quicksearch
Tastings: March 2013
31 March 2013
89PTS
Las Perdices Reserva Malbec 2010
Mendoza, ArgentinaA complete red on the palate with an enticing juicy black cherry plum fruit character with a dense rich texture and a savoury, floral mineral character throughout. More coffee, chocolate, vanilla, smoky, meaty, orange peel flavours with poultry spice notes in the finish. Grilled lamb chops should be fine here.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Doña Paula Estate Malbec 2011
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaA lovely understated nose of pencil lead, floral/violet scents with savoury jarilla notes. The attack is fresh but round with soft tannins and a mix of black cherry, raspberry, orange peel and mineral notes. Stylish, light mid-term malbec simply prepared grilled meats. Will improve in bottle through 2014.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $17.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $15.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $20.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
La Posta Malbec Pizzella Family Vineyard 2010
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThe La Posta - Pizzella Family Vineyard - is 100 percent Altamira malbec grown at 925 metres that spends 14 months in French oak: 25/75 new and used. The latest Posta is a round, ripe (sweet) black fruit/boysenberry affair with smoky spicy dried herbs throughout with bits of chocolate. A very friendly style of red wine for those who like a glass of tasty, uncomplicated red with their steak or simply a piece of hard cheese.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $14.50 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Las Moras Reserve Malbec 2011
Valle del Tulum, San Juan, ArgentinaTypical commercial malbec style with meaty, compost, black cherry nose with a welcomed hint of minerality. The attack is cooler with candied cherry, peppery fruit with nits of tobacco leaf and a soft simple finish. More of a hamburger red for mid-week barbecues. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $10.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $13.50 | 750ml |
| NS | $13.50 | 750ml |
| NF | $14.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Domaine Bousquet Reserve Malbec (Organic Grapes) 2011
Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThe latest from Bousquet is a nice move back into a more serious direction. Dry, savoury black liquorice and blackberry fruit marks the nose and palate. The attack is soft and savoury with a bit of mid-palate acidity with flecks of raspberry, cedar and chocolate. The grapes are organic grown in the Alto Gualtallary, Tupungato at roughly 1200 metres above the sea level. The mix is 85% Malbec, with 5/5/5 cabernet sauvignon, merlot and syrah all aged in French oak for 10 months. Perfect for traditional spaghetti Bolognese.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
30 March 2013
93PTS
Ramos Pinto Porto RP20 Quinta de Bom Retiro 20 Year Old Tawny NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalRamos Pinto is famous for a making a mix of single-quinta ports in essence expressing the singularity of each site. The 20 Year Tawny comes off several blocks from one of the oldest vineyards in the Douro region, the Quinta do Bom Retiro. The blend averages 20 years and you can see it the moment you pour the pale tawny red/orange liquid into your glass. The nose is an intriguing mix of fruits - apricot, and grapefruit with nuts and cocoa. Add some spice and caramel and a twist of oxidation and you have a complex long sophisticated port you can sip all night long. Serve, cool, before or after dinner.Prices:| BC | $68.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
Ramos Pinto RP. LBV Late Bottled Vintage Port 2008
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalAt a basic level late-bottled vintage port is a single-vintage blend that has been aged four to six years in oak casks, versus the 24 months given vintage port before bottling. The extra time in wood mellows the ferocious character of spirity young port so that it's perfectly drinkable when released under an LBV desigantion. The '08 RP LBV is a 50/45 5 blend of touriga nacional, touriga franca and sousão. Look for a grapey figgy black fruit entry with a strong violet/mineral undercurrent. Fresh dry and firm this wine is showing some promising vintage port attributes despite it station. You can serve this with game at the dinner table, or post dinner with a variety of cheeses or chocolate/nut desserts.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Domaine des Nugues Fleurie 2010
Fleurie, Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceFleurie is often described as the most elegant Cru of Beaujolais certainly it can be refined if not sublime in great vintages such as 2010. Domaine des Nugues has 15 acres in Fleurie from which to craft this delicious red. Delicious best sums up the attack that is juicy and ripped full of minerality and life. Floral, spicy and dripping with bright fruit this is as close to what you want in a Beaujolais as you could hope for. Chicken, grilled meats, even stew would be a fine match. Excellent value.Prices:| BC | $26.50 | 750ml |
| QC | $21.30 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Fonseca Terra Prima Organic Reserve Port NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalTerra Prima is the only 'Reserve' port that we know of made from organically grown grapes and organic grape spirits and was first made back in 2002. The nose is a mix of spice, cedar and menthol with hints of ash and black liquorice. The style and attack are dry on the palate with fairly fiery, spirity notes and rich raisiny, menthol, dried fig, blackcurrant, smoky black tea flavours. The style is rustic but with fine intensity and polished tannins. Serve this by the fireside or after dinner with nutty berry fruit cake or chocolate dishes.Prices:| BC | $31.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $28.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $28.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $33.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $31.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Fonseca Bin No 27 Reserve Port NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalBin 27 was first launched in 1972. This is really a reserve-style super premium ruby with its spicy, black liquorice nose flecked with black plums, dark cherries and smoky black tea. The attack is rich and sweet with soft, blackberry/plum and black liquorice flavours with some chocolate notes in the finish. A stylish melts in your mouth rendering that would be fun with nuts, lighter cheeses and or fruitcake. A inexpensive introduction to modern port.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $24.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Barda Pinot Noir 2011
Patagonia, ArgentinaI re-tasted this wine recently and enjoyed a much better bottle than what I had encountered earlier this year. Barda is made with mostly 20-year-old fruit all hand harvested before maceration and fermentation in small cement tanks for some 17 days before it is age d French oak barrels for 11 months. The new bottle was definitely more expressive (pinot-wise) with much cleaner sweet fruit characters mixed with bits of compost, forest floor, pepper and strawberry aromas. The attack is dry and round with mouth-filling pinot texture. The fruit as mentioned much better offering ripe strawberries compost with just a hint of balsamic. Try this with duck to best effect. Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Bartier-Scholefield B-S Rosé Table Wine 2010
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAlmost a year and half after I first tasted this wine it remains fresh and clean under screwcap. This rosé is made from the vineyard up using fully ripened gamay grapes. The style is light and refreshing with bracing acidity and earthy, candied red fruit flavours perhaps flattening out a touch with age. A wonderful food wine it marks a new and exciting level of sophistication for this style of wine in the B.C. You can serve this with a wide range of foods including chicken, goat cheese, mussels and much more.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
28 March 2013
89PTS
Crios Malbec by Susana Balbo Dominio de Plata 2011
Mendoza, ArgentinaSuper dark in colour its nose is an inviting mix of red floral/violet notes and black fruits. On the palate, sweet black cherries and perfectly melded oak, (now all French) with long soft persistent spicy flavours. This wine expresses the allure of malbec and does it with class at a very respectable price. Fire up the barbecue and grill some meat.Prices:| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Masi Tupungato Passo Doble 2011
Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaVery stinky rubbery reductive nose on opening. The nose settled downed after 10 minutes so we suggest splash decanting. Look for a dry resiny, olive, black liquorice nose. The palate is similarly dry and lean with a peppery, acidic undercoating and a dry lean, savoury, black cherry, acidic smoked olive palate. Fairly tough at this point will need more bottle time and a big piece of meat when opened.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $17.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $19.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $18.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $19.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Trivento Amado Sur Malbec Bonarda Syrah 2011
Mendoza, ArgentinaAmado often over delivers for its price. So floral and spicy on the nose you will love its savoury, meaty, coriander smoky, blackberry, black liquorice aromas flecked with mint. The attack is very similar with freshness support from the bonarda and tighter leaner coffee, meaty, minty, chocolate, black berry, smoky flavours. A touch rustic but a fabulous wine with beef and as mentioned it is good value.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $17.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $18.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
27 March 2013
88PTS
Alvear Fino en Rama de Añada 2006
Montilla-Moriles, SpainA first in vintage-dated unblended fino but with traditional flor solera maturation. Very rancio, nutty, green olive, spicy, sweaty, slate aromas. Dry, round, elegant palate with grassy, peppery, herbal, nutty, spicy, leather flavours. There is a touch more alcohol and body than you might find in a normal, non-vintage fino. Its patina shows the extra aging.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 500ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Alvear Pedro Ximénez de Anada 2008
Montilla-Moriles, SpainBig raisin, honey, spicy, floral, orange peel, prune, walnut aromas. Rich, full, round, intense and sweet palate with raisin, dried fig, orange, floral, ginger, spicy, walnut and butterscotch flavours. A bit too fat and sweet but very intense, try on ice cream or dip your churros in this.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 375ml |
| AB | $28.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Ca' del Bosco Duemilanova 2009
Lombardy, ItalyFirst produced in 1972 this chardonnay opens with a honey, nutty lees, and baked pear nose with notes of ripe apple, butter and vanilla. Full, round, fresh, juicy, creamy palate with honey, butter, lees, vanilla, guava, peach and orange flavours. It finishes a bit oaky but with good fruit and acidity. Try this with roast chicken.Prices:| QC | $28.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Pierre Ponnelle Passe-Tous-Grains 2011
Burgundy, FranceOpen strawberry jam nose with flecks of earth, red liquorice, tobacco and cedar notes. The attack is dry, fresh and elegant but in a lean style with more cedar, tobacco leaf, pepper, strawberry, herbal, leather flavours. A simple style red you should chill down and serve with chicken or mushrooms for best results.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
0PTS
Chateau Tanunda Grand Barossa Shiraz 2010
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaCorked, try another.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
83PTS
McGuigan Bin Series Shiraz 2011
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaOpen blueberry, rubber, licorice root, reductive meaty, herbal aromas somewhat stuffed under screwcap. The attack is soft, somewhat overripe with chocolate, blueberry, herbal, sausage, cinnamon, candied black cherry flavours. To add to this wine's woe it finishes both sour and sweet. Not much to recommend here.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
M. Chapoutier Domaine Tournon Mathilda Shiraz 2010
Victoria, AustraliaChapoutier in Victoria, Australia using a mix of Pyrénées and Heathcote shiraz. Look for a savoury, meaty, peppery, compost nose with liquorice, black cherry aromas. The attack is full, dry and smooth with dried herb, sausage meat, black cherry, coffee, liquorice, black pepper, prunes and tar flavours. A cooler, savoury style that delivers fine weight and texture for the price. Try this with your favourite meat pie.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $23.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Alvear Fino NV
Montilla-Moriles, SpainFresh nutty, toasty, rancio, grassy, yeasty citrus aromas that in Montilla always seem a touch warmer and richer. Dry, fresh, round, elegant palate with the nutty, rancio, slate, apple skin flavours that you expect. Very dry, nutty finish to go with those tapas.Prices:| BC | $23.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Alvear Medium Dry NV
Montilla-Moriles, SpainLike the last tasting, very nutty, creamy, buttery, dried fig, cedar, dried herb aromas. Full, round, slightly sweet and warm palate with juicy acidity and full texture. Walnut, cedar, spicy, orange peel, butter, rancio, soy and tobacco flavours. Good flavour intensity and balanced to have with seafood soup or sheep cheeses. A richer style using Pedro Ximénez as a base. Fantastic value.Prices:| BC | $23.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Rocland Chocolate Box Shiraz 2010
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaTypically Barossa on the nose showing blackberry jam, blueberry and liquorice with 'chocolate', vanilla and smoky, rubber aromas. Ripe smooth and dense on the palate with more coffee, dark chocolate, vanilla, cedar and blackberry jam flecked with resin, leafy tobacco and prune flavours. Tart and warm in the finish but with plenty of fruit and oak that will appeal to lovers of this old style Oz red. Grilled lamb is the ticket here.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Demorgenzon DMZ Chardonnay 2012
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaGreen apple, grassy, floral, light lees nose with hints of struck matchstick. The attack is fresh, clean and round with a slightly sweet palate of pear, green apple, honey and citrus flavours. A fun juicy modern-style chardonnay for immediate consumption.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Drouhin Vaudon Chablis Premier Cru Montmains 2011
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceLemon, lime, leafy, grassy, seashell aromas. Dry, fresh, round, slightly soft palate with grassy, leafy, green apple, seashell, lemon and lees flavours with a bit of butter and nettle. Solid with good finesse but oddly a touch herbaceous. The vineyard has been farmed organically since 1990 and bio-dynamic since 1999.Prices:| BC | $42.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Drouhin Vaudon Chablis Premier Cru Secher 2011
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceGrassy, green apple, lime, pear skin, lees, seashore aromas. Dry, fresh, elegant, slightly austere palate with nettle, green apple skin, lees, butter, leafy, lime rind flavours. Surprisingly somewhat austere and tart on the finish, this definitely needs a few years in bottle, or some Kumamoto oysters on the half shell.Prices:| BC | $42.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Drouhin Vaudon Chablis Reserve de Vaudon 2011
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceLight honey, nutty lees, green apple, nettle, grassy, citrus, matchstick aromas. Round, fresh, elegant, soft palate with grassy, herbal, honey, butter, citrus and apple skin flavours with a bit of seashell. Good ripeness and finesse for early drinking.Prices:| BC | $42.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
M. Chapoutier Belleruche Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2012
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceThis label continues to impress. Love the fresh open rose petal, ginger, spicy, orange scented nose with flecks of peach skin and pear. The palate is round, fresh and juicy with elegance and a mix of light litchi fruit, ginger, orange, slate, guava and lemon oil flavours. A fun juicy style white for Asian food.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
M. Chapoutier Domaine de Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem Rouge 2010
