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Tastings: November 2014
29 November 2014
91PTS
Browne Family Vineyards 2011
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThe label reads a 'Tribute to my Grandfather,' and a worthy tribute it is. Cabernet sauvignon is splashed with a touch of cabernet franc and petit verdot, and the subtleties of each have introduced lovely layered nuances into this confident wine. Cedar, graphite, plum, cassis and thorn are carried by a bamboo-firm structure, and finish with a little floral lift. Quiet, but confident. Enjoy now (I recommend with dry aged beef) or cellar for 3-5 years and be rewarded. Prices:| WA | $35.00 | 750ml |
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28 November 2014
91PTS
Brian Carter Cellars Solesce 2009
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesSolesce (sol, Latin for 'sun', and essence) is the winery's flagship blend, a time-worthy release based on cabernet sauvignon and accompanied by merlot, cabernet franc, malbec and petit verdot. Years in bottle have allowed these grapes to meld into a deep, full bodied red, with mature notes of cassis, dried flowers, tar, cherries and a scented wood spice. The generous fruit is bound with plush tannins and stretches to a lengthy finish.Prices:| WA | $56.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Boomtown Syrah 2012
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesBoomtown was a line that lauded Dusted Valley created with one singular goal: to overdeliver. Mission accomplished with an alluring nose of spring irises, perfumed cassis and wild raspberries leading to a ripe, juicy core and a round, medium body. Cracked black pepper and sweet vanillin leads out the finish. Lamb burgers with caramelized onions and blue cheese would marry with this ripe red. Prices:| WA | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Gilbert Cellars Malbec 2012
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesDense and inky in the glass, a lengthy decant will allow this big wine room to expand. Ripe plums, anise, wild blackberries, perfumed flowers and dark chocolate covered blueberries teem around robust and sticky tannins and spiced wood. This is a big wine, and will well suit your equally big red meat. Prices:| WA | $30.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Balboa Merlot 2011
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesOnly ninety-six cases of this fresh, deep-fruited merlot came from Mirage Vineyard in the challenging 2011 vintage, so get on the hunt. Time in decanter reveals dark berries, fragrant cassis, candied plum and black liquorice. There is a lot of density here, but the acidity is brisk and the core is bright and juicy, lifting silken tannins to a lingering finish. Beef tenderloin has found a match here. Prices:| WA | $30.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Ledger David Cellars Cabernet Franc 2011
Rogue Valley, Oregon, United StatesThis is a shining example of how graceful cabernet franc can be when you don't try and mess with it. Sweet tobacco, dried cassis, dark cocoa and perfumed fig on the nose lead to a finessed, spiced, medium bodied palate. Pure-fruited plum and wild raspberry fruit, peppery, brambled spice and subtle florals carry to a bright, fresh finish.Prices:| Oregon | $28.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Anam Cara Cellars Nicholas Estate Pinot Noir 2011
Chehalem Mountain , Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesTheir flagship wine, Nicholas Estate reflects 5 blocks in Chehalem Mountains, and 5 different clones of pinot noir, resulting in the layered nuances of this finessed wine. Elegant and lifted floral notes, delicate raspberry, cherry skin and bright plum float over a lean, stony edge of acidity (here's the cool 2011 vintage showing) and finish with faint rosebuds and spiced tea leaves. Prices:| AB | $36.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Santa Rita Carmenère 120 2013
Region del Valle Central, ChileMade for carmenère fans. Expect a soft, round, juicy, brambly red with resiny, crush dried leaves on the nose and a hint of chocolate. Fairly dense for the price with smoky, spicy, red fruit, a dash of vanilla and a medium smooth finish. Grilled chicken or pork would be a fine match. Ready to drink. Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
J. P. Chenet Premier de Cuvee Merlot - Cabernet Reserve 2012
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceLight leafy, peppery nose with earthy, gamey aromas. The attack is soft almost chalky in texture with cedar bark, milk chocolate, and blackberry jam with a skinny somewhat tart finish. Simple hamburger red that is ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $14.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $13.50 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
J. P. Chenet Cabernet - Syrah 2011
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceOpen cooked fruit nose with bits of raisins, meaty, sweet berry nose. The attack is soft and round with resiny, herbal, tobacco leafy flavours. The finish is short and sweet with some acidity poking through, almost Oz-like in character.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $14.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $13.50 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Santa Rita Carmenère Reserva 2010
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileOne of the things I like about the Santa Rita 'Reserva" series is the wines consistently deliver at a higher level. Texture and fruit dominate this bottle along classic carmenère notes of lead pencil, dark chocolate, tobacco and briar. Perfect with barbecue ribs. Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Santa Rita Merlot 120 2012
