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Tastings: March 2014
31 March 2014
87PTS
Peller Estates Andrew Peller Signature Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaIt's a rare vintage that fully ripens cabernet sauvignon in Canada but 2010 was a good one in Niagara. Look for a smoky balsamic, resin, coffee nose with bits of chocolate, cassis and a large dollop of oak some three and half years down the road. The fruit is currently overwhelmed by the oak but may well emerge over the next three years. The textures are rich, long and spicy but as mentioned the fruit remains under a layer of wood. I would lay this away for three or four more years or if it's to be served now it is best paired with a robust spiced and grilled leg of lamb.Prices:| ON | $40.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Jackson-Triggs Cabernet Sauvignon Proprietors' Reserve 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaInky dark, the nose is s savoury mix of cassis, dried herbs, black olives and roasted bell pepper. The entry is and spicy, cassis aromas. The entry is slightly tart with some acidity spilling on to the palate along with some grippy tannins. The finish is truncated by more dry tannins mixed with dark chocolate and cassis flavours. Youthful. You can drink it now with bigger grilled meat dishes or wait a year or two for it to settle down. Typically tough to ripen cabernet sauvignon.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.95 | 750ml |
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30 March 2014
94PTS
Peter Lehmann VSV 1885 Shiraz 2012
Ebenezer, Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaOver the past decade, the Lehmann winemaking team has identified a number of special vineyards in the Barossa and Eden Valleys that consistently stand out on the tasting bench. Each year fruit from these sites is set aside and processed in small batches to highlight the individual vineyard that is recognised on the label as VSV. The 1885 is planted on its own roots by the Schrapel family in the Ebenezer district and has been since 1885. The 6th generation Ralph Schrapel tends the vines and it's his signature on the label. The low yielding, 4-acre block sits on red brown soils at more than 300m above sea level. The vineyard owners have worked closely with Lehmann to bring this vineyard up to a new level of quality and in 2012 it is clear that work is paying off. Lower than average crops and ideal weather conditions led to some amazing fruit. Senior winemaker Ian Hongell says 1885 is always fragrant and elegant but in 2012 there is a richness and power that adds to this wines appeal. As the vineyard closes in on 130 year Hongell says it is an honour to make a wine from such a historically important Barossa site.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Peter Lehmann VSV 1885 Shiraz 2010
Ebenezer, Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaOver the past decade, the Lehmann winemaking team has identified a number of special vineyards in the Barossa and Eden Valleys that consistently stand out on the tasting bench. Each year fruit from these sites is set aside and processed in small batches to highlight the individual vineyard that is recognised on the label as VSV. In this case the 1885 is planted on its own roots by the Schrapel family in the Ebenezer district since...1885. The 6th generation Ralph Schrapel tends the vines and it's his signature on the label. The low yielding, 4-acre block sits on red brown soils at more than 300m above sea level. The colour is black red, the aromas ripe and enticing black cherry/mocha with similar dark brooding fruit flavours with a peppery smoked meat and liquorice underbelly. The winery suggests duck as a food pairing, but you could add lamb or beef to that or nay rich winter dish. Impressive to say the least.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Peter Lehmann Moppa Shiraz 2012
Moppa, Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaOver the past decade, the Lehmann winemaking team has identified a number of special vineyards in the Barossa and Eden Valleys that consistently stand out on the tasting bench. Each year fruit from the 'District Wines' is set aside and processed in small batches to highlight the individual site in question and is recognised on the label. At Lehmann there are some 140 carefully selected independent growers to work with and tend around 750 individual vineyards across Barossa and Eden Valleys. This wine is named after the small district of Moppa, just north of Greenock. Fruit sourced from the Hallion, Hampel and Mulraney vineyards and grown in the deep sand. Expect plenty of power and weight combine with black fruit spice and liquorice. This is the full meal deal Barossa shiraz: generous, rich and spicy with well managed tannins from a very good vintage. Perfect for rich menu items like lamb beef or old cheeses.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Peter Lehmann Light Pass Shiraz 2012
Light Pass, Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaOver the past decade, the Lehmann winemaking team has identified a number of special vineyards in the Barossa and Eden Valleys that consistently stand out on the tasting bench. Each year fruit from the 'District Wines' is set aside and processed in small batches to highlight the individual site in question and is recognised on the label. That said, not all wines in the District Series have to be from a single site. The Light Pass district of the Barossa has played a central role in Lehmann wines for decades. In 2012 this District pick has a fabulous fragrance in the glass combining fine chocolate and red fruits. The finish is persistent but supple. The well-established shiraz vines are grown by the Scholz family of Light Pass where evening cool winds contribute to the structure and acidity of the wine in this Barossa district.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Peter Lehmann Vine Vale Shiraz 2012
Vine Vale, Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaOver the past decade, the Lehmann winemaking team has identified a number of special vineyards in the Barossa and Eden Valleys that consistently stand out on the tasting bench. Each year fruit from the 'District Wines' is set aside and processed in small batches to highlight the individual site in question and is recognised on the label. That said, not all wines in the District Series have to be from a single site, it could be put together from side by side sites involving areas of 1000 to 1500 acres. Vine Vale comes off the central Barossa valley floor where long time grower David Neldner tends the vines. The dry-farmed site is characterized by its rounder more elegant style although in 2012 it seem to be stepping out a bit. The palate is sweeter (riper) with obvious chocolate. The attack is tighter and more penetrating with dark fruits and good underlying power that persists through the finish. Vine Vale is made from 60-year old shiraz vines grown on deep, white sands. Roast beef would be a good fit but this really needs four to six years to grow into its structure.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Peter Lehmann Eden Valley Shiraz 2012
Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaOver the past decade, the Lehmann winemaking team has identified a number of special vineyards in the Barossa and Eden Valleys that consistently stand out on the tasting bench. Each year fruit from the 'District Wines' is set aside and processed in small batches to highlight the individual site in question and is recognised on the label. That said not all wines in the District Series have to be from a single site, it could be put together from side by side sites involving areas of 1000 to 1500 acres. The Eden Valley in the Barossa Ranges is high country with shallow soils, granite boulders, plenty of gum trees and a cool climate. In the fine 2012 vintage this shiraz comes off the Hearnden family 'Jack's Block, where the land yields soft chalky tannins that give this wine its signature elegance and balance. There is beautiful restraint here revealing a spicy red with floral blueberry fruit flavours with a dash of liquorice. More linear with weight and length and amazing texture. You can drink this now with grilled meats or duck but it is probably best suited to more cellar time, say five to seven years.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Peter Lehmann Adelaide Hills Shiraz 2012
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaThe Adelaide Hills adjoin the southern boundary of the Barossa Ranges where the elevation offers a cooler climate and ultimately a somewhat more refined wine structure. It is not high Adelaide Hill but still different to the Barossa. Clay and sand and alluvial soils mark a much cooler site with more pepper and spice in the wine. The 2012 has a vibrancy of colour and aromas. Look for some cinnamon and curry spice weaved into a soft, round stylish red with fine ripeness. In 2012 the crop was early and small producing a delicious true shiraz character with a sense of style and grace. Any sort of grilled sausages would be a hit with this wine that is a welcomed antidote to the blockbuster Barossa style. Drink now with food or hold three to five years. Over the past decade, the Lehmann winemaking team has identified a number of special vineyards in the Barossa and Eden Valleys that consistently stand out on the tasting bench. Each year fruit from the 'District Wines' is set aside and processed in small batches to highlight the individual site in question and is recognised on the label.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Peter Lehmann Lyndoch Shiraz 2011
