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Tastings: January 2015
31 January 2015
87PTS
Unsworth Vineyards Pinot Gris 2013
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaBright pear and creamy lees opens this crisp and lean pinot gris. Tart gooseberry, lemon, yellow apple and pear skin on the palate, with a kiss of anise perfume and almond-toned lees offering a cushion against the racy vein of acidity. Cool climate, to be sure. Pour with pernod scented mussels or peppery salad greens. Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Unsworth Vineyards TimBuck Two Riesling 2013
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWith a clever name referencing both owner Tim Turyk and the massively popular Two Buck Chuck wine, Cowichan Valley's Unsworth Vineyards bottled this new, quaffable and affordable second label riesling. Sourced from the Naramata Bench, this opens with tangerine lime and fresh pear. The juicy palate sings with the same: a lick of sweetness plumps up lime pith, honey and fleshy white peach. The finish is crisp and honeyed, finishing dry and with a lingering saltiness. A natural for by the glass pours, or your spicier seafood dishes. Quaffable, drink now.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Soahc Estate Wines Chardonnay 2013
Kootenay River Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom the pioneering outback of Fruitvale, in the Southern Kootenays' Columbian River Basin comes this new biodynamic, estate grown, chardonnay. Hazelnut and pear blossoms aromas lead to a fuller bodied, creamy and gentle white, cushioned by time in French oak. Green apple, hazelnut, ripe pear finish with lemon zest spiciness. Promising effort from this new winery. Pour with creamed pasta dishes or spring risotto.Prices:| BC | $26.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Soahc Estate Wines Riesling 2013
Kootenay River Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCalling itself North America's first biodynamic winery from inception solicits attention. Setting up in Fruitvale, on the Columbian River Basin in the Southern Kootenays demands attention. French biodynamic farming consultant Phillippe Armenier and Bordeaux winemaking consultant Alain Sutre advise proprietor Jamie Fochuk and his young family on their estate grape and winemaking, and results deserve your attention. Fresh red apples, citrus blossom aromas lead to a juicy, crisp and limey riesling. An abundance of fleshy apples and stone are tightened with lime pith and linger with herb-tinged minerality. 9.5 percent alcohol welcome and well placed. Very promising first look at this frontier winery.Prices:| BC | $23.50 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Cono Sur 20 Barrels Limited Edition Pinot Noir 2012
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileAlways one of the best Chilean pinot noirs the trick with 20 Barrels is to give it some time in the glass or even better decant it for an hour. Look for a big spicy, strawberry/plum nose with bits of compost and leather. The palate is similar with rooty with red fruits, liquorice, orange rind and compost flavours with refreshing acidity. Smooth silky full flavoured pinot calling for duck confit. Solid value.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Maverick Estate Winery Rubicon 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAll grapes from the Golden Mile Bench were fermented naturally and on the stems the blend is 65/25/15 syrah, cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon. The nose is distinctly spicy and savoury with bits of pepper, cloves and cherry cola. The syrah shine here almost asking for a little less cabernet. Rich black fruits with a briary, peppery under current, dried herbs (garrigue) and smoked meat notes. Give this another year or two in bottle to tone down and see where it heads.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Wild Goose Red Horizon Meritage 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWild Goose gets the texture right in this 55/55/25/ merlot, cabernet sauvignon, petit verdot but the blend lacks the phenolic ripeness. The attack is rich and full with supple textures while the fruit is a mix of cranberry/sour cherry with a savoury undercurrent. Time in bottle will help but so will riper tannins. Serve now with a grilled steak for best results.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Wild Goose Pinot Noir 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHess Vineyard in Okanagan Falls provides the fruit for this newish Wild Goose label. Wild Goose makes pure wines and as they move more into the red realm they are bringing that touch with them. At 12.9 percent alcohol it has all the style and finesse if not quite the ripe fruit. Cherry cran-berry spicy raspberry fruit is just a touch of fully ripe. Solid effort. They suggest pork as a suitable food partner.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Stag's Hollow Hawk's Hollow 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA hefty blend of 50/41/9 syrah, cabernet sauvignon and petite verdot employing South Okanagan Oliver and Osoyoos fruit. The nose is a mix of smoke and earth with a hint of reduction or meaty syrah notes. The attack is similar with more red fruit flavours than you might expect, blueberries, spice, freshness and pruny coffee notes in the back end. Young and exuberant this needs time to settle down and pull it all together. Serve now with osso buco or other slow cooked meat dishes.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Stag's Hollow Renaissance Pinot Noir 2011
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA nice jump in texture and weight from the 2010 and a purer fruit expression. The fruit is all Okanagan Falls off the estate and it's alive and well thanks to the use of only 2nd fill French oak barrels an excellent decision for the vintage. Savoury bright fresh and showing black cherry and plum flavours and it's all in perfect balance. Winemaker Dwight Sick uses a mix of clones 115 and 667 de-stemmed and whole berry fermented in small 1 ton open topped fermenters.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Stag's Hollow Tempranillo 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTempranillo is a moody grape here in British Columbia. In this case the nose is mix of earth and leather with hints of cherry and prunes. The attack is fresh and medium weight with some prominent acidity throughout almost gamay like. Half the fruit comes of the home vineyard the rest form Naramata, Osoyoos. There's 10 percent merlot in the blend. Not quite as temperate as tempranillo. Pair with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Blue Grouse Quill Red 2012
British Columbia, CanadaIntense wild riparian nose no doubt born from its cabernet foch, maréchal foch base. There is roundness and softness but the acid is fierce almost increasing the intensity of its tart spicy, cran-cherry flavours. Unique but would require a smoky piece of beef to tame. The mix is 47/21/21/11 cabernet foch, Marechal foch, merlot, cabernet Libre.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Clos du Soleil Signature 2012
British Columbia, CanadaThe 2012 Signature is a 48/42/9/1/ mix of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc and petit verdot that spends 18 months in French oak. A wonderful growing season has supercharged this red blend now one of the best in the province. Look for quiet aromatics of spicy black cherries, blueberries with a savoury note that penetrates the finish. Seamless tannins and silky textures seem to buoy the ripe fruit perfectly offset by notes of tobacco and dried herbs and the perfect tension of acidity. Terrific balance suggest this wine will improve for a decade in bottle. A fabulous Similkameen statement. T-bone steak anyone? 450 cases made.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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28 January 2015
91PTS
Le Vieux Pin Ava 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe '13 Ava is 50 viognier, 41 roussanne and 9 marsanne. Rigourous selection has yield another delicious blend that is more Rhone-y than I'm sure the French would like. The appeal of this blend is it's juicy, dare I say elegant, but with enough power and fruit and to please the sophisticated sipper. Lemon oil, peaches, cooked quince, it is all here in perfect balance and it is persistent. At 12.9 percent winemaker Severine Pinte is knocking it put of the park with a fungo bat - longer and leaner. You can drink this with almost any rich fish dish, chicken veal and cheese. Delicious.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Pentâge Winery Rousanne Marsanne Viognier Dirty Dozen Vineyards 2012
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOne of growing number of Rhone inspired blends coming out of the Okanagan Valley in this case a 60/20/20 mix of roussanne, viognier and marsanne. The nose is fresh mixing stone fruits and floral notes with a squeeze of citrus. Some would suggest it is a bit skinny but I prefer this style versus the heavier, weighty, super ripe floral style, especially with food. Bits of apricot lemon and spice finish off the palate with a hint of lees. Enjoy with spicy tuna sushi.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Terravista Figaro Roussanne Viognier Marsanne 2013
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFigaro, year four, still blends roussanne, viognier and marsanne and is redolent in big ripe yellow fruits, peaches and a hint of citrus. The attack is dry and weighty, but in balance, with fabulous peach, ripe pear, ginger and spicy flavours with just the right hint of bitterness. Whole roasted chicken, macadamia nut baked fish or pasta with tomatoes, olives, onions and mushrooms.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wild Goose Pinot Gris 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBright fresh floral, citrus nose with bits of honey. Fresh, juicy, round and almost sweet yet with good acidity. Honey, mandarin, ginger, apricot skin mark the palate with a touch of bitterness to combat the sweet fruit.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Blue Grouse Cowichan Valley Estate Ortega 2012