Region del Valle Central, ChileConsistent Maipo sappy, cassis, bay leaf aromas with bits of cherry and roasted coffee bean. The attack is soft with resiny, menthol, cedar notes flecked with black cherry, coffee and tobacco flavours. Solid fruit in a simple, affordable red. Best with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.00 | 750ml |
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27 November 2014
85PTS
Enrico Winery & Vineyards Red Dragon 2012
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada100% pinot noir from the estate vineyards. Orange pink hue, with delicate strawberry and mandarin notes, finishing with a touch of salty parmesan cheese and a light spritz. Rustic and rough around the edges, chill adequately. Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
De Vine Vineyards Foch Rosé 2013
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaSourced from the Cowichan Valley, this light plum coloured rosé has big spice and youthful wild blackberries, with a mustard seed herbal note. Blackberries, dark plum and spice close out this bold wine. Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
De Vine Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir Rosé 2013
Saanich Peninsula, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaFrom the picturesque mountainside Home Vineyard. Ripe strawberries and cream, potpourri and cinnamon, cherry blossoms and zippy rose thorns. Densely fruited and finishing a touch sweet. Try chilled, for brunch. Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Clos du Soleil Rosé 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMade from 17 year old Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from the southern Okanagan, this deep watermelon pink wine stands out in a lineup. Bold summer sweetened berries and candy floss aromas lead to a juicy and bright cranberry and strawberry palate, with cherry branch and vanilla bean/raspberry jam on the finish. Gutsy style to match up to your chicken or salmon burgers. Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Blue Grouse Quill Rosé 2012
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaFrom grapes grown on Vancouver Island comes this newcomer, medium pink rosé. A blend of pinot gris, pinot noir, gamay and muscat results in a cider apple and blossom note, with light rhubarb and cranberry flavours and slight prickle to the finish. Best with crab.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Little Farm Winery Rose 2013
Cawston, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBest BC wine I've tasted this year? Absolutely a contender. I kept this wine in my fridge for a few days, and it kept getting better and better. It was delicious when chilled, and when the glass warmed up. A winner with food, and without. Stood out when blind tasted. Every which way, this wine shone just a rosé should: pure, bright, characterful and vibrant. This single vineyard, 100% cabernet franc beauty should be your go-to pink this year (if you can find it - only a scant 170 cases). A very pale peach hue, this opens with wild strawberry, subtle spice and tangerine aromas. The bone dry palate teems with fragrant cherries, light lees, dried sage and dusty, stony spice. Impressive depth of flavour for such a light wine. Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Little Farm Winery Riesling 2013
Cawston, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLimey! If you like acid like I like acid, you will like this wine and we can drink it together. Riveting acidity, shimmering lime pith, juicy lime pulp and a lively pulse. An austere, chalky core is lightly loosened with hints of exotic orange and green apple. Lip smacking acidity leaves mouth watering with memories of white grapefruit. Alishan Driediger makes the wine and husband Rhys Pender MW farms the grapes on their 4 acre (Little Farm) in Similkameen. In this vintage, 6 different Riesling clones were whole cluster pressed directly to a mix of old, neutral barrels and a stainless steel tank before allowing for a long, slow ferment on the lees. Partner with fresh oysters for due diligence. Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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26 November 2014
85PTS
Kendall-Jackson Avant Red Blend 2012
California, United StatesNine months in French and American oak barrels, only 11 percent new are at the heart of this soft-ish, sixty-one percent merlot, with 15 percent syrah, 10 per cent malbec and three percent cabernet sauvignon and three percent carignane from Sonoma County, Mendocino County and Napa County. The attack is soft and silky with chocolate, raspberry and spicy black cherry fruit that finishes sweet and smooth. Too sweet for us but currently what many young wine drinkers are demanding. Best with super spicy ribs or chocolate bars.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Il Passo Nerello Mascalese e Nero d'Avola Vigneti Zabu 2012
Sicily, ItalyYou can smell the heat in this wine along with the spice and raisiny undertones. The grape were picked after a warm summer and further dried naturally to reduce about thirty percent of their pick weight. After a pressing and a long maceration it's aged in barrique for six months. Expect a black colour, a sweet black cherry fruit attack with very soft almost silky tannins. Rich sweet rustic southern Italian best served with spicy, meaty pasta dishes.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Trapiche Pure Malbec 2012
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaJust what we don't need another, middling malbec. In this case the wine is un-oaked hence the "Pure" designation on the label but ironically the wine is slightly dirty or "reduced" on the nose wine with strong underlying savoury leafy notes followed by a smoky, spicy sweet fruit flavour finish. OrdinaryPrices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Perseus Select Lots Invictus 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaInvictus is a 40/21/18/11/10 blend of merlot, malbec, petit verdot, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc. The nose is resiny with damp earth and scents of dark berries. The attack is weighty with savoury, cedar, menthol notes with black fruit throughout. Young herbaceous and awkward at this moment. Needs time to settle down.Prices:| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Cassini Cellars Cabernet Franc Collector's Series 2008
