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Tastings: August 2012
27 August 2012
86PTS
Burrowing Owl Pinot Gris 2011
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaProduction is expanding for this sought after wine but this year is not a stellar example. There is plenty of honeysuckle and sweet fruit here but there is also a lack of freshness and crispness that would make it a bit more food-friendly. A tiring white wine that finishes sweet and soft. Try it with spicy dishes for best results.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.00 | 750ml |
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25 August 2012
87PTS
Moon Curser Malbec 2010
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPitch black in the glass the Moon Cursor malbec is new to the south Okanagan. The nose is slightly stinky with savoury, black sage, black fruit nuance with some toasted vanilla. The attack is dry with black cherry, meaty blueberry fruit flavours with bits of cocoa powder. The fruit dominates now but I expect more sense of placed to develop a year or two down the road. Try this with grilled steaks.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Moon Curser Merlot 2010
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAll the merlot fruit comes off the Osoyoos East Bench perhaps the warmest piece of dirt in Canada. Expect a rich herbal northwest merlot with a dollop of sweet American oak. The nose is dark plum with pepper and five-spice and it carries through on the palate. The attack is glossy and supple with good acidity more cedar, kirsch, black olive, savoury flavours. A super effort that will improve in bottle. Well done.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Escorihuela 1884 Reservado Malbec 2011
Mendoza, ArgentinaThis wine was drying out in previously but the 2011 is back to what is essentially a sweet red wine. The colour is dark, the palate a sweet jammy mix of blueberries and cherries with a savoury, slightly dirty undercurrent. Super soft and ready to drink now. Try this with sweet and spicy barbecue ribs.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $18.85 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Soleus by MontGras Cabernet Sauvignon Organic 2009
Melipilla, Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileExpect a fresh, fragrant, savoury red fruit nose with hints of chocolate and pepper. The attack is soft and juicy with a mix of black fruits, vanilla and just a hint of toast. Tasted several times now and it is very consistent for organically grown fruit. The grapes come from the Los Guindos Vineyard in Melipilla on the west side of the Maipo Valley some 50 km from Santiago. Good value.Prices:| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Longue-Dog Grenache Syrah 2010
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceLove those Paul Boutinot reds from the south of France. The 2010 is a mix of grenache and syrah with plenty of juicy black raspberry fruit flecked with pepper throughout. The finish is soft and supple but the wine is hyper tasty and highly affordable. Try this with a rich pasta Bolognese or plain old hamburgers. Good value.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
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24 August 2012
88PTS
CedarCreek Ehrenfelser 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Ehrenfelser at Mannhardt Vineyards is now 25 years old and this wine has never been better. The orange notes have been toned down a touch this year in favour of more nectarine and tropical fruit with a nice touch of sea salt. A classic turkey wine it is now dry enough and fruity enough to work with a wide spectrum of foods. Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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23 August 2012
87PTS
Ara Pathway Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandGrapefruit juice, gooseberry, jalapeno, baked pear and passion fruit aromas. Soft, round, fresh, off dry palate with green apple, grapefruit rind, pear skin, gooseberry and light passion fruit flavours. Solid, easy style. Good value at $14.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Telmo Rodriguez LZ Lanzeigo de Álava 2010
Rioja Alavesa, Rioja, SpainVery spicy, meaty, earthy, licorice root, smoky, peppery aromas. Soft, fresh, round, dry palate with light tannins. Black cherry, resin, smoky, plum, tobacco, meaty, peppery flavours. Youthful palate but nice balance to hold a few years or try with lamb.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Portada 2009
