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Tastings: June 2015
30 June 2015
88PTS
Tinhorn Creek Pinot Gris 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAlways consistent, this year's Tinhorn pinot gris features its characteristic herbal grapefruit edged form. Bright orchard fruits rule the nose: pear, Asian pear, white peach and apple. A medium bodied, dry palate carries ripe pear, abundant honeyed spices, nectarine and white peach, with the crisp fruit holding form alongside creamy, fine lees. The pinot gris vines are between 17 and 19 years old, and their intensity, coupled with the southern Okanagan sunshine, is evident. Pear with grilled pork or halibut with pineapple salsa.Prices:| BC | $16.79 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bench 1775 Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSauvignon blanc has proven tricky in BC so far with very few top quality producers but it look as if winemaker Val Tait will join a small group with this edition. Tait makes multiple passes through her vineyard to get super fresh fruit early and riper fruit as the fall progresses. It’s all whole-cluster pressed and fermented and the result is a super fresh wine that opens up with gooseberry and melon fruit but finishes with a softer tropical fruit and chalky edge. Perfect for a wide variety of shellfish including our favourite oysters. Well done - another jump up in quality over previous vintages.Prices:| BC | $25.50 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Township 7 7 Blanc 2013
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight litchi, spicy, honey, red apple, baked pear and rose petal aromas. Fresh, creamy, juicy palate with a sweet undercurrent. Honey, baked apple, quince, peach, lychee and spicy, butter flavours. Good fruit and intensity but sweet and warm on the finish. A summer-style patio sipper.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Gazela Vinho Verde Rosé NV
Vinho Verde, Northern Portugal, PortugalEasy, breezy, offdry and pink. What else could you ask for in a $10 patio wine? This juicy, lively rose is strawberry in hue and aroma, along with candied strawberries and youthful raspberries. Welcomed herbal raspberry rusticity breaks the candied fruit while a slight fizz elevates the refreshment factor. A blend of espadeiro, amaral, borraçal and vinhão in a welcome 9.5 percent alcohol. Chill, find a patio, crack for brunch and enjoy.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.45 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.99 | 750ml |
| YK | $13.05 | 750ml |
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29 June 2015
89PTS
Culmina Family Estate Saignée Rosé 2014
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAs the name suggests, this polished rosé is made in the saignée method, bleeding juice off of big brother Hypothesis (cabernet franc/merlot/cabernet sauvignon). Once you crack the code of the glass topped vino lock and allow some air time on this peach pink hued rosé, darker herbal raspberry, salted herbs and thorny rock rose aromas emerge. The full bodied palate carries strawberry rhubarb, rambled red currant, quince and fine pink peppercorn spice. Nice spice throughout, lifted with prickly acidity and finishing with herbal saltiness. This 14 percent rosé is best enjoyed with salmon and wild mushrooms for brunch. Tasted three times over spring 2015 and revised note late June 2015.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
CedarCreek Platinum Block 5 Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy lees, creamy vanilla, baked pear and buttered popcorn mix with grapefruit and lemon oil notes. Fresh, juicy, dry palate with nutty lees/oatmeal flavours mixed with baked green apple, grapefruit, butter, green guava and vanilla and oatmeal flavours that finish slightly lean and bitter. Try this with grilled chicken.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
50th Parallel Estate Riesling 2014
Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGreen apple, floral, guava, lees, spicy, pear skin aromas with a touch of struck match. Fresh, juicy, crisp palate with just a hint of residual. Nectarine, spicy lees, granny smith, herb and grapefruit flavours all in a tight, austere food friendly style. Love the fruit here but it needs a little bottle age to really sing. Try this with a chicken hotpot.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Eau Vivre Gewurztraminer 2013
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig ginger, spicy, rose petal aromas with canned peach, wax and red apple notes. Round, juicy, fresh, elegant palate with light sweetness. Spicy, peach, ginger, light lychee and soapy floral flavours with a bit of green apple. Delicate but soft-ish finish. Try this with spicy food.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Mistaken Identity Bianco 2013
Salt Spring Island, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, grassy, lees, citrus, green apple skin and leafy aromas. Fresh, juicy, delicate palate with some sweetness. Leesy, green apple, pear, grapefruit, herbal, lemon oil and plastic shower curtain notes. Serve chilled for best summer sipper results.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Mistaken Identity Rosso 2013
Salt Spring Island, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaPeppery, earthy, cranberry, cedar, rhubarb and cherry aromas. Clean, fresh, light and tart palate with smoky, cranberry, sour cherry, tobacco, tomato leaf, green bean and herb flavours. Basic bbq red that needs food to tame the tartness and herbal nature of this wine. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Signorello Hope's Cuvée Chardonnay 2011
Napa Valley, California, United StatesLight gold colour with baked pear, honey, floral, vanilla, lemon custard, citrus, baked apple and spicy lees aromas. Rich, full, round and slightly oily, warm palate. Honey, butter, baked pear, quince, vanilla, apple, baked peach and cinnamon flavours. Good concentration and balance in a ripe, rich style but big with a warm finish. Drink now. Hope's Cuvée is dedicated to Ray Signorello’s mom and is made from the wineries best two barrels of chardonnay of which 60 percent is aged in new wood.Prices:| BC | $90.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $90.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Vinedos Altamira Valley Malbec 2011
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaLots of peppery, vanilla, cedar, roast mushroom, tobacco, black cherry aromas with a smoky, savoury plum note. The attack is dry and fresh the palate smooth with savoury black cherry, coffee, pepper leather and vanilla flavours with a touch of poultry spice. Solid core if fruit intensity that finishes on the warm side. Try this with grilled meats. Good value.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Sokol Blosser Pinot Noir Dundee Hills 2011
Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesPeppery, clove, earthy, tobacco, coffee, celery salt and strawberry aromas. Dry, fresh, elegant if slightly lean palate. More celery, compost, carrot top, rhubarb and tobacco flavours that mark Oregon pinot noir. Finally well balanced pinot in the cooler, earthy red fruit style. Not cheap.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sandhill Sauvignon Blanc Sandhill Estate Vineyard 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMelon, kiwi, canned grapefruit, grassy, floral, light canned asparagus aromas. Fresh, juicy, creamy palate with green apple, kiwi, pink grapefruit, green melon and light jalapeno flavours. Good intensity and balance with some length. Drinking well now. Solid value.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
No. 99 Wayne Gretzky Okanagan The Great White 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGrassy, grapefruit, floral, ginger, hay and green apple aromas. Soft, round, slightly sweet palate with green apple, baked pear, lemon, kiwi, gooseberry and grass flavours. Easy summer sipper style white from a strange compendium of grapes.Prices:| BC | $13.89 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Punto Final Malbec 2013
ArgentinaPeppery, black cherry, rubbery, earthy, savoury, tobacco aromas. Round, smooth, dry and fresh palate with cherry, peppery, poultry spice, cocoa, herbal, mushroom and leather flavours. Simple, easy-sipping, fresh style.Prices:| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $15.49 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Musella Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso 2011