Côtes du Roussillon Villages, Roussillon, Sud de France, FranceBig liquorice root, earthy, peppery, meaty, leather, tobacco, celery salt, black cherry, coffee and saddle leather aromas. Rich, ripe, round, full, juicy palate with some tannins. Coffee, black cherry jam, licorice, peppery, savoury, meaty, leather, prune and curry spice flavours. A bit warm on the finish but with fine concentration and texture to drink now or age 1-3 years. Bila Haut is a blend of syrah/grenache and carignan that is aged in 50 per cent oak and 50 per cent tank.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
83PTS
Louis Latour Pinot Noir Bourgogne 2011
Burgundy, FranceNot the best example of simple French pinot. Cedar, tobacco leaf, herbal, strawberry, earthy, compost aromas suggest the palate. Dry, fresh, somewhat astringent with cedar, tobacco, herbal, compost, carrot top, barnyard, smoky flavours. Lean and tight with a tart finish. Food will help but not a lot.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $23.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $24.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Graffigna Centenario Malbec Reserve 2010
San Juan, ArgentinaThe nose is a mix of pepper, spicy, black cherry and liquorice flecked with tobacco. The attack is warm and fresh with earthy, liquorice, black pepper, black cherry and savoury flavours. A solid, fresh, simple style red that is fruit-forward and offers solid value. Think hamburgers all summer.Prices:| MB | $14.25 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.50 | 750ml |
| BC | $14.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $20.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Clos de los Siete 2009
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThis Vista Flores red has a spicy black cherry, black olive, liquorice, balsamic, cola, and savoury aromas. Dry, full, round, fresh but slightly tart and tannic palate. Smoky, savoury, black cherry, plum, olive, tobacco and vanilla flavours. Fine balance with a bit of the Rolland elegance showing through on the finish.A blend of 57% Malbec, 15% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah, and 3% Petite Verdot.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $24.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
Zuccardi Q Malbec 2010
Mendoza, ArgentinaA blend of cool and warm fruit showing spicy, black cherry, peppery, vanilla, liquorice chocolate and savoury, floral aromas. The attack is fresh, the palate elegant with juicy acidity and light tannins. Look for ripe black cherry and plum flavours flecked with orange, liquorice, poultry spice and smoky tobacco flavours. It has fine freshness and balance with clean fruit and intensity. Solid value here.Prices:| NS | $21.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $22.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
25 March 2013
90PTS
Balthasar Ress Hattenheimer Schützenhaus Riesling Kabinett 2011
Rheingau, GermanyLove the snappy acidity and tension in this delicious just off-dry white. Honey, floral, guava Golden delicious apple fruit is at its core that finishes with a tang. Fresh and juicy from front to back and well worth laying away if you can resist for three to five years. Ridiculous value in Ontario.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Rocca delle Macìe Chianti Classico 2010
Tuscany, ItalyEarthy, tobacco, peppery, meaty, chocolate, black cherry, liquorice root and dried herb aromas. Fresh, juicy, soft palate with light tannins. Black cherry, plum, liquorice, tobacco, earthy, spicy, light vanilla and resin flavours. A bit simple but good fruit in a forward style and solid value.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Santa Cristina Antinori Sangiovese 2010
Tuscany, ItalyMeaty, peppery, rooty, liquorice, savoury, plum and resin aromas. Dry, fresh, juicy, easy palate with very light tannins. Smoky, liquorice, black olive, black cherry, meaty, savoury flavours. Fresh, juicy style for current drinking and solid value.Prices:| ON | $12.25 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $16.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.70 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Villa Antinori Toscana Rosso 2008
Tuscany, ItalySmoky, peppery, savoury, black cherry, meaty, sage, cedar, licorice and prune aromas. Dry, slightly lean palate with light tannins. Savoury, peppery, tobacco, meaty, black cherry and herb flavours with a touch of leather. A bit rustic but fine for grilled meat.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $25.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Antinori Pèppoli Chianti Classico 2009
Tuscany, ItalyPeppery, meaty, spicy, floral, plum, olive, liquorice aromas. Dry, round, elegant but slightly tannic palate with juicy acidity. Plum, black cherry, licorice, spicy, smoky, savoury, meaty, peppery, vanilla flavours. Good concentration and finesse for drinking now -3 years.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $26.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $26.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $30.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $31.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Andretti Winery Sangiovese 2009
Napa Valley, California, United StatesPeppery, black plum, meaty, savoury, menthol, leather, prune, smoky coffee aromas. Round, full, smooth palate with prune, cedar, chocolate, coffee, vanilla, peppery, blackberry jam, resin and dried herb flavours. Very ripe, oaky, warm finish. Ready to drink in a heavier style.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
24 March 2013
86PTS
Rosemount Pinot Grigio 2011
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaThe Australians are getting pinot grigio right in my estimation, going for a crisp clean zesty style with apricot/nectarine skin with a squeeze of lemon. If there's a quibble with this wine it's the super dry finish but I'll take that over the sweet versions out of NZ.Prices:| MB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
19 March 2013
90PTS
Tarapacá Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon Etiqueta Negra 2010
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileOpen boldo, blackcurrant, jalapeno, bay leaf nose. The attack is substantial with dense full chalky tannins and mid-palate weight. Black label comes off five or six vineyards in the Maipo and is picked for concentration and length with elegance. Look for a silky, sweet, black liquorice palate with fine length and finesse. Should age easily a decade. Almost all cabernet sauvignon with just a small amount of cabernet franc.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $32.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
92PTS
TaraoPakay 2010
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileTaraoPakay developed by winemaker Ed Flaherty, means 'Hidden Tree' in quechua and is the Tarapaca label that gets the finest cabernet sauvignon and syrah grapes from Isla de Maipo. It was launched in 2007 but no wine was made in 2009. Cherries, blueberries and smoky briary bay leaf notes preview a rich, red wine. More smoky, peppery black fruit with tobacco and dried herbs mark the palate and finish. Long and rich this huge red wine will benefit from a decade in bottle.Prices:| BC | $69.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Tarapacá Plus 2010
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileAll organic the 2010 opens with aromatic red fruit scents mixed with blueberries and spice. The blend is a 28/23/18/17/8/6/ syrah/cabernet franc/cabernet sauvignon/carmenère/merlot and petit verdot that spends nine months in American and French oak. The style is typical spicy and savoury the palate supple with pepper, orange peel and dried herb notes. Grilled meats would be another plus. Solid value again.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Tarapacá Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe 2011 is a fresher riper version of most of the earlier cabernets we have tasted. It's a blend of several blocks in Maipo Valley and its aged in French and American oak barrels for 16 months. Look for more floral cherry flavours flecked with tobacco and less mint or Boldo. The blend is 88/6/6 cabernet sauvignon, merlot and syrah. A solid steak wine that will improve for the next five years in bottle.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Tarapacá Gran Reserva Syrah 2008
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe second vintage of Syrah Gran Reserva comes off of two cool sites in a warm area at Isla de Maipo. Chief winemaker Ed Flaherty is a fan of not to cold and not to warm sites and this fits the bill. It is all small lots and barrel aged for 14 months in 29 percent new French oak and 11 percent new American oak. Look for a dark purple colour with a strong bay leaf (Boldo) nose with black cherry liquorice, candied cinnamon, vanilla flavours and a savoury toasted oak finish. A fun youthful red that will improve further in bottle.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Tarapacá Gran Reserva Chardonnay 2011
Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileLove the bright Leyda fruit here judiciously handled; only 55 percent is barrel fermented in French oak and then minimally stirred. It has a lovely fresh attack, bright acidity that it retains throughout its chalky mineral, tropical, fruit flavours. Delicious fresh modern chardonnay. Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Tarapacá Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe 2011 GR sauvignon comes from the Leyda Valley a mere seven kilometers from the Pacific Ocean. The latest effort is fresh more austere, more Leyda. The style is pungent with intense lemongrass, dried herbs, more racy food friendly and dry. Impressive white wine from Chile selling at a great price. Winemaker Ed Flaherty says the grapes are hand harvested (50% whole cluster pressed and 50% cold macerated before pressing). Up to 95 percent of the lots are fermented cold (10ºC - 14ºC) in stainless steel tanks - only a small percentage is fermented in used French oak barrels.Prices:| BC | $21.65 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Tarapacá Gran Reserva Carmenère 2009
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe GR Carmenère is a mix of fruit from three Maipo sub-regions and a 91/9 blend of carmenère and petit verdot that spends eight months in French and American oak. The colour is inky/tar black, the nose a mix of red fruits oolong tea and spice. The palate is leafy with sweet milk chocolate and coffee notes flecked with spice and dried herbs. Rich bold and carmenère it calls for grilled beef.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
León de Tarapacá Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileAn easy-drinking commercial version of this variety with a fair whack of residual sugar. The aromas and flavours are a mix of citrus, grass, pink grapefruit with red apple with just a hint of dried herbs. More picnic style or wine to be served on the patio with spicy appetizers. A kinder gentler version of the aggressive New Zealand style. Try this with a goat cheese salad.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
17 March 2013
89PTS
Damilano Arneis 2011
Langhe, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyPiemontesi arneis is most commonly planted in the hills of the Roero, northwest of Alba, where it is part of the white DOC of Roero. It can also be used to produce DOC wines in Langhe where this Damilano comes from. Arneis, meaning the little rascal given its difficulty to grow, delivers floral, pear fruit nose. The attack is soft and round with more intense pear, melon and white flowers. A beautiful luncheon wine that would double as a sophisticated patio pour in the late afternoon sun. A great match with light seafood dishes.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
16 March 2013
88PTS
Tarapacá Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe 2010 GR sauvignon comes from the Leyda Valley a mere seven kilometers from the Pacific ocean. The style is pungent with intense herbal aromas. Look for asparagus nettle and bell pepper flavours with a citrus, lime mineral undercurrent. Ready to drink Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Torres Sangre de Toro 2010
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainPeppery, tobacco, spicy, meaty, savoury aromas with a touch of fruit. Light, fresh, dry palate with light tannins. Black cherry, smoky, peppery, tobacco, spicy flavours. A bit lacking in aromatics but solid on the palate.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 |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Torres Coronas Tempranillo 2009
Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainSpicy, peppery, meaty, tobacco, light cigar, licorice root, cherry jam aromas. Dry, tight, juicy palate but a bit austere. Black cherry, meaty, peppery, smoky, vanilla, savoury, orange peel flavours. Good intensity if a bit rustic.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $16.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Guado al Tasso Il Bruciato 2009
Bolgheri, Tuscany, ItalyBig roast meat, saddle leather, peppery, savoury, Band-Aid, coffee, waxy, black cherry, cassis, tobacco aromas. Round, full, smooth, suave palate with cassis, tobacco leaf, menthol, medicinal, celery root, barnyard, leather, coffee and Band-Aid flavours. Lots of extract and texture but very rustic and meaty (Brett). Best to drink now.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $28.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $32.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Pere Anselme La Fiole Côtes du Rhône 2011
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceLa Fiole has a storied history in Canadian monopoly's stores and at times it seems as if it was the only Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the country. This simple Cotes du Rhone rides the La Fiole wave right down to the crooked neck bottle. Look for a soft simple red with sweet red fruits and milk chocolate notes with a modicum of spice and earth. Ready to drink with lighter meat and chicken dishes.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
84PTS
Terra Andina Cabernet - Merlot 2011
Region del Valle Central, ChileBay leaf, dill, savoury, tobacco, peppery, milk chocolate nose with dark cherry aromas. The attack is smooth with mid-palate some tartness and a hint of sweetness. Cedar bark, tobacco, milk chocolate, bay leaf, sappy cassis and herb flavours. Ready to drink, simple, hamburger red.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
82PTS
Calvet Bordeaux Reserve Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Bordeaux, FranceCedar, cassis, prune, earthy, cola, tobacco and herb aromas. Dry, tart, skinny, lean palate with light tannins. Cedar bark, earthy, cassis, herbal, tobacco, olive and resin flavours. Very austere style.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Castillo de Monséran Old Vine Garnacha 2008
Cariñena, Aragon, SpainEarthy, liquorice root, tobacco, savoury, compost, light black raspberry aromas. Round, dry, soft but fresh palate with light tannins. Cedar, vanilla, tobacco, pepper and orange peel flavours. Solid fruit but a bit tart on the finish. Try this with chicken.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Louis Latour Pinot Noir Domaine de Valmoissine 2010
Vin de Pays du Var, Vin de Pays de Provence, Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceCherry jam, barnyard, orange peel, rhubarb, tobacco leaf, herbal aromas. Round, soft, easy palate but a bit tart with coffee grind, herbal, tobacco leaf, rhubarb, smoky, rooty flavours. Not a lot of pinot noir character here.Prices:| NF | $19.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Tormaresca Neprica 2010
Puglia, ItalySpicy, savoury, meaty, licorice, blackberry, floral, cassis aromas. Round, dry, full but slightly lean and fresh with earthy, prune, meaty, smoky, balsamic, peppery, liquorice flavours. A bit rustic but solid for grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
83PTS
Que Guapo 2011
Mendoza, ArgentinaChocolate, orange peel, tobacco leaf, cedar, roast mushroom aromas. Soft, round, smooth, slightly sweet and sour palate. Chocolate, tobacco leaf, herbal, sour cherry, resin, rooty flavours. Simple commercial style red for immediate drinking.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
15 March 2013
88PTS
Dr. Loosen Sparkling Riesling NV
GermanySekt as the Germans refer to sparkling wine is something they drink more than anyone else in the world and when it's made from riesling it can be sublime. The Dr. L bubble is 100% riesling so you can expect a fresh, crisp, steely, bright fruity style with just a hint of a touch of sweetness. You will love the juicy palate and clean crisp finish. The suggested match is a wealth of Thai dishes featuring coconut milk or cream.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
84PTS
Terra Andina Carmenère Syrah 2011
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileMeaty, barnyard, tobacco, resin nose with black cherry, cedar incense and bay aromas. The entry is soft and easy with a touch of sweet and sour throughout. Cherry, black pepper, meaty, smoky, chocolate, cedar, bay and leaf flavours. Simple, easy sipping red that provides value for the money.Prices:| BC | $8.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Santa Rita Cabernet Sauvignon 120 2011
