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Tastings: August 2013
30 August 2013
90PTS
Gomba Boschetti Barolo Sori Boschetti 2008
Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalySaddle leather, pepper, tar, strawberry, smoky, coffee nose with hints of vanilla, cinnamon and compost. Dry, round, elegant entry with slightly tight palate but grainy tannins. Coffee, peppery, tar, strawberry, cherry jam, vanilla with smoky dried herbs and leather flavours. A mix of the old and new style with excellent intensity. Solid value here for mid-term aging.Prices:| BC | $41.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Bava Barolo Scarrone 2007
Piedmont, ItalyVery aromatic nose with clove, curry spice, tar, rose petal, strawberry jam, prune, minty, meaty, sweaty saddle leather aromas. Dry, elegant, juicy, slightly lean palate but well balanced. Peppery, chocolate, meaty, saddle leather, tar, savoury, minty, curry spice, menthol, medicinal flavours. Fine balance but a bit rustic in style. Still youthful, will need three to five years to fully develop in the bottle.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Bava Libera Barbera d'Asti 2010
Piedmont, ItalyElegant peppery, black cherry, olive, smoky, meaty, tobacco aromas. Round, suave, fresh palate with juicy acidity. Clean black cherry, meaty, peppery, savoury, tobacco flavours with fine intensity and length. Ready to drink for lamb or fowl.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Fontanafredda Briccotondo Barbera 2012
Piedmont, ItalyBriccotondo always over delivers. The nose is fresh with peppery, liquorice, black cherry, tobacco aromas. The attack is smooth and juicy with spicy, tobacco, black cherry, herbal, savoury flavours. A terrific restaurant wine. Love the elegant, juicy, consistent quality and value here. Modern Piemonte red that respects the tradition of the region.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Paolo Conterno Langhe Nebbiolo 2009
Montforte d'Alba, Cuneo, Piedmont, Italy'Langhe' nebbiolo is underrated but don't miss this gem. True tar, strawberry, spicy, prune, light leather nose with a fresh, ripe juicy palate with light, grainy tannins. Enticing curry spice, tar, rose petal, orange peel, strawberry, resin flavours. Love the finesse at this level but it is youthful and will need another two to three years to round out its tannins.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Paolo Conterno Barolo Ginestra 2008
Montforte d'Alba, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyLove the smoky, tar, prune, strawberry and subtle floral, liquorice notes. The attack is full and round, the palate dry with some grainy tannins but balanced and juicy. Peppery, tar, prune, strawberry jam, clove, savoury, meaty, leather and sloe flavours. Good length and intensity but a bit rustic, needs 3-5 years to soften.Prices:| ON | $65.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $58.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $61.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Paolo Conterno Barbera d'Alba Bricco 2010
Montforte d'Alba, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyClassy black cherry, savoury, peppery, liquorice aromas. Round, smooth, fresh, elegant palate with fine acidity balance. More smoky, black cherry, chocolate, savoury, meaty flavours. Well balanced with good acidity and fruit on the finish to balance with meat dishes. Impressive.Prices:| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Paolo Conterno Barbera d'Alba La Ginestra 2011
Montforte d'Alba, Cuneo, Piedmont, Italy'Ginestra' is a famous Barolo cru that faces south and south-east at 350 metres and along with nebbiolo it is planted to barbera and dolcetto. Big black cherry, plum, peppery, savoury, liquorice, floral, tar aromas. Expect a smooth, ripe palate with juicy acidity. Good concentration and fruit intensity with black cherry, plum and liquorice fruit flavours all with a clean, fresh finish. Drink now or hold for one to three years. Steak tartare anyone?Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Louis Bernard Domaine de Montbayon Vacqueyras 2011
Vacqueyras, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceWow impressive meaty, savoury, garrigue nose with black cherry, smoky, plum and pepper aromas. Full, rich, round, slightly tannic (youthful) palate. Rich open intense smoky, meaty, black cherry, plum, coffee flavours with bits of savoury, peppery tobacco flavours. Lots of intensity here for the money. Young, should improve with 1-3 years. A super wine for lamb. Great value.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Louis Bernard Domaine des Causses Lirac 2011
Lirac, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceOdd peppery, pine, resin, garrigue nose with leafy, herbal, tobacco aromas. Dry, smooth palate with peppery, leafy, herbal, resin, smoky, gamey flavours with a light black cherry finish. Lacking in fruit and intensity. Ordinary.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Louis Bernard Chateau Noel Saint Laurent Rouge 2011
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceBig meaty, garrigue, peppery, tobacco, ash, blackberry aromas. Soft, round, dry, easy-sipping style with peppery black raspberry fruit and savoury, dried herb and tobacco flavours. Well balanced wine for current consumption. Solid value here. Try with grilled meat.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Louis Bernard Gigondas 2011
Gigondas, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceVery savoury, peppery, garrigue, meaty, light black cherry, sloe and roast pepper aromas. Round, full, juicy palate with light tannins and peppery, black cherry jam, black raspberry, savoury, liquorice and leather flavours. Well balanced and good value for Gigondas. This will age and work well with roasted meats or birds.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.25 | 750ml |
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29 August 2013
91PTS
Hamilton Russell Vineyards Chardonnay 2011
Hermanus, Walker Bay, Overberg, South AfricaHamilton Russell owns the South African chardonnay market. We love its cool restrained style clearly made by a producer who not only loves Burgundy but drinks it. This 2011 was a warmer year and this wine has some extra fruit but it remains austere and complex on the nose with pear and lime notes on the nose. The palate is firm tight and stony with a strong floral, mineral honey melon undercurrent mix with smoke and peat. Very stylish.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $43.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Taittinger Nocturne Rose NV
Champagne, FranceA 30/70 mix of chardonnay and pinot noir fruit. Expect a medium fine mousse with light raspberry colour. Enticing baked pear, apple skin, and brioche, light cherry and strawberry aromas with a touch of citrus. Fresh, creamy mousse on the palate with excellent finesse. Slightly sweet with good acidity showing baked apple, honey, brioche, toasty, spicy, strawberry and citrus flavours. Fine fruit and balance in a slightly fuller and sweeter style. Think spicy appetizers or food for the perfect match.Prices:| QC | $77.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $100.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $90.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
CedarCreek Ehrenfelser 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, nectarine, honey, spicy, orange and apple aromas. Fresh, juicy, off-dry palate with nectarine skin, red apple, mandarin, pear and grapefruit rind flavours. Delicious seafood white.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
St. Hubertus Chasselas 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFresh green apple, light matchstick, grassy, grapefruit aromas. Fresh, round, creamy palate with apple, pear skin, grapefruit, grassy flavours. Simple, fresh and clean with a fruit salad finish. A fun sushi white.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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28 August 2013
87PTS
Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir 2011
Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesEarthy, spicy, tobacco, compost, light cherry nose with smoky rhubarb, a touch of vanilla and cinnamon. Dry, fresh, elegant but slightly lean on the attack with pepper, celery salt, smoky, resin, minty, herbal, rhubarb flavours. Nice elegance but a bit on the green side for the price.Prices:| BC | $48.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Angove Long Row Sauvignon Blanc 2013
South Australia, AustraliaWe often focus too much on red wines from Oz and miss some delicious white offerings like this Angove's sauvignon. All Riverlands grapes (red sandy loam over limestone) are in use here. They are picked cool, at night, and coolness follows through to bottling. The nose jumps from the glass with bits of lemon lime. The attack is crisp with fresh, candied, tropical fruit flavours and ripe pineapple notes in the finish. A summer chicken salad or sushi works well here. Promising.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bartier-Scholefield B-S Sauvignon Blanc 2012
