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Tastings: September 2015
30 September 2015
90PTS
LaStella Maestoso Solo Merlot 2012
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThough merlot is planted a great deal in the Okanagan, it rarely reaches great heights. This wine is one of the exceptions. Maestoso (the Beast) absorbs all of the southern Okanagan's rich sunshine, rooted in heavy clay and gravel soils and compacts it into a dense, full bodied red. Deep blackberry, leather, black plum and cassis fills the nose. The compact palate is dominated by ripe plum, which leads wild blueberries, supple leather, bitter black cherry, finely ground spices and a hidden lift of mint along cushioned, chewy and ample tannins. An edge of tart acidity lifts all this density through a very long, bitter black cherry finish. Southern Okanagan merges with Italy via this wine. Just a baby, decant and pour now with herbed rack of lamb or wild boar, or be rewarded with 3-5 years in the cellar. Looking forward to tasting this again in future.Prices:| BC | $89.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Gabriel Meffre Côtes-du-Rhône Blanc Cuvée Saint-Vincent 2014
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceA fresh mix of grenache blanc, roussanne, clairette, marsanne, viognier and bourboulenc that opens with a pretty floral blossoms and herbal lees notes. The delicate lees carries through onto a finely spiced, lightly savoury palate drawing light pear, green fig and citrus along with the flow. The finish is dry and elegant; a perfect wine for scallops, sole or simply prepared halibut. Super value.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Sepp Moser Gruner Veltliner von den Terrassen 2014
Kremstal, Niederösterreich, Weinland Österreich, AustriaVibrant, lean and focused gruner, streaming with lemon, nuts, orange sherbet and heaps of white pepper. Juicy and lively, with lemon grass lingering on the crisp finish. Well balanced, pure and interesting. Biodynamic.Prices:| MB | $24.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Cave de Tain Vin de Paille Hermitage 1995
Hermitage, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceAt Cave de Tain, Vin de Paille or straw wine is produced from old, some over one-hundred years, Hermitage white grapes and only in the finest years. Small, healthy, overripe bunches are handpicked. It takes 2 kilos of grapes to produce a 50cl bottle of Vin de Paille. Very amber colour with a green edge and a rancio, nutty, raisined nose with a touch of volatility mixed with walnuts and toffee. Ripe, rich, juicy, sweet but well balanced palate with good intensity. Toffee, walnut, raisin, peppery, spicy, smoky, citrus peel, cigar and pepper flavours. Very good intensity and length with a lingering, slightly tannic finish. Flavours are much more promising than the nose suggests. Very akin to a sweeter style 20 year old tawny. The ferment is long and slow, in total it remains about two years in barrels before bottling. Final alcohol is about 16% with 100 grams of residual sugar per liter.Prices:| BC | $150.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Terravista Figaro 2014
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRoussanne, viognier and marsanne flow together seamlessly in this generous, full, round white from Naramata Bench. Ample fleshy peach, yellow apple, yellow plums and apricot blossoms are textured with peach fuzz and tangerine pith, finishing with fine warm ginger spices. A welcome twist of bitterness tightens the finish.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Torres Xarel-lo 2014
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainIt's not every day that you get to taste a straight xarel-lo, one of the three main grapes of Cava. Herbal wildflowers, cream and citrus lead the nose and bright palate, one cushioned with a layer of fine lees and herbs. Lovely fennel, meadow herbs and light cream linger with fine stony spices on the finish. Very interesting.Prices:Read Full Note
86PTS
St. Hubertus Frizzante Rosé 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMedium pink in hue, this sweeter gamay rosé is bright with strawberry jam, mandarin, cherry gummies and a lifting zip of spritz. Rhubarb pie rules the lean palate before a crisp, grapefruit pith finish. Pour this with dishes that hold some spice, like caramel chicken or kung pao pork.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Corcelettes Gewurztraminer 2014
Cawston, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2014 Vineyard Accolade Edition is grown by Dennis Munch of Second Chance Vineyard, something he didn’t need in 2014. Expect an exuberant, Alsace style gewürztraminer grown on calcium rich soils in Cawston. The nose and palate are rich in flavours with plenty of litchi fruit, spiced orange and tropical fruit notes with a touch of oiliness in the back end. Would be fine with many Indian dishes.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Cellar Hand Free Run White 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCellar Hand is the second label at Black Hills Estate. This vintage is a blend of Black Sage area pinot blanc, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, viognier and muscat. Look for a soft, creamy, oily white with intense orange blossom aromas. The attack off-dry with exotic mandarin orange, peaches and lemon flavours that finishes a touch flat. Try this with Indian curry dishes.Prices:| BC | $15.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Inniskillin Discovery Series Viognier - Gewürztraminer 2014
CanadaNot as crisp as the chenin blanc in this series this viognier/gewürztraminer blend is long on honey and orange aromas and flavours with a modicum of freshness. Ready to drink and serve with rich spicy dishes even barbecue ribs would work here.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Monte Creek Ranch Hands Up White 2014
British Columbia, CanadaThe classic fruit salad style BC white that harkens back to an earlier time in the Okanagan. The style is off-dry and aromatic with reasonable acidity but overall the baked apple and orange notes carry the day. Simple style for patio sipping or serve with spicy dishes. The blend is 75.5/ frontenac blanc, 13.5% viognier, 11% la crescent.Prices:| BC | $14.49 | 375ml |
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86PTS
Kanazawa Sakura Rosé 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis deeply hued pinot noir rosé is soaked on the skins for four days before a wild ferment, resulting in a full bodied and substantial wine. Cherry, earth and cured meats open on the nose and carry through to the punchy, salty body. Sharp acids duke it out with candied fruits, leaving the palate a bit unresolved. Pour with grilled meat sandwiches or burgers.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Gold Hill Charisma White Blend 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis 35/25/21/19 blend of pinot gris – viognier - sauvignon blanc – gewürztraminer is another odd-dry offering with plenty of floral, baked apple, spiced pear and lime rind flavours that finishes fat and cloying. Try it with some sweet and sour barbecue ribs for best results.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Stag's Hollow Tragically Vidal 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis 88/12 mix of vidal and orange muscat from the Golden Mile and Okanagan Falls that jumps out of the glass with bright aromatic orange fruit. Orange blossoms dominate the nose with streaks of orange citrus breaking through the tropical fruit flavours. Well made fresh and clean this would work with curry dishes or even spicy pasta dishes. Now finished under Stelvin the fruit should remain bright and fresh for several years.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Mash Record Tour White 2014
United StatesA Washington white blend of pinot gris, gewürztraminer and riesling that brings little to the table in BC. The attack is clean and floral with tropical fruit notes and some citrus rind in the finish. Simple, easy sipping, if a bit cloying, and ready to drink.Prices:Read Full Note
86PTS
Thornhaven Brooklyn's Blend 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAn usual sauvignon blanc/chardonnay blend that opens up with a strong grapefruit nose. The palate is tracks a similar course with lean-ish, off-dry grapefruit and lime rind flavours with a bright fresh finish. A clean simple rind-y white you can serve with shellfish or white meats.Prices:| BC | $16.07 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Thornhaven Tortured Grape 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe grapes tortured in this blend are riesling, viognier and orange muscat all present in a bright aromatic floral nose. The palate is a mix of dry nectarine flavours with spicy ginger notes. The attack is almost dry with juicy, intense citrus, ginger spicy green apple flavour. Try this with steamed mussels.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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29 September 2015
0PTS
Codorníu Clásico Brut NV
Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainCorked, try another.Prices:| BC | $14.49 | 750ml |
| NF | $15.99 | 750ml |
| PEI | $15.19 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $15.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
La Gioiosa et Amorosa Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG 2014
Veneto, ItalyVery fine stone, lemon pith, green apple, subtle fennel and salt on the nose. Crisp, off-dry palate carries some of the fennel and apple, along with meadow herbs. Quite bitter white peach fuzz, nut shell on the finish. Interesting savoury interest for prosecco, and a fine pour (and packaging) for classy canapés.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Craven Wines Syrah 'Faure Vineyard' 2014
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaWhat happens when you plant syrah on a cool, marine influenced, super rocky site (chunks of granite, shale, quartz and dolerite), harvest sustainably, use 100 percent whole bunch and wild yeast, press off after two weeks into old wood, with low sulphur and no enzymes? This. Fresh, bright and pure, with fragrant violets, savoury broken stone, perfumed plums and precise, lifted acidity. Light in body but not in intensity, with lithe, grippy tannins framing the delicate fruit. Finely rasped black pepper lingers on the finish. Impressively quenchable 11.5 percent alcohol. Sadly not available in Canada, but R150 in RSA (which is an amazing $15 CDN!)Prices:Read Full Note
89PTS
Gray Monk Odyssey White Brut Méthode Classique 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig props to Gray Monk for continuing to sharpen this unique riesling / pinot blanc fizz year after year. Tight apple, lemon pith, salty nuts and green apple flow in a bright stream finishing crisp and juicy. Beauty with sashimi and sushi.Prices:| BC | $21.79 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Los Dos Corte d'Oro 2012
Mendoza, ArgentinaHeralded Argentine winemaker Roberto de La Mota consults on this project, a high altitude (1000m) malbec from Mendoza. French and American oak support the ripe, dark, fruit. Though the density here is undeniable, so is the lifted affect of altitude - the freshness propping up all the brooding black cherry, wild blackberry, black plum and undercurrent of tar. Heaps of salt prickle the palate, while ripe, sticky tannins ground it. Interest and complexity at a value price.Prices:| BC | $17.79 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Caliterra Tributo Carmenere Single Vineyard Block 2011
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileAmple blackcurrant, roasted vines, resin aromas are the entry to this full, ripe carmenere from Colchagua. Sweet oak rules the dense palate, with ripe black fruit, fragrant florals, leather and resin propped up with gummy tannins and finishing with cracked pepper and a good deal of heat. A fleshy, heady red for your big BBQ's meats.Prices:| BC | $16.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.50 | 750ml |
| NF | $15.50 | 750ml |
| YK | $20.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Felino by Viña Cobos Malbec 2013
Mendoza, ArgentinaRipe, round and suave, this Mendoza malbec is a joint project by Viña Cobos and Paul Hobbs, from grapes sourced in the Valle de Uco and Luján de Cuyo appellations. Aromas of dried cassis, black cherry, twine, cola and leather carry through to palate, where fine, supple tannins support the sun-ripened fruit. Espresso and bitter black cherry rules the finish, where a warming frame of oak is most apparent. Solid and warm entry malbec, and one well suited to BBQ.Prices:| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $17.39 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Valdo Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Superiore Marca Oro Extra Dry NV