Verona, Veneto, ItalyRich peppery, savoury, spicy, almond, black plum, cherry, licorice and balsamic aromas. Fresh, juicy, light and elegant palate with a touch of tannins. Black cherry, black olive, peppery, tobacco, game-y, licorice, chocolate and carrot top flavours. Good fruit and unusual aromatics in a lighter bodied, easy-sipping style.Prices:| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Hester Creek Chardonnay 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHoney, baked peach, spicy lees, butterscotch, pineapple, baked apple, butter and vanilla aromas. Ripe, round, creamy, soft palate with floral, spicy, ginger, honey, cooked pear, baked apple, nutty lees, vanilla and butterscotch flavours. Ripe fruit but heavy oak and butter flavours with a very warm finish. Old school style for those who like a richer buttery style.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Santadi Noras Cannonau di Sardegna 2011
Sardinia, ItalyMeaty, peppery, dried herb, cherry licorice, smoky, resin and tobacco aromas with a touch of cocoa and coffee. Round, smooth, elegant, fresh palate with coffee, chocolate, tobacco, cherry jam, plum, roast meat, red licorice and leather flavours. Fun forward, easy-sipping style grenache for most any meat dish.Prices:| BC | $31.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Lindes de Remelluri Vinedos de Labastida 2010
Rioja, SpainMeaty, smoky, black pepper, tobacco, leather, black cherry, coffee and cedar aromas. Dry, round, juicy, slightly lean and tannic palate. Black pepper, savoury, coffee, black cherry, meaty, vanilla, earthy, garrigue flavours with a bit of leather. Good fruit if a bit light in the middle. The Lindes is a classic mix of tempranillo garnacha, graciano and viura made from 40 year old vines.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
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28 June 2015
87PTS
Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay 2013
Sonoma County, California, United StatesVery much true to style with its open, attractive, spicy lees nose flecked with red apple, honey and baked pear. On the palate the attack is warm and soft with plenty of baked apple fruit, honey and just a hint of citrus and buttered toast on the finish. Ready to drink now, serve with lobster or Dungeness crab. Good value.Prices:| BC | $19.19 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Concha y Toro Marqués de Casa Concha Chardonnay Single Vineyard 2013
Valle del Limari, ChileAfter a corked wine the second bottle was clean. The secret to the Marqués single vineyard chardonnay is its Limarí Valley fruit. Clay over alluvial sub-soils packed with calcium carbonate is magic and in a cool year like 2013 the potential for success is great. It’s all hand-picked and barrel fermented before ageing in new and used, medium-toasted French Burgundian barrels sur lie for 11-12 months.Clean, bright and fresh the attack is tight with citrus and pear flecked with hazelnuts. It’s the minerality that makes this special by offsetting the richness and giving the finish depth and length. Perfect for big chicken dishes, shellfish and fresh cheeses. A modern-look, meaning more Euro look at chardonnay. Delicious. Good value.Prices:| BC | $17.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Township 7 Reserve 7 2012
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFresh savoury, smoky red fruit nose with a strong cedar bough undercurrent. The palate is fresh and acidic with peppery, lean cranberry, cassis flavours and herbaceous back end. The tannin structure is better this year but it needs time to gather itself in bottle. We were expecting more from the vintage. Best with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Eye Chart Red Wine Blend NV
California, United StatesJoel Gott and Dave Phinney are behind this non-vintage red blend combining cabernet sauvignon, petite sirah, syrah and merlot from Napa Valley, Sonoma, Lodi and Mendocino. The style is soft warm and ripe with rich aromas of black cherries with plenty of smoke and toast and vanilla. The palate is smooth but sweet almost brown sugar after taste. Ready to drink and best with barbecue.Prices:| BC | $21.79 | 750ml |
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25 June 2015
88PTS
Burrowing Owl Cabernet Franc 2012
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCranberry, cherry, coffee, vanilla, cedar, cooked green bean, licorice root, resin and smoky herb aromas. Dry, fresh, juicy, elegant but lighter palate with light tannins. Cherry, cranberry, coffee, vanilla, cedar, licorice, tobacco leaf and tea flavours. Well balanced if somewhat oaky and light on the finish. Should benefit from a few years in the bottle to integrate the oak.Prices:| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $45.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $44.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Howling Bluff Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThough this sauvignon blanc presents itself as a typical table wine, the palate is so honeyed and sweet it drinks as a late harvest. Mango, ripe peach and pear on the nose lead to a sweet, tropical fruit white, with mango, honey, baked apple, pineapple, apricot and lime peel piquancy over moderate acidity. Quite the departure from the 2012, and a shock should you not be expecting such a sweet sipper. That said, if you're looking for a wine to accompany your peach cobbler, you're set with this.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Enrico Winery Célébration Sparkling Wine 2012
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaCharmat method showing very pale salmon orange colour. Light fine mousse with nutty, sweaty, leesy, baked apple and rhubarb aromas. Round, soft, somewhat sweet and foamy palate with garlic lees, nutty, baked apple, cooked rhubarb and pear skin flavours. Needs to cleaner and fresher.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Backyard Vineyards Blanc de Noir Brut NV
British Columbia, CanadaPale salmon orange colour with light mousse. Cherry, earthy, tobacco, green apple and lees aromas. Round, foamy palate with some sweetness. Baked apple, pear, nutty, light lees and rhubarb flavours. Simple, non-nondescript bubble.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Montalto Pinot Grigio 2013
Sicily, ItalyFresh grassy pear and baked green apple nose with a citrus undercurrent. Fresh, juicy, dry style with ripe grapefruit, pear, apple and earth flavours. A fresh well-made white wine suitably paired with most forms of shellfish. Great value.Prices:| BC | $11.50 | 750ml |
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24 June 2015
87PTS
Enrico Winery Pinot Gris 2012
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaEarthy, baked apple, pear, floral, leesy, nectarine aromas. Fresh, crisp, juicy palate with a touch of sweetness. Guava, nectarine, red apple, citrus and pea flavours with a leesy struck match note. Has good concentration and fruit ripeness but with some reduction and austerity. Give it some air when you open it.Prices:| BC | $16.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Castiglion del Bosco Rosso di Montalcino 2012
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyPeppery, savoury, tobacco, balsamic, black cherry, slightly meaty aromas with a dusty earth note. Dry, fresh, juicy but slightly lean palate with light tannins. Smoky, black cherry jam, licorice, earthy, black olive and cedar flavours with a touch of savoury herb and balsamic on the lighter finish.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $28.00 | 750ml |
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23 June 2015
86PTS
Sumac Ridge Pinot Grigio Private Reserve 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFresh grapefruit skin, pear, green apple nose with bits of green guava. Fresh, round, elegant and a touch off-dry on the palate with green apple, baked pear, grapefruit and grassy flavours. Easy-sipping, lighter style that is ready to drink. Good value.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
CedarCreek Chardonnay 2013
British Columbia, CanadaOpen clean fresh inviting nose with pear, lees, grapefruit, green apple aromas mixed with light butter and honey. The style is fresh, the textures creamy with spicy lees, green apple, lemon, grapefruit skin and a hint if buttered popcorn. Love the value here and the pure chardonnay character. This one delivers for the price.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Township 7 Un-Oaked Chardonnay 2013
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCanned grapefruit, honey, green apple, butter and grass aromas. Sweet, round, soft palate with cooked apple, honey, grapefruit and canned pear flavours. If you like the soft sweet style this one is for you.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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22 June 2015
