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Tastings: November 2015
30 November 2015
90PTS
Main Divide Pinot Noir 2012
Waipara Valley, South Island, New ZealandSilky is the best descriptor for this pinot that literally melts in your mouth. Dense round, cherry fruit with a savoury twist and just the right spice keeps pulling you back to the glass. More hedonistic than complex it’s the perfect mid-week dinner wine for chicken or salmon. Fun, friendly a delicious. Finally a second label that delivers. Excellent wine list candidate.Prices:| BC | $29.49 | 750ml |
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86PTS
McGuigan The Brothers Premium Parcel Release 2013
South Australia, AustraliaSpicy, floral, black berry, lightly smoky, meaty aromas with a leather note. Fresh, round, juicy, slightly tart palate with a bit of sweetness. Black berry, blueberry, peppery, licorice and coffee flavours. Simple, fruit style with solid intensity.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Hillside Reserve Viognier 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPleasant spicy, ginger, floral nose with peach and perfumed orange peel aromas. Fresh, juicy, creamy palate with guava, honey, orange, ginger, green apple and nectarine flavours. A touch of sweetness on the finish gives a bit of texture to a cooler, elegant style that is very well done. A fine seafood match.Prices:| BC | $20.86 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Lariana Cellars Viognier 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGrapefruit rind, green apple, grassy, ginger, light lees aromas. Dry, fresh, elegant and round palate with grassy, grapefruit, kiwi, ginger, lees flavours and some rind-y bitterness on the finish. More like a sauvignon blanc than a viognier.Prices:| BC | $23.90 | 750ml |
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29 November 2015
89PTS
Pegasus Bay Riesling 2010
Waipara Valley, South Island, New ZealandAn underrated riesling producer this older Pegasus white is delicious mix of apples, limes and stony, floral notes. The palate is packed full of juicy red apple, lemon-lime, mineral, orange flavours somewhat reminiscent of a Mosel riesling with a bright acid finish. This was built for the long run and in 2015 it’s just beginning to hit its stride. Clean, fresh, just off-dry it’s a delicious drop of wine.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Cellar Hand Punch Down Red 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky herby meaty, resin nose with bits of leaf, resin and ‘bretty’, earthy undercurrents. The attack is soft with peppery, cherry, cranberry, green olive flavours. The finish is medium long with a hint of sour fruit. A hamburger red that is ready to drink. Pricey.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Tilimuqui Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Bonarda Organic 2014
La Rioja, ArgentinaTilimuqui is a sweet, easy-sipping, soft, peppery red made from organic grapes. It is a Fairtrade wine that has sponsored some significant social benefits for the region. The mix is cabernet sauvignon-bonarda or structure and flesh. Look for some juicy sweet and sour black fruit flavours with moderate tannins. A hamburger red.Prices:| BC | $11.29 | 750ml |
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28 November 2015
85PTS
Calliope Figure 8 White 2014
British Columbia, CanadaThis aromatic white blends pinot gris, chardonnay and gewürztraminer into a medium bodied, easy sipper. Some sweaty, earthy notes lurk underneath pear, white peach and pithy lemon, while a layer of perfumed white fruit floats on top. A sharp orange notes crunches on the finish. Somewhat disjointed, and best enjoyed chilled.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Singletree Winery Farmhand White 2014
Fraser Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSingletree started planting vines in Fraser Valley's Mt. Lehmann in 2011 and opened their wineshop in 2015. This is a blend of estate sauvignon blanc and pinot grigio. Sharp, malic acids spike out through the 100 percent oak ferment, the citric notes a striking contrast to ample toasty wood. The whole is quite disjointed.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Tinhorn Creek Oldfield Series Merlot 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDeep herbal black plum, bramble and dusky violets pervade this full bodied merlot, splashed with fourteen percent cabernet franc and one percent syrah. Eighteen months in French oak certainly upped the toasted wood, which currently vies for attention over the dense, sun-ripened fruit. Thorny blackberry, ripe cassis and light smoke complete the full palate, resting on ragged tannins. A powerful pour; best tamed with steak or lamb.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tinhorn Creek 2Bench Oldfield Series Red 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom the generous 2012 vintage, this plump and plush blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot and petit verdot was grown in Diamondback vineyard on the Black Sage Bench and Tinhorn Creek vineyard on the Golden Mile Bench. Perfumed black plums, dark florals, black liquorice and black cherry jam dominate the nose and palate. A wave of blackest espresso adds an attractive element of bitterness, offsetting the sunripe fruit and 18 months in French oak. Tannins are supple and the finish lingers with vanilla.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
See Ya Later Ranch Ping - Meritage 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaI reckon Ping must have been a confusing proprietary name for See Ya Later Ranch's meritage blend (there's a pronunciation guide on the back, in case meritage is confusing also) because they have added the word "meritage" to the front label, naming this the catchy Ping-Meritage now. It's separating the sum from the individual parts, which is how this wine shows in the glass - a number of elements jumbled together that don't quite fit to make a whole. Sweeter vanilla, ripe dark berry fruit, plum compote, mocha, charcoal and grainy, wood tannins fill this full bodied blend (via ample American and French oak treatment). The finish is black espresso bitter and short - best matched to rich beef stews.Prices:| BC | $22.79 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Mistaken Identity Freedom 2014
British Columbia, CanadaPetite Milo is another Blattner hybrid from Switzerland whose pluses are cold hardy, disease resistant and early ripening with impressive sugar accumulation for a short season white. The nose is vaguely tropical here with a layer of honeyed lees underneath. The attack is fresh with a dry, fairly acidic grassy notes. Simple white that is ready to drink. Try this with a creamy pasta dish. The grapes come off sites in the Fraser Valley and on the Saanich Peninsula.Prices:| BC | $16.43 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Three Sisters Bench Red 2013
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe blend is 70/30 merlot/cabernet franc. The nose is a generous open affair of dark fruits, spice and milk chocolate flecked with cedar and vanilla notes. Smooth black fruit flavours with more spice and soft round textures throughout. Ready to drink but will improve in the bottle over the next year or two. A bit sweet but will have mass appeal. Best with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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27 November 2015
0PTS
Tommasi Arele Parziale Appassimento Rosso IGT 2013
Veneto, ItalyCorked. Try another.Prices:| MB | $22.50 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $23.25 | 750ml |
| BC | $21.79 | 750ml |
| NS | $23.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Hartford Court Four Hearts Vineyard Chardonnay 2012
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesNutty, honey, pineapple, baked pear, vanilla, lees and lanolin aromas with a touch of baked apple. Full, round, creamy, juicy palate with spicy lees, baked green apple, citrus, butter, vanilla, honey and guava flavours with a touch of toasty garlic. Good concentration and intensity with a creamy, vanilla finish. Drink now or through 2017. Solid value in a classy California chardonnay.Prices:| AB | $48.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $45.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Vasse Felix Chardonnay 2013
