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Tastings: July 2015
31 July 2015
91PTS
CedarCreek Amphora Wine Project Desert Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA one hundred percent cabernet sauvignon fermented naturally with no additives and hand plunged it was left alone on its skins for 8 months in amphora (neutral unlined clay pots). The alcohol hit 14.8%; the ph. a surprising 3.87. Each amphora was filled with 500kg of berries without adding any sulphur dioxide or acid. At eight months the grapes were foot trod and the juice put in small stainless steel tanks unfiltered and again without any additives. Total production is only 360 hand numbered bottles. This is surely one of the best textured cabernet sauvignon I have tasted in BC. Full of life and bright red /black fruits and an underlying mineral, graphite stony theme. Supple, yet wild and savoury for the moment it is in excellent shape. It’s anyone’s guess how long it will live. There will be more where this comes from in 2014.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Road 13 Syrah Malbec 2013
British Columbia, CanadaWow. Huge pepper, blue fruit and smoked sausage on the nose of this savoury syrah/malbec, blended with splashes of viognier and mourvedre for extra complexities. The structured palate carries concentrated blue and black fruits, fragrant violets, thorns and wild herbs, with fresh and brisk peppery acidity to carry. Tannins are smooth and fine and the finish is lengthy, trailing off with white pepper. An impressive, interesting, big dense wine that finishes with lively freshness.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Thornhaven Infusion Sparkling Wine 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe crisp edge of this pinot blanc/pinot meunier is cushioned with a sweet, orchard fruit pillow. Pear, light apricot and white peach play on the creamy, off dry palate, kept in line with a beam of pithy acidity. The finish is snappy and fresh, pour with summertime, preferably with a patio or boat.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Thornhaven Pinot Gris 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, ripe red apple nose with bits of honey and spice. The attack is fresh with a bit more sweetness than its needs but in the end it all balances out. Look for pear and honey flavours with flecks of citrus and baked apple. Better than last year but less sugar would help this wine take on a more serious dinner table tone.Prices:| BC | $15.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wirra Wirra Woodhenge Shiraz 2012
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaA spiced nose - star anise, pepper, nutmeg - lifts dense cassis and violets out of the glass with first swirl of this McLaren Vale Shiraz. The density continues on the palate, with glossy, potent and thick black fruit, charcoal, ink, chocolate and potent menthol and eucalyptus. Soft, ripe tannins end with a nip of astringency, and the finish trails off into ink, and heat. Sop up the 14.5 percent alcohol, partner with lamb burgers.Prices:| BC | $30.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $29.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Wolf Blass Yellow Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
South Australia, AustraliaThere's a few reasons why this wine is so incredibly popular, year after year. Consistency, approachability, availability. Sourced from vineyards in Langhorne Creek and McLaren Vale, the cedar, raspberry and mint aromas are echoed on the fruity, palate. Tannins are soft and finely granular, supporting smoked cassis, red currant and some toasted cedar plank. Finishes a bit astringent and certainly hot; best enjoyed with BBQ beef or lamb burgers.Prices:| BC | $15.69 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $16.19 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.30 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $17.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $19.60 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Ravenswood Single Vineyard Big River Zinfandel 2012
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesThe Big River Vineyard, all 13 acres is 100 percent zinfandel and its 100 years old. The style is generous ( Alexander Valley) with a big juicy, black fruit and licorice aromas. It’s loaded with spice and licorice that supports and peeks through the rich, saturated black cherry, raspberry and boysenberry fruit. There’s enough charm to drink it now but there is also enough stuffing to wait another five to seven years.Prices:| BC | $46.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Ravenswood Single Vineyard Teldeschi Zinfandel 2012
Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesDry Creek zinfandel comes with tell-tale blue fruits and warm spices and the latest Teldeschi has it all in spades. The blend is 80/12/8 zinfandel, carignan and petite sirah. The nose invites you deep into the glass with big floral, peppery, raspberry/blackberry notes. The attack is warm with rich, deep, soft black fruit flavours and dusky spices. Tannins have a plush though solid frame, and the peppery finish is long and savoury. Love the balance and restraint here. You can drink this now with pulled pork (best if decanted first) or cellar it through 2020.Prices:| BC | $46.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Ravenswood Single Vineyard Barricia Zinfandel 2012
Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesAccording to Joel Petersen, Barbara Olesen and Patricia Herron’s 36-acre Sonoma Valley Barricia Vineyard, located in the "banana belt" of Sonoma Valley protected from the fog and cool air that filters in off the Pacific and San Pablo Bay containing parts of their names is a piece of valley history. In the 1840s General Mariano Vallejo had traded it to his children’s music teacher in exchange for piano lessons. After many trials with many producers the 100-year-old vines now produce fruit for Ravenswood crafting its iconic Sonoma Valley Zinfandel. Today the site is owned by Mel and Angela Dagovitz but the name remains Barricia. The nose is zinfandel fragrant mixing baking spices with dark, sweet black fruits with a dusting of pepper. The blend is about ¾ zinfandel mixed with petite sirah and aged 19 months in French oak. On the palate it is big and black, with almost tar like textures and weight. This is one big baby with a resiny, spicy black fruit finish. Not for the timid. Think big when matching this with food it can take it.Prices:| BC | $46.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Trivento Amado Sur Malbec Bonarda Syrah 2013
Mendoza, ArgentinaA wine that has consistently over deliver for its price and this year is no different. Floral and spicy the nose is a friendly mix of savoury, meaty, coriander smoky, black fruits and licorice. The palate is a mirror reflection with spicy, minty, chocolate, smoky juicy, black berry flavours. Well-priced and ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.25 | 750ml |
| SK | $18.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Time Meritage Red 2012
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVersion two of this Meritage blend is 60/29/11 mix of merlot, cabernet sauvignon cabernet franc opens with tobacco, black olive earthy sagebrush nose flecked with cranberry notes. The attack is dry and astringent with spicy, tobacco, cassis fruit with a long warm savoury, vanilla, coffee dried herb finish. Solid, but like last year just a little bit rustic. This will need ‘time’ to bloom in the bottle. Try it now with a steak.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Marqués de Riscal Rioja Reserva 2009
Rioja Alavesa, Rioja, SpainA very warm growing season has made for a bigger, richer, fuller style Rioja that is more California that Rioja this year. The attack is rich and round with an impressive weighty front end, full of black cherry and cook blackberries with a twist of spice. Not a classic Rioja but should be well received in American restaurants and, it is clean to boot. Grilled lamb or beef is the ticket here.Prices:| QC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Castillo de Monséran Old Vine Garnacha 2010
Cariñena, Aragon, SpainFun round, earthy, savoury, licorice black raspberry aromas spill onto the palate. The attack is dry (yeah!) with more black fruit, tobacco, pepper, orange peel flavours. Good value here in a solid everyday workhouse red. Try this with burgers, chicken, ribs and more. Back up the truck.Prices:| BC | $13.29 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Lujuria 2014
Yecla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainCherry, peppery, savoury, floral, raspberry, cedar and orange peel aromas. Round, juicy, slightly chunky and lean palate with orange, cedar, black pepper, tobacco leaf, chocolate and black cherry flavours. A bit of acidity is pushing through the back end but under a solid fruit core. Good value.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $9.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
La Casona de Castaño Old Vines G-S-M 2014
Yecla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainOpen peppery, savoury, chocolate, floral nose with black berry, meaty, smoky aromas. Dry, fresh, elegant but slightly lean palate with licorice, tobacco leaf, olive, peppery, orange peel, black cherry, rooty, coffee flavours. Solid fruit but a bit lean and gripp-y on the finish. Not quite as rich and full as Castaño’s pure monastrell efforts.Prices:| BC | $13.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
La Casona de Castaño Old Vines Monastrell 2014
Yecla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainAlways consistent. Look for a spicy, savoury, peppery nose with black cherry, orange, slightly meaty aromas and a touch of leather. Round, juicy, slightly chunky palate with peppery, black cherry jam, plum, light chocolate, roast meat and black olive flavours. Savoury style with some light tannins. Can't beat the value here. Barbecue?Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $10.25 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Pepperjack Saltram of Barossa Red 2013
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaBarossa Red is a Barossa blend of shiraz, grenache, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, malbec, sangiovese, tempranillo, cabernet franc - a real dog's breakfast that has become a very popular, accessible, round red blend. Named in honour of one of Australia's first winemakers, William Salter, this opens with ripe blackberry, sweet raspberry and subtle toast. The ripe berry fruit continues on the palate, with gentle smoke, a shot of herbal mustard seed and ample cracked black pepper. Tannins are ripe and soft, finishing with an astringent squeeze. A hot finish will be mitigated with burgers from the barbie.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
50th Parallel Estate Chardonnay 2013
Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeach, light butter, lees, vanilla, matchstick and baked apple aromas with a bit of struck matchstick. Round, fresh, soft, easy palate with buttered popcorn, spicy lees, light honey, baked pear flavours with a touch of citrus. Easy-sipping, softer style but lacks zip and some intensity, especially at this price.Prices:| BC | $36.80 | 750ml |
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30 July 2015
88PTS
LaStella Maestoso Solo Merlot 2012
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig smoky, coffee, vanilla nose laced with tobacco, dried herbs, black cherry jam, prune, barnyard, leather, black olive aromas. Dry, tight, warm palate with some leaner, astringent tannins in the back end. Cherry jam, prune, smoky oak, chocolate, coffee, olive, leather, savoury herb and tea leaf flavours. Finish is dry and somewhat hard with some leafy tannins and a touch of pruny-ness. Needs 3-5 years to round out but will always be very dry. Best with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $89.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sunrock by Jackson-Triggs Illumina Lot #12 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA near 53/47 split of zinfandel/shiraz make up this round, mouth filling and rich red, a unique blend for the Okanagan. Eighteen months in French and American oak amps up the intensity while softening the mouthfeel - this is as plush and velvety as can be. Fortunately there is a nice spike of raspberry piquancy to lift the weight. Dollops of blackberry jam, ripe cherries, cloves, vanilla and dark chocolate pull right through to the sort if sticky, spiced finish. Fine for barbecue saucy short ribs, venison or braised beef.Prices:| BC | $34.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Spierhead Pinot Gris Golden Retreat Vineyard 2014
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRipe pear, light honey, lees, red apple aromas with light matchstick note. Round, fresh, creamy and juicy palate with a hint of sweetness. Ripe grapefruit, pear, green apple, gooseberry and lees flavours. Good juicy, fresh finish in a citrusy style.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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29 July 2015
87PTS
Giusti Rosalia Prosecco Extra Day NV
Treviso, Verona, Veneto, ItalyThis structured, prosecco is a far cry from the frothy fruity examples you may be used to. Serious, but still fun. A kiss of orchard fruit sweetness on the nose and palate swirls across tight, fine bubbles, ripe pear, green apple, white florals, and a pithy and candied pink grapefruit finish. Great value.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Ruca Malen Brut NV
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaOne of the most impressive sparkling wines tasted during two weeks in Argentina, and a winner at the 2015 Argentina Wine Awards. This blend of pinot noir/chardonnay comes from vineyards 1200m up in Tupungato, Uco Valley. Twelve months on the lees shows up with gentle, elegant lees, light toast, almonds, subtle white florals and a whiff of orange and lemon pith. Bright citrus acidity and piercing lemon drive the chalky palate to a finely spiced, lingering finish, one calling out for fresh shellfish. Tasted in Argentina in February 2015.Prices:| US | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bodegas Norton Cosecha Especial Brut Nature 2010
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThis traditional method sparkling wine is the pinnacle of the sparkling pyramid at Bodegas Norton, sourced from grapes at 1300m in the Uco Valley. The base wines spends one year on the lees before they are blended, followed by two years in the bottle. Light toast, shell, lees, light lemon blossom and apricot jam aromas. The crisp, apricot pithy palate carries a gentle cushion of tangerine, mandarin and quince through a crisp, persistent finish. Bubbles are fine and the acidity is lively and chalk-laced. Tasted at the winery in February 2015.Prices:| NF | $16.28 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Escorihuela 1884 Extra Brut NV
Mendoza, ArgentinaWith one year on lees and 18 months in bottle, this off dry, fresh and floral bubble brings bright citrus, white peach, green apple, sea shell, lemon and a subtle skiff of less across wide, frothy bubbles. This is an easy and approachable sparkling blend of chardonnay and pinot noir perfectly appropriate for brunching.Prices:| BC | $18.29 | 750ml |
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85PTS
La Marca Prosecco NV
Treviso, Verona, Veneto, ItalySweet grass, apple, candied sours, pear gummies and white peach and faint white florals dominate this bone dry, frothy prosecco. Acerbic citrus notes on the tight, crisp finish. Chill and pour with salty canapés. Not cheap.Prices:| BC | $24.49 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Anna Spinato Prosecco Organic Rosé NV
Veneto, ItalyCandied cherries, light cocoa, red apple, goji berries on the assertive nose and frothy palate. Sweet and sour and reminiscent of alcoholic popsicles, this organic rose might be the trick for your summer sangria.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Santome Prosecco Brut NV
Treviso, Verona, Veneto, ItalyThis estate grown Treviso will surprise you with its structure and savouriness. Instead of Prosecco's typical floral fruitiness, this shows salted lemon, tight green lemon, broken stones and an undercurrent of herbal fennel through its linear frame. Racy, crisp and precise - an entirely atypical prosecco, but one you should acquaint yourself with. Figures to be in Alberta.Prices:| AB | $27.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
