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Tastings: September 2012
30 September 2012
89PTS
Chateau St. Jean Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Sonoma County, California, United StatesSurprisingly lean and cedar-y on the nose with a very Bordelais entry. More red fruits and floral notes than perhaps you might expect but the backend begins to smooth out when the blackberry, chocolate, tobacco, vanilla notes kick in. More Sonoma than anything else which makes it very food friendly.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Vina Maipo Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileBright fresh aromatic nose with citrus gooseberry notes. The attack is similar albeit warm with more tropical fruit salad notes and a touch of lime rind in the finish. Just about right for the price and a chicken Caesar salad.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Hester Creek Character Estate White Blend 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaExpect a fairly simple style aromatic blend that features honey and baked apple characters with bits of green apple, anise and spicy flavours with a dollop of sugar in the back end. This one is best chilled down and served with spicy curries or sweet and spicy back ribs. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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28 September 2012
88PTS
Wolf Blass Grey Label Shiraz Cabernet Robe Mount Benson 2009
South Australia, AustraliaBig black pepper, liquorice, earthy, smoky, espresso, blackberry jam, mint, tobacco, bay aromas with a touch of blueberry. Ripe, round, smooth, fresh palate with slightly tart acidity. Juicy black cherry, blueberry, coffee, peppery, floral, meaty, liquorice, smoky, vanilla, dried sage flavours. The finish is tart and warm with some light, astringent tannins and a shallow mid-palate. Needs food to round things out.Prices:| BC | $37.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $40.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $32.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $27.20 | 750ml |
| QC | $37.25 | 750ml |
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26 September 2012
90PTS
Terravista Figaro Roussanne Viognier Marsanne 2010
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSenka and Bob Tennant (formerly Black Hills) are back in business; this time on Naramata Bench. Terravista Figaro is a blend of roussanne, viognier and marsanne and one of only two wines made at the property. Sanka Tennat has a flare for making refreshing, exciting white wines and Figaro is another example. The nose is an attractive mix of white flowers, pepper and citrus with bits peach and honeysuckle. The midpalate is fresh if a touch watery but we will take the easy-drinking style over the thick and alcoholic. Turkey any one?Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Perseus Synergy Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight grassy, grapefruit, nettle aromas. Fresh, juicy, round palate but a bit skinny and bitter. Lime, grapefruit, lees, melon rind flavours. Finish is tart and a bit lean.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Perseus Invictus 2008
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaStewed prune, barnyard, tobacco, resin, leather, cassis, coffee, vanilla and herb aromas. Dry, round, somewhat tart entry with light tannins. Cedar, tobacco, smoky, coffee, resin, leafy, prune, cassis, savoury, barnyard, leather flavours. Tart, warm, full but hollow finish and very oaky.Prices:| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Perseus Merlot 2010
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMinty, herbal, leafy, tobacco, cherry, coffee, smoky vanilla, spicy aromas. Full, dry, warm and tart palate with cherry kirsch, tobacco leaf, coffee, herbal, savoury, green bean flavours. Finish is very warm and tart with some greenish tannin. Serve with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Trapiche Broquel Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Mendoza, ArgentinaSmoky, peppery, cassis, blackberry, black olive, tobacco, light vanilla, leather and savoury aromas. Round, full, slightly tannic palate with cassis, prune, compost, tobacco, peppery, licorice root, coffee and cedar flavours. Solid if a bit tart and warm on the finish.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $16.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $17.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $19.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Trapiche Broquel Cabernet Franc 2009
Mendoza, ArgentinaSpicy, cranberry, peppery, cedar, tobacco leaf, smoky, savoury, cherry and vanilla aromas. Round, supple, smooth, rich palate with smoky, cigar, tobacco, resin, leather, peppery, prune, cherry and herb flavours. Finish is a bit smoky and rooty but good intensity and balance here.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $16.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $17.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $19.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Hester Creek Pinot Gris 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight honey, pear, green apple, floral, spicy, matchstick aromas. Fresh, round, juicy, slightly sweet palate with baked green apple, honey, earthy, citrus, grassy, butter flavours. Juicy, tight finish. Solid effort.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Cellar Hand Punch Down Red 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCrushed leaf, tobacco, peppery, rooty, sausage meat, cassis aromas. Fresh, round, slightly sweet and sour with light tannins. Leafy, herbal, smoked tomato, coffee, resin, earthy, cassis flavours with a green tea tannin finish. Simple, ready-to-drink red.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Moon Curser Petit Verdot 2010
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIntense liquorice, violet, cassis, peppery nose with spicy, inky, earthy, tobacco leaf aromas. Round, full, juicy, fruity palate but a bit tart. Perfumed, floral, cassis and liquorice flavours come flecked with earth, pepper, tea leaf, tobacco, cedar, coffee and young, gritty tannins. Great intensity but finish is very tart. It might be better in blends then here in the full Monty.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Moon Curser Syrah 2010
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig peppery, spicy, sausage meat, gingerbread, vanilla, sage aromas flecked with tobacco, earth and liquorice. Full, round, dry, slightly tart palate with light tannins. Tobacco, black cherry, smoky, earthy, sausage meat, peppery, rooty, ginger, vanilla, savoury flavours. Good intensity and solid flavours but lacks a bit of middle at this stage with some tannin still to shed. Try this with venison this fall or wait a year.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Olivier Leflaive Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2009