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaGreen apple, light nutty lees, garlic, grassy, grapefruit, butter aromas with a touch of sulphur. Fresh, creamy, dry, slightly austere palate with lime, green apple, baked pear, lees, toasty garlic and grapefruit flavours. Finish has a bit of butter and citrus rind but with excellent finesse and delicacy. Try this with richer seafood dishes.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Vasse Felix Heytesbury Chardonnay 2013
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaOpen nose with honey, toasty garlic, light peach, lemon, lees, nutty, baked green apple aromas with a touch of vanilla and a floral note. Fresh, juicy, round, elegant palate with vanilla, butter, lemon custard, green apple, salty garlic, popcorn, baked pear and herb flavours. A cooler style with good finesse and intensity but light on the tongue. Very good effort.Prices:| BC | $66.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Beringer Founders' Estate Chardonnay 2013
California, United StatesPeach, honey, baked apple, earthy, butter and grapefruit aromas. Round, easy, fresh palate with a touch of sweetness. Baked apple, pear skin, grapefruit, honey, guava and light lees flavours. Solid, friendly, easy-sipping chardonnay that would work with a Margherita pizza.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.50 | 750ml |
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26 November 2015
87PTS
Segura Viudas Metodo Tradicional Reserva Cava NV
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainBigger, fuller nose with green apple, stone, citrus and light toast. Apple blossom and bitter Seville marmalade weaves through the crisp apple, salty, toasty palate, finishing with some light blossoms. Nice breadth on the palate, while holding the sharp, lively acidity. Straight up classic Cava, affordable and dependable as ever.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $20.49 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $19.79 | 750ml |
| PEI | $18.39 | 750ml |
| NFL | $18.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Hester Creek Syrah Viognier 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig black berry, meaty, floral, savoury nose with smoky, pepper, gingerbread and black licorice aromas. Round, soft, fresh, elegant palate with vanilla, poultry spice, sausage meat, chocolate, tobacco and gingerbread flavours. Lots of oak but it’s balanced off with some excellent varietal fruit. Drink now. Pair with lamb chops or grilled sausages.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mission Hill Terroir Collection No. 23 Crosswinds Syrah 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeppery, meaty, vanilla, tobacco, coffee, black berry, black plum, light barnyard, sage and leather aromas. Dry, fresh, round, elegant palate with light tannins. Black plum, cherry, black licorice, tobacco, poultry spice, vanilla flavours with a bit of tobacco and game. Good finesse but a bit austere and tannic on the finish. Needs 1-3 years but good complexity. Very consistent in style and structure each year.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
McGuigan Expressions Shiraz 2013
Langhorne Creek, South Australia, AustraliaMade in the Rhone style look for a smoky, savoury, plum, black berry jam, light bacon, gamey/leather nose. The attack is fresh and juicy with big black berry jam, dark plum, savoury, smoky, coffee flavours flecked with vanilla and licorice. Lots of good fruit and concentration but the warm tart finish brings forward some green tannins. Fine for food like steaks. A year in bottle should help this wine settle in. The wine is aged 12 months in French and American oak.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
McGuigan Cellar Select Shiraz 2013
Hunter, New South Wales, AustraliaSmoky, light leather, peppery, black berry, earthy, tobacco aromas with a dried herb note. Fresh, somewhat tart palate with light tannins. Peppery, earthy, cedar, black plum, leather, rooty flavours with some acidity poking through the back end. Best with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Road 13 Syrah Mourvedre 2013
British Columbia, CanadaGamey, peppery, licorice root, black berry, black plum, smoky, vanilla aromas. Round, fresh, suave palate with light tannins. Big black cherry, plum, vanilla, chocolate, peppery, gamey, floral, licorice flavours with a touch of gingerbread. A touch reductive now with some youthful tannins but good fruit and intensity. Needs 2-3 years to develop but nice touch, should improve to the upside.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
See Ya Later Ranch Rover Shiraz Viognier 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSavoury, spicy, floral, vanilla, black berry, meaty, gingerbread aromas with a bit of chocolate and poultry spice. Dry, fresh, round but somewhat lean entry with black cherry, peppery, meaty, gingerbread and sage flavours with some chocolate, tobacco leaf and vanilla on the finish. Easy-going red on the oakier side.Prices:| BC | $20.29 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Penfolds Shiraz Bin 128 2013
Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaCorked, try another bottle.Prices:| BC | $34.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $34.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $33.25 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Penfolds Shiraz Kalimna Bin 28 2012
South Australia, AustraliaSpicy, black berry jam, cedar, vanilla, chocolate, peppery, savoury, ginger aromas with a smoky, black licorice streak. Full, fresh, round, juicy palate with some light, grainy tannins. Inky, black pepper, lack cherry, savoury, vanilla, chocolate, slightly gamey flavours with a bit of coffee, rosemary and tobacco on the finish. Good concentration and intensity but youthful, needs 2-5 years to round out.Prices:| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $41.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $37.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $40.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $38.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $40.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $35.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Peter Lehmann Portrait Series Shiraz 2013
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaBig black berry, blueberry, savoury, meaty, leather, earthy, rooty nose with a bit of chocolate. Round, fresh, juicy palate with light tannins. Black plum, blackberry, peppery, gamey, smoky leather flavours. Good fruit with a very warm finish and some light garrigue/dried herbs. Solid offering for any kind of grilled meat entrée.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $21.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $25.50 | 750ml |
| NF | $25.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Black Sage Vineyard Shiraz 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBlack pepper, tobacco, resin, earthy, black berry, meaty nose with a bit of chocolate and vanilla. Dry, fresh, somewhat tart entry with light extract and mid-palate. Cherry, black licorice, tobacco, resin and meaty flavours with a peppery, coffee finish. Cooler, lighter style for food but lacking concentration. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $20.89 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Corcelettes Syrah 2013
