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Tastings: September 2014
30 September 2014
89PTS
Bellavista Franciacorta Cuvée Brut NV
Lombardy, ItalyLots of medium fine mousse with a big nutty, toasty, cherry, baked apple, spicy, honey aromas. Round, juicy, slightly foamy and on the sweeter side of brut. Cherry, baked apple, nutty, spicy, honey, peach and guava flavours. Good finesse but a riper, fuller style for consumers to drink anytime. Very good sparkling wine.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 375ml |
| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Umani Ronchi CaSal di Serra Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi 2013
Marche, ItalyLight almond, pear, lime, red apple, grassy aromas with an earthy note. Dry, fresh, full, round and juicy palate with honey, spicy, baked red apple, peach and grass flavours. Good intensity and length, solid value here.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Mission Hill Limited Edition Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Encounters with Iceland 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig black pepper, sausage meat, smoky, tobacco, cedar, savoury, riparian, tobacco, Oxo, smoky, prune aromas. Dry, fresh, elegant, round, juicy palate with earthy, coffee, prune, resin, meaty notes wrapped up in a peppery, vanilla bean, olive paste flavours. Good balance and long, soft, chalky tannins but somewhat flat on the finish. Give this some time to let the fruit pop through.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Lomas del Valle Cabernet Franc 2012
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileSpicy, savoury, celery, cranberry, tobacco, smoky, cherry, roasted pepper and bay aromas. Soft, fresh, smooth palate with cranberry, smoky resin, peppery, sappy cassis, bay and tobacco flavours. Easy sipping, fresh style with fruit for current drinking. Good value.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Noble Ridge Mingle 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWaxy, floral, spicy, honey, matchstick, grapefruit rind aromas. Fat, soft, oily, somewhat sweet entry with bitter orange rind, baked apple, floral, soapy, honey, grassy flavours. A simple, off-dry sipper for spicy dishes.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Calvet Bordeaux Reserve Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Bordeaux, FranceSmoky, menthol, peppery, earthy, tobacco, black cherry, coffee and light barnyard aromas. Fresh, soft, easy palate with cedar, cassis, smoky, rooty, tobacco, olive flavours. Simple, forwards style with some finesse. Solid value in as basic a Bordeaux as it gets. Steak and fries anyone?Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Hofmann Gruner Silvaner Trocken 2013
Rheinhessen, GermanyFloral, cooked pear, green apple, matchstick, orange aromas. Fresh, juicy, creamy, off dry palate with lime, honey, guava, canned pear and apple flavours with a hint of spritz. Good fun style for summer sipping or pan-Asian dishes.Prices:| EU | $4.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Perseus Cabernet Shiraz 2012
British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, peppery, licorice, smoky, black cherry, resin, earthy aromas. Fresh, round, juicy, easy palate with light tannins. Black cherry, resin, savoury, spicy, peppery, licorice and poultry spice flavours with a light black tea and tannin finish. Forward, easy-sipping style for drinking now and over the next two years.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Tinhorn Creek 2Bench Oldfield Series White 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOrange rind, butter, lees, earthy, spicy, matchstick, apple skin, floral aromas but a bit reduced. Round, soft, easy palate with baked pear, orange rind, lees, salted pear, baked apple, ginger and butter flavours. Not as electric as previous editions but solid. Drink up. Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Benjamin Bridge Nova 7 2013
Gaspereau Valley, Nova Scotia, CanadaPale pink colour with moderate mousse and 7% alcohol. Green apple, floral, menthol, nectarine skin, orange rind, ginger and matchstick aromas. Fresh, juicy, crisp but somewhat sweet with grassy, orange peel, grapefruit, green apple skin, herb and green mango flavours. A delicious, simple, easy-sipping sparkler reminiscent of a sparkling Italian Moscato.Prices:| NS | $25.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, black olive, tobacco, cassis, riparian, minty, peppery, savoury aromas. Dry, fresh, elegant, slightly lean palate with light tannins. Savoury, cedar, herbal, peppery, chocolate, coffee grind, peppery, prune flavours. Serve this with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $25.25 | 750ml |
| NS | $31.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Torres Reserva Real 2009
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainTorres makes this single estate wine at the Santa Margarida d'Agulladolç site in Penedès. Look for plum jam, cassis jam, meaty, savoury and peppery notes mixed with tapenade, licorice root, coffee, vanilla and cedar aromas. The attack is ripe, dry, juicy, fresh and elegant with a smooth, grainy tannins followed by more coffee, pepper, savoury, tobacco, blackberry, balsamic, cassis, licorice, vanilla and roasted meat flavours. Long, elegant and juicy finish with the potential to improve with three to seven years aging. Very fine balance.Prices:| ON | $140.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $120.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Feather Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesBig cassis, tapenade, tobacco, peppery, smoky, savoury, meaty, dried fig, coffee and vanilla aromas. Rich, full, round, juicy, suave palate with very ripe tannins. Very peppery, smoky, savoury, Christmas cake, cassis, black berry, cedar, tobacco, meaty, licorice and chocolate flavours. Warm, oaky, smooth talking style here with lots of intensity for that beef or lamb dish. Drinkable now but should improve with two to five more years in bottle. Well made.Prices:| BC | $65.00 | 750ml |
| US | $65.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $77.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $85.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $67.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Chester-Kidder Red Blend 2010
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesBlack berry, coffee, vanilla, five spice, light sausage meat, peppery, tobacco, poultry spice and leather aromas. Rich, ripe, round, smooth and elegant palate with very suave tannins. Coffee, tobacco, peppery, cedar, cassis jam, black berry, savoury meat, poultry spice, vanilla and orange peel with a bit of cigar on the finish. Very juicy, warm, oaky finish but also very young, needs 2-5 years. A more hedonistic style but balanced. Delicious styling, fine evolution.Prices:| BC | $70.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $70.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $69.00 | 750ml |
| US | $42.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $54.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Intrigue Social 2013
Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaEnticing grapefruit, orange, spicy, lemon oil nose with bits of ginger and green apple skin. Round, full, fresh, juicy palate with some sweetness. Orange, canned grapefruit, soapy floral, green apple and ginger flavours. A fine, easy-sipping white to serve with pre-dinner appetizers.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Vinya Nostra Xarel-lo 2012
Quince, ginger, pear, floral, green apple and herb aromas. Round, dry, fresh, soft, delicate palate with green apple, grapefruit, pear, grassy, ginger flavours. Pure and somewhat lean style but flavourful and would be perfect with most shellfish dishes.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Sea Star Stella Maris 2013
Pender Island, Southern Gulf Islands, British Columbia, CanadaEarthy, kumquat, spicy, floral, grapefruit rind, grassy aromas. Dry, fresh, elegant, juicy palate with grapefruit, nettle, light lees, floral, spicy, grassy, green apple flavours. Fresh, zippy style with good dry finish to go with prawns or fish. Well done and presented in a first rate package that fits the image of the wine. Now if only we could find out the price we would really be happy.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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29 September 2014
87PTS
Time Meritage Red 2011
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe inaugural meritage at Time is a 60/25/15 blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon cabernet franc that opens with an earthy tobacco leaf, black olive, sagebrush nose with flecks of cranberry and prunes. The attack is dry, fresh and smooth with more prune, cranberry, cassis, tobacco, savoury, vanilla, coffee and herb flavours. Solid if still a bit young and rustic. This needs three to five years to fully bloom.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Domaine de la Rosiere Jongiuex Blanc 2013
Savoie, FranceEarthy, spicy, lemon, pear, quince, floral, almond aromas. Dry, tight, juicy but somewhat hard acidity. Grassy, lemon, quince, green pear and nettle flavours. A skinny, Euro-style white that needs food to balance the acidity.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sandhill Chardonnay Sandhill Estate Vineyard Block B11 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, buttered popcorn, vanilla, baked pear, peach, green apple skin, grassy aromas. Fresh, dry, juicy palate with canned grapefruit, butter, vanilla, honey, green apple, gooseberry and lees flavours. Finish is a touch too sweet and buttery with some bitter citrus rind.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
L'Ecole No 41 Syrah 2011
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesBig chocolate, black berry jam, licorice, vanilla, savoury, meaty, tobacco aromas. Ripe, round, smooth palate with good acidity but warm. Black licorice, smoky, coffee, vanilla, resin, blackberry jam, balsamic, meaty, thyme flavours. Warm finish but good texture and elegance with a bit of youthful acidity.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $45.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Loma Larga Cabernet Franc Unfiltered 2008
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileDeep cherry colour. Big spicy, sappy, cassis, cranberry, plum, smoky, leather, tobacco, orange peel, licorice root and bay aromas. Ripe, full, round, fresh and juicy palate with light tannins. Orange peel, peppery, clove, licorice, black cherry, vanilla, cranberry, smoky, tobacco and dried bay flavours all with fine fruit intensity with length. Drinkable now but will improve with 2-5 years. A very fine effort.Prices:| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Stoneboat Vineyards Chorus 2013
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, floral, pear, green apple, citrus and peach aromas. Fresh, juicy, round palate with light ginger, green apple, spicy, lime, guava and pear flavours. A clean, fresh, elegant style for any food. Dryer than last vintage.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Domaine du Tariquet Classic 2013
Gascony, FranceFloral, passion fruit, grapefruit, gooseberry, pear aromas. Fresh, dry, juicy palate with a touch of spritz. Green apple, gooseberry, passion fruit, pear, nettle and lemon flavours. Succulent style with a bit of bitterness and young acidity. Fine for oysters and shellfish. Good value.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Chateau Grand Renom Rouge 2011