Burgundy, FranceDisappointing cedar-y, tobacco leaf, earthy, rhubarb nose with compost underneath. Dry, fresh, lean, somewhat tart palate with light tannins, very old style Bourgogne. Earthy, cedar bark, smoky, rooty, rhubarb, sour cherry flavours.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Fort Berens Pinot Noir Rose 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaEarthy, tobacco leaf, peppery, floral, rhubarb aromas. Fresh, dry, light, lean palate with apple skin, tobacco leaf, tomato, rhubarb, herbal leafy flavours. Lacks fruit. Not our favourite.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Kendall-Jackson Avant Chardonnay 2010
Monterey - Santa Barbara, California, United StatesSlightly riper aromas than the 2009. More floral butter, cream and mango almost Santa Barbara-like. The attack is creamy and fresh with honey, ripe mango fruit, lemon, butter, baked apple all with a touch of creamy lees. Impressive fresh lean style with ripe fruit that definitely ups the chardonnay ante at KJ.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| US | $13.00 | 750ml |
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25 September 2012
91PTS
Gérard Bertrand Cigalus Blanc 2011
Tautavel, Côtes du Roussillon Villages, Roussillon, Sud de France, FranceHoney, spicy, guava, orange, melon, baked apple, vanilla, butter, apricot flower aromas. Full, ripe, juicy, dry, round and elegant palate with grassy, citrus, honey, butter, lees, spicy, guava, cantaloupe, ginger and herb flavours. Nicely balanced with good intensity and extract. Drink now - 3 years.Prices:| BC | $57.00 | 750ml |
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24 September 2012
88PTS
Mezzomondo Salento 2010
Puglia, ItalyFittingly fragrant the number one pick is 100 per cent negroamaro an indigenous grape grown in Apulia. Blackberries, plums, dark chocolate with a savoury undertone over deliver for the price. So round and fun to drink; it's ridiculous value for $10. You can even age this another three years and it will improve.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Periquita 2009
Vinho Regional Terras do Sado, Setúbal Peninsula, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalPeriquita wasn't always a drinkable wine but things have changed in Portugal. There not making New World wine but they are making much better Old World wine. That said bright fruit greets your nose with bits of spice and dried herbs. The plate is soft and juicy with more red and black fruits with a cedar and earthy finish.Prices:| BC | $9.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.20 | 750ml |
| QC | $12.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Pol Roger Brut Reserve NV
Champagne, FranceYou will love the fine persistent mousse and its ethereal floral, baked apple, toasted nut and citrus aromas. So fresh and attractive and typical Pol Roger mixing elegance, creamy textures and fruit effortlessly. The palate is reminiscent of baked green apple, honey and citrus soaked nuts. A super wine to open when you need a bottle for an array of appetizers and one that will command your visitor's attention.Prices:| BC | $73.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $66.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $63.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $72.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $65.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $39.99 | 375ml |
| NS | $67.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
William Fèvre Chablis Bougros Grand Cru Domaine 2010
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceHoney, spicy, green apple, pear, lees, seashell, slate and light grapefruit aromas. Fresh, full, juicy, dry, elegant palate with good concentration. Lime, green apple, spicy, lemon oil, seashell, minty leaf flavours. Good length and finesse but needs a few years to fully show.Prices:| BC | $79.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
William Fèvre Les Preuses Chablis Grand Cru Domaine 2010
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceLight honey, floral, spicy lees, grassy, lemon, seashell, seashore, slate, baked pear and lanolin aromas, very fine nose. Dry, fresh, juicy, tight palate with good acidity and concentration with a bit of austerity. Similar flavours on the palate but juicy with a long finish and elegant. Needs one to three more years in bottle to reach its zenith.Prices:| BC | $90.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
William Fèvre Chablis Mont de Milieu Premier Cru Domaine 2010
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceRipe pear, green apple, floral, honey, lime, lees aromas. Dry, tight, fresh, elegant and juicy palate with a touch of austerity. Lemon-lime, green apples, lees, spicy, floral flavours with a touch of a salty sensation on the finish. Needs time but nose is very expressive.Prices:| BC | $56.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $55.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
William Fèvre Chablis Fourchaume Premier Cru Domaine 2010
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceSpicy lees, grassy, green apple, pear, slate, floral, minty lime aromas. Dry, fresh, juicy, elegant and full palate but a tad austere now. Spicy, green apple skin, lees, grassy, floral, lime, leafy flavours. Very young with good extract, needs a few years for full enjoyment.Prices:| BC | $56.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $55.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
William Fèvre Vaillons 1er Cru Chablis Domaine 2010
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceGreen apple, spicy, lightly floral with notes of lime, lees, slate and sea salt. Ripe, round, full, juicy palate with fine concentration and more apple, lime, lees, slightly smoky, pear and dried herb flavours. Fine precision and concentration but a bit backward here. Needs a year or two and will improve.Prices:| BC | $48.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
William Fèvre Chablis Montmains Premier Cru Domaine 2010
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceGreen apple, pear, light lees, lime, slightly toasty, melon rind, seashell aromas. Round, full, juicy, well concentrated and intense palate with lees, green apple, spicy, seashell, grassy, lemon lime flavours. A bit fuller and bigger but slightly more forward here than most other premier crus.Prices:| BC | $47.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
William Fèvre Chablis Champs Royaux 2011
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceLight lees, spicy, green apple skin and seashell aromas. Dry, crisp, juicy, slightly lean structure but with solid body and green apple, lees, spicy, seashell flavours. Love the fresh style but still needs six to twelve months to round out. Great price in Ontario; B.C price is embarrassing. Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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23 September 2012
92PTS
Wolf Blass White Label Chardonnay 2011
