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Tastings: December 2015
31 December 2015
88PTS
Telmo Rodriguez Basa Rueda Blanco 2014
Rueda, Castilla-Leon, SpainThis medium bodied blend of verdejo/viura/sauvignon blanc from Rueda appears a touch more fruity in 2014 (a little less Euro) with heady mandarin and peach before a ripe, orchard fruit-led palate. Lime pith, melon, pineapple rind and spice project across the palate with the help of juicy, tangy acidity before receding in to its chalky finish. The Rueda region remains undervalued as a producer of fresh white wine which allows Telmo Rodriguez to build his companies ‘basa’ or basement/ foundation with this larger production white allowing the talented winemaker to pursue his dreams and stay profitable.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Louis Roederer Brut Premier Champagne NV
Champagne, FranceThis delicious bubble continues its fine showing opening with an attractive, fragrant nose. The attack is fresh with lemony, toasted, baked apple, floral aromas. The textures are creamy but with a streak of acidity keep it fresh. The palate is mix of cherry, citrus, chalky salty mineral, biscuit notes. Always classy. The Brut Premier blend is a 40/40/20 mix of pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot meunier and that includes 10% of reserve wine from three former harvests aged in oak casks for 2-6 years.Prices:| BC | $77.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $75.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $66.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $72.50 | 750ml |
| NF | $79.20 | 750ml |
| AB | $74.99 | 750ml |
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29 December 2015
91PTS
Fonseca Guimaraens Vintage Port 2012
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalA vintage port from a non-classic year, this is a blend of three different properties (note the Guimaraens in the name of the wine, indicating the difference). Unlike the classic declared Vintage Ports, this 2012 (a much cooler vintage) will mature quicker - plus is half the price of the classic Vintages. Score! Deep purple, cassis hue, with massive stony cassis, blackberry and rock rose aromas. The youthful, velveteen palate fills the mouth with cassis, raisin jam, brown sugar and cassis. Tannins are big and grippy as presumed, but by benefit of blend, they are well managed by the gobs of perfumed fruit. Dark chocolate lingers on the finish. Approachable and drinkable now while you wait for your classic Vintage Ports in the cellar.Prices:| ON | $81.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $83.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $90.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Fonseca Vintage Port 1994
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalA star of the 1990's Vintage Ports for the house, this 1994 shows Fonseca's fiery, cassis concentration, and was the first declared vintage that David Guimaraens was responsible for. Firm and youthful cassis, with cracked pepper, almost steak spices to texture. Gobs of concentrated cassis jam, blackberry generously fill the youthful palate, hemmed by an elegant wild blackcurrant and fine dark chocolate note. Tannins show their characteristic Fonseca grip, though the mouth filling volume and simmering fiery character on the lengthy finish balance out the whole beautifully. So much life here - another decade before I would crack again, and then it should be masterful.Prices:| US | $250.00 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Fonseca Vintage Port 1985
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalThere were three classic Fonseca Vintage Ports in the 80's: 1980, 1983 and 1985. This rich, powerful vintage is a highlight, capturing all of Fonseca's voluptuous, grippy power. Vibrant plum hue still, gives the appearance of youth - with just a touch of brick maturing hues. The nose was quiet at first, but once woken from its thirty years' slumber, it showed stone, plum, sandstone, dried violets and fragrant rock roses. The voluminous, vibrant palate was juicy and electric, streaming peppery spice, herbs, cassis, cherry and raspberry jam with a lovely vein of black liquorice through the very long, velveteen finish. Tannins still grippy, though Fonseca firmness is fading around the edges - a lovely point in its evolution. Blockbuster, and such a great example of house and style.Prices:| BC | $249.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Pirramimma Petit Verdot 2013
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaThe wine that has put petit verdot on the minds, and mouths of consumers around the globe, Pirramimma's McLaren Vale Petit Verdot showcases the inky grape's violet musk perfumes, plush, cushy dark berry fruit and edge of graphite. Here, mature vines are presented through the ripe, warm lens of McLaren Vale, with dark chocolate and dried herb overtones, and an underground structure of French and American oak (28 months). A full body and velvet tannins make this an approachable, welcoming full red.Prices:| BC | $28.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $33.49 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Fonseca Bin No 27 Reserve Port NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalFirst launched in 1972, Bin No. 27 is premium ruby, and an excellent introduction to non-oxidative style ruby ports (at a great price). In the Guimaraens family for five generations, this is a blend of deep, concentrated reserve wines, selected for their fruitiness. Dark cassis, tobacco and sweet plum jam lead, followed by rich raisin pie, dark chocolate covered cherries and black pepper. Tannins are velvety plush and acidity supports the whole nicely. The finish is a touch fiery and black tea astringent, but nothing that a wedge of blue cheese or flourless chocolate torte couldn't tackle. Ready for drinking now.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $24.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Fonseca Vintage Port 2000
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalThe 2000 Fonseca seemed a monster a decade ago but it has transformed over the decade shedding some of its rich black cherry black plum jam aromas for bits of leather, licorice, blueberry and spice. A stylish port that is pretty soft and supple now, though with a slight nervousness that hints at another couple of years in the cellar before maximum enjoyment. Blackberry, Christmas cake and dark plum jam fruit is flecked with mint, licorice, pepper and black tea. Tannins are grippy and a bit chewy, and the finish lingers with medicinal hued cassis notes. Very Fonseca - opulent, aromatic, structured yet still drinkable throughout the ageing process. More forward then perhaps we thought it might be a decade ago.Prices:| AB | $130.00 | 750ml |
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96PTS
Fonseca Vintage Port 2011
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalA huge future ahead of this giant of a port, reminiscent of 1994. An aromatic, ripe blackberry jam, liquorice, perfumed violets and black tea nose with an exotic five spice undercurrent. The attack is rich and plump with fabulous black fruits, soya, raisins, licorice, mint and plums that sit on a stony mineral undercurrent. Characteristic Fonseca's structured, grippy tannins are lined with graphite while vibrant, almost crunchy acidity weaves dextrously throughout the density. Amazingly approachable now but this wine will live for decades. Texture weight, balance, freshness - it’s all here but if you can wait, wait. Young collectors should be stocking up on this port and prepare to drink an icon in 2050.Prices:| BC | $119.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $126.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $125.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $140.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $75.00 | 375ml |
| AB | $65.00 | 375ml |
| MB | $125.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $73.00 | 375ml |
| SK | $120.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $375.00 | 750ml |
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96PTS
Fonseca Vintage Port 1994
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalTwenty years down the road and ten years since we last tasted it the '94 remains sensational. Always enormous in color and concentration it has finally shed its youthful aromas. (Back in the day they added up to 22 per cent colorless spirit but the colour remains impressive). It’s really just growing in the bottle and many think it will keep comfortably until 2040. Bruce Guimaraens said, "It has the structure of 1977, maybe 1955, probably also 1985 which will be a classic year.” It's was a tiny vintage 50 per cent less production than average. Look for fresh raisins, big blackcurrants, huge density and power and fabulous length. A blockbuster port for the cellar that is still soaring.Prices:| US | $250.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Fonseca Vintage Port 1985
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalThe '85 harvest was a giant yielding the most Port in the last 50 years. Our sample was a touch musty on the nose but on the palate, it is a blockbuster. At the 30-year mark it is supple and round with plenty of brown spices, licorice, still some spirit and along warm palate. It's starting to lose a little color but it remains one of the best of the vintage as its primary licorice chocolate and coffee flavour morph into something more mellow and complex. A beautiful creamy soft round, opulent port that is ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $249.99 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Fonseca Vintage Port 1970
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalLast tasted in 2004 and this fabulous old lady, now fully mature is still holding on. Bruce Guimaraens said “It fills the mouth with bottled sunshine and finishes long.” Soft round and delicious eleven years later it remains on a fully mature plateau mixing caramel, figs, brown sugar, aged worn wood, resin and spice. There is both weight and balance and the finish lingers forever, with herbal dried cherry and fine peppery spice. A beautiful old bottle of port, complete in the mouth with gentle, though persistent drive and flow through exceptional length. A lovely illustration as to why you would wait 40 or 50 years if you could to drink these magnificent wines. Bravo. I guess it explains why at Fonseca they say, “Anytime you are not drinking port is a complete and utter waste of time.”Prices:| BC | $429.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Fonseca 40 Year Old Aged Tawny Port NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalUndeniably alluring tawny, with four decades of cask concentration within its orangey ochre hue. At forty years, the potent sweetness has started to fade, and a lingering subtle savouriness and roasted coffee bean has begun to emerge. Delicate exotic orange florals and plum lead quickly into a quiet graphite note. Generous raisin pie, orange marmalade and intense walnut nuttiness lead the silken, palate, though a persistent grippiness still is evident under the mellow flow. Finishes with exceptional length, and a touch more firey than anticipated for its age.Prices:| BC | $118.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Fonseca 20 Year Old Aged Tawny Port NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalTwenty years in wood casks has mellowed this fruit into a beautifully smooth, silken place, but still one with the characteristic breadth and subtle fiery grip of Fonseca. Heady raisin pie, dried figs, walnuts, leather and peppery cinnamon spice are pulled along an undercurrent of deep butterscotch. Great length.Prices:| BC | $88.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $65.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $69.50 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Fonseca 10 Year Old Aged Tawny Port NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalConsistent and classic, Fonseca 10 year old Tawny comes by its tawny colour through ten years of barrel aging. Lovely high toned, youthful notes of spiced fruitcake, walnuts, tea, golden raisin compote and spice. There's a grip and power here that gives a welcome kick to the smooth palate.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $40.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $34.75 | 750ml |
| PEI | $40.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $39.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $40.00 | 750ml |
| NFL | $40.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
The Hatch Dynasty Red 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDynasty is a merlot blend that spent 18 months in a mix of new, second and third year French oak along with the malbec and syrah. The nose is fragrant fresh (yeah) the fruits more red than black and fresh. Youthful and showing a few edges but this has the tools to be a solid bottle in another year or two. Love the balance and stylish mid-weight structure that makes it food friendly. Chops – beef lamb or pork will all do. The blend is 70/15/15 led by two merlot on Naramata Bench and 15% each of malbec and syrah from down south in Osoyoos. Only 300 cases made.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
The Hatch Gamay Secrest Mountain Vineyard 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFragrant smoky red fruit nose with bits of resin and rhubarb and toasted oak. The attack is bit flat with smoky red fruit but with some dry grippy tannins in the back end. Could be cleaner but will be fine with grilled chicken or even a sausage pizza.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Bellingham The Bernard Series Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2013
Coastal Region, South AfricaWhat is so remarkable about this wine is how consistently good it is each year. The spice, the honey the nutty floral notes and the ripe round creamy complex palate. So far ahead of most of the SA plonk that plagues our stores one wonders what's up with the rest. The attack is rich but fresh mix tropical fruit with citrus, honey and more attractive spice. Concentrated and long. Pork would a great match.Prices:| SK | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $26.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $22.29 | 750ml |
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28 December 2015
94PTS
Hartford Court Chardonnay Seascape Vineyard 2012
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, United StatesFloral, lemon, lanolin, guava, baked apple, vanilla, spicy lees and grassy aromas with a hint of honey and butterscotch. Dry, fresh, creamy, juicy palate with good acidity. Pear, lees, vanilla, lemon, baked green apple, custard and nectarine flavours with an herbal, floral note. Excellent finesse and delicacy with balanced concentration. Drink now or over the next four years. Not a massive, toasty wine chardonnay but rather one to linger on.Prices:| BC | $125.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $120.00 | 750ml |
| US | $65.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Ortas La Domeliére Rasteau 2013
Rasteau, Côtes du Rhône Villages, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceThe 2013 harvest wasn’t easy in the Rhone but this label has shone in recent years, and remains a solid buy. The mix is a blend of 70/20/10 grenache, syrah and mourvèdre and it grabs your attention from the nose to the finish. The nose is a mix of ripe, red and dark fruit flavours, fleshy on the palate with a hint of cedar and garrigue in the background. The palate is softer, jammy and lighter this year but with enough fruit and ample black pepper to make this a mid-week best buy. A bit of heat is felt on the finish, best mopped up with roasted pork.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.04 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.95 | 750ml |
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79PTS
Adega on 45th Viognier 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaQuite sweetly perfumed nose on this viognier with jarring baby powder, faux flower and bitter orange blossom. The palate is thin and the finish acerbic. Back to the drawing board.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Evolve Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA buttery mix of citrus and tropical fruit aromas with a touch of citrus open this lighter white. The palate continues with lime, melons and candied lemons that finishes soft and sweet. Simple, sweeter, straight-up sauvignon that will perform best with spicy chicken dishes.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Domaine de Cébène Les Bancèls 2013
Faugères, Coteaux du Languedoc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceLes Bancèls is grown on two parcels: a terraced mound planted to syrah and grenache facing north and northeast; the mourvèdre vines faces south. The organic fruit comes off terraced vines planted over schist. Winemaker Brigitte Chevalier new to the region since 2008 appears to have an innate touch according to the palate and styling of this delicious red. It would be easy to mistake this wine for a Rhône red from the hilly Gigondas area. Expect a fresh, red-fruited wine awash in white pepper and a terrific acidity. The palate is velvety and fresh with a strong undercurrent of dried herbs or garrigue so prevalent in the south. Lamb and or beef is the match. Stock up. Should be on every restaurant list the city.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Régis Boucabeille Les Terrasses 2014
Côtes du Roussillon Villages, Roussillon, Sud de France, FranceHaving southern France red blends like this remind me how much I adore southern France red blends. This grenache/syrah/carignan blend is from the Roussillon, planted on shale slopes and abandoned in the 20th century because it was too hard to farm. Today, 11 terraces between 200-300 metres are farmed organically, treated respectfully and produce this delicious, fresh, juicy red. Ripe plums, smoked stone, garrigue, wild blackberries and raspberries ride a plump, sun-ripened cushion, one supported and defined by slightly gritty tannins. Juicy acidity and a lingering, anise-tinged finish complete this balanced and easily quaffable, serious wine.Prices:| BC | $20.49 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Burrowing Owl Meritage 2012
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPerfumed violets, ripe black cherry, black plum, brambles and young leather carry this structured Meritage blend of cabernet franc, merlot, cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot. The wine has spent time in French, American, Hungarian and Russian oak - generating quite the spice basket of toasted flavours. Youthful, wood hewn tannins prop up the ripe fruit, and while not fully integrated at present, a couple more years resting should help. Steak spices and grilled meats close out the finish, as does some heat.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $50.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Liberated Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Sonoma County, California, United StatesWe knew that eventually America would come to its senses and abandon the super ripe, low acid sauvignon blanc style. Kendall Jackson has ‘liberated” its sauvignon blanc and relaunched it under one of three trendy labels. Look for bright, tangy, orange citrus scented white with intense passion fruit and kiwi flavours. A mix of cool Monterey and Sonoma fruit that could be even skinnier. Try this with a chicken and goat cheese salad.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Chateau Lassègue 2006
Saint Émilion, Libourne, Bordeaux, FranceCranberry, light cedar, cigar, sweaty saddle leather, medicinal, band-aid aromas. Dry, elegant, fresh palate with light, grainy tannins. Meaty, saddle leather, band-aid, medicinal, rooty, tobacco and coffee flavours. Very old style with a big dose of Brett and oak. Drink up.Prices:| BC | $59.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $55.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Cave de Tain Vin de Paille Hermitage 2011