CedarCreek Platinum Desert Ridge Meritage 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Platinum range is only released in highest quality years, and 2012 is the first since 2009. Desert Ridge, an Osoyoos single vineyard Meritage, is a first release for the winery. Tobacco, dusty cassis, subtle violets and gravels lead to a textured, full bodied palate. Plush cassis, black plum, red cherry and raspberry swirl marks the palate, propped up with firm, stony structure, grainy tannins and lifted acidity. The finish is filled with more floral, stone and bitter black cherry fruit with a push of freshness and acidity. This needs another five to seven years in the bottle but you can enjoy it now with roast beef or skirt steak.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
CedarCreek Merlot Cabernet 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe blend is 61/21/ merlot/cabernet sauvignon with 8/6 cabernet franc/malbec which spends 21 months in French oak. The attack is spicy with fresh cassis aromas and flavours and a mix of cloves and toasted oak. The finish is dry and persistent savoury, cedar black fruit notes. Young and impetuous at the moment it needs apiece of beef or time in the bottle.Prices:| BC | $17.39 | 750ml |
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88PTS
CedarCreek Meritage 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIt’s been a decade since we since this wine and the good news is it’s four dollars cheaper. The latest iteration leads with 20 percent malbec that seems to energize the rest of the 46/21/21/9/4 merlot/cabernet sauvignon/cabernet franc/petit verdot Meritage that is more old school than Bordeaux. The style is rich and jammy with floral blue and black fruit over spice and cedar boughs. This is a big red at a medium price that will need a year or two to settle but should be worth waiting for. But if you can’t lamb is the ticket.Prices:| BC | $21.69 | 750ml |
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89PTS
CedarCreek Platinum Desert Ridge Merlot 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCedarCreek farms 11 acres of merlot at Desert Ridge Vineyard in Osoyoos where winemaker Darryl Brooker selects rows 50 to 90 for platinum duty. The site is stony and hot and the wine reflects that with a mineral, savoury, richness built into its flavours. The yields are low contributing to its plummy, black cherry/blueberry, licorice fruit, flecked with spice and chocolate and even a touch of orange peel. Plenty big to cellar for five years or serve now with big hearty roast beef dishes.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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28 July 2015
88PTS
Doña Paula Estate Malbec 2013
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaOpen savoury, leather, peppery nose with black plum, tobacco, earthy, vanilla and light floral aromas. Full, round, fresh palate with light tannins. Peppery, plum jam, black cherry, savoury, light vanilla flavours. Good fruit and elegance in a medium-bodied package that finishes a bit short. Try this with veal chops.Prices:| BC | $17.39 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $17.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $15.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Leyda Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileFresh cut asparagus, spring peas and potent citrus blossom burst from the glass of this Leyda Valley sauvignon blanc. Tropical guava, passionfruit, gooseberries, lemon and tangerine brighten a creamy palate, one anchored with meadow grasses and fine stony spice. A bitter medicinal grapefruit note closes out the tart finish. A lovely pour with ceviche.Prices:| BC | $13.89 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Stag's Hollow Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBurnished citrus, smoked stone, grass and tropical fruit open this fuller sauvignon blanc, plumped and spiced by partial (20 percent) new French oak fermentation. Creamy lees, smoke, stones, guava, gooseberry and popcorn fill the generous palate, one kept lifted with a sweet gooseberry and potent citrus oil that lingers on the finish. A polished, serious sauvignon.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Castaño C Monastrell Vinas Viejas Alturas 2014
Yecla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainSmoky, peppery, black cherry, tobacco, meaty chocolate aromas with savoury herbs. Round, fresh, juicy palate with black cherry, peppery, floral, tobacco leaf, herb and light chocolate and cardamom flavours. Simple, fresh, fruity style for any meat. Good value.Prices:| BC | $12.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $12.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Nederburg Pinot Grigio The Winemaster's Reserve 2014
Western Cape, South AfricaPear, lees, citrus, mango, bubble gum, grassy, green apple aromas. Fresh, round, creamy, slightly sweet palate with grapefruit, grassy, green apple, pear, rindy, green mango flavours. A bit sweet but good fruit and balance with matching acidity.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $15.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Santa Rita Merlot Reserva 2014
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe first duty of a reserva is to be better than the regular bottling – mission accomplished. In this case the reserva series brings more body and stuffing if you like along with an injection of plums and dried herbs. Still very Maipo with its resiny, savoury notes this merlot comes with a whack of black cherry, bay leaf and tobacco flavours that don’t quit. A simple grilled steak would be a fine match or a spicy chicken salad. The wine is kept for 10-12 months in American and French oak barrels before blending and bottling.Prices:| BC | $13.29 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Santa Rita Merlot 120 2013
Region del Valle Central, ChileNo changes here. The nose is savoury, Maipo bay leaf affair with bits of cedar, cherry aromas and roasted coffee bean. The attack is predictably soft and easy sipping with resiny, menthol, cedar flavours flecked with more black cherry and tobacco highlights and a hint of elevated acidity flavours. Solid, simple ready to drink. Hamburgers are the call.Prices:| BC | $11.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $13.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Santa Rita Secret Reserve Red Blend 2013
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe secret blend is a 53/20/15/7/5 cabernet sauvignon, merlot, syrah, petit verdot, carmenère. The not so secret nose is ripe mixing sweet floral notes with candied black fruits. The palate is soft and sweet with black fruits, vanilla, cloves and a touch of milk chocolate powder. A very commercial red chasing a market with a sweet tooth. Use the sugar to cool down spicy dishes. Ordinary – probably will sell like hotcakes.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Kim Crawford Small Parcels Wild Grace Chardonnay 2013
Hawkes Bay, North Island, New ZealandLight butter, honey, nutty lees, baked pear, green apple, light floral, lemon and vanilla aromas. Fresh, creamy, juicy and delicate palate with light garlic, grapefruit, spicy lees, butter, lemon, green apple, toasty, pear flavours. Good finesse and solid complexity if a bit light. Solid value. perfect with sable-fish.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Eau Vivre Cabernet Franc 2012
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, tobacco leaf, cranberry, cherry, rooty nose with bits of olive, light vanilla and coffee/oak aromas. Soft, round, dry and fresh on the palate with savoury, cherry, coffee, smoky, cranberry, vanilla, tobacco, olive and herb flavours. Well balanced, forward style that is ready to drink now. Try this with a veal chop.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Familia Bianchi Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
ArgentinaBig black cherry colour previews a ripe black berry, smoky, cassis jam, tobacco, peppery nose with bits of black olive and resin. Round, fresh, juicy, full palate but slightly tannic and warm. Coffee, vanilla, tobacco, black olive, resin, black pepper, cassis, black berry and leather flavours. Good intensity and concentration but a bit astringent for the moment. There's still tannin to shed. Drink now with beef or keep a few years.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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27 July 2015
90PTS
Errazuriz Aconcagua Costa Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Aconcagua Costa, Valle de Aconcagua, Region de Aconcagua, ChileThis is first class sauvignon and has been since it was first launched. The vines, grown at the Manzanar Vineyard, Aconcagua Costa are a mere 12 kilometers from the cool Pacific Ocean. Very little pre-maceration has led to a beautifully structured, aromatic white wine that dances a herbal, mineral, guava, passion fruit ballet on the palate yet again. This wine was made for oysters even if it can’t make the cut in local private wine shops – the Chilean bias is my guess, but it does reside on the reserve wine list at Earls, across Canada, at a very modest price. Delicious.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Intrigue Gewurztraminer 2014
British Columbia, CanadaConsistently well made the Intrigue ‘gew’ is on the sweeter off-dry side best suited to spicy dishes even barbecue ribs would work. The nose is all floral and spice with hint of orange. The fruit is litchi fresh and northern inspired. Round and ready to drink. The winery suggests a pairing with chicken stay with spicy peanut sauce. Good value.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Red Rooster Gewürztraminer 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Red Rooster ‘gew‘ is consistently fresh with a little less spice and rose oil and little more salt and freshness. The style is drier with an emphasis on white fruit. The attack is fresh with a juicy, grapefruit, pear and citrus flavour that finishes clean. Perfect for creamy pasta dishes or fresh cheese. Good value.Prices:| BC | $14.79 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Sumac Ridge Gewürztraminer Private Reserve 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAlways on the sweet side of off-dry this gewürztraminer can do double duty as a patio sipper served chilled or you can pair it up with a spicy summer dish to help control the heat. Look for peach, floral, rose petal notes with a sweet entry of honey, candied grapefruit, ginger and butter flavours. Good value here in a summer style white.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.45 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Hillside Gewürztraminer 2014
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaJust love what’s going on at Hillside – focused, local fruit is really giving this winery a signature taste and feel. This gewürztraminer is fresh and bright, juicy and refreshing in style with floral hints, honeysuckle and bits of smoked meat and ginger. The attack is lively and juicy and with a mix of rose water, light litchi, citrus peel, nectarine skin and lemon oil. Food friendly and stylish. Drink year round.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
See Ya Later Ranch Gewurztraminer 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOne of the better sites in the valley for gewürztraminer is at elevation at SYL rand +550 metres. The attack is fresh and spicy with off-dry, floral fruity notes. Ripe red apple/litchi fruit with a twist of orange (thanks to a splash of ehrenfelser). A super cool patio white for charcuterie plates or serve with your favourite curry dish. Good value.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Fort Berens Chardonnay 2014
Lillooet, British Columbia, CanadaLight honey, peach, baked apple, butter aromas with a touch of citrus and matchstick. Round, fresh, light palate with lemon, green apple, light butter and lees flavours. Very light body and intensity but with elegance and freshness. Less oak works here as the Upper Fraser River style becomes more clear.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
50th Parallel Estate Pinot Gris 2014
Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPear, grapefruit, light matchstick, reductive, grassy, green apple, light honey and lees aromas. Round, fresh, delicate and slightly sweet but juicy palate. Grapefruit, green apple, pear, citrus rind flavours. Easy, fresh style with some delicacy. Give it some air after you crack the cap.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Concha y Toro Carmin de Puemo Carmenere 2012
Puemo, Valle del Cachapoal, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileCarmín is a blend of vineyards blocks from Peumo Vineyard in the Cachapoal mix in with small amounts of cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon. The wine is aged in 100 percent new, medium toasted French oak for 20 months and then spends a minimum 12 additional months in bottle prior to release. Like the 2011 the 2012 is opaque in colour but with a floral, mineral, black fruit nose flecked with tobacco, cassis and pencil lead. The attack follows the same path with rich textures and savoury, plummy chocolate fruit with a ’boldo’ undercurrent. Power and elegance with a long complex finish. Impressive again and again. Lamb is the pairing. Lay away a decade for a serious wine.Prices:| ON | $120.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $102.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $126.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $120.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $121.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $120.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Concha y Toro Terrunyo Entre Cordilleras Block 27 Carmenere Puemo Vineyard 2011
Puemo, Valle del Cachapoal, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileConcha Y Toro continues its carmenère obsession in Puemo with what is in effect the second label of the Carmín del Peumo. Big, rich, dense and yet fresh this is one impressive carmenère that is an obvious bump up from the CyT Marques de Casa Concha. The palate is a mix of peppery, dried herbs and chocolate with a little heat in the back end. There’s some acidity to support all the weight and heft but this needs time in the bottle or a big chunk of meat.Prices:| BC | $37.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Concha y Toro Terrunyo Entre Cordilleras Block 27 Carmenere Puemo Vineyard Lot No. 1 2400 Bottles 2013
Puemo, Valle del Cachapoal, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileMost would agree Terrunyo Block 27 Carmenère is special but this wine has something more. Only 2400 bottles bear the Lot No. 1 moniker, a Limited Edition selection from the heart of Peumo. This wine is all the better for only six months in wood playing up its fresh floral notes and cool blue fruit. The attack is warm and spicy with fine black cherry fruit tobacco and chocolate notes, edging toward a more elegant presentation. The finish is long an intense sporting dries herbs and forest floor notes. Very Bolgheri-like to this taster. Think lamb and think big or wait a decade for what should be an extraordinary bottle. Super value.Prices:| ON | $40.00 | 750ml |
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26 July 2015
87PTS
Eau Vivre Pinot Noir 2013
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpiced cherry, roses, cinnamon and earthy bark aromas open this medium-bodied, amply concentrated pinot noir from the Similkameen. Sweet, candied cherry fills the smooth palate, riding with spiced cinnamon, pipe tobacco, roses, cocoa and figs. Acidity is moderate, working to balance out the compact palate. Quite dense for a lighter wine and finishes warmer than anticipated for 13 percent alcohol. Pour with richer pork dishes or Moroccan-spiced eggplant.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Tantalus Pinot Noir 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRaspberry, cedar, tobacco leaf, earthy, smoky, resin aromas with a light floral, strawberry note. Dry, lean, tart palate with raspberry, sour cherry, tobacco leaf, cedar, earthy flavours with a touch of vanilla and smoke. Solid fruit but too lean and tart with a short, bitter finish and light leafy tannins.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $30.00 | 750ml |
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25 July 2015
85PTS
Concha y Toro Trio Reserva Merlot Carmenere Syrah 2013
Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileIts mostly merlot 60/35/5/but it’s the contribution from the carmenère and syrah that give this wine its character. Classic ripe black fruit with a meaty chocolate undertone and a peppery finish. A rustic style red best suited to your favourite grilled or barbecue dish.Prices:| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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24 July 2015
89PTS
Marcelo Miras Malbec 2012
Rio Negro, Patagonia, ArgentinaThe Marcelo Miras 2012 Malbec from Ing. Huergo, General Roca, Río Negro was planted in 1979, made in the traditional style and aged for 15 months in French and American oak barrels. A typical north Patagonian desert climate brings warm days and cool nights at 39º 08´ S. Here you can get big colour and structure (think skins) so you must pay attention to prevent the wine from being to rustic. The growing season can be shorter much like the south Okanagan Valley. Solid but rustic at this point. Retaste in five years.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Bodega Noemia A Lisa 2012
Rio Negro, Patagonia, ArgentinaNoemia de Patagonia A Lisa hails from Mainque, Valle Medio in Rio Negro. It is a 90/9/1 blend of biodynamic malbec/merlot with a touch of petit verdot that is both estate grown on a patch of limestone and purchased from nearby vineyards. Freshness permeates this red with only 13.5 percent alcohol. Long days of light in the summer compensate for the wind and cool temperatures bring out the floral aspects to lift the mid-palate flavours. The tannins are soft here and almost sweet. Impressive already and yet only a baby. Steak anyone?Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $26.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $38.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Dominio del Plata Nosotros Vista Flores 2012
Vista Flores, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaEdy Del Popolo’s departure from Dona Paula was feisty winemaker Susana Balbo’s gain. Upon his arrival at Dominio del Plata the first thing Del Popolo asked Balbo was to consider taking her signature Nostros and set it free to travel to the best vineyard (fruit) each year. Originally the best vineyard in Agrelo it is now a Single Vineyard Nomade a name meant to celebrate its journey every year to the best grapes they can find. Enter Dominio del Plata Nosotros 2012 Vista Flores, Uco Valley, Mendoza. In 2012 Nosotros is sourced from selected parcels in the region of Chacayes at 1200 metres, along the far west, high side of Vista Flores. The soils are complex, colluvial-alluvial origin with a sandy-loam frame in the first 10 inches. The second layer of calcareous soil and white gravels goes down two metres. Clearly more and more limestone sites are being planted to vine. More vertical more linear, Popolo likes minerality and freshness while winemaker Susannah Balbo likes sweetness and roundness with toast. So far it’s a fine match. Wow what a delicious, intense juicy vibrant red wine made with intensity and balance. A star is born.Prices:| BC | $125.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $100.00 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Zuccardi Aluvional La Consulta 2012
La Consulta, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaAt 15% alcohol you might expect it to assault you but after 12 months in concrete vats using indigenous yeast there is an electricity and freshness to Aluvional and its fruit that is almost overwhelming. Aluvional is made from several sites, all hand-picked by winemaker Sebastián Zuccardi in the La Consulta, San Carlos region. At 990 metres above sea level, some 130 km south of Mendoza City, this is the mother lode. The vines were planted in 1974 on poor alluvial soils of sandy-silt-clay mixed with rock. Love the tension and the acidity of what is a complex, rich, powerful red, full of floral fruit. All hail Sebastián and his relentless fire to find the true home of malbec.Prices:| BC | $83.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
El Maldito Cabernet Franc 2013
Gualtallary, Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaA new wine from Gualtallary, Tupungato a stony, high-altitude paradise south of the city of Mendoza. El Maldito Cabernet Franc clocks in at 13.8 percent alcohol and goes through a whole cluster co-fermentation with some malbec. The fermentation takes place in cement and is aged in 100-year old foudres. With no real wood influence, other than it oxidative contribution, the fruit is given a chance to shine. At 1400 metres the acidity is prominent at this stage if not somewhat overbearing. Big fresh floral juicy; a new look at cabernet franc; it’s a style but its tart. According to winemakers Roberto La Mota and Edgardo del Popolo who showed me this bottle Argentine cabernet franc needs time in the vineyard and time in the bottle. On that note we wait.Prices:| BC | $75.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Cobos Bramare Malbec Marchiori Vineyard 2012
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThis is a Paul Hobbs/Marchiori family collaboration in Perdriel. The terroir is clay over sandy loam that gives way to gravel and stone. In fact the soils are alluvial and low in organic material but very well drained. The result is bigger sweeter tannins with plenty of flavour. More Napa in style it tends to jump the terroir and rely more on its dense sweet tannins, floral, black berry, tobacco aromas and intense black cherry and blueberry fruit with flecks of orange zest and violets. There’s just enough minerality and acidity to keep it all interesting. Steak is a must.Prices:| BC | $80.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Fuego Blanco Malbec Cabernet Franc 2012
San Juan, ArgentinaAt 13.8% alcohol it opens with elegance and confidence. It is an unusual co-fermentation 90/10 malbec/cabernet franc. The vineyard was planted and maintained by Eddy del Popolo using a local selection of malbec and a malbec clone from Mendoza that was sent to Davis, cleaned up, then sent to Italy before it was sent back. The Pedernal Valley is a sub-region located in the south of San Juan some 100km north of the city of Mendoza. The Andes lie to the west; the rocky, poor-quality soils glacial in origin are dotted with flat, dark stones that give the valley its name, pedernal being the Spanish term for flint. Poor soils, low yields it is a pattern. This wine is all about freshness and complexity. The spice is also in check letting the stony mineral fruit dominate. No comparison to modern commercial malbec.Prices:| US | $35.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Viña 1924 De Angeles Gran Malbec 2012
Vistalba District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaOld vines are a big part of the story at Viña 1924 De Angeles Gran 2012 Malbec. The fruit here is 100 percent malbec and it comes off Parcel 3 at Vistalba, a site planted in 1924. Density is a medium 7,200 plants per hectare and the irrigation is old school by furrow. This wine never ceases to amaze from its big black licorice, black cherry, earthy, smoky nose to its savoury, intense palate awash in black cherries, smoked licorice root, tobacco, orange peel and vanilla flavours. A wonderful expression of old vine malbec made with just the right touch of modernity. The farming is organic and the fruit picked for the Gran Malbec is picked a week later than the regular.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Anko Flor Cardón 2012
Salta, North, ArgentinaAt just under 14% alcohol, this 100 percent malbec spends a year in 20% new French oak. The fruit is sourced from the Estancia Los Cardónes district of Salta, the northernmost winemaking province of Argentina. Located just south of the town of Cafayate at roughly 1700 meters along the eastern slopes of the Valle de Calchaquies. The little soil there is full of crushed mica at is present is full of crushed mica. Winemakers and co-owners Jeff Mausbach and Alejandro “Colo” Sejanovich and Saavedra Azcona family have planted the rockiest sites looking for a big expression of minerality and fine grained tannins. Needless to say the yields are low. This is big almost boney malbec with a savoury spicy component that doesn’t quit. A classic steak wine.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Bodega Colomé Autentico 2012
Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, ArgentinaThe vineyards are grown and worked using sustainable practices thus presenting the "authentic" expression of the terroir. The winery practises pigeage, does not use commercial yeasts or lactic bacteria to speed up the fermentation. Acid correction and the use of sulphur dioxide is minimal and it has no oak influence. There is no filtration leaving the tannins to soften in the bottle with age. Expect a black colour with dark fruit aromas. The plate is a mix of spice and figs with some stony elements. Impressive for its age and what was a difficult vintage in Salta.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Concha y Toro Marqués de Casa Concha Carmenere 2012
Puemo, Valle del Cachapoal, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileI don't wake up craving carmenère but this bottle is an amazing example of what can be done when it’s ripe and well made. Carmenère for carmenère fans plus. Love the ripe dense blackcurrant, licorice nose laced with savoury dried herb notes and pepper. The attack is warm and equally dense with cedar, tobacco, menthol, bay leaf, resin and black fruit all streaked with dark chocolate. Almost a meal in itself. Best with grilled meats. This will comfortably age for five years. A smart cellar buy.Prices:| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $19.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Cono Sur Bicicleta Pinot Noir 2013
Region del Valle Central, ChileCarrot top, celery salt, rooty, cherry jam, smoky compost aromas. Dry, fresh, slightly lean entry with rhubarb, fruity cherry, earthy, celery root and tobacco notes. Soft, ready-to-drink, simple easy-sipping fresh pinot you can serve with salmon pizza.Prices:| BC | $11.49 | 750ml |
| NS | $11.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.45 | 750ml |
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23 July 2015
93PTS
Doña Paula Los Indios Parcel Malbec 2012
Paraje Altamira, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThe Los Indios Parcel is a tiny sub-section of Altimira in San Carlos area of the Uco Valley. The fruit here is grown on sandy, silty colluvial soils with small brick-like stones in pink and orange scattered about. Yields are only four tons per hectare. Microvinification takes place in second-used 225 liters, French oak barrels filled with 170 kilograms (375 lb) of pure-clean berries. The barrels are closed up and sent to a temperature controlled room where the alcoholic, wild culture and malolactic fermentation takes place. To make a soft extraction, the barrels are rolled daily for 10 to 15 days. After that the wine is racked to new French oak barrels where it is aged for 18 months. This artisanal vinification method ensures that grapes are handled gently and all the process is carried out by gravity. Only exceptional years can spawn a Los Indios Parcel Malbec limited in quantity to 2000 bottles. Like the Aluvional the spice and violets dominate the nose with impressive acidity and or freshness followed by texture, texture, texture. Impressive to say the least at this young age.Prices:| BC | $85.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Mendel Finca Remota 2011
Mendoza, ArgentinaNext door to Zuccardi’s Aluvional, the Mendel Finca Remota 2011 offers another look at Altamira, surely one of the finest pieces of terroir in all of Argentina. The 2011 was a little cooler than 2012 and the wine is a bit tighter. The vineyard is older, (thought to be planted in 1950) the alcohol is a little lower at 14.3% and it spends 18 in new French oak. Easily the most complex of the bunch No doubt one of the most important characteristics of Mendel La Remota is the intensity and complexity of the fruit. This is the sixth time La Mota has made the wine that is very classical in its manner. Like the Angelus it presents its old vines in the texture and viscosity that you don’t get in younger vines. It presents as a polished river stone not one you have just cracked open.Prices:| ON | $107.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $87.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Per Se Le Craie 2012
Gualtallary, Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaSome 1300 metres above sea level is where you will find Per Se La Craie in the remarkable stone paradise of Tupungato. This elegant Gualtallary red, micro-fermented, tops out at 14.50% alcohol but you hardly notice it on the palate. The grapes in 2012 come from minuscule parcel selections planted for Dona Paula, and in what was a warm year, Del Popolo chose the limestone spots, in cooler vineyards to cope with the results of a warm growing season. The wine spends 16 months in second use French barrels. The 65/35 malbec and cabernet franc is co-fermented. Soils are amazingly complex: calcareous and alluvial gravels with some spots of limestone. Both varieties were de-stemmed and they are fermented together with wild yeasts in French oak used barrels. Elegant and well-stitched Del Popolo credits talented winemaking partner David Bonami (Norton) for his assistance in year one. The fruit was destemmed before a 35 day maceration fermented on wild yeasts. The textures are chalky, silky and amazing. Bursting with fruit and minerality, it is a story teller. All class.Prices:Read Full Note
85PTS
Porcupine Ridge Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Western Cape, South AfricaGrapefruit, citrus and grass opens the fresh nose of this Western Cape sauvignon blanc. The palate is dominated by grass and hedge, along with nettle, gooseberry, green apple, Asian pear, green pepper with a soft and sour finish. Simple and short, welcoming a chill and a platter of shellfish.Prices:| BC | $13.29 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
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22 July 2015
87PTS
Bodega Santa Julia Brut Rosé 2012
Mendoza, ArgentinaThis strawberry orange hued rosé was created in honour of the sole daughter of José Zuccardi. A cushion of strawberry sweetness softens the fresh palate, adding to the creamy volume, strawberry blossoms and cherry-berry fruitiness of this brut rosé. The finish is candied cherry and bright. Pour as an aperitif or with brunch or a summer wedding - terrific value.Prices:| BC | $14.49 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Quails' Gate Chasselas - Pinot Blanc - Pinot Gris 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAll three grapes are hand harvested, whole bunch pressed, cold fermented in stainless steel tanks and then fermented separately leading to a fresh and aromatic white that has a little bump of electricity this year thanks to less sugar or more acid (or both) that heightens the fruity green apple/pink grapefruit nose. The blend is mix of chasselas/pinot blanc/pinot gris and the nose is a fresh orchard fruit affair with bits of pears, red apples, wet stones and more grapefruit. Spicy fish taco is favourite match as a margherita pizza. Impressive for the price.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $20.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Elixir Côtes de Provence Rosé 2014
Côtes de Provence, Provence, Sud de France, FranceIn 1964, eight wine producers banded together to create the Maîtres Vignerons de la Presqu'île de Saint-Tropez (Master Vine Growers of the Saint-Tropez Peninsula). They were joined a few years later by the vine growers of Saint-Roch-les-Vignes à Cuers. Today the association produces 2.5 million bottles of AOP Côtes de Provence and Vins de Pays des Portes de la Méditerranée wines - so they know what they're doing. Bright, stony and dry, this whisper pink hued Côtes de Provence Rosé carries a whisper of berry fruit across the crisp palate. Light florals, subtle salted strawberries and mandarin, brisk pink grapefruit laced acidity and a stony base to anchor it all. Pour this delicate and lean cinsault / grenache blend liberally this summer, especially with local prawns.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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21 July 2015
88PTS
Poplar Grove Pinot Gris 2014