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaWolf Blass White Label Chardonnay is a limited release wine made only when the harvest is deemed exceptional. Similar to Yattarna is philosophy it is all about redefining the next half century if Australian chardonnay. After more than a decade of work this electric, lean, yes Burgundian style white wine is a shocking about face from what many think Blass chardonnay tastes like. A selection of the best sites and the best barrels it is a true cool climate style. Most of the ferment is done with wild yeasts, in 100% French oak barriques and then it is matured for nine months with regular lees stirring. The texture is lean but with creamy notes. The flavours white peach, cashews and toast. Buttered clams would be a fabulous match.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Wolf Blass Platinum Label Medlands Estate Shiraz 2009
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThe first Platinum Label was first created in 1998 to celebrate shiraz and Barossa. Ever since most of the fruit comes off Medlands Estate 'The Orchard' vineyard, in the north-central Barossa Valley. An old Tolley vineyard it has been completely replanted to shiraz since 1995. Each block is fermented separately and matured in one year-old French barriques for about 20 months before a final assemblage. The nose is aggressively fragrant and spicy with hints of chocolate, cedar and blueberries. The palate is similar with fresh, tart chocolate covered blueberries and soft tannins. The finish is long warm and persistent with just a few fine grained tannins to shed. Lamb or venison are your best dinner matches or serve with a piece of aged hard cheeses.Prices:| BC | $100.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $100.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $115.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $105.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $115.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Terra Andina Cabernet - Merlot 2010
Region del Valle Central, ChileA tasty upgrade on previous editions albeit in a friendly commercial jacket. The attack is soft with a mix of sweet dark fruits, dried herbs, black olives and cedar plum notes. The tannins are soft. Try this spaghetti Bolognese or chicken cacciatore. Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Barefoot Pinot Grigio NV
California, United StatesWe expect a certain level of quality in pinot grigio in BC because we grow it but it's hard to match this wine at $10. Floral citrus blossoms preview a surprisingly fresh palate albeit with some residual sugar in the back end to smooth it all out. Chicken or tomatoes with pasta or pizza would be the match. The blend is 91 per cent pinot grigio, with a mix of muscat, malvasia bianca and symphony to freshen up the finish.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Hardys Stamp Series Riesling Gewurztraminer 2011
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaAromatic white wines can be very versatile with Thai/Chinese/Indian menus and this edition from Oz hits all the right notes. The nose is spicy with floral, red apple and peach notes. The attack is just off-dry to cool down spicy dishes with bits of lemon and lime rind, apricot skin with lemon meringue and a hint of petrol in the finish. A fun white you can serve solo or with appetizers and or spicy dishes.Prices:| BC | $10.50 | 750ml |
| YK | $12.55 | 750ml |
| NS | $13.50 | 750ml |
| NB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $11.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
The Beachhouse Red 2010
Western Cape, South AfricaAnother successful blend this time mixing 65/20/15 shiraz, mourvèdre and viognier. Fruity and spicy it hits all the right notes on entry with soft succulent fruit with bits of cocoa and dried herbs and an obvious savoury undercurrent. Grilled meats or cheese are all good fits for food. Surprisingly clean and fresh for a cheap South African red. Enjoy.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $13.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
J. J. McWilliam's Cabernet Merlot 2010
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaBlends are all the rage in Australia at the moment and this wine is a perfect example of what can be done on the cheap. Look for plenty of cocoa and spice on the nose before a whack of dark red fruit reflecting the 75/25 mix of cabernet sauvignon and merlot. An easy sipping barbecue red that will show best with grilled meats beginning with hamburgers.Prices:| BC | $11.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $10.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.05 | 750ml |
| NS | $11.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Wolf Blass Gold Label Chardonnay 2011
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaWonderfully refreshing and vibrant with a big bright fresh, green apple and smoky grapefruit nose. The palate is a mix of citrus butter and creamy, cool white fruit flavours. The fruit is sourced from high altitude vineyards in the Adelaide Hills and it is handled with little fanfare at the winery spending six months in 30 per cent new French oak. The remainder is a mix of seasoned French oak. A portion of the wine goes through malolactic fermentation but it remains taut and elegant throughout. Veal scaloppini is recommended by the winery; our choice is oven roasted quail.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $24.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Bouchard Père & Fils Chapelle-Chambertin Grand Cru 2009
Gevrey-Chambertin, Côtes de Nuits, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceLightly smoky, vanilla, cherry, strawberry jam, gamey, tobacco, earthy, floral, spicy aromas but a bit closed. Dry, fresh, juicy, elegant, intense and bright on the palate with some light, ripe tannins and good concentration. Vanilla, smoky, slightly meaty, gamey, blood orange, raspberry, strawberry jam, celery salt and tobacco flavours. Long, fresh, elegant style that needs 3-7 years. Will improve to the upside on the score. A relative value in Grand Cru status.Prices:| BC | $198.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils Meursault Les Clous 2009
Meursault, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceMade from vineyard parcels higher up on the hill where the soils are stony and thinner. Peach, floral, butter, lime, baked green apple and vanilla aromas. Dry, fresh, juicy, tighter and concentrated palate. Spicy, buttery, lime, vanilla, green apple skin, grassy flavours with a nutty, slate finish. A more austere, backward style that needs a few years. Fine effort and acidity structure here. Worth putting away a few bottles to age.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $43.50 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru 2009
Aloxe-Corton, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceRich honey, buttery, nutty, baked green apple, vanilla, citrus and pear skin aromas. Dry, fresh, juicy, concentrated but tight and somewhat austere structure. Green apple, nutty lees, spicy, citrus, green pea, lemon, vanilla, green apple and butter flavours. Very young with good intensity and concentration, this is a wine for aging. Needs three to five or more years ageing yet. Like the 2008, this is one to buy and hold.Prices:| BC | $166.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $155.00 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils Chevalier Montrachet Grand Cru 2009