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTypically BS with its muted, restrained I'm here but you better look for it characters. There are some leesy So2 notes to work through but underneath are grassy, nectarine skin, notes with delicate lemon, grapefruit, orange flavours all with sufficient acidity. Made for food and ageing this is another New Okanagan white well worth investigating.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Masi Serego Alighieri Possessioni Rosso 2010
Verona, Veneto, ItalyQuite a dry meaty, black cherry nose with tobacco and balsamic notes. Lean dry and smooth with more earthy, tobacco, prune, barnyard, saddle leather flavours with a touch of Brettanomyces. Food friendly and very Italian but a bit lean this time out.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.80 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Falesco Montiano Lazio 2010
Lazio, ItalyA 100% single-vineyard merlot grown on volcanic soils give us a black cherry, liquorice, coffee, smoky, earthy red. We love the concentrated palate and its small-grained tannins. The flavours mix cedar, black cherry, vanilla and olives with a savoury underscore. Fine intensity and length already but this wine needs three to five years to gather itself. Solid value.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Murphy-Goode Pinot Noir 2010
California, United StatesClassic commercial pinot noir from its cherry, prune, compost, spicy, earthy aromas to its sweet, fresh fat palate awash in prune, cherry jam, resin, compost, celery root and beet flavours. Big and rustic it seems expensive for what you get. Try this with roast chicken.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Zonin Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore 2011
Pedemonte Valpolicella, Verona, Veneto, ItalyChocolate, black cherry jam, tobacco, spicy, dried herb and vanilla aromas. Fresh, round, elegant palate with coffee, tobacco, spicy, herbal, cherry and plum flavours. Solid fruit and intensity that would aptly accompany a meaty pasta dish. The bend is 70/20/10 corvina (including corvinone), rondinella and molinara.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $19.50 | 750ml |
| SK | $18.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Laughing Stock Vineyards Blind Trust Red +14/10 2011
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaClassic Okanagan nose of savoury, espresso, cassis, black olive and dried herbs. Fresh and elegant on the attack, if somewhat lean, with cool, earthy, peppery, cranberry, poultry spice, tobacco, roasted tomato paste flavours. Try this with grilled meats. The 2011 mystery blend, hidden under the capsule, is 47/31/12/6/4 merlot, malbec, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and syrah.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Nederburg Shiraz The Winemaster's Reserve 2011
Western Cape, South AfricaExpect a smooth, round, easy-sipping shiraz with peppery, cedar, tobacco, blackberry, resin and soy flavours. A bit warm, but clean and even fruity in the finish.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.45 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Nederburg Cabernet Sauvignon Winemaster's Reserve 2011
Western Cape, South AfricaSimple smoky, earthy, resin, peppery red with weedy, olive, leather aromas. Round, somewhat tart and sweet palate with prune, saddle leather, coffee, herbal, cassis, leafy flavours. Another year another ho hum, cheap red from South Africa.Prices:| BC | $11.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.86 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.45 | 750ml |
| NS | $13.85 | 750ml |
| NF | $14.38 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Obikwa Shiraz 2012
Western Cape, South AfricaThe best of the Obikwa reds the shiraz has an earthy, peppery, meaty, black berry aroma with a streak of saddle leather and rubber. Soft, round, slightly light and tart palate with peppery, spicy, coffee, resin, saddle leather, meaty, cherry flavours. Try this with hamburgers for best results. Good value.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $10.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $10.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Obikwa Sauvignon Blanc 2012
Western Cape, South AfricaA softer sweeter style of sauvignon with little or no asparagus notes. Round and soft on entry it has a sweet grapefruit and smooth slightly sweet finish. Best with spicy foods and well chilled. Well made for the price and fun to drink on the patio.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $10.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $9.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $10.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $11.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Obikwa Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Western Cape, South AfricaSmoky, herbal, savoury, leather, meaty, prune, olive aromas. Tart, somewhat sweet and herbaceous palate with some tobacco, earthy, weedy, cassis and saddle leather flavours. Old style cabernet that won't be welcomed here.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 |
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0PTS
La Crema Pinot Noir 2010
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, United StatesCorked. Try another bottle.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $31.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Doña Paula Los Cardos Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Mendoza, ArgentinaLove the value here. The nose is an attractive mix of cassis, blueberry, tobacco and pepper aromas. Expect a fresh, juicy style with tobacco, herbal, olive, cassis and smoky spicy flavours. A fine selection for grilled meats and mushroom dishes.Prices:| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Oak Bay Vineyard Gebert Family Reserve Meritage 2010
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCool tomato leaf, smoky, herbal, coffee, green olive nose. Lean, dry, tart, skinny palate with cranberry, tobacco leaf, herbal, resin, coffee and cedar flavours. Mean and lean.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Vasse Felix Shiraz 2010
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaAll small batch fermented with gentle measures it spends 16 months in new and old French oak barriques. Look for a blackberry, peppery, rooty, tobacco, smoky, liquorice nose. The attack is smooth with earthy, juicy, black cherry, smoky, coffee and blueberry flavours. It finishes long with a touch of acidity poking through.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $38.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $36.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $37.00 | 750ml |
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26 August 2013
88PTS
Torres Vina Esmeralda 2012
Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainThe 2012 reminds of the delicious 2006. The Upper Penedès white is the usual 85/15 mix of moscatel/gewürztraminer but the aromas are just that much brighter with an intense spicy, floral, lemon oil (Alsace) character with some mineral notes too. The flavours match the nose with green apple, lemon lime and litchi fruit. Fresh delicate, juicy, ripe and all under screwcap. Food friendly and a versatile sushi wine.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $17.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Monster Vineyards Merlot 2011
British Columbia, CanadaFresh floral cherry fruit nose with savoury, sagebrush notes. The attack is medium weight with peppery, spicy, dry tannins and more cherry fruit flecked with coffee, cedar and tobacco. Solid if a touch dry and showing a bit of press wine character. Should be served with grill meats of the barbecue to best effect. Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Santa Rita Carmenère 120 2012
Region del Valle Central, ChileIf you are a carmenère fan this juicy, brambly, crush dried leaf affair should appeal to you. A sappy smoky, spicy, red with a hint of vanilla it slides down easily and cries out for anything grilled be it chicken or meat. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Obikwa Merlot 2012
Western Cape, South AfricaOpen smoky sweet nose with bits of scorched earth/rubber and chocolate. The attack is warm, soft the palate is sweet, peppery and leafy. As we have said before it's your basic hamburger red. Ready to drink.Prices:| AB | $10.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Guado al Tasso Il Bruciato 2010
Bolgheri, Tuscany, ItalyThis Bolgheri red is 50/30/20 blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and syrah with a dash of other grapes. It was a cooler year and while there was plenty of time to ripen you feel some of the coolness on the palate in terms acidity and aromatics. Look for floral notes mixed with red cherries and savoury mint. The attack is full but supple with smoky, spicy, earthy peppery cherry and garrigue flavours. This would benefit from another two three years in bottle or serve now with a classic Bolognese pasta dish.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $28.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $32.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Doña Paula Los Cardos Malbec 2012
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaTypically soft and smoky with fresh, raspberry fruit aromas. The attack is warm and spicy with more cedary fruit flavours and a touch of acidity poking through the finish. A smooth easy sipping style for the classic flank steak off the grill.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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25 August 2013