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaExperience is setting in at Poplar Grove as evidence by a third year straight year of getting the gris right. Citrus and nectarine aromas mix with orchard fruits, more lemon and just a hint of lime rind. So food friendly it was perfect with pasta tossed with garden tomatoes and fresh burrata cheese. Stock up and drink all summer. A rare BCLS listing of quality VQA wine.Prices:| BC | $17.29 | 750ml |
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20 July 2015
88PTS
Septima Gran Reserva 2012
Agrelo District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaMalbec, cabernet sauvignon and tannat are in the blend that spends 18 months in a mix of French and American oak. Rich open black fruit aromas mix with resin and roses on the nose. Soft spicy black fruit persists on the palate with only a modicum of tannin now. We like the freshness and balance all with touch of elegance. A solid red for fall and winter menus or serve now around the barbecue.Prices:| BC | $27.69 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Alive Organic Red 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis organic red also utilizes biodynamic practices to blend maréchal foch, merlot and syrah in mostly neutral barrels for eight months. Subtle blackberry, tart black currant and dark cocoa aromas lead to a medium bodied palate Soft, doughy blackberries, dark plums, dusky spice on the fresh and lifted palate. Tannins are smooth with a fine powdery texture and the finish is peppery and sour plum. This is a great local organic option for your roasted root vegetables or skirt steak.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Napa Valley, California, United StatesThis textbook Napa cabernet is a good example of what can be done on a larger, and frankly, a more drinkable scale. The blend is blend: 82/13/3/1/1 cabernet sauvignon, merlot, petit verdot, malbec and cabernet franc. You will love the concentration and body here with its vibrant ripe fruit, cassis, smoke cedar, dried herbs and spice. The finish is long with sweet pipe tobacco notes and a persistent long flavour. Steak anyone?Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $43.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Concha y Toro Marqués de Casa Concha Old Vines /Dry Farmed Pais Cinsault 2014
Valle de Cauquenes, Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileWhat is Old Vines Dry Farmed 85/15 país/cinsault? Good question. The 12 percent alcohol red blend is a nod to the past and maybe the future by winemaker Marcelo Papa. The país, first brought to Chile from the Canary Islands in the mid-1500s is from Cauquenes in the Maule Valley. The cinsault comes from further south at Trehuaco in the Itata Valley. Both grapes are grown close to the sea at +500 foot elevations the former from 100 year old vines the latter 50 years old. Think Beaujolais, carbonic maceration and freshness with obvious candied cherry notes on the nose. The body is light and lithe with more cherry berry flavours and zero oak. Simple fun and very tasty we served it slightly chilled for maximum effect.Prices:| US | $20.00 | 750ml |
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19 July 2015
88PTS
Covert Farms Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Reserve 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is a hefty wine in every way - density, title, price, bottle weight included. Planted in 2006 this cabernet sauvignon is certified organic, growing in the pristine Coyote Block of the Covert family's 650 acre estate in Oliver. Dark chocolate, dried cassis, blackberry pie and perfumed vanilla on the nose of this concentrated, plush red. The full body is full with dark chocolate covered cherries, leather, baking spices and ripe red and black cherries. Tannins are ample, ripe and chewy and the moderate acidity is enough to carry the sunbaked, sweet fruit to the tobacco leaf finish. Only 718 bottles were produced, so if you have your hands on one, pour with roast lamb and caramelized root vegetables (organic, preferably, to match).Prices:| BC | $54.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Charles de Fère Brut Merite Mousseux Premium NV
FranceThis traditional method blancs de noir blends merlot, grenache, pinot noir and gamay before resting twelve months on the lees. Light, dry and crisp, with light strawberry, candied apple, perfumed apple blossom and grapefruit across mouth filling, frothy palate. Tight and crisp on the finish; drink this summer with canapés and a patio.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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18 July 2015
86PTS
Leyda Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileThe classic reserve comes off selected estate blocks where the viticulture and winemaking is orientated to preserving varietal aromas and flavours. In this case cool climate sauvignon replete with citrus grassy grapefruit notes with a squeeze of orange. The attack is bright and fresh with an intense peppery, citrus min green apple flavours with gooseberry and asparagus notes underneath. Suite to vegetarian style dishes, goat cheese and creamy pasta dishes. Good value.Prices:| BC | $13.89 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Nagging Doubt The Pull 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMerlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, petit verdot and malbec are drawn from Black Sage Bench, Anarchist Mountain and the East Bench of Osoyoos to craft this full, ripe blend which has spent nearly a year in new and used French and American wood. Dense black fruit and black liquorice, sweet spiced cloves and toast on the nose. The round, concentrated palate packs a whack of ripe tannins, light charcoal, tobacco, leather, blackberry jam and sweet spice before a bitter espresso finish. Though the fruit is mighty, the tannins are still mightier at this time. Needs a year or two to settle, or a rare T-bone steak tonight.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Angove's Nine Vines Rosé 2014
South Australia, AustraliaA big rich cherry berry style with hints of caramel and pepper. The mix is grenache and shiraz and the result is a candied raspberry caramel style with just a hint of tannin suggesting it can take on richer foods. The palate is a spicy, floral, cherry affair with a soft ending. Chilled pasta salads, or cold chicken would work here.Prices:| BC | $14.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Kono Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandConsistently fresh attack with aggressive citrus, guava, green fruit notes. The attack is smooth and ripe with candied citrus and passion fruit flavours that finish a touch sweet and fuzzy. Try with steamed shellfish, young goat cheese or summer salads. Good value in an introductory style NZ sauvignon blanc.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Bench 1775 Chill 2014
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTasty sweet white blend mixing pinot gris, chardonnay, muscat, riesling, viognier, sémillon and gewürztraminer. The result is a fruit salad bowl of orchard fruit aromas and flavours punctuated by decent acidity and a touch of stony minerality and a lime rind finish. Serve cold on a warm patio with finger food appetizers.Prices:| BC | $20.70 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Township 7 Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBack to the softer sweeter with candied grapefruit aromas and flavours. The attack is soft and round with a sweetish mid-palate and finish. Ripe and candied lemons mark the palate with bits of orange and dried herbs. Chill down and serve on the patio.Prices:| BC | $17.38 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Covert Farms Amicitia 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaEven if you haven't tried Covert Farms wine, you most likely have eaten their delicious organic produce. This small winery follows organic and biodynamic practices and is located on the stunning 600 acre property. Amicitia [am-ee-CHEE-tee-ah] is Latin for friends, and certainly the organic merlot / cabernet franc / cabernet sauvignon / malbec / petit verdot / syrah in this blend appear harmonious. Cassis, black cherry, dark cocoa, clove and branch aromas. The full bodied, spiced palate carries the same - fragrant cassis and wild blackberry dominating - along ripe, slightly gummy tannins and sweet, spiced wood. Bright black currant acidity lifts the fruit to the lingering finish. Friends indeed, pour this with yours, especially over rich mushroom risotto or beef tenderloin.Prices:| BC | $24.40 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Obikwa Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Western Cape, South AfricaAlways clean and fresh it’s hard to beat this little white, patio sipper for the price. Grassy, lime-y, sweet grapefruit aromas and flavours come to the fore with a bitter lime undercurrent. One of the better bargains among a sea of ordinariness at this price range.Prices:| BC | $8.69 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.45 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Nederburg Sauvignon Blanc The Winemaster's Reserve 2014
Western Cape, South AfricaSimilar to 2012 the style is fresh if a bit dry with a strong grassy, grapefruit/gooseberry aromas and flavours. Not a lot of intensity but it is persistent with fresh lemon and grass highlights and a dry finish. Decent value in an introductory style sauvignon. Try this with a fresh goat cheese salad or creamy pasta dish.Prices:| BC | $11.49 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.25 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $15.27 | 750ml |
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17 July 2015
90PTS
Nichol Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2012
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaI appreciate that the Nichol Vineyard reds all taste like the vineyard site even more than the grapes themselves. That is to be expected, when you're talking about a remarkable granite bedrock site on the far end of Naramata Bench, and with grapes planted in 1989, as is the case with this subtle and quietly confident cabernet franc. Wild herbs, dried and fresh black cherry and fragrant brambles on the nose. The stony, savoury palate is textured with gravels, leather, brambles, black and red cherry, dark plum, bitter cocoa and wild herbs, with fine, grippy tannins and a lick of florals and anise on the gritty finish. Tannins are lifted and fresh, and the wine is unfined and unfiltered. Youthful; pour now with thick, grilled pork chops or lay down for 3-5 years.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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16 July 2015
88PTS
Wild Goose Pinot Gris 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLovely pear, honeycomb, spices and expressive, quite ripe and perfumed on nose. Roses lead the off-dry palate, along with fine spice, lime pith on this tighter, leaner style. Nice herbal focus with lime oil and fresh citrus to offset the cushion of sweetness on the palate. A welcome pour for fennel salads or lemon-dressed trout.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Thornhaven Infusion Sparkling Wine Rosé 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis frizzante sparkler showers soft and sun-ripened strawberry jam on the nose and palate, along with ripe pear, pink grapefruit and a perfumed floral note. A blend of pinot noir, pinot meunier and chardonnay, this effervescent sipper finishes crisp and off dry, ideal for summer brunching.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Taylor Fladgate Very Old Single Harvest Port 1965
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalLike its 1964 predecessor this 1965 Colheita, single vintage tawny, is part of the ongoing series of releases of featuring 50 year old Taylor Colheitas. A field blend with distinction that offers up those long slippery silky textures underlying its mahogany, molasses, caramel aromas and toffee, ginger, walnut/vanilla fig flavours. More old tawny in style than anything else; you are sipping history. Perhaps a bit more man-ly than the 1964 but really there is precious little to choose between the two releases. Its ready to drink but it wouldn’t change a lot in the cellar over the next decade.Prices:| BC | $249.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Vivanco Crianza Selección de Familia 2009
Rioja, SpainRioja is on the upswing as growers embrace tempranillo for its softer more temperate side. Red plums red licorice and tomato paste preview soft, silky textures from front to back with just a hint of spice. The wine spends 16 months in wood (French and American) before a final six months in the bottle. Ready to drink. Rabbit quail and lamb all work here.Prices:| BC | $19.59 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Mistaken Identity Debut 2011
Salt Spring Island, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2011 Debut blend is 80 merlot and 20 cabernet franc. The nose is a mix of muted vanilla, cherries and pepper. The textures are soft and slippery with very quiet red fruit flavours mix with bits of tomato paste, cedar and spice. This needs grill meats or roasted chicken to show its best side.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Vivanco Crianza Rioja 2010
Rioja, SpainThe 2010 Vivanco comes with just a hint more power, smoke and lift than the 2009 with the same plum red berry aromas mixed with vanilla and spice. The mid-palate is soft and open with silky textures and red fruit with a squeeze of smoke and toast. Again ready to drink but will hold two to three years. A modern look at tempranillo.Prices:| BC | $19.59 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Villa Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2011
Tuscany, ItalyVilla Antinori is a 90/10 mix of sangiovese, cabernet sauvignon/merlot from a solid, if warm vintage. Some 60 percent of the wine is age in oak casks and the rest in small, used French and Hungarian oak barrels. The nose intense mixing of red fruits and darker blueberry notes mixed with cloves. The palate is modern; clean fresh vibrant with soft fruit, perfect tannins and classy oak. The 2011 Villa Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva was bottled at the new Antinori Chianti Classico cellars at Bargino near Florence. The first vintage was the 1928 and, up until the year 2000, it represented, over time, the Antinori concept of a Chianti Classico Riserva. In 2010, the Villa Rosso Chianti Classico Riserva returned once again to the years of its youth and, in 2011, to its home.Prices:| BC | $30.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $31.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $33.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $36.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $28.00 | 750ml |
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15 July 2015
90PTS
Nichol Vineyard Pinot Noir 2012
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThough pinot noir and granite aren't the most likely companions, these 22-year old vines are well settled into their sloping Naramata Bench home. Black cherry, black raspberry and stone lure on the nose of this savoury, medium bodied red. Earth, branch and light smoked stone lead the textured palate, with wild herbal notes, sapid red florals, black raspberry and wild cherry, broken stone and firm, lightly grippy tannins. Unfined and unfiltered. A darker, finessed, savoury and textured pinot, and while drinking very well know, I anticipate being rewarded with 5 years in the cellar.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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96PTS