Region del Valle Central, ChileOpen cassis, black cherry, bay leaf nose with spicy, savoury, meaty, leather aromas. The attack if dry if somewhat rustic with a tart underbelly. On the palate the flavours are a soupy mix of cassis, prune, smoky, chocolate, bay leaf, tobacco, meaty, leather flavours. A solid hamburger red.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.75 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.45 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.19 | 750ml |
| SK | $11.94 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
83PTS
Obikwa Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Western Cape, South AfricaMeaty, saddle leather, roasted bell pepper, spicy, black pepper aromas. Round, soft, fresh, slightly sweet entry with light tannins. Compost, black pepper, meaty, leather, prune, light Band-Aid flavours. Very commercial and somewhat dirty.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $10.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $10.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $10.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Duas Quintas Red 2010
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalLook for quite a savoury black liquorice, black cherry and fig and tobacco nose with a light fresh palate and cherry, herbal, savoury smoky, meaty, menthol flavours. Quite a cool floral version with an emphasis on freshness and acidity. This will need beef to tame its edges.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
14 March 2013
87PTS
León de Tarapacá Malbec Syrah 2011
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileMalbec and syrah may seem an unlikely couple in Chile but this wine suggest they should consider a long term relationship. The rich lush fruit of malbec is bolstered by the spice and meaty notes of the syrah and for $12 you are the winner. Fresh round supple delicious and easy-sipping this wine has barbecue written all over it. Back up the truck and load up. Lamb, meatballs hamburgers, beef kabobs and more.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
13 March 2013
87PTS
Stag's Hollow Hart Port Style 2011
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, orange peel, liquorice, tobacco, dried herb, black cherry, walnut and rancio aromas. Sweet, fresh, round, slightly tannic palate with coffee, prune, balsamic, menthol, liquorice, tobacco, raisin and herb flavours. Solid balance and intensity.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 500ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Stag's Hollow Renaissance Merlot 2010
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery smoky, oaky, coffee, chocolate, prune, black cherry, liquorice and black olive aromas with a bit of meat and leather. Ripe, rich, smooth, round palate with light tannins. Big vanilla, chocolate, coffee, cedar, tobacco, leather, black cherry jam and herb flavours. Pretty oaky but with good concentration. Needs two to four years to fully develop.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
Les deux Anges Sablet Côtes de Rhône Villages 2010
Sablet, Côtes du Rhône Villages, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceIn 2010 the southern Rhône experienced the same weather/growing season as the north, including plenty of coulure or shatter that reduced the crop substantially. According Rhone expert John Livingstone-Learmonth it's one of the best vintages in 40 years. This Séguret appellation Côtes du Rhône Villages is a 70/27/3 mix of black grenache, syrah and carignan and it is delicious. There is just enough freshness to carry the big red fruit flavours and spice not to mention a density and weight that belies its standing in the region. Even so there is a touch of elegance underlying the black fruit and pepper in the finish. This wine is just beginning to show its stuff and will easily live through 2020. Lamb chops, osso buco, well you get the picture: rich dishes.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Dr. H. Thanisch Berncasteler Doctor Riesling Kabinett 2009
Bernkastel-Kues, Mosel, GermanyBig Vaseline, smoky, waxy, lime, nutty lees, guava aromas. Ripe, rich, round, sweeter style with medium acidity. Waxy, honey, guava, nectarine, red apple, lees and Vaseline flavours. Good intensity but somewhat soft and forward. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $44.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
84PTS
Oyster Bay Merlot 2011
Hawkes Bay, North Island, New ZealandBig smoky, coffee, oaky, barnyard, saddle leather aromas. Dry, fresh, smooth palate with big meaty, smoky vanilla, espresso oak and black cherry jam. Tart, oaky finish. Not much to recommend here but oak and smoke.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $21.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $20.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $22.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Lingenfelder Riesling Bird Series 2011
Pfalz, GermanyWaxy, lees, slate, ripe apple, floral, matchstick aromas. Round, fresh, creamy palate with light sweetness and softer acidity. Slate, baked apple, honey, citrus flavours with a hint of earth and bitterness on the finish. A richer, drier style for food.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $21.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Pewsey Vale Individual Vineyard Selection Riesling 2012
Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaEnticing lemon balm, rose, spicy, lime, guava and waxy aromas. Fresh, crisp, juicy, somewhat austere style with a touch of sweetness. Grassy, lime, nettle, apple skin, lemon oil and lees flavours. Could use a couple years in bottle but would work with a variety of shellfish now. Prices:| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $22.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Deinhard Green Label Riesling 2011
Mosel, GermanyFloral, almond, peach, matchstick, light tropical aromas. Fresh, juicy, somewhat sweet but delicate with honey, baked apple, lime, grapefruit, slate and peach flavours. A bit sweet but good fruit and juicy. Good summer sipper and fine value.Prices:| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Santa Rita Merlot Reserva 2010
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileIntense sappy, cassis, black cherry, leafy, coffee, herbal, bay aromas. Ripe, round, dry, fresh palate with some grainy tannins. Cassis, cedar, black cherry, coffee, smoky herb and tobacco leaf flavours. Solid fruit but a bit tart and resiny.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $17.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $19.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Gunderloch Fritz's Riesling 2011
Rheinhessen, GermanyFritz's Riesling is designed to be fun and refreshing. Expect a fresh floral, honey nose with bits guava and ripe apple aromas. Ripe, round, fresh but a bit soft and sweet. Baked apple, honey, peach, grapefruit flavours. Good fruit with a bit of fatness in the finish.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
84PTS
Obikwa Merlot 2011
Western Cape, South AfricaSaddle leather, meaty, smoky, earthy, prune, leafy, rubbery, chocolate aromas. Round, soft, easy palate with some sweetness and similar flavours. Very chocolaty, sweet finish.Prices:| AB | $10.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Santa Rita Merlot 120 2011
Region del Valle Central, ChileLeafy, bay, riparian, black cherry, sappy, chocolate aromas. Round, fresh, smooth palate with bay leaf, tobacco, peppery, black cherry and herb flavours with a touch of dry tannins on the finish. A solid value hamburger red with some intensity.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Andretti Selections Merlot 2010
California, United StatesNot a lot we can say here about this leafy, tobacco, black olive, barnyard, leather scented red. Dry, light, elegant but lean palate with tobacco leaf, cedar, prune, leather, coffee, meat and olive flavours. Pretty basic stuff.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
10 March 2013
87PTS
Beato Bartolomeo Breganze Prosecco Extra Dry Vino Spumante NV
Veneto, ItalyLots of medium fine mousse. Very floral, peach, spicy, baked pear, banana and red apple aromas. Fresh, somewhat foamy, fruity style with a bit of sweetness. Pear, honey, peach, quince and almond flavours. A bit on the sweet side but is clean and fruity. A fun party fizz you can serve with spicy appetizers.Prices:| BC | $19.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $21.30 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
85PTS
Terra Andina Semillon Chardonnay 2011