Hermitage, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceStunner. This vin de paille (straw wine) is made from predominantly marsanne grapes, some over 100 years in age, and only in select years when grape health and vintage conditions permit. Grapes are air-dried in open wood crates for two months before gentle, very slow crushing of the concentrated, honeyed grapes. Expressive honey, golden raisin, toffee, dried apricot, ripe quince and marmalade aromas carry through to the very sweet, syrupy palate, one deftly reined in with an herbal, walnut shell edge and a thread of lime cordial acidity. Full and rich on the mouth, with a finish that lingers on with dried apricot and honey for minutes after the last sip.Prices:| BC | $150.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Stag's Hollow Renaissance Grenache 2014
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIt’s good to know that Stag’s Hollow continues to persevere where grenache is concerned. Winter kill is a problem with this variety hence you won’t find much of it in Canada. Too bad because we love how it’s progressing in BC. The nose has beautiful white pepper, character with a coating of cedar as it wafts from the glass. Its red fruit nose is equally expressive evoking cherries, cranberries and wild strawberries all with a sagebrush/savoury background. Best of all is the fresh, peppery finish. Juicy, charming and delicious this red wine makes a statement that we can be different. The final blend contains 3 percent syrah. The oak is French and perfectly incidental. Oh and yes, to make sure the delicate Okanagan fruit esters remain intact it is finished under a beautiful glass Vinolok closure.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Gérard Bertrand Château L'Hospitalet La Reserve La Clape 2012
La Clape, Coteaux du Languedoc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceConsistently well made savoury red with ageing power. Look for a smoky, meaty, black cherry, garrigue and pepper nose that spreads out across the palate, adding dark floral, licorice, olive/tapenade notes. Fresh, balanced and should be great to drink through 2018-19. Serve with fire-grilled lamb chops or beef.Prices:| BC | $23.49 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
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27 December 2015
89PTS
Laurenz V. Und Sophie Singing Grüner Veltliner 2013
Niederösterreich, Weinland Österreich, AustriaSpring meadow, gooseberry, green fig, white pepper and green apple open this stony, herb brushed grüner from Niederösterreich. The dry, oily, citrus slicked and medium bodied palate carries dried and fresh herbs, chamomile, fine meadow flowers, tangerine, white grapefruit, stony spice and green fig to a zesty, pithy finish. This would easily stand up to tarragon butter halibut, moules frites or pissaldiere.Prices:| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
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26 December 2015
90PTS
Melini La Selvanella Riserva Chianti Classico 2010
Tuscany, ItalyChianti Classico’s Radda commune is home to Fattoria La Selvanella a 50 ha vineyard that basks in the sun at 400m above the sea. High density on alberese over galestro facing southwest and you have magic. First planted in 1969 this mature site is the jewel in the Melini crown. Traditional in style it spends 30 months in varying sizes of oak casks. You are going to love its silky textures, the long spicy red cherry, plum fruit flavours and its persistent, long smooth elegant finish. I want to drink the whole bottle now. Great value.Prices:| BC | $24.39 | 750ml |
| QC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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25 December 2015
87PTS
Calliope Sauvignon Blanc 2014
British Columbia, CanadaGrapefruit, light green apple, guava and passion fruit aromas with a bit of jalapeño and green grass. Fresh, juicy, creamy, off dry palate with a pink grapefruit, gooseberry, passion fruit palate with a touch of nettle and lemon grass. Finish has a bit of citrus rind and herb but fresh, fruity style for any consumer. Good value.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $34.00 | 750ml |
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24 December 2015
84PTS
Adega on 45th Pinot Gris 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBaked apple, overripe pear lead the nose and palate of this fuller bodied pinot gris. Moderate acidity carries the spice notes along a somewhat clunky palate. Nice concentration, but still trying to hone in on balance.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Kim Crawford Small Parcels Favourite Homestead Pinot Gris 2012
Awatere Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandNew Zealand pinot gris is a chameleon, from rich and concentrated through the spectrum to zesty and lean. This small parcels pinot gris is in the former camp, a textured, spicy and ripe gris that balances out scented baskets of orchard fruit and musk melon with a zesty, grapefruit acidity. A blanket of lees covers the bottom layer of this fuller bodied wine, one that ends a bit bluntly with pear skin and ample toasty spice.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Kim Crawford Small Parcels Spitfire Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandAggressively assertive nose of asparagus, green pepper, underripe melon and green apple. The tight, lean palate carries the same with underlying cut grass and white grapefruit zestiness. A thin layer of medicinal-tinted lees cushions this fuller bodied sauvignon blanc yet fails to ameliorate any of the sharpness of flavours. If you like shy, subtle wines, look elsewhere.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Quails' Gate Merlot 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen perfumed black plum, wild blackberry fruit opens this plush merlot with supple warm, ripe fruit with a firm undercurrent of French oak wood tannins and a gentle lift of fresh, spicy acidity. Bitter black cherry, cassis and tobacco flush out the palate, and linger on the cedar wood finish. Perfect with grill lamb chops or soft cheeses.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $25.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $23.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $26.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Road 13 Merlot Syrah Low Yield Wines 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe cooler 2011 vintage sets the tone for this 68/32 merlot syrah blend harvested across the valley on the Black Sage Bench. Look for meaty (syrah) savory (merlot) aromas laced with sage, prune sand a touch of French oak. The attack is soft, the palate cool and earthy with rich blacker fruits and some expresso beans. Dry but firm this still needs another 18 months to balance out. An odd mix fruit that delivers. Fire up the barbecue and grill some lamb.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
It's Wine O'Clock Somewhere Sauvignon Blanc NV
Open herbaceous pine needles and grapefruit a whiff of almonds. The attack is sweet and sour with a short flat finish. Not much to like here even at $9 a bottle.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 3000ml |
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87PTS
Backyard Vineyards Merlot 2013
British Columbia, CanadaOpen fresh, black pepper, savoury, black cherry nose. Round, smooth, warm, spicy fresh palate with chalky, smooth tannins. The attack is smoky with more black cherry, cedar and dried herb flavours. The finish is medium length and warm. Drink now with grilled meat or wait a year or two for it to fully mature.Prices:| BC | $9.25 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Hillside Cabernet Franc 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIt’s been six years since I lasted this wine and obviously much has happened at Hillside. Cabernet Franc is finding its feet in the Okanagan especially those heading in the floral, cranberry, spicy tea leaf direction. This is an elegant, juicy, mid-weight red with cherries and tea tannins and a touch of resin in the flavours. A stylish food wine for drinkers who are thinkers. Aged for three to five years or serve it now with grilled meats, domestic and wild, or rich mushroom dishes. The wine spends 13 months in new and used American oak barrels before the final blend.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Hillside Merlot - Malbec 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSimilar to last year with a little less charm. Savoury resin, black cherry, black pepper aromas flecked with cedar. Dry, lean, smoky, savoury entry with tobacco, sour cherry, cedar, tea and coffee flavours. A light mini-Bordeaux style that finishes dry and lean at this point. Serve now with grilled lamb chops or give some time in bottle to settle in.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Hillside Merlot - Cabernet Franc 2012
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA slightly richer version of the very good 2011 with a lifted cran/cherry, earthy nose with hints of coffee. The palate is slightly richer with some bigger tannins this year at the back end. More cherry, coffee, resin tobacco, savoury, olive flavours. Give this another year in bottle to settle in or serve now with grilled steak and chimichurri sauce.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Hillside Merlot 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaJust released after time in wood and eight months in bottle (yeah), the 2103 merlot is a well-made, straight-up merlot with attractive aromas of cassis mixed with coffee and floral notes. The attack is well balanced with pleasant orchard cherry and plum fruit with some spicy, savoury, chocolate bits in the finish. Exactly what it should be for the price. The winery restaurant often pairs its merlot with striploin, pork steaks, or creamy mushroom pastas. Impressive 1283 cases produced.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Taylor Fladgate 10 Year Old Tawny NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalA mainstay tawny with ample interest and great complexity for its price. Salted almond and walnut leads to crème caramel, orange peel, fig and toffee flowing across a silky palate. Lively acidity keeps this fresh through to the nutmeg spiced, salty finish. Classic 10 YO Tawny you can pour all fall and winter.Prices:| BC | $41.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $34.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $34.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $32.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Van Westen Vineyards Vino Grigio 2014
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLess bright and more ripe in 2014 with a nose of honey and sliced apples and ripe pears. The attack is similar with candid lemon and sweet grapefruit. Round soft and ready to drink and this year with its sweet tones is better suited to spicy dishes.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Van Westen Vineyards Vivre la Vie 2012
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVivre is a 100 percent merlot from what is a generous, warm vintage. The nose is suitably fresh and intense with showy black plum and violet fruit aromas. The palate is medium-bodied, a surprise but a good thing, we think. The attack is drier and leaner than the nose would suggest with a resiny pencil lead finish and some dry tannins. Light and not ready. Give this another two years to see if it can settle down into a solid red. Best now with grilled meat.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Van Westen Vineyards Voluptuous 2012
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2012, like the 2011 is voluptuous. The mix is 67/33 merlot/cabernet franc. You will love the dense, rich, chalky, full palate awash in savoury, dark plum fruit, licorice and chocolate flavours that persist from front to back. The finish is glossy, spicy and layered with impressive fruit. As young as this is it has a big future if you can wait – we think another five to seven years. A magical Naramata red.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Screaming Frenzy Meritage 2013
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe nose is pruny with cook fruit/raisin dried spices and oxidative notes. It seems as if the best harvest time was missed here. The palate is super smooth and warm with rich raisiny, blackberry, pruny fruit with some dry ragged tannins in the back. Grilled sausages would be the best match here to smooth out the edges. The blend is a 60/40 mix of cabernet franc and merlot from Blink Creek Vineyard in the Similkameen. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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23 December 2015
88PTS
Road 13 Syrah Mourvedre 2013
British Columbia, CanadaEighty-five percent syrah and twelve percent mourvèdre are graced with a splash of grenache, bringing a lift of sweet strawberry to this spicy, brooding black fruited blend. Low yields have upped the concentration, while fifteen months in aged French oak has upped the structure. Wild blackberry and cassis are carried by slightly chewy tannins and spiced with Okanagan desert garrigue. Acidity maintains the balance right through the lingering finish. Heft without weight, this would be a great pour for braised lamb shank with root vegetables.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Tinhorn Creek Oldfield Series Syrah 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig chocolate, coffee, vanilla, peppery, black cherry, light game, sweaty saddle leather with a pruny note. Dry, lean, tight and tart entry with light tannins. Smoky, coffee, peppery, vanilla, saddle leather, medicinal, black berry and game flavours. This lacks the mid-palate you would expect at this level. Drink now with grilled lamb chops.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Maverick Estate Winery Syrah 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGood black pepper, smoky, celery salt, meaty, black berry, licorice root, chocolate aromas with a bit of vanilla and roast pepper. Dry, fresh, warm, tight palate with some young tannins. Coffee, sausage meat, black pepper, black berry, resin, poultry spice, resin and licorice flavours. Good flavour intensity but needs a bit more length and mid-palate extract to get to the next level.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Adega on 45th Syrah 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOaky, earthy, dank/pruny spicy aromas. Dry, tight, leaner palate with tart acidity and tobacco black cherry, rooty, earthy flavours that finish oaky and leafy. Thin, tart and ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Painted Rock Syrah 2013
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThere is marked difference in mid-valley syrah, more aromatic with black pepper, tobacco, smoky curry notes mixed with leather, light poultry, spice, black cherry coffee aromas. The attack is dry and fresh with elegant well managed light tannins. The palate brings more chocolate, coffee, pepper, vanilla, black cherry, celery salt, licorice and curry notes. Definitely a more suave style with good intensity but will still need two to four years to fully develop in the bottle.Prices:| BC | $34.69 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Road 13 Jackpot Syrah 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig savoury, sage, black pepper, sausage meat, tobacco, coffee and black cherry aromas. Round, dry, elegant palate with light but tight tannins. Very peppery, meaty, smoky, herbal, celery salt, poultry spice and black cherry flavours. Good varietal intensity but is drying out on the finish. Drink now.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Vanessa Vineyard Syrah 2012
Cawston, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeppery, prune, cooked black berry, smoky, savoury, light poultry spicy nose with vanilla, coconut, coffee aromas with a bit of volatility. Round, full, dry, warm and juicy palate with big chocolate, espresso, vanilla, cedar, rooty, licorice, meaty, black berry jam, prune and resin flavours. A very oaky style currently sitting on the fruit. This needs two or three more years to better integrate.Prices:| BC | $34.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Vanessa Vineyard Syrah 2013
Cawston, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLots of black pepper, savoury, sausage meat, smoky, coffee, celery root aromas with a bit of chocolate and tobacco, Dry, fresh, elegant, slightly lean palate but juicy. Roast pepper, smoky, black berry, resin, espresso, vanilla, herbal, licorice and milk chocolate flavours. Good flavours if oaky but needs some mid-palate and extract to beef up and lengthen the finish.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Mathieu & Camille Lapierre Morgon 2013
Morgon, Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceBright, youthful and finessed. This biodynamic Morgon charms in its youth through light fragrant cherries, raspberries and granite. Perfumed and pretty, with hints of candied strawberry fruit, Bing and black cherries and scrubby rock roses framed with a finely boned structure and textured with a punchy grip. Crunchy acids finish with ample white pepper on the finish. Very low sulphur use here, as is house style. Drinking well now, but will reward with 5+ years in the cellar.Prices:| BC | $36.29 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Van Westen Vineyards Vixen 2014
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVixen is a late harvest pinot blanc and pinot gris blend the opens with a super ripe baked apple, honey new shower curtain nose. The palate is equally sweet, rich and round with poached pears drizzled with honey and cinnamon spice with along fat sweet, almost icewine-like finish. Try this with apple pie or chocolate.Prices:| BC | $17.30 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bartier Bros. Syrah Cerqueira Vineyard 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWhite pepper, black berry, prune, tobacco leaf, cassis jam, coffee, sage with a bit of sweaty saddle leather. Dry, fresh, elegant but slightly lean palate with smoky, black berry, mocha, espresso, light sausage meat, tobacco leaf, celery root and vanilla flavours. Fine flavours but it could use more texture and extract to balance the fresh acidity. Minor tweaking is all that’s required next time out to allow this wine to sing.Prices:| BC | $23.39 | 750ml |
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22 December 2015
93PTS
Cullen Kevin John Chardonnay 2009
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaA huge supporter of Margaret River wines, Kevin Cullen's impact on the region has continued to surge after his death in 1994. This is reflective of the biodynamic producer's concentrated, elegant, serious wines. Toast, broken stone, and wild herbs hint to the native yeast ferment in French barrique, while the seamless, concentrated and full bodied palate shows the pedigree of the grapes. Fine, crystalline lemon, fleshy white peach and ripe pear flow to the very lengthy finish, textured with persistent fine spices and alive with a shimmering acidity. Showing beautifully now, this will continue to impress for another 5+ years in the cellar, easy.Prices:| Australia | $70.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Augey Bordeaux Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2014