Lyndoch, Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThe Lyndoch offering comes off mostly ancient, wind-blown terra rossa soils with an eastern aspect. The wine is named after the small Barossa district of Lyndoch, one of South Australia's oldest towns and the old clone, (long bunch shiraz) is grown by Robert and Nanette Staker. The low-yielding, sustainable vineyard is on God's Hill facing east along a southern Barossa ridge where it is spared the hot, late day sun. The wine is fairly aromatic with more red fruit character than you might expect. Plums and mulberries with just a pinch of spice melded into an elegant style shiraz with an easy-sipping style. Most District wines can get anywhere from 15-30 percent new French oak depending on the vintage and site. The amounts of oak is a result of constant flavour tracking throughout the time the wine is in barrel. Try this with your favourite cut of steak. Over the past decade, the Lehmann winemaking team has identified a number of special vineyards in the Barossa and Eden Valleys that consistently stand out on the tasting bench. Each year fruit from the 'District Wines' is set aside and processed in small batches to highlight the individual site in question and is recognised on the label.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Peter Lehmann Vine Vale Shiraz 2011
Vine Vale, Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaOver the past decade, the Lehmann winemaking team has identified a number of special vineyards in the Barossa and Eden Valleys that consistently stand out on the tasting bench. Each year fruit from the 'District Wines' is set aside and processed in small batches to highlight the individual site in question and is recognised on the label. That said not all wines in the District Series have to be from a single site, it could be put together from side by side sites involving areas of 1000 to 1500 acres. Vine Vale comes off the central Barossa valley floor where long time grower David Neldner tends the vines. The dry-farmed site is characterized by its rounder more elegant style and often finds its way into Eight Songs. It is made from 60-year old shiraz vines grown on deep, white sands. There is fine fruit sweetness here reminiscent of plums and blueberries that mix seamlessly into its fine-grained tannins. It spends about 15 months in French oak hogsheads before bottling. Grilled meats, beef or lamb would be a fine match or cellar this for another five years.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Peter Lehmann Portrait Series Riesling 2013
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaHere's a tip Canadian retailers, list this wine. A series of classic Barossa and Eden Valley varietals were released to be a 'portrait' of the region. Predictably lazy buyers and sellers select the shiraz and or the cabernet sauvignon bypassing the star of the series THE RIESLING. Dry, fresh crisp and fruity this little riesling has it all in spades. The fruit is sourced from cool, high altitude levels in the revered Eden Valley. Each single vineyard was fermented separately and put back together by the winemaking team who appear to drink as much of this wine as they sell. Fresh, bright, floral, pure this is a delicious style of eminently drinkable riesling. You can serve it with just about anything.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Peter Lehmann VSV Orrock Shiraz 2009
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThe Orrock family vineyard sits 380m above sea level in the Southern Flinders Ranges some two hours north of Tanunda. A newcomer to Barossa the southern Flinders offers up a very different style shiraz. The vineyard, near Mt. Remarkable, boasts red brown earth with a bit of ironstone and limestone suggesting shiraz would do well. Only 600 cases were made under the Orrock designation in 2009, a drought year that was warm, but not hot. Expect a less meaty character, less power in exchange for floral, freshness and Turkish delight notes along with a slim structure. Still has those attractive, fine-grained tannins to entice but relies more on fragrance and elegance. Orrock is fermented on its skins for 10 days and aged 12 months in French oak hogsheads. Big enough for richer winter dishes but would also hold its own with aged cheeses. Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Peter Lehmann Eight Songs Shiraz 2005
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaEight Songs is all about elegance and it is constructed by blending a variety of soil types, elevations and old vines to make a softer, kinder, gentler version of Barossa shiraz. The nose is a mix of aromas mocha, coffee, vanilla and dark fruits with a wisp of toast. Generous textures of plummy chocolate fruit with adequate acidity and soft, well-integrated tannins. Fully mature but holding well if this bottle is any measure. Fruit comes from Stonewell, Nuriootpa, Ebenezer, Moppa and Light and the Light Pass districts of the Barossa Valley. Try this with an old piece of cheese or a traditional roast beef dinner.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $44.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $55.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $40.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Peter Lehmann VSV Hongell Shiraz 2012
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaWith over 150 growers and countless blocks of wine that can be streamed into single vineyard offerings it is no surprise that Peter Lehmann can unleashed such a compelling series of VSV wines year in and year out. These small batch, special blocks are labelled complete with each grower's signature and are only made in exceptional years. In 2012 senior winemaker Ian Hongell and his wife Daniela, owners of a plot of vines they planted in 1999 along the western ridge of the Barossa Valley (in the Stonewell District) made the VSV cut. Interestingly any winemaker with vineyard ownership at Lehmann must leave the tasting room when it's on the bench for classification. In 2012 the colour is deep with a bright edge leading to a bouquet of dark plums and mixed spice. The palate shows typical richness and is harnessed beautifully by the tannins from the iron stone rich soil to give a remarkable red wine with a great sense of place and a long, stylish finish. Some partial barrel fermentation followed by 15 months in French oak hogsheads gives it just the right weight and texture. A T-bone steak is the match or a strong, mature cheese. In 2012 the colour is deep with a bright edge leading to a bouquet of dark plums and mixed spice. The palate is typically Stonewell District rich with a power that springs from the rocky red/brown soils and tannins that come with finesse. Some partial barrel fermentation followed by 15 months in French oak hogsheads gives it just the right weight and texture. A T-bone steak is the match or a strong, mature cheese, otherwise sit back and gives this five to eight years to gather itself in the bottle.Prices:| BC | $56.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Peter Lehmann Mentor 1996
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaMentor is Peter Lehmann's Flagship cabernet sauvignon of the vintage. Each year, blind tastings on the bench involving the entire winemaking team are the method behind the selection of the best cabernet which is then blended with other red grapes to round out the bottle. Fruit for the Mentor is sourced from old, dry farmed vines in the Barossa Valley. In terms of 1996, the mix was 66/20/10/10 cabernet sauvignon, merlot, shiraz and malbec that hailed from various Barossa sites namely The Stonewell, Ebenezer and Light Pass Districts. In those days the alcohol was a very moderate 13.5 percent and while this wine is ready to drink it is on the downside of its career. There still a spicy, peppery undertone with liquorice notes but there's more earth than fruit in the finish. Perfect for simply prepared lamb or beef dishes. Drink up.Prices:| Australia | $65.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Peter Lehmann H&V Tempranillo 2012
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaSo this is what non-Brett tempranillo smells like. Fun juicy red with big black cherry aromas and plummy, black cherry fruit flavours. The attack is warm and round with easy-going, chalky tannins but quite a bit of alcohol that persists through the wine into the warm finish. According to many in Barossa the 2012 vintage came early and was very small. The weather was quite mild throughout and the quality of the red wines is outstanding. The wine was fermented on skins for ten days and then aged in older French oak hogsheads for six months prior to bottling. Try this roast chicken or turkey or your favourite pork dish.Prices:| Australia | $22.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Peter Lehmann H&V Chardonnay 2013
High Eden, Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThe H&V Chardonnay is sourced from a variety of grower vineyards in cool highlands of the Eden Valley. Precise winemaking and barrel maturation have yielded a surprisingly fresh yet substantial style chardonnay. The nose is an enticing toasted brioche and lemon affair that spills onto the palate where creamy textures mix with peach, lemon and honeyed fruit flavours with refreshing acidity. Not your old school chardonnay. A great vintage adds the final touch of style to this white. Halibut anyone? Prices:| Australia | $22.00 | 750ml |
| Canada | $28.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Peter Lehmann Chardonnay Pinot Noir Cuvée 2009
Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThis Lehmann fizz is made with chardonnay and pinot noir sourced in the Eden Valley at 380m above sea level. It's was handpicked very early in the difficult 2009 season split 55/45 between chardonnay and pinot noir. It spends five months on the primary yeast followed by 30 months in the bottle following the secondary fermentation. The nose offers up notes of freshly baked bread or brioche with hints of baked apples and honey. The attack is gentle with more flavours of honey and tropical fruits. All in all a creamy fresh sparkler you can pour liberally with bite size appetizers.Prices:| Australia | $21.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Peter Lehmann H&V Riesling 2013
Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaLehmann makes four very tasty rieslings. The Hill and Valley series comes out of the cooler reaches of the Eden Valley. Oyster shells, minerality and salty seashore notes jump from the glass. This is definitely cool climate with a strikingly pure lime character, lively acidity and freshness throughout. The fruit is sourced from Terry and Jan Riley's single-vineyard site that sits on the cool eastern slopes of Eden Valley at some 380m above sea level. Very food-friendly this will easily hold for more than decade or two under screwcap. The H&V or hill and valley wines are made to showcase the diversity of regions surrounding the winery.Prices:| Australia | $22.00 | 750ml |
