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Tastings: May 2013
28 May 2013
90PTS
Bellbird Spring River Terrace Pinot Noir 2011
Waipara Valley, South Island, New ZealandBlack cherry, spicy, tobacco leaf, savoury, floral, rhubarb, vanilla and light coffee aromas. Dry, fresh, smooth, elegant palate with light tannins but good finesse. Juicy rhubarb, raspberry, peppery, spicy, orange peel, coffee, vanilla, dried herb and leather flavours. A touch warm on the finish but offers good delicacy and balance that should age well for the next 2-4 years.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Chateau Beard La Chapelle - Saint Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Saint Émilion, Libourne, Bordeaux, FrancePeppery, cedar, earthy, liquorice nose with black cherry, floral and smoky olive aromas. The attack is dry but juicy if somewhat austere with youthful tannins in the finish. More coffee, cedar, black cherry, plum, resin and liquorice flavours mark the palate with a smoky, olive, tobacco finish. Solid concentration but youthful. Should further improve in bottle over the next five years.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Red Blend 2010
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesSpicy, liquorice, smoky, floral, savoury, meaty, black cherry, black raspberry and tobacco aromas. Dry, fresh, smooth palate with light tannins. Black cherry, plum jam, peppery, vanilla, poultry spice, cedar, tobacco and leather flavours. Warm but with fine fruit and balance for drinking now or over the next three years. Good effort.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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26 May 2013
91PTS
Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserva 2009
Mendoza, ArgentinaAltos Las Hormigas is Luján de Cuyo-based, Mendoza's only official sub-appellation. The grapes come off high density vine plantings in Vista Flores/Chacayes in the Valle de Uco. The colour is rich purple, the nose, a riot of spice and red fruit mixed with liquorice and stony black fruits. The signature Antonini balance marks the mid-palate and the finish. The finish is long and complex, (not tiring) with fruit and fine-grained tannins throughout. This will age gracefully and be a stellar wine in a decade. Delicious.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $37.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Domaine du Dragon Cuvée Prestige Rosé 2012
Côtes de Provence, Provence, Sud de France, FranceThe Dragon Cuvée is made in the eastern Provence close to Cannes from old vines. The soil is unusually all chalk the blend is 30/34/12/16/8/ syrah/cinsault/mourvèdre/grenache/rolle or vermentino. The colour is a super pale salmon, barely noticeable. The attack is weighty with fresh strawberry, with flecks of orange peel and wet stone minerality. There is delicacy but with some power suggesting it can stand up to a variety of mid-weight foods. I'm thinking salmon, mussels, clams, a Cobb salad and more.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Levante Rosato 2011
Abruzzo, ItalyClassic summer Euro pink from Abruzzo, Italy. It's made form 100 percent sangiovese and the colour is surprisingly on the dark pink red side. Look for afresh dry entry, with red fruit notes and a touch of earth. It finish crisp and dry and calls for food. Grilled chicken, lighter grilled fish, or summer salads would be a fine match. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Altos Las Hormigas Clasico Malbec 2012
Mendoza, ArgentinaNot a lot of changes here and that's the way we like it. The Clasico Hormigas is grown at or above 800 metres on mostly low vigor soils in Lujan de Cujo and Valle de Uco. The style is all Alberto Antonini's doing - less is more. The final blend is a mix of sites kept separate and then blended to produce a fragrant red that mixes cool, smoky, red and black fruit flavours with a classic savoury Argentine streak from front to back. Silky, stylish malbec that stands out from the crowd. Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $18.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Dibon Cava Rosado NV
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainA pink from organic grapes, 90/10 trepat/pinot noir, Love the fresh strawberry fruit nose, crisp lemon underbelly and fresh clean finish. This is the perfect patio pour especially if you are planning charcuterie start. There is just a hint of sugar to help with the spice but overall a fresh clean bright classy rosé bubble for summer. Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Fort Berens Pinot Noir Rose 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFort Berens wines always display a light hand which is a bonus in BC where our best whites and pinks should be light and ethereal. Look for a candied strawberry/pink grapefruit nose and palate. It's quiet, smooth, fresh and fairly long on the palate with a pinch of mid-palate sweetness followed by hint of citrus in the finish. This rose is made from pinot noir, hand-picked, at 1.6 tons to the acre. Should be very food friendly with salmon, chicken, goat cheese, summer sausage or sip solo.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Stag's Hollow Cabernet Franc 2010
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCabernet franc is making its mark in BC as vines and winemakers mature. The 2010 is a col climate version with a mix of roasted tomato aroma and dried leaves and bits of black fruit. The palate is soft and round with slightly sweet, smoky fruit mixed with cola, blackberry and tobacco fruit in the finish. Still youthful and awkward but lamb chops off the grill would be a fine match. The fruit is both Oliver and Osoyoos based.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Pascual Toso Limited Edition Malbec 2010
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaA new name and a new package but the same impressive, easy sipping style that has legions of followers. The LE malbec remains dense and sweet on entry with smoky, liquorice black cherry flavours. The attack is supple and round with a glossy mid-palate and finish. Despite the rich round notes it remains focused and firm in the finish. A terrific steak wine.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.55 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Oyster Bay Sparkling Cuvée Brut NV
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandI must say I was surprised by the elegance of this wine. Clearly finesse and mouthfeel were in the game plan. The fruit is just right not too bright, nor too distant, and there is even a hint of minerality in what is a 100 percent chardonnay sparkler. A refreshing mix of crunchy fruit, red apple, with citrus and just a hint of yeasty/toast for complexity. Well done.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $23.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $24.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $27.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $25.00 | 750ml |
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25 May 2013
90PTS
Mazzei Ser Lapo Chianti Classico Riserva 2007
Tuscany, ItalyOne of the best things about sangiovese is its transparency and more red fruits and minerality with less oak and extraction. You will love the bright red fruit here, the earthy dried herbs and bright acidity supporting the wine from front to back and the back end richness from the 10 per cent merlot. Food is the final piece of the puzzle, steak Florentine would be perfect. As for Ser Lapo, he was the author of the first official document mentioning 'Chianti' wine in 1398.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Louis Bernard Côtes du Rhône Villages Rouge 2011