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen meaty, black berry jam, resin, black licorice, tobacco, cedar and light garrigue aromas flecked with vanilla and chocolate. Ripe, round, fresh, smooth palate with some warmth. Black berry jam, chocolate, coffee, vanilla and smoky herbs dominate the palate with a peppery, gamey, licorice finish. A bit warm but with fine fruit and intensity. Approachable now but will cellar for three to five years. Go Similkameen.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Black Hills Syrah 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGamey, floral, licorice root, smoky, poultry spice, black berry, black pepper and saddle leather aromas with a bit of vanilla and sausage meat. Fresh, round, elegant, smooth palate with savoury, vanilla, peppery, black berry jam, leather, chocolate and sausage meat. Finish has bit of tobacco and licorice with an oaky gingerbread streak. Well balanced, early maturing style.Prices:| BC | $32.09 | 750ml |
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24 November 2015
87PTS
Tilimuqui Single Vineyard Torrontes Organic 2014
La Rioja, ArgentinaVery floral style with rose and jasmine hints with spicy, ginger, apricot, light lees and melon aromas. Fresh, juicy, crisp palate with a touch of sweetness. Green apple, lemon, quince, spicy, floral, ginger flavours with a touch of apricot and grass on the finish. Very elegant style with nice intensity and a great value. Unfortunately, not much left around!Prices:| BC | $11.29 | 750ml |
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23 November 2015
88PTS
Spring Seed Scarlet Runner Shiraz 2014
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaAll Spring Seed Wines are made with organically grown McLaren Vale grapes planted in the early 1970s. The winery describes 2014 as a gentleman’s vintage “Everything came in slowly and in order, not like the mad rush of 2013.” The shiraz is mostly barrel fermented (open top) with a small portion done in stainless steel. The wood is mainly old with a few new barrels in the mix to bolster the fruit rather than over ride it. The result is a dusty, fruity red with black cherry and blueberry fruits flecked with liquorice and chocolate powder. The texture is silky, the finish soft with a touch of spice and acidity. A lovely dinner red, think spatchcock chicken, or grilled lamb chops or for the vegetarian portabello with leeks and spinach.Prices:| BC | $37.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $35.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Nepenthe Shiraz 2013
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaSavoury, peppery, licorice, black cherry, light leather, resin, coffee and earth aromas with a touch of menthol. Fresh, round, smooth, easy palate with some acid poking through the back end. Black cherry, leather, peppery, black licorice, smoky herb, light chocolate and resin flavours. A lighter, cooler style ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Barossa Valley Estate E&E Black Pepper Shiraz 2008
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaRich big blackberry jam, smoky, coffee, chocolate nose laced with black licorice, roast beef, vanilla aromas with a touch of balsamic and gingerbread. Ripe, round, rich and suave with light tannins and some tart notes. More blueberry jam, coffee, licorice, savoury, blackberry jam, vanilla, ginger, balsamic and black pepper flavours. The finish is quite hot and tart with some rosemary and thyme notes. Very good fruit but balance is an issue. Older style that needs food and a slight chill.Prices:| BC | $82.99 | 750ml |
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21 November 2015
88PTS
McGuigan No. 4563 The Shortlist Barossa Valley Shiraz 2013
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaVanilla, black pepper, smoky, black berry, plum, and licorice aromas with a touch of resin, tobacco and meat. Fresh, suave entry with concentrated black berry jam, coffee, savoury, smoky, peppery, vanilla, chocolate flavours and a meaty, leather note on the finish. Good fruit intensity and finesse despite the warm, tart edge on the finish. Grilled meat balances out the edges. Solid.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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20 November 2015
87PTS
Blue Grouse Paula 2012
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaRipe white peach, bitter citrus, pear skin, floral elderflower and biscuit lead this traditional method bubble, a blend of estate pinot gris, ortega, müller-thurgau and 5 percent pinot blanc sourced from Oliver. A peachy cushion is cut with pithy tangerine acidity streaming through to the tight finish. Touch off dry, with creamy, frothy bubbles, and a nice taste of the Wine Islands: let's do more of this.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Burrowing Owl Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaExpect an open, leesy, oaky nose with notes of asparagus, guava and lemon curd aromas. The palate is creamy where more toasted wood, smoked stone enters, cut with a sharp citrus, bitter pithiness. They finish is dry with dry wood tannins too. This needs a creamy pasta or buttery fish dish to shine.Prices:| BC | $28.70 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Blue Grouse Quill Riesling 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis Cowichan Valley winery sources riesling from Oliver for their Quill 2014 Riesling. Lean and biting, with cool cream, bitter melon, sour lemon and under ripe pear bitterness throughout. A prickly quill.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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19 November 2015
87PTS
Fowles Are You Game Shiraz 2012
Victoria, AustraliaMedium cherry colour with smoky, leather, meaty, peppery, cocoa, celery salt, black cherry and gingerbread aromas with a touch of curry and worsteshire. Fresh, juicy, slightly tart but suave palate offers rooty, black licorice, cherry, gamey, chocolate gingerbread and savoury flavours with a slightly candied finish. A lighter, cooler, easy-sipping style for near term consumption.Prices:| BC | $19.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.50 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Lindemans Bin 50 Shiraz 2014
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaBlack berry, licorice, earthy, spicy, rooty aromas with a touch of game. Soft, fresh, round, jammy, somewhat sweet palate with blueberry jam, black berry, chocolate and earth flavours. Fruity, tutti style with some sweet and sour balance.Prices:| SK | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $11.79 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.50 | 750ml |
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18 November 2015
89PTS
Quails' Gate Chardonnay 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAnother impressive chardonnay from winemaker Nikki Callaway and Quails' Gate. Lemon blossoms, pear and light nutmeg aromas. The juicy palate reflects the nose, adding in subtle honeysuckle, musk melon and fragrant fresh peach. the medium bodied, creamy palate is lifted with bright lemon zest acidity, finishing with fine citrus spicing and a splice of saltiness. Lovely intensity here, while keeping things fresh.Prices:| BC | $20.49 | 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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88PTS
Fort Berens Cabernet Franc 2013
Lillooet, British Columbia, CanadaToasted branch, resin and sour cherry compote open the nose and continue onto the earthy, compact palate. Slightly sticky black fruit, light campfire, a whiff of wild mint and grainy tannins anchor this full bodied red, Lillooet-made, with grapes sourced from the Black Sage Bench in Oliver. Ten months in French and American oak muscle this cabernet up, making it a touch too big for its britches right now but it would work with a juicy steak now or with 1-2 years in cellar (longer possibly, but not with a plastic cork).Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Penfolds Cabernet Sauvignon Bin 407 2012