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaOrtega is a müller-thurgau and siegerrebe cross whose job it is to ripen earlier although normally most ortega you would encounter would be richer and sweeter than this version. This Cowichan valley version is anything but fat, in fact its fresh, skinny, steely full of acidity from front to back. The palate is a mouth-watering mix of citrus/mineral flavours with just hint of licorice in the finish. Classy and food friendly and low-ish alcohol. Try this with steamed clams with a bit of tomato and onion. Good value.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Plume Chardonnay 2012
Napa Valley, California, United StatesAn open, round nutty butterscotch nose that sings classic Napa chardonnay. The attack is rich and creamy with ripe apple vanilla smoky toasted oak flavours. The style is balanced and rich calling for heavier foods to compete. A bit old-style for an adventurous Canadian market but there's still an audience for this style of wine.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Poplar Grove Blanc de Noirs 2013
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe malbec/syrah blend takes this out of the light rosé category and while its weighty, it is also sweet. It's a bit cleaner than last year and there is plenty of fruit which makes it very sip-able. It is best with food and in this case spicy food that will tame the sugar or vice versa to quiet the spice. Spicy barbecue ribs would be a fine match as would spicy pulled park sandwiches. Pricey.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Poplar Grove Chardonnay 2013
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNow well done the fresher skinnier less oak path this wine is fun to nose and sip. The nose is an herbaceous mix of tropical fruits with a hint of orange blossom, citrus and red apple fruit. Fresh green apple and citrus dominate the palate with a hit of lees in the back end. Now that oak is under control next up on the wish list is a touch more complexity and depth. A fun wine you can serve with seafood pasta dishes or grilled chicken.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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26 January 2015
90PTS
Vasse Felix Heytesbury 2011
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaOpen, potent nose of mint, cedar, floral cassis and spice. Where the nose was somewhat dark and brooding, the palate is juicy and vibrant, with fleshy blackberry, cassis, eucalyptus, ripe cherry and bright cranberry tang, and savoury steak spice notes. Tannis are plush and the finish is lengthy, carrying through the minty eucalyptus note. A generous, approachable wine now, will deepen in tone with 5-10+ years. Pour now with beef wellington. Prices:| BC | $100.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Serafino Wines Sorrento Dry Grown Grenache 2012
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaDry farmed bush vine grenache undergoes minimal oak handling, allowing the sun warmed fruit to shine. Fragrant raspberry, black cherry and dried herbs on the nose. The fleshy body carries the same, along with fine spiced mulberry and boysenberry, dark cocoa, opulent tannins and a lifted juiciness. Great length in this mid/full bodied red - invites pairing with plum sauced ribs or lamb.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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25 January 2015
89PTS
Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Sonoma County, California, United StatesNot much change here. Solid styling mixing cedar, chocolate, cassis, blackberry aromas with earth and olives. Dry, fresh, juicy entry with blackberry, powdered chocolate, earthy, smoky vanilla notes with a pinch of savoury dried herbs. Attractive style for many in that soft round Californian way. The blend is 93 percent cabernet sauvignon with merlot and cabernet franc filling out the mix. Grilled beef kabobs would be a fine match.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $25.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $27.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Starborough Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandClassic pungent style Kiwi sauvignon blanc with herbaceous overtones. Look for a strong gooseberry notes with whiff of passion fruit and jalapeno and citrus. Simple, ready-to-drink sauvignon but needs food to really achieve its full potential. Try it with steamed mussels or seafood pasta.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
August Kessler R Riesling Kabinett 2012
Pfalz, GermanyClassic fresh, but ripe riesling that relies on a stony minerality to blance off a touch of mid-palate sweetness coming from its vibrant peachy nectarine fruit. A delicate style white wine that pairs well with spicy sushi dishes, chicken or most any summer salad. The fruit comes off slightly sloping vineyards in the Pfalz that are on average 29 years old.Prices:| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Vineyard 2012
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesAlexander Valley is not all warms some portions are moderated by cool ocean breezes and evening fog. The cabernet sauvignon is quite plummy with rich underlying black fruit and round tannins. There is youthful freshness here with spicy compost, dried herbs and milk chocolate undertones. Dense and rich but with a soft almost mellow 'Alexander' finish. Steaks anyone.Prices:| ON | $28.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Robert Mondavi Fumé Blanc 2013
Napa Valley, California, United StatesThe Mondavi goal was always a richer, Napa Valley style but with brightness of sauvignon. In that respect director of winemaking Genevieve Janssens has stayed the course with the 2013 a 90/10 sauvignon blanc sémillon blend. Once again the nose is fabulous melange of tropical fruits mixing gooseberry, lime orange blossoms and melons with a twist of lemon. Love the mineral notes in the back end. Rich and full at 14.5 percent alcohol but you hardly feel it. The fruit is a mix of Wappo Hill in the Stag's Leap District and To Kalon in Oakville with some eleven percent Mendocino fruit for brightness. Sixty percent of the juice is barrel fermented but only eight percent is in New French oak. Amazing quality for 45,000 cases. good value.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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23 January 2015
89PTS
Matanzas Creek Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Sonoma County, California, United StatesAlways fresh this wine has leaned out a touch over the years although it would be fun to see this wine taken to the extreme. Sometimes Sonoma is too safe. Expect a mix of grapefruit and nectarine skin with a tropical undertows and a dusting of dried herbs. The attack is soft with limon guava and more dried herbs. The perfect wine for roasted chicken or fresh goat cheese.Prices:| BC | $39.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Kilikanoon Killerman's Run Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Clare Valley, South Australia, AustraliaGreat value for this Clare Valley cabernet - fresh and bright under screwcap. Stone and fine dust coats red and black cherry. A lean-edged, bitter cherry palate is a bit sharp, but great structure and spicy peppered cassis make for a complete, rounded whole on the finish. Approachable and interesting, drink now.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Ochota Barrels The Fugazi Vineyard Grenache 2013
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaOchota Barrels' aim is to express old vine, single-vineyard sites in the cool Adelaide Hills, as naturally as possible. Here, organically farmed 66 year old grenache undergoes a seven day cold soak, 70 percent whole-cluster fermentation with wild yeast and 82 days on skins. That's about as pure an expression of site and as low-maintenance winemaking as it gets. The result is a light crimson-hued pour, aromatic wild strawberry, dried herb and five spice/star anise nose. The bright, fluid palate carries the same, across wild, earthy, salted cherry and red berry fruit, and enough crunchy tannins to call out for food. Allow it time in the glass to warm up to you, and you to it. Front wave of natural winemaking in Australia. Prices:| Australia | $40.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Dodgy Bros Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon Petit Verdot 2012
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaHailing from Winnipeg and a friend to many in the Canadian wine industry still, Wes and his family have made McLaren Vale their home since 2008. This structured red opens quietly, with subtle graphite, pencil notes. In contrast the palate is quite concentrated with dense fruit, cassis and herbal thorns, brightened with juicy freshness. Tannins are fine and slightly gritty, and the finish lingering with eucalyptus. This dense wine swiftly gobbles up the 50 percent new French oak, making the balancing act look easy. Pour now (alongside herb grilled lamb or hearty sausages) or hold for 5+ years. Prices:| MB | $30.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Palacios Remondo La Vendimia Rioja 2012
Rioja, SpainLa Vendimia, or 'The harvest,' is a delicious style joven or young Rioja that spends six months in oak barrels. The blend is 50/50 garnacha and tempranillo that results in juicy supple round friendly fun wine but with meaning. The 2012 vintage was particularly warm and dry favouring the local varieties. At Palacios they picked late after the fall rains had filled out the grapes and the wine is delicious. The fruit sits at some 500m and the estate-owned 10-to 40-year-old vines have been grown organically since 2003. We love the floral, spicy, cherry jam, plum aromas and the whack of spicy raspberry cherry fruit. Drink now or over the next three years with lamb veal or even fish.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Rodney Strong Brothers Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesThe Brothers Ridge vineyard is 141 acres are planted to mostly cabernet sauvignon with small blocks of merlot and malbec is located just east of Cloverdale. Loamy sandstone, fractured shale and ancient greenstone at near 1,000 feet face west for maximum afternoon sun. The 2011 vintage was damp and wet through July and continued cool through to September. Most of the fruit came of the "greenstone" block in late October. This big, rich cabernet but still in that Alexander Valley way it is generous. Expect big dark blackberry fruit flavours flecked with black cherry cedar and tobacco. The structure is firm and youthful suggesting five to eight years of cellaring for best results. Prime rib or New York steaks are required now.Prices:| BC | $99.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $80.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
