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Tastings: August 2014
29 August 2014
88PTS
Malbec De Angeles Sin Robles 2010
Vistalba District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaDeep dark cherry colour. This unoaked version offers big licorice, resin, savoury, black cherry, tobacco and earth aromas. Rich, ripe, full, juicy and suave palate with black licorice, plum jam, poultry spice, tobacco, peppery, smoky herb flavours. A bit warm on the finish but unctuous and fruity. Very good intensity.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Whitehaven Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandThis Marlborough sauvignon jumps from the glass with bright gooseberry fruit flecked with dill and grass and citrus notes on the nose and palate. The attack is tart and aggressive calling for steamed mussels or clams to help calm it down. From a highly regarded vintage at fair price this is a sauvignon blanc worth checking out. A classic match with goat cheese or roast chickenPrices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Abad Dom Bueno Roble 2008
The mencía grape is the star of Bierzo offering up a floral, stony/mineral nose mixed with black fruit. The attack is full and firm with peppery, savoury black sour cherry fruit flavours with more mineral stony notes. A rich red with complexity and depth that belies its price. Fabulous weekday barbecue red that is comfortable with lamb, beef or mushroom dishesPrices:| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Boutari Moschofilero 2013
Mantinía, Peloponnese, GreeceMade from 100 percent moschofilero grown in the hills of Mantinia this fresh, light, aromatic whiter is a fun wine that works with fresh simply prepared seafood. Expect it to be refreshing, with bits of lemongrass, jasmine and mineral/floral notes, no oak and modest alcohol. It's lighter than previous versions but will stand up to a variety of foods.Prices:| BC | $15.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.50 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tahbilk Marsanne 2010
Goulburn Valley, Victoria, AustraliaIf you're patient this is an incredible value idiosyncratic wine. In its youth look for whiffs of lemon, white peach, light petrol, marmalade and dried herbs leading to a crisp/mineral and medium bodied oily palate of pear, honeysuckle, earth, lemon thyme, and stony spice. Its well-knit rope of herbal earthiness and floral perfume, bright acid and stone fruit is capped with a lengthy finish. The complexity builds with age offering a richer more powerful mouthfeel. This is a wine you can unscrew the cap on now with grilled poultry thighs, or alongside baked halibut or cellar for 5-10 years and beyond.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mission Hill S.L.C. Merlot 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen spicy, smoky, black cherry nose with savoury meaty, earthy, coffee aromas with a touch of olive tapenade. The attack is fresh and elegant but somewhat lean with light tannins and more coffee/cedar, black cherry, plum, rooty, vanilla, tobacco flavours. A lighter weight, slightly leaner cooler version this vintage that will further improve over the next five years in bottle. Serve this with roasted meats.The SLC merlot is made from select blocks and rows grown at several Osoyoos estates. Prices:| QC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $37.15 | 750ml |
| MB | $40.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $40.00 | 750ml |
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27 August 2014
86PTS
Stoneboat Vineyards Faux Pas Rosé Brut NV
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight, bright, easy, fruity and fizzy - what more could you ask for on a sun dappled patio? I enjoyed this overlooking the 'fermenting' Golden Mile appellation while nibbling on warm olives and just-out-of-the-oven, olive oil-drenched, focaccia bread. The bright, ripe lightly sweet cherry-berry fruit and frothy mousse refreshed with each sip. Only available direct at winery.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
CedarCreek Gewürztraminer 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaUnder winemaker Darryl Brooker's reign, CedarCreek wines are more exciting than ever. The 2013 Gewurztraminer is a perfect example of how to take an oft-maligned, flabby and boring varietal, as made in BC, and make it into a must-try wine. Ripe and creamy with herbal/pink grapefruit nose and a rose petal vein throughout. Full bodied, the oily palate is flecked with ginger spice and ripe Anjou pear and white peach flavours. A slow, gentle press period and lengthy fermentation help preserve the aromatics, and makes for interesting interplay between its fragrant delicacy and weighty heft. Reminiscent of Alsace, but entirely BC.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Liquidity Viognier 2013
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAromatic, honey, orange, jasmine nose with spicy, pear and peach aromas. Fresh, creamy, juicy attack but with a somewhat sweet palate. Spicy, ginger, lees, apricot, nectarine, baked pear and grapefruit flavours. Solid Similkameen fruit if a bit sweet and leesy in style. The viognier, clone 642, was planted in 2005 and thriving at Blind Creek Vineyard in the Similkameen Valley.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Santa Rita Sauvignon Blanc 120 2013