South Australia, AustraliaOpen cassis, black berry, leather, licorice, smoky nose with vanilla, black olive, tobacco, and light coffee grind, mint and herb aromas. Fresh, dry, slightly tart palate with light, grainy tannins and warm black berry, cassis jam, vanilla, chocolate flavours flecked with cedar, tobacco leaf, chocolate mint and black olive. Finish has a smoky, leather, licorice note with a cool finish. Needs two to four years to flesh out and integrate its lighter green notes.Prices:| AB | $60.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $59.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $50.25 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Escorihuela 1884 Reservado Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Mendoza, ArgentinaPeppery, smoky, meaty, tobacco, black berry and leather aromas with a bit of vanilla and coffee grind. Full, round, warm and juicy palate with black pepper, black olive, leather, smoked meat, black berry jam, vanilla and dried herb flavours. Rustic but with solid intensity and fruit. Good value here.Prices:| BC | $15.79 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Jacob's Creek Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaSpicy, sappy, menthol, cassis, tobacco leaf, peppery, cedar, coffee aromas. Fresh, round, smooth, easy palate with cassis, chocolate, black berry, smoky, licorice, mint, cedar and olive flavours. Simple, clean style that offers good value. Drink now with grilled beef.Prices:| NF | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $14.79 | 750ml |
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17 November 2015
85PTS
Chartron La Fleur Merlot Cabernet 2011
Bordeaux, FranceTobacco, black plum and black cherry lead this accessible merlot / cabernet sauvignon blend. Bitter herbs, pencil, cherry jam, anise and a hard edged stemminess join in on the palate. Simple and accessible, giving a taste of what Bordeaux can be.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Il Passo Nerello Mascalese e Nero d'Avola Vigneti Zabu 2013
Sicily, ItalyAn 85/15 mix of nerello mascalese and néro d'avola whose canes are cut allowing the grapes to naturally dry out on the vines. The nose and palate is a savoury mix of baked fruit including plums, figs and black currants flecked with a peppery, cherry, chocolate finish. The tannins are rustic with a touch of acidity poking through the back end. Best with charcuterie, grilled sausages or a Mediterranean-style cassoulet.Prices:| BC | $17.49 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Liberated Pinot Noir 2013
Sonoma County, California, United StatesIt’s funny how sometimes it takes a less serious label to deliver a wine most of us want. The Urban theme Liberated Pinot noir label (there are three different labels designs for the pinot), boasting Monterey fruit that is juicy, fresh, balanced in fruit and acidity with just the right amount of pinot earthiness, spice and tea tannins to make it a delicious mid-week dinner wine or a friendly party pour. Back up the truck and load up.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Le Paradou Grenache 2012
Sud de France, FranceThis wine is delicious from its fresh juicy entry to its silky red fruit finish. It’s one hundred percent, old-vine grenache (75-years old) that spends about a half a year in concrete before bottling. It’s really a pure expression of the grape shout out black cherries and pepper with just a hint of tannin in the dried herbs finish. Back up the truck.Prices:| BC | $12.19 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Villa Matilde Aglianico Rocca dei Leoni 2011
Campania, ItalyBlack berry, balsamic, meat, floral, licorice, savoury, leather and menthol aromas. Fresh, dry, round, slightly tart palate with black raspberry, blood orange, tobacco, balsamic, game, licorice and earth flavours. A rustic style for grilled meats with solid fruit to match.Prices:| BC | $21.79 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $22.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $23.00 | 750ml |
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16 November 2015
87PTS
Villa Matilde Falanghina NV
Campania, ItalyLight yellow colour with quince, floral, lemon oil, pear, almond and apricot aromas with a touch of lees and beeswax. Full, round, ripe, elegant palate with lemon, slate, green apple, pear, cooked peach and guava flavours. Fine fruit and acidity balance for seafood. Drink now.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
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15 November 2015
91PTS
Christophe Pacalet Chiroubles 2011
Chiroubles, Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceChristophe Pacalet is the nephew of the revered biodynamic and naturalist wine pioneer Marcel Lapierre, and with advice and support from his uncle Marcel, he took a leap of faith in 1999 and opened his own boutique winery. He raises all his crus in neutral Burgundy barrels, employs minimal intervention and makes wines from various Beaujolais crus, expressing the distinct terroir. This aromatic Chiroubles is wild fermented using minimal sulfur and filtration. Beautiful florals on the nose - fragrant peony and iris - before a bright, textured palate of cherry, wild raspberry, summer strawberries, more florals and cool minerality. Tannins are finely powdered and the finish is lengthy.Prices:| BC | $29.50 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Domaine Piron Brouilly Combiaty 2010
Brouilly, Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceDomaines Piron is managed by 14th generation winemaker Dominique Piron and his wife Kristine Mary. They farm 60 hectares of vines across many Beaujolais Cru. Brouilly Combiaty is about subtlety and purity – gentle raspberry, delicate floral and dusty granite aromas lead to bright notes of cranberry, minerality and dried meats. Easy fruit, light tannins and alcohol make this pretty effortless to drink and enjoy, often. Real value.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Jean Michel Dupré Vignes De 1918 Régnié 2011
Régnié, Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceThese deep rooted, gnarly vines were planted in 1918. Amazing to think about what was happening in Beaujolais when these went into the ground. Now they yield notes of mineral, light cherry flesh and cherry pit. A bright and pretty palate with shining acidy and minerality dominate, with red fruit and wild, wilting florals. Decant in advance to let the wine open slowly - no need to rush the old gentleman.Prices:| France | $15.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Laurent Gauthier Grand Cras Vieilles Vignes Morgon 2011
Morgon, Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceLaurent is part of the Terroir Originels, a group of eight innovative and independent Bojo producers who have banded together for sharing marketing and philosophies. This wine macerates with a submerged cap for 15 days before resting in foudre for one year, followed by 15 percent then sliding into new oak barrel. The result is a big, dusky, concentrated wine, with dark black cherry, fragrant spices, toast and cassis. Tannins are firm and the finish is cracked black pepper. This could easily, handsomely, stand up to steak frites.Prices:| France | $15.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Dominique Piron Lameloise Moulin-à-Vent Vieilles Vignes 2011
Moulin-à-Vent, Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceThis wine is from one single tiny vineyard (1.5ha) in Moulin-à-Vent planted to 120 year old gamay vines. Dark damson aromas, with spice, iris and inky blackberries carrying through to the palate. Very interesting and alluring mineral and granite notes, alongside bright black cherry, perfumed violets and grippy, firm tannins. Depth of flavours here is impressive; the wine delivers its pedigree not overtly, but quietly. Impressive now, but will cellar for another five years easy. Not available in BC.Prices:| France | $20.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Chateau Bonnet Chénas Vieilles Vignes 2013
Chénas, Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceLight and floral, with fragrant raspberry and yellow plum aromas carrying through to the palate. An herbal note weaves throughout - a bit of peppery bitter stalkiness - along with cinnamon bark and dried florals. Fresh, juicy and youthful, with fine tannins and a lovely, dried-herb savoury notes.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Pascal Aufranc Vignes De 1939 Chénas 2011