Taylor Fladgate 40 Year Old Tawny NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalTaylor Fladgate 40 Year Old is made with estate fruit in miniscule quantities. This is the essence of port from its spicy (cinnamon) nutty nose to its ultra complex collection of scents and flavours. On the palate the attack is mellow and silky smooth - it doesn’t age in wood for forty years for nothing. The flavours are strong and nutty reminiscent of figs, raisins, caramel, dried apricots, orange peel and brown sugar. The finish is a long, soft warm complex affair that never really seems to go away that is drier than you might think. Buy and hold or drink now with a nutty cake dessert. A fabulous experience.Prices:| BC | $197.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $250.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $244.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $245.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Taylor Fladgate 30 Year Old Tawny NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalTaylor Fladgate is part of the dwindling selection of producers who still make 30 Year Old Tawny Port. Maybe that’s because each barrels loses some three percent of its content every year and times that by 30 and you get a lot of evaporation. Singular vintage wines from a bunch of vintages are aged in 600-liter oak casks until they are blended together at some magical moment to look and taste like a 30 year old wine and sport an equally average age of 30 years. Expect a complex nose of spice and ground nuts and toffee. The attack is mellow but it builds from front to back offering a mix of raisin-y, crème brûlée flavours. Magically long and smooth you could spend an evening with one glass.Prices:| BC | $155.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $145.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $193.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $193.95 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Taylor Fladgate 20 Year Old Tawny NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalIf I had to pick a style of Tawny port to drink forever (no don’t make me do it) I guess it would be the 20 Year Old. Taylor's, like others, blends its old tawny Ports from extensive reserves of old cask aged Ports matured in its deep, cool and tranquil cellars. It seems 20 years is just about right. Still youthful, still fruity but with those powerful nutty aromas that come with age. The attack is fresh but smooth mixing coffee/vanilla, orange rind, cinnamon and nuts as it spills onto your palate. Mouth and sense-filling it’s an extraordinary wine experience. Try it with classic crème brûlée.Prices:| BC | $72.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $69.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $69.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $69.75 | 750ml |
| NF | $78.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $90.75 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Taylor Fladgate 10 Year Old Tawny NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalAlways a style template the Taylor's 10 Year Old is sufficiently complex yet eminently drinkable – a great introduction to tawny ports. The colour is garnet orange showing its barrel age the nose a nutty spicy, fig, brown sugar affair with flecks of pipe tobacco, nutmeg and orange peel. The palate is aromatic with almonds, toffee and spice that finishes long and sweet. The final blend is a mix of individual 630 litre casks aged for an average of 10 years. Serve fireside with friends or a great book. A real bargain in the wine world.Prices:| BC | $41.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $34.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $34.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $32.95 | 750ml |
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14 July 2015
88PTS
Therapy Vineyards Pinot Noir 2012
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAromatic cherry, raspberry, red currant and rhubarb compote aromas open this medium bodied, finessed pinot. Light wood, bright cherry and candied strawberry lead the lively palate, with earthy rhubarb and fine spices riding fine grained tannins to a lifted cranberry finish. A lovely new direction for Therapy's pinot noir.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Castello di Gabbiano Chianti Classico 2012
Tuscany, ItalyCastello di Gabbiano is a consistent, readily available producer and their Chianti Classico remains a stalwart year in and year out. Dried cherry, twine, tobacco and cocoa on the nose. The medium bodied palate carries leather, dried cherry, tobacco and a lift of balsamic across fine, grainy tannins that end with astringency.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $20.25 | 750ml |
| NS | $25.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Castello di Gabbiano Bellezza Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2011
Tuscany, ItalyPerfumed cassis, cracked clove, vanilla, dried violets and fresh leather open this concentrated Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, the top of the sangiovese quality pyramid for Castello di Gabbiano. Grapes are sourced from the distinctive vineyard Bellezza, meaning "Beauty", and are spared no expense in production and aging. The full bodied, dense palate teems with potent black florals, concentrated cassis, black cherry and tarry blackberry. Ample tannins are ripe and slightly gummy, well supporting the weight of all this power and moderated by lifted acidity. Ripe blackberry and piercing vanilla close out the lingering, bitter edged finish. Still very much in youth; decant now and serve with beef tenderloin or rack of lamb, or lay down for another 3-5 years and allow this to marry and deepen further.Prices:| AB | $40.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $40.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $40.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $45.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Castello di Gabbiano Chianti Classico Riserva 2010
Tuscany, ItalyA step up in quality, and suave style, from the Gabbiano Chianti Classico, I recommend spending a few extra dollars and picking up this Riserva. You may see multiple vintages of this wine on our market at present, though the 2010 is in its prime right now, showing a nice balance between wood and fruit. Ripe black raspberry, dried violets, leather and sweet black liquorice on the nose. A full palate draws the same fragrant ripe and dried black fruits across stretched, ripe and slightly gummy tannins. The toasty wood works well to prop up the concentrated fruit, while acidity keeps things lifted sufficiently to a spicy, bitter black plum finish.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $22.50 | 750ml |
| MB | $23.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $26.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
LaStella La Sophia 2011
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTwenty-six year old vines from the southern Okanagan are presented unfined and unfiltered in La Sophia. Now with time in the bottle (and 12 hours of decanting), this 100 percent cabernet sauvignon is beginning to reveal its depth and expressiveness. Alluring leather, cassis, cigar and sweet tobacco aromas. The structured, full body shows some give around the corners now, revealing layers of dried black cherry, ripe cassis, worn leather, dark earth, dark florals and fine peppery spice, all supported by a vein of acidity. Tannins are firm and sinewy, trailing into sappy branch, and drawing the dense, sunned fruit through to a lengthy finish. Still a youthful wine, and with glimpses of what lies ahead 5+ years, when I plan on revisiting it. Pour now with rich pork belly or lamb.Prices:| BC | $85.00 | 750ml |
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13 July 2015
90PTS
CedarCreek Amphora Wine Project Desert Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis wine was a complete experiment, both with unlined, neutral clay amphora (this one sourced from Chianti) and with natural winemaking, Darryl Brooker added destemmed cabernet sauvignon from Osoyoos' Desert Ridge vineyard to the amphora without any additions (such as sulphur), sealed the top and walked away, hesitantly, and stayed away for eight months. When they opened the top, they stomp pressed the grapes to obtain the wine, and this was the result - rested in stainless for eight short weeks, and bottled unfiltered and without any additives (such as sulphur). A true-to-form natural wine. Light blackberry, wild blueberry and dusky plum aromas open this very fresh, lifted and medium bodied red. Supple leather, wild blackberry, thorns and dough fill the juicy, textured palate. Very fine, grainy tannins deftly carry the fragrant, vibrant fruit to a lengthy finish, closing out with some heat (the only place where 14.8 percent alcohol was apparent). I was surprised by the softness and balance of the tannins; Daryl's summation is that the high oxygen transmission in the amphora helped to soften and polymerise them. An exceptional and exciting experiment with natural winemaking, and one that the CedarCreek team has continued in the 2014 vintage.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Tantalus Old Vines Riesling 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaYear after year this remains one of BC's cult rieslings, garnering love from locals and afar (Jancis Robinson among them). In contrast to Tantalus' young, juicy riesling release, this is a mature, serious and structured model, built for aging. They pack a lot of concentration into this focussed, structured form. Granny smith apple, light eraser and white grapefruit aromas. The dry palate surges with stony minerality, tense green apple, eraser, lime pulp, mandarin pith and herbal lemongrass. Acidity is taut and zesty and the mineral and green apple finish lengthy. Much complexity from these 1978 vines and low yields. Drinking very well now, but will reward for the next decade.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tantalus Riesling 2014
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis mask labelled riesling has become known the world over for representing BC's high quality and skill with the grape. Now in its 10th vintage, and entirely en pointe, drinking well now or over the next decade. Orange blossom, lime peel and stone aromas carry through to a juicy, fleshy palate. Nice driving flow, with apricot, mandarin and white peach carried with crunchy, citrus acidity and closing with peach fuzz spiciness.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $32.50 | 750ml |
| QC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Synchromesh Wines Pinot Noir Reserve Palo Solara Vineyard 2012
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Palo Solara Vineyard is on a cool, sustainably farmed slope in East Kelowna. For this reserve bottling (two barrels worth) they utilized 100 percent whole bunch fermentation and wild yeast. Benefitting from a decant (I opened the day before tasting) this savoury cherry and perfumed raspberry pinot sneaks up on you, so give it time to work its magic. Finessed raspberry, black cherry, subtle earthy branch and lightly smoked stone flow along fine grained, lightly grippy tannins, elevated with perfumed floral cherry blossoms and anchored with finely rasped spices. Layers of minerality weave across orchard cherries throughout, to a lingering, softly spiced/smoked finish.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Planeta Etna Rosso 2013
Sicily, ItalyThis finessed, lifted nerello mascalese takes you right to Sicily and the unique volcanic terroir and altitude of Etna DOC. The wine sees 18 days of skin contact before resting in used barriques for six months. Perfumed, wild raspberries, herbal anise and cherry aromas. The medium bodied red is lifted with bright acidity, carrying perfumed violets, cherry, raspberry and bittersweet cocoa across fine grained, gritty tannins. Minerality seems omnipresent through to the lingering violet-scented, grippy finish. Truffles, salty aged cheese and charcuterie will pair now, or cellar for 3-5 years and be rewarded.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Arcanum 2009
Tuscany, ItalyIt’s been a while since we tasted this Tuscan wine but clearly the years have been good to the Tenuta di Arceno property now in its eleventh year under the watchful eye of California’s Jackson Family Farms. Arcanum is the head liner and 68 percent of the wine comes off two blocks of cabernet francs set within the commune of Castelnuovo Berardenga, in the province of Siena. The nose is an alluring mix of violets and spice with soft red fruit undertones. The palate rich and dense with round tannins and a good dollop of Tuscan, black cherry jam, plum, tobacco and licorice. Impressive and drinkable now but this will really shine with another three to five years in bottle. The final blend contains a 22/10 addition of merlot and cabernet sauvignon. The Arcanum label is inspired by an ancient statue located on the estate, il fauno the mythological Roman god of nature, the countryside and the woods. Viticulturist and winemaker Pierre Seillan is behind the man behind the wine.Prices:| BC | $82.39 | 750ml |
| AB | $79.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Blue Mountain Reserve Chardonnay 2012
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight yellow colour with lemon, nutty, vanilla, lees, baked pear, earthy, green apple aromas. Dry, fresh, juicy, creamy, slightly tart entry with lemon custard, honey, light butter, green apple skin, pear with some grass and vanilla on the finish. Good finesse and intensity with complexity and yet still youthful. Drink now or keep for 2-5 years for some improvement. Continued value and quality for the money.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Blue Mountain Chardonnay 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPear, light butter, vanilla, lemon, green apple, light lees and nut aromas. Fresh, creamy, juicy, bright palate with lemon custard, vanilla, butter, pear, green apple and honey with a touch of pineapple. Good finesse and fruit with creamy acidity. Drink now - 2 years.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $26.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $26.00 | 750ml |
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12 July 2015
89PTS
Sea Star Siegerrebe 2014
Pender Island, Southern Gulf Islands, British Columbia, CanadaThis expressive, aromatic siegerrebe opens with fragrant honeysuckle, ripe peach, lime pulp and exotic spices, which carry forward onto the juicy palate. Apricot, roses, pink grapefruit and anise trail to the finish, and close off with subtle pink peppercorn spicing. Acidity is limey and lifted, nimbly carrying all this perfumed, ripe fruit. A joy to drink this summer, especially with prosciutto and melon or Thai musselsPrices:| BC | $17.30 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro 2009
Tuscany, ItalyClaimed "the ultimate expression of Chianti Classico Reserva", Oro was created to demarcate an exceptional 2009 vintage. This Riserva is hand harvested, spends 25 days with the skins and then ages for 36 months, two years of which are in very large oak casks. Toasted wood, roasted coffee, smoked stone and warm cassis opens this full bodied, spicy, extracted red. Rough hewn cedar and toasted wood spicing leads dark chocolate, black cherry, leather, earthy cassis branch and tobacco along the smoothed palate, with ripe, chewy tannins finishing bitterly and with heat. Certainly polished, but still showing rough edges, best to pour this with lasagne Bolognese.Prices:| BC | $43.49 | 750ml |
| QC | $44.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $50.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $45.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Masi Campofiorin 2011
Verona, Veneto, ItalyThis wine has been made by Masi since 1964 when they developed the technique of using lightly, semi-dried grapes in a ripasso method (a process of adding (or “repassing”) lighter Valpolicella wine over the skins et al of a richer Amarone wine to add additional color, texture and flavor to the wine). An acrid, bitter cherry and blackcurrant nose needs ample air time. The palate is much more welcoming, with warm cassis, plum, tobacco and light leather. Tannins are soft, finely powdered, and acidity is moderate. Decant and pour alongside ragout.Prices:| BC | $19.30 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.50 | 750ml |
| SK | $23.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.50 | 750ml |
| NB | $23.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $22.50 | 750ml |
| YK | $23.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Masi Bonacosta Valpolicella Classico 2013