| Canada | $28.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Peter Lehmann H&V Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaThe H&V or hill and valley wines are made to showcase the diversity of regions surrounding the winery. In this case it's the cooler Adelaide Hills that play home to this delicious sauvignon blanc that clearly revels in the cool temperatures and its single vineyard home near Kersbrook. Freshness and finesse are not always easily achieved but both are here in spades. Expect floral/tropical fruit aromas with a subtle undercurrent of nettle. The palate is lively green fruit affair with guava, grapefruit and lime rind. Sushi would be a wonderful accompaniment.Prices:| Australia | $22.00 | 750ml |
| Canada | $28.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Peter Lehmann H&V Shiraz 2011
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThe Barossa H&V (Hill and Valley) is sourced primarily from two premium vineyards in the Light Pass and Ebenezer sub zones of the northern Barossa. The cool 2011 vintage has produced a deeply coloured, limited-release shiraz offering medium rich textures, dark plum and chocolate flavours with polished, fine-grained tannins throughout the finish. You can drink it now or lay it down for another 4-5 years and let it put on some added weight and complexity. The wine was fermented on skins for seven days to maximise colour and flavour and then aged for 12 months in French oak hogsheads. Grilled sausages, or lamb chops would be an excellent match. Prices:| Australia | $22.00 | 750ml |
| Canada | $28.00 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Peter Lehmann Wigan Riesling 2008
Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThe Masters series represent the very best at Lehmann. Each is an original Barossa classic, crafted for the long haul and released with significant bottle age and each Master series wine is named after a person or event that is central to the Peter Lehmann story. In the case of the 'Wigan' riesling, the moniker refers to chief winemaker Andrew Wigan, mentored by Peter Lehmann, and someone who has been at the winery since its inception in 1979. Shallow rocky soils in the cool Eden Valley provide the backdrop for this highly decorated wine named 'Best Riesling in the World' by International Wine and Sprit Competition six times since 1991. The 'Wigan' is released as a five year old wine hitting the shelves with a rich, aged character. The 2008 is the best yet according to Andrew Wigan who thinks it has the tools to become a sensational bottle of Eden Valley riesling. The nose is awash in juicy lime aromas with hints of buttered toast. The palate is pure riesling with those electric riesling flavours and zesty minerality. With power, finesse and style it will only get better for the next decade or two. Wigan comes off a single vineyard owned by the Stanton family near Craneford in the southern Eden Valley. Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $40.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Peter Lehmann VSV Ruediger Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaBright blackberry, cassis, spicy, coffee nose with cool cedar, tobacco and black olive aromas. The attack is dry and juicy with fine-grained tannins. Pepper, tobacco, black olive, vanilla, savoury, blackberry, resin and coffee flavours. Still some youthful tannins to round out. The fruit is a mix of sites from Ebenezer and Light Pass.Prices:| BC | $56.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Peter Lehmann The Futures Shiraz 2009
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaPleasant inviting blueberry, blackberry, liquorice, cedar nose with bits of chocolate mixed with light floral and cola aromas. Fresh, juicy, slightly tannic palate with coffee, menthol, chocolate, spice, white pepper flavours with vanilla, coconut and meaty notes. Good intensity and fruit but with some acidity pushing through the warm back end. Try this with lamb chops.Prices:| MB | $32.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $29.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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29 March 2014
88PTS
8th Generation Vineyard Riesling 2012
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFresh floral, green/red apple nose all in much cleaner version that we saw in 2011. Plenty of residual sugar, some 24g/L would suggest a weightier riesling with rich, nectarine and honeyed red apple notes with just enough citrus to keep it all fresh. Juicy and sweet this would be a perfect match with spicy barbecued ribs or piquant sushi dishes. Bottled under screwcap this will easily hold and develop in bottle over the next five to seven years. Well done.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling 2012
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesA slightly fresher leaner style this year with floral lime juice notes. The attack is fresh and skinny, with a watery, quaffing edge with candied red apple and lime flavours. A nice departure from the heavier, full blown style of riesling that makes it a little more food friendly with lighter summer style foods. Always good value; drink all summer.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $18.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.25 | 750ml |
| NS | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.50 | 750ml |
| SK | $17.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
StoneCap Riesling 2012
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesAll estate-grown at Goose Ridge Vineyard across from Red Mountain in the heart of the Columbia Valley. Two blocks are involved with the most coming off the east side of the property where the temperatures are cooler. Classic peachy apple aromas with floral (3 per cent viognier) undertones. The attack is juicy with bright citrus fruit flavours with a pinch of honey and green apple skin. A fresh, skinny riesling style that is food-friendly. Chicken, fish, summer salads they all work here.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Red Rooster Riesling 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAn alluring nose of guava, pear, citrus and orange rind that draws you deep into the glass. The fruit comes off Hidden Terrace and Fool's Gold vineyards in Oliver; a portion of the juice was fermented in stainless steel while the remainder was fermented in a concrete egg. The style is off-dry, with refreshing acidity and delicious lemon, peach and guava fruit flavours. Minerality and persistence mark the finish. A super effort you can serve with halibut; spring pea risotto; sushi; crab cakes and more. Wherever you need a squeeze of lemon.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
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28 March 2014
85PTS
Full Circle Chardonnay Organic Wine 2012
North Coast Region, California, United StatesIt's organic but this chardonnay doesn't have much else going for it. The freshness on the nose excites but it's the thin flavour profile and short back end that leaves you wanting just a bit more for your money. Try it with a cheesy pizza or pasta dish for best effect.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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27 March 2014
90PTS
Ringbolt Cabernet Sauvignon 21 Barriques 2010
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaEarthy, spicy, blackberry, tobacco leaf, resin, coffee, cassis aromas with a touch of black olive and cedar. Dry, fresh, elegant, suave palate with light tannins and cedar, tobacco, liquorice root, blackberry and cassis flavours with smoky, vanilla, green tea and olive flavours. A bit warm but overall it has good balance with some finesse. Should improve with 2-4 years in bottle. Best with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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26 March 2014
86PTS
Pablo Old Vine Garnacha 2012
Calatayud, Aragon, SpainAttractive black raspberry, orange, meaty, peppery, spicy nose with bits of liquorice and herb aromas. Round, fresh, suave palate with light tannins. Black raspberry, chocolate, orange peel, licorice root, tobacco and savoury flavours. Good solid red with some fruit and intensity for that leg of lamb or stew. Good value.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Michel Gros Bourgogne Hautes Côtes du Nuits 2011
Hautes-Côtes de Nuits , Burgundy, FranceEarthy, carrot top, cherry, resin, compost, spicy, tobacco aromas. Dry, fresh, elegant, slightly lean and austere palate. Smoky, herbal, rhubarb, sour cherry, resin, cedar and tobacco leaf flavours. Very lean, austere finish, needs a few years and some duck. Not much here for the price.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Baillie-Grohman Pinot Noir 2011
Creston, British Columbia, CanadaAnother cool growing season is seen in the light worsteshire, spicy, floral nose flecked with rhubarb and tea leaf aromas. Dry, tight, somewhat austere palate with light, lean tannins. Peppery, tobacco, sour cherry, rhubarb, smoky, resin and carrot top flavours. The finish is lean and somewhat bitter with low fruit. Best with cheese or pate at the moment.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Quails' Gate Stewart Family Reserve Pinot Noir 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDark cherry colour. Slightly reduced nose with lees, rhubarb, mushroom, maraschino cherry and candied strawberry aromas. The attack is dry and fresh, the textures round with light, grainy tannins. The palate is a mix of cherries, compost, tobacco, celery salt and tea leaf flavours. Solid but really needs a bit more fruit to live up to its pinot noir moniker. Give it two to four more years to mature in bottle for best results.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Jaffelin Côteaux Borguignons Pinot Noir 2011
Burgundy, FranceCorked, try anotherPrices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $19.75 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.10 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.60 | 750ml |