FranceThis simple, fruity crisp sauvignon blanc/semillon offers up a taste of Bordeaux blanc at a bargain price. Crisp citrus, lemongrass, meadow grass and pithy tangerine are marked with a scent of medicinal herbs. Gooseberry and kiwi flush out the limey finish. Dry and bright, this is a friendly, tangy fruity value.Prices:| BC | $13.29 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Adega on 45th Felicidade 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOrange yogurt, peach pit aromas open this white blend (the make up of which is not disclosed on the bottle or the website). The soft palate reminds me of perfumed body lotion, perhaps peach scented. A sharp kick of citric acid followed wave of residual sugar makes for a disjointed, clunky finish.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Road 13 Home Vineyard Late Harvest Old Vines Chenin Blanc 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMade from vines now 46 years old planted on the Golden Mile Bench. The pick took place on the 28th of November and all the fruit was basket pressed. The juice was fermented in old neutral barrels and aged for 5 months in the barrels prior to bottling. Expect a medium yellow colour and a slightly oxidise baked pear nose. The palate is soft and sweet with notes of honey and more baked pears. The finish is long and complex. A solid effort we wish we had tasted a year or two ago.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 200ml |
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87PTS
Backyard Vineyards Gewurztraminer 2014
British Columbia, CanadaOur third look (vintage) at this wine and it is the best yet. The nose is clean with spicy, litchi, meaty notes flecked with lemons and apples. The palate is fresh with bits of honey and a strong, savoury lemon flavoured undercurrent and a rich finish. I tried this with a mix of sushi rolls and it was a fine match. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $17.52 | 750ml |
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86PTS
The Hatch Dynasty White 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, honey, spicy, lees, baked pear and citrus aromas. Round, fresh, juicy, slightly fat palate with pear, lees, citrus rind, grassy, apricot pit flavours. Simple, easy and clean style. The blend is equal parts pinot gris, viognier and chardonnay barrel fermented but finished in stainless steel barrels for 18 months.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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83PTS
The Hatch Muscat Stones Throw Vineyard 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBruised apple, strong struck matchstick, floral, spicy aromas with a light sausage and lees note. Dry, full, juicy palate but a bit austere with ginger, bitter citrus rind, floral, grassy flavours and more sulphur. Back to the drawing board.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Zuccardi Cuvée Especial Blanc de Blancs NV
Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThis is probably not what you're expecting. Unless you're expecting a traditional method, 100 percent chardonnay sourced from vineyards 1300m meters high in Tupungato, Mendoza, that has rested on the lees for 58 months (!). In other words, a pretty serious bubble. Light gold in the glass, with heady and mature notes of toast, nut and honeyed lemon. The palate carries the same mature notes - full and rich with intense honey, baked apple, bright citrus peel and toast. Acidity is racy and pithy, and there is a gentle dosage which boosts the creamy palate through to a lengthy finish. If you're in the mood for an aged Champagne and want to spend less than half the price, pick up this serious sparkler.Prices:| BC | $26.09 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Road 13 Jackpot Petit Verdot 2012
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig coffee, vanilla, chocolate, plum jam nose with gamey, raisin-y, smoky, licorice, savoury herb aromas. Full, ripe, round and suave on the palate with light tannins and some definite warmth. Tea leaf, earthy, raisin-y, prune, black olive, savoury, ginger, licorice and coffee flavours. Made in a super ripe, Napa Valley style that is somewhat over the top. Long and warm with lots of young, dominant oak. This need a number of years to integrate both the oak, the final acidity and some hefty tannins on the finish.Prices:| BC | $75.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Road 13 Fifth Element Red 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWith densely ripe, sweet black fruits, dark florals, tobacco, pitch and alluring roasted meats this blend of merlot, cabernet franc, syrah, cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot packs a lot of stuffing. Fortunately, the structure is there to support it. Though this wine still presents youthful, it was built to last five plus years. Ample ripe tannins finish with black cherry and blackberry on a lingering, brooding finish. Pour with your grilled steaks.Prices:| BC | $49.00 | 750ml |
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21 December 2015
94PTS
Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame Brut 2004
Champagne, FranceGrande Dame is Veuve Clicquot’s prestige cuvée now just over 50 years in production. From a large harvest this Grande Dame shows no signs of over production. The nose is typically rich and open with floral, brioche, nutty, creamy baked pear notes. The acid is bright and carries through from the front of the palate to the back supporting the cherry, strawberry chalky, honey, baked apple, quince fruit and its creamy textures. Showing perhaps at its peak now but should age gracefully. The dosage is set at 9g/l. The 2004 is a blend is a 69/31/ of pinot noir and chardonnay made grands cru sites in Aÿ, Bouzy, Ambonnay, Verzy, Verzenay, Avize, Oger and Le Mesnil sur Oger. The reserve wine is kept on the lees in concrete.Prices:| BC | $229.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $250.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $226.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $239.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $246.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $228.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Serendipity Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA nice jump up in quality over the 2013. The nose is expressive, heading down that Kiwi road toward green fruit, herbal/asparagus/dill notes. The attack is bright and the fruit, zesty with citrus, melon and pink grapefruit before a zesty, dusty mineral finish. The winery does a lot of work with food and recommends parings with fish, shrimp, Fettuccini Alfredo, mushroom and goat cheese bruschetta.Prices:| BC | $19.80 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Terrazas de los Andes Malbec Reserva 2012
Mendoza, ArgentinaBlack fruits and liquorice dominate on the nose with some underlying floral mineral notes. The attack is rich, spicy and mouth filling with those classic silky malbec textures. Bordering on the sweet side that should have wide appeal. Big bold and rich this needs a rare, grilled steak to tame its rambunctious youthful character, or five to eight more years in bottle.Prices:| BC | $20.79 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.60 | 750ml |
| SK | $19.23 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Cloudline Pinot Noir 2013
Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesA line from the folks at Domaine Drouhin Oregon, this is an affordable pinot noir that sings of the Willamette. Pretty scented cherry and raspberry on the nose carries through to the silken palate, one gently textured with lightly rasped wood and cracked spices. Youthful and friendly, without being dumbed down. Best value for classic Willamette pinot noir on our market.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Hillside Old Vines Gamay 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight-ish in colour the aromas are more along the earthy, mineral floral side with a dusting of red fruit scents. The attack is juicy with medium rich sour cherries with more mineral, floral stony notes. A red wine to contemplate with pork or a favourite cheese. Less is more revealing in the New Okanagan. Love the value here. Just needs a pinch of fruit to be very special.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Screaming Frenzy Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFresh bright, fruity style with no green herbaceous vegetable notes, yeah. The theme is citrus, with a whiff of nettle mixed with melons and a touch of stony, chalky, minerality. The finish is clean if a touch short. A little Sancerre-like to this writer. Serve with a variety of shellfish and fish. Perfect with butter and cream-based dishes.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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20 December 2015
87PTS
The Hatch Semillon Sitrus Hill Vineyard 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe winery describes sémillon as a hobo “because we know how great it can be; how flavourful and unique.” There is no oak here, which is great. There is some lanolin and what I would describe as crushed white fruits it just lacking a bit of acidity, power and persistence in the mouth. It’s round and ready to drink and would be suited a piece of fresh chèvre or your favourite sushi roll.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Domaine Christian Moreau Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2013
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceLight grassy, floral, peach skin, lime scented nose with lees, green apple and seashore aromas with a hint of vanilla. Dry, fresh, elegant, delicate yet well-structured palate with a touch of austerity. Lees, lemon, granny smith, spicy, leafy, quince and seaweed with a touch of garlic and thyme. Long and juicy, this should improve over the next 3-5 years.Prices:| BC | $70.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $55.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $65.00 | 750ml |
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19 December 2015
89PTS
Stag's Hollow Riesling Amalia Vineyard 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA three percent splash of muscat ottonel makes quite the difference to this riesling with its fragrant, exuberant florals and perfumed grape notes on the nose and palate. Lime blossom, roses, white peach and apricot fill out the remainder of this silky, stony mineral palate grounded with tangerine oil and lime peel. Acidity is brisk, almost Mosel-like and the finish crisp and zesty - pour with Thai curries or vegetarian Vietnamese dishes. Dry fresh and crunchy.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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18 December 2015
89PTS
Heartland Spice Trader 2012
Langhorne Creek - Limestone Coast, South Australia, AustraliaThe Spice Trader is a 58/42 shiraz/cabernet sauvignon grown on sandy loam soils at Langhorne Creek. Surprisingly fresh and juicy on the nose with big blueberry and blackcurrant flavours and yes spice. A bit warm but balanced and unlike many of its competitors it is not acidic in the back end. From a superior vintage to boot.Prices:| BC | $18.49 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.85 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Dominio de Pingus Ψ PSI 2012
Ribera del Duero, Castilla-Leon, SpainThis is baby Pingus, Peter Sisseck’s flagship wine that sells for $1000/bottle. PSI is made in the same facility by the same people and it is produced organically and biodynamically from old tempranillo vines. Brilliant. The luring flowers, deep cassis, anise, savoury spice and cool minerality is coupled with effortless lightness, grippy, firm tannins and a very lengthy finish.Prices:| BC | $47.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Navarro López Pergolas Old Vines Tempranillo Crianza 2012
Valdepeñas, Castilla-La Mancha, SpainThis Valdepeñas tempranillo is slightly more rustic than its Rioja counterpart offering up spicy, cherry peppery fruit on the nose with a hint of resin and tobacco. The attack is fresh with more smoky, black cherry fruit, caraway seed flavours. The finish is dry with some light grippy tannins poking through the finish.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Gayda Figure Libre Rouge Freestyle 2014
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceThe 40/30/20/10 blend is a mix of syrah, grenache noir, carignan and mourvèdre fermented in stainless steel. The wine is aged in older barrels for 9 months giving it room to breathe but adding no real oak to the mix. The attack is rich and vibrant with meaty notes and big plummy red fruit and licorice with a wallop of spicy dried herbs or garrigue. Bold and fresh this wine can take on most grilled meats and poultry.Prices:| QC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Torres Coronas Tempranillo 2012
Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainSlightly reduce (stinky) nose, likely screwcap induced, so we recommend a splash decant to clean that up. The attack is rich than you might expect with meaty, leather, liquorice, black cherry fruit that fades into a tobacco finish. Simple soft, ready-to-drink hamburger red.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $16.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.25 | 750ml |
| NS | $16.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Louis Bernard Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2014
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceThis wine is as delicious as ever for the price and real revelation regarding white Rhone. The blend is a mix of grenache blanc, bourboulenc and clairette and it is as juicy and as fresh as it gets for the price. Expect a floral, mineral, citrus, stony white wine that is very food friendly. The finish is clean and dry, Pick your favourite seafood or creamy pasta dish. They will all work.Prices:| BC | $13.89 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.00 | 750ml |
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17 December 2015
92PTS
Elephant Island Orchard Wines Fortified Framboise 2014
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig fresh and cooked raspberry nose with licorice, spicy, minty aromas. Rich, full, juicy, sweet palate but good acidity and intensity. Minty, jammy raspberry, peppery, spicy, chocolate flavours. Intense fruity style to drink or have on a dessert. Good effort.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 375ml |
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87PTS
Lunessence Late Harvest Pinot Blanc 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada9% alcohol. Earthy, green apple, pear, lime, matchstick, nectarine and plasticene aromas. Delicate, fresh, juicy but light palate with some sweetness. Lemon, canned peach, baked apple, pear and earth flavours with some matchstick on the finish. A simple, fresh style for current consumption.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 375ml |
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90PTS
Garage Wine Co. Lot 42 Cabernet Franc 2012
Pirque, Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileThis is a good franc. Aromatic but restrained at another level with coffee, black cherry, cranberry, tobacco, smoky, vanilla and chocolate aromas. Ripe, round, rich, elegant and suave and juicy on the palate there’s a whack of ripe pipe tobacco, cedar, peppery, balsamic, chocolate, cranberry, plum, savoury herb flavours. Good intensity and balance. You could drink it now with a big piece of meat but you can wait for another five years too. Owner Derek Mossman has along term deal for these grapes first planted by William Fevre 26 years ago in an old river bed of the Rio Clarillo in Pirque. Super effort.Prices:| AB | $33.00 | 750ml |
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16 December 2015
85PTS
Blue Grouse Cowichan Station Estate Bacchus 2014
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaBacchus is a silvaner/riesling cross with muller thurgau and at the Blue Grouse Cowichan vineyards, it presents a lean, crisp coastal white. Mandarin, candied peach and candy necklace / powdered citrus lead the light bodied palate, one that is cushioned with a thin layer of gooseberry and pear gummies. Powdery citrus returns on the finish, a tight, short one. Pour alongside simple shellfish dishes.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Road 13 Jackpot Chardonnay 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRipe peach, honey, vanilla, nutty lees, floral, lanolin and butter aromas. Fresh, juicy, elegant palate with baked apple, honey, spicy lees, peach, guava, vanilla, ginger, floral flavours with a light citrus, butterscotch and hazelnut finish. Good fruit and ripeness. Try this with seafood pasta dishes or your favourite crab dish.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Domane Wachau Grüner Veltliner 2013
Wachau, Niederösterreich, Weinland Österreich, AustriaEvery time I taste grüner (like this one) I wonder why I don't drink much more grüner (like this one). Expressive wild herbs, wax, quince and lemon on the nose carry through to the medium bodied palate, one blanketed with a fine coating of honeycomb and textured with broken stones and fine minerality. Acidity is nimble and striving, drawing this concentrated, herbal white through the lengthy, spicy white pepper finish.Prices:| BC | $23.49 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Privato Vineyard and Winery Chardonnay 2013
British Columbia, CanadaFresh inviting toasted lees hints of garlic and light butter notes mixed with baked green apple and caramel aromas. Fresh, delicate, juicy, elegant palate with green apple, citrus, nectarine, vanilla, nutty lees and butterscotch flavours. Showing some sulphur but with excellent fruit intensity and finesse. Delicate style with intensity. A very fine first effort out of the Thompson Valley, watch out Okanagan.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Screaming Frenzy Chardonnay 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis wine opens with the DNA of Secrest Vineyard (McIntyre Plateau south Okanagan) fruit on the nose: mineral and floral. The attack is soft and creamy no doubt a result of being fermented in a concrete egg. The wine was then stored in French Oak and 6 months later it was ‘hatched’. The flavours are a mix of light lees, butter and apples with enough acidity to finish fresh and clean. Solid effort that is ready to rink.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Yalumba Organic Chardonnay 2014
South Australia, AustraliaA slightly fresher nose this time out with more green, less baked, apple notes. Round, fresh, easy palate with ripe red apple and baked pear flavours with a dusting of lees and butter. Solid, fresh if ripe style that is ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $16.49 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Niepoort Dialogo Douro Branco 2011
Douro Superior, Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalFrom high altitude vineyards in the Douro comes this blend of local grapes: codega do larinho, rabigato, gouveio, dona branca, viosinho and bical. 25 percent barrel fermentation and aging sur lie has resulted in a very textured, oily and stony white, with pear, citrus blossom, meadow herbs and crisp bright finish. Weighty while presenting light citrus notes. Evocative, well done.Prices:| BC | $17.49 | 750ml |
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15 December 2015
86PTS
Maverick Estate Winery Pinot Noir 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCandied cherry, sausage meat, earthy, celery, caraway, coffee, leafy aromas. Full, juicy, elegant, round palate but a bit hollow. Coffee bean, vanilla, herbal, tobacco leaf, celery salt, carrot top, prune flavours with stewed tea on the finish.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Quails' Gate Pinot Noir 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPeppery, celery root, light sausage, black cherry, coffee, vanilla, saddle leather aromas. Dry, fresh, elegant, round palate with light, leafy tannins. Coffee, peppery, stewed cherry, tobacco leaf, earthy, leather and soy flavours. Finish is a bit lean and rooty, could use more fruit.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $27.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $27.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $27.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $30.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $25.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $27.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Spierhead Pinot Noir 2014