86PTS
La Casona de Castaño Old Vines Monastrell 2012
Yecla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainExuberant, floral, raspberry/plum fruit nose with a touch of liquorice root. The attack is fresh and juicy on the palate with fine middle-weight structure and more black cherry, chocolate, pepper, mineral flavours. Super value in a mid-week red for burgers, grilled lamb chops and chicken.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $10.25 | 750ml |
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24 August 2013
87PTS
Mission Hill Rosé Five Vineyards 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2012 comes with a pale orange/pink colour. The attack is juicy and fresh with floral, red fruit aromas and strawberries, watermelon flavours with a dusting of pepper. A fun summer sipper you can pair with a variety of grilled fish or chicken dishes.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.50 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Martin's Lane Viognier 2012
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe inaugural Martin's Lane viognier picks up where the MHFE Reserve and Limited Edition left off. Expect an expressive orange blossom/orange rind aroma with bits if ginger nectarine skin and honey. The attack is merely delicious with rich notes of tangerine, nectarine and creamsicle notes. Love the acidity and lift it brings to the wine from front to back—a perfect accompaniment to many Indian and Thai curries.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Road 13 Sparkling Chenin Blanc 2010
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight mousse with a biscuit-y, lime, baked green apple, nutty, honey aromas. Fresh, juicy, crisp palate with light sweetness. Lime, green apple, honey, toasty, quince flavours. Nice light creamy mousse on the finish with good juicy fruit and a nutty note. A unique sparkler that screams Okanagan. Well done.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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81PTS
Gold Hill Rosé II 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHerbaceous, leafy, leesy, rhubarb, tobacco aromas. Sweet, sour, round and juicy with leafy, vegetal, olive, stewed cherry and tobacco flavours. Sweet, leesy finish. Not much here.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Moon Curser Nothing To Declare Rosé 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight cherry, earthy, peppery, herbal aromas with a matchstick note. Round, fairly dry, somewhat flat palate with earthy, herbal, spicy, tobacco flavours. Finish is clean but lacks fruit.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Finca Los Primos Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon Rose Frizzante 2012
San Rafael, General Alvear, Southern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaLight raspberry colour with floral, spicy, cherry, earthy, licorice and floral (torrontés?) aromas. Fresh, juicy, frizzante palate with cherry, liquorice, lemon, spicy, nectarine and earth flavours. Very torrontés/muscat like with some cab and malbec notes. A sweeter, fizzy style but solid fruit.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Serendipity Rosé 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCherry, leafy, leesy, matchstick aromas. Round, soft, easy palate with herbal, tobacco, leesy, cheesy, sour cherry flavours. The structure is elegant but this need more intensity of fruit and more purity of fruit. The grape mix is wide ranging: malbec (20), cabernet franc (15), syrah (15), merlot (20) pinot noir (30).Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Riesling Organic 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe latest riesling from Summerhill has been thankfully made into a dry wine. Look for a mix of yellow fruits and grass/nettle nose. The attack is rich with intense, lemon lime flavours and a crisp finish. Outstanding acidity keeps it all together. Really a first class effort here.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Gehringer Brothers Dry Riesling Classic 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTypically fresh Gehringer nose with bright fruit aromas of grapefruit and green apple. The attack is similar with a twist of lime rind and bright floral notes in the finish. Simple, everyday riesling that would be fine with your favourite sushi roll.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Volcanic Hills Rose 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight raspberry colour with herbal, licorice, leafy, grapefruit, olive aromas. Fresh, juicy, off dry palate with grapefruit, green apple, sour cherry, tobacco, light herbal flavours. A bit green and leafy but fresh and juicy.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Hillside Rosé 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAlmond, sour cherry, earthy, herbal, leafy aromas. Round, fresh, soft, somewhat sweet entry with cherry, olive, leaf, baked apple and spice flavours. Simple, easy-sipping style for patios and picnic food.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Blasted Church Sauvignon Blanc 2012
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGrapefruit, melon rind, floral, jalapeno aromas. Round, fresh, juicy but slightly sweet palate. Grassy, grapefruit, nettle, lees, and passion fruit flavours. A simple, easy style with solid fruit. Suitable for light seafood appetizers plates or pasta and cream dishes.Prices:| BC | $19.50 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Louis Bernard Crozes Hermitage 2011
Rhone Valley, FranceSpicy, savoury, meaty, black pepper, black cherry, smoky, rooty, earthy, leather aromas. Dry, fresh, round, elegant palate with a juicy texture. Light concentration with black cherry, licorice, earthy, garrigue, savoury, Oxo, spicy flavours. Good finesse if a bit light on the finish. Ready to drink but will improve with another year or two in bottle.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
CedarCreek Dry Riesling 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThey say they throw the rulebook out at CedarCreek when they make riesling. This bottle was fermented very cold (8-9 degrees Celsius) and very slow (77 days). It's the aromatics folks and in this case a whack of acidity. Firm taut and dry with stony minerality, it may be too tight for a lot of the population but it's a style and I applaud the winery for taking a chance. Fish tacos, or barbecue ribs would be a fine match.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
CedarCreek Platinum Riesling 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOnly available at the winery this is long since sold out. In 2012 winemaker Darryl Brooker chose to harvest the 21-year-old vines much earlier than in previous years. The flavour is almost pure lemon with a touch of lime rind all set in a low alcohol, unirrigated riesling. A tribute to the Mosel Okanagan style. Fresh bright and full of tension. An electric wine that is part of the New Okanagan. The winery suggest sweet and sour pork and we couldn't agree more.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
The Ned Sauvignon Blanc 2012
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandPassion fruit, pink grapefruit, canned jalapeno, green apple and gooseberry aromas with a touch of nettle and grass. Fresh, round, juicy palate with light sweetness. Pink grapefruit, honey, green apple, canned jalapeno, light artichoke and herb flavours with some passion fruit. An attractive style to go with seafood. Solid value.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $21.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
J Vineyards Pinot Noir 2011
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesNot a perfect year with rains and cooler temperatures but that could be appositive for the super bright pinot fruit in the Russian River. The nose is a subtle mix of dried herbs and cherries with spicy notes. Silky textures preview black cherry fruit with mushroom, savoury (umami), vanilla undertones. We tasted this and finished it with a squash ravioli dish that was perfection. The winery suggests grilled Portobello mushrooms, smoked country ham, or savory duck confit braised in this wine. The wine is a mix of multiple clones form several vineyards aged in Burgundy barrels that are roughly 30 percent new.Prices:| BC | $37.00 | 750ml |
| US | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
J Vineyards Vin Gris 2012
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesVery pale pink with floral, candy apple, strawberry, citrus and tobacco aromas. Soft, round, fresh but somewhat sweeter palate with honey, grapefruit, herbal, apple skin and rhubarb flavours. Easy summer sipping style.Prices:| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Monster Vineyards Riesling 2011
British Columbia, CanadaSoft round perfumed nose with baked apple and honey notes. The attack is similarly ripe with sweet citrus, honey, floral and ripe red apple notes. Simple quaffing style riesling for your favourite spicy dishes. A super summer patio white.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Poplar Grove Blanc de Noirs 2012