| NB | $16.10 | 750ml |
| NF | $17.60 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Marimar Estate Pinot Noir Don Miguel Vineyard Cristina 2010
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesCorked, try another.Prices:| BC | $44.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Van Westen Vineyards Di Bello Wines VD Pinot Noir 2012
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDark cherry colour. Cherry, spicy, liquorice, tobacco leaf, light coffee, carrot top and resin aromas. Dry, full, round, fresh palate with light tannins. Flavours are a mix of spicy, coffee, tobacco, savoury cedar and rhubarb. Quite rich but with a corresponding tart finish. This will be best with food now or give it two years to settle down in the bottle.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Meyer Family Vineyards Pinot Noir Micro Cuvée McLean Creek Vineyards 2012
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGood cherry colour with smoky, lees, vanilla, tobacco leaf, compost, strawberry jam, barnyard, liquorice, celery salt, floral and light barnyard aromas. The top label Micro Cuvée is cleaner and its round, smooth palate with light tannins and juicy acidity is slightly fresher and finer than the two single vineyard pinots. Celery salt, carrot top, strawberry jam, raspberry, tobacco leaf, cedar, vanilla, meaty, chocolate and orange flavours. Good intensity but has some youthful tannins and acidity to tame on the finish. Give it 2-5 years.Prices:| BC | $65.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Meyer Family Vineyards Pinot Noir McLean Creek Road Vineyard 2012
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMeaty, cherry, peppery, barnyard, tobacco leaf, celery salt, light lees and carrot aromas. Dry, fresh, round, elegant palate with light tannins. Carrot top, meaty, barnyard, compost, celery, strawberry jam, peppery, leesy flavours with a light vanilla, coffee note. Needs a few years yet but drinkable with food.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Meyer Family Vineyards Pinot Noir Reimer Vineyard Kelowna 2012
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight lees, tobacco leaf, plum, cherry jam, barnyard, vanilla, liquorice aromas with a savory, meaty note. Dry, fresh, juicy, slightly lean palate with light tannins but full. Cherry, liquorice, meaty, peppery, cool tea, celery salt, leesy flavours. Very youthful with good fruit but needs 2-4 years to soften up some of the more astringent tannins on the finish. Best now with charcuterie plates, spring vegetables and even goat cheese.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wildebeest Red Wine 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGood cherry colour with spicy, liquorice, meaty, peppery, floral, black cherry, carrot top and tobacco aromas. Round, full, juicy, slightly chunky palate with black cherry, licorice, smoky, earthy, meaty, ginger, peppery, coffee and Oxo flavours. Good intensity and concentration for near term drinking. Only available through Wildebeest restaurant.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Calona Vineyards Artist Series Pinot Noir Reserve 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight rhubarb, orange peel, cola, coffee, tobacco leaf aromas. Round, fresh, juicy, somewhat sweet entry with stewed rhubarb, coffee, herbal, orange and leather flavours. Finish is somewhat sour and bitter. Simple and easy-sipping but not quite as friendly as it has been.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Belle Glos Meiomi Pinot Noir 2012
Monterey - Santa Barbara - Sonoma, California, United StatesA good example of the California pinot for the post-Sideways crowd. Big chocolate, black cherry, plum, meaty, liquorice nose with black tea undercurrents. Ripe, round, fat, fresh palate with orange peel, cocoa, cedar, chocolate, smoky, black cherry, resin flavours. Not very pinot-like but soft, fat, sweet and full bodied.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $31.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $33.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $0.00 | 350ml |
| BC | $15.00 | 375ml |
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88PTS
Belle Glos Pinot Noir Dairyman 2012
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesThe new pinot style for some, rich in milk chocolate and coffee with peppery, celery salt, black cherry, vanilla, cola, strawberry jam aromas. Rich, ripe, full, round, fat palate with fresh acidity. Coffee, chocolate, peppery, celery salt, resin, prune, celery salt, stewed cherry, cola flavours. An oaky pinot noir on steroids that lacks finesse and balance.Prices:| BC | $44.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $50.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $50.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Tantalus Pinot Noir 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaExpect a deep dark cherry colour. The nose is has a toasted oak edge with vanilla, black cherry, bramble berry, celery salt aroma with a cool floral undertone. The attack is full, round, dry and fresh with light, lean-ish tannins. Moore cool pepper, worsteshire, cherry, raspberry, cedar flavours with bits of tobacco leaf and smoke mark the finish. This needs a bit of time in bottle to settle down the slightly astringent tannins or served it with duck confit or duck pate now.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $30.00 | 750ml |
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25 March 2014
87PTS
Seven Terraces Pinot Noir 2012
Canterbury, South Island, New ZealandBrick-cherry colour. Clove, floral, coffee, vanilla, stewed rhubarb, strawberry jam, peppery, tobacco leaf aromas. Round, fresh, suave, easy palate with savoury, herbal, strawberry, compost, tobacco, carrot, dill and vanilla flavours. Fresh, easy-sipping style with solid pinot character.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Blue Mountain Pinot Noir 2012
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBarnyard, strawberry jam, compost, mushroom meaty, lees, tobacco aromas. Fresh, round, smooth, elegant palate with strawberry, light rhubarb, carrot, leather, coffee, light barnyard and herb flavours. Well balanced and flavourful. Drink now - 5 years. Solid and dependable at this point.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
TH Wines Pinot Noir 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaReductive, mercaptan, leesy, sausage, tobacco leaf, rhubarb and candied aromas. Round, fresh, soft, slightly sweet entry but with mercaptan, earthy, tobacco leaf, tomato leaf, garlic and candied rhubarb note. Muddled and dirty. On to next year.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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23 March 2014
89PTS
The Show Malbec 2012
Mendoza, ArgentinaAmericans Charles Bieler, Roger Scommegna and Joel Gott are the 3 Thieves Wine Company and the folks behind The Show Malbec. The fruit is all high-altitude from Lujan de Cuyo and the Uco Valley and in 2012 it looks as if they have abandoned the sweet oaky style for something much more interesting. Let us hope they don't go back. Drier, more savoury red fruit with good acidity and texture. Far more food friendly and while it doesn't really matter a sensational label. The classic match, steak, is the fit.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Famiglia Bianchi Malbec 2011
San Rafael, General Alvear, Southern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaA consistent style year in and year out offering smoky tobacco, earthy, black cherry aromas with a savoury undercurrent. The attack/texture is supple the fruit deep blue black with fresh peppery cherry jam notes flecked with chocolate and liquorice. Try this with a steak and chimichurri sauce Argentine style.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Cameron Hughes Lot 403 Pinot Noir 2012
Napa Valley, California, United StatesTypical Russian River richness beginning with a spicy nose of black cherries. The flavours are ripe reflecting the vintage with a mix of earthy, pronounced, black cherry fruit and soft, round, mouth-filling texture that sings New World pinot noir. Cameron says the pinot noir was sourced from a famed grower with simply too much fruit to use in 2012, hence the quality and price. Good value in a ready-to-drink pinot for duck or salmon.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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22 March 2014
93PTS
The Islander Estate Vineyards The Investigator Cabernet Franc 2006
Kangaroo Island, Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia, AustraliaJust bowled over by this red wine from Kangaroo Island made by the tireless investigator Jacques Lurton. One suspects he is spending too much time at Cheval Blanc with his cousin. The blend is 90/10 cabernet franc/malbec and it's delicious. It's a funny thing about French/Euro made wine in the New World it seems to reign in the power and muscle and overstatement in favour finesse and charm. Just a wisp of leafiness gives way to perfectly ripe fruit reminiscent of cassis and blackcurrant all in a perfectly balanced red. Super fine-grained tannin mix throughout with a long smooth persistent finished. Elegant and refined in way few Australian red wine are. T-bone steaks are the match or a great piece of hard cheese. Perfectly balanced at eight years it will continue on this line through 2020.Prices:| Australia | $70.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Shot in the Dark Gewurztraminer Riesling 2012
AustraliaA 70/30 riesling/traminer blend this is a fun, fresh, off-dry, summer sipping white. Sweet floral, citrus, litchi fruit aromas and flavours that finish equally sweet. A summer patio wine to serve well chilled with spicy appetizers.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Freakshow Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Lodi, Central Valley, California, United StatesPeppery, prune, blackberry, cedar bark, coffee, dark chocolate, vanilla, liquorice aromas. Fresh, round, juicy, slightly lean entry with light tannins. More tobacco, resin, liquorice, cassis flavours with blackberry, coffee grinds, prune and olive notes all with a touch of dill and leather. Somewhat warm, chunky, chocolaty cedar finish but should be fine with lamb stew.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Yalumba Cabernet Sauvignon Menzies The Cigar 2011
Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaSaddle leather, light smoke, blackberry, cassis, and earthy, vanilla, tobacco and cedar aromas. Fresh, round, smooth palate with light, grainy tannins. Coffee grind, earthy, tobacco, prune, cassis, leather, meaty, savory, mint and peppery flavours. A bit acidic on the finish but youthful, should improve to the upside with 2-3 years. Try this with grilled meat.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Black Label 2008
Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaThis 53rd vintage offers cassis, vanilla, chocolate, coffee grind, black olive, prune, leather and tobacco leaf aromas. Round, smooth, dry, fresh palate with light, suave tannins and slightly tart acidity. Coffee, peppery, dark chocolate prune, blackberry, cassis, herb and cedar flavours with some tobacco, vanilla and leather on the finish. Lots of intensity here and balance but should age well for the next 2-5 years and round out the remaining tannins.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $23.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
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18 March 2014
92PTS
Charles Melton Nine Popes 2009
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaNine Popes is a grenache-based red that is mixed with old 80-year old parcels of Barossa shiraz and mourvèdre in between Williamstown and Ebenezer. It is all whole bunch fermented and the cap is managed via pigeage and hand plunging, as well as daily pump-overs throughout fermentation. The wine aged in a high percentage of French oak for 20 months. Look for a fragrant spicy red with a slightly soupy texture. The palate is a mix of red and black liquorice and plummy, dark red berry fruit with earthy, cinnamon, savoury. A bit soft and unkempt it the back end but otherwise solid. Serve with lamb or beef dishes.Prices:| ON | $70.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Ringbolt Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaPeppery, prune, blackberry, tobacco, cedar, tapenade and chocolate aromas. Light, fresh, juicy but elegant palate with cassis, tobacco, cedar bark, black olive, resin, rooty, blackberry and herb flavours. Easy-sipping style for meat and the barbecue.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $25.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Conundrum Red 2011
California, United StatesBig juicy blackberry, plum, minty, floral, liquorice, savoury, peppery aromas. Soft, round, smooth and suave palate that is very sweet but juicy with black raspberry, minty, peppery, orange peel, tobacco, coffee and resin flavours. This red is too sweet for us but a direction many New World producer seem to think is worth pursuing as they troll for a new market for wine drinkers. Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $25.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Carnivor Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
California, United StatesPeppery, balsamic, leesy, slightly reductive nose with some prune, blackberry and chocolate notes. Fresh, light, elegant palate with light sweetness and tannins. Light tobacco, blackberry, cedar bark, tobacco, resin, stewed prune and coffee flavours. Not very varietal but has an easy-sipping balance that could appeal to some. Not cheap for the quality.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Lindemans Bin 45 Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaEarthy, tobacco, black olive, light cassis and cherry aromas. Round, smooth, fresh, slightly sweet palate with herbal, coffee, black olive, cassis, prune and tobacco flavours. Simple, easy, sweet and sour style. Best with hamburgers.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $13.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.00 | 750ml |
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13 March 2014
90PTS
Marisco Vineyards The Kings Bastard Chardonnay 2012
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandMade with mostly handpicked grapes that undergo fermentation in puncheons with native yeast and lees all with partial malolactic fermentation. Very nutty lees, spicy, vanilla, light butter, peach, honey and green apple aromas. Fresh, creamy, juicy palate with spice lees, nutty, cinnamon, baked apple and butter flavours with a touch of orange and peach on the finish. Good fruit and texture with the ability to improve over the next 2-4 years.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
The Ned Pinot Gris 2013
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandA very pale pink tinge leads to nectarine, floral, pear, apple and spice aromas. Full, round, fresh, juicy palate with just a hint of sweetness. Pink grapefruit, spicy, apple, ripe pear, lemon and nectarine flavours. Good texture, length and intensity. Solid value here. Mussels anyone?Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $21.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
The Ned Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandGooseberry, grapefruit rind, passion fruit, light bell pepper, floral aromas. Round, delicate, fresh, juicy palate with grapefruit, passion fruit, grassy, green apple, gooseberry and nettle flavours with a touch of lemon-lime. Good finesse and fruit at an affordable price.Prices:| NS | $21.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
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12 March 2014
87PTS
Wildebeest White Wine 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaExuberant fruit salad style white with plenty of those heady floral, perfumed aromas that can overwhelm the senses. The palate is similarly styled with a mix of litchi and lemon with a touch of oilyness throughout. The mix is pinot gris riesling and gewurztraminer and all in all it delivers a unique cool-climate BC experience.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Beringer Luminus Oak Knoll Chardonnay 2012
Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley, California, United StatesLuminus isn't at all what I was expecting in style of flavour in fact the single vineyard chardonnay from Oak Knoll is a bit of head turner. I love the style here that treads along the tropical but stay away from the fat and sweet and by using about 60 percent malolactic to beef up the textures to mix into fresh, nutty, ripe pear and apple flavours reign. Best of all the oak is far less formal leaving room for something like lobster or halibut to shine. Well done. Might we see more of this style across the range?Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $40.00 | 750ml |
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11 March 2014
84PTS
Castillo de Monséran Garnacha 50 Year Old Vines 2009
Cariñena, Aragon, SpainRaspberry, dill, worsteshire, meaty, peppery nose with black olive, tobacco aromas. Fresh, warm, juicy palate with celery salt, raspberry, roast meat, tapenade, cooked carrot, balsamic and chocolate flavours. Not the best year for this label.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Antinori Tignanello 2010
Tuscany, ItalyThe folks at Antinori think this is the greatest Tignanello ever and on cool rainy evening in Vancouver beside Alberta beef it may well be. It's clearly the most elegant Tignanello we have encountered at this stage in the bottle mixing elegance and power. At 80 percent the sangiovese continues to shape the structure with its floral red fruit and liquorice with 15 percent cabernet sauvignon and 5 per cent cabernet franc. Long and seamless it has the balance that would suggest it will age effortlessly for a decade or two and it continues to become more linear and persistent in the mouth. Tignanello is produced exclusively from a 57 hectare site about 375 metres above sea level in the heart of Chianti Classico. The wine has been produced continuously since 1970 with the exception of the 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1984, 1992, and 2002 labelsPrices:| BC | $100.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $99.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $103.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $98.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $95.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $110.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Blue Mountain Chardonnay 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGreen apple, citrus, pear, light butter, vanilla and nut aromas. Fresh, round, creamy palate with nutty lees, butterscotch, baked apple, lemon peel and honey. Good texture and finish in what is a very solid effort.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Chardonnay 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight floral, passion fruit, grapefruit, green apple, light vanilla and lees aromas with a hint of guava. Fresh, juicy, dry palate with vanilla, butter, spicy lees, passion fruit, guava and green apple core flavours. Good texture but a bit short and bitter citrus rind on the finish. Made for halibut or chicken dishes.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $20.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Torres Gran Coronas Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainMeaty, cassis, black olive, tobacco, resin, smoky, licorice and prune aromas. Round, fresh, supple palate with light tannins. Blackberry, cassis, black olive, peppery, tobacco, orange peel, earthy, coffee flavours. Good if a bit rustic and pruny. The blend is traditionally an 85/15 cabernet sauvignon and tempranillo mix that is all estate grown.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $24.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $23.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $21.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Torres Coronas Tempranillo 2011
Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainMeaty, liquorice, leather, black cherry, dill, tobacco aromas. Fresh, round, slightly sweet entry with prune, coffee, tobacco, olive, dill and resin flavours with some black cherry and sausage meat on the finish. A pizza/hamburger red.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $16.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.25 | 750ml |