Bordeaux, FranceSpicy, peppery, tobacco leaf, smoky, cassis, black olive aromas. Fresh, juicy, elegant, dry palate with very light tannins. Light cassis, cranberry, cedar, earthy, olive, tobacco flavours. A bit tart and lean but has elegance and some fruit and offers value in inexpensive Bordeaux.Prices:| BC | $18.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Moon Curser Arneis 2013
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPear, light lees, apple skin, sweaty grapefruit, matchstick, marzipan aromas. Round, fresh, elegant, dry but flat palate with bitter citrus rind, pear, light honey, nettle, grassy, soapy floral flavours. Just about lean and warm in the finish.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Moon Curser Afraid of the Dark 2013
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, floral, mandarin, ripe pear, honey, lees, butter aromas. Fresh, round, soft, slightly oily palate with rose petal, baked pear, honey, ginger, lees, butter and peach skin flavours. Finish is warm with a bit of bitterness but solid intensity for current drinking. Try with Indian or spicy Chinese.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Syrah 2010
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWhite pepper, mocha, prune, cedar, black berry, resin, licorice root aromas. Round, dry, light and slightly tart palate. Coffee, resin, cedar, prune, leather, balsamic, smoky herb and tobacco flavours. A cool style with some overt oak but will go well with grilled beef.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Saint-Cosme Côtes du Rhône 2012
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceBig black pepper, savoury, licorice, black cherry jam, smoky, light game aromas. Dry, fresh, juicy, ripe palate with some young tannins. Black cherry, peppery, savoury, licorice, coffee, garrigue, gamey, smoky flavours. Very intense, warm, somewhat chunky finish but quite delicious. Will improve over the next 2-3 years. Fine value here. Buy this one by the case.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Jean Leon Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2006
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainSmoked meat, barnyard, saddle leather, tobacco, prune, cedar and coffee aromas. Round, full, dry, elegant but slightly lean palate with light tannins. Coffee grind, meaty, savoury, peppery, tobacco, resin, saddle leather, cedar and olive flavours. Seems tired and very rustic and lacking in fruit. Drink up.Prices:| ON | $28.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Sequel Syrah 2011
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesSpicy, coffee, mocha, blackberry jam, vanilla, cedar, licorice, meaty, black pepper and cedar aromas. Ripe, rich, full, smooth and suave palate with light tannins. Very peppery, clove, vanilla, mocha, black olive, licorice, sausage meat, blackberry jam, Christmas cake and tobacco flavours. Very warm but suave and savoury with finesse. An attractive very hedonistic style of shiraz.Prices:| US | $60.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Pedestal Merlot 2011
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesSavoury, black cherry, chocolate, vanilla, peppery, licorice, gamey, cedar, black olive and cranberry aromas. Rich, full, round, dry, elegant palate with some grainy tannins. Black cherry, espresso, vanilla, peppery, cedar, tobacco, black olive, orange peel, licorice and tobacco flavours. Long, youthful finish and balanced despite the 14.8% alcohol. Fine effort for aging 2-7 years. Best with roasted meat.Prices:| BC | $65.00 | 750ml |
| US | $55.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $60.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $75.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $75.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Scarpette Delle Venezie Pinot Grigio 2012
ItalyFloral, ripe pear, light honey and apple skin aromas. Fresh, dry, creamy, slightly lean palate with grapefruit rind, pear, light lees, honey and guava flavours. Solid style for food.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Jim Barry The Cover Drive Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaBig dry crushed leaf, tobacco, black olive nose with cassis, black berry, spicy, chocolate aromas. Round, fresh, juicy palate with smooth, light tannins. Coffee, balsamic, cedar, black olive, smoky, resin, licorice, cassis and tobacco flavours. Good texture and intensity with a warm slightly acidic finish. Best with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.95 | 750ml |
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28 September 2014
84PTS
No. 99 Wayne Gretzky Okanagan Chardonnay 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight honey, butter, apple skin, matchstick and citrus rind aromas. Light, thin, flat palate with butter, baked apple, peach pit and citrus flavours. Finish is a bit sweet and sour with a touch of bitterness. No comparison to the Sonoma version.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Domaine Christian Moreau Chablis Grand Cru Valmur 2012
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceLight lees, spicy, green apple, seashell, anise, baked pear, light matchstick, lemon, floral aromas. Fresh, ripe, juicy, elegant but precise with very good acidity and texture. Green apple, lime, lemon curd, spicy lees, butter, oatmeal, grassy flavours. The Valmur is always a bit more chiselled and austere than the delicate Les Clos but will undoubtedly mellow over the next five years.Prices:| BC | $70.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $55.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $58.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Domaine Christian Moreau Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2012
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceLight floral, green apple, seashell, spicy, pear skin, quince, lemon aromas. Dry, fresh, juicy, concentrated but elegant palate with light garlic, lees, lemon custard, green apple, floral, grassy, spicy, orange and pear flavours. Typically precise and fresh in the finish but long and intense. Drink now or keep for three to five years. Stylish bottle of Chablis at a great price. Prices:| BC | $70.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $55.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $65.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Domaine Christian Moreau Chablis 1er Cru Vaillon Cuvée Guy Moreau 2012
Chablis, Burgundy, FrancePleasant light lees, lime, leafy, baked apple nose with pear skin, seashore, nutty, floral aromas. Fresh, creamy, juicy, elegant palate with green apple skin, lime, light butter, lees, seashell, grassy, lemon rind flavours. Fabulous intensity, flavourful and still with firm acidity on the finish to allow some further aging. Delicious bottle of chardonnay and a style we should be aping here in British Columbia. Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $37.00 | 750ml |
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81PTS
Sibling Rivalry White 2012
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaHeavy mercaptan, lees, garlic nose with a bit of pear, green apple and matchstick. Fresh, juicy, off-dry style with matchstick, garlic, rubbery, buttery, baked apple flavours. Too much lees work here.Prices:| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $17.50 | 750ml |
| SK | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $17.00 | 750ml |
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27 September 2014
87PTS
Mission Hill Terroir Collection No. 18 Sunset Ranch Chardonnay 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRipe canned pineapple, peach, red apple and light passion fruit aromas with a touch of lime. Fresh, juicy, easy palate with canned pineapple, grapefruit, peach pit and green apple flavours with a touch of oiliness on the finish. Will go well with curry and halibut. Good but like many un-oaked chardonnays it suffers from a lack of gravitas.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Jim Barry The Lodge Hill Shiraz 2011
Clare Valley, South Australia, AustraliaOpen savoury smoky, tobacco, peppery nose with meaty, liquorice curry, blackberry aromas. The attack is round, with some mid-palate acidity and cedar notes with light tannins. Blueberry, black cherry, dried herbs dominate the palate with a medium finish. A lighter version of this wine that is ready to drink. Try this with grilled lamb chops.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $27.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Brazin Old Vine Zinfandel 2010
Lodi, Central Valley, California, United StatesThe nose is the setup, enticing you with vanilla, blackberry cherry aromas. On the palate it is soft with sweet flavours of cherry pie, cinnamon with a touch of acidity poking through its warm, sweet, alcoholic, chocolaty finish. Smoky, fatty, grilled hamburgers are the match.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
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26 September 2014
87PTS
Black Hills Chardonnay 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig buttery, diacetyl, baked apple, vanilla, light lees and honey aromas with a touch of citrus and matchstick. Full, round, juicy, somewhat oily palate with a touch of sweetness. Vanilla, butterscotch, honey, spicy lees, baked apple, popcorn flavours. Very warm, buttery finish with canned peach notes. This is the full-meal deal you can serve with veal and mushrooms to best effect.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Jaffelin Bourgogne Aligoté 2012
Burgundy, FranceGrassy, spicy, green apple, light floral, nettle aromas. Dry, lean, fresh, elegant palate but juicy with green apple, pear, grassy, herbal, lemon flavours. Solid food wine best served with fish. Prices:| BC | $18.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.95 | 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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87PTS
Noble Ridge Reserve Chardonnay 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLots of butter, nutty lees, baked apple, light matchstick, oatmeal and citrus aromas. Fresh, elegant, slightly lean palate with some oiliness. Butterscotch, nutty lees, honey, baked apple skin and citrus rind flavours. Big butterscotch, oaky finish but with some finesse. Try this with savoury roast chicken.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Louis Latour Ardèche Chardonnay 2012
FranceLook for an attractive oatmeal, nutty lees, baked apple nose with lemon and peach highlights. The attack is dry, fresh and juicy with butter, lemon custard, green apple, pear skin and grapefruit flavours. Terrific value here if slightly New World in style. Calamari would be a good match.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.45 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.70 | 750ml |
| NF | $14.50 | 750ml |
| PEI | $16.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Louis Latour Chardonnay Bourgogne 2012
FranceFinally a Bourgogne and I can serve my friends. Fresh citrus, green apple, light grassy aromas. Round, juicy, easy palate with green apple, pear, citrus, butter flavours. Solid finish and fruit in what is food friendly inexpensive Burgundy. Could we get this every year? Scallops anyone. Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $23.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $22.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $21.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
J. P. Chenet Premier De Cuvee Chardonnay Reserve 2012