Valle del Lontué, Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileSo consistent. I love what you get here for the money. Santa Rita works with several clones that when mixed offer up a simple but delicious, easy sipping style of sauvignon blanc you can enjoy with or without food. Look for fresh gooseberry and grapefruit scents with mixed with lime rind and tangy orange notes. Serve solo well chilled, or moderately cool with your favourite goat cheese and tomato salad.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.75 | 750ml |
| SK | $11.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $9.90 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Perseus Viognier 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeach, grassy, floral, lees, ginger and green apple aromas with a touch of sausage. Round, soft, creamy palate with a light oiliness. Honey, ginger, spicy, peach, anise and citrus rind flavours. A dryer style (yeah) that shows some elegance and solid fruit. Try this with roasted or grilled chicken. Made with Similkameen fruit.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Glen Carlou Grand Classique 2010
Paarl, Coastal Region, South AfricaOpen smoky, leather, earthy, meaty nose with fresh black cherry, cranberry, resin, peppery, barnyard aromas. Fresh, round, smooth palate with cassis, black berry, cranberry, coffee and a meaty, vanilla, cedar, orange peel undercarriage. It finishes a touch green and rustic but with fine overall balance and finesse. A big improvement over the last vintage - a return to form of what is normally a reliable buy.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $21.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
King Estate Acrobat Pinot Noir 2012
Oregon, United StatesFresh spicy, cocoa, celery salt, strawberry 'Oregon' nose flecked with vanilla and licorice. The attack is juicy with savoury, smoky, celery salt, pepper, strawberry jam flavours and silky tannins. A solid, easy-sipping, modern-style pinot you could serve with your favourite pork dishes.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Boutari Grande Reserve Naoussa 2007
Naousa, Makedonia, GreeceSmoky, resin, prune, and cedar aromas flecked with pepper, black berry, soy, tobacco, somewhat meaty aromas. Full, round, dry attack with some astringency on the back palate. Cedar, smoky, prune, tobacco, leather, licorice, soy and dried fig flavours. Good concentration and showing a bit of maturity despite the tannin. Try with grilled meat dishes or give it a few more years to shed its rustic notes.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $22.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Bodega Atamisque Serbal Malbec 2012
Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaCorked, try anotherPrices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Bodega Atamisque Catalpa Malbec 2011
Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaInviting savoury, poultry spice, pepper, floral nose with black cherry, tobacco aromas with bits of vanilla and cedar. Ripe, round, fresh, elegant palate with light tannin. More pepper, chocolate, vanilla, black cherry jam, licorice and poultry spice mark the palate with hints of smoky leather. A forward style that you can drink now but don't be surprised by the finesse and balance here. Try this with your favourite cut of steak.Prices:| US | $15.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Bodega Atamisque Catalpa Pinot Noir 2011
Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaOpen fresh peppery, rooty, strawberry jam nose with light barnyard, leather pinot noir notes. Dry, fresh, elegant but slightly lean palate with vanilla, smoky, cedar, tobacco, coffee, herb and strawberry flavours. Finishes warm with a hint of pruney fruit but otherwise a good effort. Try this with salmon steaks.Prices:| US | $15.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Monte Antico Toscano 2009
Santa Lucia, Pisa, Tuscany, ItalyMonte Antico is classic meets new wave. The mini super Tuscan mixes 85/10/5 sangiovese/cabernet sauvignon/ merlot made by winemaker Franco Bernabei. The wine is aged for one year in 80 percent Slavonian oak with 20 percent French before spending 6 months in the bottle prior to release. Look for a medium rich, fragrant red with plenty of berry fruit, leather, dried herbs and fine acidity underneath. The style is soft and forward and clearly ready to drink. Try this with a meaty pasta dishes or chicken.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $19.00 | 750ml |
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26 August 2014
91PTS
Domaine Christian Moreau Chablis 1er Cru Vaillon 2012
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceSpicy herb, green apple, seashell, lemon, lees and nutty aromas. Fresh, crisp, juicy but creamy palate with big green apple, lime, honey, lees, grassy, nectarine skin and seashell flavours. Big intense and concentrated palate with good acidity balance and fruit. Super effort for the price and delicious now but will improve over the next 2-4 years.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $40.00 | 750ml |
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25 August 2014
89PTS
Yalumba Y Series Viognier 2013