J. J. McWilliam's Shiraz Cabernet 2013
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaVery spicy, black pepper, meaty, coconut, leather, chocolate and prune plum aromas. Fresh, round, slightly sweet entry with black berry, licorice, rooty, black pepper, savoury, meaty, cassis flavours. Solid fruit core in an easy consumer style.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $10.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $10.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
J. J. McWilliam's Cabernet Merlot 2013
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaPeppery, smoky, black olive, cassis, earthy, riparian aromas. Fresh, round, juicy but slightly sweet with light tea tannins. Cassis, black cherry, spicy, savoury, herbal, chocolate flavours. Simple bbq red that is best with food.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $10.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.05 | 750ml |
| NS | $11.99 | 750ml |
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22 January 2015
88PTS
BK Wines Skin & Bones White 2013
Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaThis is Adelaide Hills innovation influenced by Jura. Savagnin (winery initially thought it was albarino) and chardonnay come together in this textured, intensely aromatic and angular wine. Savagnin spends 25 days on the skins before being racked into neutral French puncheons for a year, after which it is blended with the stainless steel chardonnay. The wild, piercing herbaceouness of savagnin is tempered with the creamy chardonnay, resulting in a creamy, textured sipper with apple skin, stone, honey, light nuts and dried orange peel notes, finishing with an earthy hoppiness. Nervous energy here resulting in an angular and characterful wine. Prices:| Australia | $30.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Longview Saturnus Nebbiolo 2012
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaSo nebbiolo, and so Adelaide Hills. Sweet plum blossoms, perfumed roses, dried blueberry, dried herbs on the aromatic nose. This medium bodied wine shows ripe, savoury cassis, thorny black fruit, tobacco notes across big, structured and sticky tannins. Bright, elegant acidity lifts the whole to the lingering finish. Use of large format oak allows keeps wood at bay. Decanting necessary, and then pour alongside roasted beef tenderloin or lamb.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Shaw and Smith Chardonnay M3 Vineyard 2013
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaShaw + Smith winery was founded in 1989 by Michael Hill Smith (of Yalumba) and Martin Shaw (his cousin, a well-travelled wine consultant) with the goal of producing elegant and refined wines from the cool Adelaide Hills. Mission accomplished. Whole bunch press and wild ferment adds tactile complexities to this alluring, medium bodied white. Fine cream, apple and pear across the finessed palate, textured with lees and stone. Leaner edged, with vibrant acid spine structure supporting the ripe, pure fruited core. Fresh and lively on the lingering finish. This is lovely now, but will continue to gain in depth over 5+ years. If you can't wait, pour with halibut, sablefish and fresh spring vegetables.Prices:| BC | $53.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $38.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $49.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Rodney Strong Symmetry Table Red Wine 2012
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesSimilar to past editions but now with even better integration and finesse or should we say symmetry. Smoke and cedar waft through its savoury, vanilla, black cherry and licorice nose. The attack is dry and elegant the tannins finely polished. The palate is a mix of blackberry jam, black cherries and liquorice flecked with mineral, vanilla, cedar and savoury dried herbs. You can drink this now with T-bone steak for balance or wait two to five years for it to completely mature. First rate Meritage.Prices:| BC | $80.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $70.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $77.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Wolf Blass Gold Label Chardonnay 2013
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaExpressive smoked stone, eraser and ripe pear over top of creamy, well integrated oak. Lemon and grapefruit pith intensity on the spicy, fresh finish. Lovely example of cool climate Aussie chardonnay. Pour alongside white fish or chicken salads. Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $24.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NFL | $23.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Spinifex Esprit 2012
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThis is a charming, lithe and fresh blend of grenache, mataro, cinsault, shiraz and carignan, belying its 14.5 percent alcohol. Vines sourced from vineyards averaging 70 years of age, low yielding and hand tended. Perfumed pink flowers, talcum powder, savoury wild herbs and wild strawberry aromatics. The palate is finessed, fine grained and buoyant with delicate wild strawberry, fragrant raspberry, pomegranate and pure cherry core. Some crunchy rockiness welcome on the finish, where a touch of heat creeps in. Crack and pour with pork chops or salmon. Prices:| Australia | $30.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
John Duval Plexus 2012
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaAfter 29 years as a winemaker with Penfolds (you may have heard of Grange?), John Duval started his own wine label in 2003. Plexus is an alluring GSM (30/51/19) with charming strawberry, cherry and cinnamon spice aromatics, before an elegant black cherry, pure wild raspberry textured palate. Big concentration of supple fruit comes across as lifted and effortless. A graceful beauty, drinking well now and will hold for 5+ years. Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $40.75 | 750ml |
| AB | $50.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $52.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $55.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
O'Leary Walker Wines Claire Reserve Shiraz 2005
Clare Valley, South Australia, AustraliaOpens with pencil, big herbal notes into savoury black cherry, red cherry, fine dried raspberry. Great structure, fine, grainy tannins covered with savoury iodine and branchy/earthy interest. Still pure and fresh now 10 years on. Finessed and deep with flavour. Great length, ending with a bit of mustard seed herbal notes. Prices:| Australia | $90.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Grosset Polish Hill Riesling 2014
Polish Hill River, Clare Valley, South Australia, AustraliaEpitome of Clare riesling and typifies the Polish Hill minerality and precision. Lime pith, pink grapefruit, lime blossom, melon fragrance. There's a linear, silken fluidity to the ripe palate, with subtle pear, fine cream and graceful generosity. Lime cream through the lingering and persistant finish. Very young, through astutely balanced and seamless. Will hold for next 10+ years.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $45.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $50.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $45.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Descendientes de J. Palacios Pétalos 2012
Bierzo, Castilla-Leon, SpainPétalos is all about its old vine (60-years plus) mencia grapes farmed bio-dynamically on several small, rocky slate-y hillside plots worked by Álvaro Palacios and Ricardo Perez Palacios, his nephew and co-proprietor. The attack is juicy love the warm, earthy nose and dark berry fruit flavours and tannins and textures that melt into the fruit. You will drink the entire bottle.Prices:| BC | $28.79 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $28.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.00 | 750ml |
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21 January 2015
91PTS
Davis Bynum Dijon Clone 667 Pinot Noir Jane's Vineyard 2012
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesDavis Bynum has been under the purview of Rodney Strong Vineyards for a while now but winemaker Greg Morthole has stayed the course turning out surprisingly refined pinot noir that clearly reflects the terroir at Jane's vineyard where the vines are grown over relatively nutrient-poor, gravelly, Huichica loam. The 2012 season was warm. The wine, in this case all Dijon clone 667, begins its ferment on native yeasts and is aged in 1/3 new French oak. Look um for a restrained Russian river styling albeit with a richer plummy fruit character and a splash of cola and toasted oak. The textures are creamy/silky in the mouth the finish medium long with just enough acidity to keep it interesting. A pretty wine that is proudly modern Sonoma.Prices:| US | $59.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Erath Pinot Noir 2012
Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesEasily one of the best 'Oregon' pinot noir I have tasted from Erath in this market. Love the juicy black cherry fruit and red plum aromas. The attack is pinot sweet with beautiful silky textures and plenty of finesse at just 13.5 per cent alcohol and only 25 percent new Oak. This slides down effortlessly with cran-cherry black cherry fruit with just a hint of compost. Delicious food friendly. Stock up.Prices:| QC | $38.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
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19 January 2015
86PTS
Monster Vineyards Red Eyed Meritage 2012
British Columbia, CanadaPeppery, savoury, gamey, smoky, briar, black berry, olive, mint and tobacco leaf aromas. Fresh, round, slightly tart palate with light tannins. Coffee, resin, peppery, rooty, tobacco, green olive, smoky herb and tomato paste flavours. Rustic herbaceous style best with grilled or smoked meats.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Schloss Reinhartshausen Spatburgunder Dry 2012