Treviso, Verona, Veneto, ItalyValdobbiadene is a special area in the hills close to Conegliano, and Superiore refers to its additional alcohol and ripeness. Here, prosecco is lightly floral, peach scented and aromatic, with citrus acidity lifting fruit loops and pear flavours over the smooth, soft palate. Pour with brunch and strawberry spinach salads.Prices:| BC | $18.29 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $21.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Royal de Neuville Sparkling Rosé Cuvée Prestige NV
FranceBlush peach in hue, with candied red apple, light cherry, orange notes. The off-dry palate is very frothy, carrying continuing the candied berry and apple from the nose, and finishing with a powdery candied and tart finish. Sweet and sour.Prices:| BC | $15.59 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.13 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.50 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Corcelettes Cabernet Sauvignon - Syrah Menhir 2013
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAnother solid release from Corcelettes, this time it’s a 60/40 cabernet sauvignon /syrah mix heralded as the winery’s flagship. The fruit a fine mix of fresh black fruit and stony minerality comes off the rocky Middle Bench Vineyard in the heart of the Similkameen Valley. There’s plenty of pepper and both red fruit (plum) and dark fruit (black cherry) flavours with classic sagebrush underneath - the garrigue of southern BC. Hold this for three to five years but if you must drink it now choose a leg of lamb to tame it.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Jaillance Crémant de Bordeaux Brut Rosé Cuvée de l'Abbaye NV
Bordeaux, FranceThis 100 percent merlot crémant brings salted plum through the nose to the frothy palate. Savoury, cured meats, dried raspberry and a wave of herbal berry fruit take over the rustic palate. Bitter cocoa and cherry close out the short finish.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Moingeon Prestige Crémant de Bourgogne Brut NV
Burgundy, FranceSalted roasted nuts, almonds and abundant oak opens the nose of this ripe crémant and continues to the supple palate. Toasted wood, butter, baked apple and dough fill the fuller body, brightened with yellow apple acids and finishing off with a citrus pith twist. Toasty and rich, though lacking complexity and finesse.Prices:| BC | $26.28 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Moon Curser Malbec 2012
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHaven’t seen this since the cool but well-made 2010. Still opaque in the glass. The nose is much cleaner with savoury, peppery black sage, black fruit aromas. The attack is round and dry with juicy, pure blueberry black cherry fruit with hints of chocolate and vanilla. Still primary in nature and will need another year or two in the bottle to settle in. Best with a grilled steak or hamburgers.Prices:| BC | $31.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Moon Curser Carmenere 2013
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA carbon copy of the 2012 with more freshness and an amazing peppery note. Bright white pepper, savoury nose with bits of sage, vanilla and chocolate cherry fruit. Fresh, juicy, and well balanced it has all the hallmarks of a solid carmenère featuring roasted tomato, tobacco, pepper, chocolate cherry flavours. Lovely sipping ready to drink. Serve with a variety of grilled meat and or fowl.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Moon Curser Tempranillo 2013
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaImproving each outing with better fruit this year although it still clings to the rustic side of tempranillo. We enjoy the fresh fruit and soft middleweight textures. Look for a light-ish red fruit style that finishes with some drying tannins. Grilled chicken or cheese appetizers would be best here. Expensive for what it is.Prices:| BC | $31.90 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Bisquertt Ecos de Rulo El Chequen Estate Marchihue Carmenere 2012
Valle de Marchigue, Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe Ecos carmenère comes of 15 year old vines in Marchigue that grow in a mix of alluvial and colluvial soils that mix clay and granite. It spends a year in French oak. Look for an enticing aromatic nose of plums and tobacco with just a perfect hint of spice. The texture is perfect, so silky with equally benign tannin. The palate is juicy creamy and ripe exposing the true side of carmenère that can make you a fan. Pair this with venison or lamb for a great dinner experience. The site is only 32 kilometers from the cold Pacific Ocean.Prices:| MB | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bisquertt La Joya Gran Reserva Carmenere 2014
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileCarmenère lovers will take to the smoky blackberry nose with a strong peppery undercurrent. The attack is savoury with plum and black cherry fruit flavours with bits of dried leaf in the background. There are some youthful tannins yet to shed but you can serve it now with most meaty dishes.Prices:| BC | $17.49 | 750ml |
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28 September 2015
87PTS
Alamos Malbec 2013
Mendoza, ArgentinaSweet vanilla, perfumed musk, violets, cassis and blackberry jam fill the nose and pervade the concentrated palate of this malbec, one splashed with syrah and bonarda. A potpourri of perfumed exotic spices join in, led by highly perfumed florals and a heap of salt. Ripe, round tannins complete this value priced malbec. Pour with hearty grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $11.79 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $17.50 | 750ml |
| SK | $14.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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96PTS
Joseph Phelps Insignia 2012
Napa Valley, California, United StatesThe 2012 Insignia is something special and while the colour is opaque and the nose a rich collection of dark fruits, fresh cigar, clove with a hint of mocha there is a note of finesse and restraint you don’t see in very many icon Napa cabernets. There is density here and even opulence but thankfully in a tighter style (think Bordeaux). Of course the fruit is more prominent versus the Medoc, the blend is 75/20/10/3/2/ cabernet sauvignon, petit verdot, merlot, malbec and cabernet franc. This is going to need a decade or more to settle into its final form but it will be a good one.Prices:| BC | $318.18 | 750ml |
| AB | $365.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $357.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sandhill Small Lots Program One Phantom Creek Vineyard 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCabernet sauvignon, malbec, petit verdot, syrah, cabernet franc and merlot come together in this full bodied, brooding red, one of Sandhill's Small Lots (20 barrels of this wine). Ripe cassis, twine, leather, black cherry and compote spices on the nose carry through to the smooth, supple palate. Here, 24 months in new American oak shows evidently with vanilla, sweet wood and spiced berries come into play, propping up the heady fruit. Rich and soft, in a California-meets-BC style, great for braised meats with sweeter root vegetables.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $32.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Howling Bluff Sin Cera 2011
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis merlot/malbec blends comes across full and thick, with powdery tannins carrying ripe, blackberry and black cherry fruit. An undercurrent of cassis, olive, leather and tobacco weaves throughout. Lifted with a rise of tart cherry acidity and finishing with bitter espresso. Somewhat disjointed at present, try pairing with hearty short ribs.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Corcelettes Oracle Rosé 2014
Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDeep crimson in hue, this zweigelt rosé was sourced from Keremeos' LadyHawke Vineyard. Pomegranate, rhubarb and wild raspberries rule the medium-bodied palate, carrying ample fine stony spice, roses and wild herbs. Lovely concentration throughout, and enough to stand up to grilled pork tenderloin.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Le Paradou Cinsault Rosé 2014
Sud de France, FrancePale peach in hue, this dry rosé brings wild scrubby herbs and thorny raspberry aromas through to the medium-bodied palate. Crisp and juicy with tayberry, rhubarb and blood orange fruit, and an underlay of fine stony spice. Nice cushion of concentration here, finishing off with bitter cherry and wild herbs. A good dose of white pepper and a lick of salt on the finish encourages pouring with charcuterie. Fantastic value.Prices:| BC | $12.19 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Bisquertt Q Clay Syrah Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Valle de Marchigue, Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileWe are immediately transported to Australia on the nose- I guess that’s a good thing since the blend, a 75/25 syrah cabernet sauvignon mix, is an Oz staple. The style is ripe with aromatic raisined prune aromas and flavours. The attack is fresh and slightly acidic with spicy black fruit and a peppery finish. Not quite enough meat on the bones here to justify the price.Prices:| US | $40.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Wild Goose Red Horizon Meritage 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSimilar to the 2011 the 2012 mix is 55/25/20/ merlot, cabernet sauvignon, petit verdot. The fruit is riper but strangely the acidity is more prominent. The attack is rich and smooth with big, tart, red fruit flavours reminiscent of cranberries, and under ripe cherries. Best now with grilled beef or hold two years to soften all the edges.Prices:| BC | $19.13 | 750ml |
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27 September 2015
87PTS
Château Pesquié Ventoux Terrasses Rosé 2014
Ventoux, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceCinsault, grenache and syrah make up this classically styled Rhone rosé, a pretty salmon hue in the glass. Salt, cherries and strawberries fill the nose and spill over to the lean palate. A cushion of candied cherries supports scrubby herbs, rock rose, tart rhubarb and subtle stony spice. Bitter berries linger on the crisp finish. Youthful and fresh - drink up.Prices:| BC | $17.39 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.45 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $21.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.95 | 750ml |
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25 September 2015
92PTS
Porseleinberg 2013
Swartland, Coastal Region, South AfricaOne of the Swartland Independents, Porseleinberg is a wine sourced from Porcelain Mountain, and a label produced by Marc Kent and Boekenhoutskloof. This lifted syrah is a great place to start realigning your thinking of South Africa. Organically farmed, with wild yeast and low sulphur additions, Porseleinberg is 100 percent whole bunch ("a record of the vintage, according to winemaker Callie Louw"), and seen time in concrete eggs and aged foudre. Bright and crunchy, fragrant with red berries, cracked cassis and black cherry. A vein of wild herbs is drawn across grippy, fine tannins to a textured, stony finish. Tactile and fresh (only 13.7 percent alcohol) down to the labels - printed on the farm on a 1940 Heidelberg platen letterpress.Prices:| MB | $90.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $92.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Black Sage Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA big improvement over the 2012 bringing more richness and weight to the party. It opens with a spicy, peppery nose streaked with cloves and chocolate. The attack is fresh and full bodied with chocolate covered cherries and leather with a firm, savoury mocha finish. This needs a bit more time in bottle, say one to two years before it reaches it pinnacle. Well-made and will be terrific with lamb dishes.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Poplar Grove Cabernet Franc 2012