South Australia, AustraliaSeriously well executed vintage in and vintage out. Floral, spicy, ginger, lime, nectarine and apple aromas. Fresh, juicy, creamy palate with light sweetness but solid acidity to balance. Ginger, honey, lime, orange peel, rose petal and lees flavours. Excellent finesse here and a ridiculous value for viognier fans.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $16.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Bodega Atamisque Serbal Viognier 2013
Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaFresh spicy, ginger, floral nose with green apple, nectarine, lime and honey with earthy undercurrent. The attack is juicy the palate round with grapefruit, ginger, lees, honey, light butter, ginger and dried orange peel flavours. Good flavours if a bit on the warm side. A solid effort that would be undoubtedly better under screw cap. Try it with a chicken curry dish.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bodega Atamisque Catalpa Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaSmoky, black olive, cassis, peppery, blackberry, floral, prune and tobacco aromas. Fresh, juicy, dry, rich palate with some young, gritty tannins. Coffee, cassis, black berry, peppery, black olive, licorice root, smoky herb flavours. A bit warm on the finish but good intensity and fruit. Needs 2-3 years to round out the green tea tannins or serve now with grilled beef dishes. Good value.Prices:| US | $15.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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13 August 2014
86PTS
Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr Kuhlmann-Platz Gewurztraminer 2012
Alsace, FranceLight floral, pear, peach and lychee aromas. Fresh, juicy, round palate but quite sweet. Honey, pear, light lychee, slate and soapy floral flavours. Nice freshness but too sweet for our taste in the finish. Try this with your favourite curry dish.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Calliope Figure 8 White 2013
British Columbia, CanadaMelon, honey, grapefruit, floral, pear aromas. Fresh, juicy, somewhat sweet palate with grapefruit, granny smith, floral, honey and orange flavours. Solid fruity, fun style for the summer. Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Matteo Correggia Roero Nebbiolo 2011
Alba, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyLicorice, smoky, peppery, chocolate, cedar, prune, cherry and dried herb aromas. Dry, fresh, smooth, juicy palate with black cherry, resin, licorice root, smoky herb, coffee and prune flavours. A bit hot on the finish but good fruit for grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Santa Rita Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2011
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileThis all Maipo fruit cabernet exhibits the regional aromas of cassis/menthol/bay leaf with an earthy, chocolate undercurrent. The attack is dry and fresh the tannins light with blackcurrant, black olives and mocha/chocolate flavours rubbed with 'boldo' or wild dried herbs. Some 60% of the wine is aged in American oak barrels the remainder in stainless steel vats. A great value for cabernet drinkers who love to grill meat on the barbecue.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Bellbird Spring River Terrace Pinot Noir 2012
Waipara Valley, South Island, New ZealandSpicy, caraway, smoky, tobacco, savoury, strawberry jam, rhubarb and celery salt aromas. Soft, round, smooth, elegant and juicy palate. Peppery, strawberry jam, spicy, vanilla, smoky, tobacco, celery root and rhubarb flavours. Very nice finesse and balance to drink now -5 years. Prices:| BC | $43.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Bellbird Spring Block Eight Sauvignon Blanc 2012
Waipara Valley, South Island, New ZealandPassion fruit, honey, gooseberry, celery, spicy, roast pepper and citrus aromas. Dry, fresh, juicy, creamy palate with green apple, passion fruit, grapefruit, grassy, nettle and light lees flavours. Delicate, fresh style if a bit young and austere at the moment. Needs a year or two further.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Cassini Cellars Viognier Marsanne Roussanne 2012
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHoney, apricot, lanolin, floral, ginger, spicy lees, vanilla and almond aromas. Ripe, full, round, soft but juicy palate. Vanilla, nutty lees, grassy, grapefruit, smoky, dry mandarin peel, honey flavours. Good intensity with a slightly oily texture. Well balanced but could use a year or so in bottle to integrate the oak. Well made. Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Laughing Stock Vineyards Viognier +09/10 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight lees, honey, vanilla, apple skin, light mandarin aromas. Round, fresh, dry and oily in the back end despite a lean initial palate. Honey, orange, spicy, ginger, vanilla, lees flavours with a slight bitterness on the finish. This improves with some air and seems to open up so perhaps keep it a few years and it will surprise to the upside. Youthful style but food-friendly.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
CedarCreek Platinum Viognier 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, spicy, ginger, green apple, honey and apricot aromas. Ripe, round, juicy and slightly oily but somewhat soft and sweet. Honey, apricot, light lees, floral, candied orange flavours. A very solid effort with good fruit and texture but could use less sweetness on the finish.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Bench 1775 Gewurztraminer 2013