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe ‘white’ label Spierhead pinot is the winery workhorse responsible for about 60 percent of the production. The wine is meant to mirror the new world house style, but much more Oregon (with an eye on Burgundy) than California. It’s barrel aged in 100 percent French oak for ten months. The attack is fresh with spicy, licorice and ripe, sweeter cherry aromas and flavours that fade into an earthy, compost, cool-climate tea and rhubarb finish. Tannins are moderate and slightly sticky, and the finish carries ample crunchy spices. Solid, youthful, fresher, pinot with excellent varietal character. Grilled salmon would be a great match. The clones in use are Dijon 115, Dijon 667 and Pommard. Perfect alcohol at 13.1 percent.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Spierhead Pinot Noir GFV Saddle Block 2014
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe east Kelowna home site estate Gentleman Framer Vineyard (GFV) is shaped like a saddle, hence the Saddle Block moniker. It is also the home of Spierhead’s original pinot noir plantings, Dijon clones 115, 777 and 828. The colour is slightly darker and in the warm 2014 vintage, these clones designed to ripen early yield a round, soft, warm, spicy, cherry, savoury/menthol pinot noir. Tannins are fine and gentle, as is the acidity. Easy to sip and ready to work with richer dishes like duck or pork belly.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Spierhead Pinot Noir Cuvée 2014
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpierhead released four different pinot noirs in 2014, showing a strong commitment to the heartbreak grape. The Cuvée is a blend of the best barrels from the harvest, whole berry fermented and aged ten months in French oak. Ripe and generous, though still tightly wound in youth. An herbal boysenberry/cherry nose (consist with the other offerings) carries through to a cushioned, black cherry jam, rose petal, beef jus and anise palate. Acidity is brisk with tannins a touch on grippy side for the moment. It’s young and should relax and grow in the bottle over the next two to three years. The flagship is aged in 100% French oak and is 46/21/17/8/8/ mix of Dijon 115, Dijon 777, Dijon 828, Dijon 667 and Pommard.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Road 13 Jackpot Pinot Noir 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight pepper, cherry, celery salt, rooty, vanilla, cedar, tobacco, worsteshire aromas. Fresh, juicy, round, dry palate with very light tannins. Smoky, savoury, celery root, cherry, peppery, tobacco leaf, light espresso flavours with a bit of licorice and resin on the finish. Needs a year or two fully integrate its light tannin.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Road 13 Castle Vineyard Pinot Noir 2012
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, worsteshire, cherry jam, tobacco leaf, celery salt, vanilla and candied rhubarb aromas. Round, soft, easy palate with coffee, cherry jam, vanilla bean, celery, tobacco, cooked rhubarb and cola flavours with a hint of sweetness. A bit warm but ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Lunessence Pinot Noir 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight raspberry amber colour. Tea leaf, sour cherry, orange peel, tobacco, earthy aromas. Delicate, round, suave and easy palate with earthy, light barnyard, leather, prune, coffee, smoky herb and celery flavours with a light medicinal note. Nice texture but very muddled.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Haywire Free Form Natural and Unfiltered Red 2014
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFree form is the 'natural' line of wines from Haywire. The 2014 red is true to name boasting a wild yeast fermentation in amphora before resting on skins for eight months. It was bottled unfiltered and without additives or SO2. The nose is a mix of sweet earth, wild thorny berries and wild flowers previewing a juicy, sweet strawberry fruit palate. Acids are sharp edged and tannins are moderate and furry, finishing with a sweet tobacco, dusty mineral note. For adventuresome folks (who have money to devote to adventuresome wine) and a further progression into natural wines for the Okanagan and BC. This is a single clone (667) pinot noir grown on Waters & Banks Vineyard.Prices:| BC | $54.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Siduri Pinot Noir 2013
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesSiduri’s RRV pinot is a blend of 18 individual lots of pinot noir. The 2013 vintage was magic for pinot in Sonoma County and an even better follow up to the very good 2012 vintage. The 2013 blends several sub-appellations for complexity including the Russian River Valley, the Upper-Reach, Middle– Reach, Green Valley, and the Santa Rosa Plain. The combination of regions lends a sense of complexity to the wine although at but at just under 15 percent it’s no shrinking violet. The nose is open and forward with rich, spicy, dark red fruits, rich silky supple tannins and a warm earthy finish. A hedonistic New World style for those who love the pinots rich.Prices:| BC | $41.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $40.00 | 750ml |
| US | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Inniskillin Pinot Noir Montague Vineyard 2012
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaBrick ruby colour. Tobacco, earthy, rooty, saddle leather, soy, cedar aromas with a bit of dried cherry and plum. Dry, fresh, elegant, slightly lean entry with coffee, peppery, tobacco root, leather, smoky, resin and dried cherry flavours. Solid but not very generous or fresh.Prices:| ON | $29.95 | 375ml |
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83PTS
Sumac Ridge Pinot Noir Private Reserve 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDill, olive brine, spicy, earthy, cedar bark, oak bean, tobacco aromas. Soft, round, slightly sweet and tannic palate with herbal, coffee bean, resin, cherry, smoky, leafy, celery salt flavours. Very artificial style.Prices:| BC | $13.74 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Napa Valley, California, United StatesThe nose is immediately appealing mixing dark fruits, cedar/cigar box and hints of garam masala. The lovely balance and a fresh attack with measured levels of ripe, black fruit flecked with spice and licorice notes. Don’t be fooled by its smooth textures there is plenty of tannin to warrant further bottle ageing but if you have to drink it now think grilled beef or lamb.Prices:| AB | $80.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $100.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $112.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Privato Vineyard and Winery Pinot Noir 2012
British Columbia, CanadaA new venture form Kamloops with much promise. Cherry, orange peel, worsteshire, coffee, light vanilla, tobacco, celery aromas with a touch of meat. Dry, fresh, elegant, slightly lean but juicy. Five spice, orange peel, smoky, vanilla, tobacco, rooty, celery salt and raspberry flavours. Ready to go, solid effort. Certainly challenging the Okanagan Valley.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir 2013
Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesSmoky, cherry jam, spicy, celery salt, tobacco, earthy, light vanilla, saddle leather aromas. Fresh, delicate, juicy palate with very light tannins. Cherry, orange peel, saddle leather, licorice, spiced plum, light vanilla and smoky vanilla flavours with some light, leafy tannins on the finish. Good finesse and fruit with a light, herbal streak. Drinkable now but should improve over the next few years.Prices:| BC | $45.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Escaleras de Empedrado Pinot Noir 2012
Talca, Valle del Claro, Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe vines here are very close to the coast and on top of the hills on a steep, cool terrace. Good cherry colour with savoury herb, peppery, tobacco, plum, mint, vanilla, light cedar, vanilla and raspberry aromas. Full, ripe, juicy, elegant, fresh and suave palate. Menthol, black cherry, plum, spicy, licorice, vanilla, tobacco, earthy, peppery, rose petal flavours with light tannins on the finish. Good fruit and concentration with some light tannins to dissipate. A polished ‘Euro’ style with good complexity. Fine first release. Escaleras planted at 370 metres above the Pacific Ocean in coastal Maule some 26 kilometres from the sea and some 180km south of Curicó the home of Torres Chile. The wine and the sub-appellation are called Empedrado or stony like the slate soils in the region. It’s a US$4 million project that included grenache plantings that never made it. The pinot noir was planted in 2007 and the first fruit was subsequently ravaged by birds before nets were installed. The first release of Escaleras de Empedrado was aged seven months in second-fill French oak barriques followed by two years ageing in bottle.Prices:| BC | $110.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Oak Bay Vineyard Gebert Family Reserve Pinot Noir 2012
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA warm vintage barely registers on the Gebert family pinot noir. The fruit is ripe but the style remain spare mixing resin. Raspberry and spice on the nose and palate. There’s plenty of acidity throughout with some simple, straightforward compost flecked fruit. Less is more.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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14 December 2015
87PTS
Segura Viudas Brut Reserva Cava NV
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainLight fine mousse with a baked green apple, toasty, nutty, citrus aromas with a touch of apricot and lemon peel. Fresh, elegant, juicy, drier palate with light mousse. Toasty nut, spicy, lemon, green apple skin, baked pear and quince flavours. Straight up classic Cava that is affordable and consistently well-made. Stock up so you always have some on hand.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $18.49 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.40 | 750ml |
| NB | $19.79 | 750ml |
| PEI | $18.39 | 750ml |
| NFL | $18.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Coates & Seely Hampshire Reserve Brut NV
EnglandThe first British fizz to land on our shores. This is a tiny, hands-on, traditional method (Méthode Britannique) sparkling house, making small amounts of very high quality fizz. Salt, wet chalk, lemon pith and subtle earthiness rings on the intense on nose and palate. Quite the bite with crunchy, citrus-spun acids, but charms with honest exuberance. Lively and bright, with a puff of smoke lingering. Well done - looking forward to much more Brit fizz. 65/35 chardonnay/pinot noir from 2009 and 2010 is blended and finished with a 10 g/l dosage.Prices:| BC | $54.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Domaine Carneros Cuvée de la Pompadour Brut Rosé NV
Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United StatesA 58/42 pinot noir/chardonnay blend makes up this Carneros cuvée, one where a portion of the pinot noir was allowed several days skin contact to pull additional fruit character. A splash of still pinot was also added to the cuvée. Salted raspberry, cherry and stone from the nose carry through to the fresh, fruit-forward, medium bodied palate. Creamy mousse fills the mouth, carrying the berry fruit through the lingering, bone dry, crisp finish. Fruity, crisp, dry; an accessible, sophisticated pour.Prices:| BC | $59.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $51.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $41.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Cricova Crisecco Sparkling Brut NV
MoldovaMedium fine mousse combines with floral, spicy, ginger, green apple and light toasty nut aromas. Fresh and juicy the palate is a mix of honey, peach, guava, green apple, floral and ginger flavours. He textures are rich and full but with some austerity. The finish is long. An interesting, new, fun offering at a great price. A different look at the prosecco style from Moldova. Good value.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Blue Mountain Reserve Brut R.D. Méthode Traditionelle 2007
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery pale yellow with a hint of amber. Fine continuous bubbles with floral, honey, peach, lemon peel, baked apple and herb aromas with a toasty streak. Fresh, moderately dry brut with fine mousse. Nutty, light garlic, lemon peel, baked green apple skin, grassy flavours. Nice finesse but finish is quite tart with some bitterness that needs smoke salmon on a blini to balance it out.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Blue Mountain Blanc de Blancs R.D. Méthode Traditionelle 2008
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery fine, persistent mousse with lemon, baked granny smith, floral, light toasted nut, butter, grassy aromas. Round, elegant, delicate palate with fine mousse. Lemon, baked apple skin, buttery, nutty flavours. Finish has a nice roundness but finishes austere and somewhat tart. The geeks will love the extreme acidity and fresh style. Must be served with food to counter balance the acidity.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Blue Mountain Brut Rosé R.D. Méthode Traditionelle 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPale salmon colour with lots of continuous mousse. Light raspberry, green apple, licorice, floral aromas with a touch of toasty nut and chalk. Fresh, creamy but slightly tart and austere palate with some sweetness. Baked green apple, lemon, rhubarb, honey and green pear flavours with a touch of toast. Fine mousse and elegance with some tartness and bitter notes on the finish. Well made. We love to see a touch more ripeness to let this bubble free.Prices:| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $37.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Steller's Jay Sparkling Shiraz Brut Méthode Classique NV
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNewly released, and as far as we know, the first sparkling shiraz in BC (Canada?). Steller's Jay Sparkling Shiraz is a bone dry, traditional method bubble, treated like a red wine and fermented on the skins for additional tannins. A light balsamic, blackberry jam aroma is continued on the medium bodied palate. Tannins are strangely super evident here, giving a roughly textured skin on the palate. The mousse is coarse and frisky, and the finish is black cherry astringent. Happy to see that this is dry and crisp, and I reckon it would suit duck or skirt steak or as it is used in Australia with turkey.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Parés Baltà Cava Brut B Organic NV
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainWild herbs, cracked stone dominate this well-made Cava, from a leading family in sustainable vineyard practices (organic and biodynamic). Dry and green apple crisp, with potent lemon peel, nuts and apple peel dominating, lifted with sharp acidity and cushioned by creamy mousse. Well-tended, this spends 18 months on the lees. Always a good sign to find on a wine list (means someone is paying attention to wine purchases).Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Chandon Blanc de Noirs Methode Traditonnelle NV
California, United StatesPale yellow colour with a hint of pink and medium fine mousse. Light honey, peach, raspberry, baked pear, citrus and butter aromas with a light toasty nut note. Juicy, full, riper style with a bit more sweetness. Raspberry, toasty, baked pear, citrus, spicy flavours with an apple core and salted nut finish. Finish is ripe but a tad soft and bitter.Prices:| BC | $26.29 | 750ml |
| QC | $24.45 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chandon California Brut NV
California, United StatesLots of continuous mousse with baked apple, pear, light honey, garlic, toasty lees and peach aromas. Fresh, juicy, elegant, drier brut palate with medium mousse. Baked pear, light honey, butter, grassy, toasty, citrus flavours. Good fullness for any food.Prices:| BC | $29.49 | 750ml |
| ON | $31.70 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Luc Belaire Rare Sparkling Rose NV
FrancePale raspberry colour with light, fine mousse. Light black pepper, licorice, tobacco, red apple, black cherry and apple core aromas. Full, soft, round, foamy palate that is fairly sweet. Baked black cherry, spicy, baked apple, licorice and toast flavours.Prices:| BC | $30.49 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Muga Conde de Haro Cava Brut Metodo Tradicional 2011
Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainLight, fine mousse with quince, citrus, honey, floral, green apple, grapefruit, peach and toasty aromas. Full, juicy, somewhat foamy entry with lime, green apple, grassy, gooseberry, nutty, quince flavours with light, bitter rind and lemon oil finish.Prices:| BC | $26.09 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Narrative Ancient Method Sparkling Wine by Okanagan Crush Pad 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWe love that the Okanagan Crush Pad Narrative sparkler is made in the ancient ways or what the French call the méthode ancestral. In this case the chardonnay never leaves the bottle after a solo fermentation nor is it disgorged, so the lees are kept in the bottle (no fining or filtering). The sparkle is a little pressurized which seems appropriate given the freshness, citrus and toast on the nose. The palate is creamy and welcoming, the flavours juicy and rustic but all in an eminently drinkable style. One of a kind for you wine geek friends.Prices:| BC | $39.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Ruggeri Giustino B. Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore 2013
Treviso, Verona, Veneto, ItalyLots of pale, continuous mousse with pure spicy, floral, peach aromas and a touch of pear and citrus. Fresh, creamy, juicy palate with fine mousse and some sweetness. Red apple, peach, citrus, honey, light toast flavours. Nice elegance and intensity, a step up from most Prosecco.Prices:| AB | $40.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Narrative Ancient Method Sparkling Wine by Okanagan Crush Pad 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis brand new release from Okanagan Crush Pad's Narrative line is made with an ancient method, also known as méthode ancestral in its homeland of France. Here chardonnay is bottled during fermentation and not disgorged, so the lees is kept in the bottle (no fining or filtering). The result: a rawer wine as a direct result of fermentation and the CO2 bubbles trapped in the bottle. Trapped until you pop the crown cap and take in the ample light toast, earth, wild herbs, raw dough and light citrus notes. Massive foam subsides quickly, allowing the earthy, salty, yeasty, yellow apple, almond notes to ride out along the creamy palate, finishing with bitter citrus pith. Racy crisp and bone dry, this is an interesting, one-of-a-kind snapshot that will appeal to the adventuresome wine geek.Prices:| BC | $39.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
The Hatch Octobubble Brut Rosé NV
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGood looking pale raspberry colour with lots of foamy mousse. Light fresh toasty, rhubarb, cherry, baked apple and orange aromas. The attack is juicy and full with a slightly sweet but balanced palate. More Cherry, apple, toasty, lemon and tobacco leaf flavours. A clean, fun style you can enjoy before dinner.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Adami Cartizze Dry Valdobbiadene Superiore NV
Treviso, Verona, Veneto, ItalyThe hill of Cartizze is a 1,000-foot-high vineyard of 107 hectares of vines owned by 140 growers. The land, hilly steep sloped vineyards facing south and planted over old glacial moraines mixed with sandstone and clays, is estimated to be worth in excess of one million US dollars per hectare. The second fermentation “Metodo Italiano” is in stainless steel pressurized tanks. The residual sugar is 24-26 g/l with total acidity at 6 g/l. The style is full, rich, with a definite sweetness on the palate. Ripe red apples mixed with dried apricots. Fresh and balance with a sweet supple finish. Fruit pies, fresh strawberries or pastries would all work here. Delicious.Prices:| BC | $40.79 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Granville Island Craft Sake Mirai Traditional Method Sparkling NV