Rheingau, GermanySavoury, spicy, black cherry nose with tobacco, worsteshire, strawberry jam, floral, incense, leather and five spice aromas. Fresh, dry, delicate and juicy palate with strawberry, dried cherry, celery salt, peppery, tobacco, leather and worsteshire flavours. Good finesse and delicacy with some very light tannins to dissipate. Drink now - 3 years. Very solid effort and value. Fine example of spätburgunder aka German pinot noir.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Penfolds Shiraz - Mourvèdre Bin 2 2012
South Australia, AustraliaInky, peppery, licorice, vanilla, leather, smoky coffee, chocolate, blueberry and black cherry with a bit of poultry spice. Fresh, soft, round, juicy palate with coffee, licorice, savoury herb, black berry, leather, blueberry, tobacco and gingerbread flavours. Good fruit with some elegance for current drinking.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Blue Mountain Brut Rosé R.D. Méthode Traditionelle 2010
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOffering a very pale salmon colour with very fine bead. Floral, light strawberry, baked apple, lemon and toasty lees aromas. Fresh, creamy round palate with fine mousse. A slightly sweeter brut with good acidity. Toasty, honey, lemon, baked pear, apple skin, strawberry and tobacco flavours. Good finesse and fruit in an elegant, somewhat fruitier style with a hint of bitterness on the finish. Good effort and value.Prices:| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $37.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Moutard Pere et Fils Brut Grande Cuvée NV
Champagne, FrancePale yellow colour with fine, persistent mousse. Biscuit, lemon, toasty, floral nose with baked pear, green apple, butter and nutty, light quince aromas. Full, round, juicy palate but on the sweeter side of brut. Lemon custard, toasty biscuit, baked granny smith, pear skin, buttery, anise flavours. Good concentration and intensity but a tad soft and sweet on the finish. Attractive consumer style for current drinking.Prices:| BC | $47.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
No. 99 Wayne Gretzky Okanagan The Great Red 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGreen bean, peppery, resin, tobacco, smoky, savoury, leather, cherry, plum and olive aromas. Fresh, light, elegant and slightly sweet palate with cassis, sour cherry, meaty, coffee, peppery, green pepper, cocoa and herb flavours. Easy going bbq red.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Monster Vineyards Cabs Meritage 2012
British Columbia, CanadaLight cassis, thyme, black pepper, tobacco leaf, black olive, cranberry and saddle leather aromas with a bit of green bean and herb and a hint of coffee. Fresh, dry, juicy, elegant palate with light tannins. Black cherry, cranberry, peppery, tobacco, resin, leather, olive, coffee and smoky herb flavours. A bit light and short but solid balance here.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Felton Road Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2012
Central Otago, South Island, New ZealandGood cherry colour with strawberry jam, black cherry, smoky, celery salt, barnyard, thyme, light vanilla and carrot top aromas. Dry, fresh, juicy palate with good elegance and a touch of astringency. Raspberry jam, smoky, cherry, celery salt, coffee, vanilla, tobacco leaf, saddle leather and herb flavours. Good intensity and balance if a bit short. Drink now - 5 years.Prices:| BC | $70.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Mission Hill Terroir Collection No.16 Southern Cross Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, grapefruit, gooseberry, chalky, light vanilla, passion fruit and light artichoke aromas. Dry, fresh, juicy and elegant palate with a touch of austerity. Good grapefruit, kiwi, passion fruit, waxy, grassy, lees, vanilla and asparagus flavours. Nice length and intensity for food. Should improve with 1-2 years in bottle. Good effort in a more reserved style.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Wirra Wirra Church Block Cabernet Shiraz Merlot 2012
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaBlack berry, chocolate, prune plum, licorice, spicy, savoury, leather, game and bacon aromas. Round, fresh, elegant, lighter palate with coffee, chocolate, black berry, resin, licorice, game, tobacco and olive flavours. Warm, slightly tart finish with light tannins but solid fruit. Try with grilled beef or turkey.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $23.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $21.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Cellar Hand Punch Down Red 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky herb, tobacco leaf, bell pepper, resin, black olive, game, cranberry aromas. Fresh, juicy, round palate with cherry, cranberry, resin, tobacco leaf, bell pepper, green bean, olive and smoke flavours. Solid balance but on the green and soupy side. Best with burgers and grilled ribs.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Blasted Church Big Bang Theory 2013
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMeaty, coffee, resin nose with peppery, roasted mushroom, briar and tobacco aromas. Soft, juicy, light palate with smoky herbs, meaty, sausage, peppery, black cherry, coffee and tobacco leaf flavours. An easy-sipping style red blend. Give this some time in a decanter before serving with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $19.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Moraine Cliffhanger Red 2013
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeppery, black cherry, tobacco, chocolate, olive and spicy herb aromas. Fresh, soft, easy palate with cherry, coffee, chocolate, dried herb, mint, resin and black olive flavours. Easy-sipping barbecue red at fair price. Cliffhanger Red is comprised of malbec and merlot grapes produced on the Anastasia vineyard. The wine spent four months in French oak.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Calliope Figure 8 Red 2012
British Columbia, CanadaSavoury, spicy, black berry, licorice, resin, gamey, tobacco and black olive aromas. Dry, fresh, somewhat lean palate with tobacco leaf, olive, green pepper, meaty, coffee, resin and herb flavours. A bit to mean lean and green for us. Best with beef.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $26.00 | 750ml |
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17 January 2015
89PTS
Davis Bynum Pinot Noir 2012
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesThe Davis Bynum pinot is a mix of 115, 777, 667, 114, 113, Pommard and 2A and 23 grown on the gravelly loams soils of the Santa Rosa Plain in the Russian River Valley. The Bynum style or winemaker Greg Morthole's style is modern with fresher, lighter more red fruit pinot characters yet with flesh. Notes of cranberry punctuate the smooth, smoky, spicy, dusty, black cherry flavours with a touch of earth and celery salt. The alcohol is 14.5 percent yet it seem all in balance. Mushroom pastas, chicken or pork would all work here.Prices:| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Davis Bynum Chardonnay 2013
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesWinemaker Greg Morthole use several clones including 809, Spring Mountain, Wente, and 76 to gain complexity. A warm vintage has yielded a slightly richer mix of creamy leesy chardonnay streaked with lemon and pears. Only 30 percent French oak leaves the palate fresh with a mix of apricot, honey, brown spices with bits of vanilla and hazelnut. Well made for a warm year and still food friendly. Could it be a bit skinnier? We think so but we are fine with the evolution of this brand so far.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
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16 January 2015
87PTS
Radio Boka 2012
Valencia, Valencia and Murcia, SpainSweetly scented ripe strawberries, blueberry and sugared plum aromas lead to a simple and straightforward tempranillo, plumped up with 10 percent merlot. Juicy red cherry with whiffs of leather and vanilla, tannins are light and just the right amount of grippy. Pour this mellow wine with pizza or pork sandwiches.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Artadi Tempranillo Vineyard Selection 2012
Rioja, SpainArtadi's aim is to cultivate tempranillo at high altitude, crop low and farm sustainably. This selection, a blend of young vines, is open and ready to drink now. Supple leather and fragrant cherry aromas. The round palate carries youthful cherry and strawberry, chewy tannins and raspberry compote. Best with pork chop or lamb kabobs. Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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15 January 2015
90PTS
Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2012
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesTight, dusty, cedar coffee with just a hint of blackberry. Youthful almost rustic style on entry. Similarly youthful dry, grainy tannins preview more cedar, pepper, smoke, coffee, resin and blackberry jam. This needs time, two to four years, for the wine to come out and show its true colours. Best now with a grilled steak or lamb.Prices:| BC | $66.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $55.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $60.00 | 750ml |
| US | $40.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Joseph Phelps Pinot Noir Freestone Vineyards 2012
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, United StatesThe 2012 Sonoma Coast growing season was as good as it gets allowing full maturity and flavour development. Freestone is 100% estate-grown pinot from Freestone Vineyards (60% Quarter Moon Vineyard and 40% Pastorale Vineyard) - it is all Sonoma Coast. We loved this edition with its ripe, red fruits thanks to 27 percent whole clusters in the final blend. The palate is a carpet of black cherry fruit, smooth textures and spicy earthy dark fruit finish. Long and impressive in the finish with even a hint of minerality. An exceptional wine that was aged 13 months in 35 percent new and the remainder in two- to three-year-old French oak barrels. Perfect for salmon steaks.Prices:| BC | $69.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $77.50 | 750ml |
| NS | $64.00 | 750ml |
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14 January 2015
89PTS
Akarua Pinot Noir 2011