| NS | $16.50 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Inniskillin Okanagan Estate Series Chardonnay 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPopcorn butter undertones, baked apple, light lees and bready aromas. Tart, somewhat bitter, rindy palate with nutty lees, soapy floral, apple skin and butter flavours. Poorly balanced.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.60 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Meyer Family Vineyards Chardonnay Micro Cuvée Old Main Road Vineyard 2012
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaButtery, vanilla, spicy lees, baked apple, cream, fruit cocktail and peach aromas. Fresh, juicy, creamy, dry, slightly austere palate. Lemon custard, vanilla, light lees, nutty, salty, grapefruit rind, butterscotch, green apple skin. Youthful, tart finish that should improve over the next 2-5 years.Prices:| BC | $65.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Meyer Family Vineyards Chardonnay Tribute Series - Kelley Hrudey Old Main Road Vineyard 2012
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRind-y grapefruit, green apple skin aromas with light butterscotch and lanolin notes. Fresh, juicy, elegant, slightly soft palate with a touch of oiliness. Salty, nutty lees, green apple, lemon custard, light vanilla and guava flavours. Nice finesse in a lighter, fresh style. The 2011 Tribute Series is dedicated to a different Canadian that been outstanding in their field. In 2012 CBC broadcaster Kelly Hrudey is honoured.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Meyer Family Vineyards Chardonnay McLean Creek Vineyard - OK Falls 2012
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAnother good effort to follow up the 2011. We love the light nutty, toasted, butter and baked green apple nose flecked with citrus and honey aromas. Fresh, dry and juicy, the entry is slightly austere but finishes with rich textures. More cool, green apple, pear skin, nutty lees, spicy, lemon custard, butter and lanolin flavours. Still youthful, should improve over the next few years. Venturing down the complexity road like few of its competitors.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Calona Vineyards Unoaked Chardonnay Artist Series Reserve 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCitrus, apple skin, pear and a touch of butter. Fresh, off dry, juicy, light palate with light spice, butter, green apple skin and lemon flavours. Easy, clean style without much weight or finish.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Ochoa Tempranillo Seleccion Finca Santa Cruz 2009
Navarra and Basque Country, SpainMeaty, barnyard, saddle leather, barnyard, prune and earth aromas. Thin, tart palate with a hint of sweetness and dry tannins. Orange, meaty, medicinal, leather, coffee and prune flavours. A rustic country red for similar style dishes.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Bold Vine Old Vine Zinfandel 2012
Lodi, Central Valley, California, United StatesFriendly briary/liquorice, blackberry nose with smoky, cedar cherry aromas. The attack is dry and fresh with earthy, cedar, peppery, blackberry and prune flavours flecked with tea notes. A fresh, easy-sipping style for tapas cheese pizzas.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
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09 March 2014
93PTS
Louis Roederer Brut Rosé Champagne 2008
Champagne, FranceBarely coloured the 2008 rosé is an impressive bottle of bubble. Packed full of life and classic ethereal Roederer style. Bright and amazingly youthful it is an elegant red fruited wine with hints of raspberry, ginger and plenty of chalky minerality. Mostly pinot noir (66 percent that is bled off to add the colour). Salmon anyone?Prices:| BC | $87.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $95.00 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Roederer Cristal Champagne 2006
Champagne, FranceIf not a perfect year 2006 is consider at least good if not very good. Drinking Cristal now is crazy but for the purposes of assessment its a lot of fun. The nose is strikingly austere and with salty, mineral undertones. It's razor sharp from front to back with cleansing acidity and subtle bits of apricot, kiwi, and nutty almond notes. Needs a decade or more to really settle into its structure. With precision and poise, Owner Frederic Rouzaud explains that Cristal is made with one hundred percent estate fruit from old vines grown over chalk. The mix is 55/45 pinot noir and chardonnay and some 20 per cent is fermented in oak to bring some richness to a wine that sees no malolactic fermentation. In the time of the Czars the dosage was a high 100 grams of sugar per litre; today it runs between eight to ten grams.Prices:| BC | $278.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $288.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $283.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $756.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $258.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Louis Roederer Brut Vintage Champagne 2007
Champagne, FranceAt Roederer the 2007 Vintage Brut is describes as 'a fine expression of the 'measured' power of the Pinot Noir, in a subtle balance of smoothness and richness, instinctively balanced by freshness and lightness." The mix is 70/30 pinot noir to chardonnay that spends four years in the cellar; thirty per cent of the wine is aged in wood. There is a silky creamy brioche note on the palate but with idiosyncrasies of a vintage characterized by a warm start, a cool middle and followed by drought and then an ideal harvest. Currently edgy on entry with hints of apples pears and hazelnuts and an even more subtle note of earth. Best with food at this point and another five to seven years of bottle age.Prices:| BC | $97.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tinhorn Creek Pinot Gris 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTinhorn continues to make a juicy fresh easy-sipping style gris in the south Okanagan. Look for grapefruit, floral, spicy, earthy, grassy aromas. The palate is creamy with baked green apple, honey, light lees, grassy and melon rind flavours. Good intensity, with a touch of bitterness and butter in the finish. Try this with simply seasoned grilled fish.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Pinot Gris 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGuava, canned grapefruit, light lees, green apple and spice aromas. Round, full, fatter palate with passion fruit, pink grapefruit, baked green apple and lees flavours. Good intensity in a fuller style but ready to drink now. Try this with halibut and fruit salsa.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $22.30 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Oxford Landing Estate Pinot Grigio 2013
South Australia, AustraliaLight peach, apple, grapefruit aromas with a touch of tropical fruit. Fresh, juicy, slightly sweet palate with light lees, lemon, butter, peach and grapefruit flavours and a touch of bitterness. Try it with a Margherita pizza.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Ex Nihilo Pinot Gris 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBready, grapefruit rind, leesy, herbal, waxy, matchstick aromas. Round, full, rich palate with leesy, earthy, orange, grapefruit rind, apple sauce and apricot pit flavours. Unusual style with an intense lime-rind finish. A richer style gris that will work with chicken or veal pasta dishes.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Township 7 Pinot Gris 2012
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA touch of gewürztraminer added to gris has shaped a floral, spicy, litchi nose mixed with red apple, lees and pear skin aromas. Fresh, juicy palate with grapefruit rind, soapy floral, bitter apple skin and lees flavours. Not a classic style of gris but otherwise well- made and ready to drink. Best with your favourite sushi.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Sandhill Syrah Sandhill Estate Vineyard 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeppery, vanilla, coconut, poultry spice, black cherry, licorice, tobacco, slightly meaty, sausage aromas. Dry, fresh, juicy, easy palate with some light, dry tannins. Cedar, vanilla, chocolate, peppery, rooty, licorice, coconut, herb, meaty, leather flavours. Solid, easy going style with some extra oak showing at the moment. Grilled meat is the best match here.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Invivio Pinot Gris 2012
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandPassion fruit, floral, waxy, grapefruit, apple skin aromas. Round, full, soft but fresh palate with light sweetness. Baked green apple, spicy, passion fruit, canned grapefruit, herbal, honey flavours. Solid if a bit sweet and warm on the finish. Bets with spicy Asian dishes.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Riff Pinot Grigio 2012
Friuli-Venezia Giulia, ItalyFloral, spicy, pear, light quince and citrus aromas. Fresh, dry, crisp, elegant palate with grapefruit, earthy, spicy, butter and pear flavours. A bit of a salty, citrus aftertaste that should go well with squid.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Alois Lageder Pinot Grigio Dolomiti 2012
Trentino- Alto-Adige, ItalyLight honey, earthy, pear, lees, green apple and herb aromas. Round, fresh, fuller bodied style with creamy acidity. Earthy, apple skin, pear, lemon, lees and lanolin flavours. Good intensity and length to go with seafood.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Lindemans Bin 85 Pinot Grigio 2013
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaFloral, light pear, red apple and grapefruit aromas. Fresh, round, juicy, off dry palate with grapefruit rind, green apple, light lees and lemon flavours. Light, easy style.Prices:| BC | $10.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.50 | 750ml |
| SK | $13.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $14.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio Valdadige 2012