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery spicy, rose petal, lemon grassy and grapefruit aromas. Dry, fresh, juicy, somewhat lean palate with lemon, green apple, spicy, ginger, rose water and citrus rind flavours. Try this with spicy food for best results.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
St Ursula Golden October Niersteiner Kabinett NV
Rheinhessen, GermanyNot every riesling is electric and pulsing with minerality, but this simple little example from the Rheinhessen hold its own for $11. The nose is fragrant with tropical fruit undertones. The attack fresh with bright lemon and peach notes and some residual sweetness in the finish. Easy sipping patio style white for appetizers or spicy sushi. Prices:| BC | $11.00 | 750ml |
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12 August 2014
89PTS
Wolf Blass Gold Label Langhorne Creek Malbec 2012
Langhorne Creek, South Australia, AustraliaBlack cherry, spicy, peppery, savoury, tobacco, coffee, vanilla, meaty, plum aromas. Ripe, round, rich, juicy palate with some light tannins. Coffee, vanilla, peppery, poultry spice, chocolate, black cherry jam and tobacco flavours. Fine fruit intensity battles the oak but it is still ready for current drinking. Solid effort here showing the juicy fleshy side of malbec.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| NFL | $23.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Wave Series by Carmen Right Wave Pinot Noir 2013
Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileThe folks at Carmen have invested in the cool coastal Leyda region and have released a bargain price pinot with cool, earthy, carrot top, rhubarb, light barnyard aromas. Round, dry, and easy sipping on the palate with orange, coffee, tobacco, smoky, savoury, rhubarb flavours. Warm and ready to drink. Solid fruit for the money.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Trivento Golden Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Mendoza, ArgentinaClassic Golden Reserve - savoury, black cherry, cassis jam, pepper, tobacco, poultry spice, vanilla and chocolate aromas. Dry, fresh, somewhat tight palate with some light tannins and heat. Licorice, vanilla, black berry jam, coffee, savoury, tobacco, peppery, poultry spice and black tea flavours. Good fruit and intensity but quite warm and austere on the finish. Needs a few years to soften.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.25 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.28 | 750ml |
| NF | $14.68 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Noble Ridge Pinot Grigio 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRipe pear, nectarine, light lees, floral, grapefruit aromas. Fresh, creamy, juicy palate if somewhat sweet. Honey, pear, grapefruit, spicy, floral flavours. Good fun style if a bit sweet. Try this with Indian curries.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Doña Paula Los Cardos Malbec 2013
Mendoza, ArgentinaPeppery, tobacco, slightly meaty, savoury, black cherry and herb aromas. Fresh, round, off dry, juicy palate with black cherry, tobacco, celery salt, poultry spice, dried fig and herb flavours. Good value.Prices:| BC | $13.85 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Piera Martellozzo Blu Giovello Prosecco Extra Dry NV
Veneto, ItalyMedium fine mousse with earthy, peach skin, honey, cooked pear aromas. Soft, slightly foamy, easy palate with a touch of sweetness but a drier style. Earthy, pear skin, honey, melon, cooked peach flavours. Simple but stylish. Try it with your favourite appetizers before dinner.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Laughing Stock Vineyards Amphora VRM +30/09 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Enns have produced a tribute to how wine was made a thousand years ago by using the ancient technique of fermenting in terracotta clay amphorae. VRM is short for viognier, roussanne and marsanne and the Rhone-style white blend is off to a great start. The grapes are wild-fermented and aged on the skins in clay pots. The colour is pale yellow with honey, light grapefruit, waxy, cinnamon, baked peach and pear aromas. Dry, elegant, round, slightly oily texture with soft acidity. Soapy floral, lychee, ginger, honey, pear, baked quince and herb flavours. A bit warm but good complexity and texture on the finish with a slight bit of astringency. Well done and you can drink this wine now. Love the price too.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Benjamin Bridge Brut Méthode Classique 2009