Veneto, ItalyThis 70/25/5 blend of corvina/rondinella/molinara spends time in large format Slavonian oak barrels and smaller casks. Heady dark florals, smoked meats and ample tar on the nose. Medium bodied, with dried and fresh black cherry, worn leather, earthy barnyard, faint florals, dark plum and finely rasped spice. Tannins tend to dryness at the finish along with the return to tarriness. A solid, rustic red ready for your lamb ragu pappardelle.Prices:| BC | $14.79 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $15.75 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $16.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $17.85 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Stag's Hollow Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLees, light toast, gooseberry, kiwi, grassy, hay and lime aromas with a bit of vanilla. Fresh, round, ripe, juicy palate with lees, gooseberry, grassy, kiwi, vanilla and green apple flavours. Youthful but with fine concentration and elegance. Ready now but will keep for 1-2 years. There a hint of sweetness that it doesn't really need but you can use that to work up against spicy dishes. Good value.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Fort Berens White Gold 2013
Lillooet, British Columbia, CanadaThis reserve wine is the best of Fort Berens' estate grown chardonnay and receives special treatment, with fermentation and aging in French oak barrels. A buttery apple and pear nose, with whiffs of pineapple carry through to the creamy palate, where it is joined by white grapefruit, fine clove spicing and smooth, toasty wood. Lingering pineapple, vanilla and baking spice on the finish are amplified by some heat. This is s match for braised chicken thighs with white wine and leeks, or caramelized scallops. I wish they would ditch the plastic corks and show that they're really serious.Prices:| BC | $25.30 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Fort Berens Pinot Gris 2014
Lillooet, British Columbia, CanadaEarthy, light lees, pear skin, lime and green apple aromas. Round, full, ripe palate but somewhat sweet. Red apple, pear, lees, citrus and earth flavours. Short finish with a bit too much sweetness for the structure. Best with spicy appetizers.Prices:| BC | $18.40 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Santa Cristina Antinori Pinot Grigio 2013
Sicily, ItalyPear, earthy, lees, green apple aromas. Fresh, juicy, slightly sweet entry with lime, pear, green apple and peach flavours. Delicate, juicy style with a touch of sweetness. A fresh face for Sicily.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Tormaresca Chardonnay 2013
Puglia, ItalyNutty, green apple, citrus, earthy, lees and light butter aromas. Fresh, creamy, just off dry palate with green apple, lemon, lees, herbal, grassy flavours. Delicate, fresh, easy style that offers solid value. Stock up.Prices:| BC | $13.29 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Villa Antinori Toscana Rosso 2011
Tuscany, ItalyTobacco, peppery, black olive, savory herb, meaty, cassis and plum aromas. Easy, juicy palate but light with black olive, tobacco, herbal, green bean, gamey, leather, balsamic flavours. A lightweight version this year with a few green notes. Try this with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $27.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.50 | 750ml |
| QC | $25.50 | 750ml |
| NB | $31.50 | 750ml |
| NS | $32.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Rocca di Montegrossi Chianti Classico 2012
Tuscany, ItalyFresh peppery, black cherry, smoky, gamey, licorice nose with bits of leather and chocolate. The attack is ripe, fresh and juicy with a supple, forward style on the palate. Plum, black cherry, savoury, gamey, licorice, rooty, slightly sappy flavours. A medium bodied, red fruited sangiovese with bright fruit. You can hold or consume now with a meaty pasta dish.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Miopasso Primitivo 2013
Puglia, ItalySmoky, meaty, prune, black cherry jam, licorice, earthy, clove aromas. Round, fresh, juicy, slightly sweet and thin palate. Warm with black pepper, savoury, plum, black cherry and licorice flavours. Good fruit if a bit lean and commercial with some sweetness in the backend. Try with grilled hamburgers.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Seven Stones Speaking Rock Chardonnay 2010
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaButter, honey, peach, lees, baked apple and citrus nose. Ripe, round, juicy but somewhat fat palate with citrus, baked green apple, grassy, nutty, pear, butter and quince flavours. Solid effort showing some maturity now. Try this with fresh halibut.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Il Fauno di Arcanum 2010
Tuscany, ItalyA Tuscan Bordeaux blend with big black pepper, resin, smoky, meaty, licorice, cassis, cedar and tobacco aromas with a touch of black cherry and balsamic. Ripe, round, dry, smooth palate with light tannins. Coffee, black olive, black pepper, smoky, savoury, cassis, black cherry resin and leather flavours. A warm friendly red with fine fruit intensity. Best with grilled meats or mushroom pastas.Prices:| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $33.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Concha y Toro Terrunyo Costa Block 6 Riesling Los Boldos Vineyard 2013
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileLime, green apple, floral, peach pit, grapefruit aromas with a touch of petrol. Fresh, juicy, crisp but creamy and slightly sweet palate with peach, granny smith, guava, lime, and grass flavours. Still youthful and somewhat austere but good fruit and concentration. Very tasty and perfect for a summer salmon dish.Prices:| US | $20.00 | 750ml |
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11 July 2015
87PTS
Illuminati Riparosso Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2013
Abruzzo, ItalyA gentle nose, with medicinal herbs, a whiff of mint and subtle red currant notes. The medium bodied palate expresses more, with morello cherry compote, red and black liquorice and bittersweet cocoa dusted tannins that finish with a grip and finely rasped nutmeg. The wine is aged in large Slavonian oak barrels for six months, yielding a well played balance between gentle wood and fruit. Acidity is moderate, working well to lift the montepulciano through the finish and towards a pairing with quail or chicken thighs.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Fontanafredda Briccotondo Barbera 2013
Piedmont, ItalyAlways consistent, always a steal, this barbera is from one of the great Piedmont producers, ideally situated in the heart of the Langhe. An intense nose of dried cherry, wild raspberry, black plums and leather. The juicy, mouthfilling palate rolls with sweet wild herbs, red and black cherry, fragrant black currant, leather and sweet tobacco. A backbone of stony minerality and dark floral spice weaves along ripe, fine tannins, finishing fresh and ready for mushroom risotto or boar ragu.Prices:| BC | $17.69 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Masi Modello Bianco delle Venezie 2013
Verona, Veneto, ItalyPear, white florals, citrus and stone on the nose of this fresh, crisp white, a blend of pinot grigio and other local white varieties. White peach and pear dominate the slightly creamy palate, along with almond, citrus and earthy notes, finishing with the bitter citrus and herbs typical of the region. A crisp, fresh Italian white, ready for shellfish.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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88PTS
Osoyoos Larose 2010
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada"Le Grand Vin", Osoyoos Larose has had a lot to live up to over the years since it burst onto the BC scene with great fanfare in 2001. A partnership between Constellation Brands and Bordeaux's Groupe Taillan, owner of Chateau Giraud Larose, this wine has increasingly grown into its big shoes over the past decade. Concentrated and compact, this is a hard fisted wine for future consumption. Gravels, broken stone, dried earth and faint black cherry aromas open. Bitter cherry, thorns, iron, bitter black plum dominate the savoury and hard edged palate, with giant, muscular and chewy tannins that swallow up the fruit, leaving a trail of bitter cassis to linger. Not particularly a pleasant wine for drinking at present (I opened this the day before I tasted), so I recommend laying down for 4-6 years before the next unveiling.Prices:| BC | $46.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $45.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $45.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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10 July 2015
85PTS
Masi Modello Rosso delle Venezie 2012
Verona, Veneto, ItalyRoasted beets, dark plums, earth and sweet salami opens this well-priced red blend. The plushy palate shows soft black cherry, dark plum, branch and black cherry, finishing with a bitter coffee twist and a touch hot. A simple easy-sipping red for spaghetti and meatballs.Prices:| NS | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $15.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.50 | 750ml |
| BC | $13.29 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $14.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Carpineto Spolverino 2011
Tuscany, ItalyThis cocky (get it) Tuscan blend translates as feather duster, hence the black rooster with the duster tail on the label. The bird, sweeping up corks, is also poking fun at Italian wine laws prohibiting wines labelled 'Chianti Classico' being bottled under screw-cap. I like this bird already. The savoury sangiovese based blend opens with dried cherry, leather and spice, which carries through to the full bodied, juicy palate. Dark cherry, sweet tobacco, herbal cassis and roasted red pepper is carried with plushly, powdery tannins to a black cherry and peppery finish. Tomato sauced meat pastas would suit well.Prices:| BC | $17.39 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Le Volte dell' Ornellaia 2012
Tuscany, ItalyIn keeping with the family way, Le Volte ages for 10 months in big brother's used Ornellaia barriques. Black cherry, dried cassis, black plum over a wave of graphite. Fresh acidity carries textured dark fruit across the palate - wild blackberry, black cherry, sweet tobacco, anise, tar, dried flowers are wrapped with sticky tannins and finish with lifted peppery spices. Drinking well now (especially with herbed pork tenderloin) but will cellar very well for another five years.Prices:| BC | $30.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $33.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Ruffino Chianti 2013
Tuscany, ItalyLight spice, cherry and raspberry complete the nose of Ruffino's entry-level Chianti - a consistent buy year after year. Dusty cherry, a touch of meat and a bit of old wood must on the nose. Cherry and tobacco rule the medium palate and though tannins are a touch on the stemmy side, there's a redeeming perfumed strawberry note to the end, clipped as it is. Simple and identifiable, made well on a large scale.Prices:| BC | $14.29 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $15.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.75 | 750ml |
| SK | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $17.25 | 750ml |
| YK | $18.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Marina Cvetic Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2009
Abruzzo, ItalyFrom 25+ year old grapes and 300+ meters, ripening is slow, lengthy and deliberate. This is not your typical montepulciano. Baked figs, overripe cherries, cola and saddle on the rich nose of this montepulciano. After fermentation in stainless steel, the wine has spent 20-30 days on the skins and then 36 months total aging, 14 of which are spent in new 225 litre French oak barriques. The result is an completely opaque hue and over extracted palate. Thick, gummy tannins, dense figgy fruit, dried cassis, black plum and charcoal smoke on the finish. Much like an amarone in density, but without the finesse and depth. Pair with equally opaque dishes - rich beef braise or lamb ragu.Prices:| BC | $34.79 | 750ml |
| QC | $30.75 | 750ml |
| AB | $45.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tommasi Poggio al Tufo Rompicollo 2012
Maremma, Tuscany, ItalyRompicollo roughly translates as "neck breaking", referring to the hard labour of farming the land in the volcanic tufa-rich soils of Maremma. This 60/40 blend of sangiovese/cabernet sauvignon spent one year in Slavonian oak barrels, and opens with warm, ripe cherry, warm stone and worn saddle. The generous, plush mouth shows much of the same, warm, softly worn red and black fruit over saddle, with ripe tannins and gently lifted acidity to a stony finish. The wine itself is the opposite of a neck-breaker; rather this is a comfortable, gentle big red to tuck into with braised pork or boar ragu.Prices:| BC | $19.29 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $20.25 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Montresor Capitel della Crosara Valpolicella Ripasso 2011
Veneto, ItalyWarm black cherry, worn leather, cola, dried herbs on the welcoming nose. The perfumed palate rolls with the same, plumped by the passing of this corvina/rondinella/molinara blend over dried Amazon pomace before 16 months in French and American oak barrels and casks. Ripe, voluptuous, chewy tannins intertwine with fine exotic spices, dried blackberry and dried cassis, tobacco, black liquorice and dark cocoa into a lingering finish. Pour with pork mole.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Il Passo Nerello Mascalese e Nero d'Avola Vigneti Zabu 2013
Sicily, ItalyThis warm, chewy blend of nerello mascalese and nero d'avola uses Sicilian sun power to naturally raisin-ate the fruit, upping its intensity. Baked plums, perfumed black currants and fig compote are the gateway to a rich palate of chocolate covered cherries, dried fig, dried cherry, leather, port-soaked citrus, clove, nutmeg and pepper. Tannins are sticky, though lifted acidity helps cut through the mire of fruit. This is not a shy wine, nor is it the most finessed. It is, however, interesting. Pour with hearty cardamom lamb tagine and couscous.Prices:| BC | $17.49 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Upper Bench Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNaramata is likely as far north as you would want to grow cabernet sauvignon in the Okanagan and even then one can only expect it to ripen in picture-perfect years. That said it could be the new normal is hot and sunny in Naramata all day and night. The 2012 Upper Bench follows up on a solid 2011 and while the wine appears richer it sports a level of acidity that’s not for everyone. The fruit is dark and brooding with cedar, black olive and tobacco notes, well-managed tannins with a fresh finish. This needs five years to settle in or serve it now with a creamy, Upper Bench cheese.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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09 July 2015
91PTS
Synchromesh Wines Thorny Vines Riesling 2014
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is one of a trio of single vineyard rieslings Synchromesh released from the 2014 vintage, each providing a singular snapshot of its origin. Thorny Vines Vineyard lies at the southern end of Naramata Bench, the cooler, north facing vineyard reflected in the racy acidity cutting through this juicy, youthful riesling. Lemon pith, bitter citrus, pear skin and green apple open the nose. The off-dry palate rings with chalky stoniness, wild herbs, lemon verve and ripe pear, with great intensity of fruit and a riff of pear skin lingering on the lengthy finish. Thorny Vines is a lazer beam of pithy acidity cushioned by ripe orchard pear and in an impressive 9.8 percent alcohol package.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Synchromesh Wines Four Shadows Vineyard Riesling 2014
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is one of a trio of single vineyard rieslings Synchromesh released from the 2014 vintage, each providing a singular snapshot of its origin. From a high altitude, gravel over clay, steep slope along the Naramata Bench comes this concentrated, honeyed, citrus oil laden, mid-sweet riesling. White peach, apricot, lime oil, honeysuckle, eraser and wild herbs leap along the ripe, juicy palate. Medium bodied and juicy, this ripe, youthful riesling lingers with apricot fuzz and fine spice. Naramata meets Pfalz, in a tidy and appealing 10.7 percent alcohol riesling.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Synchromesh Wines Bob Hancock Riesling 2014
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is one of a trio of single vineyard rieslings Synchromesh released from the 2014 vintage, each providing a singular snapshot of its origin. Bob Hancock is the farmer who tends this ungrafted vineyard of riesling on the northern tip of Naramata Bench. Potent and expressive white florals, honeysuckle, anise, wild herbs open this concentrated and youthful riesling. The off-dry palate carries fragrant litchi/lavender honey, florals and yellow plum in a finessed, vibrant, lengthy, crisp lime finish. Impressive intensity and finesse, especially within the 10.1 percent alcohol.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Tommasi Arele Parziale Appassimento 2011