Chénas, Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceFrom gnarly old bush vines planted in 1939, on granite, comes this elegant and alluring nose of delicate flowers and pulsing granitic minerality. Lovely pure fruit throughout, with waves of textured floral notes and spice and still firm tannins to the fresh, tart finish. I'd cellar this for another five+ years, or open it a few hours (a day) before for maximum enjoyment now. Love the character in this wine.Prices:| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Jean-Paul Brun Terres Dorées Moulin-à-Vent 2013
Moulin-à-Vent, Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceThe power of Moulin-à-Vent streams through in this wine, made by Beaujolais terroir legend Jean-Paul Brun. Gracefully structured, with wild raspberries, herbal rock rose aromas. Bamboo thin, grippy and firm tannins support more wild raspberry and strawberry and ample granitic minerality. Acids are precise and nimble, and the finish liberally white pepper and lingering. A beauty to drink now, but will reward with five more years in the cellar.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Domaine Piron-Lameloise Chénas Quartz 2014
Chénas, Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceRock juice. That's what this wild ferment Chénas is like, living up to its Quartz name. Dominique Piron is the 14th generation winemaker at the family estate. Woodsy, spice notes open, with subtle earthy smoke, dark florals, wild black plum, black cherry, black raspberry laid across a textured stream bed of stones. Tannins are slightly grippy and acids are bright and shining through to a fine peppery finish. Quite structured, this would hold up to roasted pork tenderloin or grilled sausages.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Domaine des Billards Saint-Amour 2013
Saint-Amour, Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceClassic fruitiness of Saint-Amour here, with kirsch and wild blueberry supported by cool stony minerality. Acids are pomegranate tart and tannins are structured and quite grippy, the latter a result of a 15-25 day ferment with submerged crust. Bright and honestly rustic, finishing with fine white pepper and a lick of heat (though it's a coveted 12.5 percent alcohol). Pour alongside grilled mushrooms and poultry.Prices:| BC | $26.49 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Domaine Lathuiliere Pisse Vieille Brouilly 2012
Brouilly, Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceThe 5th generation Gravallon family of winegrowers owns 15ha of vineyards in the heart of the Beaujolais region across six different appellation areas. This, in Brouilly, is a site of 50 year old vines, sustainably raised (Lutte Raisonée) and nurtured. Tense and precise from first sniff to fading memory, with strawberry stoniness, wild raspberry, black plum and dried herbs, and fragrant wildflowers. The concentrated and structured palate has bamboo strength tannins, firm yet yielding. Love the savoury structure of this serious Brouilly.Prices:| BC | $15.19 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Maison des Bulliats Régnié 2013
Régnié, Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceWith an average vine age of 40 years, this Cru Beaujolais offers bright, youthful strawberry gummies, perfumed red cherry, light and lean rhubarb acidity, powdery fine tannins and a skiff of black pepper spice on the finish. Great value for a Cru Beaujolais. Pour with poultry.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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13 November 2015
88PTS
Yalumba the Strapper Grenache Shiraz Mataro 2012
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaIn horse racing terms, an Australian 'strapper' describes a person looking after racehorses, cleaning out the stables and yards, feeding, grooming horses as well as parading them before races on the end of a strap. In wine terms, The Strapper is that juicy, deep fruited, ripe, round Barossa GSM that you can trust to take you from Wednesday pork chops to Saturday's dinner party with in-laws. Grenache, shiraz and mataro spend nine months in new French oak puncheons and barriques and Hungarian oak hogsheads with the balance in older large format wood. Dark plum, holiday spices and black liquorice aromas continue on the dense palate, joined by blackberry jam and contained with ripe, gummy tannins. The finish is a bit warm (feels all its 14 percent) so don't forget about that pork chop.Prices:| BC | $22.49 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $25.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Blue Mountain Reserve Pinot Noir 2012
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAlways much darker fruited and structured than Blue Mountain's classic pinot noir, the 2012 reserve opens with smoked stone, cracked cherry and an undercurrent of spiced wood. Fragrant raspberry, perfumed black cherries and a cushion of ripe black plum is framed by firm but finely grained tannins. A wave of sweet tobacco rides out the lengthy finish. Drinking well now, but will reward with 2+ years in your cellar.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $42.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Blue Mountain Pinot Noir 2013
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOne of the more finessed, well-priced Okanagan pinot noir year after year, and the 2013 vintage of Blue Mountain pinot noir is no exception. Cracked cherry, fragrant raspberry, worn wood and gentle spice aromas. Wild strawberries, sun ripened raspberries and lightly rasped spices are supported by finely grained tannins and lifted with easy acidity through a lengthy finish. Youthful and approachable, drinking well now, but will continue to meld with a year or two in the bottle.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Fort Berens Pinot Noir 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPerfumed black raspberry, spiced cherry, strawberry jam aromas open this Lillooet pinot, a blend of five clones from their home vineyard. The finely textured, rasped spice palate carries more black raspberry, black cherry, juicy ripe plum and fragrant pomegranate, lifted with easy acidity and carrying through to a lingering spicy black pepper and cinnamon bark finish. Lovely finesse with depth of fruit here - an impressive, deeper berry example and promising show for the future of Lillooet fruit. Now if only they'd lose the plastic cork...Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
JoieFarm PTG 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2013 PTG (referencing Passe-Tout-Grains and the Burgundy bent of winemaker / owner Heidi Noble) blends two clones of pinot noir from Summerland and Naramata with Naramata Bench gamay. Black cherry, earth and raspberry on the nose. The juicy, medium bodied palate carries forest, dark raspberries and cherries, dried, salted herbs and fine cracked peppercorns across finely grained, lightly grippy tannins and finishing with a wisp of smoke. Bright, savoury and juicy, this is equally quaffable and serious.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Luigi Bosca Malbec 2012
Mendoza, ArgentinaBlack pepper, tobacco, smoky leather, savoury, black cherry jam, five spice aromas with a bit of vanilla and chocolate. Full, round, ripe, moderately rich palate with tobacco, leather, roasted beets, black cherry, cocoa, resin and licorice flavours. Finish is warm with a bit of candied orange, poultry spice and vanilla. Solid offering but ready to drink in the near term.Prices:| BC | $19.79 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Finca Los Primos Malbec 2014
San Rafael, General Alvear, Southern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaEarthy, savoury, floral, black cherry, balsamic and rooty tobacco aromas. Fresh, round, soft, easy palate with a bit of sweetness. Black berry jam, leafy, celery salt, tobacco, savoury, black cherry flavours. Easy style with fruit but has gotten a bit too sweet.Prices:| BC | $11.59 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.95 | 750ml |
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12 November 2015