Valdadige, Pedemonte Valpolicella, Verona, Veneto, ItalyBaked pear, earthy, spicy, light floral, lees aromas. Round, fresh, dry, juicy plate with canned grapefruit, pear, lemon and butter flavours. A touch bitter on the finish but solid intensity.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Vino Pinot Gris 2011
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesLight honey, floral, ripe pear, quince, grapefruit, and nutty aromas. Dry, fresh, juicy palate with lime, grapefruit, nutty, pear skin, earthy, passion fruit flavours. Good balance and intensity. A versatile food wine.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Staete Landt Arie Syrah 2010
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandMeaty, minty, savoury, vanilla, coffee, tobacco, celery salt aromas with black tea and liquorice root notes. Fresh, round, dry, elegant palate with soft tannins. Smoky, peppery, roasted pepper, liquorice, coffee, meaty, celery salt and poultry spice flavours. Well balanced with good finesse for drinking now or over the next five years.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Tommasi Poggio al Tufo Rompicollo 2011
Maremma, Tuscany, ItalyEarthy, leather, sausage, black cherry, light medicinal and savoury aromas. Round, fresh, slightly tart palate with black olive, sausage, peppery, cherry, leather, coffee and resin flavours. A bit light and tart on the finish. Try this with barbecue meats or pizza.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Louis Roederer Brut Premier Champagne NV
Champagne, FranceBrut Premier continues to bring a touch of sophistication to the N/V Brut market with its fruity, mineral, oyster shell nutty nose and floral undertones. The entry is a creamy mix of nutty toasted notes and lemon with a clean fresh precise finish. The blend is two thirds pinot noir, one third chardonnay with a splash of pinot meunier. The secret is nearly one third cask aged reserve wine. A multi-vintage champagne for the discriminating sipper.Prices:| AB | $64.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $68.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $66.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $68.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $319.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $66.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $34.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $70.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $60.00 | 750ml |
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08 March 2014
91PTS
Seresin Leah Pinot Noir 2010
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandA mix of clones including: 113, 114, 115, 667, 777, 6, 5 and 10/5 are farmed biodynamically (organic since 1992) at the Seresin Raupo Creek, Tatou and home vineyards. Essentially handmade and left on the skins for four weeks it eventually goes into French barrels (25 per cent new) for about 11 months. Its bottled unfiltered at 14 per cent. You don't really feel the alcohol as you inhale the savoury red fruit nose. Plums and berries dance on the palate with fine energy before fading into soft, silky textures that persistent throughout the finish. Simply delicious and a treat to serve with duck, chicken or lighter cheeses.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Quinta do Crasto Touriga Nacional 2010
Douro Superior, Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalAt Crasto the dry red Touriga Nacional (100 per cent) is only released in exceptional years from vines now over 25 years old. The colour is inky black the nose and palate boasting intense dark fruits, liquorice and spice with plenty of youthful oak about. The grapes are grown on schist and you can feel the mineral stony undercurrent in this wine. Interestingly the fermentation is done in open temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks for one week before the wine goes into new French oak barrels. Limited supply has made this a bit of a cult wine in Portugal and around the world with tiny amounts going to any one country. Made by foot and hand. You can cellar this for a decade with ease.Prices:| BC | $82.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Casa Lapostolle Clos Apalta 2010
Apalta Valley, Santa Cruz, Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileIf only all carmenère tasted like Clos Apalta. The mix is 71/18/11 carménère, cabernet sauvignon and merlot. Over the years this wine has quietly, en Française, become more and more sophisticated. It is always ripe in that warm Colchagua way but with bits of pepper, figs, and red and black fruits and no herbaceous notes it is really hitting its stride. Texture is a red wine's best friend and this baby has a bucket full. We love the weight and freshness and the wealth of fine-grained tannin. Roast lamb is the ticket here. Well done. Oh, and the carmenère and cabernet sauvignon vines are pre-phylloxera planted in 1920 and are grown using a mix of organic and biodynamic farming methods. Should live for ten to fifteen years easily. Vintage 2010 was a challenge. Cool start, cool parts, and then the world's fifth largest earthquake ever recorded. The delay, as it turns out, really helps the wine reach full maturity. Macerations last four to five weeks before Clos Apalta is racked into 100 per cent new, small French oak barrels by gravity. Malolactic fermentation happens in barrels, where the wine sits for 24 months. Prices:| BC | $99.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $115.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $100.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $92.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $130.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Seven Terraces Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandSolid standard Marlborough sauvignon Blanc mixing guava, tropical fruits and some wet stone, mineral notes. Fresh easy sipping style with a little less of that green tinned asparagus character in favour of a riper tropical, passion fruit flavours. Clean fresh food friendly. Try this with the classic matches: steamed mussels, clams or goat cheese.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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07 March 2014
92PTS
Frescobaldi Castelgiocondo Brunello di Montalcino 2008
Tuscany, ItalyOpen inviting fragrant nose. A smaller crop and a warm fall overcame a difficult year. The '08 Castelgiocondo is delicious balanced and near ready to drink. Look for ripe plums and floral notes throughout with juicy, liquorice, black cherry, coffee and dark chocolate flavours all with a savoury undercurrent - classic Castelgiocondo. Stews, braised meats and aged cheeses are the match. Castelgiocondo is sits between southwest-facing, well drain spoils from 250-450 m. The wine is aged in a mix of Slavonian oak casks and French oak barrels for a minimum two years followed by four months in the bottle. Tasted twice now in the last four months and showing better than ever.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $68.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $54.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $55.00 | 750ml |
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06 March 2014
95PTS
Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape Roussanne Vieilles Vig 2012
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceA rare drink with only 6000 bottles made. The "Vieilles Vignes" as the Perrin family refers to it, is made with 90+ year old roussanne vines that are always picked just past their due date. A bizarre vintage that was both late, then cold, then hot and very windy but otherwise the hours of sunshine between April and September were plentiful and comparable to 2010. The crop was very healthy and phenolic maturity was good; the alcohol was moderate. Yields in 2012 were slightly lower than average at 24hl/h. The balance is striking the fruit predictably voluptuous but with excellent acidity. Fermentation takes place 50% in barrels and 50% in stainless steel vats. Following malo-lactic fermentation, maturation for eight months, with 50% in oak barrels and 50% in vats, prior to bottling. Honey, orange marmalade and white flowers are the story here but with freshness. A remarkable bottle of amazing complexity and length. Rich curries would be a fine food choice. Fabulous young and fabulous old but according to Thomas Perrin not to be drunk in between.Prices:| AB | $130.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $160.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $151.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Barone Ricasoli Castello di Brolio Chianti Classico 2008
Florence, Tuscany, ItalyCastello Brolio is the flagship. In 2008 the mix is 80/10/10 sangiovese, merlot, and cabernet sauvignon. The nose is immediately enticing with cigar, gamey, mineral, floral, cherry jam aromas. The attack is dry, and elegant with mixed red and black fruit flavours with a squeeze of orange. The finish is long smoky and stylish with a savoury liquorice mineral undercurrent. Still maturing it should peak about 2020. Steak Florentine anyone?Prices:| BC | $67.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $34.00 | 375ml |
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89PTS
Barone Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico 2011
Tuscany, ItalyThe best yet from the continuing revamp at Ricasoli. Respect for the floral, red fruit characters of sangiovese give this wine an instant likeability. The textures are supple with perfect tension between acidity and tannin. Elegant but with substance and inviting smoky, black liquorice with cedar, forest floor and plums. A super food wine for chicken, mushrooms, pastas and cheese.Prices:| AB | $26.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $26.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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96PTS
Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port 2011