84PTS
Ironstone Vineyards Obsession Symphony 2013
California, United StatesLime cordial, marmelade and expressively perfumed citrus blossoms opens this Calaveras County white. Symphony is a cross of muscat of Alexandria and grenache gris, and the fragrant and candied muscat parentage certainly shows from first whiff through finish (indeed, there is 3 percent muscat and 2 percent verdelho in this wine). Mid sweet, with lime, candied fennel, honeysuckle, pear drop and overripe honeydew, with a gentle stream of acidity to carry. You can take this to your Pad Thai table, and continue to serve it with grilled pineapple for dessert.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Efrat Judean Hills Riesling French Colombard 2014
IsraelFrom the Samson region, this kosher riesling/colombard/chenin blanc blend open with oxidized apple, melon, light citrus and tired flowers, flavours that repeat on the tight, crisp palate. Simple and short, pour if you need a light kosher white for Passover or Mevushal.Prices:| BC | $11.57 | 750ml |
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21 June 2015
89PTS
Tantalus Rosé 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaEqual parts pinot meunier (planted 1985!) and pinot noir come together in this pretty, pink hued rosé. Wild raspberries, candied strawberry and fragrant plum blossoms on the open, alluring nose. An elegant, fruity and dry palate carries plum, wild strawberry, rainier cherry and ripe pink grapefruit through to a crisp, citrus finish. Beautiful balance between berry ripeness and stony freshness in this vintage, my favourite rosé from the winery to date. Looking forward to pairing this with charcuterie or moules frites this summer.Prices:| BC | $19.04 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Nk'Mip Cellars Winemaker's Series Rosé 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFragrant white and pink florals on the nose, this deep pink hued rosé brings the garden party to your glass. On the juicy palate, florals give way to tart cranberry, white grapefruit, green apple, Asian pear and sour cherry. Tart and sharp, this lean, dry pink will refresh on a hot day, especially when paired alongside mussels or chilled salmon dishes.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Unsworth Vineyards Rosé 2014
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaI'm loving what I'm seeing from BC's coastal wineries that treat rosé with respect. The maritime climate's naturally bright acidity and elegant berry fruit expresses naturally in rosés like this. Fresh strawberry, wild herbs and a subtle orange peel aroma. The crisp, bright palate lifts wild herbs, herbal rhubarb, fragrant raspberries and wild strawberries across a lean but focused palate. Bright, dry and unpretentious, from its pale salmon hue to its reasonable price, pour with charcuterie, arugula and chèvre.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Symphony Vineyard 100% Saanich Grown Pinot Noir Rosé 2014
Saanich Peninsula, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaA bold, glowing magenta hue, this Saanich Peninsula pinot noir rose spent 48 hours on the skins, extracting colour and tannins. Very tart, with red currant, cranberry and floral notes, and a punchy, bold and chunky mid palate. The residual sugar is handily gobbled up by the searing acidity, leaving a chalky textured, highly tart finish.Prices:| BC | $15.57 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bench 1775 Glow Rosé 2014
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA strength of the winery, this year's rosé is in the same cool orange strawberry vein as the previous vintage. Lovely orange, candied pear, strawberry and rhubarb nose. The generous palate carries the same - a fruit salad of melon, strawberries, pink grapefruit and white peach spiced with zesty tangerine. Quite a unique blend of malbec/merlot/syrah/cabernet franc and it works. Try with strawberry spinach salad with lox.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Howling Bluff Summa Quies Rosé 2014
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaStrawberry yogurt and raspberry rosemary jam opens this deeper hued rosé, the inaugural release from Howling Bluff. The herbed berry fruit continues on the juicy palate with a punch of salted plum, raspberry gummies and red currant. The residual sugar is an evident layer underneath the fruit, noticeable more (like the 14% alcohol) as it warms in the glass and appears as maraschino cherry. Chill and serve as a summer refresher.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Sea Star Blanc de Noir 2014
Pender Island, Southern Gulf Islands, British Columbia, CanadaBlanc de Noir translates as white from red, so already this delicate pink wine is a bit of a mystery before the screw is cracked (think Rose de Noir). Whole cluster organic Pender Island pinot noir opens with dried herbs, fragrant gooseberry and pear. Delicate pink flowers lead the palate – roses and raspberry blossoms - alongside subtle raspberries, rainier cherries and yellow plum. Zippy lime cordial on the finish. Nice pure fruit concentration in this lovely light and elegant coastal rosé, perfect for your Moules Provençale.Prices:| BC | $19.04 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Tinhorn Creek Oldfield Series Rosé 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaYour first introduction to this seventeen year old cabernet franc from Diamondback Vineyard on the Black Sage Bench is via the bright rosy peach hue. Red currant, herbal branch and strawberry jam notes carry through to the off dry palate, where candied strawberry, baked rhubarb, leaf, melon and peach join in. Tart cranberry acidity keeps it lifted, benefitting the heft of this direct press method. Pour with salmon or pasta salads this summer.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Hester Creek Rosé Cabernet Franc 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDeep magenta plum in hue, this looks almost like a light red rather than a rose. The boldness continues to stewed rhubarb and strawberry jam aromas and assertive cherry-berry, candied papaya and candy floss flavours on the punchy palate. Finishes a bit heated - chill down and enjoy on the patio with candied smoked salmon, salami and local blue cheeses.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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0PTS
River Stone Malbec Rosé 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDeeply pink hued, this unique malbec rosé is splashed with 10 percent pinot gris. Looking forward to having this juicy rosé in screw cap in future - a soft and squishy cork has affected this wine, with faint mustiness on the nose and ample musty corkiness on the palate. Will try another bottle.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Monster Vineyards Rosé 2014
British Columbia, CanadaThe monster pink is a light mix of malbec, merlot, syrah and viognier – the reds were bled off with minimal skin contact. Look for fresh raspberry/strawberry notes on the nose with hints of melon and lemongrass. The palate is mix of off-dry flavours of cherries with a dash of rhubarb. A fun style summer sipper with enough residual to handle a little spice in your food. Serve well chilled.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Sandhill Rosé Sandhill Estate Vineyard 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCandy floss pink, this single vineyard rosé handily marries sweet fruit and bright acidity, leaving a well cushioned, friendly, fruity sipper that finishes fairly dry. Round and generous, with strawberry jam, wild raspberries, fresh rhubarb, pomegranate and kiwi harnessed with herbal bones and peppery spiciness. A unique blend of cabernet franc, gamay, sangiovese and barbera, bled off from one of Sandhill's red blends. At 14.5% alcohol, can easily stand up to turkey and cranberry sandwiches or rosé cream salmon pasta.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Roche Rosé 2014
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis boutique winery is brand new to the Okanagan, but highly experienced in wine, with owners Dylan and Pénélope Roche experienced with winemaking in France (her native country), New Zealand, Australia and Spain. This is their first Okanagan release, and are currently producing wines under the Parallel 49 licence until they obtain their own. Strawberry yogurt, wild raspberries and stone open this unique zweigelt/schonberger blend, a vibrant mid-pink hue from just three hours skin contact. Vibrant wild strawberry, cherry, red apple and spice on the juicy palate, finishing dry with a fragrant pink floral blossom note. Enjoy this medium bodied rosé with Provençal style pizza or pissaldiere. A promising first release from this young couple.Prices:| BC | $15.01 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Spierhead Pinot Noir Rosé 2014
South Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLand’s End Vineyard in south east Kelowna is where the pinot noir grapes were sourced for this dark magenta hued rosé, deepened by 48 hours on skins. Salted plums and stone open to rich florals, strawberry compote, cured meats, cherry and earthy branch notes. There's a saltiness to the snappy, dry finish, welcoming pours alongside chicken or salmon burgers.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Mission Hill Five Vineyards Rosé 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWith a kiss of sweetness, this budget and patio-friendly juicy rosé is a popular pink that appears as soon as the sunshine does. Sweet strawberry jam, candied cherries, watermelon and peppery spice, this juicy blend of merlot, pinot noir and syrah is from vineyards in Kelowna, Oliver, Osoyoos and Naramata and aged for seven months in stainless steel.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $12.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $16.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Le Vieux Pin Vaïla Rosé 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis finely structured, taut rosé is made with the gently pressed juice off pinot noir grapes, aged in stainless to preserve fruity freshness and crisp, crunchy acidity. Green raspberry, thorns and rhubarb lead to a rush of raspberry, red currant, dried herbs and delicate wild strawberry. Precise and elegant, befitting lox and hen eggs or savoury wild boar charcuterie.Prices:| BC | $21.65 | 750ml |
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88PTS
LaStella Lastellina Rosato 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWelcoming and friendly like a hug, this wine's only downside is that it's far too easy to drink. An elegant, off dry sipper of wild fragrant perfumed strawberries and spicy dried sage and thyme. Cabernet franc, merlot and sangiovese knit seamlessly into a round, silky palate of blue plums, ripe cherries, raspberries, rock roses and sweet cinnamon on the finish. Generous and elegant, the ideal partner to your chèvre, cured salmon and cherry compote.Prices:| BC | $22.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Fort Berens Pinot Noir Rosé 2014
British Columbia, CanadaFrom the eastern wine outbacks of Lillooet comes this bold, dry, watermelon hued, pinot noir rosé. Candied strawberry, rose bushes and youthful raspberry moves into punchy flavours of raspberry jellies, pink grapefruit and red apple. There's a round creaminess to the palate that can take on your roast turkey and cranberry sandwich or cream based pastas.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Quails' Gate Rosé 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA blend of gamay, pinot noir and pinot gris opens with subtle strawberries, cherries and raspberry blossoms. The shiny pale pink hue reflects the juicy watermelon, ripe strawberries, fragrant elderflower and pink grapefruit on the finely spiced palate. A wave of sweetness finishes nearly dry and fruity with a pretty rose blossom. Patio ready, serve with scones, lox or soft cheeses for brunch.Prices:| BC | $15.69 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Red Rooster Reserve Rosé 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy pepper and bold berry fruit in this deeper pink coloured rose, a dog's breakfast blend of malbec, cabernet franc, syrah, mourvedre, petit verdot, pinot noir and grenache. The bold, bled-off palate is on the crunchy side, with crab apple, rhubarb, cranberry, red currant, bitter cherry and punchy spices. Not shy, pour this alongside equally bold food - I suggest grilled beef burgers with blue cheese or Greek lamb kabobs. A current release (2013) with a puzzling reserve designation.Prices:| BC | $15.69 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Pentâge Winery Rosé 2013
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA unique rosé from 100% zinfandel, this deeper pink hued wine opens with cocoa, red currant and dark cherry jam. The off-dry palate is juicy with blackberry, ripe cherry, dark florals and zesty spices, with a mouth filling cherry cordial note. Bright berry acidity lifts the fruit through the lingering finish. Pair this medium bodied rosé with pork kabobs or pork belly.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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19 June 2015
89PTS
M. Chapoutier Belleruche Côtes du Rhône Rouge 2012
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FrancePulled from the cellar, an extra year has amped this savoury, 70/30 grenache/syrah Côtes du Rhône, transforming the juicy freshness that's so charming in youth down a leathery, seamless garrigue-imbued trail. Anise, black cherry, cracked pepper and whiffs of iron on the nose. Smoothed some by time, the textured palate carries black cherry, dried violets, strawberry, lightly worn leather, dried sage, subtle mint and salted raspberry across slightly gritty, leathery tannins. Acidity is still bright and the finish ever spicy with white and black pepper. Still a charmer, now a more serious charmer, this biodynamic beauty is ready to drink now.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Wente Vineyards Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Livermore, San Francisco Bay, California, United StatesSweet raspberry, Worcestershire sauce and musky mulberry opens this Livermore cabernet sauvignon. The mulberries return to dominate the floral palate, accompanied with blueberry, new leather, cocoa and peppery sweet spice. Tannins are fine and powdery, and the finish is not long coming, ending with cool mint. Hard to find the cabernet sauvignon here, but if you're looking for a floral, softer, full red, this could suit.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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89PTS
CrossBarn by Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir 2012
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, United StatesPencil, plum, beetroot and cherry cola aromas open this full pinot noir, with grapes sourced from across the Sonoma Coast. After 15 days of maceration with native and cultured yeast, the wine rested ten months in oak barrels (10 percent new). The smoothed, round palate is prickled with spicy wood, ripe raspberry, figs, sweet tobacco and black cherry jam. Tannins are supple, acidity is moderate and the finish is vanilla cherries. Pour this ripe style with figgy pork or Moroccan spiced lamb.Prices:| BC | $37.24 | 750ml |
| QC | $42.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $50.00 | 750ml |
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18 June 2015
86PTS
Township 7 Reserve Chardonnay 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHoney, vanilla, spicy lees, butterscotch, baked apple and canned peach aromas. Round, soft, slightly oily palate with a touch of sweetness. Butter, baked peach, spiced apple, vanilla, buttered popcorn and cooked pear. Simple, oaky, older style offering to drink now.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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17 June 2015
84PTS
Seven Stones Speaking Rock Cabernet Franc 2011
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2011 Speaking Rock franc opens with cool demeanour notes red fruits, compost and leafy undertones. The attack is fresh with prominent acidity on the mid palate and through the finish with raspberry, coffee resin notes. A cool, lean wine that will need time or serve it now with beef stews or grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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16 June 2015
86PTS
Kim Crawford Pansy! Rosé 2014
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandPansy! is prettier in pink today than it was in red a decade ago. It still attacks the palate with some weight and sweetness and a dash of dried herbs. The grapes are malbec and merlot and the finish is just off-dry and touch leafy. Simple but quaffable. Best with grilled pork.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.25 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $19.00 | 750ml |
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15 June 2015
87PTS
Culmina Family Estate Saignée Rosé 2014