88PTS
Samantha Canyonview Vineyard Chardonnay 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBuilding on the success of OCP's Wine Campus Samantha Syrah, the winery made the decision to release a couple more wines under the Samantha label (there is also a Gamay). This wild ferment chardonnay was sourced from Canyonview Vineyard and aged in concrete. Earthy lees, decomposed rock and light wild herbs on the nose carry through to the medium bodied palate. Wild ferment evident (some funk here), complemented with shivering lemon pith acids, spring asparagus, green apple and underripe, crunchy pear. This sung with tender seared scallops.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Haywire Pinot Gris Raised in Concrete 2014
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada"It's all about the vessel." This Secrest Mountain Vineyard white label pinot gris stays true to its raised in concrete labelling and the winery's less is more ethos. Herbal meadow grass, subtle fennel, gently creamy lees, cracked stone, savoury salts and tingling citrus flow seamlessly through the lingering finish, revealed with a slightly warmer temperature - utilize cellar temperature here. Because the winery is made up of geeks (like me), they have also released the exact same 2014 white label pinot gris done in stainless steel - allowing geeks like you to decide which vessel you prefer.Prices:| BC | $21.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Blue Grouse Quill White 2013
British Columbia, CanadaQuill is a lighter bodied blend of Cowichan Valley estate fruit as well as grapes sourced from the Okanagan. Ortega, pinot gris, gewürztraminer and müller-thurgau see time in stainless steel and does not see malolactic fermentation, preserving the crisp, bright, shining orchard fruits. Tight citrus, cool melon, green apple and meadow herbs sit on top of a cushion of Okanagan pear.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tawse Redstone Vineyard Pinot Gris 2013
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis strikes a lovely balance between the crisp fruitiness of grigio and the creamy depth of gris, a happy union of Lincoln Lakeshore's long growing season and relatively temperate climate. Stony citrus, cool melon and pear skin come across with a lightness of being and a vein of leesy concentration - always a nice chord in a wine. Lemon pith, subtle mineral salts and wild grasses linger on the finish.Prices:| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Fortess Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Sonoma County, California, United StatesBlack berry, smoky, tobacco, earthy, peppery, cocoa, minty nose with black olive, vanilla aromas and bits of red licorice and cedar. Round, fresh, juicy palate with smooth, light tannins. Cassis, vanilla, coconut, black berry, earthy, resin, cedar, tobacco and chocolate flavours. Good fruit and finesse in a more forward style but should keep for a few years. Steak anyone?Prices:| BC | $80.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $35.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Fresita Chilean Sparkling Wine NV
ChileFor an effortless dessert, sweet starter, or indulgent breakfast, crack the screw on Fresita. This bold, glowing pink sparkling chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and muscatel blend is infused with organic strawberries from Patagonia. A bright cranberry acidity helps tame the pure strawberry jam sweetness while the foamy mousse keeps it light and fun. Finishes crisp and tight. Bonus - only 8 percent alcohol.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
El Esteco Don David Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, ArgentinaVery spicy, savoury, coffee, chocolate, peppery, saddle leather, black berry, smoky vanilla and herb aromas. Fresh, round, juicy, and smooth palate with black olive, black berry, cassis, savoury herb, leather, pepper, cedar and vanilla flavours with a touch of tobacco leaf and green tea on the finish. Forward but fruity and balanced for current drinking. Good value.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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11 November 2015
89PTS
Le Clos Jordanne Claystone Terrace Chardonnay 2012
Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaLight butter, lemon, lees, earthy, honey and pear aromas with light vanilla and floral notes. Fresh, juicy, slightly tart entry with lees, lemon custard, green apple, baked pear, light garlic and vanilla flavours. Good intensity and finesse with a creamy finish. Fresher style that will benefit from further aging.Prices:| ON | $40.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Le Clos Jordanne Les Grand Clos Chardonnay 2011
Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaGreen apple, floral, lemon, lees, vanilla nose with waxy, slightly toasty nut and slate aromas. Fresh, crisp, slightly oily but juicy palate with grassy, green apple, butter, salty lees, slate, vanilla and a touch of garlic. Good intensity and concentration but also fairly high acidity. Should improve further and flesh out a bit more. This group of Clos Jordanne chardonnays offer a fine look at what has to be one of the most balanced offerings in Canadian winemaking. Bravo.Prices:| ON | $65.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $75.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Tinhorn Creek Chardonnay 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, spicy, green apple skin, vanilla, light vanilla and lees aromas. Fresh, round palate with grapefruit, green apple, light butter, spicy lees and vanilla flavours with a touch of sweetness. A bit rind-y but otherwise ready to drink. Try this with a chicken dish.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Jacob's Creek Reserve Chardonnay 2013
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaNutty, lees, light spice, baked green apple, pear aromas with a touch of earth and lemon. Fresh, creamy, juicy, drier style offering a clean palate with lemon, vanilla, spicy lees, grapefruit and baked green apple flavours. Solid complexity and fruit intensity at a fine value. Try this with a creamy chicken pasta dish.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Lindemans Bin 65 Chardonnay 2014
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaGrapefruit, green apple, matchstick, light butter and cream aromas. Fresh, juicy, creamy palate with a touch of sweetness. Canned peach, grapefruit, green apple, lees and light butter flavours. Simple, fresh, easy to drink style at a fair price.Prices:| BC | $10.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $12.50 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $12.85 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.25 | 750ml |
| PEI | $14.50 | 750ml |
| NB | $13.00 | 750ml |
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10 November 2015
90PTS
JoieFarm En Famille Reserve Gewurztraminer 2012
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis generous gewürztraminer is sourced entirely from JoieFarm's estate vineyard on Naramata Bench. Low yields and a fortunate vintage allowing lengthy hang times has amped the complexity and richness. Lime oil, orange blossom, roses and lime oil carry this full, flowing gewürztraminer through a very lengthy, spiced ginger finish. A beauty natural stream of acidity lifts throughout. Impressive. Drinks beautifully chilled or at cellar temperature.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Serendipity Pinot Noir 2012
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom an old converted orchard on the Naramata Bench, this estate pinot noir opens with black cherry and sweet cedar notes. The palate continues the black cherry theme - here it is a bit tarter and pinched, with lightly furry tannins, tart black raspberry, herbal mustard seed undercurrent and a sweet berry jam. The finish is astringent (oaky) with a hint of heat. Best poured with a saucy duck pasta dish. Less spicy oak please, more Naramata fruit.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Sumac Ridge Merlot Private Reserve 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSweet, warm spices, ripe sweet cherry and plum open this southern Okanagan merlot and continue onto the plump, soft palate. Sweet wood, ripe blackberry and baking spices dominate until a vanilla spiced, bitter coffee licked finish. Simple, accessible and well priced.Prices:| BC | $11.79 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Naramata Cider Company Cider Maker's Select Hard Cider Rest Easy NV