Gaspereau Valley, Nova Scotia, CanadaLots of fine white mousse. Toasty, nutty, baked green apple, pear, and light floral, honey and muscat aromas. Fresh, juicy, creamy, big mousse entry with baked green apple, lime, pear, nutty, bitter almond, grassy flavours. Good intensity and balance if on the austere side which has its appeal to a small but discerning group of sparkling wine lovers. The latest '09 Brut is a unique Nova Scotian blend of L'Acadie, chardonnay and seyval. We love the overall delicacy. Well done.Prices:| ON | $50.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $47.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $50.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Cipes Blanc de Noirs 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGood fine bubbles with floral, raspberry, green apple, biscuit and honey aromas. Fresh, juicy, slightly foamy and sweet palate with red cherry, almond, honey, toasty, citrus, baked apple flavours. Good fruit intensity but finish a bit sweet. Best with spicy foods.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Ganton & Larson Prospect Winery Ogopogo's Lair Pinot Grigio 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRipe pear, peach, honey, citrus and canned apple aromas. Fresh, juicy, creamy palate in a slightly softer style with some sweetness. Grapefruit, green apple, pear skin, lees and butter flavours.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Intrigue Pinot Gris 2013
Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery light pink colour. Fresh light grapefruit, lime, honey, ripe pear aromas. Juicy palate with some sweetness. Pear skin, ripe apple, lime, floral, honey and spice flavours. Good fruit but with a touch of bitterness in the back end. Well-made and fun to drink. Serve well chilled.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Little Yering Pinot Noir 2012
Yarra Valley, Victoria, AustraliaLighter, brick ruby colour. Savoury, carrot top, celery salt, light barnyard, strawbe3rry and herb aromas. Dry, fresh, easy palate if a bit tight. Rhubarb, smoky, savoury, celery salt, coffee, vanilla bean and tobacco flavours. Very warm finish but solid fruit and style.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Oak Bay Vineyard Gamay Noir 2012
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig peppery, sausage, rooty, licorice, smoky, black cherry and tobacco aromas. Dry, fresh, juicy, elegant but slightly austere style with black cherry, savoury, tobacco, meaty, peppery, licorice root and smoke flavours. Good solid fruit to go with food.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Santa Julia Pinot Grigio 2013
Mendoza, ArgentinaFloral, peach, honey, slightly nutty, baked pear aromas. Fresh, round, juicy, somewhat sweet entry with spicy, grapefruit rind, baked pear, nutty and apple skin flavours. A bit sweet and sour but has solid fruit.Prices:| ON | $11.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Castaño Lujuria 2013
Yecla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainFresh peppery, plum, licorice nose with tobacco, black olive and floral aromas. Round, fresh, juicy, slightly lean palate with licorice root, smoky, peppery, spicy, black plum and coffee flavours with a bit of tobacco leaf. Fruity, fresh style for food. Solid value at this price.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Castaño Casa De La Cera 2011
Yecla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainPeppery, black olive, black cherry jam, plum, savoury, fig, black licorice, chocolate nose with floral, balsamic aromas. The blend is 50/50 monastrell with garnacha and cabernet sauvignon fermented and aged ion oak giving it a rich, full, round, dry palate with dense, chalky tannins. Vanilla, chocolate, gamey, black berry, black raspberry, licorice root, black tea, tobacco flavours. Good finesse and fruit concentration in a very youthful wine. Cellar this for another three to five years.Prices:| BC | $80.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $60.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Castaño Colección Cepas Viejas 2011
Yecla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainAnother beauty from the Castaño family. Black cherry, floral, balsamic, tobacco, licorice, dried fig, cedar and chocolate aromas. Ripe, full, smooth and juicy palate. Cassis, black berry, cedar, tobacco, smoky resin, licorice, savoury, vanilla flavours. Very good fruit and intensity. Well balanced to drink now and over the next 2-3 years.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
La Casona de Castaño Old Vines Monastrell 2013
Yecla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainSpicy, black plum, tobacco, floral, rooty, cedar aromas. Light, fresh, elegant and juicy palate with light tannins. Black cherry, rooty, plum, herbal, tobacco, meaty, coffee flavours. Good fruit if a bit lean and light but fine for any grilled meat. Solid value again.Prices:| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $10.25 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Noble Ridge Reserve Meritage 2009
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFive years ageing has been kind to this blend with an attractive, ripe black berry nose flecked with plums, chocolate, vanilla and savoury, smoked herbs. Dry, fresh, warm, juicy palate with some grainy tannins. Big cedar, chocolate, vanilla, peppery, black tea, black berry jam, cassis, savoury, tobacco leaf flavours. Good intensity and concentration with the ability to improve further. Well done and fun to drink now. Serve this with your favourite cut of meat.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wolf Blass Gold Label Barossa Shiraz 2012
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaSmoky, gamey, floral, peppery nose with black berry jam, blue berry, vanilla notes. Ripe, suave and juicy on the palate with black berry, licorice, smoky, blueberry, pencil lead, game and vanilla cream flavours. Good fruit but warm and tart on the finish. This should fatten up over the next two years but you can serve now with roasted meat.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $24.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NFL | $24.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $23.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