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe PG pink sports a tinge of orange throughout its pink facade. The colour previews an herbaceous, sweet nose with bits of burnt caramel and candied apple. The style is weighty, full and fun to drink but definitely on the herbaceous/dried herbed style. Try this with grilled chicken.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir 2010
Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesLa Crema Monterey pinot comes off the coolest vineyards at the northernmost tip of the valley. The style is aromatic with fine acidity. A cool year contributed to a longer, almost New Zealand-like hang-time, and you can smell some of that celery salt and floral components in the nose. On the palate black tea, rhubarb, and plums dominate among its silky soft textures. This one easily slides down glass after glass. Delicious and ready to drink. Try this with mushroom risotto, curried chicken or a favourite pork dish.Prices:| AB | $37.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
St. Hubertus Frizzante Rosé 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight cherry colour with almond, cherry, minty, tobacco and liquorice aromas. Round, fresh, juicy, slightly fizzy palate with cherry, rhubarb, earthy, tobacco flavours. A simple, juicy style that finishes clean and fruity.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
St. Hubertus Dry Riesling 2012
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRazor sharp, clean fresh nose with bits of lemon and green apple skin. The attack is tightly wound with sour lemon, lime rind, nectarine skin with mineral notes. Fresh, restrained tightly wound style. Try this with an assortment of sashimi.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Domaine du Gros Noré Rouge 2010
Bandol, Provence, Sud de France, FranceBig liquorice, earthy, roast meat, barnyard, prune, smoky, black cherry and tar aromas. Full, rich, dry palate with some chunky tannins. Smoky herb, licorice root, prune, leather, peppery, black cherry jam, resin, vanilla and coffee flavours. Warm and rustic but has good intensity and length. Needs a few years to integrate. The blend is mostly mourvèdre with some 20 percent grenache and cinsault all aged in lace in old foudre for 18 months.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Alta Vista Atemporal Blend 2010
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaMocha, black cherry jam, vanilla, tobacco, savoury, earthy, balsamic and cassis jam aromas. Ripe, round, smooth and suave palate with smoky, black cherry jam, chocolate, vanilla, earthy, savoury, peppery, cedar flavours. Good fruit and texture with a very hot finish. Solid styling despite the alcoholic finish. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
M. Chapoutier Crozes-Hermitage Les Meysonniers Rouge 2011
Crozes Hermitage, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceOpen floral, white pepper attractive meaty syrah nose with poultry spice, garrigue and smoky leather aromas. Dry, light, elegant palate with coffee, meaty, peppery, savoury, roasted pepper and herb flavours with a black cherry finish. Very aromatic and syrah but it lacks some depth and concentration on the palate at this point. We suggest you cellar this for two to three years and let it put on some bottle weight and maturity.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
M. Chapoutier Les Greffieux Ermitage Rouge 2009
Hermitage, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceMade from vines grown at the bottom of the hill with alluvial granite and slate soils. The nose opens with is a spicy and wild, savoury, garrigue notes with bits of liquorice, floral, mineral meaty, orange peel aromas. Dry, full, round, elegant palate with light, fine-grained tannins. The attack is full of coffee bean, pepper, liquorice, dried herbs, smoked pepper, meaty, leather flavours. Nice intensity and length with finesse but not a super big Hermitage. Still will need three to seven years to soften and round out.Prices:| QC | $191.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $215.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $220.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
M. Chapoutier Belleruche Côtes du Rhône Rouge 2011
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceA classy little Rhone red with the typical savoury, peppery, black cherry notes of grenache/syrah blends. Smooth and juicy black cherry, black raspberry, liquorice flavours preview an elegant, juicy forward style red. The perfect dinner wine for game or meat. The Belleruche vineyards are spread across four separate Rhone departments in Drôme, Vaucluse, Gard and Ardèche sitting above a mix of clay and calcareous alluvial deposits.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Yalumba Organic Shiraz 2012
South Australia, AustraliaSpicy, black cherry, liquorice, peppery, earthy, leather and light sausage meat aromas. Fresh, juicy, full bodied palate with light tannins. Coffee, meaty, liquorice notes mixed with black cherry jam and savoury blueberry flavours. A touch tart but with fine fruit and intensity to go with most grilled meats. Good value.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Yalumba The Scribbler Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz 2010
AustraliaBlack pepper, blackberry, resin, smoky, cassis, black olive and coffee bean aromas. Rich, smooth, round and fresh palate. Coffee, peppery, rooty, black olive, cassis, blackberry jam, vanilla, tobacco and cedar flavours. Finish is clean and round if somewhat warm with some acidity poking through. Best with grilled meats - lamb chops would be perfect.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $28.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Yalumba Bush Vine Grenache Barossa 2011
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaYalumba does a great job with grenache taming the spice, black raspberry, black cherry jam aromas and fitting them into a smooth, fresh, elegant palate. Expect bright juicy black raspberry, black plum and peppery flavours flecked with chocolate, orange peel and poultry spice. A hedonistic red but with balanced. Try it with duck or lamb dishes. The initial ferment begins with indigenous yeast some batches are left on skins post ferment.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Dominio de Plata Nosotros 2008
Agrelo District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaNosotros is 100 percent malbec grown in the famed Agrelo subsection of Lujan de Cuyo. Once winemaker Susana Balbo selects the best barrels it gets 40 days of maceration before its racked to new French oak barrels twice over 18 months. Look for a deep black cherry colour. Black cherry jam, vanilla, coffee, chocolate, cedar, balsamic, savoury aromas. Rich, full, round, fresh palate with light tannins. Cedar, peppery, black cherry jam, chocolate, vanilla, balsamic, prune and leather flavours. Youthful and warm, this needs 2-4 years further to round out. Steaks anyone.Prices:| BC | $125.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $100.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Susana Balbo Signature Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Agrelo District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThe Signature Cabernet Sauvignon a blend of vineyards and region in Mendoza has 10 percent malbec in the mix. It all spends 13 months in 80% new French oak barrels and 20% second use. Look for a black olive, light cedar, saddle leather and savoury, black berry jam nose. The attack is dry and juicy, smooth palate with light tannins and more peppery, cassis jam, blackberry, tobacco, earthy vanilla, herbal flavours. A big cab that finishes warm and fresh. Give this five years to really pull itself together or serve now with grilled meats.Prices:| QC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $30.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Susana Balbo Signature Malbec 2011
Agrelo District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaBlack cherry jam, savoury, vanilla, peppery, meaty, licorice, light leather and black olive aromas. Ripe, rich, round with light tannins but well balanced. Vanilla, chocolate, black cherry jam, plum, peppery, savoury, poultry spice, violet and herb flavours. Good intensity and fruit balance. Drink now with a T-bone steak or cellar for up to five years. The mix is 90/10 malbec/cabernet sauvignon from sites in Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley. All hand harvested it spends 13 months in 80 % new French oak barrels and 20% second year.Prices:| QC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $30.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Susana Balbo Brioso 2009
Agrelo District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaBrioso is a 45/20/15/10/10 blend of cabernet sauvignon/merlot/malbec/cabernet franc/petit verdot from Luján de Cuyo, Tunuyan, Tupungato and San Carlos. It spends 15 months in 100% new French oak barrels. The nose is offers coffee, chocolate, cassis, vanilla, pepper, black olive and leather aromas. The attack is dry, full and juicy, the palate is suave with light, fine-grained tannins. There's plenty of flavour - jam, coffee, vanilla, balsamic, pepper, prunes and earth. Excellent intensity if a bit rustic on the finish. Give this another two to three years to integrate. Big fall dishes of squab duck or lamb are the ticket here.Prices:| AB | $36.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $38.50 | 750ml |