Puligny Montrachet, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceBaked green apple, creamy vanilla, floral, honey, buttery, waxy, apricot and lime aromas. Dry, fresh, juicy, round and concentrated with great finesse. Honey, butter, cinnamon, spicy, creamy vanilla, baked apple, pear, citrus and apricot skin flavours. Long, fresh, delicate and fine intensity. Drinkable and delicious now but will improve over the next 5-10 years.Prices:| BC | $296.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils Meursault Genevrières 1er Cru 2009
Meursault, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceButtery, nutty, honey, spicy lees, apple skin, floral, waxy, citrus aromas. Ripe, full, juicy, round and concentrated. Very buttery, leesy, spicy, lemon custard, creamy vanilla, peach and baked apple flavours. Long and ripe but very good finesse. Will improve with two to four years ageing.Prices:| BC | $87.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils Beaune du Chateau Blanc Premier Cru 2009
Beaune, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceSpicy, lemon, creamy vanilla, lees, butter, grassy, green apple aromas. Dry, round, full, juicy palate with buttery, nutty, vanilla, baked pear, apple skin and citrus flavours with a salty finish. Fine concentration but still needs one to two years to fully integrate.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils Meursault 2009
Meursault, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceYou can't get much more consistent in value or quality each year. Lemon, floral, spicy, apple skin, lees, nutty, peach skin aromas. Dry, fresh, round, juicy and elegant with lemon, spicy lees, slate, honey, peach pit, butter and lanolin flavours. Good finesse and balance for drinking over the next 3 years.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $43.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bouchard Père & Fils Monthelie 2009
Monthélie, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceSpicy, cherry, strawberry, tobacco leaf, slightly smoky, compost aromas. Dry, fresh, soft, juicy and ripe palate with good acidity. Strawberry jam, spicy, peppery, orange, slightly smoky, vanilla finish. Good finesse and effort with delicacy. Drink now - 2 years. Fine value entry-level Burgundian pinot for the price.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils Beaune Clos de la Mousse 1er Cru 2009
Beaune, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceA monopole of Bouchard Pere & Fils, this offers peppery, spicy, strawberry jam, gamey, tobacco leaf, floral, savoury aromas. Ripe, round, juicy palate with light tannins and good concentration. Tobacco, gamey, orange, plum, raspberry, vanilla, peppery flavours. Good finesse and intensity with the ability to improve over the next 3-5 years. Fine effort.Prices:| BC | $59.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils Beaune Marconnets 1er Cru 2009
Beaune, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceSpicy, vanilla, strawberry jam, gamey, peppery, floral, waxy, light compost aromas. Dry, juicy, full, slightly tight palate with good acidity. Peppery, spicy, gamey, tobacco, carrot top, vanilla, raspberry flavours. Good concentration and length with delicacy but slightly oaky now with light tannins. Needs two to three years to mature but should improve in bottle. The Beaune 1er crus from Bouchard all offer good value with elegance.Prices:| BC | $54.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils Beaune du Chateau Rouge 1er Cru 2009
Beaune, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceSpicy, tobacco, cherry, strawberry, sloe plum, peppery, gamey aromas. Dry, fresh, delicate, succulent palate with light tannins and good acidity. Peppery, smoky, strawberry, raspberry, tobacco, gamey, vanilla flavours. Good elegance and finesse for drinking over the next 1-4 years.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Bouchard Père & Fils Chambolle Musigny 2009
Côtes de Nuits, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceAlways floral and bright with raspberry, spice, game, vanilla, celery salt and orange peel aromas Chambolle Musigny is the most delicate of all Nuits St George reds. The attack is dry and fresh with a juicy, intense palate with fine concentration and some young, round tannins and raspberry, blood orange, plum, spicy, vanilla flavours. A fine effort that will repay cellaring over the next 3-5 years. Definitely a keeper and one to watch here.Prices:| BC | $61.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Bouchard Père & Fils Gevrey Chambertin 2009
Côtes de Nuits, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceSlightly closed nose with raspberry, spicy, peppery, tobacco, carrot, celery salt, vanilla and smoky aromas. Dry, fresh, juicy, elegant palate with some light tannins and a touch of austerity. Raspberry, strawberry, savoury, carrot, celery, orange peel, tobacco and vanilla flavours. Good delicacy with some structure to improve over the next 2-4 years.Prices:| BC | $53.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Bouchard Père & Fils Pommard Rugiens Premier Cru 2009
Pommard, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceCherry, strawberry, spicy, savoury, peppery, floral, vanilla, tobacco, smoky, gamey aromas. Full, round, rich, slightly tannic palate with good acidity and concentration. Peppery, meaty, fig, vanilla, floral, smoky, spicy, celery salt, and strawberry and tobacco leaf flavours. Good structure and intensity but needs 2-5 years to fully show. Very true to its appellation.Prices:| BC | $89.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Backyard Vineyards Nosey Neighbour White 2011
British Columbia, CanadaFloral, spicy, light lychee, green apple, earthy, grapefruit, honey aromas with a minty, leafy streak. Dry, fresh, slightly austere palate but juicy with a hint of sweetness. Lemon oil, grapefruit rind, slate, green apple skin, minty, spicy flavours. Will be solid fit with spicy Asian cuisine.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Backyard Vineyards Pinot Gris 2011
British Columbia, CanadaEarthy, green apple, citrus, wool and light matchstick aromas. Fresh, juicy, dry, slightly austere palate with slate, green apple, light lees, earthy, grapefruit rind flavours. Finish is very crisp. A more restrained food style wine.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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20 September 2012
89PTS
Champagne Jean Milan Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Special NV
Champagne, FranceGood fine, continuous white mousse. Very nutty, toasty, baked apple, honey, citrus, pear and floral aromas. Crisp, creamy palate with buttery, honey, baked pear, green apple skin, citrus and guava flavours. Good citrusy, nutty finish if a bit bitter at the end. More firendly style.Prices:| BC | $66.25 | 750ml |
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19 September 2012
91PTS