Côtes du Rhône Villages, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceThe Bernard 'Villages' is a blend of grenache and syrah with a pleasant aromatic nose of red fruits and garrigue (wild dried herbs). The attack is warm and soft with black cherry, liquorice, dried herbs that finishes soft and dry. Good value in Ontario. Simple straight-up barbecue red.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.40 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Louis Bernard Chateauneuf du Pape Rouge 2010
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceThe Louis Bernard style is supple, more drinkable more approachable when you ng which is never a bad thing especially when the price is moderate which it usually is. The blend is grenache, syrah and mourvèdre the nose a mix of spice, plums and dark berry fruits. On the palate there's more garrigue and black cherry fruit with a whiff of orange peel. Perfect for grilled ribs. A solid effort.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Louis Bernard Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2011
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceI love that we are all drinking more white Rhône especially Cote de Rhône Blanc. This is a 40/20/25/15 grenache blanc /clairette/bourboulenc/viognier and its fresh and bright. The nose is both floral and tropical with peach and lemon notes flecked with stony, nectarine skin notes. It finishes dry and firm, perfect for west coast seafood.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.45 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Hillside Merlot - Cabernet Franc 2010
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCedar, chocolate, tobacco leaf, cranberry, herbal, prune and barnyard aromas. Very dry, lean palate with light tannins. The palate is similar with more peppery, resin, meaty, coffee, cedar and herb flavours. This needs a bit of time to get itself together or serve now with grilled chicken.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Hillside Mosaic 2009
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCorked, try anotherPrices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Clos du Soleil Célestiale 2011
Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeppery, smoky, dried herb, tobacco leaf, cassis, barnyard and roasted tomato aromas. Dry, tart, round palate with some young tannins. Coffee, smoky, herbal, savoury, roasted tomato, cool cassis, tobacco leaf and cedar flavours. Somewhat oaky and green, needs a bit of time to integrate but definitely on the herbaceous side.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $26.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Jackson-Triggs Cabernet Sauvignon - Shiraz - Viognier Grand Reserve 2010
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig clove, cinnamon, milk chocolate, espresso, prune, cedar, tobacco leaf, resin and leather aromas. Dry, round, full palate with some youthful tannins. Coffee, peppery, balsamic, tobacco leaf, cedar, cassis, resin, liquorice, black berry jam flavours. A bit rustic, needs time to dissipate the tannins and oak.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Township 7 Reserve 7 2009
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFragrant cedar, cassis, chocolate, meaty, tobacco leaf nose with medicinal/mint, prune notes. Dry, round, elegant attack with more cedar, coffee, prune, cassis, menthol, liquorice, roast meat and vanilla flavours. The finish is quite oaky and dry with some youthful tannin and tartness to drop. Needs time to integrate or serve with a piece of grilled meat to temper the tannins and wood.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Rosemount Cabernet Merlot 2012
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaEarthy, peppery, spicy, blueberry, tobacco leaf, riparian aromas. Tart, somewhat lean, candied raspberry, cedar bark, tobacco leaf, resiny, cassis flavours. This needs food to temper the edges.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $14.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.49 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Rosemount Grenache - Shiraz 2012
AustraliaMuted aromas with raspberry, blueberry, tobacco leaf and herb. Round, fresh, sweet and soft palate with cedar, cooked raspberry, orange peel, herbal, menthol and blueberry flavours. A very fruity-tutti, sweet consumer style.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Kuyen 2010
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileOpen sappy cassis, tobacco leaf, cedar, dried herb nose flecked with floral, black cherry, light coffee, olive aromas. Dry, round, full and juicy on the palate with light tannins. Cassis, coffee, floral, bay leaf, menthol, savoury, meaty, liquorice, blackberry and vanilla flavours. There are some rustic tannins yet to disperse but with fine length and balance and some juiciness and intensity Kuyen has a long future ahead of it. The 2010 blend is 57/28/13/2 syrah/cabernet sauvignon/carmenère/petit verdot.Prices:| BC | $37.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Miguel Torres Manso de Velasco Old Vines 2009
Valle del Curicó, Region del Valle Central, ChileSavoury, bay leaf, chocolate, cedar, cassis, 'boldo' (wild herbs) nose with dried tobacco, leather and coffee aromas. The entry is round, rich and dry with some youthful, astringent tannins. Cedar, cassis, bay leaf, tobacco, coffee, blackberry, resin, liquorice and savoury, leather flavours dominate the palate. Good concentration and intensity but will need three to five years to round out the rusticity. If you open it now serve it with a T-bone steak.Prices:| MB | $41.00 | 750ml |
| US | $32.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $42.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $40.50 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Mt. Boucherie Family Reserve Zinfandel 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSimilar to the previous edition with a big cedar, menthol, milk chocolate nose with incense and black pepper aromas. The attack is round and fresh with fresh cut cedar, savoury chocolate, vanilla, leather, tobacco and resin flavours. A bit warm and oaky but otherwise balanced. Barbecue ribs would be a fine match.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Mt. Boucherie Summit Reserve Blaufrankisch 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBlaufrankisch or lemberger has an aromatic tobacco, pepper, cherry nose flecked with floral, resin, carrot top, and rooty aromas. Dry, fresh, round and smooth on the palate with earthy, peppery, leather, prune, coffee, dried cherry, resin flavours. Good balance if a bit overripe. Try this with game dishes or hard cheeses.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Bergevin Lane Linen Red 2011
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesClassic Washington syrah nose of pepper, poultry spice with meaty, floral, black cherry, vanilla, chocolate aromas. The attack is dry and full, if somewhat tight with fresh acidity. The palate is a mix of coffee, pepper, meaty, black licorice, black cherry, prune, spice and vanilla flavours. A bit rustic but solid. Needs a year or two to drop some dry tannins. Try this with grilled lamb chops.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Layer Cake Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