PortugalEarthy, resin, liquorice, smoky, savoury, black cherry and meat aromas. Soft, round, forward, easy palate with meaty, rosemary, black cherry, resin, smoky herb and leather flavours. A simple, solid, barbecue red at a fair price.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Escorihuela 1884 Reservado Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Mendoza, ArgentinaBlack liquorice, resin, blackberry jam, smoky, savoury, tobacco, green olive and cedar aromas. Ripe, full, round, warm palate with smoky, peppery, leather, rooty, blackberry, vanilla and olive flavours with a bit of chocolate. Good solid cab but has a very warm finish.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Edge Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Napa Valley, California, United StatesPeppery, tobacco, rooty, cassis, earthy, sappy, menthol, cedar aromas. Dry, slightly tannic, elegant but dry and lean with cassis, peppery, olive, tobacco, cedar, bitter chocolate and herb flavours. A bit green and edgy on the finish for Napa. Try this with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $34.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Signorello Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Napa Valley, California, United StatesBlackberry, cassis jam, chocolate, vanilla, tobacco, black olive, licorice, savoury, cedar aromas very aromatic and pure. Ripe, round, smooth, suave palate with light, grainy tannins. Peppery, cedar, menthol, dark chocolate, vanilla, cassis, blackberry, earthy, tobacco, meaty flavours. A bit warm but has great finesse and flavour intensity with the ability to improve over the next 2-4 years. An impressive effort for the vintage and likely better than the 2007 in the long run. There is 13 percent merlot in the mix.Prices:| BC | $80.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $65.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $62.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $56.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Signorello Padrone 2008
Napa Valley, California, United StatesBig cassis jam, blackberry, floral, vanilla, chocolate, licorice, peppery, spicy, savoury, saddle leather, waxy aromas, very good complexity... even a bit Pauillac-like. Rich, full, round, smooth palate with fine, integrated tannins. Chocolate, vanilla, blackberry jam, cassis, cedar, floral, leather, coffee, licorice and tobacco flavours. A bit warm on the finish but great fruit intensity, balance and finesse to last 7-10 years. The '08 Padrone is an 89/11 mix of cabernet sauvignon and merlot.Prices:| BC | $170.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $150.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $113.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $153.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Poplar Grove The Legacy 2007
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, chocolate, vanilla, prune, tobacco, meaty, coffee, black olive, minty, cassis, dried cranberry aromas with a hint of volatility. Full, round, slightly chewy palate with tobacco, cedar, earthy, liquorice, green olive, cherry, cranberry, coffee, vanilla flavours. Elegant and juicy with some green tea tannins on the finish. Needs 2-4 years to properly mature in bottle.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Poplar Grove Merlot 2008
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeppery, spicy, cherry, tobacco, cedar, licorice root and light sandalwood aromas with a touch of volatility. Dry, full, round, warm palate with smooth tannins. Chocolate, vanilla, peppery, rooty, licorice, savoury, black cherry, tobacco, minty, olive flavours. A bit warm and tart on the finish but has good overall finesse. Needs a few years to integrate the oak.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Poplar Grove Chardonnay 2010
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNutty, baked apple, citrus, vanilla, honey, matchstick aromas. Ripe, round, soft, slightly flat palate with nutty lees, butterscotch, baked apple, and pear flavours with a strong dose of sulphur on the finish. Needs a year to settle down.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Ravenswood Sonoma County Old Vine Zinfandel 2009
Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesBlack liquorice, blackberry jam, savoury, garrigue, cedar, peppery, dried cherry nose. Dry, fresh, full, slightly astringent palate with ash, liquorice, black cherry, prune, coffee, peppery, cedar flavours. Needs a few years to soften the dry tannins.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Fort Berens White Gold 2010
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGreen apple, baked pear, vanilla, butter, honey, citrus and matchstick aromas. Fresh, delicate, light palate with butter, earthy, green apple, citrus flavours. A touch light, with the oak sitting on the wine not in the wine. Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Therapy Vineyards Chardonnay 2010
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGreen apple, grapefruit, floral, honey, light matchstick aromas. Soft, round, buttery palate with baked apple, grapefruit, passion fruit and honey flavours. Fresh, tart finish keeps this lively and simple. Try this with your favourite seafood pasta dish.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Nuance Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec 2011
Smoky, earthy, prune, meaty, rubbery, saddle leather, tobacco aromas. Round, smooth, fresh palate with tobacco, smoky leather, prune, cassis, roasted tomato and meaty resin flavours. A basic barbecue red.Prices:| BC | $11.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