Champagne Pierre Gimonnet Brut Cuis 1er Cru Blanc de Blancs NV
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceGood fine mousse with floral, green apple, pear, citrus, nutty, toasty, slightly buttery aromas. Ripe, full, round, slightly sweet and foamy palate with good acidity and freshness. Toasty, baked apple, honey, nutty, citrus, pear skin and lemon flavours. Good intensity and length with lots of citrus but a somewhat coarse finish. Best with tapas-like appetizers.Prices:| BC | $90.00 | 750ml |
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16 September 2012
86PTS
Trapiche Broquel Bonarda 2008
Mendoza, ArgentinaSavoury, dried herb, black plum, prune, vanilla, sappy, earthy aromas. Dry, round, full, juicy palate with black cherry, licorice, savoury, cedar, tobacco and vanilla flavours with a touch of prune and soy. Solid if a bit tart and stewed in the finish.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $16.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $17.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $19.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $20.00 | 750ml |
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09 September 2012
93PTS
Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Napa Valley, California, United StatesBig black pepper, cassis, floral black olive, tobacco, vanilla, chocolate, earthy, black liquorice aromas. Rich, smooth, suave, round palate with spicy, clove, vanilla, cassis, blackberry, curry, liquorice root, cedar, meaty, smoky, coffee, tapenade and tobacco flavours. Finally a 'special selection' with excellent complexity and length. There is no rush to drink this for another two to four years.Prices:| BC | $125.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $135.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $149.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $140.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $138.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Napa Valley, California, United StatesBlack olive, green bean, tobacco, peppery, vanilla, cassis, chocolate, earthy, floral aromas. Round, smooth, fresh, suave palate with light tannins. Cassis, vanilla, spicy, clove, chocolate, black olive, tobacco leaf, cedar, coffee flavours. Finish is warm and a bit tart with some young tannin to shed but it balances the green and fruit well in a tough year.Prices:| BC | $69.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $74.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $85.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $75.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $89.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Barone Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico 2008
Greve, Florence, Tuscany, ItalyVery spicy, peppery, smoked meat, black cherry, tobacco, barnyard, savoury, light barnyard aromas. Ripe, round, smooth, full palate with peppery, savoury, barnyard, saddle leather, black cherry, balsamic, menthol, medicinal flavours. A full, somewhat rustic style that is ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
M. Chapoutier Hermitage Monier de la Sizeranne Rouge 2009
Hermitage, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FrancePeppery, tobacco, savoury, meaty, black plum, thyme, prune and curry spice aromas. Dry, fresh, elegant, slightly austere palate with light tannins and juicy acidity. Smoky, celery salt, curry, peppery, meaty, leather, barnyard, garrigue, plum and prune flavours. A more restrained, youthful wine that needs another two to five years ageing.Prices:| BC | $110.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $100.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $100.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Penfolds Grange Bin 95 Shiraz 2007
South Australia, AustraliaThe Grange style is always an expression of the multi-vineyard, multi-district blending philosophy of Penfolds. This is a big Grange and just starting its life as evidenced by its dense purple almost an opaque colour. Primary scents and flavours of crushed blueberries and chocolate jump from the glass with bits of soya, black liquorice, coffee and spice. The attack is rich but with a fine round dollop of chalky tannins and fresh but balanced acidity. A persistent solid, Grange with a long life ahead. The 2007 Grange shiraz was matured for 21 months in 100% new American oak hogsheads and contains three percent cabernet sauvignon. Cellar through 2015. Drink through 2040. RoP tasting, New York City 06/19/12Prices:| BC | $499.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $499.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $499.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $499.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Domaine Drouhin Laurène 2009
Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesSpicy, vanilla, cedar, tobacco leaf, cherry, strawberry jam, light barnyard and compost aromas. Fresh, round, juicy, supple palate with good finesse and light tannins. Tobacco leaf, strawberry jam, cherry, savoury, vanilla, cedar, celery salt, thyme and smoke flavours. The finish is a bit warm and tart but offers finesse and intensity. This will be best drinking over the next two to four years.Prices:| BC | $77.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $60.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $56.50 | 750ml |
| NS | $55.00 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Barone Ricasoli Chianti Classico Riserva Rocca Guicciarda 2008
Tuscany, ItalyCorked, try anotherPrices:| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Pine Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Napa Valley, California, United StatesSpicy, peppery, licorice, blackberry jam, cassis jam, vanilla, earthy, resin, tobacco aromas. Rich, dry, somewhat tannic but ripe palate. Very peppery, spicy, vanilla, blackberry jam, prune, cassis, savoury, tobacco, cedar, black olive flavours with a coffee finish. Lots of intensity and tannins to carry this through the next three to seven years. A quality and value offering from Napa.Prices:| BC | $70.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Belle Glos Pinot Noir Las Alturas 2010
Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesSpicy, compost, cedar, floral, liquorice root, resin, black cherry, light barnyard and coffee aromas. Dry, fresh, round, supple palate with light tannins. Vanilla, chocolate, tobacco leaf, resin, cedar, savoury, spicy, plum, black cherry jam flavours with a smoky leather note. A very rich style. Drink, or hold a year or two.Prices:| BC | $42.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $50.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $45.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Belle Glos Pinot Noir Clark and Telephone Vineyard 2010
Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesVery spicy, liquorice, cedar, black cherry jam, smoky, savoury, thyme and barnyard aromas with a floral, orange peel note. Rich, round, juicy, supple and warm palate with cedar, cocoa powder, plum, black cherry, liquorice, savoury, tobacco leaf flavours. It finishes warm with lots of fruit and intensity. A bit syrah-like, at least a cool-climate edition.Prices:| BC | $44.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $50.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $50.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Napa Valley, California, United StatesVery spicy, peppery, curry, cassis, black olive, resin, tobacco, liquorice, vanilla, coffee aromas. Rich, ripe, suave, elegant palate with fine tannins that preview intense cassis jam, blackberry, coffee, black olive, liquorice flavors with a cool savoury, cedar, floral, vanilla, finish. Lots of fruit intensity but needs a few years to soften in bottle.Prices:| BC | $100.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $82.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Chester-Kidder Red Blend 2007
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesLove the restrained tobacco, cedar, peppery, cassis jam, vanilla nose flecked with coffee, black olive, savoury, carrot top and celery salt. The attack is full and smooth on the palate with fine tannins and good acidity and rich vanilla, coffee, pepper, tobacco, blackberry jam/cassis flavours with bits of menthol, meat, leather and curry. The finish is long, warm and full with some youthful tannin yet to shed. Give this another three to five years in bottle or serve now with roasted meat. Best yet from winemaker Gilles Nicault.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $45.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $80.00 | 750ml |
| US | $42.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $47.00 | 750ml |
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98PTS
Penfolds Grange Bin 95 Shiraz 2006
South Australia, AustraliaThere is something about the number six at Grange as in '76, '86, '96 and now 2006 although winemaker peter Gago says this Grange is more '86, '96 than '76. The blend is 98/2 shiraz/cabernet sauvignon with the requisite 18 months in 100% new American oak hogsheads. Dense rich brooding sweet voluptuous nose and attack. Alongside all 58 other edition, it begs the question could Max have made this wine? The nose is an amazing mix of smoked figs, spice and amaretto coffee. Fresh and rich but with glossy, chalky, powerful tannins, grilled meats and black fruits. Fabulous structure and power all of which suggest this one will easily last 50 years in bottle. RoP tasting, New York City 06/19/12Prices:| BC | $423.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $499.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $450.00 | 750ml |
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08 September 2012
88PTS
Pierre Ponnelle Hautes Cotes de Beaune Blanc Roche aux Moines 2009
Burgundy, FranceFloral, pear, light honey, citrus, lees and apple aroma. Dry, elegant, slightly lean palate with earthy, green apple skin, butter, citrus, slightly nutty flavours. Fresh simple solid white wine you can enjoy with west coast seafood.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Joseph Drouhin Chassagne Montrachet Blanc 2009
Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceLemon, vanilla, nutty lees, light honey, baked green apple, butterscotch, spicy clove aromas. Round, full, juicy, palate with good acidity and intensity. Butterscotch, green apple, spicy, honey, waxy, spicy lees, clove and pear flavours. Bright, full and fresh with length. An excellent example of village quality. Delicious drinking now but keep for two to five years.Prices:| BC | $73.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $42.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Drouhin Vaudon Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2009
Chablis, Burgundy, FrancePear, floral, citrus, green apple, honey, seashell, spicy, waxy aromas. Round, full, juicy, fresh palate but good texture. Lime, honey, green apple, pear skin, spicy, light butter, seashell flavours with a long, fresh finish and a touch of lees. Very fine effort in what is a delicious Chablis. Will age for another 2-4 years.Prices:| BC | $72.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Drouhin Vaudon Chablis Premier Cru Vaillons 2010
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceFloral, butter, grassy, baked green apple, light lees, waxy, matchstick, seashell aromas. Dry, fresh, juicy, elegant palate with green apple, nutty, floral, grassy, spicy, light lees flavours with a touch of gooseberry and seashell. Good now but will age well for 2-3 years.Prices:| BC | $42.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Joseph Drouhin Beaune Clos des Mouches Blanc 1er Cru 2009
Beaune, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceToasted vanilla, spicy, floral nose with honey, butter, green apple, clove and lemon aromas. The attack is dry and fresh with fine richness and elegance all with juicy acidity. Buttery, nutty, honey, spicy, clove, lemon rind, green apple baked pear and lanolin flavours. Good finesse with lots of buttery, nutty notes on the finish. Fine effort but could use another 12 to 36 months to reach perfection. Halibut anyone.Prices:| BC | $135.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $130.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Joseph Drouhin Cote de Beaune Blanc 2010
Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceAttractive honey, butter, citrus, baked apple and vanilla aromas suggesting excellent ripeness. Round, elegant, juicy palate with green apple, light vanilla, citrus, floral flavours with a touch of oatmeal and wax. Very good intensity and balance for now and over the next few years. Impressive bottle of Burgundy for the price. Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $32.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Domaine Drouhin Arthur Chardonnay 2010
Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesLemon, honey, spicy, nutty lees, matchstick, green apple, light vanilla and grass aromas. Fresh, juicy, dry, elegant palate with grassy, green apple, pear skin, light honey, butter and lime flavours. A cool, elegant, juicy style with some finesse. Needs a year or two to round out. Perfect for wine lists.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $28.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Closson Chase Closson Chase Vineyard South Clos Chardonnay 2010
Prince Edward County, Ontario, CanadaSpicy, smoky, hazelnut, matchstick, citrus, honey, butter, baked apple aromas, good aromatics. Round, elegant, rich, soft palate with honey, buttered peach, mango, red apple, nutty, spicy, vanilla flavours. A touch of oiliness on the long but elegant, flavourful finish. Serious chardonnay.Prices:| ON | $40.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Closson Chase Closson Chase Vineyard The Loyalist Chardonnay 2010
Prince Edward County, Ontario, CanadaSpicy, floral, nutty, toasty, honey, baked apple, mango aromas. Ripe, round, smooth, elegant, soft palate with honey, nutty, spicy lees, butter, baked apple, pear flavours with a hint of pineapple. A very elegant, leesy style with good length. Drink now or cellar easily over the next two to three years.Prices:| ON | $40.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Closson Chase Closson Chase Vineyard Chardonnay 2010