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe perfect vintage is hard to come by in the Okanagan but 2014 may be as close as it gets. The blend is 62/21/17 merlot/cabernet franc/cabernet sauvignon all off the estate’s Arise Bench. The colour is perfect Provençal pink, and it’s mostly dry. The nose is marred by a persistent reduce character that dissipates very slowly. The rest of the bottle is fresh reminiscent of strawberries and dusted with sagebrush. At 14 percent alcohol it’s made for food. The winery suggest some tantalizing mild chicken curry with saffron rice; smoked sausage Louisiana jambalaya. Solid but this needs time in the bottle to hopefully help the nose spring forward at some point. Finished under vino-lock.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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13 June 2015
84PTS
Chloe 2012 Red No. 249 2012
North Coast Region, California, United StatesFive spice, steak sauce, aftershave and black cherry opens this north coast blend of merlot / petit verdot / petite sirah / syrah / zinfandel. The full, soft and lush palate ends quickly with drawn, powdery tannins, but not before a stuffing of figs, mocha and blackberry compote. Simple and placeless.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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12 June 2015
89PTS
Devil's Corner Tasmania Pinot Noir 2014
Tasmania, South Australia, AustraliaAlways excited to see a Tasmanian wine on our shelves, and even more excited to taste when it's this interesting. Intoxicating florals, exotic spices, minerality, iron, dried forest on the nose. The palate is textured with stony grip, and layered with smooth and perfumed cassis, black cherry, savoury truffle, subtle cloves and dusky lilacs, supported by worn oak and lifted with brisk acidity. An interesting wine, worth contemplation.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Régis Boucabeille Les Terrasses 2013
Côtes du Roussillon Villages, Roussillon, Sud de France, FranceThe Domaine Boucabeille is 28 hectares of vines planted on shale-covered slopes on a great site that was abandoned in the 20th century because it was too tough to farm and unprofitable. Today 11 terraces at 200 to 300 metres, facing southeast grow organically and the results are super. Smoky, red fruits and plums with a floral, stony, garrigue aromas preview a juicy, spicy, fresh, raspberry jam, licorice, savoury, red wine. Perfect with most summer grilled meats. Fine value.Prices:| BC | $17.39 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Pérez Cruz Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2013
Alto Maipo, Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileAllow this generous cabernet sauvignon time (one hour) to breathe before you tuck in, giving the herbal cassis, black cherry, leather and inky notes time to fully emerge. The full bodied palate is pulled with long, smooth tannins, revealing dark chocolate, tobacco, cassis, thorns and anise along the way. Moderate acidity very well woven to lift and support the medicinal sun-ripe fruit to a slightly gritty finish. Lovely with dense beef dishes.Prices:| BC | $14.79 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.29 | 750ml |
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11 June 2015
91PTS
Yalumba Viognier The Virgilius Eden Valley 2012
Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaWhen it comes to Yalumba and viognier in Australia, consider The Virgilius the flagship. Every attention is paid: hand-picked, whole bunch pressed, wild ferment, French oak barriques, ten months battonage and then a barrel selection with only the brightest making the final cut. A bright, shining, primary nose, with cold cream perfume and apricot blossom. The apricot and peach dominate the luscious palate, drawing fine gingersnap, rich cream and lime pith through the lengthy finish. Potent and concentrated, with moderate quenching acid to lift the generous palate. Cellar worthy, or decant now and enjoy with rich shellfish or cream sauced pastas.Prices:| Australia | $38.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Yalumba The Octavius Barossa Old Vine Shiraz 2008
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThis old vine shiraz is matured in French oak and Yalumba crafted American octave barrels, the latter of which offered inspiration for the wine’s name. Sourced from both Barossa (59 percent) and Eden Valley fruit, this opens alluringly with dried cassis, dried cherry and fine tobacco which carries through to the concentrated, ripe palate. Very graceful but plentiful powdery fine tannins continue to draw the rich, elegant black fruit to a very lengthy savoury dark chocolate, black liquorice and tobacco finish. Seamless presence on the palate already, and one that will continue to impress for the next decade.Prices:| BC | $125.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Yalumba Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz The Signature Jane Ferrari 2010
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThis wine is dedicated to one of Yalumba's key employees, past or present, each year, and represents the best cabernet sauvignon / shiraz blend of the vintage. In 2010, global communicator Jane Ferrari was named Signatory, and this exemplary wine matches her talents and energy. Dusky cassis, dried cassis, anise, tobacco and fragrant cedar are drawn through lengthy, firmly structured, fine grained tannins. Supple red currant, red and black cherry and light mint mingle on the mid palate before a very lengthy black cherry finish. Very elegant and while easily cellerable for 10 more years, also able to drink now. It has already knit well in French, American and Hungarian oak for 18 months followed by two more years in bottle before release. Pour with rack of lamb or beef tenderloin.Prices:| BC | $70.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $65.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Giovanni Rosso Nebbiolo Langhe Rosso 2012
Piedmont, ItalyEarthy tobacco, cedar, smoky, resin nose with prune and strawberry jam aromas. Fresh, round, dry, elegant palate with light tannins. Tobacco, licorice, cedar, strawberry, tar, savoury, celery salt flavours. Forward, food-friendly style for current consumption. A lighter style nebbiolo with elegance. Perfect with mushroom dishes.Prices:| BC | $26.79 | 750ml |
| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
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10 June 2015
93PTS
Yalumba The Tri-Centenary Grenache 2008
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaA very singular wine, hand-picked from a scant, 820, gnarly old grenache bush vines planted in 1889. Very savoury nose, with dried cherry, dried strawberry, black cherry, earthy mushroom and worn, aged leather over a gossamer whiff of light florals. The superbly finessed palate is bright and elegant, with layers of scented strawberry blossom, roses, dried herbs and pure, ripe cherry carried by smooth, elongated tannins. Seemingly feather light and concentrated at once, subtly focused and lingering. Current release, ready to drink now or tuck away for 5 plus years.Prices:| ON | $47.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Yalumba The Guardian Shiraz Viognier Eden Valley 2010
Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaLovely blackcurrant nose with a light but persistent floral element (from the 2.5 percent viognier perhaps). Blueberry compote, violet, cassis, wild blackberry, fine nutmeg and cloved spice are carried with gentle, lightly grippy tannins. Peppery spice, anise and herbal mustard seed on the lengthy finish. Nice breadth and length; a very pleasing pour, especially with lamb and fennel sausages.Prices:| ON | $22.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Yalumba Viognier Eden Valley 2013
Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaHuge aromatics in this wild ferment Eden Valley viognier, with pear, peach, orange blossom, ginger and perfume leaping from the glass. The fresh and heady palate carries roses, apricot fuzz and exotic spice through the lingering finish. Moderate tropical citrus acidity lifts the plump cushion of fruit. Stylish and concentrated now, this wine will continue to grow and develop in the bottle, so put a couple aside in your cellar.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Yalumba Eden Valley Roussanne 2013
Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaEleven months in older French oak (fermentation + aging) amps up this already expressive white, resulting in a big, heady nose of honeysuckle and peach blossom and continues through the silken palate. Kumquat, warmed peach jam, rose blossom glide across gentle, moderate acid. Very fine exotic spices close out the gentle finish.Prices:| Australia | $24.00 | 750ml |
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09 June 2015
88PTS
Sea Star Stella Maris 2014