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceHoney, baked apple, butter, cooked citrus aromas. Fresh, easy, juicy palate with baked apple, citrus, honey, light butter and caramel. Solid for the money, ready to drink. Good value.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $13.50 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Closson Chase Pinot Noir K.J. Watson Vineyard 2011
Niagara River, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaVery pale ruby colour. Strawberry jam, tobacco leaf, compost, celery root, light balsamic, stewed rhubarb aromas. Light, fresh, delicate sweet palate with compost, carrot top, spicy, caraway, strawberry jam, tobacco leaf and herb flavours. Elegant, easy-sipping style pinot that is ready to drink. Try this with duck pate.Prices:| ON | $35.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Closson Chase Closson Chase Vineyard Chardonnay 2012
Prince Edward County, Ontario, CanadaLight gold colour with nutty, mealy, garlic, big matchstick aromas. Fresh, elegant, juicy, round palate with nutty lees, baked peach, honey, lemon custard, sulphur and butterscotch. Fine balance but quite heavily sulphured with some oxidative characters. A love it or leave it style for some but the length and complexity will pull at you. Plenty of power here for anything on the menu.Prices:| ON | $40.00 | 750ml |
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24 September 2014
86PTS
Mission Hill Rosé Five Vineyards 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWith a whiff of sweetness, this budget-friendly and patio-friendly pale rose is a local favourite that appears as soon as the sunshine does. Sweet strawberry jam, candied cherries, watermelon and zesty spice, this juicy blend of merlot, pinot noir and cabernet franc is from vineyards in Kelowna, Oliver, Osoyoos and Naramata. Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.50 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Anderra Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Region del Valle Central, ChileShy nose of peach fuzz, apricot pit and sour muted citrus (like RealLemon in a bottle). The complete opposite on the palate, with assertive and brashy prickly pear, pink grapefruit pith and green apple. Very spicy, zesty finish is short and finishes a touch bitter. Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Serendipity Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaQuiet, closed nose - dusty rock and light citrus. Bright and zesty bone dry palate with sharp notes of kiwi, lemon pith, grapefruit rind, dill and grass. Prickly ending, finishing as it started - with dusty rock and light, bitter citrus. Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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23 September 2014
89PTS
Quails' Gate Pinot Noir Richard's Block 25th Anniversary 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBriar, raspberry, spicy, celery salt, smoky, herb aromas with a light meaty, oak note. Dry, fresh, elegant with some light, astringent tannins yet to dissipate. Raspberry, rhubarb, cedar, gamey, tobacco, orange peel, herb and tobacco leaf flavours. Lean and cool but with solid pinot character that need to integrate over the next 2-4 years and round out with oak.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Stoneboat Vineyards Pinot Noir 2012
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMeaty, leafy, worsteshire, rhubarb, strawberry, balsamic aromas with some toasty oak. Fresh, suave, dry, easy palate with smoky oak, meaty, worsteshire, tobacco leaf, celery salt, resin flavours. Good finesse but the finish is oaky and somewhat sour with some light, astringent tannins. Still needs a few years perhaps to round out.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
J Vineyards Pinot Gris 2013
California, United StatesMuch like the last year this is a surprisingly fresh, floral scented white with pear and melon fruit aromas. The attack is slightly drier than last year, a good thing in our opinion, with juicy pear and citrus fruit flavours with just a hint of bitterness in the finish. Scallops anyone.Prices:| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Liquidity Pinot Noir 2012
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig cherry jam, rhubarb, vanilla, light chocolate, almond, spicy, worsteshire aromas. Dry, fresh, elegant, somewhat tart but juicy palate with peppery, tobacco, cherry, raspberry, vanilla, meaty, tobacco, leather and orange peel flavours. Good solid fruit with promising future. Needs duck or similar food to round out the acidity or give it a few years.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Bottega Il Vino dei Poeti Prosecco Brut 2013
Veneto, ItalyLots of fine, white mousse. Peach, honey, lime, floral aromas. Fresh, juicy, drier style with some persistent foamy mousse. Red apple, peach skin, spicy, grapefruit and almond flavours. Full, fresh style for food.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.15 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Torres 5G Five Garnachas Five Generations 2013
Campo de Borja, Aragon, SpainA new wine from Torres that comes out of the southern Aragon wine region of Campo de Borja. Garnacha tends to be more acidic and lower in alcohol in Spain versus the grenache of France. Look for fresh red fruit aromas and cracked pepper on the nose. The attack is similar with prominent acidity, more spice, black cherries, gingerbread and roasted nuts. Grenache fans will be happy. Try this with a meaty/tomato pasta dish for best results.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Henkell Trocken Blanc de Blancs Dry Sekt NV
GermanyLots of medium bubbles with honey, spicy, ginger, pear, baked apple, guava aromas. Full, juicy, somewhat sweet and foamy entry with peach, baked apple, honey, spicy, soapy floral flavours. Simple, fruity style akin to the popular Prosecco.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Louis Latour Pinot Noir Domaine de Valmoissine 2011
Vin de Pays du Var, Vin de Pays de Provence, Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceSavoury, meaty, cherry jam, balsamic, mushroom, earthy, tobacco, barnyard aromas. Full, round, smooth palate with gamey, meaty, cherry, tomato puree, tobacco, barnyard, smoky herb flavours. A bit warm and stewed but solid and ready to drink.Prices:| NF | $19.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
J. P. Chenet Premier Pinot Noir 2012
FranceStrawberry jam, candied orange peel, balsamic, light meaty, tobacco aromas. Soft, fresh, easy palate with balsamic, meaty, strawberry, leafy, pruny, cedar bark flavours. A bit bitter and tart but with a modicum of fruit. Ready to drink.Prices:| ON | $13.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Tinhorn Creek Oldfield Series Pinot Noir 2010
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, meaty, tobacco, cherry jam, resin, barnyard nose with bits of menthol and dried herbs. Round, dry, full palate with still some tannins to shed. Chalky, meaty, balsamic, cedar, tobacco leaf, rhubarb, prune, coffee, savoury, vanilla flavours. Chunky, full-bodied, cool style that needs another 2-3 years to soften up in bottle.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Joseph Drouhin Laforet Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2012
Burgundy, FranceOpen cedar bark, meaty, barnyard, resin, prune, nettle and tobacco leaf aromas. Dry, light, thin, tart palate with compost, tobacco leaf, celery root, herbal, rhubarb, prickly flavours. Very cool, tart, lean style. Not much to recommend here especially if you are looking for fruit in your pinot.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Joseph Drouhin Cote de Beaune Rouge 2011
Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceGamey, meaty, cedar, pruney nose with tobacco, compost and light strawberry aromas. Dry, fresh, elegant but somewhat lean palate with light, gritty tannins. Coffee, peppery, strawberry, tobacco, gamey, celery root, menthol flavours. More austere style with some astringent tannins to dissipate. Serve now with chicken or duck or cellar for another two to four years.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Organic Pinot Noir 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, meaty, tobacco leaf, compost, cherry, light balsamic/cedar aromas. Dry, tight, light and lean palate with earthy, tobacco leaf, resin, rhubarb, tomato leaf and celery salt flavours. A chunky, lean, low fruit style that lacks charm and fruit.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Jean-Claude Boisset Bourgogne Pinot Noir Les Ursuline 2011
Burgundy, FranceSorry not much to love here. Rhubarb, spicy, cedar bark, mint and tobacco leaf aromas. Dry, lean, tight palate with light tannins and resiny, cedar bark, tobacco leaf, celery, herbal, peppery flavours. A very lean, cool style that lacks the sweet pinot fruit that defines the variety.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $25.00 | 750ml |
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22 September 2014
85PTS
Blue Grouse Cowichan Station Pinot Noir 2012
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWorsteshire, tobacco leaf, tomato, rhubarb, smoky, slightly meaty aromas. Dry, fresh, tight, cool but elegant palate with light tannins. Smoky, rhubarb, resin, menthol, green tea, herb and tobacco flavours. Young and a bit astringent in a very cool style, best with food.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Moraine Pinot Noir 2012
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCoffee, vanilla, cherry jam, cooked tomato concassé, celery root aromas. Dry, fresh, elegant, juicy but somewhat warm and tart entry. Resin, coffee, vanilla, peppery, tobacco leaf, rhubarb, sour cherry and celery salt flavours. Solid pinot character but on the cool and tart side with an edgy balance that needs food to be at its best.Prices:| BC | $23.40 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Louis Latour Pinot Noir Bourgogne 2012
Burgundy, FranceMeaty, barnyard, cedar bark, resiny, cherry, tobacco leaf aromas. Dry, fresh, light palate but lean. Cedar, smoky, leafy, peppery, meaty, resin flavours. Big cedar bark, earthy, resin, tobacco leaf, celery flavours. A very basic style but again dry and lacking in fruit and charm for the price.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $23.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $24.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Haywire Pinot Noir Secrest Mountain Vineyard 2012
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCoffee, stewed rhubarb, sour cherry, celery salt, tomato leaf, smoky, tobacco aromas. Dry, fresh, round but somewhat lean palate with juicy acidity. Smoky, herbal, carrot top, sour cherry, rhubarb, orange peel and tea leaf flavours with a warm, pruny, medicinal finish. Starting to soften now in bottle.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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21 September 2014
90PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Riesling 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA vintage that was early to start and late to finish has high quality riesling written all over it. Expect a picture perfect combination of fruit and acidity with just enough residual sugar to make it extremely fun to drink. Look for intense citrus/peachy fruit flavours with a tiny hint of petrol/orange marmalade and minerality. Lively, food-friendly and eminently drinkable all under screw cap for maximum freshness. A real bargain, load up if you are a riesling fan.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Plume Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Napa Valley, California, United StatesChocolate, peppery, black olive, tobacco, tomato paste, resin, cedar aromas. Round, fresh, soft, juicy, slightly sweet entry with coffee grind, peppery, cassis, smoky, rooty, tobacco, licorice and chocolate flavours. Easy going, solid consumer style.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