| BC | $49.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $37.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Ben Marco Malbec 2011
Mendoza, ArgentinaClassic deep purple color previews its savoury, peppery, vanilla, black cherry, celery salt, tobacco aromas. The attack is full-bodies and round with some fresh acidity poking through the finish. Look for black cherry, plum, savoury and liquorice fruit with bits of earth, coffee and vanilla in the finish. Fruity yet savoury style that should go well with grilled lamb or pork.Prices:| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $23.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.25 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $23.25 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Crios Malbec by Susana Balbo Dominio de Plata 2012
Salta, North, ArgentinaThe 2012 is a 95/5 mix of malbec and bonarda from vineyards in Luján de Cuyo, Tunuyán and San Carlos all above 1100 metres. The attack is smooth, the palate fresh with earthy, coffee, cherry, savoury and tobacco flavours. Good fruit and balance with just a bit of acidity leaking through in the finish. Roast beef sandwiches or hamburgers would be a fine match. The wine spends 9 months in a 50/50 mix of French and American oak.Prices:| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $17.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
BenMarco Expresivo 2011
Mendoza, ArgentinaYou will love the earthy, peppery, floral, black cherry nose flecked with cassis, savoury, vanilla, poultry spice aromas. The blend is 50 percent malbec with obvious contributions bonarda, syrah, cabernet sauvignon and tannat. Round, dry, fresh and smooth palate with very light tannins Expresivo offers up dense, savoury black cherry fruit with bits of smoke, vanilla, licorice, coffee, cassis and chocolate. Well balanced with fine fruit intensity this will easily improve in bottle through 2016. A super wine for beef.Prices:| ON | $42.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $42.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $44.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Ben Marco Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Mendoza, ArgentinaThe 2011 cab has 5 percent of merlot and 5 per cent of cabernet franc in the blend from the Agrelo and Altamira zones. All vines are ungrafted. The blend spends 11 months in 60% new French oak barrels and 40% second use American oak. Look for a black olive, peppery, cassis nose with flecks of earth, smoke, black berry and saddle leather aromas. The attack is round and smooth the palate full with light, fine-grained tannins and more sweet cassis, black cherry, liquorice and tobacco flavours. Good intensity and balance and still very youthful at this point. Best with grilled meats.Prices:| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $23.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Esser Merlot 2009
Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesBlack olive, roasted bell pepper, smoky, peppery, cassis, coffee aromas. Round, smooth, light palate with smoky, roasted tomato, olive, peppery, cassis, resin and herb flavours. Very herbaceous style with a somewhat sweet, leafy finish. Old style.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Therapy Vineyards Pink Freud 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDeep cherry/pink colour. Candied apple, light cherry, tobacco, minty, grapefruit rind aromas. Round, smooth, soft palate with some sweetness. Dried herbs, pepper, cherry, candied apple and herb flavours. Finish is fresh if a bit bitter. Best with cold chicken dishes.Prices:| BC | $17.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Howling Bluff Pinot Gris 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaImpressive nose of light floral, honey, pear and baked apple aromas with a hint of struck matchstick. Fresh, juicy, ripe palate with honey, pear, mango, green apple skin and lime flavours. Ripe fruit but fairly brisk acidity on the finish. Solid food style.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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23 August 2013
88PTS
Borsao Garnacha Selección 2011
Campo de Borja, Aragon, SpainPeppery, rooty, black raspberry, earthy, liquorice, meaty, cassis aromas mark this mostly garnacha, with tempranillo and cabernet sauvignon, blend from North of Spain. Ripe, round, smooth palate with fresh acidity and light tannins. Big peppery, smoky, meaty, black raspberry jam, orange peel, spicy flavours. A tad tart on the finish but good fruity, juicy style with good intensity for barbecue. Good value here.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Chartron La Fleur Merlot Cabernet 2010
Bordeaux, FranceBlack olive, tobacco, peppery, light cassis, earthy, cedar, coffee and cherry aromas. Fresh, light, easy palate with light tannins. Cedar, coffee, peppery, earthy, tobacco, cassis, black olive and herb flavours. Simple, fresh, slightly herbal style but well balanced for current consumption with beef dishes.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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21 August 2013
87PTS
Lake Breeze Seven Poplars Sauvignon Blanc 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNettle, lemon, grapefruit rind, light passion fruit and herb aromas. Fresh, juicy, elegant and dry palate if a bit light. Grapefruit rind, passion fruit, lime, green apple skin, lees and nettle flavours. A solid sauvignon with fruit that only lacks a bit of length on the finish.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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18 August 2013
88PTS
Invivio Sauvignon Blanc 2012
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandFresh open grapefruit, canned jalapeno, gooseberry nose with bits of nettle and green apple aromas. Fresh, crisp, juicy but slightly sweet palate. Lemon grass, with more grapefruit, nettle, grassy, green apple flavours. Solid entry level style with a sweeter edge. Best with spicy dishes.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
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11 August 2013
85PTS
Rudolf Muller Liebfraumilch Blue 2012
Rheinhessen, GermanyConsistently fresh and sweet this inexpensive riesling can be used effectively with hot spicy dishes. Its candied fruit nose and palate offer up sweet apple and pear notes but all with a modicum of freshness you would expect form a Mosel producer. Try this with barbecued ribs or a Thai curry. Good value.Prices:| AB | $11.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $11.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $10.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Harper's Trail Dry Riesling Thadd Springs Vineyard Pioneer Block 2012
Kamloops, British Columbia, CanadaThe HT dry riesling is crafted in a drier 'Rheingau' style. The attack is stonier with a grassier, nettle, bruised apple fruit character on the nose and palate. Indeed the style is drier and more austere and would likely pair well with oysters or roasted chicken. Not as fresh as we would like but still a fine effort and a label to watch in the coming years.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Harper's Trail Thadd Springs Vineyard Silver Mane Block Riesling 2012
Kamloops, British Columbia, CanadaThe winery call this a 'Mosel style' riesling, and while it has the floral notes it lacks a bit of the intensity you get in the German version. The style is fresh and off-dry with a tasty lemon-lime finish. Light, breezy uncomplicated and definitely in the game. The vineyard Thadd Springs Vineyard is on Shuswap Road in Kamloops BC just off the Thompson River. Try it with sushi.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Schloss Reinhartshausen Rheingau Riesling Dry 2012
Rheingau, GermanyLovely bright,floral attack with a peachy/orange aroma, a delicate dry mid-palate, and a fine nervy acidity. This is a very attractive bottle for $18 that displays the both the richness and finesse you can get from well-made German riesling. Indian, Thai, Chinese, poultry, and seafood, it is all possible.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Maverick Estate Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen grassy, lemon peel nose with bits of mineral and just a hint of cardboard. The attack is fresh with more grassy, lemony stony flavours with a touch of sweet grapefruit and lime rind on the finish. Friendly and stylish it just lacks a little electricity to get to the next step. It should work well with local shellfish. A small amount of the wine is barrel fermented to add texture and weight. Should keep a year or two and improve in bottle. Impressive start.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tesch Unplugged Riesling 2010
Nahe, GermanyAs I originally thought the moment I tasted this wine at the property 'Unplugged' is such a great name for unadulterated riesling that ignores the complicated grading and labelling system of German wine. Super dry it is awash in intense fruit flecked with apricots, honey, ginger and nectarine skin. A fabulous white that works with so many foods. Delicious food wine.Prices:| NF | $19.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
El Petit Bonhomme 2012