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalNow tasted twice, July 2013 and March 2014 and it's safe to say this will be a great Taylor for the cellar. Vargellas was the first Taylor quinta to harvest beginning September 10 smaller amounts were contributed by Terra Feita and Quinta do Junco. The nose is still youthful and fragrant with floral violet tones, black tea and dried herbs. The palate is stacked with dark berry fruit and a wealth of sweet tannins - plum jam, liquorice root, mineral orange peel and black tea fill out the finish. Rich powerful yet well managed and easily identifiable as Taylor. One to age for decades. A super bottle of port.Prices:| BC | $185.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $141.00 | 750ml |
| NL | $155.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $165.00 | 750ml |
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05 March 2014
96PTS
M. Chapoutier Ermitage Le Méal Rouge 2010
Hermitage, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceAnother year where it's easier to say you pick'em because the difference between Le Méal and Le Pavillon, again in 2010, is really a matter of style. Expect a spicy, liquorice, meaty black fruit nose with a dollop of Rhone garrigue. The attack is fresh, balanced and persistent with more smoky, floral, blueberry, liquorice flavours. It an amazing syrah with energy and lift that makes biodynamic farming look awfully important. You need to wait a decade to drink this for half a century. A dream for collectors.Prices:| BC | $243.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $275.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
M. Chapoutier Hermitage Monier de la Sizeranne Rouge 2010
Hermitage, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceIt's crazy to suggest this wine is not a giant but somehow Chapoutier manages to reflect the vintage, and like Le Pavilion, there is a firmness but with restraint. The nose is a peppery, mix of black fruits minerals and curry. The attack is dry and elegant with fine-grained tannins and juicy smoky, liquorice-laced black fruits. A wonderful food wine years from its peak. Try it with roast lamb, or osso buco.Prices:| BC | $110.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $100.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $100.00 | 750ml |
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97PTS
M. Chapoutier Le Pavillon Ermitage Rouge 2010
Hermitage, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceTasted against the 2009 I have to admit I think the 2010 is a more interesting bottle but only because I prefer its restraint. The '09 is more opulent and brash but both are sensational. The nose is a fascinating mix of floral stony mineral notes that preview a sort of red/blueberry fruit character with an inkiness - something Chapoutier always refers to in his wine. The finish is long and relentless with amazing richness and power and finesse. I would leave this alone through 2025. Annual production is a measly 600 cases off of 4 hectares of granite soils known as Les Béssards. The wine is matured in oak casks (30% new) between 18 and 20 months. A fabulous bottle of wine that is more Euro in style this year than the 2009. Amazing.Prices:| BC | $320.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $230.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
M. Chapoutier Ermitage Le Méal Blanc 2010
Hermitage, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceThe grapes come from the Méal hillside a very old geological fluvioglacial alluvial deposit soil mixed with pebbles cobble and other river material. Half the wine is vinified in big new wooden barrels (600 liters) the rest in old vats and kept in wood for about a year. Honeysuckle and lots amazing stony minerality under pins a viscous, creamy, white wine. Almost exotic this is showy stuff that despite a fat character has the structure and phenolics to age effortlessly for decades. Try this with rich fish or poultry dishes in sauces, white meats or even spicy curry dishes.Prices:| BC | $210.00 | 750ml |
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97PTS
M. Chapoutier De L'Orée Ermitage Blanc 2010
Hermitage, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceThe 2010 De l'Orée is slightly lighter in colour and fresher in context than the La Meal. The nose is mineral mix of stones and honey with lemons and floral undertones. Intense for a white wine and persistent in the mouth. The wine is aged in all new, 500-liter demi-muids but you don't feel it, if anything it has wonderful precision and freshness. A seriously stunning white wine. That rivals many of the great Burgundies made further north. Understated opulence. Chapoutier thinks it will keep half a century. Made with 100 per cent marsanne vines that are 60 to 70 years old grown over very old fluvioglacial alluvial deposits.Prices:| BC | $200.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $225.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
M. Chapoutier Domaine de Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem Rouge 2011
Côtes du Roussillon Villages, Roussillon, Sud de France, FranceWhat can you say about a wine that so over delivers for the price. Classic stony savoury umami Roussillon with juicy black fruit flecked with black cherry jam, liquorice, pencil lead, curry meaty flavours. You can drink this now but it will hold a decade. Bila Haut is a blend of syrah/grenache and carignan that is aged in 50 per cent vats and 50 per cent casks. Rich and intense but with just enough restraint to make it even more attractive. Roast lamb works at the moment.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
M. Chapoutier Hermitage Chante Alouette Blanc 2011
Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceOne third of Chante-Alouette is fermented in large 600 litre wooden barrels all of the wine spends at least ten to twelve months in barrels. This is a complex white made from 100 percent marsanne showing traces of almond, quince and apricots with bits of yeasty lees, baked pear and vanilla. The attack is juicy and fresh with more apricot, honey, butter, ginger, almond flavours. This wine will live forever in bottle. Bio-dynamically farm which explains the endless lift in the finish. Try this with creamy seafood dishes, or your favourite curry dish. Prices:| BC | $76.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $75.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $74.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $74.50 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Schieferkopf Riesling Lieu dit Buehl 2010
Alsace, FranceSchieferkopf is a joint venture project involving Michel Chapoutier and four friends. Lieu-Dit Buehl is a 1.2ha site facing south and planted over blue schist. The wine is fermented and matured for more than 15 months in large casks using natural yeasts. Look for a medium yellow colour (a la Alsace riesling) with a bright, tropical fruit aromas and flavours with weight, power and a refreshing salty minerality. The wine is made exactly the same as Fels to allow one to experience the two terroirs.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
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95PTS
de Venoge Grand Vin des Princes Grand Cru 2000
Champagne, FranceLight yellow with very fine continuous mousse. Very toasty, baked apple, citrus peel, cashew, waxy, spicy aromas. Crisp, fresh, juicy, creamy palate with fine mousse and fairly dry brut style. Juicy pear, baked granny smith, floral, lemon custard, cashew, toasty brioche and cream flavours. Very good concentration and length, much in the style of Krug. In Magnum.Prices:| BC | $375.00 | 1500ml |
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89PTS
Domaine Le Colombier Vacqueyras Vieilles Vignes 2012
Vacqueyras, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceSpicy, savoury, thyme, black cherry, strawberry jam aromas with a light meaty, liquorice streak. Round, smooth, elegant, suave palate with light tannins and juicy acidity. Black cherry jam, plum, peppery, spicy, floral, licorice, meaty, smoky, resin flavours. Good intensity and balance but youthful, needs a year or so to fill out. Grilled meats.Prices:| US | $19.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Rosemount GSM 2010
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaOpen aromatic soft friendly red with a whack of fresh red raspberries and a mulberry/zinfandel-like fruit aroma. The attack is similar with minty meaty undertones finishing with a savoury, floral, peppery blackberry fruit tone. Tannins are light with a touch of acidity at the end. Carefree, simple for the price and ready to drink. Lamb chops would subdued its fruity edges.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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96PTS
M. Chapoutier Le Pavillon Ermitage Rouge 2009
Hermitage, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceIn 2008 the edge went to Le Meal but in 2009, perhaps the edge goes to Le Pavillon with its richer more robust style. Chapoutier never corrects for vintage preferring to let each year tell its story through the wine. Open warm blackberry, black cherry, and peppery, savoury, liquorice garrigue notes waft from the glass. The mix is very complex and fruity. Rich, full, juicy, moderately tannic and concentrated. Vanilla, more liquorice, tobacco, blackberry jam, black plum, spicy, peppery, minty, floral, smoky, gamey, garrigue flavours. It has fine acidity if warm but needs 7-10 more years in bottle despite its elegance. Will last for 30 years easily. An interesting contrast to the 2008 which shows more elegance and climate-terroir influence but less concentration.Prices:| BC | $320.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $230.00 | 750ml |
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04 March 2014
90PTS
M. Chapoutier Banyuls Vins Doux Naturel 2012
Banyuls, Côte Vermeille, Roussillon, Sud de France, FranceFrom the beginning this is easy to stuff to sip. The nose and palate are awash in chocolate and black, mostly raspberry, fruit with savoury liquorice undertones and silky, soft, mellow textures yet with grip and amazing persistence. Love the fruit intensity that makes it a versatile dessert wine. The blend is 90 percent grenache fortified to 16 per cent alcohol. This will keep forever under ideal storage.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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April 2014