Prince Edward County, Ontario, CanadaLight gold colour. Nutty, spicy, honey, oatmeal, citrus, butter, warm pear aromas. Round, elegant, soft, slightly oily palate with oatmeal, baked green apple, grapefruit, gooseberry, vanilla, waxy, nutty flavours.Prices:| ON | $40.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Closson Chase Beamsville Bench Chardonnay 2008
Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaPale gold colour. Honey, nutty, baked apple, lees, and butterscotch, oatmeal, pineapple aromas. Dry, elegant, round, slightly oily palate with baked apple, hazelnut, butterscotch, pear, citrus, light diacetyl flavours. Good finesse but now fully ready to drink.Prices:| ON | $35.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Painted Rock Chardonnay 2011
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe style of this chardonnay is in flux. The butter is mostly gone but it remains more skin and fruit salad with grapefruit, gooseberry, green apple and honey aromas. The attack is fresh, dry and elegant but light bodied with more grapefruit rind, grassy, green apple flavours with a light, bitter green, buttery finish. A simple, fresh style that is ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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04 September 2012
91PTS
Davis Bynum Pinot Noir 2010
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesThe Davis Bynum pinot is a mix of 115, 777, 667, 114, 113, Pommard and 2A grown on the gravelly loams soils of the Santa Rosa Plain in the Russian River Valley. The current Bynum style or should I say winemaker Greg Morthole is a fresher, lighter pinot without being lean. Notes of cranberry punctuate the smooth, smoky, spicy black fruit flavours and textures and thanks to its moderate alcohol (for pinot) it is very food-friendly. Duck confit anyone.Prices:| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay 2010
Sonoma County, California, United StatesMore classic in style with its rich, spicy lees and honey nose with flecks of red apple and baked pear. The attack is similar with round, soft, baked apple fruit dominating with a pinch of citrus, honey and spice with some buttered toast notes on the finish. Simple straight ahead style that is ready to drink now.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay 2010
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesThe 2010 FC chardonnay continues its skin-ification or electrification using a mix of 60 lots of fruit from the Alexander Valley, Russian River Valley and Carneros. Only 25 percent new French oak helps to reveal the bright orange blossom and baked pear notes that permeate the nose and palate with a pinch of bread dough and citrus to complex the mouthfeel. The textures are creamy, the flavours are ripe and bright and it all screams for food. Halibut anyone? Prices:| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $33.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
CrossBarn by Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Napa Valley, California, United StatesCrossBarn is night-harvested before the skins spend 20 days in contact with the juice. The oak is a mix of French and American but only 23 percent of the barrels are new; total time in wood is 18 months. The fruit is Napa yet restrained. Expect expressive black fruit aromas and flavours flecked with cloves and dark chocolate and barnyard notes. The textures are round and smooth, the tannins youthful but slippery. You will love its the supple cassis jam, blackberry, coffee, chocolate, vanilla flavours. Serve now with grilled meats or cellars through 2016.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $45.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $45.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Paul Hobbs Chardonnay 2009
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesPaul Hobbs knows California chardonnay and this is a perfect expression of the Russian River. The nose is expressive even exuberant with citrus fruits, and warm floral exotic notes of orange and spicy lees with just the right amount of oak to support the rich fruit. Fine complexity. Hobbs seems to be heading down the less extracted route with this wine and we applaud that tack. The attack is fresh and vibrant with pear and green apple fruit flecked with honey and clove and hazelnut flavours. Fine elegance and food friendly too. Try this with lobster or crab.Prices:| BC | $57.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $55.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir 2010
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesThe Hobbs RRV pinot is distinctively regional using seven Russian River sites a mix of five clones and six soil types. Expect incense and cool floral, cran-cherry cinnamon notes. The attack is restrained in texture, smooth and packed full of strawberry jam, celery salt, dried herbs and earthy, cedar, cranberry rooty notes. It's a year not for everyone but this is a New World pinot style that is both expressive and terroir based.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $60.00 | 750ml |
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03 September 2012
90PTS
J Vineyards Brut Rosé NV NV
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesLovely pale salmon/orange eye of the partridge colour previews a lip-smacking, food friendly dry rosé brut. Look for a strawberry, black cherry, nutty, baked apple and citrus scented nose and a lively spicy strawberry/rhubarb citrus flavoured sparkler. A slightly richer, more leesy toasted style sparkler that is definitely food-friendly. Think Peking duck.Prices:| US | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Davis Bynum Chardonnay 2010
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesWow. Love the expression of Russian river fruit by winemaker Greg Morthole. The nose is a stunning mix of lees, yeasty bready, fruity chardonnay followed up by a creamy smooth. The palate is fresh, pleasant mix of apricot, honey, vanilla and hazelnut with a long, sleek, clean finish. A very food friendly, stylin' cool-crafted chardonnay.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Anna Spinato Prosecco Organic Brut NV
Veneto, ItalyLight lees, floral, pear, honey aromas with a bit of baked citrus rind. Fresh, crisp, juicy, somewhat foamy mousse entry with some sweetness. Baked pear, honey, nutty, floral, apple skin and candied grapefruit rind flavours. Good intensity with some lees length and not too sweet. Good solid value for prosecco.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Il Romano Sangiovese Rubicone 2010
Emilia-Romagna, ItalyOpen spicy, liquorice, blackberry/plum, smoky, tobacco aromas. Soft, round, fresh, juicy palate with savoury, black cherry, plum and smoky herb flavours. A hint of sweetness on the finish in what is a balanced, easy-sipping red for current drinking, Solid value here.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Galil Mountain Rosé 2011