California, United StatesTobacco leaf, savoury, herbal, cassis, chocolate, riparian aromas. Round, soft, smooth attack with a sweet palate over fresh acidity. Chocolate, cola, briar, prune, cassis, stewed prune, tobacco flavours with an olive streak. Very sweet, herbal, clove coffee finish. Australia in America and not very likeable.Prices:| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $26.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Lucky Star Pinot Noir 2011
California, United StatesBarnyard, candied strawberry, earthy, light tobacco, chocolate, lees aromas. Round, smooth, slightly sweet but fresh palate with menthol, carrot, candied cherry and strawberry flavours. A very basic pinot seemingly born in the wake of the movie Sideways.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.45 | 750ml |
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24 May 2013
93PTS
Domaine Louis Moreau Chablis Grand Cru Valmur 2008
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceThis is all Grand Cru from its floral waxy, honey, light vanilla nose to its lees, grassy, green apple, lime and mandarin peel aromas. Ripe, fresh, juicy and creamy on the palate it has the leanness and structure of a refined Chablis with lime, green apple, vanilla, honey, grassy, seashell and lees flavours. Good vibrancy and length with both power and finesse. Needs time yet to balance the acidity and concentration but will be excellent in three to five years. Fine effort.Prices:| BC | $73.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $63.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Domaine Louis Moreau Les Fourneaux 1er Cru Chablis 2010
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceHoney, green apple, floral, lime, seashell, light lees aromas. Ripe, round, fresh, juicy and creamy with good acidity balance. Seashell, honey, apricot, grassy, green apple lees and moss flavours. Good concentration and length. It will improve with some bottle time but it is delicious now.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Domaine Louis Moreau Chablis 2011
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceGrassy, herbal, wet leaf, green apple skin, wet stone, and citrus aromas. Fresh, round, creamy, juicy texture with seashell, green apple, seaweed, grassy, citrus flavours. Good texture and fullness, very solid effort. Terrific value in an everyday workhouse French white. I guess it is too good for BC Liquor Store customers.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.11 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Domaine Louis Moreau Petit Chablis 2010
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceFloral, lime rind, green apple, light seashell and apricot aromas. Full, round, juicy, creamy palate with green apple, light lees, lime, grassy, green apricot flavours. Good finesse and balance.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Peter Lehmann Wigan Riesling 2006
Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaLove the vibrancy on this wine that is kept at the winery for the first five years of its life. Look for a medium yellow colour with flecks of green. The nose is an enticing mix of fresh limes, perfume and brioche. There is plenty of acidity from back to front and more juicy lime flavours in what is a medium weight riesling still showing a lot of youth, finesse and delicacy even at this age. A great food wine for west coast shellfish or even spicy curries. Sensational value.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $40.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sauvion Carte D'or Muscadet Sevre et Maine 2011
Muscadet, Pays Nantais, Loire, FranceSauvion turns out several Muscadet selections but the Carte D'Or is a slightly richer interpretation of the classic skinny, flinty, citrus, green apple white that is a refreshing summer sipper and made for BC shellfish. A crowd pleaser even if the crowd isn't quite sure what it is. Try it with sushi and watch the bottle disappear.Prices:| NB | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
B.R.Cohn Silver Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
North Coast, North Coast Region, California, United StatesThe Silver Label cab is a mix of North Coast fruit including 14 percent merlot and just under 10 percent cabernet franc that spends 18 months in French oak. The style is very drinkable cabernet with open cherry mocha dried herb aromas previewing soft, round supple black cherry fruit with bits of milk chocolate and vanilla.Prices:| US | $16.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Blue Mountain Brut Rosé 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe rosé brut is a 63/34/3/mix of pinot noir / chardonnay / pinot gris all estate fruit. The nose is suitably restrained with hints of strawberry, nectarine skin and citrus. The palate is similar with yeasty, red fruit flavours and a fine persistent mousse. The finish is soft and dry with good complexity. A wonderful style for food. Try it with turkey.Prices:| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Miopasso Primitivo 2011
Puglia, ItalyEarthy, meaty, peppery, prune nose with black plum and savoury aromas. The style is fresh and juicy with plum, prune, black liquorice, tobacco and earthy flavours with just a bit of southern Italian sweetness on the finish. Solid easy-sipping red for the barbecue.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Likos 2009
Basilicata, ItalyOpen enticing floral, cherry, plum, savoury nose with flecks of tobacco, cedar, liquorice and balsamic notes. The attack is full, dry but juicy with light tannins. More peppery, black liquorice, black cherry, plum and vanilla coat the palate with savoury, balsamic, dried herb finish. Well balanced with good finesse and flavour intensity. Drink now or over the next two years. Pricey but otherwise a fine effort.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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22 May 2013
87PTS
Alain Brumont Gros Manseng-Sauvignon 2012
Gascony, FrancePassion fruit, sweaty grapefruit, nettle, fresh hay, quince and wet stone aromas with a hint of lemon and bell pepper. Fresh, dry, elegant but leaner style palate with grassy, bell pepper, grapefruit, green apple skin, lemon grass and herb flavours. The perfect Euro-style white for west coast shellfish.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Painted Wolf The Den Chenin Blanc 2012
Coastal Region, South AfricaGreen apple, pear skin, light lees, floral, quince aromas with a bit of honey and matchstick. Fresh, juicy, round, fairly dry palate with just a hint of sweetness. Pink grapefruit, apple, honey, pear and nettle flavours. Well balanced, succulent style for immediate drinking. Solid value here.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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21 May 2013
86PTS
La Vieille Ferme Côtes du Ventoux Rosé 2011
Ventoux, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceYou will love the pale salmon copper colour and its bright floral, strawberry jam, licorice, spicy fruity aromas. The attack is food friendly dry and fresh with a slightly austere palate. The flavours are a mix of strawberry, cherry jam, liquorice and toasted floral flavours. Always a fresh bet for summer with plenty of citrusy fruit. Try it with veal kabobs.Prices:| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.90 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $13.50 | 750ml |
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19 May 2013
89PTS
Poggio Alle Gazie dell Ornellaia 2011