La Crema Monterey Pinot Gris 2013
Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesLa Crema pinot gris is planted on the cool, windswept benches of Monterey. The result is a brighter fresher style than you might expect with a spicy citrus tropical fruit nose. The palate is riper and frankly sweeter than is the norm in British Columbia, more New Zealand-like, with apricots and sweet melon flavours. Not over the top sweet but perhaps best with spicy Asian dishes.Prices:| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Côté Mas Languedoc Reserve 2012
Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceIt's hard not to like this red blend from the Languedoc. Paul Mas has a common touch with inexpensive wines that leaves them with a certain amount of sophistication yet wide appeal. In this case the mix is classic Languedoc: grenache, syrah, carignan and mourvèdre and the aromas and flavours south of France garrigue black fruits cedar and smooth tannins. A perfect fall red for stews and casseroles or grilled meats or poultry. Fantastic value too. No wonder they call it Le Luxe Rural.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Mission Hill Quatrain 2010
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLate bud break, cool flowering conditions followed by a cool summer posed many problems in 2010. Only low yielding blocks and meticulous picking regimes delivered any fruit worth drinking. Quatrain with its 40/20/20/30/ mix of merlot, syrah, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc did just that making one of the better 2010 reds in the valley. Expect a fair bit of elegance along with spicy, tobacco, meaty, chocolate, licorice cranberry aromas with flecks of cherry, sage and vanilla. Fresh, juicy, round palate with light tannins and more, cranberry, black berry, chocolate, coffee, cedar, meaty, resin flavours with a bit of poultry spice and licorice. Should continue to improve with two to four more years in bottle.Prices:| MB | $50.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $47.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $45.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Gray Monk Pinot Gris 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGrapefruit, floral, pear, green apple aromas. Fresh, juicy, slightly creamy palate with a bit of sweetness. Honey, canned grapefruit, green apple skin, pear and melon rind flavours. Bright, near off-dry easy-sipping style with clean fruit. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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19 September 2014
87PTS
Sandhill Chardonnay Sandhill Estate Vineyard 2010
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBright fresh light butter nose with vanilla, lees, green apple and anise aromas. Fresh, elegant, juicy attack with a touch of sweetness. Buttery, baked apple, waxy, lees, grapefruit and vanilla flavours. An understated, easy-sipping, friendly style chardonnay. Try this with roast chicken.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
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17 September 2014
88PTS
Clos du Soleil Saturn 2013
Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaClassic eggy-Bordelais Sauternes nose and flavours mark this intensely rich late-harvest sauvignon blanc from the Similkameen. Look for a rich mix of passion fruit, apricot, honey all with a stony mineral underbelly and a fresh acidity. Elegant but intense and rich with buttery, eggy, honey ginger finish. Only missing a screw cap. Delicious.Prices:| BC | $28.90 | 375ml |
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89PTS
Ben Marco Malbec 2012
Mendoza, ArgentinaLicorice, black cherry, floral, tobacco, leather, olive aromas. Round, suave, juicy palate with a touch of warmth. Black cherry, chocolate, tobacco, peppery, savoury, earthy, vanilla and poultry spice flavours. Good texture and concentration. This will be even better after a year or two in bottle.Prices:| BC | $25.49 | 750ml |
| NS | $23.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.25 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $23.25 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Crios Torrontés by Susana Balbo Dominio de Plata 2013
ArgentinaA cooler, long harvest, this edition offers fresh ginger, rose petal, honey, and nectarine aromas. Fresh, elegant palate with green apple, ginger, honey, lemon, grassy, nectarine flavours. Crisp and juicy with some texture for seafood and Asian cuisine. Since 2012, the wine is a 50/50 blend of Cafayate and Mendoza fruit.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $14.50 | 750ml |
| NF | $15.50 | 750ml |
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16 September 2014
87PTS
Yalumba Shiraz Viognier Y Series 2012
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaA much better version this year with more classic floral nose, ginger, bacon and a black pepper, savoury black fruit aroma. The attack is soft with bits of acidity poking through the mid-palate followed by resiny peppery, tobacco, resiny sausage and black fruit flavors. The finish is long spicy and warm. Lamb chops will do the trick here.Prices:| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.50 | 750ml |
| NS | $18.00 | 750ml |
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15 September 2014
87PTS
Quails' Gate Chasselas - Pinot Blanc - Pinot Gris 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTypically aromatic with fresh fruit nose flecked with green apples and pink grapefruit. The blend is 45/30/25 chasselas/pinot blanc/pinot gris. The attack is off dry with notes of pears, red apples, more grapefruit and just enough wet stone minerality to keep the sugar in check. You can try this with a spicy fish taco or with a creamy mushroom pasta dish. Impressive quality for the price. All three grapes are hand harvested, whole bunch pressed and cold fermented in stainless steel tanks and fermented separately.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.50 | 750ml |
| SK | $20.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $21.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Lomas del Valle Quinteto 2012
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileThis 60/40 mix of cabernet franc and merlot has a fresh fruity, cranberry black cherry nose with tobacco, peppery, licorice root and savoury clove aromas. Dry, fresh, elegant palate with light tannins and juicy cherry, cranberry, spicy, tobacco, cedar and thyme flavours. A solid, cool fruit expression that is balance to drink now with food or can age two to three more years in bottle. Perfect with grilled meats off the barbecue.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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13 September 2014
90PTS
Warre's Otima 10 Year Old Port NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalOtima is a blend of 'The Big 5' traditional Portuguese varietals Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinto Barroca, Tinta Roriz and Tinto Cao. The wine has spent an average of 10 years in old oak casks, though some of the blend will be upwards of 40 years old. An elixir of golden auburn, Otima is all caramelized sugar and fig newtons in the nose and follows through into nutty butterscotch on the palate. Smooth and seamless, with enough balancing acidity to remain fresh and prevent cloying in the mouth, Otima is ideal to drink with food. This is an example of contemporary Portugal tawny. Pair with walnuts and dried fruit. This is a great tawny for those who prefer a slightly lighter style - not too heavy to enjoy after a large meal, but rich enough to satiate the sweet tooth.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 500ml |
| AB | $29.99 | 500ml |
| SK | $29.07 | 750ml |
| MB | $25.10 | 750ml |
| NB | $29.79 | 750ml |
| NL | $29.79 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Riesling 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaJust off dry, with ripe pear, eraser, stone and concentrated and pulsing orchard fruit. Peach blossom, key lime pulp. wave of petroleum and white flowers. Focused through to the lingering finish - and a smart screw cap to keep all this concentrated freshness. Well done. Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Stag's Leap Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Napa Valley, California, United StatesDense cassis, cigarette tabacco, blackberry, dust, stone. Fine cedar spice and graphite-grained sticky tannins prop up the concentrated and elegant black fruit. Lovely savoury edge throughout. Drinking now well, but will gain complexity with another few years. Prices:| ON | $50.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Punto Final Malbec 2012
ArgentinaSharp currant, herbal twine, fine spice and stone. Textured palate - some cola, root, pepper and slightly granular tannins. Solid entry level malbec. Prices:| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Alain Brumont Gros Manseng-Sauvignon 2013
Gascony, FranceThere's an appealing mountain herb and smoked stoniness in this bright, lean, bone wine. Lemon oil focus, shimmery and bright acidity, lime pith, salted dried herbs and a light medicinal / bitter herb note on the finish. Sauvignon blanc shines through an intriguing, herbal filter of gros manseng. Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Wolf Blass White Label Chardonnay 2010
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaHighly impressed by this Aussie chardonnay from the iconic Wolf Blass. White Label Chardonnay is only made when the harvest is thought of as exemplary and from the best plots (bonus for wild yeast ferments). In this wine, its easy to see excellence. Lovely cream, stone and lemon peel, toast and struck stone, unbuttered white popcorn and heady brown butter. Great granny smith apple sharpness, light eraser and vibrant freshness woven into well handled and creamy lees. Lengthy finish. Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Ruffino Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale (Tan Label) 2010
Tuscany, ItalySeamless pure and scented black cherry from start to finish, along with stone, iodine, tobacco, earth, dried herbs, black plum, raspberry and old, worn wood. Fine grained tannins are quite upright and present, and the acid is fresh and bright. Sangiovese is joined by cabernet sauvignon and merlot and aged 24 months in a mix of oak barrels, stainless and concrete vats. Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $30.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $35.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $39.00 | 750ml |
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10 September 2014
87PTS
Daniel Belda Migjorn 2007
Valencia, Valencia and Murcia, SpainAt seven years old this wine has a certain rustic charm and it is ready to drink. The vineyards, limestone over loam sit at 600 metres above sea level in Valencia basking in warm days and cool nights. It's a blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and garnacha with a relatively fresh attack. The palate offers earthy, black fruit flavours flecked with vanilla and soft tannins that finish warm and smooth. Ready to drink. Serve with grille meats.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Viticcio Bere 2011