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen fragrant fresh nose of smoky tobacco and black plums with mocha hints. The attack is round and soft with cherry, blackberry vanilla flavours, fine density and weight with a savoury, resin, soft back end. The wine spends about 21 months in 30% new French oak mixed with two and three year old barrels. You can drink it now but this will improve over the next five years in bottle. Grilled lamb chops would be a solid match.Prices:| BC | $31.41 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Errazuriz Max Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Valle de Aconcagua, Region de Aconcagua, ChileSappy, cassis, spicy, black pepper, bay leaf black olive aromas with a touch of coffee and balsamic. Fresh, dry, elegant but slightly austere palate with light, grainy tannins. Cassis, peppery, tobacco, cedar, bay, menthol, dried herb and coffee flavours. A bit lean and tart on the finish but solid food style wine with classic cabernet sauvignon character.Prices:| BC | $17.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $22.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $21.00 | 750ml |
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24 September 2015
87PTS
Burrowing Owl Syrah 2012
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRich, toasty and dense blueberry, blackberry and kirsch aromas carry through to the full bodied red. Heady dried spices and cloves are drawn through a sticky, ripe palate, with finely powdery tannins bending under the heft of the dense fruit. Anise, peppermint and ginger closes out the finish. Certainly not shy, pour this rustic and power packed red with heady beef stew.Prices:| BC | $29.79 | 750ml |
| AB | $41.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Pentâge Winery GSM 2012
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFresh peppery, spicy, black cherry nose with savoury, smoky, light tobacco, cedar, licorice and olive notes. Dry, fresh, elegant, juicy palate with light to medium body. Juicy black cherry, plum, peppery, tobacco, smoky, black olive, savoury flavours with a touch of game and herb. Easy sipping style with solid fruit for drinking now- 2 years. The GSM is more MSG with its 53/30/17 mix of mourvèdre, syrah and grenache. Try this with grilled lamb.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Gambert de Loche Hermitage Selection Parcellaire 2011
Hermitage, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceFine black pepper aroma over roast meat, smoky, savoury, garrigue, chocolate, black berry, light compost and prune notes. The attack is round, full and elegant with smooth, dry tannins. Coffee, vanilla, chocolate, black pepper, black berry, smoky, licorice flavours with a bit of roast beef and tobacco on the finish. Not a big style but has good intensity and structure for mid-term aging of 3-7 years. A blend of fruit grown on granite terraces on the western edge of the Hermitage hillsides, and fluvial alluvial soils on the eastern edge.Prices:| BC | $125.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Hester Creek Syrah Viognier 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFragrant violets and cracked pepper open this expressive blend, a new direction for the winery (as well as a brand new label). The full, ripe palate carries sweet, smoked berry fruit, violets toasty oak, smoke and hickory, with the smoky wood dominating all other notes by the finish. A shame, because there is promising, generous fruit hidden underneath all the toasted wood.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Louis Bernard Gigondas 2013
Gigondas, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceSmoky, black cherry, licorice, gamey, resin nose with streaks of tobacco, black raspberry and light balsamic notes. The attack is fresh, round and juicy with light tannins. Good black raspberry, black cherry, black licorice, light garrigue, meaty, pepper, tobacco and herb flavours. The finish is a bit tart at this stage but there is very fine fruit with a touch of warmth. Drink now or over the next three years with rich fall dishes.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.25 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Louis Bernard Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2013
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceFresh savoury, floral, black raspberry nose with licorice, meaty, light, smoky, earthy aromas. Dry, elegant, juicy attack with light to medium concentration and light tannins. Smoky, black raspberry, peppery, licorice, cardamom, garrigue and orange spice flavours. Good intensity and balance if lighter than previous vintages. Ready to go or keep for a year or two.Prices:| BC | $42.79 | 750ml |
| AB | $33.00 | 750ml |
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23 September 2015
90PTS
Quails' Gate Pinot Noir Richard's Block 25th Anniversary 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Anniversary Series is a small group of wine grown on selected family vineyard sites. The pinot is dedicated to Richard Stewart who purchased the original family vineyard in 1956. Richard’s Block is a sleeping giant at this point but with powerful spicy fruit just waiting to explode. The nose is a mix of spice and dark fruits with bits of vanilla and oak. The palate is rich, more New World in style with black cherries, compost and a touch of celery salt. Big warm and spicy th3 2013 vintage was one of the warmest ever on the property and the result is big wines. The fruit comes off two old blocks planted to clones 667, 117 and 115 clones. Lay this down and wait for a decade.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Quails' Gate Stewart Family Reserve Pinot Noir 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe old volcanic slopes at Quails’ Gate are the backdrop to this pinot noir, perhaps the best we have tasted yet from Quails’ Gate. The Family Reserve is a blend of pinot noir clones grown on old vines, 11-28 year old vines on the Mount Boucherie bench. The nose is complex mix of red fruits and spice with a dash of dried herbs with a dry, warm, spicy finish still with some tannin to shed. Try it with baked salmon or duck breast for best results now or cellared it for three to five years. Including the pre-soak the wine spends nearly a month on the skins before spending 10 months in 50% new French oak. 12,000 bottles produced.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Joseph Drouhin Cote de Beaune Rouge 2012
Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceCedar, raspberry, earthy, light animal, compost, carrot top and tobacco aromas. Dry, fresh, elegant, round palate with juicy acidity and light tannins. Smoky, earthy, peppery, cedar, tobacco leaf, sour cherry, rhubarb, chalky, vanilla and leather flavours. Needs a few years yet to soften the tannins and integrate but solid potential.Prices:| BC | $43.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Artesa Pinot Noir 2012
Carneros, Sonoma County, California, United StatesArtesa, a craftsman in Catalan, is a Carneros-based winery owned by Spain’s Raventos family owners of the highly respected cava house Codorníu. The property originally opened as Codorníu Napa in 1991 on a 350-acre estate; it was relaunched in 1997 at Artesa making still wines. The nose is open and inviting with a mix of spices, black tea, black cherry, and compost aromas. The attack is warm with more spice and a gentle vanilla entry with ripe, smoky strawberry jam with a twist of orange. More delicate than you might expect but still with that richer California styling. Grilled duck or BC salmon are two fine pairings. Delicious.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $28.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $40.00 | 750ml |
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22 September 2015
87PTS
Drouhin Vaudon Chablis Réserve de Vaudon 2014
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceGrassy, leafy, green apple, lime aromas. Dry, light, elegant, austere style with vibrant acidity. Lime, green apple skin, peach pit, herbal, grassy flavours with saline note. Good elegance but very tight, austere finish that needs food and some time in bottle. The Réserve de Vaudon is a mix of Drouhin property fruit mostly from the Valley of Vauvillien between the Premier Crus of Montée de Tonnerre and Mont de Milieu. The soil is marine-based containing millions of tiny fossils that once laid on the seabed. The average yield at the domain is just over 55hl/ha roughly five percent below the 60hl/ha limit. The fruit is bio-dynamically grown and the fermentation and ageing is all done in stainless steel for 7 to 8 months.Prices:| BC | $36.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $32.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $32.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Domaine Christian Moreau Chablis 1er Cru Vaillon Cuvée Guy Moreau 2013
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceSpicy, light lees, lemon, grassy nose with bits of honey, baked green apple, struck matchstick, herb and vanilla aromas. Dry, fresh, juicy, round, elegant palate with lime, green apple, salty seashell, grassy, quince and chalk flavours with some lees and seaweed on the finish. Good intensity and length but very youthful despite the texture and structure. Drink now or hold through 2018.Prices:| BC | $43.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $37.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Domaine Christian Moreau Chablis 1er Cru Vaillon 2013
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceFresh lemon, seashell nose with struck matchstick, green apple, herbal/peach aromas. Dry, fresh, elegant, tighter style but with a juicy palate of lemon custard, green apple skin, saline, spicy, grassy, chalky flavours. Good intensity and length with fine complexity. You can drink it now but this will continue to improve with one to three more years in bottle.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $40.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Monte Creek Ranch Chardonnay 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLemon, baked green apple, light tropical fruit salad aromas. Dry, light, lean palate with apple core, lemon, lees, light grassy, buttery flavours. Simple, somewhat oily, short flat finish. Drink now with vegetarian pizza.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Jackson-Triggs Chardonnay Reserve 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight floral buttery apple fruit with a touch of filter pad/cardboard. Similar flavours with a warm mid-palate and more apple, grapefruit butter, grassy flavours. Round, warm, soft, easy to drink. Simple stuff; best with a Margherita pizza.Prices:| BC | $10.49 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Capensis Chardonnay 2013
Western Cape, South AfricaBig baked peach, honey, butter, vanilla, lemon custard nose spiked with spicy lees aromas. Round, dry, full, fresh palate with touch of austerity. Clove, spicy, lemon, baked green apple, diacetyl, grassy, quince and pear flavours. A very citrusy, somewhat tart finish indicates it needs a year in bottle or serve now with rich seafood dishes. Crab anyone?Prices:| BC | $90.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $95.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Intrigue Chardonnay 2014
British Columbia, CanadaLove the freshest here on the nose and the palate. Classic green apple crispness and flavours from this Kelowna-based fruit. Fully ripe but with fine acidity the palate is a mix of ripe apples, mango butter all with a hint of tropical fruit in the finish. A perfect wine for chicken or crab cakes. Well done fine value.Prices:| BC | $16.90 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Monster Vineyards Skinny Dip Chardonnay 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGreen apple, floral, grapefruit and light lees aromas. Round, soft, fresh, somewhat sweet palate with grapefruit, honey, baked pear and a bit of butter. Simple, easy style for a picnic but not much more.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Poplar Grove Chardonnay 2014
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeach, baked apple, honey, light vanilla and grapefruit aromas with a touch of matchstick. Fresh, round, off dry palate with butter, grapefruit, light honey, green apple and canned peach flavours. Simple, easy going style but a bit too ripe and sweet.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Burrowing Owl Chardonnay 2013