Central Otago, South Island, New ZealandWhat's more adventuresome than making wine in the world's most southerly wine region? How about making serious, terroir-driven wine in this very cool climate (we're nearing Antarctica here folks) region. The region's location affords it very high radiation, sunshine hours and very long days. This wine is from Bannockburn, a slightly warmer enclave subregion, but the 14 year old vines are sitting around 270m on schist based rock. Big musky perfume, with strawberry, black pepper, medicinal cherry and sweet dried raspberry complexities. Ripe and powerful fruit, very well knit together with some weight and depth. Beguiling.Prices:| BC | $37.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $36.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $38.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Rodney Strong Chardonnay Chalk Hill 2012
Sonoma County, California, United StatesThe light, white ash soils of the Chalk Hills appellation are the secret behind this deliciously crafted chardonnay from Rodney Strong. The winery within a winery program has really amped up the chardonnays, refreshing complex-ing and generally leaning them out at least as much as you can lean out Sonoma chardonnay. The palate opens with an attractive creamy, honeyed, tropical fruit character with a twist of lees. The fruit is a mix of ripe apples, pears, citrus and hazelnuts. Lobster, crab or halibut would all work here. An even slimmer version would be welcomed.Prices:| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $23.49 | 750ml |
| QC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Rodney Strong Chardonnay 2013
Sonoma County, California, United StatesThe regular Sonoma chardonnay is 60 percent barrel fermented and aged in barrel for six months the remainder is cold fermented in stainless steel. The result is a fairly bright nose of with a gentle touch of lees and toasted oak. The fruit is a mix of pear, apple and pineapple with just enough acidity to keep this juicy, slightly sweet chardonnay fresh. A fresher, new style California chardonnay.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Famille Perrin Tavel 2013
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceGrown over clay and limestone riddled with crumbly rocks and rolled pebbles. Perrin employs twelve hours of maceration in stainless steel followed by a cool 30 day ferment. Located on the right bank of the Rhône River in the department of the Gard. Tavel is thought to be the king rosé, certainly the style is richer than the norm. Look for a cherry, spicy, strawberry, earthy, light orange peel aromas. Fresh, round, elegant, dry palate with pomegranate, cherry, almond, licorice, earthy, green apple and tobacco flavours. Good finesse if a touch light and bitter. Fleshes out with food. The blend is cinsault, grenache and mourvèdre.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Tommasi Arele Parziale Appassimento 2011
Veneto, ItalySavoury, meaty, smoky, resin, cherry nose with peppery, briar and balsamic aromas. Round, fresh, elegant, slightly tannic palate with black licorice, almond, smoked meat, leather, coffee, light Band-Aid and balsamic flavours. Ready to drink with meat dishes.Prices:| MB | $22.50 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $23.25 | 750ml |
| BC | $21.79 | 750ml |
| NS | $23.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Blue Mountain Reserve Brut R.D. Méthode Traditionelle 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPale yellow colour. Medium fine bubbles with baked green apple, pear, floral, lemon, guava and light toasty aromas. Crisp, drier brut palate with good mousse creaminess but slightly austere. Lemon, pear skin, toasty, spicy, baked green apple, biscuit, rhubarb and peach pit flavours. Good delicacy in a more reserved style for food. Next step will be additional aromatics and flavour complexity with depth. A very fine sparkler.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Fort Berens Meritage 2012
British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, spicy, peppery, cassis, black olive, tobacco nose with resin, coffee and herb aromas. Fresh, juicy, lighter palate with very light tannins. Coffee, vanilla, peppery, cassis, cherry and roasted bell pepper with meaty, savoury, olive flavours. Solid if a bit herbaceous and not too extracted. This will improve n bottle over the next year. Served with roasted meats.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mission Hill Terroir Collection No.5 Lone Pine Chardonnay 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight tropical, floral, baked pear, butter, vanilla, green apple and grass aromas. Dry, fresh, elegant palate with butter, baked green apple, pear skin, grassy, grapefruit and chalk flavours. Bright fresh and ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Tinhorn Creek Cabernet Franc 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCranberry, light floral, peppery, tobacco, cherry, savoury aromas with a touch of saddle leather. Fresh, smooth, elegant, easy palate with tobacco leaf, cranberry, red currant, smoky, coffee, black olive and herb flavours. A bit herbaceous and oaky in the back end but well balanced and ready to drink. Try this with barbecue pork ribs. Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Fontodi Chianti Classico 2010
Tuscany, ItalyA delicious savoury, meaty, black cherry jam nose leads into a round, juicy, elegant Chianti with light, grainy tannins. Black cherry jam, orange peel, peppery, savoury, meaty, tobacco, balsamic, licorice and coffee flavours. Finish is a bit warm and rustic but with fine fruit intensity and depth to go 2-4 years. Good effort. Organically farmed.Prices:| NS | $40.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $27.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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13 January 2015
88PTS
Rodney Strong Zinfandel Knotty Vines 2012
Northern Sonoma, Sonoma County, California, United StatesSweet bramble berry, powdered chocolate spicy nose. The attack is warm and ripe with smooth, spicy chocolate with smoky, blackberry, licorice, and brambleberry fruit with a hint of cola. The "Knotty Vines" were planted in 1904 and a small portion is blended with other grapes from the Russian River and Alexander Valleys. Ready to drink. Serve with grilled meats, barbecue ribs or burgers.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Rodney Strong Sauvignon Blanc Charlotte's Home 2013
Northern Sonoma, Sonoma County, California, United StatesThe '13 is particularly ripe and round with notes of sweet pineapple and mixed tropical fruit. A good portion of Alexander Valley fruit keeps this wine round a soft and fruity while a portion of cooler Russian River grapes add a touch of freshness and acidity to the mix. Expect a generous, pineapple lemon/lime, passion fruit flavour profile that while ripe finishes, clean and fresh. We recommend a favourite creamy seafood pasta to match. Finished under screwcap.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
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12 January 2015
91PTS
Le Vieux Pin Syrah Cuvée Classique 2012
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is one of a trio of syrah that Le Vieux Pin produces in their quest to explore all personalities of the grape in the southern Okanagan. In the Cuvée Classique, 100 percent syrah from North Oliver reflects the savoury, brooding face. Perfumed black florals, bacon fat, cracked clove and pepper aromas. The layered palate is fresh with wild blackberries, herbal cassis, black cherry and cracked black pepper. Firm tannins frame this structured wine, but the sun ripened fruit cushion complements it seamlessly. Lingering salted sage and smoky bacon begs pairing with grilled lamb now, or cellar for 3-5 years.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Narrative White by Okanagan Crush Pad 2013
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNarrative is a new line of wines from the folks at Okanagan Crush Pad and is meant to tell story of what the Okanagan is best at: cool climate, aromatic, crisp, lively wines - here possible for a decent price. This is a blend of chardonnay, gewürztraminer and pinot blanc from their Summerland and Oliver vineyards. Gently spiced Anjou pear, fresh lemon, wild blossom and stone aromas. Juicy pear, honeysuckle, white peach and lemon thyme on the medium bodied, creamy palate, fresh and raindrop bright. Great balance and freshness, while retaining pure fruit creaminess. Love where this story is going. Fish tacos, peach/prosciutto/sage white pizzas would make a fine match.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Haywire Free Form Natural and Unfiltered White 2013
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFree form is true to name; Summerland chardonnay and sauvignon blanc was fermented with wild yeast, blended and bottled without enzymes or SO2, and allowed to chart its own timeline in the winery (enjoying a leisurely 8 months on the skins before pressing). The result is a snapshot of nut, straw, citrus and green apple / apple peel aromas. The textured palate carries through into hay, salted lemon peel, wet stone, quiet pear blossom, bitter herbal flowers and a quince compote spiciness and struck flint finish. Delicate and sharp at once, this wine keeps you going back to look for more. Challenging, interesting, free form. Pour just slightly chilled with aged hard cheeses or herb roasted chicken thighs and potatoes. Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Stoneboat Vineyards Pinot Gris 2013
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPear, floral, green apple, light anise and citrus aromas. Fresh, juicy, creamy, slightly austere palate with light lemon, honey, pear, green apple and grapefruit flavours with a touch of slate. A wonderful food style gris with fine intensity and balance.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandSuper pungent passion fruit, pink grapefruit, jalapeno, Kiwi sauvignon with grassy, floral notes. The attack is round with a slightly bitter sweet entry. Open grassy sweaty, canned jalapeno, bell pepper flavours sweet and sour finish. Simple, straight-forward stuff with an herbaceous twist. Best with steamed mussels in a tomato sauce.Prices:| PEI | $19.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $23.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $19.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $23.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $24.00 | 750ml |
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11 January 2015
90PTS
JoieFarm PTG 2010