Tuscany, ItalyMeaty, cassis, mushroom, peppery, compost nose mixed with black berry, tobacco and coriander aromas. Round, fresh, juicy palate with smoky, peppery, savoury, meaty, black cherry, resin and compost flavours. A tad rustic but otherwise solid effort. Grilled chicken or mushroom pasta dishes would be a fit.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $21.00 | 750ml |
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09 September 2014
88PTS
Gray Monk Pinot Gris 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGray Monk has a long association with pinot gris; the grape is called 'Grauar Mönch' in Austria and Hungary - hence the translation to 'Gray Monk'. The 2013 is as dependable as ever, with its orchard-scented, off-dry pear sweetness, plump and medium-bodied palate of lemon, light honey and muted eraser, smoked stone and white peach on the fresh finish. Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Fairview Estates The Goatfather 2012
Western Cape, South AfricaCheeky little label for a serious little wine. This is Fairview's take on an Italian blend (albeit one with 24% cab sauv in the mix). Driving black cherry, black flowers, cranberry, sour plum, smoked stone, cured meats and fine, tight and tart tannins that dry a bit too much on the finish. Pair with spit roasted goat, just because. Prices:| QC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Laurenz V. Und Sophie Singing Grüner Veltliner 2012
Niederösterreich, Weinland Österreich, AustriaCrisp granny smith apple, green fig, stony spice and dried herbs (tarragon, thyme) filter through a vibrant citrus-imbued, oily and juicy palate. Zesty dried tangerine peel and white pepper on the finish. Prices:| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Tahbilk The Tower MVR 2013
Goulburn Valley, Victoria, AustraliaThis blend of marsanne, viognier and roussanne is expressive perfume up front, with lime pulp, fresh lemon, crisp apple, stone fruit and wild herbs over a textural honeysuckle element. The lengthy finish goes into spiced lemon curd. The Tower wines (there is a red as well) are named after Tahbilk's iconic lookout style tower, a key part in their early gravity feeding and flow operations. The Tower wines are also the winery's first certified carbon-neutral products.Prices:| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Zaccagnini il vino 'dal tralcetto' Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, 2013
Abruzzo, ItalyEarthy cherry and herbal raspberry notes, with a lovely juicy pressed strawberry on the palate. Alluring salted/savoury vein on the bright finish. Fermented in stainless and aged for 4 months in Slavonic oak barrels. Youthful and juicy - enjoy now. Prices:| QC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
San Pedro 1865 Limited Edition Cabernet / Syrah 2011
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileBig meaty, peppery, cassis notes lead into a resinous/green edged and dense black fruited palate. The full bodied wine shows concentrated mocha, ripe fig over powdery tannins before a spicy black pepper finish.Prices:| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
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08 September 2014
89PTS
Angove Family Crest Grenache Shiraz Mouvedre 2013
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaRipe cherry, raspberry, dusty stone and dried strawberry aromas. A lovely juicy and peppery palate full of strawberry jam, red liquorice, anise, wild herbs and a spiced finish. Well balanced and fresh throughout. Prices:| ON | $33.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Beringer Chardonnay 2012
Napa Valley, California, United StatesThis is a confident, creamy and surprisingly affordable Cali chardonnay. Aromas of rich cream, stone and lees hint of the texture on the palate. Phenolics, pear blossoms and baked apple on the full palate, finishes a touch vanillin sweet, but quite lengthy. Prices:| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $27.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $30.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $35.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Taylor Fladgate 10 Year Old Tawny NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalHigh toned orange oil and burnished mandarin, bruléed brown sugar, tobacco, golden raisins, salted roasted almonds and pure maple syrup richness, in a smooth, spicy and lengthy pour. 10 year old Tawny refers to the average age of the wines in the blend. There are classics, and then there are CLASSICS, and Taylor 10 is capital C. What I appreciate so about this wine is that it instantly appeals to novice port drinkers, as well as to experienced tasters - it all depends on how deep into the layers you go.Prices:| BC | $41.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $34.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $34.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $32.95 | 750ml |
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07 September 2014
88PTS
Marques de Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Puente Alto, Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileConcha y Toro has been working with Bordeaux grapes in the Maipo Valley for well over a century and this consistent wine is proof they've been paying attention. Bramble, cassis, green aromas twirl with black cherry, leather and twine. A whiff of smoke blows across the structured, plush palate and finishes a touch dusty and a lot bitter cherry. Prices:| ON | $22.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Wolf Blass Grey Label Shiraz 2012
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaThis classic, big, McLaren Vale shiraz teems with ample dense cassis, ripe and juicy blackberry, savoury ink, lightly smoked stone and a vein of raspberry seed and hint of menthol and mint. Huge cracked pepper on the full bodied palate, framed by polished tannins and capped with a lingering, blackberry jam-scented finish. Prices:| BC | $37.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $37.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Selbach Riesling (Fish Label) 2012
Mosel, GermanySelbach's 'Fish Label' Riesling is one of those rare great value, consistent, easy to find (and easy to remember visually) bottles. This vintage is crisp apple, lemon peel, ripe melon, light eraser and white flowers. The medium bodied palate leans a tad oily and finishes juicy. Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Laughing Stock Vineyards Syrah +09/10 2012
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWhat a difference some sunshine makes. Exquisite floral, tangerine skin, meaty, savoury, licorice nose with coffee, chocolate, vanilla, gingerbread and leather aromas. Dry, full, round, chewy palate with some grainy tannins and a bit of heat. Meaty, peppery, gamey, black licorice, smoky coffee, ginger, savoury, poultry spice and prune flavours. Very warm, full finish with lots of fruit and oak. Needs 2-4 years to integrate. An excellent bottle with a bright future the best yet from the Enns family at a very reasonable price.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Sandhill Syrah Sandhill Estate Vineyard 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig friendly coffee, vanilla, oaky aromas with sage, licorice, meaty, blueberry and tobacco aromas. Dry, fresh, slightly austere but full palate with light, gritty tannins. Smoky, espresso, vanilla, peppery, meaty, savoury, prune and leather flavours. A bit dry and oaky but lots of intensity. Needs a few years in bottle but offers terrific value. Drink now with hearty fall dishes..Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Poplar Grove Syrah 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe popular Poplar style opens with an inviting warm coffee, peppery, licorice, smoky, black cherry nose laced with poultry spice and leather aromas. Ripe, round, fresh, warm palate with light gritty tannins. Warm entry with milk chocolate, coffee, peppery, savoury, prune, black berry jam, resin, black tea and root flavours. Solid balance but finishes warm and dry showing some lean tannins. Will be perfect with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Bret Brothers La Soufrandiere Macon-Vinzelles Clos de Grand-Pere 2012
Pouilly-Vinzelles, Mâconnais, Burgundy, FranceThis wine continues to impress and improve over the years offering more precision and less oak from the southern edge of Burgundy at Macon-Vinzelles. The vines on average are 50-years old and sit on limestone across the lower slope of Pouilly-Vinzelles. Look for an expressive nose of apple/pear/honey and citrus notes mixed with an appealing leesy spicy, butter, floral, mineral flavours. The wine is certified bio-dynamic and is a fine candidate to age another three to five years. Perfect for west coast Dungeness crab.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mission Hill Terroir Collection No. 23 Springtime Tendrils Crosswinds Syrah 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBlueberry, black berry jam, savoury, floral, espresso oak, vanilla, meaty, herbal aromas. Dry, fresh, somewhat lean palate with some gritty tannins. Coffee, peppery, blueberry, resin, smoky favours flecked with vanilla, tobacco leaf, meaty, savoury, gingerbread flavours. Good aromas and complexity but fairly lean and tight in the finish. Needs a few years to round out. A special bottling for MHFE Club members only.Prices:| BC | $26.09 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Black Hills Syrah 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFragrant cool black cherry, poultry spice, licorice root, vanilla nose. The attack is fresh and elegant but skinny with light extract. Huge coffee, smoky oak, peppery, vanilla, resin, licorice and tobacco flavours with a pruny, cherry finish. Still youthful and tight but should be fine with another two years in bottle. Serve with lamb shanks.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Stoneboat Verglas Botrytis Affected Icewine 2012
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIs this better than the last Verglas? Maybe, maybe not but this amazing mix of oranienstenier and pinot blanc is delicious with a capital D. So fresh on the attack with electric, edgy, orange and lime flavours streaked with apricot and honey. Juicy fun and as mentioned, delicious. It is dessert. Only 8.8 percent alcohol.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 375ml |
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88PTS
Burrowing Owl Syrah 2011
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSavoury, celery salt, tobacco leaf, cedar, meaty, tapenade and licorice aromas. Dry, fresh, elegant but slightly lean with light tannins. Coffee, peppery, blueberry, black cherry, licorice, savoury, spicy, vanilla flavours. A bit oaky and warm on the finish perhaps accentuated by the cool vintage and its medium-weight palate. Should improve over the next few years or try now with grilled lamb.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $41.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Moraine Syrah 2012
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, black berry jam, peppery nose with flecks of poultry spice. Fresh, lean, juicy, easy-sipping palate with savoury, black cherry, pepper, leather, coffee, licorice and herb flavours. The finish is a bit pruny and tart. Best now with grilled steak.Prices:| BC | $17.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Haywire Sauvignon Blanc Raised in Concrete White Label 2013