Region del Valle Central, ChileHoney, baked apple, lime, pear skin aromas with a bit of leaf and gooseberry. Round, soft, forward palate with buttery, citrus, herbal, nettle, grapefruit, leafy flavours. Simple, easy style and good value. Drink now.Prices:| BC | $11.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Rosewood Estates Pinot Noir 2010
Niagara Escarpment, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaFloral, barnyard, meaty, compost, beet root, black cherry, caraway aromas. Dry, fresh, supple, elegant style with earthy, worsteshire, compost, beet root, strawberry, smoky herb flavours. Well balanced, forward style for current drinking. We like the elegance and restraint.Prices:| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Rosewood Estates Merlot Reserve Natural Fermentation 2010
Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaBig smoked meat, smoky oak, espresso, tobacco, vanilla, spicy, prune, black cherry aromas. Round, dry, fresh, elegant palate with cherry, plum, smoked meat, espresso, vanilla, tobacco and sage flavours. This wine has potential but for the moment the oak dominates everything. Cellar for two years and let all the parts come together.Prices:| ON | $36.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Rosewood Estates Semillion 2011
Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaFresh cool floral, minty, nettle, grapefruit, gooseberry and lees aromas. Fresh, crisp, juicy, elegant and light palate with rose water, ginger, spicy, grapefruit rind and nutty lees flavours with a hint of sweetness on the finish. Unusual expression for the variety but solid effort.Prices:| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Rosewood Estates Wild Ferment Chardonnay Reserve 2011
Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaOpen buttery, honey, floral, nutty lees, vanilla and baked apple aromas. Soft, round, elegant but fat palate with big honey, butter, lees, vanilla, oily, oatmeal and baked apple flavours. There is a lot of butter and lees but with some finesse.Prices:| ON | $28.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Pablo Old Vine Garnacha 2011
Calatayud, Aragon, SpainLiquorice, meaty, black cherry jam, earthy notes mark the nose with more garrigue, sage and pepper throughout. Dry, fresh, slightly tannic and lean with black cherry, liquorice, earth, spice, leather and chocolate flavours. A bit youthful and astringent but with fine fruit. Solid value. Serve with lamb or duck dishes.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Este de Bodegas Alto Almanzora 2009
Vinos de la Tierra de Castilla, SpainPeppery, tobacco, smoky, meaty, prune, black cherry, resin and saddle leather aromas. Dry, fresh, slightly tannic with smoky, black cherry, herbal, sausage meat, peppery, tobacco, leather and cassis flavours. Solid if a bit rustic.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $14.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Falernia Carmenère Reserva 2008
Valle del Limari, ChileBig leafy, tobacco, riparian, cassis, sappy herb aromas with a bit of plum jam. Round, fresh, full but somewhat sweet with candied plum, black cherry, licorice, tobacco, sappy, herbal, vanilla flavours. Warm, fruity, juicy, slightly sweet finish. Commercial, fruity style that is ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Escorihuela 1884 Reservado Malbec 2012
Mendoza, ArgentinaPeppery, savoury, vanilla, black cherry, tobacco, floral and herb aromas. Fresh, juicy, slightly lean palate with tobacco, herbal, black cherry, coffee, smoky, savoury, rooty flavours. A bit lean and tart on the finish but has some solid fruit.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $18.85 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Escorihuela 1884 Reservado Syrah 2012
Mendoza, ArgentinaMeaty, barnyard, earthy, savoury, peppery, celery salt, black cherry aromas. Dry, fresh, round, slightly tannic palate with earthy, peppery, meaty, smoky, plum, celery salt, curry and tobacco flavours.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $19.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Haywire Gamay Noir 2011
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOriginally scheduled to be part of a blend this Gamay Noir from Secrest Vineyard was bottled nits own thanks to an intervention by consulting winemaker Alberto Antonini. We love the big raspberry, black cherry, floral, peppery, liquorice nose and the dry, tight, elegant, slightly lean styling. It's fresh with earthy, floral, peppery, raspberry, liquorice root, coffee and dried herb flavours. A cooler version of Beaujolais but offers some good intensity and balance. Well done.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Wakefield St Andrews Single Vineyard Release Chardonnay 2008
Clare Valley, South Australia, AustraliaNutty lees, lime rind, sweaty grapefruit, matchstick, butter aromas. Fresh, off dry, elegant, somewhat flat palate with lime, fig, nutty lees, matchstick, baked grapefruit rind flavours. Lacks concentration and acidity. Seems more like Semillon than Chardonnay.Prices:| US | $43.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Henschke Croft Chardonnay Lenswood 2010
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaFloral, waxy, green apple, slate, light butter and lees aromas. Fresh, crisp, elegant but lean palate with lime, green apple skin, lees, butter, grassy, grapefruit and nettle flavours. Finish is a bit light and showing some buttery diacetyl notes.Prices:| BC | $58.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $50.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $66.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
91PTS
Antinori Pian delle Vigne Brunello di Montalcino 2007
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyA mild spring and a warm year produced a richer Brunello than we have seen in a while. Pian is aged in 3000 to 8000 litre oak casks for more than two years before bottling. Its clay over limestone soils sit at 130 and 200 meters above sea level and are riddled with small stones. Fruit and spice are the hallmark of this wine on the nose with bits of floral, eucalyptus notes and black cherry, plum, liquorice and vanilla aromas. The attack is rich yet elegant with well-proportioned fine-grained tannins. The palate is awash in plums, red liquorice, vanilla, mineral, chocolate orange peel flavours. This wine is always a little less powerful than its peers but that can be a good thing. This will repay five years cellaring. Prices:| BC | $77.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $70.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $60.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $61.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $65.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $65.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
09 March 2013
87PTS
Noble Vines Collection 337 Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Lodi, Central Valley, California, United StatesThe 337 moniker refers to the French cabernet sauvignon clone 337. This wine has proven to be a solid performer for $20 from its inviting blackberry and black cherry fruit nose to its similar palate flecked with chocolate and cedar. A soft, spicy, easy sipping cabernet that should work around the barbecue all summer.Prices:| SK | $25.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $19.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
91PTS
Ca' del Bosco Franciacorta Cuvée Prestige NV
Lombardy, ItalyThe Franciacorta DOCG is home to Ca' del Bosco. The appellation is set between the town of Brescia and Lago d'Iseo in Lombardy, northern Italy. Often referred to as the champagne of Italy it is an 80/10/10 blend of chardonnay, pinot nero and pinot bianco made in the champagne méthode. The latest Cuvée Prestige was disgorged in the autumn of 2012. Look for a pinch of yellow in the colour followed by a fresh nose of peaches, quince and brioche all with a creamy texture thanks to 21 months on its yeast. Style finesse and complexity.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $45.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $33.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $48.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $50.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Oyster Bay Pinot Grigio 2012