LaStella Fortissimo 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBright spicy, tobacco leaf, black olive nose with coffee, cranberry, cassis and smoky aromas. The attack is dry, fresh and full with some youthful tannins followed by peppery, prune, coffee, roast bell pepper, black olive, cranberry, vanilla flavours with a hint of tomato paste. A cooler style red blend a la Tuscany that needs more time in the bottle to shed some tannin. Serve now with grilled meats. The blend is 70 percent merlot mixed with cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and sangiovese.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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11 August 2014
88PTS
Louis Bernard Côtes du Rhône Rouge 2012
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceWe just can't get enough of this unoaked 70/30 grenache syrah made form a mix of 20-year old fruit grown across the region. The texture boasts both roundness and structure with underlying aromatic, smoky cherry/raspberry notes that feed into more black cherry fruit and signature spicy garrigue notes throughout. It's good value and you can drink it now but it will reward a year or two of ageing in the bottle. Best with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $14.50 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $14.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Gewürztraminer Organic 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight lychee, ginger, spicy, honey aromas. Round, soft, somewhat sweet palate with soapy floral, citrus, baked pear and peach skin flavours. Not a patch on last year's offering.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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10 August 2014
88PTS
Spierhead Pinot Gris 2013
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWinemaker Bill Pierson appears to have the touch, which means he doesn't touch his wines if it isn't necessary. The '13 gris is another fine effort from the intense pear and tropical fruit/guava aromas. The attack is juicy and fresh with red apples, guava, lime and honey all flecked with a touch of minerality. Very food friendly; we paired this with crab cakes and fresh corn and it was perfection. Good value.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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08 August 2014
88PTS
Laughing Stock Vineyards Pinot Gris +04/10 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPower runs through this pinot gris from front to back. The front is a mix of honey and apples with a drizzling of nectarine to reduce the sweetness. The palate is creamy and alcohol smooth with more ripe fruit and power and an underlying touch of lime rind bitterness. The finish is warm and spicy. An attractive style built for food and in this case pork would be a fine match. Good value.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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05 August 2014
89PTS
River Stone Cabernet Franc 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe River Stone cabernet franc comes off ten year old estate wines grown just south of McIntyre Bluff. This is a big red at 14.7 percent alcohol with leafy chocolate red fruit nuances. The attack is chalky with weighty cranberry, red cherry, chocolate, leafy tobacco flavours with a hint of tomato leaf. Fresh juicy very cabernet franc. Cellar for now to shed some gritty tannin or serve with a well-marbled, T-bone steak. The wine spends 14 months in 100% French oak and should age well up to 5-7 years.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Devil's Rock Pfalz Riesling 2012
Pfalz, GermanyEvery year this wine delivers honest fresh juicy riesling in the dry style. The nose is a mix of fresh green apple fruit and citrus aromas. The entry is dry with tart, citrus, mineral and lemon notes. A food-friendly bargain that will work most weeknights. Good value for riesling drinkers.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Sea Star Stella Ortega 2013
Pender Island, Southern Gulf Islands, British Columbia, CanadaAnother aromatic coastal white that is clean and fresh. The attack is crisp with tropical grapefruit and melon and bits of orange with some additional lime rind adding some bitterness to the finish. Solid but lacks bit of electricity. Try this with summer seafood salads and Pan Asian dishes.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Unsworth Vineyards Allegro 2013
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaI've yet visited Unsworth Vineyards but I feel I know them well by their wine. I'm guessing the owners are fresh and bright like the wines. In the case of Allegro, they could be a bit mysterious similar to the blend petit milo, pinot gris and pinot noir blend. All kidding aside this wine has the right DNA, from electricity, to acidity and a fresh, lean aromatic demeanour including chalk, apricots and peach with the requisite savoury finish. Unique and well done.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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04 August 2014