Jumilla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainPeppery, liquorice, spicy orange peel nose with flecks of savoury, dried black fruits. The attack is juicy with peppery, licorice, plums and black cherry/coffee flavours. The blend is 55/30/15/ monastrell/garnacha/syrah of bush vines from southwest Spain the monastrell as old as 25 years. It spends only five months in French and American oak. Grilled lamb chops or back ribs work here. Solid value.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Clean Slate Riesling 2011
Rheinhessen, GermanyThis little riesling delivers from a region that routinely over delivers but rarely at this price range. Light fresh and a touch sour in an appealing way it is very food-friendly. Love the slatey, stony mineral undercurrent especially at this price point.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Ferrari-Carano Fume Blanc 2012
Sonoma County, California, United StatesOne of California's most consistent labels continues its quiet evolution to be a leaner, fresher, more electric style sauvignon. Citrus flavoured fruit leads a creamy, round textured white with flavours of lemongrass and ripe melon. Food friendly and perfect for a variety of west coast cuisines.Prices:| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
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10 August 2013
89PTS
Gérard Bertrand Terroir Saint Chinian Syrah Mourvèdre 2011
St Chinian, Coteaux du Languedoc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceThe 2010 was impressive and the 2011 maybe even better. They have been making wine since the Middle Ages in St Chinian and Bertrand is dialled in with his syrah planted over calcareous soil and the mourvèdre over schist. This is a big juicy rich red, almost North American in style, smoky, savoury red fruits and black liquorice note and similar flavours flecked with smoked meat. A blockbuster style but still with a fresh almost mineral streak in the finish. Try this with full-flavoured menu items.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Lomas del Valle Pinot Noir 2012
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileOther than a slightly reduced nose (screwcap and sulphur) on opening this is a pure expression of the variety and its Casablanca site. It is a pretty' pinot treading on the soft, sippable side with just a bit of spice, a bit of black cherry, and a lot of juicy, ripe fruit that slides down effortlessly. This is a super little red wine bargain. Be sure to aerate in the glass or a decanter before drinking. Good value.Prices:| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Cono Sur Organic Pinot Noir 2012
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileA little less ripeness and a bit more tartness helps this edition of the Con Sur organic pinot noir work better with food. The attack is spicy and dry with red fruit flavours, roasted tomato and touch of compost. The texture is mouth filling a la pinot noir with just a hint of warmth (alcohol) in the finish. A steal for the price and a wine you can match with lighter chicken or vegetable dishes. Good value here.Prices:| BC | $14.50 | 750ml |
| NF | $14.50 | 750ml |
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85PTS
See Ya Later Ranch Hunny Late Harvest Riesling 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRaisiny, butter, baked apple, honey, egg yolk and plasticene aromas. Fresh, juicy, crisp palate with medium sweetness. Honey, egg yolk, raisin, burnt sugar, baked green apple and pear flavours. Finish is tart with candied apple finish.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 375ml |
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07 August 2013
86PTS
Gold Hill Gewurztraminer II 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, spicy, nectarine, orange peel, grapefruit and light lychee aromas. Round, full, soft palate with medium sweetness. More litchi fruit with soapy floral, canned grapefruit, honeyed flavours. The finish is very sweet balanced off by citrus rind. Try this with spicy dishes.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Perseus Gewurtraminer 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCitrus, lees, spicy, apple and grapefruit aromas. Round, off-dry but bitter palate with some sulphur pushing out. Canned grapefruit, sweaty, lees, grassy, quinine flavours. Not a lot of gewurz character. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Gewürztraminer Organic 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCertified organic this earthy, spicy, green apple scented white with orange aromas is delicious. Fresh, crisp, juicy and somewhat sweet it maintains its balance. Light litchi, earthy, spicy, green apple, nectarine, sausage flavours. Good juicy style. Please ditch the cork closure and let the vineyard express itself at the highest level.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Volcanic Hills Single Vineyard Gewurztraminer 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRose water, spicy, baked apple, peach skin, light litchi and citrus aromas. Fresh, crisp, juicy palate with light sweetness and well balanced. Honey, citrus rind, nectarine, lychee, floral, apricot flavours. Good intensity and sugar-acid balance. Super effort.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Volcanic Hills Gewurztraminer 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight matchstick note with honey, lychee, peach, floral, guava and ginger aromas. Fresh, round, juicy, off dry palate with ginger, citrus, soapy floral, peach and apple skin flavours. Good juicy style. Fun to sip. Impressive.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Blasted Church Gewurztraminer 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, light lychee, spicy, grapefruit aromas. Round, fresh, juicy but somewhat sweet and sour with a bitter edge. Soapy floral, grapefruit, lychee, honey flavours. A simple style that finishes both sweet and bitter. Try this with a charcuterie plate. Prices:| BC | $17.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
CedarCreek Gewürztraminer 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, peach, honey, light lychee, orange rind aromas. Fresh, round, somewhat sweet style but solid acidity. Honey, lychees, soapy floral, orange and peach flavours. Good flavours but this is quite a sweet style so plan your menu accordingly. Or serve solo well chilled.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Oak Bay Vineyard Gebert Family Gewürztraminer 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig matchstick, soapy, floral, litchi fruit aromas. Soft, round and fairly sweet on entry with bready, soapy, floral, apple skin and sulphur notes. Fruit is subdued.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Moreson Mata Mata 2010
Coastal Region, South AfricaThe blend is 38/34/18/10/merlot, cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot that is matured for 24 months in French oak. In 2010 all the cabernet was aged in new oak. Look for fresh, open aromatic herbal/cedar nose with bits of cherry and tobacco and scorched earth and rubber. The palate is elegant with glossy, satin-like tannins and savoury, cherry fruit all with a warm persistent finish. Solid cedar-y old style red that will be best with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Therapy Vineyards Gewurztraminer 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen fresh grapefruit, light honey, spicy nose with bits of rose, apple and peach aromas. Round, soft, fresh palate with some sweetness and more canned grapefruit, orange peel, green apple, pear and floral flavours. Medium intensity but with an oily, citrus rind finish.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Intrigue Gewurztraminer 2012
British Columbia, CanadaOrange blossom, spicy, light lychee, baked pear aromas. Round, fresh, easy palate with some sweetness but elegant. Spicy, orange, grapefruit, lychee, and floral, baked apple flavours. Simple, clean, easy-sipping style. Try this with spicy sushi rolls.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
The Holy Trinity Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre 2010
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThe Holy Trinity is shaped by the French GSM model of grenache, shiraz and mourvèdre. The fruit is 100 percent Barossa handpicked from 50-120 year old, dry-farmed vines. The 2010 is a 38/36/26/grenache, shiraz, mourvèdre blend and its kick ass. A combination of seasoned larger format wood is used with French oak puncheons. Fresh open raspberries/black cherries cedar scents with flecks of liquorice. The mid-palate is equally robust with blueberries, plums and spice. All wrapped up in a round, dense. soft package with just the right amount of acidity. A perfect wine for grilled or roasted lamb or game birds.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $41.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $34.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $35.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $37.50 | 750ml |
| NS | $44.00 | 750ml |
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06 August 2013
89PTS
Castello di Cacchiano Chianti Classico 2008
Tuscany, ItalyBlack cherry, resin, spicy, cedar, tobacco, floral, earthy, prune aromas. Round, ripe, smooth and fresh palate with light tannins. Warm plum, coffee, liquorice, peppery, black berry, tobacco and resin flavours. Good now but could use 1-2 years to round out the dry finish.Prices:| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Hillside K Rosé 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNot my favourite colour, this bright pink/red rose is soft and sweet on the attack with a big candied, burnt caramelised apple flavours. Big and sweet but not much else. It's only hope is spicy food like barbecue ribs or a strong curry dish.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
