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Tastings: April 2016
29 April 2016
89PTS
Bartier Bros. Cabernet Franc Cerqueira Vineyard 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWinemaker Michael Bartier spends a lot of time trying keep his fingerprints off his wine. He's a site guy and his wine plan is to let the dirt do the talking and this first release cabernet franc is a perfect example. The fruit is grown on the lower side of Black Sage Road between Oliver and Osoyoos on the gentle sloping west facing Cerqueira vineyard. This projects the refined, cool elements of cabernet franc, and is seasoned with four percent syrah. Smoky black fruit up front, with juicy blackberry, black cherry and some stony, dark floral notes to support. Bottled unfined and unfiltered, soft silky tannins are gripped with the wood frame from fifteen months in thin stave French barrels. Unpretentious and ready to drink, especially with grilled pork.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Nus del Terrer 2010
Tarragona, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainFrom the outskirts of Tarragona DO in the coastal (limestone laced lumaquela soils) Cataluña region, this 60/40 garnacha/cabernet sauvignon is intense from first whiff through lingering finish, with black liquorice, sun warmed earth, fleshy black cherry, supple leather, pipe tobacco, fragrant violets and wild scrubby herbs. Tannins are ripe and sticky, though acidity is enough to lift it from the sun-baked mire and carry to a cracked peppercorn and cherry leather finish. Wild ferment and aging in 5000L upright neutral oak adds to its wild charm. Tasting lovely now, but will hold for another few years easy.Prices:| USA | $45.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Alvear Palacio Quemado Los Acilates 2010
Ribera del Guadiana, Extremadura and the Southwest, SpainThis elegant, fine grained and sun streaked tempranillo/syrah was sourced from the steep-sloped Los Acilates vineyard in Ribera del Guadiana DO, in the Extremadura region near Spain's Mediterranean coast. Low intervention farming and little sulphur throughout, after a wild ferment this crianza spends a year in 500 liter French oak barrels before another year in bottle. Perfumed cherry blossoms, aged leather, dried red currants, wood smoke, worn wood fill the generous mouth, though are lifted effortlessly with a persistent and delicate acidity, shouldered with ripe, slightly grainy tannins, and textured with crushed stone. The Spanish sun is felt on the finish; pour with grilled sausage or roast game birds.Prices:| Spain | $30.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Torres Purgatori 2012
Costers del Segre, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainPurgatori is a new Torres project in Costers del Segre DO, spearheaded by Miguel Torres Jr. While touring the region, one particular low production vineyard caught his eye, and sparkplugged this endeavour. On the site they found an ancient building adorned with the shield of the Abbey of Monserrat; monks used to send bad monks to this area to grow olives and vineyards. Hence, the wine was named Purgatori. This a blend of cariñena, syrah, garnacha and a small percentage of two ancestral varieties (gonfaus, moneu). This abandoned vineyard is extreme farming: "very, very dry farmed". Thick on the palate and opaque in the glass, with concentrated black fruit, dense leather, faint pipe tobacco, light tar and woven with dried scrubby herbs and dried violet and thorny rock roses. Tannins are ripe and gummy, but for all its heft and weight, the fine acidity is bright enough to provide some lift. The first vintage of this challenging project, and showing young still. Decant now, enjoy with roasted lamb or juicy rib eye, and keep your eye on Purgatori in future vintages.Prices:Read Full Note
83PTS
Two Oceans Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2014
Western Cape, South AfricaLeafy, resiny sweaty saddle/cherry aromas that are typical for this label. Dry, round, fresh and slightly tannic with weedy, dill, earthy cherry flavours. The finish is short and tart. A simple hamburger red at best.Prices:| BC | $9.79 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Tamari Red Passion 2013
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaExpect a fresh soft, red fruit attack with bits of savoury raspberry/cherry and spice on the nose. The attack is similar with medium rich fruit flavours a long the red, mineral spectrum. The tannins are light the finish is dry with peppery red fruit. Try this with beef kebabs or pork dishes.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Umberto Cesari Iove Sangiovese Merlot 2013
Emilia-Romagna, ItalyBright fresh mostly primary cherry-berry flavours with a touch of spice. Screwcap/stainless steel freshness in a round easy-drinking, pizza red. The blend is mostly sangiovese with some merlot. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $16.49 | 750ml |
| QC | $11.87 | 750ml |
| NB | $13.68 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Time White Meritage 2014
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2014 is a warmer riper version of the ’13; mixing 68 percent sauvignon blanc and 32 percent sémillon in barrel. Ripe melon and honey mark the nose and palate with flecks of tangerine and a touch of vanilla and some oiliness in the finish. Best with simply prepared crab or lobster dishes.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Signorello Seta 2013