87PTS
Duck Pond Pinot Noir 2012
Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesLow key but reliable the 'regular' pinot spends some eight months in French and neutral American oak. The style is medium-weight with a predominately earthy, barnyard black cherry palate and a fairly oaky finish. Best with food at the moment.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Tidal Bay by Benjamin Bridge 2013
Gaspereau Valley, Nova Scotia, CanadaTidal Bay is an appellation not a brand. It's really a three-part story. All grapes must be from NS, the prime candidates are L'Acadie Blanc, Seyval, Vidal and Geisenheim 318. The yields must average 3 tonnes per acre they are to be pressed with a bladder or basket press. There can be no more than 20% new oak in the wine with alcohol required in 9.5% to 11% range. The style is fresh and dry with juicy, cooked apple aromas and flavours. Simple clean style that works with a variety of seafood, vegetarian and white meats. Good wine, crazy price.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Mission Hill Perpetua Chardonnay Osoyoos Vineyard Estate 2011
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2011 is particularly cool and chiselled with floral, mineral, citrus notes on the nose and throughout the flavours. It has put on some weight since an earlier tasting adding hazelnuts to its juicy grapefruit, mineral citrus flavours with subtle dried herbs and flecks of minerality throughout. This wine has really turned the corner and will be a solid dinner wine for the next three to five years. Perfect for shellfish or elegantly prepared chicken dishes.Prices:| SK | $40.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $40.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $35.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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03 August 2014
90PTS
Nautilus Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandNautilus always presents on the riper, richer side of New Zealand sauvignon blanc. Awash in passion fruit, green melon, kiwi fruit with a squeeze of lemon and a touch of jalapeno. The attack is full-bodied, serious if you like, with heft and weight to perfectly balance the bold passion fruit and green apple flavours. Made for food. Think steamed mussels, halibut or swordfish.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $25.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Calliope Rosé 2013
British Columbia, CanadaFresh soft strawberry/cranberry aromas and mark the palate of this mix of syrah and viognier. There's a modicum of spice and sagebrush that weaves into more of the same strawberry/cranberry fruit. Simple well-made rosé that will work with a variety of vegetarian dishes.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Hofmann Sauvignon Blanc Trocken 2013
Rheinhessen, GermanyThe fruit for the Hofmann sauvignon is picked over a series of days to blend underripe, ripe and overripe fruit to achieve a mix flavours and layers of flavours. This well-made sauvignon reflects its detail to attention with fresh pure tropical fruit flavours flecked with gooseberry, grapefruit pulp and asparagus. The finish is long and rich. Perfect for most Indian dishes.Prices:| EU | $5.50 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Blue Mountain Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBetter than last year's fine effort. Intense gooseberry, grapefruit aromas mix with citrus and grassy nettle overtones. The attack is very fresh and electric with grassy, grapefruit, gooseberry flavours. Best to temper the acidity with food - steamed clams in butter would be a fine match.Prices:| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Two Oceans Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Western Cape, South AfricaClean cool, fresh nose of pear and grapefruit with a whiff of grass. The attack is juicy with lemon, grapefruit rind, melon, grassy, dried herb flavours. Simple straight up sauvignon for an assortment of raw fish dishes. Good value. Grapes were sourced from vineyards in the Stellenbosch, Paarl, Robertson and Worcester regions.Prices:| BC | $9.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $12.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $12.45 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tinhorn Creek Gewürztraminer 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis wine is now on a consistent plane offer freshness, lively fruit and floral mineral notes. Fun fresh litchi fruit mixes with pink grapefruit, bitter lime and spicy. Fresh, food-friendly just off dry style that is perfect with Indian curries or spicy Thai dishes.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Intrigue Gewurztraminer 2013
British Columbia, CanadaA carbon copy of last year's excellent effort. Look for orange blossoms sweet baked pear and litchi fruit aromas. The attack is round and easy-sipping with spicy, orange, pink grapefruit flavours with flecks of honey. Simple, clean, fun to drink. Try this with spicy barbecued ribs.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Gray Monk Pinot Auxerrois 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLovely fresh, crisp style here with a bright green apple, floral citrus nose. The attack is juicy with perfect pitch and styling. A slightly drier rendition with green apple, mineral and quince flavours. A versatile drop for shellfish, sushi or summer salads. Unique. Good value.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Xanadu Next of Kin Shiraz 2011