Veneto, ItalyFrom partially dried corvina, rondinella and oseleta grapes, this appassimento wine takes its name, Arele, from the local name for the traditional wooden trays where grapes are laid down. Rich and inky from first whiff - black liquorice, blackberry jam, and black forest cake. The sweet, ripe palate is lush with jammy fruit - dried cherry, raspberry jam, warmed figs. Tannins are plush and gummy, finishing with a bitter clip of blackest espresso. Pour with hearty game stews.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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87PTS
Masi Masianco 2013
Verona, Veneto, ItalyThis creamy white is a blend of pinot grigio and verduzzo, the latter having been treated in an apassimento style (partially dried grapes). The effect on this wine is one of body and creaminess, adding a honeyed stone fruit element to the crisp citrus, apple fruit. Lovely spicy earthiness to the finish, and a fine pour to trout or halibut.Prices:| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $14.49 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $17.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.50 | 750ml |
| SK | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $17.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Dry Riesling Organic 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTruth in labelling session. If you're looking for a dry riesling, this is absolutely not the wine for you. Although the low pH and high total acidity offset the sweetness, the 28 g/l residual sugar still makes this very much an off-dry riesling. Ripe pear, tart green apple, gooseberry, lychee, lime and ample white pepper on the juicy palate. Crab apple and grapefruit pith queue on the lingering finish, ending on a sour note. A solid option, especially if you were specifically looking for an organic riesling. Good value.Prices:| BC | $17.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Riesling Organic 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis ripe, mid-sweet, spalese styled riesling carries 60 g/l of residual sugar, cut with a razor's edge of limey acidity. Mouthwateringly juicy, with ripe pear, orange, tropical blossoms, apricot and lime sherbet on a palate so round and succulent it belies its 7.8 percent alcohol. Very generous and textured in the glass. Enjoy solo or with papaya salad and spot prawns.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Inniskillin Okanagan Dark Horse Single Vineyard Red Meritage 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Dark Horse Meritage is a 60/30/10 merlot, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc and its opens with a whack of south Okanagan savoury sagebrush aromatics mixed with tobacco, black olive and red fruit notes. The attack is soft and round with more savoury, cedar, black fruits and spice inter mixed with rich textures and length. There’s some green in the finish but nothing a steak would not handle.Prices:| MB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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08 July 2015
89PTS
Père Anselme La Fiole du Pape Châteauneuf-du-Pape NV
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceThe Brotte family owns La Fiole a label named after the father Père Anselme since the 1950s and sold in the world famous crooked neck bottle. The blend is a mix of grenache, syrah, carignan and mourvèdre. The style is typical showing a bit more cooked or pruny notes on the nose and palate. The attack is spicy with black cherry, licorice root and prunes with touch of chocolate. Warm rich and spicy it’s made for cooler nights and more rustic dishes. Solid and ready to drink over the next three years.Prices:| BC | $53.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $45.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $49.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $44.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $42.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $48.99 | 750ml |
| PEI | $48.99 | 750ml |
| NFL | $57.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Unsworth Vineyards Charme De L'ile NV
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaPinot noir makes up half of this Cowichan Valley blend, with, pinot gris and sauvignette making up the remainder of this charmat (Prosecco-like) sparkling, packaged under the Island-shared Charme de L'ile branding. Crisp, tight yellow apple and light stone is kissed with pear blossom and a hint of anise before a zesty finish. A great style of sparkling for the heat of summer, enjoy with canapés or salads on the patio. Enjoyable, liberally.Prices:| BC | $29.90 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Mendoza, ArgentinaRipe spiced blackberry and cherry opens, quickly followed by vanilla and cracked cloves. The palate follows suit - dominated by vanilla soaked cherries, perfumed raspberries and musky florals on a fruity, smoothed and slightly sweet palate that ends with a clipped grippy and black cherry note. Simple.Prices:| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Howling Bluff Sin Cera 2011
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTight, somewhat reduced nose, on opening that eventually mostly dissipates into a savoury, cool-climate red with black olive, tobacco and red fruits. The entry is fresh with, the tannins soft and almost chalky tannins with tomato concassé, tobacco, black olive smoky savoury notes. This will need some time to come together. Try it now with grilled chicken or beef or wait another year or two.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Unsworth Vineyards Cuvée De L'ile 2010
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaThis is what I'd like to see more people doing on the Wine Islands. Sparkling wine. Not, contrary to popular belief, because it's a way to use up 'under ripe' grapes. Because the cool, maritime climate and ancient soils can support grapes naturally high in acidity and create wines at the mountain top of freshness. Traditional method, this pinot noir sparkler went through full MLF to tame the marine environment's raging acidity, and was left on the lees for two years and aged in the bottle for one year. Now showing maturity, with toasted popcorn, nuts and granny smith crisp on the nose and palate, along with a cushion of nutty, creamy lees. Lemon zest and stone finishes off the crisp ending. The evolution is evident in this wine, even from just six months ago. Drink now and savour. Retasted July 2015.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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07 July 2015
83PTS
Eau Vivre Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Cawston, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis crisp sauvignon blanc is the first I've ever tasted from Similkameen Valley. A very subtle nose with light citrus notes. The light, mellow body offers crisp, subtle lemon, with a light skiff of tight melon before a shorter finish. Simple, dry and bright - and not much else going on here. If you desire a crisp, lightly citrus, neutral wine that doesn't remind you much of sauvignon blanc, here you go.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Concha y Toro Terrunyo Costa Block 5 Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileThe Terrunyo Block Five Sauvignon Blanc comes off the Los Boldos Vineyard in a cool section of Casablanca Valley near to the sea. Add a cool vintage (2013) and this austere, stony, mineral herbal sauvignon is electric. The palate is a complex mix of sea salt, citrus and hints of gooseberry with tropical undercurrent and just a twist of bitterness in the finish. Real wine for grown-ups.Prices:| US | $20.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
James Mitchell Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Lodi, Central Valley, California, United StatesA Lodi mix of 85 cabernet sauvignon mixed with petit verdot, malbec, sangiovese and tannat. The attack is soft and sweet with candied berry fruit scents with hints of prunes and oak. Lifted smoky, black fruits with candied undertones and spice. Simple sweet confectioned style popular in supermarkets. Spicy barbecued ribs might rescue it, otherwise far too sweet for our taste.Prices:| BC | $18.29 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
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06 July 2015
88PTS
d'Arenberg Shiraz Grenache d'Arry's Original 2012
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaThis 50/50 grenache/syrah was named in honour of d'Arenberg principal Francis d’Arenberg Osborn, who is universally known as d’Arry. It's a fitting tribute, blending the two red grapes for which the company is best recognized. Deep, brooding dark cherry and menthol on the nose. The full, ripe palate is dominated by the same medicinal tinged cherry fruit, alongside ripe blackberry, baked plum, inky cassis, tar, black liquorice, leather and cardamom spicing. Acidity is moderate, and tannins are voluptuous, closing off a lingering finish with a powdery dark cocoa texture and flavour. Not a shy wine, pour this ripe, full bodied brooder with slow braised lamb or veal shank.Prices:| BC | $20.89 | 750ml |
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88PTS
LaStella Allegretto Merlot Pie Franco 2012
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Allegretto vines are planted to own rootstock (pie franco) in white silica sand. The nose is a mix of intense, lifted blueberry and red fruits. The attack is fresh and lean with prominent acidity subduing some light but grippy tannins at this point. Only 12 percent new French oak comes into play leaving a lighter more forward style red wine that is suited to grilled beef with grilled fall vegetables or soft cheeses. This will need time to settle in and soften just a bit at the edges. Very pure but edgy red.Prices:| BC | $65.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Silver Palm Zinfandel 2012
North Coast, North Coast Region, California, United StatesSilver Palm zin is all North Coast fruit that in 2012 enjoyed a warm growing season with no major heat spikes - translation perfection conditions. Although predominately zinfandel at 86 percent there is 13 percent petite s and one percent barbera in the mix all of which is aged in both French and American oak barrels. Look for a balanced red with bright black cherry berry flavours and warm pleasant spicy finish. A well-made entry level zinfandel for those who like authenticity in their varietal wine. Barbecue ribs anyone?Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Samantha Cequeira Vineyard Syrah 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaI've come across this Oliver single vineyard syrah a few times this year, and it impresses me again and again. Much like its namesake Samantha Rahn, Vancouver International Wine Festival sommelier of the year 2014 and the co-creater of this wine from Okanagan Crush Pad's Wine Campus program. The annual program benefits wine education scholarships through the BC Hospitality Foundation. Cracked cassis, perfumed inky violets and whiffs of tar on the nose. Medium bodied and juicy, with soft tannins fleshing out the firm, finely structured bones. Peppery black plum, black cherry, cassis, stone and fragrant dark violets through a lingering, stony and floral finish. Cool climate syrah meets warm Oliver sunshine, to an impressive result. Drinking beautifully now, but this elegant syrah will cellar for the next five years.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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05 July 2015
88PTS
Bench 1775 Pinot Gris 2014
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA big rich almost off-dry gris with a fresh sweet apple nose with hints of honey and dried spice. The mid-palate is rich and full with ripe sweet tropical fruit with notes of honey and candied lemon with just enough acidity to keep in check. This wine can take on spicy richer dishes such as spicy tuna sushi or spicy pasta sauce. Would be fine with smoked salmon too. Simple but tasty.Prices:| BC | $21.50 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Alive Organic White 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLove the label of this organic wine, an aromatic, just off-dry white blend of pinot gris/viognier/chardonnay/riesling/gewürztraminer. Subtle gooseberry and pear leads into an uncomplicated white, with gentle orange blossoms, pear, white peach and peach fuzz spiciness. Lean and youthful with a thin cushion of anise-scented orchard fruit to lead out the finish. Drink this simple 11 percent white this summer alongside sashimi and a lake.Prices:| BC | $17.39 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sandhill Viognier Osprey Ridge Vineyard 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis viognier, from the Southern Okanagan's Osprey Vineyard, veers to the lean and linear side of the spectrum, with hints of tropical fruit peeking out from a steel-built, tart wine. Herbal wild flowers, tangerine and white peach on the nose. The medium bodied palate carries tart gooseberry, spring apricot, aged blossoms and yellow apple, with very subtle jasmine and ginger spicing on the tart, slightly hot finish. If you're looking for a quieter version of the flamboyant viognier grape, look no further. Pour with Thai green curries or vegetarian Chinese dishes.Prices:| BC | $16.59 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Township 7 Cabernet Franc Rock Pocket Vineyard 2012
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis cabernet franc sold only to wine club members is grown about one hour south of the winery in Oilver’s Rock Pocket Vineyard on Black Sage Bench. The nose is mix of red fruits with an intense peppery minty leafy undercurrent. The palate is similar with cedar, over roasted tomatoes, cassis with a fair bit of acidity pushing through the back end. Serve this with grilled meats or cheese to temper the rough edges.Prices:| BC | $31.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Angove's Nine Vines Rosé 2013
South Australia, AustraliaThis punchy dark pink hue previews the burst of juicy berry fruit on this rosé, a blend of grenache and shiraz. Raspberry, cherry and candied strawberry lead into a medium-bodied palate, one with a light lick of tannins. Summer florals, cherry gummies, rhubarb and cinnamon spice fill the juicy, slightly rustic palate. The finish is moderate and spiced, inviting pairing with tuna niçoise or chilled pasta salads with salmon.Prices:| BC | $14.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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04 July 2015
84PTS
Louis Bernard Côtes du Rhône Rosé 2014
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceThis brisk rosé blends Côtes du Rhône's familiar grenache and syrah into a relatively unfamiliar wine - a rosé. Less than 10 percent of the area's production finishes as pink. Here raspberries, strawberries and thorny rock roses open a medium bodied, rustic wine. Tart rhubarb, red currant, rainier cherry and red berries on the round palate, finishing with a bitter herb and underripe green note. Chill down and serve up with equally rustic grilled sausages and new potatoes.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
M. Chapoutier Crozes-Hermitage Les Meysonniers Rouge 2012
Crozes Hermitage, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceSmoky, meaty, orange rind, black raspberry jam with black cherry, licorice, garrigue and leather aromas. Dry, fresh, elegant attack previews a slightly tart palate with meaty, smoky, chocolate, peppery, leather, light medicinal, coffee grind flavours with a touch of leather and menthol. A solid if slightly rustic style in 2012. Drink over the next five years with pork or lamb.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
M. Chapoutier Belleruche Côtes du Rhône Rouge 2013
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceBig white pepper, black plum, black raspberry jam, smoky, savoury, meaty, licorice root aromas. Round, dry, smooth, fresh palate with meaty, savoury, black cherry, orange peel, peppery, tobacco, resin and garrigue flavours with a touch of chocolate. Good solid fruit core and intensity that should be good with grilled lamb or beef. Solid value here.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Seven Stones Standing Rock Meritage 2009