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRich butter, vanilla, honey, baked pear, apple, popcorn and peach aromas. Fresh, juicy, creamy palate with spicy lees, vanilla, citrus, baked green apple and guava flavours. Finish is bright and elegant with light vanilla and lees touches. Well made; drink now and over the next two years. From halibut and chicken to cheese, it should all work.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $34.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $33.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $35.50 | 750ml |
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21 September 2015
86PTS
Gray Monk Cabernet Merlot 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA soft ready-to-drink red blend made with red fruit from the southern Okanagan Valley. Post fermentation the juice is aged for 12 months in French and American oak. An honest easy-sipping style red with smoky black fruit with a dollop of vanilla and spice. A partner for most meat dishes. Good valuePrices:| BC | $17.39 | 500ml |
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89PTS
Gray Monk Odyssey Rose Brut Méthode Classique 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis wine has quietly established itself as one of the best rosé sparklers in the valley. Just released the 2012 is on point from its, Provençal-like colour, clean fresh aromas and bright, crisp, clean and dry flavours streaked with cherry/strawberry, citrus, liquorice nutty, toasty flavours. Fine texture. Serve with tempura dishes, calamari and with most appetizers before dinner. Well done.Prices:| BC | $17.39 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Meyer Riesling 2014
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRipe white peach, white florals open this off dry riesling. Herb blossoms, tired bouquet, pear skin, bruised Asian pear and white pepper trails off the oil-slicked medium bodied palate to a bitter grapefruit kissed finish. Showing some sweet and sour notes, pour this with orange sauced Chinese dishes.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
River Stone Pinot Gris 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight floral, green apple, grassy, grapefruit nose with light melon highlights. Fresh, juicy, round palate with lemon grass, pear, light lees, canned grapefruit and spice flavors. Elegant, easy-sipping style for current drinking.Prices:| BC | $17.29 | 750ml |
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86PTS
River Stone Splash 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, floral, pear, grapefruit rind, gooseberry, herb and apple aromas. Fresh, round, elegant palate with a bit of sweetness. Grassy, grapefruit, spicy, honey, green apple and mint flavours. Easy-sipping, summer style with a bit of panache.Prices:| BC | $16.49 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Red Rooster Hen House Sly White 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaChalky, pear, cardboard, grapefruit, spicy, matchstick aromas. Round, easy, fairly sweet and soft palate with baked apple, pear, spicy, butter, earthy, grassy flavours. Simple easy-sipping style that is ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Red Rooster Hen House Ruffled Red 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCedar, cranberry, peppery, black olive, coffee, dried tobacco, cherry and herb aromas. Fresh, round, slightly tannic palate with some sweetness. Cocoa, coffee, peppery, cranberry, dried cherry, smoky, vanilla, cedar and resin flavours. A simple introductory style red wine.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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18 September 2015
89PTS
Le Vieux Pin Ava 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe complexities in this aromatic wine come both the blend (viognier, roussanne, marsanne) and the concentration of the full, perfumed, sun-primed fruit. Very perfumed, floral notes, musk, acacia, ripe pear and overripe melon. Dried herbs, lush peach and welcome bitter pear skin phenolics on the expansive, palate. Exotic orange blossom note closes out the juicy finish. Will continue to deepen with short term cellaring - 2-4 years.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Lariana Cellars Viognier 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWhole cluster pressing and fermentation in concrete eggs and older French oak adds some textured complexity to this viognier, made in consultation with winemaker Senka Tennant, of Terravista Winery. Lime, peach fuzz and green apple aromas. Apricot picks up on the medium palate, along with dried sage, green apple, bitter melon, mandarin and lemon pith. Narrower, focussed style of viognier, with hints of tropical perfume peeking out. Well handled.Prices:| BC | $23.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Quidni Viognier 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLove the elegance here from its lightly honeyed, mineral nose and pear fruit to its long, fresh balanced finished. In between this wine has all the hallmarks of perfectly ripened apricot fruit that is packed full of flavour but not alcohol. Impressive beginning.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Le Paradou Viognier 2014
Sud de France, FranceA pure style of viognier that sees only stainless steel and concrete. Grown on high content limestone at 300 metres above sea level it has a bright acidity and some enticing mid-palate minerality. The palate is a mix of light honey, citrus, white fruit that finishes dry. A fine match or seafood or even asparagus. Good value.Prices:| BC | $12.19 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Château Pesquié Terrasses Blanc 2014
Ventoux, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceChateau Pesquié sits in the Ventoux region overlooking the Rhone Valley. Now a quarter-century old the Chaudière family runs over 100 hectares of vineyards with vines that are all sustainably grown on organic soils. “Terrasses” refers to the terraced vineyards built on the slopes of Ventoux in this case a viognier blended with a little roussanne and clairette. The style is fresh with orange blossoms lemon-lime and mineral notes. Love the balance and medium weight bits of honey and more citrus in the finish — a perfect grilled chicken wine.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $21.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
CedarCreek Platinum Viognier 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWe're a big fan of the fresher, lighter style of viognier and this CedarCreek Platinum is moving into that genre with its floral, spicy, ginger, green apple, perfumed acacia and honey aromas. The attack is juicy, mixing pineapple, peaches, honey and apricots with a fine level of acidity to keep it all fresh. Long and heady, but not too weighty it finishes with more melon, quince and pineapple notes. Try this with rich fish dishes, chicken veal and cheese.Prices:| BC | $27.49 | 750ml |
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17 September 2015
86PTS
Young & Wyse Collection Merlot 2012
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaClassic south Okanagan nose of sagebrush, bay leaf and dried herbs with an undercurrent of cassis and spice. Similar flavours mark the palate with a resiny, oily, peppery, espresso-flecked mix of black fruit with a whack of alcohol. Not for the feint-hearted and really needs a big piece of protein to settled down the rustic edges. Gives this three to five years in bottle for best results.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Quidni Merlot Barrel Select 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Quidni barrel select series is just that, individual barrels selected from a bunch; in this instance they made only 42 cases. The nose is a bit reminiscent of Chilean merlot with notes of bay leaf and sagebrush. You get the coolness of 2011 and the acidity that pokes through the along the bottom of the wine. I like the weight and freshness the tannins are well managed but the tartness is difficult to overcome. The wine is aged in French oak. Try it now with a juicy slice of roast beef or let it age another two to three years.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Tinhorn Creek Merlot 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA touch reductive upon opening with plenty of coffee, smoky toasted oak and cooked plum notes. The attack is silky smooth, almost soupy, with more chocolate, coffee, and minty cherry notes. The finish is medium long with some chewy tannins and a warm, savoury black fruit finish. This is a barbecue red with grilled ribs and burgers at the top of my list.Prices:| BC | $17.49 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Gold Hill Merlot 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaI’d like to say there was less new oak here this year but at the very least there is much more intense, black cherry fruit on the nose. The attack is firm and well-structured with rich but soft tannins and more black cherry fruit poking through. The finish is fresh but not over the top acidic and warm with classic, savoury, dried herbs and tobacco. A solid effort that should get better in the bottle over the next two years.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Bisquertt La Joya Gran Reserva Merlot 2014
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileThere is no mistaking the nose as anything but Chile with its wild boldo notes. Pepper, bay leaf, tobacco and cherries dominate the nose and the palate. What we do like is the elegance and softness of the wine. No overbearing oak or smoke, not too much chocolate. Best with a midweek barbecue of flank steak or stroganoff.Prices:| BC | $17.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bisquertt Ecos de Rulo El Chequen Estate Merlot 2012
Valle de Marchigue, Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe Ecos de Rulo wines are estate bottled Colchagua Valley. The 2012 is a 90/10 mix of Marchihue merlot and petit verdot that opens with an attractive, bay leaf, spicy boldo nose with bits of cassis and black fruit and vanilla. The attack is elegant with very smooth, silky tannins and bright, savoury cherry fruit with some acidity poking through the back end. The winery suggest pairing it with lamb or pork.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Wild Goose Merlot 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFresh, menthol minty smoky cedar nose with savoury, gamy hints. The attack is round upfront with an immediate buildup of tannins from front to back under notes of black cherry, resin, licorice, tobacco leaf and sour cherry flavours. Tart savoury spicy notes mark the finish. This really needs some time in the bottle, two to three years, or a piece of grilled meat at the moment.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Thornhaven Merlot 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGamey, tobacco, vanilla, barnyard aromas. The attack is very dry with a round but somewhat light palate and dry tannins grabbing your tongue at the back end. Too much oak and smoke dominates a small amount of fruit flecked with tobacco, leather and resin, leafy flavours. This needs a big juicy hamburger to balance off the dry tannins.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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16 September 2015
88PTS
Gold Hill Winery Cabernet Franc 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaStewed rhubarb and earthy black cherry aromas. The herbal-soaked palate carries red and black currants, raspberries, choke cherries, twine and light smoked sage. Tannis are a bit ragged rustic, though will be resolved easily with burgers or pork chops.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
River Stone Cabernet Franc 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBlack liquorice, ripe cassis, dried blueberry, dark chocolate, perfumed dark florals open the nose of this dense, compact, cedar lined cabernet franc and carries onto the full bodied palate. Tannins are ripe and on the gummy side, though the acidity helps carry all the heft. Quite floral and peppery on the finish, though ends rustically at this point. Pour with roast lamb.Prices:| BC | $22.59 | 750ml |
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15 September 2015
86PTS
Ca’ Momi Rosso di Napa 2013
Napa Valley, California, United StatesRosso di Napa is meant to be an easy sipping blend of cabernet Sauvignon, merlot, zinfandel and petit sirah, albeit from Napa Valley vineyards owned by the winery. The nose is a mix of meaty, earthy mushroom strawberry and raspberry flavors that mark the palate as well. With added mocha and coffee vanilla notes. The attack is round with a long warm spicy finish. Best with grilled meats or chicken that can soak up some of the sweet fruit and oak.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.52 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Septima Malbec 2013