CanadaMirai is North America’s first Champagne of Sake. The unique 500ml bottle is sold in limited quantities from the highly dedicated sake producer on Granville Island. The passion of Masa Shiroki, and his now BC grown rice, is present in very bottle. We loved the feint tropical fruit notes on the nose and palate together with its rich textures and persistent flavourful yeasty notes throughout the finish. Impressive and certainly capable of standing up to rich dishes like lobster or mature cheeses.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Vaporetto Prosecco No 8 Brut NV
Treviso, Verona, Veneto, ItalyAlluring toasty, nuts, citrus peel and meadow flowers to open. Bright and lively palate, crisp and dry, with small bubbles, abundant citrus acidity and a wave of apple blossom before a stony spice finish. Elegant and fresh, break this out for a special brunch or dressy canapés.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $26.99 | 750ml |
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13 December 2015
88PTS
Road 13 Chardonnay 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAt Road 13 they work their chardonnays. The ’12 was picked quite late for optimum ripeness which gives it the weight and power to be barrel fermented and to have the lees stirred daily. The nose is rich, mixing vanilla baked apples and plenty of that bread dough lees character. The palate follow the same line with smoky, baked apple and pear notes, candied lemon and caramel vanilla impression in the back end. Rich, seamless flavours that are ready to drink. A touch old-school but will have its fans.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Road 13 VRM Viognier Roussanne Marsanne 2013
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBaked pear, honey, lees, spicy, apricot, floral, butter and guava aromas. Ripe, round, juicy, creamy palate with spicy lees, baked pear, quince, ginger and apricot flavours with a floral, guava finish. Very ripe, almost unctuous style with great fruit and big leesy notes. You can drink now but another year in bottle should improve this. Serve with halibut and mango salsa.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Road 13 Seventy-Four K 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSeventy-Four K is a 46/45/ m and syrah with viognier, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and mourvèdre from Black Sage Bench, upper and lower, the Golden Mile and Cawston's upper bench. It's a cool vintage but the blend seems to rise above the challenge. The nose is very smoky and showing plenty of oak toast after spending twelve months in French and American Oak. Look for a dark colour and despite more oak and toast a svelte black fruit undercarriage with refinement and balanced. The finish is long and well balanced with dried herbs and chocolate notes. This need five years more age in bottle or you can serve it now with a big piece of grilled meat.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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12 December 2015
89PTS
Parés Baltà Blanc de Pacs 2014
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainOrganic and biodynamic. This macabeo/xarello/parellada blend charms with its characterful authenticity and delicious gulpability. Apple, stone and ample chalkiness flows into lean green apple, herbal and lemon freshness. A chalk edged grip returns on the finish, as does a crisp, sea salt rim. Lovely with shellfish and calamari, this is a stunner wine at an amazing value. Stock up!Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Wind Gap Trousseau Gris 2014
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesTrousseau Noir is the indigenous grape of Savoie, one that thrives at altitude. The gris is a rare colour mutation, and here thrives from the vineyard's proximity to the cool Pacific ocean. Heady earthy herbaceousness, white grapefruit pith, gentle nuttiness, fine leesy spices and earthiness are textured with an apple and pear skin grip - major skin contact is evident here. An alluring depth of salty herbal fruit and bitter pear through to the finish. This vibrant, lively wine is incidentally white; a white skinned grape made like it was a red wine. Impressive, detailed and characterful - a joy to drink through.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
White House Wine Co. Riesling Pinot Grigio 2013
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis all Niagara VQA fruit white opens with a fresh nose and a nod to its aromatic riesling part and plenty of lemon lime peach green apple pinot grigio fruit with just a touch of resin and dryness in the finish. Easy sipping style that works most any appetizers. Simple clean white wine.Prices:| BC | $13.49 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Torres Sangre de Toro Garnacha 2013
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainFresh, open savoury, smoky red fruit aromas mixed with some dried herb notes. The attack is juicy with tart cherry, savoury, resin, licorice flavours. A simple, charming rustic luncheon red perfect for grilled chicken or pork chops.Prices:| QC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $14.29 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $15.49 | 750ml |
| SK | $15.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $16.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandKevin Judd is a Kiwi icon thanks to a long run at Cloudy Bay but that wine has nothing on this stony, mineral precise sauvignon blanc that frankly says more about the site than the variety. Big and super bright you are reeled in right from its stony, dried herb, mineral, passion fruit nose that leads to a tightly wound citrus, guava gooseberry fruit finish. One of the more complex examples of this varietal that comes out of New Zealand. Pair with sablefish.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $28.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
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10 December 2015
88PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Pinot Gris 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRipe waxy, yellow apple, pear and beeswax opens this creamy pinot gris. The fuller palate carries the same, along with a cushion of lees, ripe white peach, ripe melon and fine cardamom and oak spicing which shows potency (along with some heat) on the finish. A coolly reserved gris, sourced from vineyards in Kelowna, Naramata and Oliver. Pour with sablefish.5Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut NV
Champagne, FranceIt's never easy to be the big Champagne house, small is better and all that but consistency counts too. Brut Imperial with its 30/40 percent pinot noir, 30/40 percent pinot meunier and 20/30 percent chardonnay, selected from some 200 individual cru vineyards and 20 to 30 percent reserve wine manages to pull it out most years. Look for lemon curd, grippy dried apple and stone notes here. Moderate acids provide a fine support for the green apple, lemon and moderate lees of the medium bodied palate. They say a bottle of Moet is popped every second around the globe - if they're all this solid, the globe is in luck. Perfect with classic Chinese shrimp dumplings.Prices:| BC | $77.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $71.10 | 750ml |
| SK | $85.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $87.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $80.55 | 750ml |
| QC | $77.15 | 750ml |
| NS | $77.99 | 750ml |
| PEI | $79.99 | 750ml |
| NL | $78.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Champagne Pierre Gimonnet & Fils Brut Rosé de Blancs NV
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceThis pristine, finessed rosé is for those people who may not generally gravitate towards rosé champagnes (ahem - people like me). Delicate and intense at once, with a chalky textural minerality and precision that befits its 96 percent chardonnay. Four percent still pinot noir from Bouzy is added to the blend, yielding an ever-so-delicate peach hue and cushion of wild strawberries, gentle hint of cherries and red liquorice that floats atop a linear, driving lemon pith and mineral vein and a positively grippy riff. The finish is lengthy and rose tinged. A striking, pristine example of what rosé champagne can be. Drinking beautifully now, but will hold easily for 5+ years.Prices:| BC | $100.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Perrier - Jouët Grand Brut NV
Champagne, FranceWhite flowers, fruit-laden pastry and generous nuttiness carries this classic champagne, a cuvée first created in 1856. The perfumed white flowers carry onto the palate, one a bit coarser textured with crunchy green apple, baked red apple, light earth, gingersnap and crystalline lemon. A 40/40/20 pinot noir/pinot meunier/chardonnay blend from premier and grand cru vineyards are utilized here, and a 10-12 g/l dosage fills out the finish.Prices:| BC | $59.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $67.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $67.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $71.79 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Pierre Gimonnet Brut Cuis 1er Cru Blanc de Blancs NV
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceThe third generation of the Gimonnet family is now overseeing this Côtes des Blancs Champagne kingdom and the hallmark of the wines are lively, precise, pure freshness. This Blanc de Blancs is crystal crisp and bright, with driving linearity through to the lengthy finish. Five different harvests in the cuvee provide depth and complexity, though the base is youthful, keeping the freshness and the piercing acidity of Cuis prominent. Aromas of juicy green apple, sea salt, subtle white flowers and lemon open onto schisty complexity, with chalky purity, vivacious intensity and a shimmery, saline-laced lemon zest to the finish. Chardonnay’s pure elegance and finesse, perfectly achieved.Prices:| BC | $90.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Champagne Pierre Paillard Les Parcelles Bouzy Grand Cru 10 NV
Champagne, FranceFine mousse with a mature, toasty, brioche nose with some baked apple, strawberry, nut aromas. Fairly dry Brut with good fine mousse and spicy, nutty, toasty, cooked strawberry, lemon and baked pear flavours. Fine intensity and length with good acidity but the half bottle is more mature than a normal size 750 mL. Base wine 2010.Prices:| BC | $57.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Veuve Clicquot Demi-Sec NV
Champagne, FranceGingersnap, sweet brioche and caramelized pear lead this demi-sec fizz, one suitable for custard desserts or foie gras. Think of this as how Champagne was in the 19th century, when sweeter Champagne was in vogue. Candied orange (Grand Marnier notes) with bits of honey and toast. Not overly sweet but rich and ready for spicy dishes. The blend, from some 50 individual wines, is 40-45% pinot noir, 30-35% pinot meunier and 20-25% chardonnay with 20-30 reserve wines. The dosage is a fairly sweet 45 g/l.Prices:| BC | $79.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $79.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $85.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $81.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $79.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $79.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Taittinger Prélude Grands Crus NV
Champagne, FranceAn equal split of pinot noir and chardonnay aged for 5+ years on the lees makes up Prélude, a rich, heady and creamy blend that rings elderflowers, white peach and pear blossoms. Dough and ripe white peach carry the dense palate, one thankfully lifted with a crease of citrus acidity. A developed, richer style that would well suit a duck pâté.Prices:| BC | $120.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $115.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Taittinger Prélude Grands Crus NV
Champagne, FranceA 50/50 blend of chardonnay/ pinot noir from the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims respectively. The wine spends 60 months in its lees before release. The nose is fresh with mineral floral oyster shell notes. The attack is rich and weight with peachy, baked pear, honey and tasted ripe cherry notes. The finish is crisp and slightly sweet with citrus rind undercurrent. Try this with a favourite pâté. Unusual style but still with finesse.Prices:| BC | $120.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $115.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Champagne Taittinger Nocturne Rose NV
Champagne, FranceLike a showy smart girl, the pink disco ball fizz impresses with its unexpected balance. Raspberry pie and brioche aromas carry through to the medium bodied palate. The 17.5 g/l of residual sugar gobbles up the acidity pretty well, leaving a flow of easy, foamy strawberry and pear in its wake. For the purists, this festive looking bottle is a blend of more than 35 crus from a various harvests that spend 48 months on its lees – the grape ratio is 40/35/25/ chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier and it gets a dosage of 18 g/l to smooth out all the edges.Prices:| QC | $77.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $100.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $90.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Champagne Taittinger Prestige Rosé NV
Champagne, FranceTaittinger vinifies 85% of the blend as white wine, with the remainder vinified as red, to keep the elegant house style even in a rosé. The final cuvée is a mix of 15 crus plus some young reserve wines. Look for a crushed raspberry/cherry nose that carries through to the palate, coloured by that 15 percent still pinot noir added to the chardonnay base. Acidity is brisk and bright, and though the medium bodied palate is a bit coarse it should pair well with carpaccio or charcuterie. The grape mix is 50/30/20 pinot noir, chardonnay, and pinot meunier.Prices:| BC | $106.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $104.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $93.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Champagne Bauchet Seduction Rosé NV
Champagne, FranceCandied cherry, light floral and potpourri scents ring this medium bodied fizz. Lemon verbena acidity helps drive the rustic and loose palate. A simple style here that you can serve liberally before dinner, preferably with canapés. The blend is 75/10/15/ chardonnay, pinot noir and still red wine from the Coteaux Champenois.Prices:| BC | $52.00 | 750ml |
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96PTS
Champagne Dom Pérignon 2005
Champagne, FranceAbsolute beauty. Striking nose of struck stone and chalk opens this refined, coolly classic Dom. Yields were low in 2005, which could explain the intense (yet apparently effortless) concentration of this exceptional wine. Chalky mineral, subtle citrus, light smoke and taut, precise acidity hallmark this vintage, with a gentle cushion of citrus led fruit supporting the whole. A complex depth of flavours carries through the glass, changing as it interacts with air and temperature. Drinking beautifully now, but will continue to hold for - ever.Prices:| BC | $199.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $230.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $265.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $219.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $261.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Champagne Piper-Heidsieck Rare Brut 2002
Champagne, FranceIt's rare that you'll taste a Champagne from a bottle this ornamental, or one this complex. Elegant and finessed, this blend of 70/30 chardonnay/pinot noir is sourced across seventeen crus and matured for over seven years. Crystalline lemon, meringue and flaky brioche through the nose and palate, buttressed by fine dried fruits. This carries the weight of its age beautifully, with leagues of depth and lees balanced off with the lift of fragrant lemon pith. Impressive now, and will continue to hold for the next decade.Prices:| BC | $229.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $224.29 | 750ml |
| ON | $300.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $300.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Louis Roederer Brut Premier Champagne NV
Champagne, FranceFine citrus and salted almond dominate this finessed, elegant Champagne. Fine brioche, salted Meyer lemon and fine stone build this precise wine through to the lingering finish. Subtly confident and classic, this 40/40/20 mix of pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot meunier includes 10% reserve wines from three harvests, and rests in oak casks for 2-6 years.Prices:| BC | $77.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $75.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $66.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $72.50 | 750ml |
| NF | $79.20 | 750ml |
| AB | $74.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve NV
Champagne, FranceDeep, toasty goût anglais aromas, rich and full, with hazelnut, macadamia praline and brioche, a reflection of the approximately 40 percent reserve wines in cepage. Full bodied and fleshy, with heady caramel, baked apple and lemon curd through the finish. Acidity is lively, more than enough to channel the flow. Forceful, though with finesse, this champagne will suit richer dishes, like roasted guinea fowl or pâté.Prices:| BC | $73.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Champagne Piper-Heidsieck Brut NV
Champagne, FranceAmple toast and lemon curd dominate this expansive fizz, a 40/30/30 pinot noir/pinot meunier/chardonnay blend. Broad and toasty on the palate, with red fruits, honeyed brioche and a nutty. light caramel finish. Less streamline than the last time I tasted it, but still entirely solid and reliable.Prices:| BC | $60.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $58.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $59.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $64.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $59.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $52.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $59.99 | 750ml |
| PEI | $58.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $65.85 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Pol Roger Brut Reserve NV
Champagne, FranceIs there a more classic nose than Pol Roger Brut Reserve? Not for me. One sniff of the toasty, pie crust, yellow apple nose and there is nowhere else you could be but Champagne. A firm palate of pastry, pear, peach and lemon curd is woven with a stream of fine white florals. Moderate acidity carries to a stony, lingering finish. Equally split between pinot noir, pinot meunier and chardonnay, and the balance is apparent. Drinking beautifully now.Prices:| BC | $60.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $36.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $60.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $63.70 | 750ml |
| ON | $60.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $63.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $70.21 | 750ml |
| NS | $33.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $63.79 | 750ml |
| NB | $63.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $233.56 | 3000ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Ruinart R de Ruinart Brut NV