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaI cracked this, pulled from my cellar, with Sunday night roast chicken. I'm glad I held on to this pinot noir / gamay blend from five years ago (!) as it's drinking beautifully right now. Scented black cherry, dried strawberry, dried herbs and savoury earth aromas. The palate has worn well with time, knitted and seamless flavours of red and black cherry, sweet dried cranberry, wild strawberries and cracked black pepper over smoothed, fine tannins. Finessed and juicy, and yes, perfect with roast chicken. Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.80 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Blue Grouse Quill White 2012
British Columbia, CanadaCorked. Try anotherPrices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Pentâge Winery Rousanne Marsanne Viognier Dirty Dozen Vineyards 2011
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is the second vintage of Pentâge's Rhone inspired white, and in 2011 the blend was 60/20/20 roussanne, viognier, marsanne. Heady seashell, peach fuzz and honeysuckle aromas. The full, creamy palate carries the same, along with candied apricots, fragrant anise, heady clove studded oranges and lime pulp freshness. Barrel fermentation and weekly battonage amp up the mouthfeel and texture; this is not a shy wine. However, it is very well handled, and for all its potency, it finishes elegantly. Pair with seared tuna or prosciutto and melon. Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Haywire Lunar New Year White 2013
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA limited release of 200 cases of this wine was released in celebration of the Lunar New Year and ring in the Year of the Sheep in 2015. This aromatic blend of gewürztraminer, chardonnay and viognier was designed specifically to pair with Asian cuisine, so prevalent our Pacific Rim food scene. Perfumed blossoms, lilac, fragrant peaches and pears to start. The bright, juicy palate shows expressive tropical melon, orange blossoms, honeysuckle, fleshy peach, peach fuzz and lime cordial. Off-dry with lifted acidity to carry, this indeed would partner with fragrant Thai curries or citrus-slicked noodles with prawns. Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
No. 99 Wayne Gretzky Okanagan Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeppery, resin, black olive, menthol, compost, roasted pepper, black cherry and coffee bean aromas. Fresh, juicy, slightly lean palate with some light tannins. Cedar, tobacco, coffee bean, peppery, resin, green bean and cassis flavours. Simple, leafy, herbaceous style red for the barbecue.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Monster Vineyards White Knuckle 2013
British Columbia, CanadaFloral, spicy, peach, ginger, green apple and light citrus aromas. Fresh, creamy, slightly sweet entry with pink grapefruit, peach, baked pear and apple flavours. Simple, fresh, clean sipper that is ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Xanadu Next of Kin Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaCedar, tobacco, smoky herb, Oxo cube, light cassis, coffee, minty, compost aromas. Easy, fresh, slightly chunky palate with light tannins. Smoky resin, peppery, tobacco, black olive, smoked tomato, cola and briar flavours with a bit of chocolate and cedar-y vanilla on the finish. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $18.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Blasted Church Merlot 2012
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen coffee, tobacco leaf, chocolate, cherry jam, spicy nose a savoury, cedar and menthol aromas. Soft, easy, round palate with coffee bean, vanilla, resin, roasted bell pepper, tobacco, cedar, prune and milk chocolate flavours. A simple, easy-sipping style for hamburgers or grilled beef.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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10 January 2015
87PTS
Quinta De Chocapalha Mar da Palha 2009
Lisboa, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalThis modern styled red is a blend of 75/25 syrah/touriga nacional from Lisboa DOC (Estremadura of old). Black liquorice and downy blackberry opens to a ripe palate of dense black cherry, raspberry jam, smoked fennel sausage, mustard seed, orange peel, dark chocolate, cracked pepper and a hint of mint. Pair with grilled sausages or rustic roasted lamb.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Napa Valley, California, United StatesA much more typical year, compared to a very cool 2011. Warm days and cool nights prevailed all season right up to its November 3 pick date. Luscious, yet reserved and contained, the fruit comes off two sites To Kalon Vineyard, Oakville and Wappo Hill Wappo Hill Vineyard in the Stag's Leap District. Gentle handling through a 26 day maceration, cold and warm. Only 15 percent new oak is the answer to a delicious styling Napa cabernet that spends 16 months aging in oak. A beautiful frame of acidity and tannin sets the backdrop for this cabernet, ripe to perfection with savoury fresh notes throughout. Will live for years 10 - 20 given the balance and fruit and structure. Bravo Geneviève.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $38.50 | 750ml |
| NB | $37.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $56.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $36.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $44.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $40.00 | 750ml |
| US | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Rodney Strong Russian River Pinot Noir Estate Vineyards 2012
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesThis is classic ripe sweet rich and yes oaky Russian River style for this from its sweet ripe cherry fruit to its rounding alcohol and vanilla. Still in balance and attractive to a certain sector of the market look for a briary, black cherry, raspberry spicy palate with a touch of twig and earth. Try this with grilled salmon steaks.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.00 | 750ml |
| US | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Red Blend 2011
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesOur second crack at this wine and we remain impressed although the blend has changed considerably. The 2011 mix is 39/39/9/4/3/3/2/1 merlot, syrah, malbec, grenache, petit verdot, cabernet sauvignon, mourvèdre and cabernet franc. Look for a rich enticing red fruit nose with plenty of smoke and savoury, meaty, black cherry, black raspberry aromas. The attack is smooth with soft tannins and more black cherry, plums, pepper, vanilla, tobacco and poultry spice. Drinkable for a young wine but you can hold this another two to four years.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Renato Ratti Battaglioni d'Asti 2011
Piedmont, ItalyThe d'Asti Battaglione is DOCG and you sense the quality immediately on the nose. This all barbera wine was first launched in 2009. De-stemmed and crushed it goes through malolactic in stainless steel before spending one year in older oak barrels. Ripe, spicy, red fruits, cranberries and black cherries, preview a juicy, peppery, earthy, delicious red wine with little or no tannin and acidity that is in perfect balance. What a delicious bottle of wine. Perfect with grilled chicken or meaty pasta dishes.Prices:| US | $20.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Cambria Chardonnay Katherine's Vineyard 2013
Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesAlways ripe and juicy this wine delivers classic Santa Maria Valley weight and textures without too much alcohol and heft. Tropical, pineapple, honey flavours pervade with a hint of oatmeal and citrus. It's getting a touch leaner each year with a hint of sea salt as the style is slowly managed to be true cool climate. We served it with baked Marlin and a butter citrus sauce. It was perfect.Prices:| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Patianna Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Mendocino County, California, United StatesA tasty little sauvignon blanc made by Patty Fetzer of the famous Mendocino Fetzer clan. The nose is mix of citrus and minerality with a hint of almonds. Similar flavours ensue on the palate with a touch of guavaand creaminess. Organically farmed and fermented in stainless steel with no malolactic fermentation or wood ageing the focus is on the Hopland fruit and minerality.Prices:| US | $15.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Michel Loriot Champagne Apollonis Les Classiques Authentic Meunier Brut Blanc de Noirs NV
Champagne, FranceMedium fine mousse. Earthy, nutty, strawberry, light floral, green apple and citrus aromas. Fresh, creamy, juicy palate with good fine bubbles. Slightly austere with lemon, green pineapple, green apple, pear, toasty, citrus flavours. Good intensity and balance with more on the palate than the nose would suggest. A tighter style despite a dosage of 9 g/l that should improve with a few years in bottle.Prices:| BC | $55.99 | 750ml |
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09 January 2015
89PTS
Coolshanagh Chardonnay 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCoolshanagh is a meeting place of friends. And you'd be right if you thought your eagle eyes have met up with Coolshanagh before. For many years, vineyard owner Skip Stothert leased the fruit to Foxtrot for their vineyard designated (and sought after) Coolshanagh Chardonnay. Stothert liked the fruit so much from his small vineyard 7km north of Naramata, however, that he decided to keep the vines for his own small label, and enlisted winemaker Michael Bartier and Okanagan Crush Pad to make his inaugural release. Chardonnay does very well on this calcium-carbonate rich soil, and the minerality pierces through in this striving, focused and nimble white. One third is whole cluster fermented into neutral French oak, with the remainder into stainless steel. The two were then blended and set into OCP's concrete eggs for lees contact, complexity and character building. Bright and chalk dusted, with lively acidity, tight citrus and green apple notes, finessed elegance, and a gently creamy, river stone rounded mouthfeel. Very promising first effort. This would be a natural for halibut or other white fish with a little weight. I paired it with lobster and tomato soup and it was a knockout.Prices:| BC | $37.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Rudolf Muller Bunny Riesling 2012