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaSavoury, herbal, vanilla, black cherry, licorice, tobacco, light barnyard, peppery, floral aromas. Fresh, ripe, smooth and elegant palate with a touch of tannins. Black cherry, coffee, roasted beets, tobacco leaf, licorice, savoury flavours with a smoky, herbal finish. Good solid finesse offering solid value.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Layer Cake Malbec 2013
Mendoza, ArgentinaBig smoky, savoury nose with black cherry, plum, chocolate, roasted mushroom aromas flecked with cardamom, tobacco, cola and dried, weedy herbs. Round, fresh, ripe, smooth, warm palate with black cherry jam, compost, tobacco, licorice, poultry spice, cocoa, and olive flavours. A bit warm and herbal but solid intensity and ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $22.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $26.00 | 750ml |
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14 September 2015
85PTS
St. Hubertus Pinot Blanc 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight matchstick, citrus rind, green apple, floral aromas, fairly simple profile. Fresh, crisp, creamy but somewhat sweet and sour palate with light honey, pear, butter, grapefruit and baked apple flavours. Elegant but the finish is just a bit too sweet and sour to entice.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Black Hills Alibi 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA decade on Alibi remains consistent and if anything is better as winemaker Graham Pierce slims down the fruit and alcohol and amps up the acidity. The 2014 is a 76/24 mix of sauvignon blanc/sémillon and we love that the alcohol is down to 12.7 percent. It really gives Alibi a fresher demeanour. The former sees no oak, the latter is barrel fermented in puncheons allowing the figs and tropical fruit to show through. Lastly the savoury finish with a touch of bitters takes it to a whole other realm of sophistication. Seafood please.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Inniskillin Okanagan Discovery Series Chenin Blanc 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGentle honeysuckle and white flowers opens this waxy chenin, sourced from Oliver vineyards. Medicinal herbs, meadow, yellow apple, apricots and fleshy white peach fill the palate, pierced with a bracing spearmint note on the finish. Off-dry and moderate acidity, pour this with herb crusted pork or glazed ham.Prices:| BC | $14.79 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Clos du Soleil Grower's Series Pinot Blanc Middle Bench Vineyard 2014
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom the Clos du Soleil Grower's Series collection this pinot blanc comes from the Middle Bench Vineyard in Keremeos. Perfumed orchard fruits greet immediately on the nose - pear, yellow apples, white peach - and a top note of stone and wildflowers. These notes carry onto the bright palate, where subtle honey, lightly creamy lees and ample fine stony spice comes into play. Lovely, stone-driven, elegant and bright example of what pinot blanc, handled well, can achieve. Halibut would be a great choice here.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Bartier Bros. Semillon 2013
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCerqueira Vineyard is making a special case for it terroir as expressed by Michael Bartier’s semillon. The gently western sloping vineyard land on the lower side of Black Sage Road, nestled between Oliver and Osoyoos is home to calcium carbonate covered granite stones. Quintessential Okanagan terroir jumps out of this glass in the form of dried herbs, nettle, sagebrush, wild flowers and muted apricot fruit. Slim but chalky with fabulous acidity this is the real thing. Should live forever. Serve with just about anything. Some 80 percent of the juice was fermented concrete; the remainder in stainless steel with 4 weeks of post fermentation lees contact. Delicious.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Laughing Stock Vineyards Blind Trust White +07/10 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe ’14 Blind Trust is a 50/20/18/12 mix of pinot gris, viognier, pinot blanc and roussanne an Okanagan Rhone marriage that works. A warm vintage has pumped up the mid-palate but the BT still has a fresh and lively under carriage to carry the honey and ripe red apple fruit. The finish is suitably weighty and long. A wonderful turkey wine or serve with your favourite soft cheese.Prices:| BC | $25.10 | 750ml |
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88PTS
JoieFarm Pinot Blanc 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaJoieFarm sources its pinot blanc from 27 year old St. Hubertus Vineyard in Kelowna. The 2014 is a delicious off dry version with beautiful, ripe, red apple aromas and flavours mixed with sweet tangerine and roses. Keeping the sugar in check is a stony, mineral finish with fresh acidity. You could serve this floral, bright white solo on the patio, well-chilled and wow the pre-dinner crowd or pair it up with something that carries a little spice.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Burrowing Owl Pinot Gris 2014
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis full, creamy pinot gris opens with baked apple, lemon and apricot which carries through to the leesy palate. Wild herbs, meadow flowers, green fig, bitter lemon and musk melon carries to the lightly spiced end. Carries a fair bit of heat on the finish - pour alongside ling cod with grilled peaches.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.75 | 750ml |
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11 September 2015
90PTS
Joseph Drouhin Cote de Beaune Blanc 2012
Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceFrom estate grapes on the Côte de Beaune as well as some declassified wine from the young vines off the famous Clos des Mouches vineyard. Expressive honeycomb, green apple and citrus aromas open this medium bodied, creamy white, one plumped by a year in barrel (20 percent new). Lively fine citrus lifts the palate, carrying light nuts, honey, stony mineral and fine lees. Lovely persistent toast on the finish. Very harmonious now, but will reward with 2-4 more years in the cellar. A rare overachieving white wine.Prices:| BC | $39.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Painted Rock Chardonnay 2013
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis potent, full-bodied chardonnay opens with eraser, green apple, pear skin and whiffs of rubber. Huge toast, green apple and stones ride the phenolic palate, with savoury spicing and broken stones on the lingering finish. Still in its youth, this should merge and settle over the coming year and easily hold for five more.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Quails' Gate Chardonnay 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA fantastic, fresh, dry direction for Quails' Gate under winemaker Nikki Callaway. Bright white florals, lemon blossom, melon and light clove aromas. The juicy palate is more of the same, with abundant ripe musk melon, vanilla peach jam and lime pith spice. A touch of cream on the palate plumps up gently and subtly, carrying all this ripe Okanagan fruit. Well done. Pour with poultry.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $21.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $23.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $23.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Tantalus Chardonnay 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSubtle lemon pith, biscuit and stones on the nose of this structured chardonnay. The fresh, textured, medium bodied palate draws bitter lemon, white grapefruit, cereals and herbs to a lemon pith spiced finish. Lovely savoury subtleties and restraint throughout. This wine is beginning to find its way.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
JoieFarm Chardonnay Un-Oaked (ii) 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRipe, candied apple and banana aromas open this fruity chardonnay, sourced from vineyards on Skaha Bluff and Naramata Bench. Light pear, perfumed red apple lead the round, fruit-salad palate, joined by banana, tropical gummies before finishing with a bitter herbal and powdery note. Though the RS is 1.1g/L, finishes sweet and disjointed.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Nk'Mip Cellars Qwam Qwmt Chardonnay 2013
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHoney, peach, light matchstick, vanilla, spicy, waxy, smoky lees aromas with a touch of pear and baked apple. Round, fresh, soft palate with smoky vanilla, citrus, peach, honey, butterscotch flavours with a light vanilla, nutty lees finish. Good finesse and elegance if a bit leesy. Could use a year to fully integrate but ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Marisco The King's Legacy Chardonnay 2013
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandFull and creamy, but with a spire of citrus freshness, this chardonnay is sourced from a mature plot in the centre of the Wairau Valley, as well as from younger vines in Brancott Valley. Partial whole bunch press, partial wild ferment and ten months on lees (50 percent new wood) amps up the mouth-feel and body, with toasty wood, cream, popcorn, green apple and lemon curd ruling the show. A touch clunky and finishing with noticeable heat, but nothing that cream-based pastas wouldn't easily fix.Prices:| BC | $17.39 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Errazuriz Max Reserva Chardonnay 2013
Aconcagua Costa, Valle de Aconcagua, Region de Aconcagua, ChileSpicy, nutty lees, baked apple, garlic, citrus, vanilla and pear aromas but seems light in the intensity. Dry, fresh, elegant and delicate palate with lees, garlic, toasty, grapefruit, green apple and lanolin flavours with some vanilla and citrus on the finish. Somewhat leesy, cooler style with a touch of bitterness that lacks concentration or length in this vintage.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.25 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Louis Bernard Vacqueyras 2013
Vacqueyras, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceBig black raspberry jam, licorice, peppery, floral, chocolate and light garrigue aromas but very fresh. Dry, round, elegant, plush palate with very light, soft tannins. Smoky, licorice, black olive, black raspberry, plum, thyme and cardamom flavours with a touch of blood orange and meat on the finish. Very forward style with finesse and lots of fruit for current drinking. The grenache is very dominant now so enjoy it while its young.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Eau Vivre Riesling 2013
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFresh, skinny, dry, modern style riesling made for food. The attack is tart and lemony with spare, mineral, stony, chalky flavours. This is the perfect shellfish wine although oysters would be my choice to temper the acidity. Good effort. Fair price.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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10 September 2015
90PTS
Tohu Mugwi Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2012
Awatere Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandOpen nose with nutty, grapefruit rind, canned jalapeno, floral, lemon grass, green apple, honey, passion fruit, vanilla and waxy lees aromas. Fresh, round, juicy and dry palate with good elegance and acidity. Lemon grass, passion fruit, grassy, gooseberry, nettle, lees, waxy flavours. Good complexity and finesse if a bit leesy. Nice use of wild yeast and more neutral oak.Prices:| NZ | $22.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tohu Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandTight upon opening with lees, kiwi, grapefruit, canned jalapeno, light asparagus, passion fruit aromas. With time in the glass it develops a round, fresh, juicy, creamy texture that leads into a racy palate with grapefruit, honey, floral, passion fruit, light asparagus and nettle flavours. Delicate, flavourful and lengthy finish, a fine effort.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Seresin Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandThe Seresin SB comes off three vineyards, 18 blocks all certified organic and selected from three different soils: alluvial, alluvial shingles and clay. The blend is 94/6 sauvignon blanc/sémillon from seven clones. Complexity is the goal here and frankly should be the goal for the other 98 percent of Kiwi SB sold in Canada. About 15 percent of the naturally fermented juice spend time in oak. The colour is medium yellow, the nose nettles and ripe tropical fruits with perfectly styled acidity. The palate is complex with chalky textures and more ripe melon fruit with a squeeze of citrus. Blessedly dry. Chicken, cheese, veal it all works here. BravoPrices:| BC | $27.59 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Peller Estates Peller Family Select Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGooseberry, lime, grapefruit, green apple aromas with a bit of bell pepper and grass. Fresh, juicy, creamy, off dry palate with canned grapefruit, light bell pepper, passion fruit and green apple flavours. Simple but attractive easy-sipping style. Solid value.Prices:| BC | $11.29 | 750ml |