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFresh cedar-y, peppery nose with light mercaptans, lees, blackberry, tobacco and coffee aromas. Full, round, dry, juicy palate with some tannins remaining. Resiny, coffee, peppery, tobacco, smoky, prune, meaty olive flavours preview a warm, ripe finish. This needs another year or two in bottle to get to maturation. Best with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Hillside Merlot - Malbec 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBlack cherry, pepper, cedar, citrus peel nose with bits of resin, smoke and coffee aromas. Dry, elegant, somewhat lean entry with tobacco, savoury, sour cherry, plum, cedar, vanilla, tea and coffee flavours. There is a solid clean core of fruit but the finish is quite lean. Best with mushrooms or meat dishes.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Hillside Merlot 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLook for a pretty floral, cherry, smoky nose with peppery, coffee, tobacco notes. The attack is silky and dry with fine freshness and more cherry, plum, tobacco, cedar, coffee, earthy, savoury flavours. A touch warm but otherwise a well-made, delicious affordable red with fine fruit and finesse.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Hillside Merlot - Cabernet Franc 2011
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTypical earthy, peppery, cranberry, cherry nose with dried tobacco, coffee and prune aromas. Dry, fresh, round, elegant palate with light tannins. Cranberry, coffee, ash, tobacco leaf, savoury, black olive, resin and tomato paste flavours. Another solid effort that will likely improve in the bottle over the next year.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Township 7 Cabernet Sauvignon Blue Terrace Vineyard 2012
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, resin, coffee, black olive, roast bell pepper, tobacco, cedar aromas with a touch of blackberry and green herb. Dry, fresh, slightly tart and tannic with tobacco leaf, cedar, green olive, cranberry, resin, coffee and smoky flavours. Not the same as the perfectly ripe 2009. A bit too herbaceous and lean with some tea tannins to shed.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Château Haut-Mouleyre Grand Reserve 2011
Bordeaux, FranceDry cedar-y, resin, tobacco leaf, olive, green bean, peppery, rubbery, smoked leather and menthol aromas. Dry, fresh, somewhat lean palate with smoky, leathery, medicinal, tobacco, resin, cranberry, Band-Aid and herb flavours. Not much to like here with ‘Brett’ setting in.Prices:| BC | $21.69 | 750ml |
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03 July 2015
0PTS
Verso Rosso Salento 2013
Salento, Puglia, ItalyCorked. Try another.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Pian Dell' Orino Brunello di Montalcino 2008
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyAdjacent to the Biondi Santi property, Pian dell'Orino is seated in excellent company in the hills of Montalcino. Showing some brick orange edge in the glass, this intoxicating biodynamic, wild ferment, enzyme-free and unfined Brunello opens with savoury cured meats, anise, wild strawberry, dried fig and violet florals. Worn leather, subtle dried cherry and parchment paper lead the palate, still fresh and potent with a focused linearity. Though the tannins have smoothed slightly with first blush of bottle age, they still tug with grippy-ness. A characteristic bitter edged Italian sword lingers on the lengthy finish. Much to sift through in the glass; you'll find yourself going back again and again until the bottle is finished. Decant and pour alongside truffled fresh pasta or risotto.Prices:| BC | $113.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Cono Sur Bicicleta Pinot Noir Rosé 2014
Valle del Bio-Bio, ChileThis has everything you need in a refreshing, easy, don't think- just drink, summer rosé, including the fantastic price point (hello pool party wine). Kissed by sun-ripened sweetness (and residual sugar) this Bio-Bio rose keeps the easy, breezy freshness while capturing summer's peak essence of strawberry, raspberry and cherry. The juicy palate closes with pink grapefruit tartness and gentle spice, welcoming pouring with al fresco pork and fig relish sandwiches. Good value.Prices:| BC | $9.59 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $11.55 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Van Westen Vineyards Voluptuous 2011
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2011 Voluptuous is, well, voluptuous to say the least. The mix is 67/33 merlot/cabernet franc. The attack is quite dense and mouth filling with plums, black cherries, licorice and pepper previewing a swatch of garrigue and graphite. Long rich and layered this wine is hardly awake yet. A monumental effort for Rob Van Westen that will need five to seven years to fully express it potential. Climate change is upon us.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Van Westen Vineyards V 2011
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis ‘V’ blend is impressive and brings more floral/mineral notes to the glass. It so intense and packed full of savoury, spicy garrigue notes but with an elegance not often seen on the Naramata Bench. Red fruits and spice more liquorice, red currants, sage and vanilla all add to the complexity and depth here. If there is negative it’s a bit of acidity pushing through the back end. Try this with grilled steak.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Red Rooster Reserve Malbec 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe malbec is grown on-site in Naramata and was fermented in open top fermenters before ageing in American and French oak barrels for 14 months. It has a strong malbec character with plenty of blueberry and blackberry fruits mixed with spice and a rich dollop of oak and acidity. The tannins are soft and disappear into the juicy, dry black tea and dark fruit finish. The classic match is beef empanadas but barbecue ribs will do just fine.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
CedarCreek Merlot 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is delicious stuff. Pure plum fruit with a dose of savoury dried herb and a long soft finish with just a hint of green. The real attraction is the soft, silky tannins and the immediate drinkability. The wine was aged 20 months in French oak and has seven percent cabernet franc and two percent cabernet sauvignon for support. Fabulous value. Gourmet burgers and spaghetti Bolognese are great pairings.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Chacra Pinot Noir Treinta y Dos 2012
Patagonia, ArgentinaIntense from front to back but not overpowering the Chacra Pinot Treinta y Dos story. The vineyard, planted in 1932, is the oldest in the group and is own rooted, there is no phylloxera here. The entry is rich and peppery with silky tannins and long persistent, stony, mineral dark fruit flavours. The wine is made by the legendary Hans Vinding-Diers who brings his own brand of elegance to the glass. Soft succulent and refined this is a pinot noir surprise. Made from biodynamic fruit. Duck confit is a must but salmon will do. The price is pinot crazy.Prices:| AB | $130.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $113.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Honig Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Napa Valley, California, United StatesThere is ripeness factor in Napa that most cabernet sauvignon can never reach. The Honig is a perfect example of rich silky plummy black fruited red wine with deep soft tannins. Expect a wallop of black fruit and mocha coffee tobacco flavours. The fruit is a mix of Rutherford estate and purchases from about Napa. The cabernet sauvignon is aged for 18 months in one third potent American oak barrels and contains seven percent petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc. Soft silky and fun to sip now it will be even better in five years.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
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02 July 2015
90PTS
Château de la Gardine Châteauneuf du Pape 2011
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FrancePeppery, smoky, black berry jam, meaty, licorice, chocolate, resin aromas with a touch of garrigues. Ripe, round, juicy, fresh palate with light, grainy tannins. Savoury, garrigues, smoky, meaty, black pepper, black plum, black cherry, dark chocolate, black licorice, anise and tobacco flavours. Good fruit and intensity if a bit rustic and hot on the finish with the 15% alcohol. Drinkable now but should improve with 2-5 years. Chateau de la Gardine is a 60/20 15/ 5 mix of grenache, syrah, mourvèdre, and cinsault is fermented in concrete and aged in large 5000 litre vats for one to five years.Prices:| AB | $45.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $51.49 | 750ml |
| SK | $38.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $44.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $36.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $37.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Bench 1775 Cabernet Franc Malbec 2013
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAn expressive nose of cracked pepper, cassis, anise and cured meats handily leads you to this medium bodied red, a very unique cabernet franc/merlot blend. Fragrant blue and purple florals, blueberry, wild herbs, bramble, plum and bright cassis notes swirl on the smooth, supple palate, with tannins finely powdered and acidity lifted. An interesting wine with well woven layers of flavour, and a fine wine to serve alongside Moroccan or Indian spiced lamb.Prices:| BC | $34.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Poplar Grove Blanc de Noirs 2014
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA perfect pink Provençal colour previews a fresh just off-dry pink from PG. The colour previews a fresh watermelon, green fruit, citrus nose with similar fruit flavours with a touch of burnt caramel I the finish. The blend is 47/29/24 malbec/merlot/syrah left on skins (separately) for three hours before being bled off the tank using the saignée method. Fun and ready to sip try this with spicy sushi or a summer chicken salad.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Belle Glos Pinot Noir Blanc Oeil de Perdrix 2014
Sonoma County, California, United StatesOeil de Perdrix comes with the appropriate colour this summer. The nose is fresh and aromatic with cherry/strawberry and even some green fruit notes. The palate is softer with candied caramel and earthy notes. Soft, off-dry fruity finish. This would be best with spice tuna or even a rib dish.Prices:| BC | $23.49 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Thornhaven Rosé 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight pink-y orange. The nose is /pink colour. Bright, fresh, sweet berry nose emanating from the mix of pinot meunier, pinot noir, syrah and merlot. The attack is similarly sweet with strawberries, peach and red currants. It is clean and a fun patio sipper but lacks the freshness and lift of acidity to go the next level. It’s sweet enough to tame spicier meats.Prices:| BC | $15.90 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Township 7 Rosé 2014
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPerfect pale pink almost onion skin colour. The attack is a bit fuzzy and phenolic with soft, round, sweet raspberry, citrus and resin flavours with a touch of caramel in the finish. It’s safe to say the return to all merlot isn’t as much fun as last year’s chardonnay, gewürztraminer, pinot gris and merlot blend. Ready to drink. Try it with tomatoes or a charcuterie plate.Prices:| BC | $17.38 | 750ml |
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87PTS
50th Parallel Estate Pinot Noir Rosé 2014
Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNot for everyone but this classic cool-climate style uses pinot noir to create it pale pink and orange partridge colour. The nose is a mix of cool red berries the attack is dry with citrus and cran-cherry flavours. Like last year there’s a touch of bitterness in the back end that calls of food. Summer pasta salmon and or potato salads.Prices:| BC | $15.69 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Signorello Hope's Cuvée Chardonnay 2012
Napa Valley, California, United StatesCorked, try another.Prices:| BC | $90.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $90.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Farnese Edizione Cinque Autoctoni 2011
ItalyThe 13th Edizione Cinque Autoctoni comes from the 2011 harvest spread across Abruzzo, Campania, Basilicata, Puglia and Sicily. The goal is to make a southern Italian red and blending montepulciano, sangiovese, primitivo, negroamaro and malvasia near with over a year in a mix of barrels. The nose is fragrant and floral. The fruit is dark but fresh mixing black cherries, licorice and spice with dark chocolate and a touch of prunes. The finish is warm and spicy. A more modern style red that will be welcomed in North America.Prices:| BC | $42.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $37.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $42.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $40.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay Vintner's Reserve 2013
California, United StatesOften underestimated by the ill-informed KJ's calling card chardonnay is in a good space in 2013 some thirty years down the road from vintage one in 1983. KJ’s strength is the sheer size of coastal chardonnay vineyards they own in California and the fruit selection available to chief winemaker Randy Ullom. Forget the residual sugar stories this wine has evolved into one of the tastiest California chardonnays in its price range. Look for a creamy, ripe fruit nose, the balancing off of sugar and acidity and a touch of lees pulls it all together with a fresh, generous finish.Prices:| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $21.00 | 750ml |
| US | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $27.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Hester Creek Character Estate Red Blend 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWarm, open milk chocolate, tobacco leaf, cedar, roasted coffee bean nose. Slightly sweet on entry, soft and supple palate with more smoky, chocolate vanilla, cedar and a dried herb, black fruit finish. Simple barbecue red that is ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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01 July 2015
88PTS
Tinhorn Creek Oldfield Series Rosé 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe colour is getting lighter and this rosé is getting better each year. An all cabernet franc pink may sound as if it could be a bit too much for the modern rosé lover but it all works. Its pink orange colour leads into a strawberry jam, watermelon scented nose that feigns sweetness but finishes just off-dry. It’s the underlying acidity that brings this wine to life. Chicken, salmon, light cheese all work here, just add sunshine and a patio.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
4 Foxes Chardonnay 2013
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, United States4 Foxes Chardonnay is part of a fundraiser as a percentage of sales go to the Michael J. Fox Foundation and its fight against Parkinson’s Disease. Now that you are feeling good you may even feel better when you taste what is a delicious ripe style Sonoma Coast chardonnay. Expect a bright citrus floral nose with a hint of toasted French oak and creamy peach/red apple, lemon orange flavours. A succulent style chardonnay that will have broad appeal. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Penfolds Shiraz Bin 128 2012
Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaBlack pepper, resin, savoury, graphite, black cherry, coffee, light vanilla and tobacco aromas with a touch of game and leather. Full, juicy, dry, suave palate with light tannins and good intensity. Big black cherry, blueberry, savoury, peppery, floral, vanilla and coffee flavours with a touch of graphite and licorice. The finish is warm but offers fine fruit and concentration. Drink now with a lamb dish or cellar over the next decade.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $34.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $33.00 | 750ml |
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August 2015