Upper Galilee, Galilee, IsraelSpicy, cherry, rhubarb, leafy, floral, earthy aromas. Fresh, juicy, somewhat sweet entry with cherry jam, peppery, spicy, tobacco, herbal, floral, chalky flavours. Good fresh, juicy easy sipping -syle for current consumption. A fresh patio rosé. Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Alpha Estate Xinomavro Hedgehog Vineyard 2008
Makedonia, GreeceSmoky, meaty, peppery, liquorice root, prune, floral, black cherry, leather and fig aromas. Ripe, round, smooth, elegant palate with very light tannins. Peppery, smoky, chocolate, floral, black cherry jam, tobacco, cedar, earthy, prune, roast meat and liquorice flavours. Not a big wine but has fresh acidity and balance to go with grilled meats. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $28.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.19 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Trefethen Chardonnay 2010
Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley, California, United StatesThis one hundred percent chardonnay is all Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley fruit from Trefethen's Main Ranch estate vineyard. Love the freshness and clarity, only 16 per cent new oak, to accompany the coolest growing year since 1978. Year 38 is deliciously crafted mixing tropical fruits with citrus and melon/mineral notes and almost no perceptible oak. Perfectly balanced and well, almost un-Napa. Serve with roasted chicken stuffed with lemons, or pasta and mushrooms or here in BC with fresh Carmelis goat cheese.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Finca Los Primos Torrontés 2011
San Rafael, General Alvear, Southern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaSomewhat reductive, closed nose with lees, earthy, honey, light matchstick and lemon oil aromas. Round, dry, juicy palate but slightly lean and light. Earthy, leesy, grapefruit rind, grassy, lemon, green apple skin flavours. Not much varietal fruit in this edition. Tart finish.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Calliope Viognier 2011
British Columbia, CanadaMango, ginger, honeysuckle, light matchstick, floral, soapy aromas. Sweet, round, full, elegant, juicy palate with apricot, citrus, mango, ginger, floral flavours. Solid with good fruit but light and sweet. Many will love the sugar but it would be even better if it was slightly drier. Serve with spicy food.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Las Perdices Torrontes 2011
Agrelo District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaSpicy, melon, guava, honey, light lees and matchstick aromas. Dry, fresh, elegant, slightly soft palate but creamy with ginger, earthy, mineral, mango, spices and light lees. Good solid effort but a bit muddled and warm on the finish.Prices:| MB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Michel Torino Cuma Organic Torrontés 2011
Cafayate, Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, ArgentinaThis offers pure spicy, nectarine, honey and lemon aromas. Fresh, crisp, juicy, round and succulent palate with ginger, melon, lemon, nectarine and spicy ginger flavours. A bit oily and light on the aroma concentration but offers good balance and finesse in a true Cafayate style. Good value here.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $12.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Moon Curser Border Vines 2010
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen earthy, tobacco leaf, pepper, black olive, menthol, resin, liquorice notes with a hint of barnyard mixed with cranberry and coffee. Fresh, round, slightly tart palate with light tannins and a touch of alcohol on entry. More cedar tobacco, earthy, resin, black cherry flavours flecked with coffee, vanilla, olive, cranberry and dried herbs in the finish. Let this age in bottle for another 18 to 24 months.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Moon Curser Tempranillo 2010
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeppery, poultry spice, savoury, black cherry, licorice and tobacco leaf aromas. Dry, smooth, slightly tart entry with a warm note. Cherry, plum, black licorice, earthy, tobacco leaf, orange peel, vanilla, herbal flavours. Finish is a bit dry and astringent with some leafy tannin. Solid but lacking mid-palate concentration. Should improve over the next year in bottle.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Moon Curser Dead of the Night 2010
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPrune, coffee, orange compote, peppery, tobacco, caraway aromas. Dry, slightly tannic and lean palate with a tart edge. Tobacco leaf, curry, cranberry, coffee, vanilla, chocolate and stewed vegetable flavours. Lacks a bit of concentration and balance with a tart, lean edge in the finish. Best with rustic, meat dishes.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Olivier Leflaive Volnay 2009
Volnay, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceSpicy, smoky, meaty, vanilla, strawberry jam, tobacco leaf aromas with a sauvage-compost note. Dry, fresh, juicy, supple, elegant palate with very light tannins. Cherry, tobacco leaf, orange, compost, gamey, peppery, raspberry and vanilla flavours. A delicate, well balanced, youthful wine with acidity for a warm vintage. Drinkable now but will improve for 2-5 years.Prices:| BC | $54.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Blue Mountain Pinot Noir 2010
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaStrawberry jam, licorice, worsteshire, tobacco, spicy, light barnyard and compost aromas. Dry, supple, delicate palate with strawberry, raspberry leaf, tobacco, coffee, orange peel, herbal, and black tea flavours. A well balanced, forward style to drink now and over the next two years. Good value.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Gray Monk Odyssey White Meritage 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight passion fruit, grapefruit, vanilla, floral, grassy, gooseberry and lees aromas with a touch of matchstick. Fresh, dry, juicy but light palate with nettle, lemongrass, grapefruit rind, apple skin, lees and herb flavours with a bit of gooseberry and artichoke on the finish. Solid effort that could use a year or so to flesh out.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Pellegrino Zebo Moscato NV
Sicily, ItalyA frizzante style with 6% alcohol. Nice fresh floral, peach, spicy, honey, red apple aromas. Crisp, juicy, fresh, somewhat sweet palate with good acidity. Pear, honey, spicy, rose, ginger, peach and mango flavours. Good fruit and balance in a fun, light fizz for summer.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tranchero Casot Moscato d'Asti 2011
Piedmont, ItalyA light frizzante style (5.5% alcohol) with earthy, pear, floral, peach, ginger, red apple aromas. Juicy, rich, slightly foamy palate with moderate sweetness but good fresh acidity. Honey, apricot, guava, spicy, ginger, floral flavours. Good muscat fruit intensity with a juicy, somewhat sweet finish. For summer, warm afternoons and after dinner.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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October 2012