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09 September 2015
91PTS
Nichol Vineyard Syrah 2012
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWhat would you expect from the oldest syrah vines planed in Canada, growing on sloping granite at the northern end of the Naramata Bench? Yup, all that and more, can be found in this sustainably farmed, unfiltered and textured red. Broken stone, wild blackberry and thorn aromas open the savoury, medium bodied red. Alluring violets lead the fresh palate, with dried and fresh herbs, black cherry, wild raspberry, stone and fine pepper supported by finely grippy tannins. A vein of tight acidity throughout, to the lingering peppery finish. Finessed, savoury, serious, drinking very well now in youth but will reward with five plus years in the cellar.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Spadefoot Toad Syrah 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoked meat, bramble, earth and cassis opens this full bodied, smooth syrah. Dense black fruit, medicinal cherry and toasted cedar are carried by smoothed, suede-like tannins, a benefit of 2011 being the current release. Bitter black cherry takes over the powdery finish, and would welcome matching with roast beef and jus.Prices:| BC | $44.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tinhorn Creek Oldfield Series Syrah 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRoasted meats, grilled onion and light smoke open this southern Okanagan syrah, with grapes coming from both the Black Sage Bench and Golden Mile Bench. Dense, ripe and chewy black fruit pervades the roasted notes on the full palate, with leather and espresso lingering on the finish. Ample tannins are a bit sticky, and the finish carries a bit of heat; this would be a great match with beef short ribs or lamb shank.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Gold Hill Syrah 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPersistent cracked pepper and stewed beef open the nose of this massive southern Okanagan syrah. Roasted onions, stewed meats, steak spice dominate the palate, sitting atop powdery, grippy tannins. The finish is warm. Pour this alongside a hearty, fall, beef stew.Prices:| BC | $23.39 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Burrowing Owl Syrah 2012
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCoffee, vanilla, black cherry jam, meaty, light game nose with classic cool peppery, poultry spice, tobacco and clove aromas. Quite oaky overall. Dry, fresh, round, juicy palate with some light, dry tannins. Vanilla, chocolate, peppery, gamey, licorice and sausage meat flavours with some gingerbread and dried cherry on the finish. All good but this needs a few years to dampen the strong oak and integrate it into the wine.Prices:| BC | $29.79 | 750ml |
| AB | $41.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Spadefoot Toad Syrah 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaEarthy, roasted bell pepper, savoury nose with spices, menthol, saddle leather, meaty, coffee, tea leaf and licorice aromas with light Band-Aid note. Round, smooth, dry and elegant palate with lychee, black cherry, meaty, cigar, roast bell pepper, vanilla, coffee grind, leather and prune flavours. Finish has some black pepper and light barnyard notes. Balanced and forward but overall it finishes a bit too rustic. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $44.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Louis Bernard Crozes Hermitage 2013
Rhone Valley, FranceMedium cherry colour leads to sausage meat, saddle leather, caraway, black pepper and black licorice notes mixed with roasted bell pepper, tobacco and black cherry aromas all with a bit of tapenade. Dry, fresh, elegant attack but light bodied across the palate with light tannins and more black pepper, smoked meat, savoury, tobacco leaf, caraway with a touch of black cherry. Needs a year to round out but shows cooler style characters and lacks the depth and concentration of previous vintages.Prices:| BC | $24.49 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Thornhaven Syrah 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeppery, black cherry, savoury, licorice, with light meat aromas mix with smoky herb and tobacco leaf. Dry, fresh, lighter bodied style but somewhat lean and tart with low mid-palate. Black cherry, smoky, caraway, roast bell pepper, light vanilla, tobacco and meat flavours. Solid varietal but lacking concentration, ripeness and length. Needs food like grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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08 September 2015
90PTS
Tightrope Winery Riesling 2014
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA small vineyard on Naramata Bench yields this bright, expressive riesling. Green apple, pear, pear butter and fine spice lead the nose of this off-dry white, while anise, lemon oil and lime cushion a slick, focused and oily palate. Very interesting fennel lime juiciness through the lingering finish. Well-handled, characterful wines from a relatively new winery. One to watch in the future.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Arrowleaf Solstice Pinot Noir 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPunching above price, as ever, Arrowleaf strikes gold with their 2012 Solstice pinot. Darker raspberry, cherry and subtle earthy branch opens this fruit-forward, lighter bodied red. Whiffs of resin and tar play against the fragrant raspberry, cherry and pretty perfumed plum on the finely boned palate. Well balanced, drinking well now and will hold for a couple of years easily in the cellar.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Seven of Hearts Chatte D'Avignon GSM 2012
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesSeven of Hearts may be Dundee Oregon-based and the grapes for this GSM come from the Oregon side of the Columbia River, but the appellation Columbia Valley belongs to Washington, thus, it carries a "Columbia Valley Washington" appellation. Once you make it past the arcane labelling laws, you can tuck into this Rhone inspired blend. Ripe red cherry, leather, dark fig opens this slightly sticky, fuller red. Fortunately, there's a currant of acidic lift on the palate, but overripe red fruit weighs down the whole. It's a shame, because there is some lovely floral and finessed fruit hidden underneath, peeking through. Still, a smoothed, pretty and earthy red blend to pour alongside grilled pork chops and yams.Prices:| USA | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Poplar Grove The Legacy 2011
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOxo cubes, black pepper, tobacco, resin, coffee, smoky nose with rosemary, menthol, cedar, cassis and dried herb aromas. Dry, elegant, tight and slightly skinny palate with cassis, peppery, cranberry flavours mixed with caraway, smoky, vanilla, coffee and tobacco flavours. Finish is warm, short and oaky with light pruny, leafy notes. Drinkable now with grilled meats while you wait for the 2010.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Osoyoos Larose 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen, peppery, tobacco, Oxo cube, inky, earthy, licorice nose with black berry, prune and savoury herb aromas. Dry, full, rich but austere palate with some grainy, astringent tannins. Juicy with cassis, cranberry, peppery, savoury, thyme, clove, vanilla, green bean, chocolate, leather and tobacco flavours. Finish has some tea and black olive notes but is quite dry. Needs 2-4 years more in bottle to soften out. A reserved red from a cool year.Prices:| BC | $39.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $45.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $45.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Road 13 GSM Low Yield Wines 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGrenache, syrah, mourvèdre is splashed with a dribble of viognier in this spicy, succulent and finessed red blend from the Road 13 Low Yield Wines series. Cracked pepper, black plum, dark cherry, florals and light leather lay across fine, lightly gummy tannins. Warm, brambled plum jam carries out the lightly spiced, heated finish. Pour with grilled sausages, mustard and cracked grains.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Gold Hill Cabernet Merlot 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRipe dark berry, red currant and smoked twine aromas open this full, round big red. The palate is sticky with overripe fruit, along with dark chocolate, dates and medicinal cherry notes. Tannins soft and gummy, ending with a powdery, drying finish and noticeable heat.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Poplar Grove The Legacy 2010
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPlum, black pepper, leather, tobacco, savoury, earthy, black olive, vanilla and cedar aromas. Dry, fresh, round, elegant, slightly leaner entry with savoury, peppery, prune, black cherry, espresso, leather, tobacco, minty, inky, cranberry flavours. Warm, chalky tea tannins on the finish but has good intensity and overall balance. Should improve with 1-3 years further bottle aging. A very good 2010.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Conundrum Red 2012
California, United StatesCandied cherry and raspberry aromas mark the nose of this sweet red. Simple, candied berry and red and black liquorice on the juicy palate. Tannins are smoothed and finish powdery. Simple, sweet red juice for those who like this style, though for $23 / bottle in BC, we think this is not the best bang for your wine buying buck.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $24.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $24.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $26.80 | 750ml |
| NB | $29.99 | 750ml |
| NFL | $29.26 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $25.99 | 750ml |
| PEI | $26.39 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Burrowing Owl Athene 2012
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAthene (a-THEE-nee) takes its name from the biological genus of the Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia. The fruit, syrah and cabernet sauvignon are co-fermented and then aged for 21 months in a mix of French, American and Hungarian oak is all off Oliver's Black Sage Bench. The nose opens with black pepper, black berry, cedar, licorice and light balsamic, smoky oak, vanilla, savoury, clove and leather aromas. Dry, tight, entry with light, grainy tannins. Coffee, chocolate, clove, gingerbread, cassis, resin, licorice, rooty, pruny flavours. Solid balance with some strong oak and black tea tannins to integrate over the next few years. Best now with grilled meats and game.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $45.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $45.00 | 750ml |
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07 September 2015
88PTS
Henry of Pelham Cuvée Catharine Rosé Brut NV
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaA lovely pale pink hue, this subtly scented rosé bubble carries pear and citrus blossom to the light and lively palate. Toast, red apple, wild strawberry, thorns and subtle lees, brightened by currant laced acidity. Finish is a touch off dry, welcoming pouring with figs and prosciutto or smoked salmon on blini.Prices:| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Volcanic Hills Gewurztraminer 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRipe lemon, orange marmalade and lime pith entice to a medium bodied palate. Anise and wild herbal notes are lifted with rosewater, ginger spices and moderate acidity. Well handled.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Benjamin Bridge Vēro 2014