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAt 8% alcohol, this pale raspberry coloured cider has light, fine mousse with big spicy, berry, peppery, baked apple aromas. Fresh, juicy, off dry palate with good bubbles and spicy, canned grapefruit, cooked black berry and apple flavours. Big flavour intensity with a tart edge for food. Very solid effort.Prices:| BC | $15.59 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Fern Walk Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGoing after a cut of the popular New Zealand sauvignon blanc market, Fern Walk is a new exclusive label from Mark Anthony Wine Merchants and sourced from across the southern Okanagan. From name to capsule to style, this echoes NZ sauvy. A quiet citrus and grass nose opens to a crisp, dry, medium bodied white, one with gooseberry, tart lemon, light guava, asparagus and tight green apple over a thin cushion of orchard fruits. The finish picks up heat, as well as builds some jalapeño notes. If you're a fan of the Kiwi style, but want to support the home team, check this out.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Le Clos Jordanne Chardonnay Le Clos Jordanne Vineyard 2011
Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaNutty lees, light garlic, lemon, slate, waxy, baked green apple, butter and vanilla aromas. Ripe, round, creamy, slightly fat palate but juicy with spicy, baked green apple, pear, nutmeg, lemon custard, garlic, lanolin and pea pod flavours. Finish is a bit too buttery with some smoky vanilla showing but offers good intensity and texture with some refinement. Drink now - 2 years.Prices:| ON | $40.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $41.75 | 750ml |
| MB | $44.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Le Clos Jordanne Village Reserve Chardonnay 2012
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaOpen baked green apple, spiced pear, butter, vanilla, lemon, popcorn and lees aromas. Fresh, creamy, juicy, elegant palate with butter, cooked lemon, pear, green apple and psicy lees with a hint of salty popcorn. Clean, elegant, well balanced style with some oak influence and lees. Good now - 2 years.Prices:| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $30.75 | 750ml |
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09 November 2015
89PTS
Tinhorn Creek Oldfield Series Cabernet Franc 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDark cherry, leather, medicinal anise and earthy florals fill this fine grained, structured cabernet franc. Black raspberry tartness rings on the textured, grainy palate, supplying tension to this sun-warmed, earthy and dark fruited red. The Oldfield Series is sourced from Diamondback Vineyard on the Black Sage Bench and spent 18 months on lees in new and second fill French oak.Prices:| BC | $30.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tinhorn Creek Cabernet Franc 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOne of the early champions of cabernet franc in the Okanagan, Tinhorn Creek's 2013 is fresher and brighter than ever. Lightly smoked cedar, cherry and earthiness lead the nose and palate, while fine grained, black tea tannins reel it all in. The attack is smooth and silky with dried herbs, black raspberry and bitter black cherry lingers on the spicy finish. Best now with grilled meats or cellar it for another three years.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Mistaken Identity Tradition Sparkling Apple Cider 2014
CanadaMade from Heritage apples, this light gold coloured cider has fine mousse with spicy, baked apple, herbal, light honey and cucumber aromas. Full, dry, slightly tart and foamy palate but with fine elegance and apple intensity with some length. Good effort here to go with food.Prices:| BC | $13.83 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Three Sisters Bench White 2014
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBright spicy, floral, orange, grapefruit nose with light lees, green apple and honey aromas. Round, fresh, juicy palate if somewhat sweet. Red apple, guava, orange, lychee, pear, grapefruit and honey flavours. Good fruit and acidity with some delicacy but a bit too sweet overall. Fun for spicy food and patio or party sipping.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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06 November 2015
86PTS
Singletree Winery Pinot Noir 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSingletree started planting vines in Fraser Valley's Mt. Lehmann in 2011 and opened their wineshop in 2015. This pinot noir was made with grapes sourced from the Okanagan Valley, and by Okanagan Crush Pad / Haywire Winemaker Matt Dumayne. Wet forest, moss, light smoke aromas carry through to the medium bodied palate. Smoked cherry, plum and toasted wood dominate, leaving an impression of youthful rusticity. Pour alongside sauced pork chops and mushrooms.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
CrossBarn by Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Napa Valley, California, United StatesWhat’s going on in Napa? CrossBarn, really a second label, is a head turner in 2012. Devoid of heavy extraction and sweetness this wine is eminently drinkable now but its balance and suppleness suggest it will age effortlessly. I just love the juicy red, black and blueberry aromas and flavours. This is textbook stuff and a bargain by Napa standards. A super wine to list in restaurants. CrossBarn is night-harvested before the skins spend 20 days in contact with the juice. The oak is a mix of French and American but only 23 percent of the barrels are new; total time in wood is 18 months. Perfect for roast beef or your favourite steak cut. Drink now or through 2025.Prices:| BC | $58.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $65.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $63.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $51.50 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Jacob's Creek Double Barrel Shiraz Premiere Cuvee NV
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaPeppery vanilla, black berry, prune, toffee, smoky, licorice and coffee aromas. Round, fresh, easy palate with light tannins but some sweetness and tart acid. Black berry jam, chocolate, vanilla, pencil lead, toffee flavours. Unique and fruity but oak overrides the shiraz giving a hot, tart edge on the finish.Prices:| BC | $14.79 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.25 | 750ml |
| YK | $21.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Inniskillin Discovery Series East West Pinot Grigio Chardonnay 2014
CanadaButter, light lees, spicy, pear, honey, earthy, citrus and quince aromas. Dry, fresh, round but slightly austere palate with lemon butter, lees, pear and green apple flavours. Finish is delicate and fresh for food with a touch of herbs.Prices:| ON | $16.95 | 750ml |
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05 November 2015
89PTS
Stag's Hollow Viognier Marsanne Kiln House Vineyard 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaI gave myself a couple of days to taste this new natural wine (unfined, unfiltered, low sulfur) from Stag's Hollow winemaker Dwight Sick, watching its evolution in the glass. Only thirty-five cases were made of this 55/45 marsanne/viognier field blend, a deeper hued wild ferment that has spent two weeks on the skins before spending a year on the lees in older acacia barrel. Stone, gentle honeysuckle, heady floral acacia and lime aromas continue on to the textured palate, where an undercurrent of herbal fennel, apricot, ginger spicing stream in. Brisk acidity streams the concentrated flow through to a bitter herb, grippy apricot pit finish. Striking adventurous wine for BC, and looking forward to watching this program in future.Prices:| BC | $19.32 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Burrowing Owl Chardonnay 2013