Pender Island, Southern Gulf Islands, British Columbia, CanadaThis coastal blend of gewürztraminer, pinot noir, pinot gris, schönberger and ortega come from the winery's organic seaside estate vineyards. Melon, kiwi, pear, grapefruit and white florals on the nose. The bright, juicy palate carries a gentle wave of residual sugar ably, with herbal pear, perfumed acacia and ripe yellow apple across a slightly oily, generous body. Attractive anise note on the smooth finish. Pour with fennel and pernod sauced mussels.Prices:| BC | $20.78 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Sea Star Salish Sea 2014
Pender Island, Southern Gulf Islands, British Columbia, CanadaA new release, this blend of ortega and siegerrebe comes from organic grapes grown on Pender Island. Ripe peach, melon, anise and lime pith on the expressive nose are echoed on the equally jubilant palate, ripe and round and off dry. Limey pulp and peel cut a swath through the ripe fruit, finishing with a refreshing zesty pithiness. A lovely summer sipper, ideally with melon and prosciutto.Prices:| BC | $17.30 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Van Westen Vineyards Viognier 2013
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFresh bright ginger, honey, lees, lemon peel, baked apple nose with light struck match aromas. Dry, fresh, juicy, slightly austere but with a full palate. Grapefruit, ginger, lees, light orange, honey and mango flavours. Good intensity and length with the ability to age further and a great match for halibut. The grapes are grown at the estate owned Orlando Vineyard and Granite Ridge Vineyard in North Naramata.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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08 June 2015
90PTS
Road 13 Marsanne Low Yield Wines 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNorthwest marsanne as in Washington and British Columbia seems to thrive in the warm days and cool nights almost as if it was in the Northern Rhone. This wine is evolving in the bottle with plenty of creamy white peach flavours and note of spiced pear and super ripe apples. There is power and richness along with an exotic character that persists through its lengthy low acid finish. Crab bisque would be a super match, or oven roasted chicken.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Culmina Family Estate Decora 2014
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Culmina 2014 riesling falls under the dry, spare, mineral, stony camp no doubt connected to its 595 meter elevation at Margaret’s Vineyard. Not for beginners or anyone looking for some sweetness in their riesling the attack is fresh with bright citrus notes, hints of chalk and more cool grapefruit, nectarine skin notes than peach fruit. Oysters are natural pairing, creamy seafood pasta dishes would also work. The winery suggests gruyère and pancetta stuffed chicken.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Chateau Miraval Coteaux Varois en Provence Blanc 2013
Côtes de Provence, Provence, Sud de France, FranceA low yield vintage has yielded a very fine white wine with excellent lively minerality and freshness. Chateau Miraval is essentially sited in private valley on the Commune of Correns to the north of Brignoles. It covers 2 appellations: Coteaux Varois en Provence (to the northwest) and Cotes de Provence (to the east of the estate). The vines sit over cool clay and limestone soils the fruit is hand- picked, sorted and pressed gently into stainless steel tanks (90%) and oak barrels (10%) the latter stirred. The blend is grenache blanc and rolle (vermentino) and it’s both fresh and floral with bits of guava and almonds. A rare white wine for our market but perfect for halibut. Owned by Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt the wine is made by the Famille Perrin of Châteauneuf-du-Pape fame.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Miguel Torres Dias de Verano Reserva Muscat 2014
Itata Valley, ChileFloral, pear, nectarine, ginger, spicy, honey, slate and quince aromas. Crisp, fresh, juicy, delicate palate with green apple, floral, honey, light lychee, grapefruit, spicy, chalky flavours. Very delicate but flavourful and juicy style for any seafood. Delicious.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Trim Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
California, United StatesBlack berry, cassis, coffee, licorice, peppery, tobacco aromas. Dry, fresh, round, easy palate with smoky, black berry, cassis, tobacco, light cedar and black olive flavours. Light tea tannins on the finish will dissipate with food. Fun and juicy and ready-to-drink.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Edge Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Napa Valley, California, United StatesPeppery, cassis, tobacco, clove, vanilla, black pepper, savoury, cassis aromas. Ripe, round, smooth, fresh palate with light tannins. Black berry, cassis, smoky, licorice, tobacco, peppery, vanilla and coffee flavours. Good concentration and ripeness with some light tannins that should smooth out over the next few years. Excellent quality and value for Napa.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Van Westen Vineyards Vino Grigio 2013
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFresh bright ripe nose of pear and golden apples with a twist of citrus. The attack is mineral with solid acidity, green apple peel, grapefruit and green melon. The finish is creamy and rip with just a hint of bitterness to balance off the finish. Try this with halibut topped with a fruit salsa.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Il Grigio da San Felice Chianti Classico Riserva 2010
Tuscany, ItalyPeppery, balsamic, meaty, black licorice, black cherry nose with leather and savoury spice aromas. Rich, full, round, juicy palate with light tannins. Smoky, meaty, peppery, savoury herb, cherry, balsamic, coffee and black tea flavours. Still youthful with good fruit but tannins to shed. Very solid for the next 2-5 years. Steak Florentine.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $28.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Louis Latour Gamay Bourgogne 2011
Burgundy, FranceFresh peppery, meaty, light tobacco, cherry and resin aromas. Dry, fresh, round, elegant palate with black cherry, peppery, carrot top, smoky, licorice flavours. Solid and well balanced but with some fairly prominent acidity in the finish. Serve with charcuterie.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Navarro López Pergolas Old Vines Tempranillo 2011
Valdepeñas, Castilla-La Mancha, SpainEarthy, tobacco, green olive, cherry, peppery, coffee and leather aromas. Dry, thin, tart, lean palate with tobacco, earthy, resin, sour cherry and herb flavours with lean tannins. Poor showing from what is usually a solid performer.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Pentâge Winery Hiatus 2012
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCherry, plum, tobacco, peppery, lees, slightly meat, savoury herb aromas with a touch of tomato purée. Dry, light, somewhat tart and thin palate with light tannins. Coffee, peppery, cassis, tobacco, smoky, resin flavours. Definitely herbaceous and will need grilled meat to show its best.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Pentâge Winery Pentâge 2010
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig peppery, savoury, tobacco, dried sage, celery salt, coffee, roast pepper, tomato purée. Full, dry, tight palate with some gritty tannins. Coffee, black pepper, black olive, orange peel, vanilla, cassis, tobacco leaf, roast tomato and resin flavours. Solid intensity but still a bit hard and green. Needs a few years to settle out in the bottle. Be patient.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Fetzer Cabernet Sauvignon Valley Oaks 2012
California, United StatesChocolate, peppery, cherry jam, cassis jam, tobacco, cola, cedar and root aromas. Soft, round, easy palate with coffee, chocolate, tobacco, rooty, cedar bark and cherry flavours with a touch of sweetness. Easy-sipping, ready-to-drink barbecue red.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Sterling Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Napa Valley, California, United StatesLots of savoury, black pepper, black berry, cassis, tobacco, cedar, chocolate and vanilla aromas. Round, fresh, easy, smooth palate with coffee, chocolate, cola, black berry, tobacco, black olive, clove and pudding flavours. Ripe, forward, ready-to-drink Napa cabernet.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Narrative Red by Okanagan Crush Pad 2013