Bolgheri, Tuscany, ItalyThe blend is 93/7 sauvignon blanc/viognier. The sauvignon blanc vines are outliers sprinkled throughout the estate; they were replanted to cabernet franc but some just didn't take. They are picked separately and go into this unique Tuscan white. The vines are 30 plus years old and the wine is barrel fermented adding texture and depth of flavours. You can expect fresh aromatic entry with lively acidity and intense, pear fruit character with a squeeze of lemon and peach and just a hint of minerality (wet stones) in the back end.Prices:| BC | $77.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Ornellaia 2010
Bolgheri, Tuscany, ItalyIt's hard to believe the 2010 Ornellaia is vintage 25 and that production is now 11,500 cases. Typically dark in colour the 25th anniversary mix is 52/22/21/5 cabernet sauvignon/merlot/cabernet franc/petit verdot. The harvest was late; more than 10 days beyond the average and is picked and vinified by block or lot in 70 percent new French barriques and 30 percent one year old. Winemaker Axel Heinz waits one year before he puts the blend together, then it gets another six months in oak, followed by a year in bottle. 2010 was a cool year and you smell it and feel it in the mouth. The nose is tight and unyielding at this point with a savoury, red fruit old-style Bordelais air about it. The tannins are firm and almost briary at this point and so far missing that classic Bolgheri warmth. Flavours are tight too with savoury olives, red fruits with a pinch of toast and dark chocolate. A more intellectual Ornellaia that is going need a decade to come around. Prices:| AB | $185.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $185.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $185.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $190.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Le Volte 2010
Tuscany, ItalyTenuta dell' Ornellaia's entry level red is Le Volte. In 2010 the blend is 50/30/20 merlot, sangiovese, cabernet sauvignon. The nose is savoury dry and cool and that demeanor carries on to the palate which is spicy with more acidity less generosity and more structure. At a minimum it needs time in the decanter if not another year or two in bottle. Some of the fruit is purchased and it is all aged in old Ornellaia barrels. Try this one with spaghetti Bolognese.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $30.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $37.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $69.00 | 1500ml |
| ON | $140.00 | 3000ml |
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91PTS
Le Serre Nuove Dell' Ornellaia 2010
Bolgheri, Tuscany, ItalyOrnellaia 'bambino' better known as Le Serre Nuovo was first released in 1997. The 2010 is a 45/41/9/5 blend of merlot/cabernet sauvignon/cabernet franc/petit verdot that as usual is every bit up to its big brother Ornellaia. There is always more merlot in Le Serre than Ornellaia to provide more drinkability earlier. The nose is an enticing mix of earthy, spicy, red fruits. The palate is a savoury mix of the same red fruits with black olives and a savoury meaty finish. A tighter leaner version in what was a cool Bolgheri vintage with a little less power. Still elegant and stylish and will be fine with food through 2020.Prices:| BC | $63.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $65.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $60.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $60.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $129.00 | 1500ml |
| QC | $275.00 | 3000ml |
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85PTS
Casa Catelli Montepulicano d Abruzzo 2011
Abruzzo, ItalyAccording to lore general Hannibal and his soldiers resisted the Roman Empire because his men were sustained by Montepulciano d'Abruzzo. The grape montepulciano d'Abruzzo was brought to Italy from Greece and is not to be confused with Montepulciano DOC wine grown near the town Montepulciano (Tuscany) and made with sangiovese clone. Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is relatively dark in colour, the nose is fresh with a mix of red and dark fruit, cedar and liquorice. Fairly gritty tannins mark its short-ish finish. Drink now with meat and mushroom pasta dishes.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Casa Catelli Rossa Toscan 2010
Tuscany, ItalyThis is a mini-Tuscan blend that over delivers for its price. The nose is suitably savoury with bits of raspberry, chocolate, cedar and resin and it all follows through on the palate with firm serve me with food acidity throughout. Good length and weight this will improve in bottle over the next three years. Best with grilled meats and chicken.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Donatella Cinelli Colombini Il Drago e le 8 Colombe 2007
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyThere are eight woman working at Donatella's winery, hence the eight doves on the label joining Il Drago her husband Carlo Gardini. The village of Trequanda sits in south Chianti about 400 meters above sea level. The blend is a 60/20/20 mix of sangiovese grosso / merlot and sagrantino. The sagrantino vines were propagated from the famous vineyards of Caprai across the southern border in Umbria. It's a fine vintage but it is not near ready to drink. Look for spicy floral red fruits with some aggressive mid-palate dryness (sagrantino) with a cedar, cherry tobacco finish. A bit too rustic at the moment. Needs more time in bottle.Prices:| US | $40.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $37.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Villa di Capezzana Carmignano 2007
Carmignano, Tuscany, ItalyThe 104 ha vineyard at Capezzana estate is owned by the Contini Bonacossi family. Benedetta Contini Bonacossi works with Stefano Chioccioli to make the wine. The site faces west/southwest over clay/schist with limestone. The 2007 vintage was a good one and you feel it the wine. The mix is 80/20 sangiovese cabernet sauvignon the nose a mix of cherries and savoury red liquorice. The palate is rich and warm and at six years now exuberant with resiny black plums, spice and tobacco to beat the band. Long intense and perfect with rich meat dishes. Osso buco anyone?Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Capezzana Conti Contini Bonacossi Barco Reale di Carmignano 2009
Carmignano, Tuscany, ItalyAttractive inviting nose of liquorice and dark cherries and toasted oak. The entry is smooth and glossy with more black fruit flavours, a touch of Brett, spice, cedar and lively acidity. Quite sophisticated in texture and length. Love the elegance here. Wonderful restaurant list selection.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Chateau La Mondette 2010
Cotes de Castillon, Cotes de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, FranceLa Mondette reminds me of my youth when drinking young, regional Bordeaux was mainstream, at least before the varietal invasion. This is a typical Bordelais merlot - cabernet sauvignon blend with a restrained nose of spice and earth with just a hint of cherries. The attack is dry and firm with more spice medium intensity and a pinch of warmth in the finish. Must be served with food for best effect.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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18 May 2013
88PTS
Spierhead Pinot Gris 2012
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpierhead has made near faultless wine since it opened and its first pinot gris is yet another good example of well-made wine. The nose is fresh and clean with ripe, red apple aromas and citrus throughout. The attack is ripe almost sweet but with plenty of firm underlying acidity that cleans up the finish. Simple but effective and very food friendly. Well done and affordable.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling 2011