St. Francis Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Sonoma County, California, United StatesPeppery, resin, black liquorice, cedar, tobacco, prune, blackberry jam and earth aromas. Ripe, rich, full, warm palate with light grainy tannins. Cedar, cassis, prune, black olive, smoky tobacco, blackberry and dried herb flavours. Good fruit and balance but has a very warm finish.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $27.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $32.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Layer Cake Shiraz 2010
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThe latest Layer Cake shiraz is intensely Oz with its over-the-top cedar, mint and resin throughout mixed with sweet chocolate, soupy blueberry fruit flavours and a slightly acidic finish. The finish is warm and super spicy. I suggest hamburgers might tame the wild characters but it is not our favourite. The price is crazy.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $27.00 | 750ml |
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21 August 2012
89PTS
Hillside Mosaic 2008
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMosaic is a five grape mix of merlot, cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, malbec and petit verdot that continue to put on age in the vineyard. A switch to all French oak has furthered elevated the complexity of this red that leads with its dark fruit aromas and flavours. Like previous editions there are some Christmas cake notes on the finish but thankfully the entire package is drier and more food friendly. Still tight and youthful but we expect this to expand in the bottle over the next three years.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Blasted Church Pinot Gris 2011
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFresh open, fruity nose with citrus, pear and ripe red apple notes. The attack is bracingly fresh with more ripe red apple and grapefruit flavours with a twist of spice. The fruit comes off multiple sites across the Okanagan valley. The winery recommends scallops in brown butter or past alfredo. The wine should slice through both.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Allan Scott Family Winemakers Riesling 2010
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandRed apple, light petrol, guava, Vaseline, slate, citrus aromas. Round, full, juicy, slightly sweet style with good acidity. Slate, granny smith, lime, guava and light petrol flavours with a fresh, zippy and slightly lean finish. Best with tapas or your favourite spicy Chinese dish.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $25.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Road 13 Jackpot Viognier 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHoney, pear, light apricot, light lees, butter and ginger aromas. Light, fresh but soft and gentle palate with a touch of sweetness. Very buttery, popcorn, honey, apricot, nutty lees flavours. One of the best yet from winemaker J M Bouchard and one to watch in the bottle.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Tscharke Barossa Gold Marananga Shiraz 2010
Marananga, Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaLiquorice, smoky, blackberry jam, spicy, meaty, rooty, floral, slightly rubbery aromas. Soft, round, smooth, slightly tart palate with black cherry jam, smoky, savoury, spicy, tobacco, liquorice flavours. Simple, easy wine for the barbie as they say in Oz.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Escorihuela 1884 Reservado Syrah 2011
Mendoza, ArgentinaSmoky, garrigue, cedar, liquorice root, dried herb, black plum aromas. Smooth, round, warm, juicy palate with smoky, plum, licorice, savoury, tobacco flavours. Finish is a bit tart but offers good solid fruit for food accompaniment.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $19.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Fuse Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Napa Valley, California, United StatesBig blackberry, cassis, floral, vanilla, cedar, smoky leather, peppery, tobacco, savoury aromas. Full, ripe, smooth, warm palate with fresh acidity. Vanilla, coffee, dark chocolate, cedar, tobacco, earthy, prune, black olive, cassis and licorice flavours. A forward, ripe but elegant style with a touch of warmth on the finish. Drink now - 2 years. Good value for Napa.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $33.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Monster Vineyards Cabs 2009
British Columbia, CanadaHerbal, caraway, peppery, spicy, tobacco leaf, espresso, cedar and cranberry aromas with a touch of saddle leather. Soft, smooth, round palate with light tannins. Warm with coffee, vanilla, cedar, peppery, cranberry, cassis, herbal, tobacco and leather favours with a smoky finish. A bit warm and savoury but in a fine forward style for drinking now.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Cakebread Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Napa Valley, California, United StatesRich open, spicy, cassis, curry, vanilla nose flecked with menthol, coffee, black olive and barnyard notes. The attack is smooth and round up front but quite dry and warm in the back end. Look for chocolate, vanilla, cassis jam, cedar, blackberry, tobacco, prune and olive flavours. A touch of green on the finish but has good balance. Drink now or over the next three years with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $100.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $94.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sparr Tradition Pinot d 2010