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandI'm surprised by the freshness of this wine and the lack of sugar which tends to plague NZ pinot gris, perhaps they really meant to make a grigio in the Italian style. The wine is fresh with lemon/dried herbs but low extract and a touch watery in the finish. A simple gulp-able summer white that probably needs a price reduction to match its style and intensity.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $22.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $21.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $21.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $22.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Nederburg Sauvignon Blanc The Winemaster's Reserve 2012
Western Cape, South AfricaThe 2012 is fresher than last year with less asparagus more grapefruit and gooseberry aromas and flavours. Crisp fresh and bright with lemon and grass highlights and a dry finish it is all it should be for the price. Try this with your favourite shellfish or a piece of fresh goat cheese. Good value.Prices:| AB | $11.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.45 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $14.50 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.49 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Santa Cristina Antinori Pinot Grigio 2011
Sicily, ItalyThe Santa Cristina brand has a pinot grigio from Sicily. Finished under cork it is a pain in the ass to open but worth the effort. The nose is mix of cardboard and white and yellow fruits with a fresh watery, lemon mid-palate with a slightly more tropical fruit finish. Solid luncheon white for light seafood or pasta duty. Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Lindemans Bin 85 Pinot Grigio 2012
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaLindemans winemaking tends to overcome a lot of its competitors for the price delivering a fresh, clean style. In this case you get a whiff of floral notes and apple skin and a fleeting taste of nectarines and Granny Smith apple in a well-balanced in-oaked style. Drink all summer on the patio.Prices:| BC | $10.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.50 | 750ml |
| SK | $13.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $14.50 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
84PTS
Lindemans Bin 95 Sauvignon Blanc 2012
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaGreen, guava, asparagus and nettle notes introduce the 2012 to your palate. Expect a flat, grassy minty, lemon flavoured white with bits of and resin. Made for clams or spaghetti vongole or any summer style salad. Simple, ready to drink white.Prices:| BC | $10.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $12.50 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.50 | 750ml |
| NB | $14.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
93PTS
Cervaro della Sala 2010
Umbria, ItalyCervaro takes its name from the Monaldeschi Della Cervara family which owned the Castello della Sala in the 14th century. Antinori acquired the property in 1940 and the first vintage of Cervaro della Sala was in 1985. 2010 was a cool vintage providing perfect conditions to highlight the stony, mineral fresh character of Cervaro. As seen at a recent vertical back to 1985 this wine can easily age a decade. Quince butter lime and grapefruit all come together with a framework of oak in this 90/10 blend of chardonnay/grechetto. Try it with squash ravioli, or mushroom risotto.Prices:| BC | $66.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $55.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $53.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
08 March 2013
90PTS
Joseph Phelps Eisrébe Napa Valley 2011
Napa Valley, California, United StatesPhelps has a long history making German dessert-style wines dating back to the early days of winemaker Walter Schug. In 1994, perhaps the heyday of icewine globally, Phelps launched a program to late pick scheurebe grapes and freeze them cryogenically. The wine is humorously labelled 'Eisrébe.' The 2011 was picked at a modest 21.9˚ Brix and frozen to minus 5˚ F. They are then warmed up and pressed reaching a sugar content of 34º Brix then fermented to 8 percent alcohol with 22.6% residual sugar. The flavours are a delicious mix of dried fruits, mainly apricot and pear with an acceptable level of acidity. A curiosity to be sure but well-made and the perfect end to a meal.Prices:| BC | $70.00 | 375ml |
Read Full Note
94PTS
Joseph Phelps Insignia 2005
Napa Valley, California, United StatesThe '05 Insignia is a 92/7/1 is a complex mix of cabernet sauvignon, petit verdot and merlot all estate-owned in Rutherford (30%), South Napa (22%), the St. Helena home ranch (17%) and Stags Leap District (Barboza Vineyard, 17% and Las Rocas Vineyard, 14%). The wine is aged 24 months in 100% new 60-gallon French oak barrels. Eight years on this stunning wine is just beginning to show itself. Still dark to the edge the wine is concentrated and rich with enough spice, floral notes and restraint to build interest in the finish. Long persistent and mouth filling it is memorable in weight and length. Perfectly match with juniper and ash crusted bison striploin.Prices:| ON | $225.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
91PTS
Joseph Phelps Pinot Noir Freestone Vineyards 2010
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, United StatesFreestone is 100% estate-grown pinot from Freestone Vineyards (51% Quarter Moon Vineyard and 49% Pastorale Vineyard) that is all Sonoma Coast. Spicy, dried herbs and earthy dark plum fruit continues as it was last year. The textures are smooth and silky and flecked with orange before they dovetail into the floral, forest floor and mineral finish. The wine is aged 14 months in 55% new and 45% two- to three-year-old French oak barrels.Prices:| BC | $69.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $77.50 | 750ml |
| NS | $64.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
Joseph Phelps Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Napa Valley, California, United StatesGrapes are picked at average 21.9˚ Brix and are barrel fermented with native yeast. It is aged for eight months in 30% new French oak puncheons and 70% one- to two-year-old French oak puncheons but you don't feel the oak at all. There is lots of fresh lime, floral, tropical fruit notes up front with creamy textures throughout. Surprisingly elegant for St Helena fruit. Perfect with Arctic char and blood orange but mussels would be a fine match too. The 2011 growing season was cool and this sauvignon is definitely a happy result of that.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Madfish Sideways Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot 2009
Western Australia, AustraliaClassic Western 'A" with a powerful dried herb and tomato leaf nose mixed with red and blackcurrant notes and smoky toasted oak. Peppery and rich with sot textures it slides down easy if a bit herbaceous and dry. Made for food and grilled meat at that. Take it for what it is, true to its appellation.Prices:| ON | $24.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Lindemans Bin 99 Pinot Noir 2012
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaFruit for the '09 wine comes from across South Eastern Australia. The vintage was early the alcohol at 13 per cent moderate. The nose is very pinot with an earthy mushroom forest floor edge mixed with sweet cherry fruit. Simply soft and warm this is a perfect match for salmon salad. Balanced and affordable. Good value.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.15 | 750ml |
| NS | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $14.50 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.25 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Masi Bonacosta Valpolicella Classico 2011
Veneto, ItalyBonacoasta is 70/25/5 mix of corvina/rondinella/molinara grown in the hills of the classico zone of Valpolicella. Production is careful but standard and 86% of the wine is aged six months in large Slavonian oak barrels; the remaining juice, the corvina, is finished in smaller new Allier and Slavonian oak casks. The nose is fresh and floral with bits of violets and dried herbs mixed with cherries and spice. Light, airy and fun drinking, reminiscent of Beaujolais.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $17.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $18.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $19.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
92PTS
Joseph Phelps Chardonnay Freestone Vineyards 2010
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, United StatesWow what a delicious, electric, California chardonnay. The Freestone spends 14 months in French oak - 55% new and 45% goes into two to three-year-old barrels that get a light or medium toast that you hardly notice. The entry is rich with a pure core of apple fruit, citrus, lees, vanilla, wet stone, spice and minerality. As fresh as it is the textures are creamy, round and sophisticated. An impressive white that will change the way you think about California chardonnay. Fresh grilled halibut is the ticket here.Prices:| BC | $69.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