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA solid effort in a cool year which likely contributed to the aromatics that combines cool, dark fruit and leafy notes with hints of candied fruits. The attack is soft with a savoury, black fruit flavours with a subtle dusting of oak. This will improve in the bottle over the next two years but you can drink it now with a grilled steak.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Cassini Cellars Nobilus Merlot Grand Reserve 2011
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSoft forward, spicy, smoky nose with big black raspberry fruit. The palate is soft and resiny with a persistent vanilla flavours punching through the palate and the finish. It a bit too much oak for the rest of the structure and will need some time to dissipate. Serve with beef or lamb if you can't wait.Prices:| BC | $39.00 | 750ml |
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25 November 2014
88PTS
Little Farm Winery Chardonnay 2013
Cawston, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe wine opens with an intriguing wild herb and stone, earthy lees and floral thistles. A textured mid-palate hints to the low yields, whole cluster press and partial wild ferment utilized, while the slicing, savoury minerality communicates the chalky, mineral-rich soils. Pressed apple, lees, hazelnuts and citrus unite through the lingering finish. Only 68 cases of the 2013 were produced, so scoop it if you spy it so you can glean a sense of their Similkameen heritage.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Opawa Pinot Noir 2012
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandOpawa translates as "smoky river", and while there's a hint of light smoked branch in this Marlborough pinot noir, it's not - thankfully - a river's worth. Ripe strawberry jam, sweet raspberry, red currants and herbal twine dominate this juicy, simple and lightly raspy red. A bit of heat on the punchy finish leads me to think this would partner with grilled pork ribs or mushroom ragú.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Atalon Pauline's Cuvee 2011
Napa Valley, California, United StatesPauline's Cuvee is a rich Napa Valley blend of mostly merlot and cabernet franc with a pinch of cabernet sauvignon with a nod to Bordeaux's Right Bank. The fruit is mix of Stagecoach, Atlas Peak and Coombsville vineyards. The nose is a mix of sweet spices and oak all in a commensurate amount for the depth of fruit. The palate is awash in black cherry, cola and spicy resiny flavours. Dry and showing some restraint this should be an excellent bottle in three to five years. Drink now with grilled meats.Prices:| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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24 November 2014
88PTS
Villa Locatelli Friulano 2013
Gorizia, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, ItalyFrom Friuli-Venezia-Giulia near the Slovenia border this Friulano white is stony fresh and alive offering up a wall of flowers, nectarine skin, citrus, fennel honey and pears on the nose. The attack is equally fresh and bright with more green apple, honey and almond notes. Made for simple seafood dishes may we suggest grilled prawns with a touch of spice.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Kismet Estate Viognier 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen ripe nose of white flowers and apricots with dash of ginger. The attack is warm and with some early bitter notes, more ginger and tropical yellow fruits. Powerful to the point of alcoholic with a long warm barley sweet finish. Original style just needs a bit more acidity and freshness.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Smoking Loon Viognier 2012
California, United StatesIt's been a few years since we lasted tasted this wine and it appears to be a little skinnier and fresher and a little cheaper. The nose is a mix of honeysuckle and orange/pear fruit with a dash of crushed mango and rose oil. The entry is similar with a soft palate and a ripe tropical melon/ passion fruit a dash of spiced orange. Try with spicy chicken or pork dishes.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $17.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.55 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Wild Goose Gewurztraminer 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLove the evolution of this wine as the fruit quotient is intensified the bitterness reduced and the fun factor upped. Look for litchi, lemon, ginger and rose petal across the palate from front to back with a squeeze of orange. A touch sweet in a good way to fight off a spicy black bean sauce. Balanced friendly delicious.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wild Goose Gewurztraminer Mystic River Vineyard 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Mystic River vineyard gewürztraminer seems a little more stony and mineral but with a more soapy litchi ginger, honey, grapefruit nose. The attack is nimble and light with mineral, lime, litchi, rose water nectarine and baked green apple flavours. Drier and lacking a little intensity; the regular seems more substantial this year.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Poplar Grove Viognier 2013
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAnother year and another equally fine example from Poplar Grove maybe the best yet. The style is fresh and juicy, plenty of nectarine skin/apricots and orange blossoms. Love the skinny style here with an emphasis on peaches, pineapples, citrus and spice. Classic white for west coast shellfish or pan seared calamari. No wood no malolactic. Drink all year round.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Spier Chenin Blanc 2013