Alsace, FranceEarthy, floral, peach skin, pear and light butter aromas. Fresh, juicy, creamy, slightly sweet palate with peach, baked pear, apple skin and citrus flavours. Elegant, forward style with a juicy finish. Drink now halibut.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Sparr Tradition Muscat 2010
Alsace, FranceFloral, spicy, lychee, nectarine, citrus, ginger nose. Fresh, dry, juicy, elegant palate with citrus, lychee, nectarine skin, red apple and rose flavours. Nice balance and delicacy if a touch soft on the finish. Drink now with its fruit freshness.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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18 August 2012
88PTS
Domaine du Clos du Bourg Sauvignon Touraine 2011
Touraine, Loire, FranceMuch like the former edition gooseberry and grapefruit dominate on the nose and palate with hints of jalapeno, smoky dried herbs. Love the crisp fresh palate and refreshing citrus, gooseberry, jalapeno theme. Think clams squid, mussels and any combination with pasta.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Gloria Ferrer Etesian Pinot Noir 2008
Sonoma County, California, United StatesExpect a fragrant enticing nose of ripe black cherries mixed with spicy smoky raspberry notes. The attack is smooth and mouth-filling with lots of glossy black cherry fruit, earth and freshness. Impressive New World style that will work with most any mushroom pasta dish or bird dishes.Prices:| US | $16.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $28.00 | 750ml |
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09 August 2012
92PTS
Mission Hill Family Estate Oculus 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOculus is the pinnacle red at Mission Hill fashioned after the great red blends of Bordeaux and made with select grapes from designated blocks in Osoyoos and Oliver. No wine in the region is handled more gently before it is aged 14.5 months in French barriques. The nose is a fragrant mix of dark plummy fruit spiced with coffee, orange peel, liquorice and black sage aromas. The mix is now 50 percent merlot with 30/15/5 bits of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and petit verdot all of which lends the wine an attractive soft, elegant demeanour and slippery fine grained tannins. You can drink it now if you must but five to seven years will repay your patience handsomely.Prices:| BC | $70.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $70.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $70.00 | 750ml |
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08 August 2012
89PTS
Chateau St. Jean Pinot Noir 2009
Sonoma County, California, United StatesYou are going to love this juicy style pinot with its super bright Carneros raspberry strawberry scented fruit and darker deeper Russian River Valley components. Expect a mix of tea, dried cranberries, and black fruits to coat your palate with a smooth plummy dark cherry finish. Ripe, easy sipping and delicious this is a wonderful introductory Sonoma pinot at an unbeatable price.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $37.00 | 750ml |
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06 August 2012
87PTS
La Posta Malbec Cocina Blend 2010
Perdriel District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThis 60/20/20 malbec/bonarda/syrah blend has a spicy, savoury, liquorice, black cherry nose with flecks of vanilla and barnyard. Dry, firm attack with tobacco leaf, black olive, herbal, roast pepper, prune and black cherry flavours. Warm rich peppery savoury red that doesn't require any pepper or spice in the dish it is served beside.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Backyard Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2011
British Columbia, CanadaSimple grassy grapefruit characters suggest it is sauvignon but there isn't a lot of freshness or intensity in the back end. In fact, it finishes a bit flat and warm with some alcohol pointing through. Serve well-chilled as an appetizer with tapas style bites for best effect.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Gabriel Meffre Plan de Dieu Côtes du Rhône Villages Saint Mapalis 2010
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceThis Plan de Dieu Saint-Mapalis is a blend of grenache, mourvèdre and syrah that features a fresh floral nose marked with savoury liquorice component. The entry is firm with some dry tannin gripping the palate before the blackberry, blueberry red cherry fruit flavours kick in. The finish is warm and round with bits of curry and garrigue underneath. Game birds would be a good match or roasted stuffed turkey.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône 2009