La Vieille Ferme Côtes du Ventoux Rouge 2011
Ventoux, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceIt is scary what you can get from the Rhone for less than $13 in British Columbia. Perrin offers up a peppery version of its latest La Vieille Ferme with hints of ripe black cherries. The attack is soft and round with black raspberry, pepper and liquorice root flecked with mineral, spice and orange peels. You can drink this now or hold it for a year or two. The blend is mostly grenache with small percentages of syrah, mourvèdre and cinsault. Super value.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.30 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.50 | 750ml |
| NF | $14.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.30 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.75 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Mazzei Fonterutoli Chianti Classico 2009
Tuscany, ItalyEarthy, peppery, smoky, black cherry, leather, floral, plum aromas with a hint of meat. Ripe, round, fresh, juicy palate with light but smooth tannins. Smoky, liquorice root, black plum, earthy, cedar, olive and savoury flavours. A fruity, more forward vintage with good intensity for the medium term. Tough choice against the 2010 which was also delicious.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Masi Campofiorin 2009
Verona, Veneto, ItalyThe 09 is a very good 'Campo' with its refreshing acidity and grip ahead of a smoky, cherry, vanilla, savoury tobacco nose. The palate is warm and dry with firm tannins. The blend is a mix of corvina rondinella and molinara that offers up savoury, tobacco flavours flecked with black fruit and tapenade flavours. Well-balanced with structure and elegance in the finish.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $21.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $23.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $20.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $12.00 | 375ml |
| NB | $23.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $22.50 | 750ml |
| PEI | $21.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Marisco Vineyards The Kings Thorn Pinot Gris 2012
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandThe 2012 vintage was classic cool climate in Marlborough. Ten percent of the wine is fermented in 500L French oak puncheons to add weight and richness to the mix. The nose is quite floral with stone fruit and spice edging. The attack is smooth and satiny with ripe nectarine/white peach flavours with a sweet citrus aftertaste. The winery recommends pancetta wrapped scallops, liver pâté, or spicy Asian noodles. We say avocado sushi rolls.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Intrigue Twelve(12) 2012
Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTwelve is meant to tell the story of each growing season. The mix is 55/24/15/6 riesling, gewürztraminer, pinot gris and muscat canelli, the style aromatic and fresh. Simple fruit salad flavours with a touch of spice and a dollop of sugar at the heart of this summer sipper. Perfect for Thai curries or solo sipping on the patio.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Upper Bench Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAn impressive young cabernet with true cabernet sauvignon styling with plenty of cedar and tobacco notes and firm tannins. The palate is juicy before the rustic firm tannins kick in but there is fruit here and time will be the final arbiter. Give three to five years or drink it now with grilled meats or lamb. Well done excellent value.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Castaño Dulce Monastrell 2010
Yecla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainOpen inviting, spicy chocolate, raisin, dried figs and tobacco aromas. The attack is perfect when chilled showing fine intensity, sweetness and a juicy palate with excellent acidity. More sweet fruit with peppery, prune, molasses, honey, raisin, nutty flavours. Interesting take on monastrell for the curious wine drinker. Try it with chocolate molten lava cake.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 500ml |
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89PTS
Roederer Estate Anderson Valley Brut NV
Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, California, United StatesA consistent performer with fine mousse. Citrus, baked green apple, floral, pear, light toast aromas on the nose. Fresh, creamy, fine mousse palate with good acidity and a drier brut sweetness for fine balance. Finishes with good baked green apple, spicy, lemon, nutty, light pear flavours.Prices:| BC | $42.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $32.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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05 August 2013
88PTS
Lingenfelder Riesling Bird Series 2012
Pfalz, GermanyFresh, floral, plum, nectarine skin aromas jump from the glass. The attack is rich if a touch soft in acidity with baked apple, honey, citrus flavours and the usual earth and bitterness on the finish to balance the sugar. Made for food we like it with Thai noodle rolls and spicy peanut sauce. Good value.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $21.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Santa Margherita Chianti Classico 2009
Sicily, ItalyLight fresh, grapey, simple easy sipping Chianti Classico. Decent fruit but light and ready to drink no need to age this. It finishes with a resiny, cedar note so it would be best with light menu items pizza, chicken strips, pasta and olive oil.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Travaglini Gattinara 2008
Gattinara, Piedmont, ItalyAlways a blend of several vineyard sites this nebbiolo is perhaps best described as a readier-to-drink Barolo. The nose entices with pepper, tobacco, barnyard, floral, black cherry, liquorice aromas. The attack is soft and round with excellent acidity. The palate is generous with black cherry jam, spice orange peel and smoky mineral, cumin flavours. Excellent drinking now but will age gracefully for decades.Prices:| BC | $37.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $32.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $29.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Steller's Jay Brut Méthode Classique 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSteller's Jay once the pinnacle bubble of Sumac Ridge has been spun off into its own brand. The 08 is a mix chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot blanc aged on its lees for three years. Simple green apple notes with bits of baked pear, baked apple, citrus, peach, floral aromas and flavours. An easy sipping style for pre-dinner appetizers.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Familia Castaño C Monastrell Vinas Viejas en Altura 2012
Yecla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainGrown at 750 metres above sea level the vineyard is on limestone and the vines are thirty years old. The nose is fresh and floral with bright, peppery red fruit nuances. The attack is juicy (20 percent carbonic) and fun with candied plums and black raspberries flavours with liquorice root, cocoa and resiny cedar notes. Seriously honest red wine for hamburgers and other grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $12.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $12.45 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Villa Vignamaggio Castello di Monna Lisa Chianti Classico 2008
Tuscany, ItalyThis is a super bottle of Chianti Classico Riserva made in a generous style. Black and red fruits mix effortlessly with mineral and floral undercurrents. The attack is ripe and round with delicious cherry fruit flavours and a pinch of umami, Rich silky stylish and well balanced it's a winner on all accounts.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Tormaresca Paiara 2010
Puglia, ItalyThe mix is 70/30 negroamaro/cabernet sauvignon. A simple red wine that opens with soft, round, fruit nuances flecked with floral and liquorice notes. Fragrant soft, fresh and ready to drink. Try this with spaghetti Bolognese.Prices:| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Time Meritage White 2012
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMaybe the best wine white blend we have seen from Harry since his days at Sumac Ridge when he pioneered the whole Meritage concept in Canada. The time blend is 79/21 sauvignon blanc, sémillon, the nose is fresh and bright and the palate is crisp and juicy with ripe melon, grapefruit and tropical fruit flavours. A perfect wine for west coast seafood. Halibut anyone?Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Sartori di Verona Marani Bianco 2011