Pfalz, GermanyRudolf Muller can afford to put whatever they want on their labels - they are the maker of the Blue Bottle Liebraumilch - Germany's most exported wine, and one that is responsible for introducing many folks worldwide into the world of wine. This Riesling from the Pfalz is a tad more serious, while remaining all the while gulpable. Demonstrating the region's generous cushiness and ripe fruit, this gently off-dry wine is ripe peach and apricot fuzz, perfumed yellow and pink florals and mandarin orange. There is a pink grapefruit acidity to refresh, low alcohol (10 percent) and ample juiciness to make it a natural pair for your prawn-tossed and spiced Thai take out. Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Matello Wines Cuvée Lazarus Pinot Noir 2011
Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesIf you see a Matello label, scoop it up, because winemaker Marcus Goodfellow's small lots do not last long and are rarely seen on our market. These exceptional wines come from small family-owned and operated vineyards in the northern Willamette Valley and are from sustainably raised, non-irrigated vines. This typifies reds from this cooler 2011 vintage, with their lean edged fruit and rapier acidity. Forty percent whole cluster, fermented with native yeast and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Bright youthful fruit on first approach - bing and Rainier cherries, strawberries and light, earthy spice. The palate shows perfumed black raspberries and an herbal stem / lightly (and alluringly) bitter note before trailing into the finish with raspberry seeds and spice. Like all of his wines, savoury, finessed and evocative, and resolutely not "dumbed down". Enjoy now with grilled wild salmon or cellar for 5-7 years.Prices:| BC | $37.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Azienda Agricola Ca' Montebello Pinot Nero Bianco 2013
Oltrepò Pavese, Lombardy, ItalyThat's right, white wine, from pinot noir. More common than you might think, white pinot noir is made like a white wine rather than a traditional red, and its juice ferments without skin contact. These wines have the freshness and brightness of white, but with a richer, deeper body akin to a red. In this wine, from Lombardy's Oltrepò Pavese region, the process results in a textured and herbal laden white, with scents of almond and light citrus blossom. The palate layers more of the same: almond, wild herbs, citrus, pear, honeysuckle and stone, with the alluring bitter citrus twist characteristic of many northern Italian whites. Acidity is shiny and the finish lingers. Try with lemon dressed crab or other shellfish, poached egg with kale and sea salt.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Monster Vineyards Skinny Dip Chardonnay 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight melon, butter, apple skin, peach and citrus aromas. Fresh, round, easy palate in an off-dry style. Green apple, grapefruit, nectarine, grassy, chalky flavours. Fairly pure and straight forward wine offering solid varietal characters without being sweet and sour.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Finca Los Primos Malbec 2013
San Rafael, General Alvear, Southern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaEarthy, prune, black cherry jam, barnyard, tobacco aromas. Round, smooth, fresh, slightly sweet entry with black cherry, riparian, roast mushroom, peppery, coffee, tobacco flavours. Simple, easy-sipping barbecue red.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Wente Vineyards Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Livermore, San Francisco Bay, California, United StatesCassis, cedar, tobacco, earthy, smoky, bay leaf and herb aromas. Dry, fresh, elegant but simple palate with earthy, cedar, tobacco, cassis, olive, minty, peppery, resin flavours. Finish is a bit warm and tart. Your classic hamburger red. Prices:| BC | $14.60 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.74 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Masi Modello Bianco delle Venezie 2013
Verona, Veneto, ItalyFloral, pear, earthy, struck match and lemon oil aromas. Fresh, creamy, easy palate with almond, apple skin, pear and grapefruit flavours. Simple, fresh, clean style and solid value.Prices:| BC | $10.29 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $14.25 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $12.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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08 January 2015
86PTS
Mission Hill Terroir Collection No.19 Early Morning Brigadier's Bluff Rosé 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPale orange colour with honey, cherry, grapefruit, green apple and leaf aromas. Juicy, round, somewhat sweet style with cooked strawberry, spicy, citrus, green apple and butter flavours. Clean, fruity, simple style for the summer.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Arrocal Seleccion Ribera del Duero 2009
Ribera del Duero, Castilla-Leon, SpainSpicy, peppery, black cherry jam, meaty, savoury, leather aromas with a touch of curry spice. Dry, fresh, juicy, elegant palate with some austerity with some light, astringent tannins. Coffee, peppery, meaty, licorice, black cherry jam, vanilla, leather and tobacco flavours with a bit of orange peel and olive on the finish. Good intensity and balance but needs a few years yet to round out the harder tannins on the finish. Solid.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
J Vineyards Vin Gris 2013
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesA very pale raspberry color leads to floral, earthy, pear and light strawberry aromas. Fresh, juicy, creamy palate with light sweetness. Pear, light honey, citrus, red apple and cranberry flavours. Richer, well balanced summer style and seems a bit drier than last edition.Prices:| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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07 January 2015
87PTS
Sandhill Pinot Gris Hidden Terrace 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLemon oil, grapefruit, ginger, gooseberry, peach pit and matchstick aromas. Dry, fresh, austere, juicy palate with grassy, pear skin, green apple, grapefruit rind and chalky flavours. Finish is pretty tart and edgy, needs food or a year to round out.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $18.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Sandhill Cabernet Merlot Vanessa Vineyard 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeppery, earthy, tobacco, chocolate, menthol, licorice, coffee and cassis aromas. Dry, fresh, elegant but somewhat tight palate with fresh acidity. Coffee, milk chocolate, olive, cassis, tobacco leaf, savoury, vanilla and tomato paste flavours. Finish has some rustic, dry tannins with acidity emphasizing the astringency. Needs a few years to soften but will need meat as an accompaniment. Chunky as per the last edition.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Cono Sur Organic Chardonnay 2013
Region del Valle Central, ChileLight butter, honey, canned grapefruit and peach aromas with underlying tropical notes. Fresh, juicy, creamy palate with green apple, grapefruit, grassy, nectarine and pear flavours that finish with a touch of citrus, lees (bread dough) and butter. A dependable label at a very fair price.Prices:| BC | $14.50 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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06 January 2015
92PTS
Pegasus Bay Pinot Noir 2011
Waipara Valley, South Island, New ZealandWhen you're in as fringe a wine growing region as New Zealand, vintage can make a big difference. La Nina visited in 2011, resulting in an extended and warm growing season, lingering far into autumn. Here, north of Christchurch, the Greystone limestone has proven an ideal base for the dozen clones of pinot noir planted, many reaching 2 decades or more, and own-rooted. Whole berry fermentation and extended skin contact has preserved the affluent perfume - alluring floral, dark violets on the nose. The palate continues the same, with spicy earthiness, black plums, dark cocoa and chalky grained tannins, lifted with a wave of spiking acidity and rush of minerality. A very exciting wine, and one that lingers on the palate for quite some time. Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Haywire Lunar New Year Red 2012
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA special limited release of 200 cases, to celebrate the Lunar New Year and usher in the Year of the Sheep in 2015. Here bright gamay is splashed with spicy syrah, specifically created to pair with Asian flavours (and with a striking label to match). Subtle spiced cherry and strawberry aromas open to a lush palate, noticeably carrying some sugar (10 g/l RS) and notes of strawberry jam, black cherry, huckleberry, candied beets, leaf and fine cracked white pepper. Tannins are mild and a bit sticky, and acidity is moderate, as is alcohol (pleasant 12.6%). Try this with caramel chicken or peking duck. Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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04 January 2015
89PTS
Pentâge Winery Pinot Gris 2013
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBeauty Okanagan pinot gris with all the elements: fruit, herbs, sun ripe and fresh - all in balance. Peach fuzz, lemon blossom aromatics, medium bodied expressive and textured palate of fragrant peach, anise, mandarine, honey, musk melon and pink grapefruit zest. Fine spice through the bitter peach finish. Generous on the palate - pair with fragrant mango dressed curries or peach chicken salad. Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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03 January 2015
92PTS