Western Cape, South AfricaThis Stellenbosch-based chenin comes with spicy green apple fruit with bits of nectarine skin. The attack is delicate with juicy, creamy, grapefruit, honey gooseberry flavours with a squeeze of lime rind. Zero oak influence. Balance and finesse make this a great choice for food. Try this with your favourite chicken dish or goat cheese.Prices:| BC | $12.69 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Dunavár Collection Muscat Ottonel 2012
Mátraalja, HungarySubdued style muscat with fresh ginger, floral, lemongrass peppery notes. The attack is dry with melon guava lime flavours and a dry, slightly bitter finish. Simple dry seafood wine best with buttered clams or calamari. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $11.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.00 | 750ml |
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21 November 2014
89PTS
Osoyoos Larose 2010
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2010, one of the coolest years ever at Osoyoos Larose has yielded a good if not great wine. The blend this year is dominated by merlot (a good idea) at 67 percent along with 20 cabernet sauvignon six petit verdot four cabernet franc and three malbec. Always restrained there is less muscle in 2010 promoting an earlier drinking date and a softer wine. The fruit is still black with a savoury south Okanagan undercurrent with peppery, coffee black cherry liquorice, meaty olive notes. A very respectable bottle in a tough year. Drink through 2017.Prices:| BC | $46.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $45.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $45.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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18 November 2014
90PTS
Laughing Stock Vineyards Portfolio +09/10 2012
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLook for a big rich spicy, peppery nose with tobacco, mint and smoky vanilla/coffee notes with bits of cassis. The attack is round, smooth and suave, the palate fresh with juicy acidity. More coffee, pepper, black olive, tobacco, black cherry and smoky cedar/black tea flavours mark the flavours. The finish has some youthful tea tannins and oak to diminish but is well balanced overall. A solid effort that will improve with time in the bottle. The '12 Portfolio mixes all five Bordeaux varieties in a 45/25/22/7/1 blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, malbec and petit verdot. The 2010 saw some of the wine fermented in oak before spending 19 months in French oak.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $53.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $53.00 | 750ml |
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14 November 2014
92PTS
Champagne Le Mesnil NV
Champagne, FranceIt's easy to like this classy little bubble that brings purity and complexity to the mix pushing its delicate fruit into the background allowing the minerality and brioche notes to play a prominent role in the bottle. A rare grand cru at this price that easily over delivers in the Champagne category. Gougeres anyone?Prices:| BC | $50.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Anna de Codorníu Blanc de Blancs NV
Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainSparkling, check. Almost all-chardonnay Blanc de Blancs, check. Delicious, check. Inexpensive check and in a stunning white wrap modern package, check. Anna Blanc de Blancs began as Anna Cava three decades ago in 1984. It has since evolved into a super bottle of bubble. Food friendly, stylish and the perfect holiday pour.Prices:| BC | $15.49 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.00 | 750ml |
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12 November 2014
87PTS
Bartier-Scholefield B-S Red Table Wine 2008
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom clay soils northeast of Penticton comes this BS Red - a blend of merlot, cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, merlot and petit verdot. Now with a few years of age, this scented wine opens with fragrant dried black cherry and aged wood. The fruit is wearing down to nubs, but there is gentle dried strawberry and cherry before the finish nips off. If you have in your cellar (like I did) the time to drink is now.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Mt. Boucherie Family Reserve Gamay Noir 2012
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThough Mt. Boucherie Family Estate Winery has been a constant fixture in West Kelowna, the grapes for this wine come from their Similkameen Vineyards in Cawston. Huge peppercorn, resin and sappy branch aromas lead off this assertive gamay. Dusky, brooding black cherry and black pepper on the palate, spiked with tart acidity and held together with slightly gummy, ripe tannins. Medium bodied, but ripe-fruited - no gamine gamay. Partner with roast pork or wild mushroom casserole. Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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01 November 2014
93PTS
Champagne Moêt & Chandon Grand Vintage 2004
Champagne, FranceThe 70th edition of Moet's vintage champagne now with ten years in the bottle is enticing to say the least. The fruity citrus, white peach, notes are evolving into more complex esters of biscuits, toasted nuts, minerals, pear, citrus and spice. The attack is richer with just enough weight to balance off the bubbles and fruit. A perfect wine for the dinner table to be paired with rich seafood items, white meats and even duck. Drink now or over the next three to five years.Prices:| BC | $81.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $86.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $84.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $84.00 | 750ml |
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December 2014