Gaspereau Valley, Nova Scotia, CanadaThis tight, light white is pierced with key lime and perfumed with white flowers. A blend of chardonnay, ortega, sauvignon blanc, vidal and riesling, Vēro is a tight and zippy coastal white, with lean gooseberry, lime, light acacia and searing acidity gobbling up 17 g/l of residual sugar and finishing just off-dry. A powdery/chalky note lingers on the lime pith finish. Ten percent alcohol makes this fresh white ideal for brunch, though be sure to partner off this acidity with something that can handle it.Prices:| NS | $22.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Nichol Vineyard Nine Mile Red 2013
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNine Mile was named after the original name of the current village of Naramata and this singular blend of St. Laurent and Pinot Noir is certainly original - and tasty. Planted in 1990 on granite bedrock, this is a serious, gulpable lighter red. Youthful strawberry, raspberry jam with very perfumed and fragrant florals lifted with bright acidity. Unfined and unfiltered, with fine grained tannins lending support and structure.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
JoieFarm Muscat The Pure Grape (v) 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaClear your mind of any sweet muscat you've tried before. This single vineyard Naramata Bench white is pretty much dry with a well-handled bump of residual sugar to remind you what grape you’re dealing with. Floral and fruity, from crystalline lime to pear blossom to tangerine to honeydew to fragrant freesia. Blending moscato giallo (yellow muscat) and moscato canelli (white muscat) equals a juicy, expressive white, lively and vibrant on the palate and ending with exotic spices. A lovely 11.4 percent alcohol dinner white that is perfect for fragrant Thai green curry and papaya salad.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Conundrum White 2013
California, United StatesA mixed bag of grapes makes up this off-dry, aromatic blend - a floral and tropical fruit salad of ripe pears, lychee, apricot and peaches. Baked apples, ginger spice, peach jam and vanilla bean make up the round palate, kept fresh with some pink grapefruit juiciness. Floral fruit salad in a glass.Prices:| BC | $22.79 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $26.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $26.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $27.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $27.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $27.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Hester Creek Old Vines Block 16 Trebbiano 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMade from plus 30-year old trebbiano grapes, unique in North America, this fresh Hester Creek white has become an Okanagan cult wine. The nose and attack is bright and fresh, the palate a mix of orchard and tropical fruit flavours including peach, passionfruit, ripe pear, citrus and red apples. Partial whole-cluster lends a cushion of structured depth, while a twist of key lime brightens the crisp finish. A stylish, unique sipper that complements milder / moderately spiced curries.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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06 September 2015
88PTS
Seven Directions Pinot Noir Rosé 2014
West Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis tight, lean and herbal-laced pinot noir rosé opens with citrus, lime and early raspberries. Strawberries, blossoms, pear and white pepper close out the bright finish. Well done - would love to see more dry, light and fruity restrained styles like this out of the Okanagan.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Hester Creek Pinot Gris 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe quiet, closed nose reveals light citrus. The medium bodied palate is leesy, with pear yoghurt, red apple and sweet spices. Disjointed at this time. Will re-taste in a month or two.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Red Rooster Cabernet Franc Icewine NV
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis tawny hued cabernet franc icewine carries heaps of brown sugar, maple and hoisin sauce on a very sweet, unctuous palate. Apple butter, apple pie and nutmeg finish with a tangy twist. Try with Black Forest Cake or chocolate covered cherries.Prices:| BC | $70.00 | 375ml |
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87PTS
G. Marquis The Silver Line Ice Rosé Méthode Classique NV
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaA glowing orange pink hue, this pinot noir/cabernet franc sparkling leads with smoked berry and stone. The assertive, toasty and full palate shows herbal branch, toasty lees and baking spice. If you need a gutsy rosé bubble to stand up to flavoursome and spicy tapas, look no further.Prices:| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Peller Estates Sparkling Ice Cuvée Rosé NV
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaA light pink hue blend of pinot noir, chardonnay and gamay, though the candied fruity gamay dominates this rosé bubble. Sweeter red apple, candied strawberry and a dusty earthy berry undertone lead this gentle, fruity sparkler, the berry fruit supported nimbly by currant-kissed acidity. Would pair well with lox and bagels or savoury waffles for brunch.Prices:| ON | $35.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Inniskillin Niagara Reserve Shiraz Cabernet 2012
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaBlackberry, cassis over an undercurrent of dried fruits. Branch and tar dominate the peppery, resinous and fuller bodied palate, though there is a brisk freshness to carry the bitter black fruit through the finish. Tannins are ripe and end a touch ragged. Pour this syrah/cabernet franc blend along with steak or venison.Prices:| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Inniskillin Okanagan Riesling Icewine Dark Horse Vineyard 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery ripe pear, eraser and lemon curd lead this this classically styled, full bodied riesling icewine. Lemon pith and candied lemon peel lift the generous palate through to honeysuckle, stone and lingering plastic/beachball finish. Very sweet. Retasted summer 2015.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 200ml |
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04 September 2015
89PTS
de Lancelloti Pinot Noir Lachini Vineyard 2013
Chehalem Mountain , Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesVery spicy, light menthol, plum, strawberry, floral, carrot top, celery salt, tobacco, cedar and vanilla aromas with a touch of dried green herb. Dry, fresh, juicy, slightly tannic palate but round and elegant again. Strawberry, cherry, celery root, coffee, peppery, tobacco leaf, vanilla and savoury flavours. Very good finesse but needs 1-2 years to fully integrate the light tannins.Prices:| AB | $89.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
de Lancelloti Pinot Noir Famiglia 2013
Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesLight ruby colour with spicy, floral, strawberry, tobacco leaf, caraway, light olive, peppery, vanilla aromas with a hint of barnyard. Dry, fresh, slightly tight palate but very elegant and round. Strawberry jam, peppery, tobacco, light blood orange, savoury herb and vanilla flavours. Needs a year or two to finish integrating the light herbal tea tannins on the finish but there is fine elegance in what is an earlier drinking style.Prices:| AB | $49.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
JoieFarm En Famille Reserve Pinot Noir 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom vineyards in Naramata Bench, Skaha Bench and Summerland and across six clones, this ripe, sharp and smooth pinot noir blends seriousness with fun. Fragrant cedar, raspberries and baked cherry nose. The fuller palate carries ample sun-plump fruit - cherries, cranberries, plums - nimbly, with fine grained tannins and lifted, shining acidity. Perfumed black currant and violet gummies lend a lick of sweetness to the finish. Wood is well-checked and supportive; pour with duck accented with plum or cherries.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Coolshanagh Chardonnay 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCoolshanagh is a meeting place of friends and a spectacular, small vineyard that sits some 7 kilometres north of Naramata on the path to Chute Lake. Owners Skip and Judy Stothert work with Okanagan Crush Pad winemaker Matt Dumayne to make this standoffish, stony mineral chardonnay that comes with medium intensity, dusty, chalky, green apple fruit flavours. The 2013 is the best yet revealing its true nature thanks to the use of large neutral oak barriques, egg-shaped concrete vats and careful lees aging. A halibut natural, it can work with oysters and seafood pasta dishes.Prices:| BC | $33.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Burrowing Owl Pinot Noir 2013
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, vanilla, bacon, peppery, tobacco nose mixed with cherry, compost and cocoa aromas. Round, soft, juicy but slightly tart and warm with rhubarb, strawberry jam, vanilla, cocoa, tobacco, chocolate and resin flavours with a bit of orange spice. Seems a bit cooked and acidic at this point and will need another year in bottle for the oak to better integrate. Best now with grilled salmon.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $38.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $40.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Errazuriz Max Reserva Pinot Noir 2013
Aconcagua Costa, Valle de Aconcagua, Region de Aconcagua, ChileLight cherry, smoky, tobacco, lees, worsteshire, meaty, carrot top, compost aromas with a bit of vanilla, coffee and strawberry jam. Dry, elegant but lean, tighter palate. Smoky, compost, tobacco leaf, black tea, rhubarb, coffee, carrot and herb flavours. Very unbalanced and tart on the finish. Needs food to counter but disappointing for the region.Prices:| NS | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Thornhaven Decadence 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPale ruby colour with strawberry jam, orange peel, floral, licorice, five-spice aromas with some light barnyard and leather notes. Fresh, elegant, light palate with moderate sweetness and candied orange, strawberry jam, spicy, earthy, clay flavours. Fun style sweet wine for simple desserts.Prices:| BC | $14.90 | 375ml |
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86PTS
Thornhaven Pinot Meunier 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, gamey, peppery, tobacco, licorice nose with cherry aromas. Dry, fresh, juicy, elegant but slightly lean palate. Sour cherry, herbal, tobacco, licorice, orange, light chocolate and raspberry flavours. Good finesse and juicy. Showing better balance than its sister pinot noir from this vintage.Prices:| BC | $17.90 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Thornhaven Pinot Noir 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaEarthy, worsteshire, compost, peppery, savoury nose with light barnyard and sour cherry aromas with some reduced notes too. Dry, light, tart, elegant but lean palate with cranberry, dusty, tobacco leaf, rhubarb, celery and coffee flavours. Very dry, lean, cool style with some astringent tannins.Prices:| BC | $14.90 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Closson Chase The Brock Chardonnay 2013
Prince Edward County, Ontario, CanadaOpen waxy, leesy, light baked apple, honey, pear nose with lemon aromas and a touch of reductive garlic lees. The attack is dry and fresh with fine elegance, a slightly oily texture with more spicy lees, baked apple, pear, artichoke, butter, vanilla, grassy flavours. A delicate style with fine intensity and length with a buttery finish. A wonderful dinner wine. Should age well for five to seven years. Good value.Prices:| BC | $20.89 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Closson Chase Closson Chase Vineyard Chardonnay 2013
Prince Edward County, Ontario, CanadaBig sulphur-y, struck matchstick nose with nutty lees, garlic, lemon, baked pear, green apple, vanilla, light floral, butter aromas. Dry, fresh, elegant, juicy palate with fine intensity. More lemon, baked green apple, lees, garlic, butter, vanilla, toasty, grassy, chalky flavours. Excellent flavours and intensity but initially marred by excess sulphur use. It will dissipate over time but why not reduce it at the source. Wait there years before you open this.Prices:| ON | $27.95 | 750ml |