Quails' Gate Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Family Reserve has been tweaked by new winemaker Nikki Callaway making what has been an excellent wine even better. Traditionally richer and more exotic the wood has been toned down and the fruit, butterscotch and spice amped up. Most of the fruit is clone 95 planted on 1996 on Mount Boucherie Bench. The juice was settled in stainless steel overnight then run to barrel for four months for both alcoholic and malolactic fermentation before a further six months on yeast lees. The result is an opulent white with creamy textures, bright fruit and a smoky complexity. Should age easily to 2020. Lobster is the match.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $40.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $40.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Sinfonia Monastrell Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Jumilla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainI'm not sure I would have considered blending monastrell or mourvèdre with cabernet sauvignon but it seems to work for this Jumilla, Spain red. Expect a fragrant cedar-y nose with floral, blueberry, cranberry fruit. The textures are soft if not soupy with a touch of acidity poking through but it seems to serve to freshen the back end. A solid red wine that frankly over delivers for the price and it's widely available as a new listing. Try this with grilled meats. Should be on a lot of restaurant lists. Good value stock up.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Quails' Gate Chardonnay Rosemary's Block 25th Anniversary 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRosemary's Block Chardonnay was created to celebrate the 25th anniversary at Quails Gate but the single block selection made by winemaker Nikki Callaway deserves to be made more than once every quarter century. There's eighty cases, sold only at the winery, and likely only to wine club members. This is one elegant chardonnay with a beautiful bouquet of citrus, hazelnuts, freshly stirred lees, bread dough and toasted oak all in perfect unison. The acidity shines throughout as does the minerality and cool northern apple pear chardonnay fruit. There is a smidgeon of oak showing through on the finish but that will dissipate in time as this wine ascends the maturity ladder. Delicious. Should be made in the best years going forward.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Peller Estates Family Series Pinot Gris 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSimple style here. Fruity almond resiny aromas that lead to a somewhat sweet palate with citrus, cooked apple, resiny/nutty flavours. Simple and ready to drink with a chicken salad sandwich.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.50 | 750ml |
| SK | $13.50 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Calona Vineyards Pinot Gris Artist Series Reserve 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPleasant fresh, fruit salad nose with floral, orange, melon aromas. The attack is crisp with citrus lime rind, melon, baked pear flavours. Well made, easy-sipping style you can serve with most creamy pasta dishes.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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02 January 2015
92PTS
Champagne Moët & Chandon Rosé Imperial NV
Champagne, FranceMost will love the pale raspberry colour that excites as it fills the glass. The nose is suitably fresh with spicy, earthy undertones reflecting the 40/50 percent mix of pinot noir, 10 percent of which is still red wine, along with 30 to 40 % pinot meunier again with 10 percent red wine included. The remainder, adding lightness and fruit, is 10 to 20 percent chardonnay. Strawberries and citrus streaked with toasted lees linger on the palate, revealing complex layers of flavours. Serve solo, with appetizers or with more substantial seafood dishes. Well done.Prices:| BC | $93.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $99.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $104.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $99.65 | 750ml |
| QC | $95.50 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Moët & Chandon Nectar Impérial NV
Champagne, FranceNectar is always fun to serve often catching your guests off guard with its off-dry flavours. The nose hint at some sweetness with floral, honey, baked green apple notes flecked with just the right amount of bitter guava flavouring. Fresh and juicy the style allows you to serve this before dinner with foie gras or through dinner with spicy dishes all with finesse and balance. The blend is 40/50 pinot noir, 30/40 pinot meunier and 10/20 chardonnay with 20/30 per cent reserve wines.Prices:| BC | $75.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $75.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $76.75 | 750ml |
| ON | $76.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $75.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut NV
Champagne, FranceIt's easy to take shots at big Champagne houses, and some have been deserved but in the case of the Brut Imperial this label delivers year in and out against most of its competitors. The blend of 30/40 percent pinot noir, 30/40 percent pinot meunier and 20/30 percent chardonnay is selected from some 200 individual cru vineyards. There is also a generous 20 to 30 percent reserve wine in each blend to add complexity and depth to the nose and palate. It's a fruity style sparkler with green-apple, citrus fruits over cherries soaked in hazelnuts. Perfect with classic Chinese shrimp dumplings.Prices:| BC | $77.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $71.10 | 750ml |
| SK | $85.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $87.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $80.55 | 750ml |
| QC | $77.15 | 750ml |
| NS | $77.99 | 750ml |
| PEI | $79.99 | 750ml |
| NL | $78.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Black Hills Alibi 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe tenth vintage of Alibi, 2013, stays the course with its 25 percent sémillon (barrel fermented in puncheons) while the seventy five percent sauvignon blanc see only stainless steel. Love the 13.4 percent alcohol, could we reduce that? Typically fresh, especially out of the gate before the sémillon ages too much. It offers a mix of grapefruit, figs and tropical fruit with a savoury and slightly bitter undercurrent. The fruit speaks to an almost perfect growing season. Shellfish would be the ticket here or any raw seafood.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Cellar Hand Free Run White 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAnother good value release of this 35/28/23/10/4/ white blend of pinot blanc, muscat, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and viognier that plays more on acid and minerality and less on overcooked fruit. Look for juicy floral, ginger, grassy, nectarine, honey, ripe apple lees flavours with an off-dry finish. Try this with a spicy tuna roll.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Blasted Church Mixed Blessings 2013
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAnother classic fruit salad white that dominates so many Okanagan white blends in this case the mix is viognier and chardonnay musqué. The nose is bright offering orchard fruits with baked apple, honey, and canned grapefruit aromas. The attack is similar fruity and just off-dry giving it the ability to work with spicy dishes. Simple ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $18.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Blasted Church Pinot Gris 2013
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaConsistent fresh style with citrus, pear and ripe red apple notes on the nose. Not quite as acidic as last year showing more ripe, red apple and tropical fruit flavours. The fruit is a mix of Skaha and Oliver vineyards fruit fermented separately and blended only prior to bottling. The winery recommends scallops in brown butter or past Alfredo.Prices:| BC | $20.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Moraine Cliffhanger White 2013
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCliffhanger White is a 70/30 mmix of pinot gris and gewürztraminer. You can expect and off-dry, fruit salad style white with some of that oily perfumes gewürztraminer character but not a lot of spice. The wine is clean with just a hint of cooked apple in the finish. A simple ready to drink wine for turkey sandwiches or seafood pasta.Prices:| BC | $16.50 | 750ml |
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01 January 2015
88PTS
Seven Terraces Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandThis is a delicious drop of Kiwi sauvignon with its bright pure tropical fruit aromas and flavours with some bitter guava notes for balance. The attack is bright, the fruit pure with a light mineral undertone. Not all that complex but fun to drink and perfect with mussels, clams, pork chops and or chicken salads.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Moraine Viognier 2013
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Moraine viognier was grown on, well, the remains of a moraine they call Anastasia vineyard. The attack is nose and is all mineral with a strong hint of apricots and citrus. The style is super fresh with mouth-watering flavours of orchard fruits, melon and some dried apricot. The finish is clean dry suggesting endless food pairings. The winery suggest roasted turkey, fish cakes, or even butternut squash soup. An impressive start for this all Naramata producer. Good value.Prices:| BC | $16.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Van Westen Vineyards Vivacious 2013
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBright, floral, fresh nose reminiscent of orchard fruits with a touch of less in the back ground. The attack is fresh and juicy with watery citrus, green apple, quince and pear fruit flavours with excellent balance. The finish is clean, dry and savoury. Prawns anyone? Vivacious is mostly pinot blanc with a dash of pinot gris all home grown on the Home Lot Vineyard on the Naramata Bench.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Haywire Pinot Gris Raised in Concrete White Label 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIt takes three winemakers to make all the pinot gris coming out of Summerland's Haywire Winery these days although it the latest 'white label' raised in concrete gris is grown at Oliver's Secrest vineyard. Antonini, Dumayne and the now departed Bartier all had a hand in this bottle that is quite delicious. In fact the wine is fermented in stainless steel that could change in the years ahead before spending six months in concrete where the process builds creaminess, mouthfeel and texture and some believe it better expresses its terroir better. Expect a dry, juicy style here with a mix of citrus, guava and south Okanagan dried herbs flavour. Now one of several pinot gris made at Haywire so pay attention to the labels when you are making your selection.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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February 2015