Champagne, FranceReflecting its distinctive rotund bottle, this classic 60/40 pinot noir/chardonnay blend's stature feels stately and round, firmly planted, safe and familiar. Preserved lemon, green apple tightness and fine, tight lees are wrapped up in a firm, formal structure and finish with very fine, salted lemon. Quite proper, in the best way, and drinking well now but will hold for 5+ years.Prices:| BC | $76.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $81.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $78.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $82.43 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Ruinart R de Ruinart Brut NV
Champagne, FranceExpect a clean nose. It’s not really singing with more honey than fruity notes but the texture weight and finish is all solid. Look for some tasted hazelnuts mixed with salt and candied lemons/apricots with a touch of spice. You can bring this to the dinner table to match halibut or cheese. The ‘R’ de Ruinart is a blend of 40% Chardonnay, 57% Pinot Noir and 3% Pinot Meunier. Added to that is roughly 20 to 25% reserve wine that is a minimum two years old. The dosage sit around 9 g/l.Prices:| BC | $76.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $81.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $78.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $82.43 | 750ml |
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90PTS
G. H. Mumm Brut Cordon Rouge NV
Champagne, FranceClassic. Lovely nose of chalk, green apple and lemon carries through to the palate where light toast and moderate lees support. Well struck balance of bright, lemon-tinged acidity and a core of leesy, honeyed apple holds throughout to a stony finish. Proper and consistent, Mumm is a staple to revisit often.Prices:| BC | $57.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $60.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $53.98 | 750ml |
| MB | $64.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $60.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $60.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $60.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $64.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $64.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $66.98 | 750ml |
| QC | $135.00 | 1500ml |
| QC | $63.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Champagne Bauchet Brut 1er Cru Signature NV
Champagne, FranceLovely fine brioche, pear and subtle apple blossom open this 60/40 chardonnay/pinot noir premier cru. The blossoms emerge fuller on the palate, with fragrant white flowers, ripe pear and lemon undercurrent. Firm structure holds this intact, and length is moderate. Ernest and keen.Prices:| BC | $50.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Champagne Gardet Brut Tradition NV
Champagne, FranceThis blend of 45/45/10 pinot noir/pinot meunier/chardonnay opens with stone fruit and perfumed white florals which carry through to a firm, stony palate. Pithy lemon acids lift the fruit up to a little salty grip at the end, welcoming pairing with richer egg dishes and brunch. A rest of 36 months on lees and approximately 20 percent reserve wine plumps up this fizz nicely.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Champagne Montaudon Brut NV
Champagne, FranceShowing noticeable oxidation in the split size, with ample brioche, dough and rich apple pie pierced with a spike of lemony acidity. Salty pie crust settles on the finish. Would be keen to try in full bottle to check oxidation levels. A value champagne (on our market - amazing), the blend is 45/25/10 pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot meunier, bolstered with 20 percent reserve wines.Prices:| BC | $43.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $52.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Pol Roger Brut Reserve NV
Champagne, FrancePol Roger Brut is often one of the lightest, most elegant expressions of the region and this bottle is no different. Given its ethereal notes the blend is surprisingly a third each of pinot noir, pinot meunier, and chardonnay. The nose is a mineral, pie crust, citrus affair; the palate baked apple, toasted biscuit, sea salt, green apple skin flavours. Creamy and smooth with quite a sleek but lengthy finish. Fabulous food wine.Prices:| BC | $60.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $36.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $60.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $63.70 | 750ml |
| ON | $60.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $63.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $70.21 | 750ml |
| NS | $33.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $63.79 | 750ml |
| NB | $63.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $233.56 | 3000ml |
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90PTS
G. H. Mumm Brut Cordon Rouge NV
Champagne, FranceCorrect fresh nose with bright baked pear, citrus nose and bits of chalky minerality. Crisp mid-palate with more honey lees and stony elements but the finish is touch dry and coarse. This will be best served with richer-style appetizers. If you didn’t know late in the 19th century, the label was decorated with the Cordon Rouge as a tribute to the French Légion d’Honneur. Mumm adds 25 to 30% reserve wine stored in wood for to up four years. The complexity comes from the 77 crus that go into the 45/30/25 blend of pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot meunier.Prices:| BC | $57.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $60.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $53.98 | 750ml |
| MB | $64.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $60.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $60.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $60.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $64.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $64.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $66.98 | 750ml |
| QC | $135.00 | 1500ml |
| QC | $63.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Champagne Montaudon Brut NV
Champagne, FranceIt’s hard to know the final story because the half bottle we tasted was showing quite a bit of oxidation – the reason I don’t like half bottles of sparkling wine. Underneath there is a fine stripe of acidity to support the toasted brioche and baked apple pie with a salty undercurrent. Founded in 1891 the brut blend is a 45/25/10 pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot meunier, blended with 20% reserve wines. Good value. Buy the full bottle.Prices:| BC | $43.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $52.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Champagne Gardet Brut Tradition NV
Champagne, FranceGardet’s mix is 45/45/10 pinot noir/pinot meunier/chardonnay that spends 36 months on its lees. About 20% reserve wine adds some structure here to a wine that opens with a mix of floral and herbaceous notes. The attack is creamy with a harmonious mix of yeasty toasted brioche notes and peachy fruit. Solid holiday workhorse Champagne. Excellent price.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Bauchet Brut 1er Cru Signature NV
Champagne, FranceOpen attractive bread dough nose with hints of sea salt and white fruits. The mix, 80/20 chardonnay pinot noir, further lends a lightness and freshness to the wine. Dry citrus, stone fruit elements persist on the lengthy-mid-palate but shorter finish. A tasty bubble you can confidently serve before dinner with an assortment of simple appetizers.Prices:| BC | $50.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Henriot Blanc de Blancs Brut NV
Champagne, FranceSleek is a beauty descriptor of this champagne, with fruit all sourced from the Cotes de Blanc. It has the brioche, fruit, sea salt, minerals, subtle lees and gentle honey that we crave, but it’s all hidden away in a quiet style, one that gives a little and withholds a little in every sip. Chic and lithe. This chalky, feather light fizz is drinking beautifully now, and will continue to evolve in the bottle for the next 5+ years.Prices:| BC | $76.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $84.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $78.79 | 750ml |
| NB | $90.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $99.99 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Champagne Piper-Heidsieck Rare Brut 2002
Champagne, FranceRare is a 70/30 blend of chardonnay and pinot noir grown on 17 cru classified sites in the Montagne de Reims. The nose is a mix of tasted nuts and classic brioche and showing some maturity. Rare is one of the last tête-de-cuvées to come to the market although it doesn’t look near fifteen years old. The palate remains fresh with some tangy acidity. The fruit is a compote of cherries, plum and pears that smouldered under a nutty, long, complex finish. Balanced and complex this is a serious bottle of bubble for the dinner table.Prices:| BC | $229.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $224.29 | 750ml |
| ON | $300.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $300.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve NV
Champagne, FranceChange is part of Charles Heidsieck’s Brut Réserve formula. The new blend deals with about 60 parcels, down from 120 to better focus the complexity. Some 40 percent of reserve wines aged from five to 15 years make this wine the star it is. It is slightly darker now but still lively and fresh. It has a nutty brioche nose with baked apple, honey and cream aromas. The palate is elegant and lively with a fine mousse and spicy, citrus, juicy baked apple/cherry/tropical fruit flavours. The balance is perfect, with lots of bottle development in the finish. Impressive fresh, mouth-filling bubble that over-delivers for the price.Prices:| BC | $73.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label NV
Champagne, FranceVery upfront nose, with ample mandarine, citrus, toast and baked apple on the nose and palate. The fuller palate (guessing top of the Brut dosage scale) turns flabbier with time but when chilled and cracked, the citrine crispiness and ample doughy toast is highly appealing. The N/V brut defines the house style thanks to some 25 to 40 per cent reserve wine in each edition.Prices:| BC | $72.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $71.49 | 750ml |
| NS | $73.58 | 750ml |
| QC | $70.25 | 750ml |
| ON | $70.60 | 750ml |
| SK | $68.97 | 750ml |
| YK | $72.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $74.19 | 750ml |
| NL | $76.49 | 750ml |
| NB | $74.79 | 750ml |
| BC | $142.99 | 1500ml |
| BC | $39.99 | 375ml |
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96PTS
Champagne Dom Pérignon 2005
Champagne, FranceI wasn’t expecting such a fine showing from the 2005 but winemaker Richard Geoffrey does it again. September rains impacted the yields and the final blend; some 50 percent of the 2005 is chardonnay which explains its elegance and lift right out of the glass. The nose will wow you with its expressive chalky mineral notes. It’s lighter than the 2004 but the trade-off is the electricity and fragrance. It’s not really built for a decade or two but it is sure is delicious now. Again very good stuff and given the ridiculous price of top Bordeaux and Burgundy you may want to consider buying some of this instead. Precision and purity.Prices:| BC | $199.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $230.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $265.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $219.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $261.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tendil & Lombardi Cuvée Brut NV
Champagne, FrancePrice will draw a number of folks to this wine a 75/25 mix of pinot noir and chardonnay. I’m not sure we had the best bottle, at least on the nose, which was showing damp earth, wine cellar and mushroom notes Perhaps it was simply reflecting its pinot noir dominance. In any event the style is austere; the finish is much brighter than the start with super dry citrus fruit atop mineral/chalky undertones. Best served, now, as an appetizer fizz with smoked salmon.Prices:| BC | $47.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $119.00 | 1500ml |
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89PTS
Narrative Red by Okanagan Crush Pad 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOkanagan Crush Pad's Narrative line is meant to be pure, fresh, seriously quaffable wines that reflect the Okanagan - all at an affordable price. This syrah/gamay blend sneaking in under $20 typifies that credo. Smoked berry, ripe black cherry, raspberry jam and peppery roasted meats rule this juicy, round red. Ripe tannins finish with a gentle tug, while the black pepper dark berry fruit lingers on the finish. Terrific value here.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Philipponnat Royale Réserve Brut NV
Champagne, FranceBased on the 2011 vintage with 30 percent reserve wine, this 65/30/5 pinot noir/chardonnay/pinot meunier blend is sourced mostly from premier and grand cru vineyards. Elegant and refined, with light biscuit, lemon pith and cracked stone savouriness. The focussed palate carries green apple, an undercurrent of subtle red fruits, yellow plum, gentle dried apricot and fine salt through to a lengthy, lingering, honeyed finish. Refined, stately and elegant - befitting its royale name. Drink now or hold for 5+ years.Prices:| AB | $70.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $60.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $70.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
J.L. Vergnon Brut Conversation Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru NV
Champagne, FranceVery toasty, brioche, baked green apple, pear, honey, spicy, lemon aromas. Fine, continuous, tight mousse in the mouth and glass with nutty, brioche, spicy, floral, lemon custard, baked apple and pear flavours. Very good concentration and intensity with a long, tight acidity finish. Fully mature now after two years from disgorgement but seems to be a style that can hold and age. Very fine effort. A specialist in Blanc de Blancs, this producer is worth seeking out.Prices:| US | $50.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Chartogne-Taillet Sainte Anne Brut NV
Montagne de Reims, Champagne, FranceThough it changes yearly, Cuvée Sainte Anne Brut is equal parts chardonnay/pinot noir sourced from the village of Merfy in the Montagne de Reims. It is the only grower of champagne from the village, and the family has wine-growing roots back to 1485; the remaining vineyards in Merfy are claimed by co-ops or go to larger houses. Farmed organically and wild fermented, there's no filtration that gives an earthy wildness to this textured champagne. Nuts, dried apples, light toast and lees on the nose carry through to the fine, light, bone-dry palate that rings with salt, smoked stone, apple and light oxidative notes. Nuts linger on the finish. Pour as an aperitif; it's worth the solo investigative sipping.Prices:| QC | $65.50 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Jean Milan Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Special NV
Champagne, FranceThe Milan family are fifth generation vine growers, growing grapes since 1864. They began with selling to négociant houses (including Krug) while learning the traditions and techniques for making their own fine champagne. This chardonnay, from Grand Cru vineyards in Oger, opens with lovely nutty toast, brioche and apple aromas. Richer and creamy on the palate with stony, red apple dominating. Very fine, lively bubbles stream over a creamy, fine lees and baked apple base. Fine lemon pith and chalk linger on the finish. Some power here, and would work well with poultry and morels.Prices:| BC | $66.25 | 750ml |
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97PTS
Krug Clos du Mesnil 2003
Champagne, FranceThere must be some magic air conditioner at Clos du Mesnil, perhaps the wall (le clos) and town conspire to keep the vineyard cool because in a very hot 2003 this is a very cool customer. The nose is at once enticing and mysterious with the lightest of floral, salty citrus notes wafting from the glass. The palate is juicy in a polite with aromatic pear fruit, lemongrass and just a minute dusting of white pepper and dried herbs. A perfect bubble for oysters or lobster and one that will age well thorough 2020.Prices:| US | $1300.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Louis Roederer Brut Rosé Champagne 2009
Champagne, FrancePale, pale pink the Roederer is an impressive bottle of rosé. Fresh, yet almost ethereal its elegant, spicy red fruit flavours waft out of the glass featuring raspberry, cherries, ginger, dried fruits and a dusting of stony, minerality. The mix is 70/30 pinot noir/chardonnay 20 percent of which is matured in oak tuns without malolactic fermentation that spends an average of four years ageing on lees, plus more than six months after disgorging in the bottle. Perfect with smoked salmon.Prices:| BC | $90.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $100.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $90.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Champagne Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2005
Champagne, FranceBit of a price upswing with the 2005 Comtes, a one-two of the Canadian dollar plus global demand perhaps? Regardless, there will always be a market for Comtes; the unparalleled elegant linearity, focus and depth of this chardonnay is highly sought after. Unbuttered popcorn, biscuit, lemon peel and sea salt open the nose, leading to a driving, expressive palate with green apple, seashell, chalk and marine sea salt before a skiff of white grapefruit and tangerine peel on the very lengthy finish. Elegance, epitomized. Drinking beautifully now, but will hold for - well - ever. Watch for the 2006 to grace our shores soon.Prices:| AB | $245.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $199.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Varnier-Fanniere Cuvée St. Denis Brut Grand Cru NV
Champagne, FranceYou have to love a champagne that mentions Danish pastries among its descriptors. The grapes, all from one Grand Cru site in Avise, the Clos du Grand Père, are 65 years old. Five years of bottle age ensure complexity and mature flavours but with freshness and floral notes. The attack is rich and creamy with nutty, toasted, Danish pastry notes some honey and baked apple all with enough citrus to keep it fresh. Impressive bottle with a sheen of minerality. Works with most any foods.Prices:| BC | $86.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Champagne Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2005
Champagne, FranceA quick revisit of the 2005 Comtes de Champagne reveals this Blanc de Blanc is now ready to drink. No one does chardonnay like Taittinger highlighting finesse and elegance since 1952. Not as big as the 2002 or 2004 it will provide breathing room for those wines to continue to age. The nose is fresh and elegant with nutty, lemon, honey, brioche, baked green apple, spice and quince aromas. The style predictably fresh and juicy, the palate creamy with fine mousse. More nutty, pear and toasted lemon and honey flavours. Elegant as ever and delicate with full flavours but just a touch short in the finish. Drink now or over the next five years. First produced in 1952, it is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes from 6 Grand Cru sites in the Côte de Blancs.Prices:| AB | $245.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $199.99 | 750ml |
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09 December 2015
91PTS
Torres Purgatori 2012
Costers del Segre, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainDeep black cherry colour with savoury, black raspberry, black berry, chocolate, black pepper, poultry spice, light vanilla and game aromas. Rich, ripe, round, suave palate with balanced acidity and freshness. Peppery, black berry, prune, smoky, chocolate, licorice, tobacco, orange peel, roast meat and herb flavours. Impressive styling here with plenty of intensity to age gracefully another three to five years. Serve with roasted meats.Prices:Read Full Note
87PTS
Blue Grouse Quill Rosé 2014