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesOpen sweet ripe nose of baked apples with floral, honey and lime juice notes. The attack is fresh and round with more sweet, red apple, pink grapefruit and lime flavours. Baked green apple, lime, grapefruit, honey, floral flavours. A full blown style of riesling you can serve with spicy ribs or Indian curries. Good value and ready to drink all summer.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $18.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $20.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Santa Julia Pinot Grigio 2012
Mendoza, ArgentinaMuch like the previous version this is a very commercial effort. The attack is fresh but diluted with watery cooked apple nose and similar flavours on the palate. Cheap enough in Ontario but at $14 in B.C. this one under delivers.Prices:| ON | $11.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Road 13 Mitchell's Vineyard Pinot Gris 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMitchell's Vineyard sits on the Summerland Bench and owners Ron & Susan Mitchell crop their fruit low. The style according to Road 13 is classic Alsace. The aromas are ripe with honeysuckle and earth predominating. The attack is round ad soft with a slightly sweet entry with more honey and white fruit flavours and notes of minerality. The ripeness suggests something spicy be it chicken or fish or sushi would be a fine match.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Redbank Long Paddock Pinot Grigio 2007
Victoria, AustraliaRedbank opens with grassy, nettle citrus aromas with light lees and earthy, floral notes. The attack is fresh with mineral, lemongrass, passion fruit and more nutty, light lees flavours. The finish is dry and firm calling for food. Sushi, or seafood appetizers would be a good choice. Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Clos du Soleil Fumé Blanc 2012
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPassion fruit, pink grapefruit, light bell pepper and bubble gum aromas with a touch of nettle. Fresh, round, soft palate with a touch of sweetness. Juicy grapefruit, nettle, asparagus, gooseberry, mint and bell pepper flavours. A delicate but flavourful style that will attract many consumers.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Deinhard Pinot Grigio 2011
Baden, GermanyMore Italian than German in style it opens with the de rigueur earthy, spicy citrus fruit aromas albeit light. The attack is clean and similarly lightweight with more citrus and honey notes and just a pinch of residual sugar. Solid ready to drink and defect free try this with summer salads.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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17 May 2013
87PTS
Castillo de Monséran Garnacha 2011
Cariñena, Aragon, SpainBright raspberry jam fruit bomb with spicy, earthy, liquorice root aromas. Fresh, round, juicy, easy palate with more liquorice, tobacco, pepper and black raspberry flavours. A light friendly fruity red that will easily tame any spicy meat dishes. Good value.Prices:| BC | $9.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $9.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $11.00 | 750ml |
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16 May 2013
86PTS
Henkell Rosé Dry Sec NV
GermanyEvery time I taste this wine at marvel at its value. So fresh and bright its pale salmon colour gives way to off-dry, citrus raspberry, baked apple notes. The attack is soft and yes a bit foamy but with enough sweet red fruit and acidity to please. It is highly affordable and perfect for luncheons, picnic, patios and large family gatherings.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $15.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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12 May 2013
88PTS
Louis Bernard Côtes du Rhône Rouge 2011
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceCan you really cellar a $15 wine? Yes you can and guess what, it will improve for the next three to five years to give you added value. Look for an open nose of smoky, black cherry aromas. The attack is soft and supple with more black cherry/plum fruit with just a whiff of spice. A solid red wine for mid-term drinking. A few bottle of this will protect the rest of the cellar as you wait for the bigger wines to come around. Serve now with grilled sausages. Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $14.50 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $14.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Tinhorn Creek 2Bench Oldfield Series Rosé 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaYear four is a 51/49 blend of cabernet franc and syrah off Diamondback Vineyard on the Black Sage bench. Love the orange pink colour. Just on the edge of being sweet this is the perfect foil to spicy summer salads and sushi. The style is light and fun with a mix of sweet cherries, cranberries, and dried herbs and citrus. Drink all summer.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
JoieFarm Re-Think Pink! Rosé (iii) 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMuch like last year the colour is a candied red signalling its pinot noir/gamay mix of fruit. The base is pinot noir at 60 percent with 30 gamay with 5/5 pinot meunier and pinot gris. Similar to last year it has a touch of smoky caramel on the nose and just a hint of sweetness in the back end. In between there is sour cherries, citrus, dried herbs, rhubarb and cranberries. A food rosé with serous bent.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Road 13 Honest John's Rose 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe latest HJ rosé is a 60/33 mix of pinot noir and gamay with bits of viognier, malbec and roussanne. Love the colour and the fresh attack somewhat reminiscent of Provence. Strawberries dominate with a touch of citrus on the nose and palate with some passion fruit poking through the back end. A fun party pink that can stand up to grilled chicken but would be equally at home with grilled vegetables. Good value.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Quails' Gate Rose 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSlightly reduced on the nose so give it some air. The aromas are a mix of yeasty, pink grapefruit and dried herbs. The palate a mix of citrus, dried herbs, rhubarb and more yeasty flecks. Just a bit to unclean for us. Back to the drawing board.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.50 | 750ml |
| NS | $22.50 | 750ml |
| PEI | $22.50 | 750ml |
| NB | $22.50 | 750ml |
| NF | $22.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Unsworth Vineyards Rosé 2011
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaLove the pale colour, super dry firm palate with plenty of acidity and minerality to spare. Screeching-ly tart and fresh on entry this calls for food and I'm thinking sushi would be a perfect foil. A pinch more fruit would really make this wine interesting but it is definitely on the right track. For the adventurous.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Stag's Hollow Syrah Rosé 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLove the light colour given it is a syrah rosé but most of it was whole cluster pressed (no skin contact, no colour). The nose is an exotic mix of ripe strawberries fleck with oranges. Amazingly sweet or ripe attack with touches of watermelon, tangerine and pepper. The acidity is a bit overwhelmed by the sweet fruit but all in all this is an interesting rosé. Try this with spicy summer salads or grilled chicken Tuscan-style.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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11 May 2013
88PTS