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaAnother warm ripe vintage from Western A. Two parts are co-fermented with a small portion of viognier before malolactic and 14 months in wood - mostly French (15 percent new). A small component of graciano rounds out the blend adding extra spice. The nose is peppery with fresh crushed dried leaves plum and herbal aromas. The attack is warm and slightly soupy with peppery, chocolate plum and tobacco flavours. Fun easy sipping red best with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
St. Hubertus Chasselas 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis wine over delivers most years especially when it is clean and not offering too much sulphur as is the case in 2013. Love the vibrant fresh attack of grapefruit and green apple and citrus with just a hint of sagebrush. Really a perfect summer wine for shellfish or grilled prawns.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Oak Bay Vineyard Gewürztraminer 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLove the value here in a simple but well-made gewürztraminer. Look for apricot, spice, light litchi and ginger aromas before a full, rich, sweet attack. The palate is soft and generous with ripe honey/litchi flavours mixed with bits of baked pear. Sweet and soft but with fine intensity and length. Try this with barbecue ribs or spicy chicken dishes.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Wonderwall Wine Shiraz 2012
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaBlack pepper, resiny, blueberry fruit nose. The attack is warm and fresh with black olive, blueberry, liquorice and savoury, fresh dried herbs. Simple everyday hamburger red. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Castoro de Oro Estate Heart of Gold 2011
Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, Central Coast, California, United StatesThe latest 'Heart of Gold' is a mix of siegfried, pinot blanc, viognier and pinot auxerrois grown on the Golden Mile. Expect a soft, buttery affair with bit of almonds, melon and ripe apricots and spice. Best with white fish in a butter sauce. Needs to be fresher to really tell its story.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
50th Parallel Estate Gewurztraminer 2013
Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen fresh, pure style gewürztraminer with a cool citrus undercurrent. There's litchi some ginger and freshness with flecks of orange fruit pastilles. Good balance here and the appropriate length for the price. Fish tacos would be a fun pairing or spicy tuna sushi.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Vina Maipo Pinot Noir 2012
Region del Valle Central, ChileClassic sweet and sour style with more cedar than pinot noir fruit. Bits of blueberries and red fruits dot the soft-ish mid-palate and finish. Simple, easy-sipping red with not a lot of pinot character. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
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02 August 2014
85PTS
Obikwa Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Western Cape, South AfricaFresh soft, light, quaffable style with bits of sweet grapefruit and a touch of lime rind. Simple, fun and affordable. Stock up. Serve this on the patio with your favourite summer afternoon appetizers. Super value in market full of overpriced cheap wine.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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88PTS
Meyer Gewurztraminer 2012
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaI love this juicy, mineral-style gewürztraminer that comes with no oily textures or strong rindy fruit character. The fruit comes off McLean Creek Road Vineyard and the block is 20-years old. The fermentation was long, slow and cold and the wine sat on its fine lees for another four months adding complexity and texture. Look for fresh litchi, orange fruit with a spicy undercurrent. Delicious and ready to drink. Serve with just about any vegetarian dish including sushi.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Quails' Gate Gewürztraminer 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAlways fun the QG gewürztraminer opens with a floral/litchi, fruit aroma mixed with peach and nectarine skin. The attack is dry and juicy with citrus, honey, peach and pink grapefruit flavours. The finish is dry and tangy calling for summer-style, Asian salads.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $18.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Le Vieux Pin Equinoxe Syrah 2011
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaI'm convinced the cool 2011 growing season is behind this fabulous scented red. Dry and firm; if you close your eyes you would think with it's a Northern Rhone. The spice, the bacon, the white pepper the floral notes everything comes together here with licorice and superb balance. So impressive in the mouth and long and it is still just a baby. There is one percent viognier co-fermented in the mix. Serve now with lamb chops or cellar five years.Prices:| BC | $80.00 | 750ml |
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September 2014