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNettle, grassy, herbal, grapefruit rind and lemon aromas mark the nose. The attack is dry, fresh and elegant with round waxy, leesy, canned grapefruit, pea shoot, cooked pear and butter flavours. A different expression of sauvignon blanc focused on the place not the grape.Prices:| BC | $17.39 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Torres Verdeo Verdejo Rueda Blanco 2013
Rueda, Castilla-Leon, SpainGooseberry, grapefruit rind, spicy, lime, seashell and matchstick aromas. Fresh, juicy, creamy, elegant palate with grassy, gooseberry, grapefruit rind, light bell pepper and lime rind flavours. More Euro (drier and leaner) than New World examples but very food friendly. Try this with grilled squid.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Byron Pinot Noir 2012
Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesIt's been 30 years since Ken Brown founded Byron and two owners later the Santa Maria Bench winery is only just beginning to show its stuff. Today 170 separate batches of pinot noir tell the story at Byron. Winemaker Johnathan Nagy is dialled in on pinot and chardonnay as evidenced by the delicious 2012 pinot noir. A cool spring led to small clusters and small berries and some fragrant, black cherry fruit flavours with almost floral/mineral Oregon finish. Ready to drink now but will keep well for three to five years. Try this with grilled sockeye salmon.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Pascual Toso Limited Edition Malbec 2012
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaToso remains a consistent producer of quality friendly style reds. The LE malbec is a good example of the dense, soft tannins that give this malbec its appeal. Look for smoky, liquorice black cherry fruit with some meaty highlights and the usual rich, glossy, firm finish. Youthful but already to go with a grilled steak. Good value.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.25 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.55 | 750ml |
| SK | $19.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $20.40 | 750ml |
| NS | $22.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Perseus Syrah 2012
British Columbia, CanadaOpen peppery, cedar, tobacco, licorice root nose with savoury, black berry and leaf aromas. Smooth, round, supple palate with savoury, prune plum, smoky, coffee, peppery, black berry and coffee flavours. Finish is fruity and warm with a pinch of acidity pushing through the back end. Ready to drink. Try with grilled lamb.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Whistler Late Harvest Chardonnay 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOften late harvest Canadian whites can be more interesting than icewine and certainly better value. In the case of the Whistler Late Harvest Chardonnay as goofy as the name is the wine delivers. The nose and palate ooze is intense apple/tropical fruit flavours flecked with orange and the scent of a plastic beach ball. The finish is long, sweet and smooth. Try this with a nutty fruitcake.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 375ml |
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86PTS
Bench 1775 Chill 2013
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLemon zest, grapefruit, sweaty, grassy, nettle, nectarine and gooseberry aromas. Fresh, juicy, creamy, off dry palate with canned grapefruit, lemon rind, gooseberry, honey, spicy, herbal flavours. Easy, zesty style for the summer. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Township 7 Chardonnay 2012
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSimilar to last year its buttered popcorn, honey, baked peach, green apple skin and lees aromas. Fat, round, slightly sweet palate with butter, honey, spicy lees, canned peach, vanilla and grapefruit rind flavours. If you like the throwback style of chardonnay, and many do, this is it.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Chateau d'Armajan des Ormes Sauternes 2009
Sauternes, Graves, Bordeaux, FranceMarmalade, honey, baked peach, egg yolk, baked apple aromas. Rich, ripe, round, full, juicy palate but on the softer side. Honey, baked pear, spicy, vanilla, marmalade, egg yolk and baked apricot flavours. Lots of fruit and intensity here to drink now - 7 years. Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 375ml |
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06 September 2014
89PTS
Sandhill Small Lots Program Syrah Phantom Creek Vineyard 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is a great site for syrah and now one of the oldest in the valley as evidenced by its savoury, peppery, meaty nose laced with licorice, sage, coffee and vanilla notes. Ripe, round, fresh, dry, elegant palate with light tannins. The palate is full and expressive with vanilla, smoky resin, espresso, licorice, black berry jam, prune, leather and sage flavours. An oaky, consumer-friendly style but attractive with its solid core of fruit and balance. Drink now - 4 years. Would love to see this wine get a little less young oak. A blockbuster style for big meat dishes.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Maverick Estate Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight honey, leesy, waxy, passion fruit nose with lemon and light grapefruit aromas. Fresh, ripe, creamy palate with lemon custard, grapefruit, passion fruit, and nettle flavours. Finish is long and crisp with a hint of sweetness and rind. Fine intensity and finish perfect for shellfish.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Wave Series by Carmen Left Wave Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileBig canned jalapeno, asparagus, passion fruit nose flecked with lime and floral aromas. Round, fresh, creamy palate with pea shoot, asparagus, passion fruit, pink grapefruit, bell pepper and herb flavours. Good textures and length but all in a very cool, herbaceous style. Good value here and a fine match for shellfish.Prices:| BC | $11.49 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Ganton & Larson Prospect Winery Red Willow Shiraz 2009
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAge has given this peppery, smoky, savoury red with black berry, tobacco and tomato paste aromas some style. The attack is smooth and fresh the palate round and easy with slight prickle. Coffee, smoky, meaty, resin, prune, black berry, herbal flavours. Very warm finish but solid fruit and intensity for the money. Open now and serve with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $21.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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05 September 2014
89PTS
Delouvin Bagnost NV Brut NV
Champagne, FranceChampagne Delouvin-Bagnost has roots back to the late 17th century. Today, 4th generation Jerome and his wife manage the small family business in the heart of the Vallée de la Marne. This NV is based on pinot meunier, and has ample dough and autolytic notes from first sniff through finish, with spiced stone, toasted hazelnuts, light berry, macaroon, popcorn toast and lifted with bright, lemon pith acidity. Prices:| ON | $43.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Church & State Wines Quintessential 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom the southern Okanagan's Coyote Bowl and Sunridge vineyards comes Church & State's archetypical (some could say quintessential) Bordeaux blend. Merlot, cab sauv, cab franc, malbec and petit verdot hit the mark and all the talking points in this ripe, focused blend. Deep plum, blackberry and floral up front lead to a bright palate of black fruit and tight spice which lingers on the finish. Drinking very well now, though can hold 2-4 more years for increased depth. Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Alvear Solera 1927 Pedro Ximenez NV
Montilla-Moriles, SpainLove love the unabashed tradition of this wine. Unapologetically and confidently a bit of a conundrum; exceptionally sweet, and overtly salty. Fish sauce and soy, with delicate floral tea leaves. Browned walnuts, hazelnut and nut oil, alongside burnished oranges and grassy earth. Baked figs, coffee and cloves linger far past a single sip. Potent, savoury and unforgettable. Try with vanilla bean ice cream and cracked black pepper. Fantastic value.Prices:| BC | $33.99 | 375ml |
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88PTS
Punto Final Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Mendoza, ArgentinaWhat a lovely little peppery, brambled cassis cab sauv from Mendoza. 10% cabernet franc doubtlessly assists this wine, filling out a bit of the ragged edges with endearing thorny blackberry and earthy wildness. Dense ripe cherry, blackberry jam, peppery spice and a dusty dark and sweetened cocoa on the finish. Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Louis Roederer Brut Premier Champagne NV
Champagne, FranceAlluring lees, dough and pear entices to a richer, refined palate of citrus, nuts, struck stone, seashell and pure baked granny smith apple. White flowers weave throughout and a crisp, sharp edged lemon acidity buoys the whole. the mix is 80 percent pinot noir with the remainder chardonnay and a wee splash of pinot meunier. Higher proportion of reserve wines than many houses, and an average of 5 years in the cellar before dressing and sale. Typically aristocratic Roederer style. 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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90PTS
Delas Frères Côte-Rôtie Seigneur de Maugiron 2000
Côte Rôtie, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceIt is said that during the Middle Ages, the Seigneur de Maugiron gave his vineyards as a dowry to his two daughters, one blond, and the other brunette. Delas Freres oversees the grapes that are grown in the Côte Brune and Côte Blonde areas today. This is Delas' entry-level Côte Rôtie bottling. Now 14 years along, this is obviously a mature wine, from hue (brown bricks) through the mature and worn flavours. A delicate bouquet of iron, dried violet and salt lures to a smoothed palate of bacon fat, faded truffles, well worn saddle, sea salt and powdery fine black and white pepper. Tannins are just stretched past their limits, but hold the line of a once powerfully boned Northern Rhone syrah. Peaked two years back, and aging gracefully but quickly. If you have in your cellar, drink now, quietly. Prices:| QC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Pascual Toso Limited Edition Malbec 2012
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaExpressive ripe cherry, dense and fleshy black fruit, roasted meats and salted figs. Tannins are silky smooth and the finish lingers with a smoked vanilla and chocolate note. Good value.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.25 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.55 | 750ml |
| SK | $19.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $20.40 | 750ml |
| NS | $22.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Cono Sur Single Vineyard Block 21 Pinot Noir Viento Mar 2012
Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileAn assertive, ripe style, with concentrated black cherry, wild raspberry, bramble, smoked stone and waves of medicinal herbs and earth. This vineyard, Viento Mar, translates as Ocean Wind, and the pinot block is located at the highest point of the red clay soiled, Campo Lindo Estate. The cool marine winds act to preserve acidity and prolong ripening, resulting in the expressive focus of this coastal pinot. Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Nexus Crianza 2007
