh and crisp with citrus, apple, honey, floral, buttery, spicy lees and vanilla flavours with a touch of orange and guava on the finish. A bit short on the mid-palate but with fine freshness and finesse. Give it a year or two to develop. The SLC is 35 percent aged in French oak for 8 months.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $26.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $27.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mission Hill S.L.C. Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHoney, pear, grassy, grapefruit, gooseberry and lees aromas with a touch of vanilla, pea shoot and tropical note. Fresh, juicy, elegant, round palate with passion fruit, chalky, apple skin, pear, grassy, grapefruit rind and vanilla flavours. Youthful with good finesse, needs a year or two in bottle.Prices:| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Mission Hill Perpetua Chardonnay Osoyoos Vineyard Estate 2009
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHoney, peach, vanilla, light lees, pineapple, buttery, toasty, fruit cocktail aromas. Ripe, round, full, fat but juicy palate with a hint of sweetness. Melon, butter, honey, spicy lees, vanilla bean, baked apple, chalky, citrus flavours. The finish is a touch rind-y and salty. Needs a year or so to integrate and fill out. Perpetua is a single vineyard, one hundred percent chardonnay farmed on the Osoyoos lake bench using a mix of three clones: clone 96 (Dijon), clone 809 (Loire) and clone 76 (Dijon). Twenty-five percent is barrel fermented in new French oak for 10 months and stirred by hand every two weeks.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $40.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $35.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $40.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Mission Hill Sauvignon Blanc Five Vineyards 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGrassy, grapefruit, passion fruit, green apple, nettle aromas. Fresh, crisp, juicy, somewhat austere palate with grapefruit rind, nettle, floral, gooseberry flavours and a light herbal finish.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $15.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $19.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Chapel Hill The Vicar Shiraz 2008
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaThe Vicar is the top of the line at Chapel Hill. Expect intense spicy, savoury, floral, blueberry jam aromas with vanilla, pepper, bacon and coffee flecks throughout. So ripe and smooth and warm on the palate but juicy with light tannins. Big spicy, liquorice, coffee, vanilla, peppery, savoury, prune, blackberry jam, briar, garrigue, curry and light barnyard flavours. Good concentration of fruit, if alcoholic and somewhat oaky now. Needs another two to four years to smooth out. Try it with roasted leg of lamb.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chapel Hill Bush Vine Grenache 2009
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaOpen spicy, savoury, curry, tobacco, barnyard, prune, gamey, coffee, black raspberry jam aromas. Smooth, round, supple palate that is warm and fresh. Black cherry jam, chocolate, orange, spicy, peppery, vanilla, cocoa, black raspberry, licorice flavours. Good fruit and texture but very hot on the finish at 15%.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Chapel Hill Chardonnay Unwooded 2010
South Australia, AustraliaA tasty blend of McLaren vale and Adelaide Hills fruit. Look for floral, grapefruit, green apple, and light peach, pear and honey aromas. Fresh, elegant, juicy, slightly lean palate but round with green apple, pear, grapefruit, melon and light lees and butter flavours. Juicy citrus style for food.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Chapel Hill The Parson's Nose Shiraz 2010
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaPeppery, blueberry, liquorice, tobacco, briar, smoky bacon, balsamic, earthy, gamey, herb aromas. Ripe, round, smooth and fresh palate with black cherry jam, prune, liquorice, tobacco, smoky, bacon, resin, savoury flavours. Good finesse if warm and slightly tart in the back end. Best with roasted meats.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Matteo Correggia Roero Nebbiolo 2009
Alba, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyPeppery, spicy, tobacco, cedar, licorice, black cherry, resin, black olive aromas with a touch of strawberry jam. Fresh, juicy, smooth palate with bright acidity and light tannins. Smoky, peppery, licorice root, strawberry, plum and tobacco flavours with an herbal note. Good fruit intensity in a modern style for nebbiolo. Drink now- 2 years. A solid food style wine.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
JoieFarm Chardonnay Un-Oaked (ii) 2011
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHoney, green apple skin, pear, light butter, pea shoot, grassy aromas. Fresh, crisp, elegant palate but slightly austere and light. Green apple core, honey, citrus rind, pear skin flavours. A fresh style if somnewhat one-dimensional. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Kult Rosso 2009
Abruzzo, ItalyBig meaty, gamey, peppery, licorice root, black cherry, cassis, smoky, barnyard and herb aromas. Ripe, fresh, slightly tannic palate with cherry, cassis, cedar, chocolate, peppery, licorice, meaty flavours. Simple, forward, food friendly barbecue style with a slightly rustic finish. Good value.Prices:| ON | $10.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Tamaya Winemaker's Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Valle del Limari, ChileGreen bean, cassis, tobacco leaf, meaty, coffee, olive, liquorice earthy aromas preview an otherwise ripe, dry, smooth palate with light tannins. Cedar bark, peppery, coffee, vanilla, tobacco leaf, mint, savoury, herbal, black olive, meaty flavours. Good intensity and balance but on the leaner cooler side of red blends. Needs a year or two to develop.Prices:| CDN | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tamaya Winemaker's Selection Single Vineyard Carmenère 2009