Soave, Verona, Veneto, ItalyIt is said that the best vineyards (chalky) in the Soave are home to the Sartori wines. A small amount of the juice is barrel fermented for texture and mouthfeel the rest is kept fresh bright with note notes of honey, pear and citrus. Fresh, juicy, round palate with a somewhat sweet entry and more honey, butter, apricot flavours. A delicious, fruity style for all occasions. Solid value.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Marisco Vineyards The Kings Favour Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandGrassy, jalapeno, pink grapefruit, passion fruit, lemon and nettle aromas. Round, fresh, juicy, creamy palate with good crispness and a hint of sweetness. Passion fruit, green melon, green apple, nettle, grassy, herb flavours with a light grapefruit finish. Good finesse and delicacy, ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Red Rock Malbec 2011
Lodi, Central Valley, California, United StatesLook for soft, supple, cedar-y blueberry aromas in this: Is it malbec or shiraz? The attack is similarly soft with dark fruits and some sweetness in the finish. A simple red wine that would be best with hamburgers, pizza and or grilled meats. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Masroig Sola Fred Montsant 2010
Montsant, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainOne of Spain's top-cooperatives makes this smoky, spice, black fruited reds with a hint of minerality. The attack is medium rich with plenty of acidity and fine-grained tannins for structure and more dark fruits and floral, fresh cherry notes underneath. A stylish, fun red that works with any grilled meats and or chicken dish. Just complicated enough to entertain the severest critic. The blend is mostly carignan with about 10 garnacha, all vines are 20 to 40 years old and grown near the southern extent of Monsant near to Priorat.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Sperling Vineyards Pinot Gris 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPut this gris in the new-style Okanagan category which is on that could change your thinking about the variety. Much fresher and cleaner with an enticing aromatic nose of honey and peach and a much more lean and svelte attack. Look for a citrus undercurrent that appeals before its rich, peachy, honeyed finish with just a hint of sweetness. Serious effort and terrific bottle for the dinner table.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Mira Salinas 2009
Alicante, Valencia and Murcia, SpainBodega Sierra Salinas is a Castaño family project in the DO Alicante. The goal is to make serious wine in the Sierra Salina Mountains. The Mira Salinas is a rough mix of 70/20/10 monastrell, cabernet sauvignon and garnacha. The nose is restrained offering blue/blackberry aromas with a dusting of spice and toast. The palate is substantial with rich, soft, fruity notes mixed with earth and cocoa dust. The finish is firm and dry with affair bit of tannin to yet disperse. This needs another five to eight years to mature in the bottle.Prices:| BC | $43.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Famila Castano Casa C Cisca Monastrell 2011
Yecla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainExpect a beautiful aromatic nose with black cherries, liquorice, savoury, poultry spice and garrigue notes. The entry is delicate but only for a few seconds. The attack is dry, supple, fresh and powerful with peppery, blackberry, black cherry, vanilla, meaty, spicy black liquorice flavours. This a huge wine with big potential but it will require another decade to hit its stride. Cisca is made from 100 percent, ancient, dry-farmed, bush vine, mourvèdre that is a minimum 60 years old. A Spanish treasure.Prices:| BC | $80.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $64.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $60.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Castaño Colección Cepas Viejas 2009
Yecla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainIf any wine can change your mind about monastrell (mourvèdre) cabernet blends it could be the 'Colección.' The attack is elegant leaning toward the floral, spicy, minty dried herb spectrum. The attack is round and dry but with fairly substantial, fine-grained, chalky tannins. The palate is a mix of smoke, tobacco, pepper, blackberry, liquorice root with flecks of grilled meat and compost. A very fine rendition of the monastrell grape that will repay a decade of ageing if not more. Try it now with a roast leg of lamb.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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02 August 2013
86PTS
Lini Lambrusco Rosso 910 NV
Emilia-Romagna, ItalyDeep 'grape' purple color. Delicate red fruit flavours with bits of blueberry and raspberry meaty rustic notes. The balance is excellent with good acidity and moderately charged fruit flavours. This would be best with whole roasted turkey or as the Italians suggest minestrone soup. The blend is 85/15 Lambrusco Salamino and Lambrusco Ancelotta.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Cipes Brut Rose NV
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLovely dry style. Clean and fresh with subtle strawberries on the nose and palate. The finish is equally balanced and crisp with flecks of apricot and toast. A fun summer afternoon pink or you could pair it up with chicken or even a fresh piece of goat cheese. The wine spent 18 months en tirage (ageing on spent yeast for complexity and texture). Good value.Prices:| BC | $26.50 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Fontodi Chianti Classico 2009
Tuscany, ItalyOpen ripe smoky, black cherry, compost aromas with bits of mint. The attack is round and rich with perfect acidity and ripe full flavoured fruit. Look for black cherry jam, pepper, liquorice and just a hint of spicy, summer sausage and the illusion of minerality. Drink now with quail or sausage pasta or hold for three to five years. Organic too.Prices:| BC | $34.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $27.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $40.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Eugenio Collavini Broy 2011
Friuli-Venezia Giulia, ItalyHoney, peach, quince, spicy, ginger, green apple and grapefruit aromas. Ripe, round, soft and creamy palate. Baked apple, pear, apricot, grapefruit and mango flavours. Good texture and intensity but a bit too soft in the finish. Drink up.Prices:Read Full Note
89PTS
Poggiotondo Chianti Cerro del Massio 2011
Tuscany, ItalyIt's difficult not to like this style of sangiovese if understated and graceful are part of your wine drinking habits. Led by refreshing acidity Antonini mixes the perfect proportion of black cherry fruit with a dash of spice and minerality. There's a sophisticated mix of 20% merlot, syrah and colorino grapes in the blend to smooth out the mid-plate textures but the wine remains lively, fresh and most of all Antonini elegant. Try this with a Margherita pizza or a simple mushroom and olive oil dish. A steal. Stock up.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.15 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Finca La Linda Malbec 2012
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaYou can feel the vineyards here, high altitude (960M) thirty years old, 100 percent malbec. Just three months in oak to smooth out the edges leaves this malbec fresh and lively on the palate with penetrating black fruit flavours and a savoury, sappy undercurrent. Soft, dense, round and drinkable this is a delicious mid-week red with almost anything grilled on the barbecue. Super value.Prices:| NS | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $14.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mazzei Ser Lapo Chianti Classico Riserva 2009
Tuscany, ItalyPeppery, savoury, floral, meaty, leather, black cherry, barnyard and prune aromas with some chocolate and vanilla. Dry, fresh, round and elegant palate with some light tannins but tart acidity. Earthy, peppery, plum, cherry, chocolate, vanilla, sausage meat and tobacco flavours. Pleasant and forward but too tart on the finish without much concentration.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Tenuta San Vincenti Chianti Classico Riserva 2010
Tuscany, ItalyJust love this wine. So attractive on the nose with ripe black cherry fruit nuances, white flowers and dried herbs in the back end. The attack is similar with sweet ripe cherries dominating just a hint of tannin and a firm, earthy, mushroom finish. Food friendly and delicious this will keep for decade and improve throughout. Well done. A modern style Chianti Classico. Serve with red meats, roasts, game and mature cheeses.Prices:| US | $35.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Umbala Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Pinotage 2012
Western Cape, South AfricaSouth Africa's most important red grapes are blended in a soft easy-to-drink red with smoky rubber earthy undertones. Cabernet sauvignon, shiraz and pinotage 50/40/10 are in the mix. Grilled lamb chops would be a fine match.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Six Hats Shiraz 2012
Western Cape, South AfricaSimilar to last year the smoky, barnyard, leather blackberry nose previews a sweetish, round, meaty, smoky, peppery red with bits of tobacco, blackberry, menthol and garrigue flavours. The finish is warm and rustic with some of that acidity poking through. Ready to drink best with grilled meats. Six Hats is produced from Fairtrade certified vineyards in the Western Cape of South Africa (that means growers are paid a fair price for their grapes and allows investment in the local community).Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.00 | 750ml |
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September 2013