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03 September 2015
88PTS
Benjamin Bridge Tidal Bay 2014
Gaspereau Valley, Nova Scotia, CanadaTidal Bay is not only the name for this wine (and many others from Nova Scotia), it is the first wine appellation for Nova Scotia, launched in 2012. Off-dry, this blend includes l'acadie blanc and ortega in a tidy 9.5 percent alcohol package. Pear drop, perfumed apple blossom, roses, lime gummies and bitter lime leaf are anchored by crisp, racy granny smith apple and a powdery, chalky mouthfeel. Works well with spicy foods, including Thai or Japanese flavours.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $22.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $22.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Benjamin Bridge Nova 7 2013
Gaspereau Valley, Nova Scotia, CanadaPale peach hue, this light, grapey, effervescent drop clocks in at 7 percent alcohol. Mid-sweet, it's brightened with lime, pear drops and lemon gummies and sheared with ripping pithy grapefruit acidity. Lively and fun, reminds me of the wine I used to drink as a child (ahem) though at approximately three times the price. A blend of Nova Scotian grapes, some of which are muscat and variations therein. Hello brunch.Prices:| NS | $25.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Benjamin Bridge Cabernet Franc Rosé 2014
Gaspereau Valley, Nova Scotia, CanadaTheir inaugural vintage of this Cabernet Franc Rosé is not just a first for sparkling wine-renown house Benjamin Bridge, but also for Nova Scotia. These late harvest grapes were harvested early November - a risky proposition, though entirely worth it. Cabernet franc's herbal, leafiness is entwined with a crisp salinity and bright cranberry, cherry, blood orange, pink grapefruit fruit. Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, basil) surprise, as well as the concentrated elegance. 10.5 percent alcohol makes this a winner any time of the day.Prices:| NS | $23.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $23.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Black Hills Per Se 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA treat for wine club members, this 62/38 cabernet franc/syrah opens with a fragrant, peppery, clove, vanilla, gingerbread nose flecked with poultry spice, black berry jam, cedar, meaty, cranberry aromas. Full, round, juicy, warm palate with some light tannins. Vanilla, orange spice, black pepper, gamey, cigar, clove, ginger, licorice, coffee and dark chocolate flavours. It finishes rich and warm with attractive fruit with still some oak and tannins to integrate. One to keep in the cellar.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Black Hills Nota Bene 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2013 opens with a savoury, peppery, crushed leaf, tobacco nose flecked with resin, leesy, black olive, green bean, coffee, vanilla and cassis aromas. Dry, fresh, round, elegant, slightly lean entry with reasonably smooth tannins. Coffee, black pepper, black olive, tobacco, cassis, inky, Oxo, cedar, cranberry, black tea and vanilla flavours. As always this needs a three to five years to gather itself and round out the oak and slightly green tannins. Best with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $53.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
One Faith Vineyards Grand Vin 2012
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAn imposing price for a first time release and wine with no named vineyard sources other than the Black Sage Bench. The colour is inky black with licorice, tobacco leaf, meaty, resin, compost notes mixed with chocolate, vanilla, wet concrete and black olive aromas. Dry, fresh, elegant entry with light, well managed tannins. The flavours are a mix of juicy cassis, tobacco, cedar and black pepper flecked with earth, dark chocolate, kirsch, licorice root and gamey, black olive flavours. The finish is long and polished with lots of vanilla and coffee throughout. All in all a good start. The aromas are subdued and lacking in fruit but this is a very polished style that will improve in the bottle over the next three to five years.Prices:| BC | $175.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Cháteau Peyros Madiran Tannat Cabernet Franc 2010
Madiran, Sud-Ouest, FranceEven better than 2009 in my opinion beginning with its fragrant, bright red fruit nose flecked with savoury, tobacco, pepper and black currants. The attack is dry and juicy and while the fruit is rich and dense there is some elegance too. Love the rich meaty, smoky, black fruit finish. Youthful and needs time but you can easily pour it now with grilled flank steak. Good value.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Roche Pinot Gris 2013
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPear, floral, light honey, leesy, spicy aromas. Dry, fresh, elegant and creamy palate but somewhat lean and tight. More lemon, green apple, pear, lees, light butter flavours with a light spice note. Good finesse and racy with a hint of vanilla and some tart acidity in the back end. Should improve over the next one tot here years and will work well with lighter seafood. Think Chablis-Meursault meets pinot grigio.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Road 13 Jackpot Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA cool year presents a challenge for cabernet sauvignon but this south facing block has history of ripening most years. The nose is classic cab, with a big cassis, cedar tobacco aroma. The palate fresh with an intense mix of cranberry and cassis flavours with bits of soya, cedar and leather. The finish is very intense with strong cedar-y, savoury cassis notes. This needs time in the bottle or a T-bone steak. The fruit comes off 26-year-old vines in the Oliver-based Nk’Mip Vineyard. The ageing is in French oak, 25% new, for 16 months followed by six more months in stainless steel barrels. The wine is neither fined nor filtered. Only 122 cases produced.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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02 September 2015
87PTS
Mike B Riesling Cabinett 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPart of the OCP Wine Campus series, this Kabinett style riesling was created in conjunction with Mike Bernardo, Vancouver's Sommelier of the Year 2014. Proceeds from the 120 cases go towards the BC Hospitality Foundation. Mike B wanted to make a riesling, fermented in both stainless steel and a concrete egg. The result suspends crisp fruit over a subtly creamy concrete cushion, all sweetened with a swipe (2.5 g/l RS) of sweetness. Perfumed florals, baby powder, ripe pear and guava pervade the nose and juicy palate - one lifted with a lively lime electricity and finishing with a chalky texture. Youthful and exuberant, I'm looking forward to tasting this again in 3-5 year’s time when it has relaxed a bit.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Gruet Brut Rosé NV
United StatesStriking orange peach in hue, this New Mexican traditional method bubble has spent 24 months on sur lie, and opens with light pear, peach, apple aromas. Large frothy mousse on the dry palate, with red apple, beetroot, tomato leaf earthiness over a cherry berry base. Crisp, ripping acidity lifts this gutsy pinot noir bubble to a zesty finish, and welcomes pairing with pulled pork sandwiches or tuna steaks on the grill.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Moon Curser Afraid of the Dark 2014
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOne of the better aromatic white blends that is a little less fruit salad and a touch more mineral and fresh. Rhone-style, the mix is roussanne, viognier, marsanne blend and the aromas are roses, peaches/oranges and cooked pears. The round, ripe and creamy palate shows orange blossoms, ripe juicy peaches, spicy ginger notes with a squeeze of lime pulp. A perfect match with assorted Thai or Indian dishes or with a pasta mixed with pan tossed tomatoes, zucchini and onions.Prices:| BC | $21.90 | 750ml |
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01 September 2015
90PTS
CedarCreek Platinum Riesling Icewine 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFresh lemons, covered in honey come to mind on the nose with a squeeze of tropical fruits. The attack is super sweet and intense with big apricot, orange, honeysuckle and lemon flavours. Intense and long the finish linger but it is not cloying if anything it can be a touch acidic. The winery recommends it with cheese. We like the idea of a chocolate dessert.Prices:| BC | $53.00 | 375ml |
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87PTS
Five Vineyards by Mission Hill Pinot Noir 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight cherry ruby colour. Tobacco, strawberry jam, floral, leather, earthy, barnyard and light leather aromas with a touch of carrot top and orange peel. Dry, fresh, round, elegant palate with delicate structure. Strawberry, rhubarb, tobacco, herbal, orange spice, vanilla and coffee flavours. Forward style for current drinking with some finesse and represents solid value for BC.Prices:| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.45 | 750ml |
| NB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $20.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Merlot Ice Wine 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is the first ever merlot icewine to come out of Mission Hill spawned on a rare November 21 freeze in the Okanagan. The flavours are an inviting mix of cooked, ripe rhubarb and strawberries with a caramel dried herb undercurrent. Long and sweet at 303 grams of residual sugar but with some elegance. A classic dessert wine you can serve solo or with a peach cobbler.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 375ml |
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89PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Riesling Ice Wine 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen canned pineapple nose with bits of cooked pear and apricot. The attack is juicy with a limon/apricot, baked apple, lemon curd and intense acidity. The finis is short with plenty of sugar but not a lot of depth or length. Ready to drink with fresh fruit flans.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 375ml |
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88PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Late Harvest Vidal 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHaven’t seen this label in a decade; not sure why not. The nose is fresh and intense with big notes of apricots and ripe mango. The palate is similarly full flavoured with almost slate-y, more apricot and lifted litchi fruit with a long lingering sweet finish reflecting the impressive 170 grams per litre of residual sugar. Perfect for light cakes, including chocolate or summer fruit bowls.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 375ml |
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89PTS
Noble Ridge Reserve Meritage 2012
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTake the 2011 and turn it up a notch. This is the ripeness that turns heads yet still with the attractive savoury dried herbs undercurrent. The attack is round and soft the tannins supple, the blend fruit juicy. Look for smoky cedar, ripe cranberry, black berry flavours and some substantial but round tannins. There is no rush here. You could drink this this fall with apiece of roasted meat or cellar it for two to three years and let it unfold. Well done.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Noble Ridge Reserve Meritage 2011
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPerfect south Okanagan savoury nose with ripe black fruits and savoury, smoked dried herbs. The attack is soft and fresh with bright juicy fruit and solid oak management. Look for smoky cedar cassis fruit with a cool, peppery, black tea, black berry, tobacco palate. Medium weight and a touch thin in the back end but nothing a steak wouldn’t fix. Solid effort in a difficult year.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Oak Bay Vineyard Foch 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAfter so many years it is nice to see this grape do something. The nose is as always smoky and grapey with meaty, coffee aromas but this year the fruit is ripe. The textures are smooth the flavours a mix of black cherry, chocolate and spice. All in all a fine effort that will appeal to foch fans. Best with hearty foods, grilled, smoked or roasted.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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October 2015