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceThe Cotes du Rhone may not be the flagship red at Guigal but it's the money-maker and they produce a lot of it - now near 3.5 million bottles spread across some 500 growers. The blend is now equal parts syrah and with five percent mourvèdre. Winemaker Philippe Guigal is fine tuning this stylish red that mixes dry, red, floral fruit with pepper, smoked meat and just a hint of spice from a touch of mourvèdre. Powerful but round this will cellar well and improve for the next five to ten years. A perfect match for lamb chops or osso buco.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Signorello Seta 2009
Napa Valley, California, United StatesSeta (silk) a 60/40 sémillon and sauvignon blend is a signature white at Signorello that is built around smooth 'silky textures' mixed with gooseberry, grapefruit and figgy, honey notes. The attack is rich and dry with passion fruit, mineral, nutty, apple skin flavours. Love the finesse and intensity and the wines ability to work with food.Prices:| BC | $43.00 | 750ml |
| US | $25.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Therapy Vineyards Alter Ego 2011
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery floral, honeyed, baked apple, pear skin, spicy, grassy aromas with a bit of butter. Fresh, juicy, sweet entry with baked apple, honey, spicy lees, floral, pear flavours. A sweeter, summer sipper you can serve with spicy foods or solo as an apéritif. Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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05 August 2012
88PTS
Pentâge Winery Roussanne Marsanne Viognier 2010
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWhite Rhone blends have always intrigued the bored wine drinker and BC winemakers are finally experimenting freely with roussanne, marsanne and viognier in varying mixes with much success. Love the bright, ripe, peachy, ginger melon fruit with fine spice. The textures are rich and smooth and if anything could use a touch more acidity. An exciting development at Pentâge.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Oxford Landing Sauvignon Blanc 2011
South Australia, AustraliaThe latest Oxford-ian sauvignon white remains chiseled and fresh. The entry is lip-smacking fresh; the palate a tight mix of lime rind, nettle, and citrus all with a hint of petrol. Perfectly suited to fresh summer salads and simply prepared foods from corn to chicken or pork kebobs and/or with fresh goat cheese.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.50 | 750ml |
| NS | $13.75 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Boekenhoutskloof The Wolftrap Viognier Chenin Blanc Grenache Blanc 2011
Western Cape, South AfricaI thought it would be tough to beat last year's mix but wine maker Marc Kent easily topped last year's effort blending mostly viognier with chenin blanc and the secret weapon super fresh grenache blanc. So bright and floral with juicy, watermelon, honey, white peach, ginger, citrus aromas. The attack is fresh with peachy viognier fruit leading and the brighter, more electric chenin and grenache supporting underneath. Modern, sophisticated South African white wine that is miles from the smoky, burnt rubber reds that dominate the shelves here killing brand South Africa. Great value. Pick your curry.Prices:| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Ritual Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileVeramonte makes a two block selection of its most intense sauvignon from the cool, Gloria vineyard and the Mauco block with the best acidity for the Ritual label. It still has a pleasing fairly round entry but the palate is fresher and more electric with skinny, tropical Casablanca citrus and gooseberry fruit with some creamy textures in the back ground. Five months in French Oak makes for a smoother finish with a touch of complexity. Impressive for the price.Prices:| US | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Clos du Soleil Fumé Blanc 2011
Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGrapefruit, passion fruit, nettle, green apple, light honey and floral aromas. Fresh, juicy, delicate style with green apple, grapefruit, gooseberry, melon rind and honey flavours with a bit of nettle and sweet and sour on the finish. A solid, easy summer style for simple seafood dishes.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Hester Creek Old Vines Block 16 Trebbiano 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAt $23 trebbiano has arrived in the Okanagan. The only single bottling we know of in BC the vines date back to the early 1970s and are the oldest on the estate. The nose is an aromatic mix of bright honeysuckle and red apples. The attack is similar with ripe tropical undertones, apricots, white peach and lime rind. Think Pad Thai, spicy, grilled chicken or summer pasta dishes. Much better again under screwcap.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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04 August 2012
88PTS
Francois Lurton Les Fumées Blanches 2011