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaChocolate, meaty, peppery, savoury, black cherry, gingerbread aromas. Dry, light, somewhat flat and thin on the mid-palate with cherry, chocolate, tobacco, herbal, smoky olive flavours. A bit short and tart on the follow through. The 2013 Narrative red is a blend of Syrah from the Black Sage Bench and Gamay Noir from Secrest Mountain. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Mission Hill Five Vineyards Cabernet Merlot 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, coffee, black olive, roast pepper, cassis, cherry, tobacco and vanilla aromas with that savoury, sagebrush nose. Dry, fresh, elegant but slightly lean palate with black olive, green bean, tobacco leaf, cassis, vanilla, chocolate, peppery, cherry and herb flavours. Still a bit tart and herbaceous on the finish but would be fine with grilled meats.Prices:| SK | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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06 June 2015
87PTS
Symphony Vineyard 100% Saanich Grown Pinot Gris 2014
Saanich Peninsula, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaAt first glance this blush peach hued pinot gris could be mistaken for a rosé, so coloured the wine after 36 hours of skin contact. Subtle pear and thorny herbs are the opener to a crisp, high acid palate of prickly pear, grapefruit, white peach, under ripe melon and apple, with a subtle sheen of phenolic to temper the acidity. Pear skin trails on the finish. Bright and dry, this coastal white would suit fresh clams, mussels and sashimi.Prices:| BC | $15.57 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Symphony Vineyard 100% Saanich Grown Gewürztraminer 2014
Saanich Peninsula, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaHerbal thorns, lemon pith and guava on the nose of this cool climate, coastal gewürztraminer. The zippy, zesty palate rings with citrus and exotic fruits, spicy grapefruit pithiness and perfumed wildflowers. Bitter herbs return on the crisp, juicy finish. A lovely, zesty and dry spicy white to try with fish tacos.Prices:| BC | $16.43 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Five Vineyards by Mission Hill Pinot Noir 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaYet another solid entry in Mission Hill's entry 5 Vineyards line. Cherry, rhubarb and raspberry jam aromas lead to a medium bodied and friendly pinot. The juicy, easy red carries fine black tea tannins, ripe black cherry, light earthiness and plump plummy fruit with light cedar spices on the finish. An identifiable and approachable pinot noir for under $20 - challenging no matter what part of the world you're from, but particularly impressive from BC. Try with a turkey or porchetta and cranberry sandwich.Prices:| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.45 | 750ml |
| NB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $20.00 | 750ml |
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05 June 2015
89PTS
Haywire Pinot Noir Canyonview Vineyard Raised in Concrete 2012
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRipe wild strawberries, perfumed raspberries, forest scents and fragrant cherries fill this juicy, mouth filling pinot noir. Fine rasped spices and lush tannins end with a welcome stony grip and lingering damson plum. Time spent in older French oak barrels plus concrete eggs up the complexity and elegance. Soft with finesse, I'd welcome pouring this with grilled wild salmon.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Howling Bluff Pinot Noir Summa Quies 2012
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaEighteen months in French oak, followed by a further 11 months in bottle ensured that the all the various pinot blocks and clones at Summa Quies Vineyard were able to meet and mingle. They've emerged with fresh cherry, black raspberry, cinnamon bark and forest notes across a medium bodied, rhubarb toned palate. Tannins are fine and acidity is bright. Cracked spices, cedar and fall forest close out the tart finish, and call for roasted morels and polenta or wheat berries.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Stag's Hollow Heritage Block 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis Bordeaux-styled big red is sourced from Oliver and Osoyoos fruit, half of which is merlot. Partially whole cluster and shared between French and American oak, this wine is left to rest for 18 months in wood before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. These choices have resulted in dusky cassis, perfumed black cherry and spiced raspberry jam sitting plumply on soft, ripe tannins. Dried herbs and rasped cedar through the finish. Well integrated menthol-edged acidity here keeps this from being too heavy, and welcomes pairing with grilled lamb or pork sausages.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Spierhead Riesling GFV Saddle Block 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLime, struck matchstick, floral, spicy lees, green apple aromas with a touch of slate and butter. Fresh, crisp, dry palate with lime, pear skin, soapy slate, granny smith, grass and light lees flavours. Zippy, fresh and slightly austere, low fruit style that is best with food.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Mike B Riesling 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, light lees, floral, citrus, green apple skin aromas. Fresh, juicy, crisp palate with a hint of sweetness. Lemon, granny smith, light green apricot, spicy lees flavours. Young and fresh style that is more austere with a touch of Vaseline. Needs time as it is a less fruity style.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Fort Berens Riesling 2014
Lillooet, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, bubble gum, green apple skin, light slate and citrus aromas. Elegant, fresh, juicy, slightly sweet palate with honey, floral, green apple, peach pit, slate and green guava flavours. Good finesse and fruit with creamy acidity. Well balanced if a touch sweet.Prices:| BC | $18.40 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Quails' Gate Dry Riesling 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGreen apple, struck matchstick, green apricot, floral, guava and orange aromas. Fresh, crisp, juicy, somewhat lean and austere palate with lime, granny smith apple, lees, floral, pear skin flavours with a touch of Vaseline. A bit low on fruit flavour intensity but solid finesse. Needs a year or so to integrate.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Über Riesling Kabinett NV
Pfalz, GermanyNectarine, floral, orange, spicy, green apple and pineapple aromas. Crisp, juicy, elegant and slightly leaner palate with a touch of sweetness. Green apple, slate, lime and nectarine skin flavours. Good finesse and fullness in a leaner but moderately fruity style.Prices:| BC | $14.79 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Deinhard Green Label Riesling 2013
Mosel, GermanyFresh floral, Vaseline, peach, green apple and pear aromas. Round, fresh, delicate, juicy palate with some sweetness. Green apple, slate, Vaseline, citrus and baked pear flavours. Soft but delicate makes for an easy-sipping summertime wine.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $16.00 | 750ml |
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04 June 2015
88PTS
Le Vieux Pin Petit Rouge 2013
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMerlot is splashed with syrah before it rests in neutral French oak in this welcoming, friendly red. A cuvee of younger vines, the LVP Petit line is meant to be enjoyed daily with food, without pretence. Juicy cherry, raspberry, cloves and dark plum on the perfumed, fuller bodied palate. Tannins are softly chewy and the finish is duskily spiced. At 14.3% alcohol, this has the warmth and weight to tackle lamb and fennel sausages or lentils with lardons.Prices:| BC | $20.78 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Le Vieux Pin Petit Blanc 2014
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCrisp, bright and shining orchard fruits - lean and herbal - are the hallmark of LVP's Petit line of wines. Stainless steel, no MLF and a lack of lees work preserves the fruit's bright purity beautifully. Lovely white peach, asian pear, grapefruit, gooseberry, green apple, tangerine and bitter melon stream across the focused palate, allowing some apricot oil and wild herbs for added intrigue. The finish is potent and savoury bitter grapefruit, apricot fuzz and medicinal herbs. I would pour with an arugula, peach and prosciutto plate.Prices:| BC | $19.04 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Unsworth Vineyards Allegro 2014