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAmple oak is evident right off the top of this powerful white, with toast, baked apple and cream aromas joining along right into the ripe, full palate. Pineapple rind, green apple, popcorn, light caramel, pear and gentle cloves join in here, supported by moderate acidity and finishing with vanilla spice. The best is yet to come; somewhat awkward at this stage.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $34.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $33.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $35.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Gold Hill Chardonnay 2013
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSweet, musky peach, five spice and cloves cloud this Similkameen Valley chardonnay, one plumped up with sweet oak. Ample concentration and moderate acidity, though various components are not in sync. Try merging by pouring alongside a creamy chicken and polenta dish.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Cloudline Pinot Gris 2013
Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesQuiet pear and citrus aromas open this crisp, dry Willamette pinot gris, a second label of Domaine Drouhin Oregon. Tight pear, apple skin, light almond and ample lemon pith lifted by shining acidity in a welcome, if slightly severe edged style.Prices:| BC | $16.77 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Famille Sichel Château Argadens Sauvignon - Sémillon 2014
Bordeaux, FrancePrickly herbs, lemon and grass open the nose of this fresh sauvignon blanc/sémillon blend. Bright lemon, key lime and white grapefruit lead the lean, dry palate, pulling scented medicinal herbs along to a juicy finish. A lick of green apple and floral gooseberry cushions the herbaceous cut.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Corcelettes Trivium 2014
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSimilkameen's Herder Estate is under new ownership, a Swiss family Baessler, and the winery is named after their home farm town Corcelettes. Trivium is a mix of some 50 percent chasselas with gewürztraminer and pinot gris all grown in the Similkameen. The result is a very clean and fresh style white with a mix of yellow fruits all with a stony mineral undercurrent. Impressive wine and perfect for grilled halibut or seafood pasta.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tinhorn Creek 2Bench Oldfield Series White 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2Bench white is always rich and aromatic on the nose thanks to its creamy mix of sémillon, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, viognier and muscat. Tropical and tree fruits collide in a burst of floral blossoms with decent acidity and a modicum of dryness. Very food friendly: creamy pasta dishes, seafood, shellfish and cheeses will suit. Friendly, fun and ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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04 November 2015
0PTS
Blue Mountain Pinot Gris 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canadacorked, try anotherPrices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $24.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
The View Voulez View Blanc 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA well-made, juicy aromatic, vibrant blend that is more dry than sweet on the palate and food friendly. Look for apple, melon, apricot notes with a touch of tropical fruit. Love the citrus and spice balance in the back end. A perfect, spring party white. Good value.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Quidni Why Not White 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWhy Not White is an aromatic mix of riesling and gewürztraminer. It seems as if the pairing cancels out the best of each grape, the acidity and electricity of the riesling and power and spice of the gewürztraminer respectively but the wine is not without its charm. This is an aromatic sipper that can handle spicy sushi or thirsty pre-dinner guests.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
St. Hubertus Chasselas 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaClean fresh dry and a beacon for the future for BC wineries. There are so many off-dry wines in the market it is a pleasure to come across a simple, well-made, dry wine that doesn’t hide behind a wall of sugar. Bright fresh, grapefruit nose with bits of green apple and citrus. Dry and flavourful with more citrus fruit flavours and a dusting of dried herbs. A match for any shellfish dishes or cheese plates.Prices:| BC | $22.45 | 750ml |
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03 November 2015
93PTS
Luigi Scavino Azelia Bricco Fiasco Barolo 2011
Piedmont, ItalyFrom the top of this steep and warm hill in Castiglione Falletto Bricco Fiasco was the first Cru vinified separately since 1978. The vines are now in their mid-60s yielding small amounts spectacular floral fruit. Perfumed is a great descriptor, with beautiful red fruits and mineral notes with a touch of tar and licorice and silky ripe tannins. Since 2004 a small part of this wine is aged in large casks yielding more fruit and spice. In 2011 the yields were small at 35 hl/ha. Just over 700 cases produced.Prices:| BC | $103.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Luigi Scavino Azelia Barolo 2011
Piedmont, ItalyThe pairing of Castiglione Falletto’s calcareous soil and the heavier clay soils of Serralunga d’Alba fruit brings the magic here as the Scavino family blends six separate plots from two villages that are on average 45 years old. The nose is beautiful with soft intense aromas of cherries and black licorice. The tannins are rich but fruity, the attack chalky with persistent floral, cherry, cranberry liquorice flavours. Like the last time balance and harmony are at the centre of this dense soft modern Barolo. Impressive styling. The wine spends two years in large casks. Average production: 26,400 bottles, 600 magnums.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Luigi Scavino Azelia Langhe Nebbiolo 2013
Piedmont, ItalyThis nebbiolo is lighter in colour than the Bricco dell ‘Oriolo, exhibiting a pure nose of violets with lifted red fruit scents, perhaps aided by a stainless steel fermentation. On the palate the wine is dry but juicy with firm youthful tannins and fine, underlying red fruits reminiscent of cherries and strawberries. The fruit comes off 15-25 year old fruit in Castiglione Falletto and Serralunga d'Alba that yield ripe tannins. You can age this easily or drink it now with a favourite cut of beef or a mushroom risotto. Less than 1000 cases made.Prices:| BC | $38.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Luigi Scavino Azelia Dolcetto d'Alba Bricco dell'Oriolo 2013
Piedmont, ItalyA full southern exposure lends a ripeness to this wine to balance its full, aromatic, floral, plum scented nose with bits of pepper and savoury licorice root. The attack is elegant with fresh, juicy red cherry/plum fruit flavours. Light tannins and fresh acidity mark the finish. Pasta with meat is the best match here. Bricco dell'Oriolo is a single-vineyard Dolcetto from Montelupo Albese.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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02 November 2015
87PTS
Undurraga Sibaris Pinot Noir Reserva Especial 2013
Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileBlack cherry, earth and stem open this Leyda pinot noir, and continue onto the juicy palate. Bitter edged wood rings the sour cherry, rhubarb and tart raspberry fruit, while slightly sticky tannins support it. Smoked red pepper and poultry spice lingers on the bitter finish. Simple, though a bit disjointed, best enjoyed with braised chicken thighs and mushrooms.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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December 2015