Fess Parker Pinot Noir 2007
Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesTwiggy berry, spicy, licorice nose with bits of celery salt. The entry is supple with warm spicy flavours. A rich full American style pinot with plenty of sweet/ripe black raspberry smoky black cherry fruit and spice with a long warm persistent finish. Hedonistic if not complex version of this much loved grape.Prices:| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $36.00 | 750ml |
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10 May 2013
87PTS
Upper Bench Zweigelt 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNaramata red nose of dried herbs, liquorice cedar and roasted tomato. The attack is rich and glossy with soft, fine-grained tannins with some fresh acidity poking out the back. The palate is a mix of resiny, youthful red fruits and dried spice. This will need some time to gather itself in bottle but you could easily serve it this summer with grilled lamb chops. A good start.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Romain Duvernay Vacqueyras 2009
Côte Rôtie, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceVery peppery, black raspberry jam, blackberry, meaty, floral, chocolate, graphite aromas. Dry, fresh, slightly tannic entry with orange peel, black raspberry, chocolate, meaty, savoury, leather flavours. Solid fruit but lacks texture and a bit of length.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Romain Duvernay Côte Rôtie 2009
Côte Rôtie, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceOpen spicy, liquorice root, meaty, gamey with hints of blackberry, tobacco, curry, saddle leather aromas. Dry, fresh, elegant but slightly lean and tight on entry with light tannins. Smoky herb, tobacco, roast meat and savoury black cherry flavours. The finish is also slightly lean and tart with some light, grippy tannins to shed. Serve now with lamb or give it a few years in the cellar.Prices:| BC | $64.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Sandalford Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Reserve 2009
Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia The '09 is a 92/8 mix of cabernet sauvignon and shiraz at has been described as one of the best ever vintages in the Margaret River. A cool wet start followed by a warm (no heat spikes) growing season and a long Indian Summer allowed for maximum ripeness and balance. The nose is awash in eucalyptus, resin and wild black raspberries. The palate a brooding mix of dried herbs, black liquorice and savoury cran-cherry fruit flavours. This needs bottle time but if you want to drink it now serve it with a grilled T-bone steak to tame the elements. Classic cool-climate cab.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $43.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $36.00 | 750ml |
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09 May 2013
88PTS
Howling Bluff SQ Sauvignon Blanc Sémillon Summa Quies 2012
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe mix is 85/15 sauvignon blanc/sémillon and you sense the sauvignon upfront on the nose thanks to its pungent, passion fruit and kiwi aromas with bits of baked apple and honey. The attack is fresh with some mid-palate sweetness balanced off by some tangy orange, grassy, citrus lemon notes. Exotic and interesting, a wines first duty and capable of ageing perhaps its second job. A wonderful food style for substantial menu items. A small portion of the juice spends five months in French oak. Fine value.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Robertson Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2012
Robertson, Breede River Valley, South AfricaYou don't get much wine for ten dollars unless you are sipping this sauvignon. Clean bright fresh and full of citrus tropical fruit fresh fruit notes. The palate is a mix of pineapple and lemon peel with hint of grass in the finish. A solid mid-week white for grilled chicken skewers, light salads and pasta. Good value.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.00 | 750ml |
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07 May 2013
87PTS
Miopasso Fiano 2011
Sicily, ItalyRipe pear, honey, light beeswax, nectarine and quince aromas. Fresh, round, ripe palate with a bit of sweetness and oiliness. Baked pear, quince, honey, butter, spice and lanolin flavours. Nice fruit in an easy, consumer friendly style.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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04 May 2013
89PTS
Tedeschi Corasco Appassimento Breve 2009
Veneto, ItalyBig black cherry, liquorice, resin, savoury, floral nose with almond/cedar and chocolate aromas. The attack is fresh and smooth with a juicy palate. Strawberry jam, black cherry, spicy, savoury, tobacco flavours mix with a light chocolate and liquorice note. Fresh, vibrant fruity finish with acidity that should go well with pork, duck and turkey.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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03 May 2013
90PTS
Terravista Fandango Albariño Verdejo 2012
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWinemaker Senka Tennant launched this unusual albariño/verdejo blend last year and year two is equally tasty. It's a one of kind blend in Canada but more important we this as a possible game changer for the Okanagan. We can make a wine that is more about Naramata on a warm summer's day than grapes and oak. Like last year Fandango has a sense of electricity and freshness, juicy minerality and a subtle floral, melon and fresh sage aromas and flavours. Your summer charcuterie plate has its match. Comically this wine is labelled Product of Canada, because the grape varieties are not yet VQA approved. They are awaiting some sort of provincial cabinet blessing. Personally I would plaster Naramata all over the label and rightfully claim it as the origin of the grapes and the estate and the winemaking because Product of Canada just doesn't do the wine or its price justice.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Remelluri Blanco 2011
Rioja, SpainThere's nine varieties in the blend including garnacha blanco, chardonnay, malvasia, verdejo, viognier, sauvignon blanc but TR is not interested in the grapes. He wants the wine to talk about the place. The project is now 20 years old and this wine is stunning. Rodrigues uses seven different fermentations from cement eggs to cement vats, wood, glass and more to achieve the essence of the place. This wine is delicious now and will age gracefully but I say drink it now. Despite the imprecision of how it is made the wine has a precise, focused palate mixing white peaches, grapefruit and citrus with a squeeze of orange and a touch of ginger in the finish. Eclectic, electric white for the adventurous.Prices:| BC | $74.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $67.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $64.00 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Telmo Rodriguez Altos de Lanzaga Grand Vinedo Rioja 2006
Rioja, SpainAltos de Lanzaga is tempranillo Rodriguez-style. Hand selected from site to barrel employing the village concept - the blend is always better than the parts. The fruit is grown on 45 cm of red soils over chalk. Look for a super intense flavour profile from its spicy floral, smoky, liquorice red fruit aromas to its delicate savoury/garrigue smoky tobacco stony red fruit flavours. Rich and warm but with excellent acidity this will repay a decade or more of cellar time. The malolactic takes a full year in a 12C cellar adding additional harmony and complexity to what is a stand out red.Prices:| BC | $104.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $97.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $99.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $99.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Telmo Rodriguez Pegaso Granito Garnacha 2008