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWhen you see a 50/50 petit milo / sauvignette blend there is no other place you can be but the Wine Islands. The crisp, coastal white easily and silently carries 3 g/l residual sugar, resulting in a pear, lemon, gooseberry and melon cocktail over a welcome and gentle orchard fruit cushion. Finessed and layered fruit, fresh herbs and mineral on the juicy, savoury palate invites another glass, and pairing with fresh spot prawns or sea salted grilled halibut. Looking forward to this in screw cap for ultimate warm weather sipping.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Symphony 100% Saanich Grown Pinot Gris (Barrel Ferment) 2014
Saanich Peninsula, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaThis Saanich pinot gris pours a delicate apricot hue in the glass, the result of skin contact with colour-packed gris grapes prior to pressing. This wine has seen time in stainless and partial neutral French oak, providing a pillow of peachiness to this otherwise crisp white. Subtle pear skin, stone and faint white peach aromas. The juicy palate shares the same notes, along with gentle lees, bitter melon and spicy white grapefruit pith. Nice herbal interest and marine freshness, ideal for pairing with seared scallops or grilled chicken thighs. Highly promising for the future (though would like to see a labelling upgrade).Prices:| BC | $15.57 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Hillside Un-oaked Pinot Gris 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHow much do I like this wine? A lot. It’s such a pleasure to drink a pinot gris for grown-ups. Hillside has made the long journey to terroir-based wines grown only in Naramata (this one comes from just above the village). It has to be rewarding for the entire Hillside team to make a wine like this. So fresh and vibrant with orchard fruits and bits of white peach and melon this is juicy fresh and delicious. Pinot gris can throw a little colour from its copper skin and this one has a beautiful Provençal hue. Grilled chicken or assorted shellfish all work here. Stock up for summer. BravoPrices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Errazuriz Max Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Aconcagua Costa, Valle de Aconcagua, Region de Aconcagua, ChileThis wine just gets better every year as the vines settled into the Manzanar Vineyard some 12 km from the Pacific Ocean or Aconcagua Costa. Just a hint of wine is fermented in wood but all of it is aged on its lees adding complexity and depth to its electric fruit. Dried herbs, nettle, lime and grapefruit flavors dominate on the nose but remain quiet and fresh on the palate forsaking pungency for finesse. The finish is long and creamy. First rate stuff in a brutal package but don't let that deter you from serving this wine anytime. Goat cheese, tomatoes, corn, fish chicken.Prices:| BC | $16.29 | 750ml |
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03 June 2015
86PTS
Santa Carolina Reserva Pinot Noir Casablanca Estate 2013
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileHeady forest floor, mulled spices, dried cherry and moss open this reserve pinot noir, a blend of sloping hillside fruit from the Coastal Mountain Range. Sweetly ripe cherry, rhubarb pie, branches, autumn forest and light wood smoke on the round, soft palate. Finishes plush and smoky, welcoming pouring alongside cherry smoked pork kabobs.Prices:| BC | $12.19 | 750ml |
| YK | $16.00 | 750ml |
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02 June 2015
86PTS
Graffigna Elevation Red Blend 2012
San Juan, ArgentinaThe Centenario Elevation is a broad mix of Argentine red grapes: 20 percent each of bonarda, cabernet sauvignon, malbec, tannat and syrah. The nose is peppery, toasted black fruit nose with bright red cranberry fruit and correspondingly fresh acidity. Aromatic and spicy serve this with a big piece of grilled meat.Prices:| MB | $14.25 | 750ml |
| BC | $12.59 | 750ml |
| NF | $17.25 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Laya Garnacha Monastrell Vieilles Vignes 2013
Almansa, Castilla-La Mancha, SpainA 70/30 blend of old vine garnacha tintorera and monastrell the 2013, like the 09, over delivers for the price. The nose is an intense blend of savoury dried herbs and red fruits. The palate soft, the textures chalky and the flavours an earthy mix of coffee, red licorice and a dusting of oak. Try this with grilled meat for best results. A rustic red with curbside appeal.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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01 June 2015
88PTS
Culmina Family Estate Unicus 2014
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaYou'll be forgiven for thinking you're nosing a sauvignon blanc, with heaps of cut grass, bright lychee, exotic gooseberry, white peach and bright lemon peel on this shining grüner veltliner, a rarity in the Okanagan. On the higher elevation Margaret's Bench vineyard, the grape gains freshness and acidity, while absorbing the warm, Oliver sunshine. Ripe, spicy pear, persimmon, pineapple rind, peach, grapefruit, bitter lemon pith, green apple and Asian pear on the super spicy, bracing palate, with the oily palate generously carrying white grapefruit through the lengthy, white pepper finish. Pour this potent (14 percent) medium-bodied wine with halibut or lemon grass prawns.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Stift Goettweig Gruner Veltliner Trocken Messwein 2013
Kremstal, Niederösterreich, Weinland Österreich, AustriaWhite flowers, lemon blossom, meadow grasses and dried herbs open this stony, oily and medium-bodied white. A juicy palate brightens the oily heft, and draws pear skin, lemon, white grapefruit, dried thyme, greengage, minerals and lemongrass through the lengthy finish. Fine, potent white pepper throughout. A lovely, weighty but mineral crisp pour alongside white fish.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Weingut Bründlmayer Kamptaler Terrassen Grüner Veltliner 2009
Kamptal, Niederösterreich, Weinland Österreich, AustriaNow with a bit of age (and fortunately a vintage still on our shelves), this wine shows Brundlmayer’s strength in consistently crafting complex and mineral-driven grüner veltliner, built to age. Honey, dried pear and whiffs of petrol on the nose. The fuller palate carries stony weight along with baked pear and apple, white blossoms, pine nuts, wild honey, herbal grasses, lemon, white grapefruit and white pepper, finishing with warming alpine herbs. Acidity is holding, and the length lingering. Drinking very well now - in its youth this can be quite firm and tight. Pour with herb, fennel and white wine-laced moules frites.Prices:| BC | $22.62 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Burlotto Acclivi Barolo 2009
Barolo, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyTraditional and elegant, with unmistakable truffles, candied maraschino cherry notes mixed with fragrant pomegranate and potent rose blooms all with a burnished bergamot note hinting underneath through to the finish. Acclivi is a blend of grapes from several crus owned by the winery. Full-bodied, with fine, firm tannins, worn gently. Warm spices, tobacco, leather, dried cherry and ripe rainier cherry and perfumed strawberries give heft, lifted with nimble acidity and ending with black tea bitterness and fine saltiness on finish. Fairly harmonious and approachable now, even though still showing young. You could comfortably age this for 7-plus years, or pour alongside mushroomed risotto or caramelized roasted root vegetables.Prices:| BC | $59.19 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Gunderloch Fritz's Riesling 2013
Rheinhessen, GermanyPear, guava, peach, floral, citrus aromas. Fresh, creamy, juicy, round palate with some sweetness but balanced acidity. Red apple, peach, honey, floral, pear and orange flavours with a touch of lime. A touch soft but with bright fruit, Drink now and all summer with your favourite Indian curry or spicy Asian dishes.Prices:| BC | $18.49 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Monte Antico Toscano 2010
Santa Lucia, Pisa, Tuscany, ItalyMonte Antico is a mini super Tuscan mixing 85/10/5 sangiovese/cabernet sauvignon/ merlot as crafted by winemaker Franco Bernabei and importer Neil Empson. This is one of the best we have tasted packed full of juicy, plummy fruit spiked with dried herbs and soft textures. It is fully ready to drink and we enjoyed with grilled chicken. The wine is aged for one year in 80 percent Slavonian oak with 20 percent French before spending 6 months in the bottle prior to release. Now under screwcap which is huge advance for this wine.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.45 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $19.00 | 750ml |
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July 2015