91PTS
Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Napa Valley, California, United StatesThe '09 is the first ever Napa Valley cabernet from Joseph Phelps that is completely estate grown. It was aged 18 months in a combination of 50% new French and American oak barrels and 50% one to two year-old barrels. Rain ended a promising vintage in mid-October but not before producing this elegant cabernet. Expect a classic dark fruit flavoured wine with flecks of tobacco, spice, smoke and liquorice notes all with modest alcohol levels. This needs a bit of time in bottle or serve now with a T-bone steak.Prices:| AB | $74.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $80.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $175.00 | 1500ml |
| ON | $80.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
07 March 2013
92PTS
Kilikanoon Oracle Shiraz 2008
Clare Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThe Kilikanoon Oracle Shiraz turned ten in 2008. Often described as opulent and a benchmark for Clare Valley we found the 2008 typically swashbuckling with fairly dense black fruit and soft tannins. Coffee, sweet blackberry/blueberry fruit with spice, dark chocolate and smoky mocha add to its hedonistic style. You can drink this wine now or over the next five years. We suggest grill lamb would be an excellent pairing. Oracle started off as a single vineyard wine known as 'Mort's Block' and recently was added to the prestigious Langton Classification honouring exceptional wine sin Australia.Prices:| BC | $70.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $65.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $74.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
94PTS
Sebastiani Cabernet Sauvignon Cherryblock Old Vine 2008
Sonoma County, California, United StatesCherryblock is the flagship wine at Sebastiani said to be the ultimate interpretation of Sonoma Valley cabernet grown on rocky, volcanic soils. The core of the cabernet comes from both the original old-vine block of estate cabernet and younger vines along with small amounts cabernet, merlot, and malbec from other Sonoma Valley sites sharing similar growing conditions. The 2008 vintage had an erratic set and lower yields: one ton to the acre. Winemaker Mark Lyon puts it on par with 2004 and 2001 for concentration and structure! Look for an inky black colour. Intense ripe plum/berry jam with bits of toasted oak. The palate is rich and warm with peppery, cassis, plum jam flavours and silky but substantial tannin. You can enjoy this wine now with cheese or grilled meat but it will be best in another decade.Prices:| BC | $96.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
93PTS
Laroche Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2007
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceDomaine Laroche owns 1.12 hectares of the 26.33 hectare Les Clos Vineyard. This Grand Cru is fermented 35% in oak and 65% in stainless steel and goes through 100% malolactic fermentation. In 2007 the summer was rainy and cold but the harvest was dry. Les Clos is always well structured with an intense nose of ripe apples and honey with a whack of minerality, wet stone and chalk. The flavours are equally persistent and fruity with more honey and firm acidity. Superb with oysters.Prices:| BC | $110.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
93PTS
Gunderloch Riesling Nackenheim Rothenberg Spätlese 2006
Rheinhessen, GermanyThe Gunderloch Nackenheimer spätlese comes from the Rothenberg (red hill) vineyard, the best site in the village. The Spatlese is almost always an opulent expression of riesling on red slate packed with peachy/apricot, passion fruit flavours and flecked with its trademark mineral finish. Fresh intense classy and rich you could easily serve this before dinner with a foie gras pâté.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
92PTS
Colomé Reserva Malbec 2009
Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, ArgentinaColomé Reserva is made from 60 to 150-year old, pre-phylloxera vines aged 24 months in new French oak and then another year in bottle. The wine is inky dark with a bright nose of black fruits and graphite and minerality. The palate is equally electric with rich red fruits, spicy black cherries and raspberry fruit. Mostly malbec the blend contains eight percent syrah and 2 percent petit verdot. Best with grilled meats now but will hold for a decade or more.Prices:| BC | $80.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
92PTS
Etude Heirloom Pinot Noir Estate Grown 2008
Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United StatesEnticing raspberry, cherry jam, spicy, ginger, liquorice nose with orange peel and tobacco aromas. Ripe, full, round, suave palate with juicy acidity and bright strawberry jam, cherry, vanilla, compost, barnyard, tobacco, orange, chocolate and celery root flavours. Good elegance with some warmth (alcohol) and a long, suave, fruity finish. A super pinot made with rescued, old heritage pinot clones. Instructive and illuminating. Grilled salmon would be good here.Prices:| QC | $89.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $90.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $95.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
CedarCreek Platinum Home Block Pinot Noir 2010
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWinemaker Darryl Brooker's first red wines to be released include the "Home Block" 2010 Platinum Pinot Noir (blocks 2 and 4) replete with its floral/fragrant cool pinot nose flecked with spice, black cherry and worsteshire sauce. The attack is similarly cool and restrained with light tannins and firm black and sour cherry fruit mixed with dried herbs. A new, cooler direction for his variety that better expresses its northern terroir. Try this with grilled salmon or roast turkey. Tasted several times since the fall it is improving each time.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
06 March 2013
91PTS
Gérard Bertrand Cigalus Blanc 2012
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceTasted twice: November 2013 and March 2014 and still delicious. Spicy, honey, floral, ginger, peach, quince, vanilla, toasty, pineapple and passion fruit aromas. Ripe, round, rich and creamy but vibrant and juicy. Waxy, toasty lees, vanilla, honey, mango, citrus, ginger, grapefruit, clove and star fruit flavours. A bit warm on the finish but very good intensity and balance. A biodynamic success here. The mix is 70/20/10 chardonnay, viognier and sauvignon blanc, the latter sees only stainless steel. Impressive. Prices:| BC | $57.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $41.50 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
05 March 2013
89PTS
Schug Chardonnay Sonoma Coast 2009
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, United StatesA mix of fruit from western Carneros, southern Sonoma Valley and the Petaluma Gap with fourteen percent Schug estate fruit. Essentially fermented in steel (10% neutral oak cask fermented) and only 10 percent aged "sur-lie" for 5 months in 300 to 600 gallon neutral oak casks. The style is lean and crisp with juicy citrus flavoured fruit flecked with white peached and nectarine skin. Sleek enough for shellfish or local crab.Prices:| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
04 March 2013
88PTS
Wirra Wirra Scrubby Rise Sauvignon Blanc Semillon Viognier 2012
Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaMost years this wine over delivers for its price offering an exciting fresh mix of passion fruit, grapefruit, cherries and grassy, aromas. The mid-palate is alive with minerality and fresh green melon fruit with more grapefruit and lime flavours with bits of creamy vanilla on the finish. Juicy fresh and elegant it is the perfect, mid-week seafood/shellfish wine.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Bottega Gold Prosecco Spumante Brut NV
Treviso, Verona, Veneto, ItalyThe golden bottle looks gimmicky but it does protect the wine from light preserving freshness and extending bottle life. Look for floral, pear, peach skin, baked citrus aromas. Fresh, creamy, slightly foamy palate with baked pear, citrus rind, peach, almond and apple skin flavours. It is made in the Charmat method yet remains restrained in style with a drier profile that suggests it is harmonious with food.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
April 2013