Ribera del Duero, Castilla-Leon, SpainAt seven years of age this crianza is sitting on its sweet spot. Made from one hundred percent, old vine tempranillo grown over clay loam soils it spends a year in French oak casks. The nose and attack is surprisingly clean and fresh with pure tempranillo fruit dominating. Look for an enticing mix of ripe cherry fruit and menthol with bits of crushed leaves, tobacco and spice. The tannins are gone; it's ready to drink. Try this will grilled lamb chops.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Nexus One 2012
Ribera del Duero, Castilla-Leon, SpainNexus One is 100 hundred percent tempranillo tinta fina grown in the DO of Ribera del Duero. The wine spends only six months in French oak casks which may explain the purity of this bottle. Red fruits and floral notes dominate on the nose with hints of vanilla. The attack is soft and fruity with just a pinch of spice and leather in the back end. A modern, pleasant style with just enough complexity to entertain. Mushroom risotto would be affine match as would roast chicken.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Nexus Vega Murillo 2012
Toro, Castilla-Leon, SpainBodega del Palacio de los Frontaura y Victoria was built in 1574 in the centre of Toro. The vineyards behind this youthful red are sitting 654 metres above sea level in the province of Zamora. Vega Murillo is made with the local tempranillo known as Tinta de Toro. The nose is an earthy/meaty affair with some cherry berry fruit underneath. Rustic but in a good way this wine delivers fine value for its price. Affordable, authentic and ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Badia a Coltibuono Vin Santo del Chianti 2006
Tuscany, ItalyOddly the only wine listed in BC from Coltibuono is the Vin Santo. The fruit is grown on clay limestone soils and the vines are 10 to 30 years old. The grape mix is trebbiano/malvasia. Typically the fruit is picked and dried then fermented and left in small, sealed oak casks to further age exposed to the vagaries of seasonal temperatures. The nose is a mix of honey and almonds with a dusting of vanilla. The attack is similar with orange and rancio nutty notes with bits of spice and ginger. A late night sipper you won't be able to resist. This will age forever. Prices:| BC | $65.00 | 375ml |
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94PTS
Badia a Coltibuono Sangioveto 2009
Tuscany, ItalyColtibuono releases a 'Sangioveto' in the finest years paying homage to 'San Zoveto' the ancient moniker for the sangiovese grape. The fruit used ranges from 25 to 55 years old and it grabs your attention from the start. The nose is a tightrope of cedar, red and black fruit aromas. The attack is rich, the fruit satiny soft, flavoured with intense blackberries and spice with an enticing smoky/tobacco undercurrent. Love the elegance and power here - a Coltibuono trademark. You can age this a decade or serve it now with steak Florentine or a piece of aged, pecorino. The finished wine spends 12 months in French barriques and another 6 months minimum in bottle. Only 600 cases made. Prices:| BC | $91.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Badia a Coltibuono Cultus Boni Chianti Classico 2010
Tuscany, ItalyA cooler year and a later harvest contribute to a stylish, complex sangiovese bolstered by the addition of colorino, ciliegiolo and merlot that help build a firmer frame around the traditional Chianti Classico style. Mostly juicy red fruit with flecks of black berries mix effortlessly with spice and earthy mushroom notes on the palate. Typically elegant with finesse and length and plenty of acidity to keep the finish lively. It is drinking well now but will hold through 2018-19. Try this with grilled chicken or salmon.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Badia a Coltibuono RS Chianti Classico Selezione 2011
Tuscany, ItalyRS is a wine Coltibuono makes with purchased fruit. The nose is fresh and fragrant the attack soft and inviting with clean, ripe fruity flavours, medium concentration and length. A sophisticated spaghetti red for mid-week meals that benefits from a warm, dry vintage. Love the 13.5 percent alcohol. Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Badia a Coltibuono Cancelli 2011
Tuscany, ItalyCancelli is a first for me but I will be back. Love the delicious easy-sipping style here that respects the red fruit and lively sangiovese fruit that is delivered in a modern, unoaked style. You pick up some heat in the finish but there is enough fruit and flavours to neutralise it. Not a lot of tannin makes this food-friendly and ready to drink. Try this with a burrata appetizer.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Ceralti Scire Bolgheri Rosso 2012
Bolgheri, Tuscany, ItalyEver heard of Ornellaia and Sassicaia. They used to buy grapes from the Ceralti family; the same grapes now go into Scirè a 70/30 cabernet sauvignon/merlot blend from Bolgheri. If you like juicy, savoury black fruit flavours with soft, peppery tannins this is the one for you. Simple well-made, regional red perfect for beef and pasta dishesPrices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Cortestrada Garganega Pinot Grigio 2013
Veneto, ItalyExpect a bright, fresh nose. The attack is fresh if somewhat tart with citrus/grassy, apple, melon flavours and a firm, dry 'Italian' finish. A simple white that would be perfect with creamy pasta dishes or the classic spaghetti vongole.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Tor del Colle Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva 2010
Abruzzo, ItalyMade from 100 percent montepulciano grapes picked in the Abruzzo region of east-central Italy. Look for a nose of cherries with bits of spice and licorice. The style is dry with soft tannins and creamy cherry fruit flavours with a twist of chocolate. Try this with grilled chicken or your favourite pork dish.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Chateau de Sancerre Rouge 2010
Sancerre, Upper Loire, Loire, FranceLight ruby cherry colour. Spicy, floral, cherry, licorice, savoury, celery salt aromas. Dry, light, fresh, slightly lean palate. Smoky, celery salt, peppery, raspberry and tobacco flavours. Euro style but elegant and balanced for food.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $25.50 | 750ml |
| NS | $33.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Howard Park Flint Rock Chardonnay 2013
Mt. Barker, Great Southern, Western Australia, AustraliaSpicy, slate, green apple, peach, honey, acacia, butter and waxy lees aromas. Dry, fresh, juicy, slightly austere palate with buttery, nutty lees, green apple, pear, lemon and grapefruit flavours. Good finesse and balance but young, needs a year or two to integrate the oak and lees.Prices:| BC | $26.49 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Grooner Gruner Veltliner 2013
Kremstal, Niederösterreich, Weinland Österreich, AustriaMelon, grapefruit, peppery, grassy, floral aromas. Fresh, juicy, delicate palate with a touch of sweetness and spritz. Grassy, gooseberry, green melon and green apple flavours. Good solid effort here in a versatile food wine. Good value too.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $16.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wakefield Estate Riesling Clare Valley 2013
Clare Valley, South Australia, AustraliaLight floral, lime, honey, clover, spicy peach aromas. Fresh, dryer, creamy palate with peach, lime, smoky, slate, green apple flavours. Good balanced and intensity for food without any petrol characters.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Wakefield Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Clare Valley, South Australia, AustraliaBlack olive, cassis, leafy, tobacco, earthy, blueberry, coffee grind and pepper aromas. Full, round, supple but fresh palate with a touch of sweetness. Coffee, black berry, cassis, tobacco leaf, olive, celery salt, tea and vanilla flavours. Well balanced but on the leafy, sweet side.Prices:| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Ceralti Alfeo Bolgheri Rosso Superiore 2011
Bolgheri, Tuscany, ItalyBright fresh juicy red fruit nose with hints of savoury, balsamic sprinkled sour cherries. The attack is rich, the textures silky with clean red fruit and coffee flavours mixed with savoury, spicy, gamey notes. A full flavoured red, the blend is 50/40/10 merlot/cabernet sauvignon/cabernet franc grown on clay soils rich in minerals. The malolactic fermentation takes place in 1500 litre French oak barrels followed by 12 months ageing in wood then 12 months in bottle. A delicious example of Bolgheri red at an affordable price.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Verso Rosso Salento 2013
Salento, Puglia, ItalyWow, delicious soft round juicy red with a touch of 'appassimento,' dried grapes. The grapes come off two crus within Puglia and when blended produce about 1500 cases. The colour is dark the nose spicy, the palate southern Italian rustic but with smoky, silky textures. An impressive affordable 60/35/15 blend of negroamaro, primitivo, malvasia nera. Perfect for fall roasted meat dishes or try it with mature savoury hard Italian cheeses. The wine spends 18 months in wood and 18 months in stainless steel after it comes out of the oak.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling 2013
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesContinuing down the fresher, leaner road the 2013 mixes floral overtones with green apple notes on the nose. The attack is fresh and bright with green apple and lime flavours. Always good value and now food-friendly makes for a good combination. Think spicy Asian dishes.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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90PTS
Tantalus Riesling 2013
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIf there is an icon label in BC, and I hate that moniker, its Tantalus riesling with its signature acidity that provides a foundation every wine would want. Wild floral notes and warm, wet, stony, mineral aromas greet you up front. Peachy guava, mineral flavours flood the palate and while it looks a bit one-dimensional today this bottle will grow and live for decades. The estate riesling is made from six separate vineyard blocks ranging in age from 5 to 36 years. A fabulous food wine from pork to fish and beyond.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $32.50 | 750ml |
| QC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Moraine Riesling 2013
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTight supply keeps this a winery only offering but you will want to get some if you are riesling fan. This has that extra jump of electricity that transform riesling into something out of the ordinary. Citrus is the theme with spice ginger and wet stones supporting. Love the acid/sugar balance and overall freshness. Try this with your favourite spicy fish dishes. Impressive value.Prices:| BC | $17.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Cono Sur Single Vineyard Riesling Block 23 Rulos del Alto 2013
Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileMade with some of the oldest vines in Bio Bio Block 23 opens with an herbaceous/sage pears and baked apple nose. The attack is slightly phenolic with a touch of diesel and more pears, honey and a touch of lemongrass. Mostly dry and food friendly you can pair this with bigger white meats and or older cheeses. Fine effort.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Inniskillin Okanagan Riesling 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFresh green herbaceous nose that trades on sagebrush and grass aromas. The palate is similar with honey and resin punching through the back end. Atypical for Okanagan riesling and I'm not sure what wine buyers at this price would be expecting. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Deinhard Riesling Piesporter 2012