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaThis medium pink hued rosé was sourced from Vancouver Island's Cowichan Valley. Eighteen hours of skin contact amp up the intensity and colour a bit, as well as gives up a gentle riff of tannins. After initial reductive notes, pretty, gentle strawberries, raspberries, tart rhubarb and orange peel emerge. The light bodied, lean palate carries a cushion of lees and underripe pear. Crisp and dry. #GoGamayGo.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Undurraga Sibaris Carmenere Reserva Especial 2013
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileRoasted meats, caramelized onions and ample sweet tobacco opens this carménère (along with a good dose of reduction, which blows off with air). Roasted notes and tobacco carry onto the full palate, along with stem, anise, black tea and black plum, all supported with granular, ripe tannins and on top of an herbal, earthy undercurrent. Pour with chargrilled meats and roasted root vegetables.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Amalaya Vino Tinto de Altura 2013
Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, ArgentinaFrom Salta's high desert, vineyards for this malbec/cabernet sauvignon/syrah blend are at 2000m altitude - a pristine, extreme environment. Amalaya is the local word for the hopes of a bountiful harvest, and this biodynamically farmed marvel certainly has enjoyed that. Wild dark berries, espresso, herbal twine and stem weave along a fuller bodied palate with perfumed florals, juicy plum and ripe blackberry jam. Acidity is brisk and fresh, and tannins are ripe and softly supportive, with a welcome tug on the finish. Peppery spices texture throughout.Prices:| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| YK | $21.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Ruffino Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale (Tan Label) 2011
Tuscany, ItalyA recognizable classic on our shelves, the 2011 Riserva Ducale Chianti Classico should not be overlooked for its familiarity. The worn wood, bitter cherry, balsamic, light plum, dried floral and earthy, dried spices are well integrated with lifted acidity and raspy, lightly granular tannins. Rustic in a way that makes you think of perfect spaghetti and meatballs (which would help sop up a bit of the heat felt on the finish).Prices:| BC | $23.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $30.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $35.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $39.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Lunessence Late Harvest Syrah 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPale copper-raspberry colour. Peppery, spicy, raisin, plum, tobacco aromas. Fresh, elegant, round palate with light tannins. Cherry, plum, tobacco, peppery, orange peel, spicy, ginger flavours. Finish has good acidity and sweetness balance in a more elegant style. Drink now while it is fresh and fruity.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 375ml |
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91PTS
A. A. Badenhorst Secateurs Chenin Blanc 2014
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaWelcome to new wave South Africa, from the leading oracle of doing things traditionally, Adi Badenhorst. Savoury earthy herbs and salt lead the nose, before pear, stone, meadow blossoms and fennel join in. A welcome chenin waxy sheen coats the textured palate, drawing almond, pear, nut shell, subtle honeycomb, melon and citrus pith along with it. Lively, energetic acids finish off with savoury salts. Lovely focus and drinking well now, but will reward with 3-5 years cellaring.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $23.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
The Hatch Hatchchild Cabernet Sauvignon Inkameep Vineyard 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTobacco leaf, sappy, meaty, leesy, cedar, mint, olive aromas. Tart, somewhat astringent palate with a touch of sweetness. Wet earth, tobacco, resin, chocolate, cedar bark, pruny flavours. A simple red wine.Prices:| BC | $33.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Château Argadens Bordeaux Supérieur 2011
Bordeaux, FrancePruny, peppery, black cherry, resin, cedar, tobacco, coffee bean, menthol and olive aromas. Dry, round, elegant but somewhat hollow palate with light tannins. Coffee bean, resin, prune, peppery, cedar ball, smoky, rooty flavours with an astringent finish. Lacks balance and flavour ripeness in this vintage. Best with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $20.79 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Vasse Felix Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaBlack pepper, savoury, black olive, tobacco, resin, smoky chocolate and herb aromas. Dry, fresh, elegant but somewhat tart and light palate with some hard tannins. Wet tobacco, rooty, smoky, cedar, coffee, resin, olive, vanilla and green bean flavours. Still edgy and youthful but lacks the extract to handle the acidity.Prices:| ON | $37.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $42.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $37.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Vasse Felix Heytesbury 2012
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaCherry, menthol, cedar, cooked black berry with spicy, savoury, olive and tobacco aromas. Dry, lean, tart entry with smoky, resin, black olive, peppery, cranberry, chocolate, rooty flavours with a hollow palate. Finish is medicinal and balsamic. Sorry the acidity is too much for us. Price is crazy for the quality.Prices:| BC | $100.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Black Sage Vineyard Merlot 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVanilla, smoky, chocolate pudding, cedar, peppery, black cherry, olive and dried herb aromas. Round, dry, somewhat tart entry with light tannins. Espresso, resin, peppery, herbal, cedar, black olive, tobacco leaf, earthy, smoked meat flavours that finish harsh and hollow.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Torres Laudis Priorat 2012
Priorato, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainBalsamic, peppery, black raspberry, gamey, savoury, licorice, orange peel aromas. Ripe, round, fresh, suave palate with light tannins. Medium concentration with black raspberry, smoky, chocolate, orange peel, chocolate and herb flavours. Finish is slightly acidic but with solid fruit and intensity. Needs time to settle in. Try with grilled lamb chops.Prices:| QC | $25.75 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Blue Mountain Gamay Noir 2014
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMedium cherry colour with a fresh peppery, black cherry, light raspberry nose flecked with earthy, licorice root and tobacco aromas. Round, fresh, elegant, juicy palate with a light dusting of tannins. Cherry, raspberry, smoky, tobacco, meaty, peppery, rooty flavours. Solid fruit and intensity. You can drink this now but give it another six to twelve months in bottle to fully blossom.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Tridente Tempranillo 2012
Vinos de la Tierra de Castilla, SpainPruny, raisin, chocolate, black berry, cedar ball and game aromas. Fat, round, warm, soft palate with cocoa puff, peppery, tobacco, prune, coffee flavours. Super soft, sweet, commercial style for sweet tooth red wine drinkers.Prices:| BC | $23.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Hester Creek Limited Edition The Judge 2012
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, green olive, green bean, cranberry, resin, peppery, tobacco leaf, espresso aromas. Dry, tart, lean but elegant palate with cranberry, resin, peppery, smoky herb, gamey, balsamic flavours. Disappointing given the vintage.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Barossa Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaBlack olive tapenade, wet tobacco, peppery, resiny aromas. Tart, fresh, round palate with some skinny tannins. Peppery, resin, cooked olive, cassis and tobacco flavours. Somewhat lean and tannic finish. Too green and unbalanced for our taste.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Barossa Valley Estate Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre 2012
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaFresh cedar, raspberry, gamey nose with tobacco, rooty, resin, black pepper and cooked orange aromas. Round, fresh, slightly warm and tart palate with black raspberry, cola, rooty, peppery, spicy, resin, chocolate flavours. Solid fruit but palate and mid-palate is somewhat skinny with some tea tannins on the finish. Bets with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Loxton Semillon Chardonnay NV
AustraliaCooked apple, struck matchstick with hay and leafy aromas. Light, sweet, fresh, juicy palate with green apple, grapefruit, pear flavours. Very light body but solid flavours. Hard to get buy the nose. Be sure to give it plenty of air.Prices:| BC | $6.69 | 750ml |
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89PTS
JoieFarm Re-Think Pink! Rosé (iii) 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBuilding on last year's strengths, the blend for this uber-popular rosé has remained with pinot noir/gamay. The 2014 rosé is the best in many years, a return to top form for this wine. A deep pink hue, shiny and bright, brings fragrant strawberries and cream alongside ripe pear. The juicy, just off-dry palate features a welcome limey lift, brightening wild strawberries, rhubarb, tart cranberry, pear and ripe apple, with fine, sage-rimmed spices through the finish.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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08 December 2015
90PTS
Road 13 Old Vines Chenin Blanc 2014
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen this wine in advance and let it stretch its legs a bit. Chenin from 1968 deserves time, and the complexities of this wine are best experienced with your patience. Herbal, savoury, thistle and honeysuckle aromas before a hefty, waxy, palate of quince, honey blossom, wild herbs, straw, citrus and swelling acidity, roundly balancing out a kiss of residual sugar. Phenolic and textured, the finish prickles with fine, ginger-rasped spices.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Clos de los Siete 2012
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThis well know blend is made from a mix of wine fruit grown by all the partners involved in the Clos de la Siete Bordeaux project at Vista Flores in the southern Uco Valley. The blend is organized by Michel Rolland, the owner of Bodega Mariflor. The blend is 57/18/14/9/ malbec, merlot cabernet sauvignon and syrah all aged in used French oak. The nose is expressive with juicy mid-weight black fruit flavours with just the right dusting oak. It’s dense but there is harmony and balance here. More elegance than you think makes it this very attractive. This is an ideal wine for a steak and chimichurri sauce. Clearly one of the best Clos de la Siete vintages we have tasted.Prices:| BC | $22.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $24.99 | 750ml |
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07 December 2015
92PTS
Champagne Vilmart & Cie Grand Réserve Brut Premier Cru NV
Montagne de Reims, Champagne, FranceAlluring fine dough, toast and gentle lees opens this premier cru 70/30 pinot noir/chardonnay blend, a blend of two vintages. A fuller cushion of red fruit (red apples, currants) reflects the majority pinot noir in the cépage, balanced out with a vein of bright acidity from the chardonnay and plumped up with a minimum of ten months ferment and aging in oak. A lovely base of nutty hazelnuts, gentle toast and crystalline orange textures with crisp pear and green apple to the lengthy finish. Family owned since its foundation in 1890, Vilmart owns and organically farms 11 hectares of Premier Cru vineyards in and around the village of Rilly. All of Vilmart’s wines are fermented and aged for at least 10 months in oak, this NV in foudres. Drinking beautifully now, but will continue to complex for the next 5+ years easily.Prices:| BC | $70.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $79.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandAlways strange (to me) to taste a wine from the year that you're currently in. But that's the benefit of two hemispheres on this planet and the fact that some wines, like this New Zealand sauvignon blanc, shine when young and fresh. 2015 marks Cloudy Bay's 30th anniversary as well as one of the driest summers on record for the country. Concentrated tropical fruits - kiwi, gooseberry, papaya, tangerine - rule from first whiff, alongside a tangy, potent base of meadow grass, green pepper and greengage. Lemon peel spikes the acidity up a few notches on this intense Marlborough sauvignon blanc. Not shy, and a great example of this type of Kiwi sauvignon. Where is that blind tasting exam when you need one?Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $32.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $31.25 | 750ml |
| NB | $35.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Tinhorn Creek Gewürztraminer 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaConsistently solid, year after year, and 2014 is no exception. In fact, this just off-dry gew is better than ever. Concentrated and lifted, with ginger and rosewater, fragrant freesia, lychee, gooseberry and ample perfumed lychee and pear. Lovely concentration from these 20 year old vines, buoyed with a limey stream of acidity. One of Canada's top gewurztraminer, easily. And what a price!Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Lariana Cellars Twelve 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTwelve gets its name for the year the fruit was grown at this most southern winery in BC at Osoyoos just shy of the US Border. This blend is a 53/25/21/11 mix of cabernet sauvignon, syrah, merlot and carmenère. The nose is somewhat aromatic with dried herbs, chocolate and sweet fruit dominating. The attack is round and soft with more sweet cherry fruit with a savoury herbal undercurrent. There’s plenty of oak (45 percent is new French) to bolster the texture, bringing more sweetness and smoke to the blend. There will be some who like this style but it’s just too ripe, sweet and oaky to take seriously at $45. Best with a big piece of grilled meat.Prices:| BC | $44.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Torres Campos da Ibéricos Rioja 2013
Rioja, SpainThe Iberian Peninsula is home to this Torres tempranillo. Aged a year in oak and even longer in the bottle, the nose is a smoky, green branch and herbal mix of fruit and spice. Soft and slippery on the palate, with a cedar, plum, cherry and bright acid undercurrent. The finish is soft and juicy and the tannins mellow, finishing with a bitter black cherry twist. The smokiness dominates this wine, overwhelming the fruit. Drink now with veal chops or mushroom pasta dishes.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Blue Mountain Pinot Gris 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTight vanilla, struck matchstick, granny smith/baked pear, lemon and slate aromas. Ripe, full, juicy but austere palate with fine acidity structure, a touch of spice and grapefruit, granny smith, quince, vanilla and lemon peel flavours. Good intensity and depth but young and tight. This will need a year or two to fill in and blossom in the bottle - not unusual for the Blue Mountain style.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $24.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Haywire Pinot Gris Switchback Vineyard Raised in Concrete 2013
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFlint, cream, subtle white florals and herbal wildflowers open this layered gris. The medium bodied palate carries white pepper, salted wild herbs, pear and pear skin, fennel, cracked stone and a beauty wave of honeysuckle along savoury, concrete texture. Sea salt lingers on the finish. This wine transcends the grape; firm presence and quiet confidence in this complex white. Revisited December 2015 and continue to be impressed. Can't wait to try again next year.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
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06 December 2015
92PTS
Altesino Brunello di Montalcino 2010
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyThe Altesino estate spreads across 89 hectares, 44 of which are planted and subdivided into the Altesino crus of Macina, Castelnuovo dell‘Abate (in the district of Velona), Pianezzine and Montosoli. This 2010 estate Brunello is one fine bottle of wine. It has all the classic aromatic qualities of highly refined sangiovese fruit, bright and floral but with muted flavours of cherries and currants. It’s an attractive style of restraint that finishes with silky tannins and the perfect touch of earth and licorice. There is nothing to suggest this wine will not be drinking well through 2030. A great wine for collectors. Osso Buco anyone?Prices:| BC | $52.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $58.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $51.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $48.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Altesino Brunello di Montalcino 2009
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyIt’s hard to believe the 2010 Altesino could be better than this delicious 2009. So floral and bright with beautiful red fruit aromas and spice this is a dream on the nose. It’s even harder to believe that it spends 30 months in large oak casks, but it the wood is barely noticeable. The attack is rich but with perfect texture and balance, dried cherries, leather, orange rind and salt are all in the mix before it ends in a floral perfume. Slow braised beef and vegetables would be a perfect match. Wait for this to develop through 2020 and then drink forever.Prices:| BC | $52.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $58.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $51.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $48.00 | 750ml |
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05 December 2015
89PTS
Fattoria Zerbina Ceregio Sangiovese di Romagna 2013
ItalyMedium red colour previews a lighter red color wine with fresh wild berry, floral scents and hint of forest floor. The palate is equally fresh and vibrant with more black cherry, mineral, floral, savoury bits with a balanced, medium-long finish with just a hint of that Italian complexing bitterness in the back end. On the palate this wine is quite fresh. Winemaker Cristina Geminiani is famous for making fresh wine and in this case Ceregio is built to be drunk young when it is fresh and juicy. Serve with mushroom pasta or risotto dishes.Prices:| ON | $27.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tinhorn Creek Chardonnay 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAmple toast, white peach and pear open this southern Okanagan chardonnay, sourced from eighteen year old vines on the Black Sage Bench and four year old vines on the Golden Mile Bench. For the first time in 2014, 100 percent wild yeast ferment was used. Toasty spice leads the palate, propping up lemon drop, white grapefruit, pear pastry, toasted coconut and a thorny herbal note. The toasty wood overrides all at present (50 percent was fermented in new French and American wood), so hoping that's dialled back in future, allowing the lovely, pure herbal-tinged fruit to really shine.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Narrative White by Okanagan Crush Pad 2014
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOkanagan Crush Pad's Narrative line was created to be a pure, unadulterated expression of the Okanagan - at an affordable price. Here chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, gewürztraminer and pinot gris from Oliver and Summerland are expressed in a fruity, juicy way. Light white florals, pear blossom, starfruit and key lime pith lead the nose and fresh palate, sweetened and cushioned with a wave of aromatic peach jam. Medium bodied and star bright, with a swell of juicy acidity that practically demands a second glass. Well done.Prices:| BC | $18.90 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Red House Wine Co. Cabernet Shiraz 2013