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceThe latest from Lurton still over delivers for the price with its fresh smoky, citrus mineral nose that suggest a wine of nearly twice the price. The attack is fresh and clean with a kiwi, melon, gooseberry flavour profile that runs through its grassy finish. Balanced, refreshing and crazy value it's sold under screwcap and you should back the truck up and load up. Clams anyone?Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.35 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Twin Islands Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandTypically pungent Marlborough beginning with crisp passion fruit and nettle aromas. The attack is lively and electric with a juicy mid-palate that combines notes of asparagus, gooseberry, grapefruit, passion fruit and lemon. A grown-up version of NZ sauvignon at an affordable price. Steamed mussels anyone.Prices:| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $21.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Oxford Landing Sauvignon Blanc 2010
South Australia, AustraliaIt does not have to be expensive to be correct. Check out this Oxford-ian white with its clean and sharp pressed edges. The entry is mouth-watering and the palate a tight mix of nettle lime and acidity with a hint of bitterness in the finish. Chicken, potato salads, corn, summer it all works.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.50 | 750ml |
| NS | $13.75 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Terravista Fandango Albariño Verdejo 2011
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSenka and Bob Tennant (formerly Black Hills) are back in business; this time on Naramata Bench. Terravista Fandago is an albariño/verdejo blend and one of only two wines made at the property. The blend is a first for me in Canada and I love the entire idea of this wine. Its über fresh and electric, perhaps to tart for some palates but serve this with a charcuterie plate and it's magic. Look for intense, citrus scents and flavours washed in minerality. Super refreshingPrices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Avalon Sauvignon Blanc 2010
California, United StatesOpen, fresh passion fruit, green pepper and mango aromas. The attack is round and California rich with a touch of lemon custard, more passion fruit and grass with some bitter guava/lime notes in the finish. More of a sipper style. Serve well-chilled with appetizers.Prices:| BC | $18.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio 2011
Valdadige, Pedemonte Valpolicella, Verona, Veneto, ItalyAlmost a carbon copy of last year's fine effort that may be even fresher. It's easy to write this off as a huge brand but it's not the case in the glass. The nose is fresher than ever with bits of honey, spicy and white fruits mixed with citrus aromas. The attack is soft but fresh with earthy, pear skin, quince and green apple notes. Definitely more elegant and austere; it's made for West Coast cuisine. Amazingly still no screwcap.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $20.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Louis Bernard Côtes du Rhône Villages Rouge 2010
Côtes du Rhône Villages, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceThe Bernard 'Villages' is a clear jump up in tone from the appellation blend. A bit warmer and spicier the fruit penetrates deeper on your palate and the spice last longer through the finish. Liquorice, garrigue and dried herbs all complex the ending. Hard to beat this authenticity and for the price. Anything grilled on the barbecue will work here.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.40 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.45 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Louis Bernard Côtes du Rhône Rouge 2010
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceBright plummy fruit dominates the nose with just a squeeze of garrigue (dried indigenous herbs) for interest. The attack is soft and plummy with pepper, thyme and a light, meaty, character in the finish. A friendly, honest straight-up Rhone blend for hamburgers or grilled chicken. The blend is roughly 65 percent grenache and 35 percent syrah. Excellent value. Simplicity rules.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $14.50 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $14.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Masi Modello Bianco delle Venezie 2011
Verona, Veneto, ItalyA well-made tasty little white from northern Italy. Love the fresh green apple/honeysuckle aromas. The attack is clean and fresh with light earthy floral undertones with bits of baked pear, apple skin and almonds. An easy drinking white with just a hint of sweetness in the finish.Prices:| QC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.50 | 750ml |
| SK | $12.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $15.00 | 750ml |
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03 August 2012
89PTS
Poplar Grove Pinot Gris 2011
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe latest gris is a hint drier and fresher which is good trend. Look for a big citrus hit up front mixed with grass; almost sauvignon-like. The attack is fresh and watery with mineral wet stone citrus green apple flavours and just a hint of bitterness in the finish. Love the fresh zippy character of this wine that will allow you to have fun with an infinite mix of foods. The simple match is a classic tomato pizza but you can also serve it with a savoury roast chicken. Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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September 2012