Mosel, GermanyClean fresh attractive nose of smoky green apples. The attack is mouth puckering juicy with floral, red apple, oranges all with hint of minerality. Crazy good for the price and very food friendly. Try this with spicy fish cakes.Prices:| SK | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $15.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Gehringer Brothers Riesling Private Reserve 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSeriously stylish Gehringer always seems to get the most out of his riesling without resorting to the sugar card. Crisp and clean with excellent acidity look for aromatic nectarine fruit with flecks of wet stone and pear. Super finesse for the price and ready to pair with a wide variety of foods. Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Ruppertsberger Nussbien Riesling Spatlese Trocken 2013
Pfalz, GermanyCan be a confusing wine with its ripe intense spicy, peachy, cantaloupe fruit flavours mixed with a super dry. Where this wine loses me is when the flattish (low acid) caramel/buttery aftertaste kicks in. Drink up.Prices:| EU | $7.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Poet's Leap Riesling 2013
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThe Long Shadow is German Armin Diel the facilitator the ever patient LS winemaker Gilles Nicault. Nearly half the fruit comes off Horse Heaven Hills in 2013 and it may be the best we have tasted yet. Stony, minty, northwest notes weave their way into its nectarine mineral wet stone flavours. The acidity is fresh and easily muffles the trace 1.3 percent residual sugar. Just under 13 percent alcohol it has weight and lift and a true sense of minerality. Would love to see this wine drop its cork closure for a screwcap.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| US | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $31.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $31.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $30.00 | 750ml |
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04 September 2014
88PTS
Sileni Cellar Selection Pinot Noir 2013
Hawkes Bay, North Island, New ZealandWild raspberry and savoury herbs dominate this North Island pinot from Hawkes Bay, joined with strawberries, spicy pepper, dark flowers, earthy rhubarb and a stony edge. Well made, especially for this price.Prices:| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Buena Vista Carneros Pinot Noir 2011
Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United StatesBright and juicy black raspberry, cherry, wild strawberry and fine spice across a very silky and fluid palate. Time in French and Hungarian oak ups the interest factor. Lovely finesse and elegance in this pretty pinot from the cooler Carneros AVA. Prices:| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Church & State Wines Coyote Bowl Series Cabernet Franc 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom the Southern Rhone direct to the Southern Okanagan. Marsanne, viognier and roussanne grapes were whole-bunch pressed, fermented slow and cool and spent time in a mix of French oak and acacia barrels. Full and heady, with a waxy palate, lees-laden texture and spice throughout. Ripe white peach, lychee, honey, savoury brown butter, apricot nut, dried herbs and lemon notes. Concentrated and lengthy - ready to drink now, or hold for 2-4 years and watch this deepen further.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Gold Hill Chardonnay 2013
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeach, buttered popcorn, light honey, baked apple and lemon custard aromas. Round, fresh, juicy, waxy palate with butter, vanilla, honey, canned peach, baked apple flavours that finish a touch sweet and warm. Solid fruit here in a rich if somewhat old-fashioned chardonnay.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Poplar Grove Cabernet Franc 2011
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPerhaps the most fragrant cabernet franc yet from Poplar Grove. The 2011 spends 21 months in French oak, the limit I would think, but still manages to assert itself thanks to 18 months of bottle ageing. Black fruits and milk chocolate mark the nose and the front of the palate with savoury black cherries and warm vanilla notes in the finish. Surprisingly friendly at the moment but this will easily age five years and likely improve further in bottle. Steak Florentine would be a fine match.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Caravan Petite Sirah 2012
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaJohnny Q makes friendly red wines and this 100 percent durif or petit sirah is all that and a bit more. Soft smoky, ripe plum fruit with a twist of spice and warmth make it very easy sipping. A mix of toasted American and French oak softens the mid-palate and finish. Serve liberally around the barbecue.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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03 September 2014
89PTS
Cantina di Negrar Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2010
Pedemonte Valpolicella, Verona, Veneto, ItalyStarts off quietly in the nose, with dried strawberry and green figs, before a full and focused palate of prune plums, twine, dried black cherry, dusty wood and an alluring floral lift. Downy, clay-dusted tannins are mitigated by juicy cassis acidity, and the heft of the wine balanced by finesse. A youthful blend of corvina, corvinone and rondinella.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $32.75 | 750ml |
| NS | $44.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Altesino Brunello di Montalcino 2008
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalySavoury cured salami, leather, dried cherry, black raspberry, sea salt and a skiff of iodine over structured, but finely worn tannins. A very good vintage from a classic producer, the 2008 is full of grace and finesse. Drinking beautifully right now, but this wine will continue to impress over the next 6-10 years.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $58.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $51.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $48.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Piper-Heidsieck Cuvee Brut Travel Pack NV
Champagne, FranceBright, lean and salty on first whiff, before a finessed and chalky lemon pith and toasted popcorn palate. Fine shell and bright lemon precision on the lingering finish. Always a lovely go-to for a crisp, approachable Champagne.Prices:| BC | $69.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $60.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $54.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $61.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $55.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $50.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $50.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $52.00 | 750ml |
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02 September 2014
87PTS
Lomas del Valle Syrah 2010
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChilePeppery, plum, black cherry, licorice, savoury aromas. The attack is fresh with black berry, plum, smoky, savoury, meaty, licorice and leather flavours. Fruity, easy-sipping, ready-to-drink style with fine varietal character. Try this with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Moillard Viognier Hugues le Juste 2013
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceHoney, floral, mandarin orange, ginger and green apple aromas. Fresh, juicy, dry palate with mandarin, ginger, spicy, red apple, melon and grapefruit flavours. Simple, dryer style with good fruit and balance for food. Good value and an affordable introduction to viognier.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $17.10 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Oxford Landing Estate Viognier 2013
South Australia, AustraliaGinger, spicy, grapefruit, light lees, orange rind and anise aromas. Fresh, creamy, slightly sweet palate but juicy with mandarin, ginger, butter, pear, floral, melon flavours. Good solid consumer style on the lighter side but very good value.Prices:| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Hester Creek Pinot Blanc 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRipe pear, apple, citrus rind and light lees aromas with a grassy note. Fresh, juicy, slightly sweet palate with melon, pear, grapefruit and light butter flavours. A bit rind-y and ripe but with solid fruit in an easy-going style. Try with white meats and pasta. Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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01 September 2014
89PTS
Blue Mountain Pinot Blanc 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWe loved last year and edition 28 may be even better. Lively juicy fun and fresh on the nose and palate this wine is really over delivering. Two clones are behind this 50/50 mix of wine raised in wood and stainless steel. Love the lively citrus, mineral, green peach flavours flecked with guava and pear. Any type of shellfish works here and I'm thinking spaghetti vongole is the perfect match.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Perseus Pinot Blanc 2011
Penticton Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe nose opens fresh with light citrus notes and touch of cardboard. The attack is skinny with more citrus, mandarin rind and soft buttery spicy undertones in the back end. Simple ready-to-drink, luncheon style white you can serve with a toasted tomato sandwich.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Nk'Mip Cellars Pinot Blanc 2012
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFresh bright white wine with crisp fresh fruit-scented nose. Just when you think it is all fruit salad the acidity slashes through and keeps it all linear and fresh. Look for citrus lemon and cherries and peaches delicately mixed on the palate and a fresh crisp finish. Well-made food -friendly and ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Laughing Stock Vineyards Blind Trust White +04/10 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA deft use of fresh juicy pinot gris and pinot blanc fatten up and aromatized by some 18 percent viognier sets the stage for this mid to heavy weight white. Rich yellow fruit flavours flecked with honey and ripe red apple honey and just a hint of butter. The finish is weighty and warm suggesting bigger menu fare. The winery employs several combinations of fermentation in both barrels and puncheons to be combined with the stainless steel portions. Well done.Prices:| BC | $25.10 | 750ml |
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88PTS
CedarCreek Ehrenfelser 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaJust off-dry the 27 year old vines planted at Mannhardt Vineyards are some of the oldest in the valley and you can taste the depth that comes with that age. The nose is floral and tropical with flecks of nectarine. The attack is similar with appealing sea salt spicer mixed into the juicy, off-dry, red apple, mandarin and pear flavours. Solid year in and year out. Indian curry dishes arte the match here.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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October 2014