Valle del Limari, ChileThe nose is a huge hit of black pepper, mint, tobacco leaf, green bean, sweaty saddle leather and chocolate aromas. The palate is fresh, juicy and elegant palate with cool restraint and flavours of coffee grinds, chocolate, cedar, bay leaf, celery root, liquorice, cassis and leather. Well balanced for current consumption and solid value. Good carmenère.Prices:| MB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tamaya Syrah / Cabernet Sauvignon / Carmenère Reserva Especial 2009
Valle del Limari, ChileBig liquorice, black pepper, blackberry, menthol, smoky, cassis, tobacco leaf, meaty, caraway, celery salt, olive aromas. Dry, fresh, round, slightly tannic palate with medium weight. Smoky, peppery, meaty, cedar, savoury, cassis, coffee, resin, licorice, green bean, olive and vanilla flavours. The fullest and most complex of the latest Tamaya reds. Prices:| US | $16.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Pérez Cruz Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2010
Alto Maipo, Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileBig minty, savoury, spicy, leafy, bay, tobacco leaf, celery salt, licorice and olive aromas. Fresh, smooth, round, dry palate with cassis, blackberry, licorice, peppery, olive, eucalyptus and herb flavours. Good finesse if a bit tart on the finish and showing leafy Maipo character.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.45 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Barone Ricasoli Colledila Chianti Classico 2007
Tuscany, ItalyColledila ("the hill on the other side") describes that vineyard you can see but can't get to save for a 30 minute drive. This is a no holds barred gamey, coffee, saddle leather nose sprayed with black cherry jam, menthol and vanilla highlights. The attack is round and smooth; the fruit ripe and elegant with silky smooth tannins. Coffee, liquorice, tobacco, saddle leather, meaty, medicinal, savoury, warm chocolate, cherry compote flavours coat your palate. All in all a warm and rustic red but well balanced. Should hold or improve over the next 2-4 years. Try this with lamb osso buco.Prices:| BC | $75.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Mission Hill Family Estate Oculus 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOculus like Osoyoos Larose continues down the path of refinement. The latest 08 is more expressive on the nose with spicy, coffee, orange peel, black cherry jam aromas mixed with liquorice, cedar, sage, vanilla and cranberry and leather. Dry, full, rich, somewhat tannic palate but juicy. Orange peel, chocolate, coffee, peppery, savoury, minty, meaty, cranberry, blackberry, saddle leather, tobacco, olive flavours. Lots of intensity and concentration but still with some youthful, small-grained tannin to dissipate. It needs five to seven years to round out but it should repay that cellaring time generously.Prices:| BC | $70.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $70.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $70.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Mission Hill Compendium 2008
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCompendium is a 43/28/26/3/ blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc and petit verdot fermented in large French oak vats for 15 months. The nose is an enticing mix of black cherry, cassis, meaty, peppery, spicy, and savoury notes flecked with saddle leather, chocolate, coffee and tobacco notes. The attack is refined, the fruit juicy and plump and full of fine-grained tannins, smoke, vanilla, chocolate, cedar, tobacco, black olive, peppery, blackberry flavours. Still youthful, this will improve over the next few years and tame the oak and tannins on the finish. Well done.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $45.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Mission Hill Quatrain 2008
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 08 Quatrain is a 34/22/15/29/ blend of merlot, cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon and syrah fermented in large French oak vats. The nose is an attractive mix of spicy, vanilla, chocolate, cherry jam aromas with flecks of pepper, tobacco, meaty/orange compote. The attack is dry and elegant even slightly Bordelais lean with some gritty tannins. The palate is awash in smoky, peppery, chocolate, meaty, minty, black cherry fruit with an Okanagan swirl of herbal, savoury, tapenade and vanilla flavours. A bit on the lean side but this will fill out in the bottle over the next few years. Well done.Prices:| BC | $44.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $45.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $42.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $45.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Torres Gran Coronas Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainLots of tobacco, peppery, cassis, black olive, meaty, saddle leather, cedar aromas. Dry, fresh, slightly tannic, medium weight palate but elegant. Cassis, savoury, sweaty saddle, cedar, olive, green bean, peppery, rooty flavours. A bit green on the tannins but solid. The blend is 85/15 cabernet sauvignon and tempranillo and it's all estate grown fruit. Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $22.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Torres Sangre de Toro 2009
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainPeppery, meaty, spicy, smoky, barnyard, black cherry jam, savoury aromas. Fresh, dry, elegant, light palate with dried herb, savoury, meaty, black cherry, liquorice, peppery, caraway, meaty flavours. Simple, easy, elegant style that works best with food.Prices:| QC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $15.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $16.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Torres Coronas Tempranillo 2008
Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainOpen peppery, tobacco, leather, and cherry jam nose with bits of meat, tapenade, spice and floral components. Ripe, round, smooth, fresh palate with cherry, strawberry, tobacco, peppery, black olive, meaty, chocolate, liquorice root and earth flavours. Good finesse and balance for current consumption. Solid value here.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $16.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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August 2012