Castilla-Leon, SpainTR made 9,600 bottles of this crazy delicious 100-percent grenache bush vines grown on granite of magma origin at 800 to 10oo metres above sea level. In keeping with Rodriguez's devotion to the land the fruit is linked to sites: El Robledillo, El Areguero, El Mojón near the mountain village of Cebreros (Avila). The fruit is organically grown fermented native yeast with no other additives. Expect a wild style but with finesse likely due to the spare nature of the granite soils and the inherently cool site. Look for red fruits, stony mineral floral aspects flecked with 'pretty' orange and citrus notes with a touch of wildness in the finish You would have trouble finding any of the oak left form 18 months in 600 litres of French barrels.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $50.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $43.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Domaine Clavel Le Mas 2011
Coteaux du Languedoc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceThis is on delicious red blend. The Quebecois would describe this red as rock juice and its so obvious minerality and floral notes on the nose and palate. The attack is fresh, the style mellow with round soft inviting savoury/garrigue laced red fruits with just enough spice to keep it all interesting throughout a long persistent finish. Moroccan beef tagine would be the classic match or roast chicken.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
P+S Chryseia 2008
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalChryseia is made with upper Douro Valley fruit and seven years down the road the mix is almost 50/50 touriga nacional and touriga planted on mostly schist and now approaching forty years of age and sourced from the Symington family Quintas of Vila Velha, Bomfim, Vesuvio and P+S's Quinta de Perdiz. Love the elegance here and the savoury, floral liquorice aromas. The '08 is more about restraint and finesse and you can see the hand of Prats in this vintage. The palate is similar with round, supple blackberry/raspberry fruit, small-grained tannins and an undercurrent of stony minerality. Love the balance should age gracefully for another decade.Prices:| QC | $73.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $75.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $85.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Telmo Rodriguez Lanzaga Vinedos en Lanziego 2008
Rioja, SpainIn '08 Lanzaga mixes 90 per cent tempranillo with a 7/3 split of garnacha and graciano bush vines planted between 500 and 600 meters on flat, stony, shallow soils with low fertility. The wine is fermented in cement tanks and matured 14 months in French oak foudres and new barrels. The fruit is farmed bio-dynamically, the vines are 30 to 40 years old. The nose is a meaty smoky affair with lots of black fruit and spice notes. The palate is smooth and glossy in texture with richer, black olive, cherry, stony, mineral flavours. Impressive long finish in a warm year. Telmo calls it 'strength with elegance'.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $32.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $33.50 | 750ml |
| QC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Telmo Rodriguez LZ Lanzeigo de Álava 2011
Rioja Alavesa, Rioja, SpainSurprisingly youthful purple colour. LZ is constructed to be an honest wine with the taste of the village. The fruit, a mix of old bush vine tempranillo, graciano and garnacha, is bought from three growers aged 60-65 years old. It is fermented traditionally in cement vats. Look for spicy, meaty, earthy, smoky nose with a fresh, round, dry palate and black raspberry, currants and cherries with a chalky mineral undercurrent. The style says Telmo "is pretty but not too serious." Grilled lamb chops anyone.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
JoieFarm Gewurztraminer 2012
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSimple straight-up winemaking was employed to make a clean, correct gewürztraminer. You get the rose petal and litchi aromas up front and fairly brisk acidic mid-palate with citrus flavours flecked with honey and orange. There's 8 grams of sugar per litre here but you hardly notice it in the back end. In fact the wine finishes with a hint of Okanagan sage and a touch of bitterness. Ready to drink try it with a yellow Thai curry.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tinhorn Creek Gewürztraminer 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFresh citrus litchi meaty notes on the nose with a strong floral undercurrent. Much like last year with a fresh juicy palate perhaps a touch softer with flecks of orange, green apple, litchi and pink grapefruit flavours with a dollop of rosewater. A solid, dry, food-friendly style.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Hillside Gewürztraminer 2012
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen fresh spicy floral nose with bits of smoked meat, peach, ginger and litchi fruit. The attack is juicy and with a mix of pink grapefruit, rose water and light litchi flavours flecked with nectarine skin and a touch of lemon oil. Again, a friendly juicy drink-me style. Perfect for your favourite curry.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
The Pairing Collection - Chops and Burgers Bordeaux Rouge 2011
Bordeaux, FrancePeppery, earthy, light cassis, cedar, black olive and tobacco aromas. Very dry, somewhat lean palate with cedar, earthy, resin, smoky, herbal, tobacco and cassis flavours. It's a burger wine for sure but not much better.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Fontanafredda Briccotondo Barbera 2011
Piedmont, ItalyLove the way this wine is evolving under screwcap. The nose is fresh and packed full of juicy black cherry jam, red liquorice and earthy, savoury aromas. The attack is juicy, the palate supple with peppery, black cherry jam, blood orange, meat, licorice, tobacco and tar flavours. Fresh, fruity, attractive forward style. Impressive, modern red that respects the tradition of Piemonte and barbera. Solid value here for any level of consumer and a steal at $18. Grilled chicken or mushroom risotto are great matches.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
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02 May 2013
90PTS
P+S Post Scriptum de Chryseia 2009
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalThe second label from Chryseia Post Scriptum opens with a peppery, dried herb, tobacco, floral black cherry nose flecked with curry, coffee and vanilla notes. The attack is round and dry, the palate elegant with fine-grained tannins. Juicy black cherry, plum fruit flavours with chocolate, vanilla, savoury, poultry spice and liquorice flavours with a bit of dried fig and tobacco. Good intensity and balance to drink now but should improve over the next few years. Fine effort.Prices:| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $30.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $29.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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01 May 2013
88PTS
Quinta de Roriz Reserva 2005 2005