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaSurprisingly Oz like on the nose again with the exception of the herbal notes. The attack is warm, soft, cloyingly sweet and acidic and the palate is identical. A hamburger red at best but in my estimation it is too sweet for the dish.Prices:| BC | $13.49 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Domaine Drouhin Arthur Chardonnay 2013
Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesArthur, the chardonnay from Drouhin's Oregon operation (DDO) is always a pleasure to drink. You're tasting Dundee Hills fresh, pure and fragrant orchard fruit through a lens of Burgundy style and experience. The 2013 is no exception. Estate Dijon-clone grapes (some of the oldest in the state, planted in 1992) yield a complete blend of fresh pear, lemon, gentle apple blossom and crisp apple on the nose which carry through to the medium bodied palate. A sheen of fine, creamy lees on the palate supports the whole, seasoned with crystalline lemon pith, subtle earthiness, nutmeg, anise and well handled toast. Acidity is bright and ringing, and the finish lingering and crisp. Still very much in youth, this will reward with 3-5 years cellaring.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Black Sage Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA nice bounce back for this wine that failed in 2012 maybe because this is one of the warmest sites in the Okanagan and the heat was too extreme. The 2013 is better balanced, almost bright on the nose with good ripe, savoury black fruit jumping from the glass. The attack is juicy before ample youthful tannins dry out the back end. Stick to steaks or rich winter stews until this wine has some time to unwind over the next three years.Prices:| BC | $21.79 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Selbach Riesling (Fish Label) 2014
Mosel, GermanyI guess what I like most about this wine is how consistently delicious it is, especially for the price. It’s all Mosel from its peachy apple scent to its crunchy acidity. Juicy, fresh and mouthfilling it’s a sophisticated white wine party in a bottle. And of course, the colourful fish label was designed by a Vancouver artist. If you love nectarines and not a lot of alcohol, this is the wine for you. Drink this all holidays before during and after the bird. Crazy good value.Prices:| BC | $15.79 | 750ml |
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04 December 2015
89PTS
Villa Papiano i Probi, Sangiovese di Romagna Superiore Riserva 2011
Emilia-Romagna, ItalyVilla Papiano Le Papesse di Papiano’s is a sangiovese fermented and aged in stainless steel and blended with small amounts of balsamina an autochthonous variety. The organic vineyard is a mix of sandstone with seams of clay that resides at 400 metres above sea level next door to the Chianti Rufina region on the Tuscan side of the hills. Expect a smooth fragrant fruity mineral sangiovese with bits of spice and dried herbs mixed into cherries and plums. Love the supple textures and clarity here.Prices:| ON | $28.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Poderi Dal Nespoli Il Nespoli Sangiovese di Romagna Superiore Riserva 2012
Emilia-Romagna, ItalyThis one hundred percent sangiovese (di Romagna) has a lovely fragrant fruity nose with bits of pepper, tobacco and licorice. The attack is soft and juicy with blackberry, bitter cherry and plum notes that finishes dry with just a hint of French oak and balsamic for complexity. Serve with grilled chicken, braised beef cheek or a piece of Parmigiano-Reggiano. The name of this wine celebrates the ancient village of Nespoli home to the winery since 1929.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Bramare Malbec 2013
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaAll malbec, grown at 3,330 to 3,845 feet above sea level on sandy rocky soils. The fruit is all hand-harvested from sites in San Carlos and Tupungato, in Valle de Uco. Yields are low 2 - 3.79 tons per acre. It spends 17 months in 5% new French oak and 26% new American oak barrels. The other 69% goes into second year wood. The colour is opaque, the aromas intense with big stony, mineral red fruits with floral violet undertones. Rich ripe and powerful style with plenty of licorice, vanilla, coffee, cola notes that definitely warms the palate from front to back. Grilled steak is the ticket here.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $45.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $40.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Veuve du Vernay Brut NV
FranceMedium mousse (a touch foamy) with classic nutty, apple skin, light citrus nose. The attack is clean and juicy, the palate just off-dry palate with a mix of honey, red apple, pear and nutty flavours. Not as austere as past bottles that delivers for the price and without too much sugar. A unique blend of chardonnay, chenin blanc, folle blanche and ugni blanc. Just fine solo or put this in your mimosas.Prices:| BC | $14.49 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Backyard Vineyards Riesling 2014
British Columbia, CanadaNice improvement from the 2012. Much fresher with juicy, off-dry fruit with citrus orange and apple aromas. The palate follows the same fruity juicy, if a bit watery path, with some resiny, herbal notes in the finish. Ready to drink. Try this with a favourite curry dish.Prices:| BC | $17.52 | 750ml |
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88PTS
St. Hubertus Riesling 2013
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2013 is an extreme riesling with soaring acidity. The attack is an intense affair of citrus, with excellent stony minerality. The vines are a mix of years planted from 1978 through 2000. Taut, firm, high-strung, nervous, zesty, well take your pick they all fit. Find something with a little fat to tame this tiger. Roasted chicken anyone? The Gebert families have tended East Kelowna's original Hughes Vineyard for more than 25 years, serving as the most recent caretakers of the land which saw some of the first Okanagan grape plantings in 1928.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Bramare by Vina Cobos Malbec 2012
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThe Luján de Cuyo malbec is grown at 3251-3467 feet above sea level in semi desert conditions. Almost identical to the Uco the Luyán it spends 17 months in new oak 5% French and 27% American. The nose is broad and open with pepper, cloves and five-spice mixed with black fruit and licorice. The palate is identical with heavy, resiny black fruit notes with roast mushroom, tobacco, orange peel and savoury dried herb finish. Best with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $40.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $46.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Château Pesquié Ventoux Terrasses Rouge 2013
Ventoux, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceThe ’13 Les Terrasses is a 60/40 blend of grenache and syrah, or almost. There are traces of carignan, cinsault and mourvèdre. The site sits at about 300 meters above sea level over gravelly soil covered with pebble and limestones to less rich in iron oxides sands and clays. Some thirty percent of the mix sees oak for about six months, but none of it is new. Expect a spicy (black pepper) nose with a big, juicy, red fruits laced with garrigue. The tannins are silky, but creamy that will help this wine live through 2020 — versatile chicken, pizza, cassoulet red. Good value.Prices:| BC | $17.49 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.45 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $21.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Fern Walk Pinot Gris 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis south Okanagan gris is unoaked and made in the skinny lean New Zealand style, which may explain the ferns on the label, long a Kiwi trademark. The nose is fresh with floral honey and tropical undertones that follow on to the palate. The acidity is aggressive with passionfruit and notes of green fruits and a slightly bitter aftertaste. Try this with steamed mussels or pasta with scallops. If you like Kiwi style, but want to support BC wine - we guess.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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03 December 2015
89PTS
Vasse Felix Filius Chardonnay 2014
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaFilius translates to ‘son of’ in Latin, describing the relationship between these wines and their Premier ‘fathers’ higher up in the Vasse Felix tier. This rich, stylish Western River chardonnay certainly carries the lineage, with cream, dried herbs and fragrant wildflowers carrying through to the full, wood-drawn palate. Nine months in French oak (20 percent new) certainly pumps up the muscular structure, while textured mineral, lemon curd, green apple and wild sage herbaceous notes are brightened with a piercing citrine acidity. Young and bold, this will mellow with 2-4 years in the cellar.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Vinaceous Snake Charmer 2012
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaStraight up McLaren Vale shiraz aged about 15 months in French and American oak that is one quarter new. Open, lifted, black fruit nose and flavours with a sprinkling of milk chocolate. The oak is a bit soupy and the acidy pokes through the back end but all in all a decent drop. Perfect or pork or beef. Snake Charmer is basket pressed into some 25% new oak barriques (French and American) where it finished its fermentation and matures for 14-16 months maturation in the same oak. The wines are made by contract winemaker Mike Farmilo (ex-Penfolds) and finished at Vinaceous. The fruit comes off old vine shiraz vineyards in the heart of McLaren Vale.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Napa Valley, California, United StatesA difficult vintage, including one with botrytis, is rare in Napa but 2011 was one of them. Not enough heat saw the year drag ion into November, but wait maybe that can be a good thing – a Bordeaux thing. Low alcohol marks the year although this Hobbs wine red comes in at 14.4. I like the cooler aspects of this wine, red and blue fruits, sweet spices, mint and tobacco. The textures are soft, accessible and this will be ready to drink over the five to seven year mark. Stylish and food friendly.Prices:| BC | $179.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $93.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $128.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $79.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Felino by Viña Cobos Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Mendoza, ArgentinaQuite a turnaround here with a nice mix of red and blueberry fruits, fresh acidity and bright, floral undertones. The attack is similar with light chocolate notes more acidity and freshness and classic black cherry, black currant and resin notes. Fresh, bright not showing too much alcohol this is a friendly, good value steak wine. More food oriented with a light tannins and tea notes in the finish.Prices:| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Cobos Bramare Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThis is 100% cabernet sauvignon, hand-harvested in Luján de Cuyo at roughly 1100 meters above sea level. The site is gravelly. The fruit is rich and black after spending 17 months in 11% new French oak barrels and 20% new American oak barrels, the rest all second use wood. Expect a big cooked cassis style with milk chocolate, and savoury peppery undertones. This is a good old style cabernet that will appeals more to the Parker crowd then the hipster, modern buyer. Best with grilled steak, the rarer the better.Prices:| BC | $42.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $42.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $45.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Benjamin Bridge Brut Méthode Classique 2009
Gaspereau Valley, Nova Scotia, CanadaThe 2009 Brut is a serious traditional method sparkler, made from decidedly untraditional grapes: l'acadie, chardonnay and seyval. Hints of honey, citrus and mineral on the nose lead to a crisp and vibrant citrus and mineral-driven palate. Bone dry and shimmering with concentrated lime and grapefruit zest, stony minerality and a well-earned patina of lees and biscuit before melting into a lengthy finish. This wine has spent 3 years on the lees and was disgorged last August. We're talking benchmark Canadian bubble here, an ultra-premium one, and yes - from Nova Scotia. Drinking fantastically now, but will continue to gain complexity in the years to come.Prices:| ON | $50.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $47.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $50.00 | 750ml |
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02 December 2015
89PTS
Quails' Gate Chardonnay 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA blend of French clones including 95, 96, 277 and 809 sourced from several sites in and out of the estate brings complexity to what is essentially a friendly bottle of delicious chardonnay. The oak is beautifully handled, so much so it’s hard to believe 50% of the blend is barrel fermented. Look for refreshing melon and ripe apple flavours flecked with sweet tangerine notes and a clean refreshing finish. The winery restaurant recommends pairing it with Chanterelle mushrooms and salmon, lemon roasted chicken or Camembert cheese. Real value here.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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83PTS
Loxton Cabernet Sauvignon NV
AustraliaOnly .O5 per cent alcohol supports what is a reasonably dry cabernet with sweet and sour black cherry flavours. Open raspberry cherry fruit aromas with similar notes on the palate. Soft easy sipping low tannin red. Best with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $6.69 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Pierre Henri Morel Signargues Côtes du Rhône Villages 2012
Côtes du Rhône Villages, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceBlack cherry, black raspberry, spicy, peppery, gamey, resin aromas with a touch of prune. Dry, fresh, juicy, slightly astringent palate with good intensity. Black licorice, peppery, black raspberry jam, coffee, savoury, orange peel and garrigue flavours with some tea notes on the finish. Good solid fruit and intensity if a bit rustic at this point. Could use a year or two to soften out.Prices:| BC | $19.49 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
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01 December 2015
90PTS
Champagne Lanson Black Label Brut NV
Champagne, FranceNow, as it did when founded 1760, the company focuses on exporting champagne to foreign channels. In fact, it is known to be a favourite of Queen Elizabeth and it’s the house bubble at Wimbledon – so it’s certainly good enough for you to enjoy - especially considering its reasonable price (sigh - on our market). A stream of lemon, from first whiff to the crisp finish, with light stone, green apple and an underlay of light white florals. 50/35/15 pinot noir/chardonnay/pinot meunier blend in the cuvée. Approachable, accessible, drink liberally.Prices:| BC | $73.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $57.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $53.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Champagne Lanson Black Label Brut NV
Champagne, FranceLove the mineral opening, the green apple skin and toasted floral aromas. Round, soft, fresh approachable style with more nutty, citrus, stony floral flavours. Crisp and dry most years and now consistent. Lanson Black label is a 50/35/15 blend of pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot meunier. It takes its name from Victor Lanson, who in 1937 launched Black Label to honour the colour black, a symbol of elegance and the story of this pinot noir dominated champagnePrices:| BC | $73.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $57.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $53.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Taittinger Brut Reserve NV
Champagne, FranceUnusual broad flat nose of pear, apple aromas. The attack is crisp and more elegant, with fresh red apple, toasted, spicy, citrus, peach skin flavours with some sweetness showing up on the juicy, citrus finish. Solid if lacking a little excitement this time out.Prices:| BC | $76.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $69.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $76.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Taittinger Brut Reserve NV
Champagne, FrancePerfumed florals, lemon blossom and ginger open this stalwart Champagne, consistently streamline and welcoming year over year. Deep white florals, crystalline lemon, tight pear, green and yellow apples and a subtle undercurrent of dried apple/apricot creaminess. Forty percent chardonnay, with the balance between pinot noir and pinot meunier. Classic.Prices:| BC | $76.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $69.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $76.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Veuve du Vernay Brut Rosé NV
FranceIt’s a fruit day on the biodynamic calendar as I taste this and it is offering up so pretty floral fruit on the nose. The entry is not quite a fruity with citrus, earthy, bitter citrus rind flavours dominating and before it finishes dry. Try this with chicken or beef appetizers.Prices:| BC | $14.49 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Formiga de Vellut (Organic) 2012
Priorato, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainFormiga is a juicy 60/20/20 mix of grenache noir, carignan and syrah that is aged about 9 months in an 80/20 mix of French and America oak. The attack is fresh, the flavours juicy, with stony mineral black fruit flavours. This not shrinking violet but the tannins are in check, more velvety than grippy. The finish is a smoky mix of savoury, black cherry, and stony fruit. Made from organically grown grapes. Try this with any mushroom dish or rich mid-winter stews or casseroles. Real value, serious red wine, perfect for restaurants selling beef.Prices:| BC | $28.79 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Corcelettes Meritage 2011
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA Similkameen red blend that mixes 40/25/25/6/4/ blend comprises of merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, malbec and petit verdot. A cool year leave this red on the herby green side with some still hard-ish tannins to shed under a blend of cranberry cherry chocolate fruit. Needs time and maybe less cabernet fruit in such a cool year. Best with a grilled steak.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Black Hills Carmenere 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis wine has come a long way since its first release. The nose is fragrant with big peppery undertone and the palate is fresh and balanced with only 12 percent alcohol and soft, red fruit flavours. Dry, elegant well-made red that would be perfect with grilled chicken. Well done.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Road 13 Roussanne Low Yield Wines 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWe were impressed with this wine from its nougat, honeycomb, wax and white florals to its fat, rich roussanne character. The fruit is whole-cluster pressed and its ferment takes place in a concrete egg. The attack is full bodied, with a waxy mouthfeel, intense honeyed pear, creamy lees, vanilla and ample finely ground exotic spices. Not for the shy but there is a mid-palate, stony mineral thread that keeps it fresh and leaning toward balanced. It finishes warm at 14.6 percent but it only makes it better suited to rich lobster dishes. Well made with six percent viognier in the blend.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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January 2016