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalDried fig, floral, minty, poultry spice, vanilla, gamey, chocolate, dark plum and clove aromas. Dry, rich, full, somewhat tannic palate with peppery, cardamom, vanilla, cedar, coffee, black cherry, savoury, tobacco and licorice flavours. Finish is a bit oaky and rustic at this point, needs a few years to fully integrate.Prices:| US | $28.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $61.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Cockburn's Special Reserve Porto NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalSince acquiring Cockburn's in 2010 the Symington family has been quick to renovate and renew the brand and getting back to the original Reserve Port is the immediate goal. Cockburn's Special Reserve goes through a lengthy period in wood (four to five years) before release so it is no surprise the Cockburn's boasts the most wood casks in Gaia and the only one with its own dedicated team of coopers. There's fine richness here with more body than the Ruby, (super Ruby?) and better length. Look for spicy cherry fruit flavours given a slightly longer fermentation process that leads to a less sweet finish with more grip. Once opened Cockburn's Special Reserve will keep well for several weeks. Great with cheese or nutty cakes and chocolate.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $27.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Graham's Vintage Port 2011
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, Portugalthe Quinta dos Malvedos is the lead estate in the wine and has been since 1890. In 2011 it makes up 35% of the final blend (floral/eucalyptus). Quinta do Tua, (concentration) is 16% of the blend, Quinta da Vila Velha 18% (black chocolate), Quinta das Lages 12% (complexity) and finally Quinta do Vale de Malhadas at 19% from the Douro Superior brings tannin and coffee flavours. The final blend by varietal is 40% Touriga Nacional, 31% Touriga Franca, 23% Vinha Velha (old mixed vineyards), and 6% Sousão. Look for an aromatic nose with floral, liquorice, black cherry, savoury, plum, chocolate, lavender, dried fig and tobacco aromas. Full, rich, round but with refined tannic structure, excellent acidity and the usual sweet palate. Intense black cherry, dark plum, black liquorice, black pepper, savoury, fig pudding flavours. Very ripe and structured with a bit of spirit with fruit and acidity to age. 96,000 bottles. Cask sample bottled April 2013.Prices:| BC | $103.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $95.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $83.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $97.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $52.00 | 375ml |
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91PTS
Cockburn's Vintage Port 2011
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalMost of the 2011 grapes come from Quinta dos Canais and Quinta do Vale Coelho and have for over a century. There is also a small addition from Quinta do Cachão de Arnozelo a short distance from Canais. Touriga Nacional (55) and Touriga Franca (30) are mixed with very old vine filed blends. The colour is intense. The nose floral with peppery, resin, liquorice, lanolin, raisin, black cherry jam and black tea aromas. Rich, round, moderately sweet but elegant with a good tannic structure and acidity. Black cherry, plum pudding, peppery, black tea and roast meat. Similar to Smith Woodhouse but with a bit more backbone. 36,000 bottles. Cask sample bottled April 2013.Prices:| BC | $88.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $80.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $80.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Dow's Vintage Port 2011
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalThe mix is Touriga Franca (40%), Touriga Nacional (36%), Sousão (10%) and 14% of old mixed plantings. Quinta do Bomfim is the back bone (35%) of the blend with Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira (42%) adds the aromatics. Quinta do Santinho (14%) and Quinta da Cerdeira (9%) make up the rest. Intense purple colour. The nose is an intense peppery, black cherry jam, dark plum and chocolate aromas with savoury, thyme, black tea aromas. Rich, full, intense, tannic but round and juicy with balanced sweetness. Floral, black cherry jam, peppery, black liquorice, cardamom, chocolate and dried fig flavours. Excellent intensity and balance with a tannic backbone, plenty of finesse and not too sweet. 60,000 bottles. Cask sample bottled April 2013.Prices:| BC | $95.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $50.00 | 375ml |
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95PTS
Quinta do Vesuvio Vintage Port 2011
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalTouriga Nacional makes up 40% of Vesuvio (freshness)and is mixed with Touriga Franca 45% (floral and silk), Tinta Barroca (10%) and Tinta Amarela (5%). All grapes are foot-trodden. Dark purple colour. Black tea, liquorice root, resin, spicy, raisin, black cherry jam, earthy, tobacco aromas with a light floral, kirsch note. Rich, full, round, somewhat fatter and sweeter style but very good acidity with a big tannic structure. Intense black liquorice, black pepper, savoury, tobacco, orange peel, black tea flavours with a fiery finish. A big, bold offering here that will require decades of aging. Fabulous. 3,750 bottles. Cask sample bottled April 2013.Prices:| BC | $94.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Smith Woodhouse Vintage Port 2011
Rio Torto, Cima Corga, Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalThe majority of Quinta da Madalena vineyard is old mixed vines that can add complexity. It also has some Touriga Franca which 'excelled in the perfect harvest conditions of 2011.' Deep colour with peppery, tobacco, liquorice, chocolate/black cherry nose flecked with black tea notes. The attack is rich and ripe with a full mid-palate. The attack is rich, ripe, round and full but with elegance and crammed with orange peel, black cherry jam, liquorice, molasses, black pepper, tea and dried herb flavours with a chocolaty finish. A charming more forward style but with plenty of intensity and the ability to age a decade and more. Delicious. 12,000 bottles. Cask sample bottled April 2013.Prices:| QC | $75.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $75.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $74.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $74.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $73.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Warre's Vintage Port 2011
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalQuinta da Cavadinha (cool) and Quinta do Retiro Antigo (old vines) are the backbone of Warre's Vintage Port bringing elegance and aromatics to the blend. The 2011 also boasts about 20 percent fruit (opulence) from Quinta da Telhada. The blend is 40 percent very old mixed vines, 37 percent Touriga Nacional and 23 percent Touriga Franca. Expect an intense port with big floral black pepper, black licorice, black tea, spicy nose flecked with tobacco, dark plum and dark chocolate. Rich, full, concentrated and sweet the palate is juicy with both tannic structure and elegance. More huge black liquorice, black pepper, black cherry jam, tea, savoury, slate, walnut and dried fig flavours. Excellent intensity, structure and length for aging yet has silky finesse and freshness. Impressive. 36,000 bottles. Cask sample bottled April 2013Prices:| BC | $96.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $82.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $70.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $85.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $86.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $46.00 | 375ml |
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June 2013