Napa Valley, California, United StatesSeta is Italian for silk, whose texture is the impetus for the 58/42 sémillon/sauvignon blanc grown along the Silverado Trail in the Oak Knoll District. The fruit is dry farmed, the yields low and the resulting rich bunches are 100 percent barrel fermented adding more gravitas to the texture of this wine. The nose is a mix of vanilla, caramel and citrus with a touch of quince. The palate rich pear, marzipan and passion fruit notes. A fine match for richer fish recipes or whole-roasted chicken dishes.Prices:| BC | $61.99 | 750ml |
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28 April 2016
89PTS
Tinhorn Creek Oldfield Series Chardonnay 2014
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGrown on rocky soils, essentially washed down off Mt. Kobau the first Golden Mile Bench chardonnay released by Tinhorn and made by winemaker Andrew Windsor is very good. The colour is a touch yellow but the style is as fresh as it is rich. The nose is a mix of citrus, flowers, honey and oak with a hint of caramel all of which previews a tighter, more linear fresh flavour profile of nutty, flinty, apple/lemon/pineapple and what the winery is saying finishes with “marzipan and biscotti”. I like the complexity and length. This Tinhorn chardonnay is all grown up and for year one impressive. Try it with grill halibut or Dungeness crab. Barrel fermented in French oak barrels, and aged 12 months in both oak and stainless steel barrels.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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83PTS
JoieFarm Chardonnay Un-Oaked (ii) 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBanana, red and yellow apple and a whiff of ethyl acetate opens this chardonnay, sourced from vineyards on Skaha Bluff and the home site on Naramata Bench. Candied pear and apple rule the fruit-salad palate, joined by banana, tropical gummies before finishing with a bitter lime twist. A challenging year (hot, with the earliest vintage on record) and kudos to JoieFarm for not doctoring their wines with acidulation or dilution or other unnatural winemaking tricks. Will retaste in a few months time to see if this has settled. A second bottle tasted 3 months later was similar.Prices:| BC | $22.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Elephant Island The Other Way Chardonnay Sideshow Vineyard 2014
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe name is longer than finish but that’s okay because this juicy “unconventional” chardonnay is well made and fun to drink. Working with orchard fruits clearly gives the Halladays a reference point for freshness. The wine spends a modicum of time in oak but it remains fresh with citrus/apple highlights. Drink now with Margherita pizza.Prices:| BC | $17.39 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Beringer Chardonnay Private Reserve 2013
Napa Valley, California, United StatesThe 2013 Private Reserve comes off Gamble Ranch in Oakville. This is one, soft, rich, polished chardonnay – a sort of new, old-style. Bake apple, honey, lees and spice mark the nose and introduce a rich, long, oily, soft palate of baked green apples, vanilla and creamy butterscotch flavours. I would serve this on the cool side to temper its rich alcoholic back end. Lobster, crab, roast chicken all work here.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
| US | $35.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $45.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $43.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $44.95 | 750ml |
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27 April 2016
89PTS
Bella Chardonnay Methode Ancestrale 2015
Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom the organic Robin's Ridge vineyard in Keremeos, this was whole cluster straight into tank, and cold settled before into neutral barrels and a stint under the cherry trees at Bella's Naramata property, waiting for a full wild ferment to do its thing (ferment finished in the winery to 10.8 percent alcohol). Zero additives, this was hand bottled and tagged; there is no label on the bottle itself, but a singular paper catalogue tag affixed by string to the cage. Lovely red and yellow apple, sweet orchard blossoms and a riff of grippy crushed stone is kept juicy and quenching on a lightly creamy palate. Off-dry, this gobbles up the 17 g/l residual sugar pretty swiftly.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bella Cavada Gamay Rosé Brut 2015
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe first Naramata fruit Bella has worked with, this Vineyard Series gamay fizz is from Cavada vineyard, at the far end of Naramata Bench and neglected in recent years. It is now being converted tenderly to organic viticulture. This pours a very pale pink grapefruit hue, with slight turbidity. Rainier cherry, delicate apple blossom and a wild strawberry leaf herbaceousness sit on the palate with an airy lightness, anchored with a fine downy riff of tannin finishing with candied red liquorice notes and a kiss of cinnamon. Twelve g/l RS gives an ample bump and breadth, but it still feels pretty dry due to the pithy acidity.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Bella Gamay Methode Ancestrale 2015
West Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom the same organic vineyard and juice that made up the 2015 Westbank Gamay Brut, six barrels were filled and placed under the cherry trees at Bella's Naramata site and waited for a full wild ferment to do its thing (ferment finished in the winery to 11.2 percent alcohol). Zero additives, this was hand bottled and tagged; there is no label on the bottle itself, but a singular paper catalogue tag affixed by string to the cage. Wild, salted earth and stone, funky rhubarb and juicy, just crushed wild strawberries, this pét-nat or pétillant naturel, is subtle but with a spark of intensity. The future of BC natural wine is shining.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Bella Westbank Gamay Rosé Brut 2015
West Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOne of two gamay rosé bubbles, this terroir-focused fizz is from Beaumont Vineyard in Westbank. The gutsier of the pair is the Westbank from the certified organic, volcanic soiled Beaumont Vineyard. Half was destemmed and half whole cluster, leaving lots of punchy colour and intensity in the glass. Wild primary ferment is echoed in the earth-hued rhubarb, wild strawberries and bracing pink grapefruit acidity. Enthusiastically juicy and dry, with a good grip of tannins on the finish.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Bella Reserve Brut Nature Oliver Westside Chardonnay 2012
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis style has been vintner Jay Drysdale's goal from the beginning of Bella Wines: a serious fizz of the calibre of top grower champagne, but speaking of what it means to be Canadian. Singularly sourced from Secrest Vineyard, this chardonnay spent forty months on the lees and is bottled with no dosage. It is a clear translation of the site, and when tasted in conjunction with twin sibling Brut Nature Eastside Chardonnay, the differences are striking. Reflecting the sandy Seacrest soils, it releases subtle florals and a gentle expansion to the palate; it rests on its soft, sandy and expansive haunches, while possessing a shimmering, tight pithy acidity right through to the finish. Lightly smoked stones and pithy white grapefruit bitterness linger on the palate. Twenty-five cases were released (disgorged April 2016), with the remainder to be held for another six to eight years on lees. *The back label has a red border versus the blue Eastside edition; the front labels of both are identical.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Bella Wines Reserve Brut Nature Oliver Eastside Chardonnay 2012
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis style has been vintner Jay Drysdale's goal from the beginning of Bella Wines: a serious fizz of the calibre of top grower champagne, but bursting with what it means to be Canadian. Singularly sourced from Oliver's calcium carbonate-laced Cerqueira Vineyard, this chardonnay spent forty months on the lees and is bottled with no dosage and sulfured only after first ferment. It is a true reflection of the site, and when tasted in conjunction with twin sibling Brut Nature Westside Chardonnay, the differences are striking. Lovely, crisp fruit with seamless and fluid lees integration. A shear of green apple acidity, tight citrus notes and faint stony smoke and fine salts on the lengthy finish. Riveting structure, exciting stuff. Very promising future for this project, and this wine. Only 25 cases were released, with the remainder to be held 6-8 years. Looking forward to tasting again then.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
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26 April 2016
90PTS
Le Vieux Pin Syrah Cuvée Violette 2014
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWe just love what winemaker Severine Pinte is doing at Le Vieux Pin with syrah. The entry level Violette is a perfect introduction to quality, BC syrah. Like the 2013, the 2014 was co-fermented with one percent of roussanne because the viognier wasn’t available when the syrah was picked. The style is floral and peppery. The entry juicy and silky with bright, spicy, black cherry, floral fruit flavours with no meaty notes. This will improve in the bottle for three to five years or you can drink it now with grilled pheasant or lamb. Excellent value.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Suvla Reserve Syrah Single Vineyard Bozokbag 2011
Gallipoli Peninsula (Marmara) (Thracian) Region, TurkeyYou can expect a more elegant, floral style of syrah on the nose and the palate with peppery, blueberry undertones. There is a hint of meat and spice with plenty of chocolate, cherry, coffee flavours that finish medium long and somewhat silky. Best with grilled meats or lamb.Prices:| BC | $42.99 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Two Oceans Shiraz 2014
Western Cape, South AfricaSmoky rubbery, bacon nose with bits of bacon/resin and earth. The attack is soft and warm with ripe almost sweet peppery fruit, cocoa, cedar and candied cherry flavours. The finish is short and sticky with light but fuzzy tannins. A simple commercial hamburger red. Surely we could list something better for customers.Prices:| BC | $9.79 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Langmeil Shiraz Valley Floor 2013
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaYields in some shiraz vineyards was down by 50 to 80 percent in 2013 when little or no rain fell. The season was early Look for a rich plummy, peppery raspberry nose with brown spices and cocoa powder. The attack is dry and a touch resiny with mocha, blueberry and vanilla. There’s plenty of tannin to be dispersed yet. Bets now with grilled lamb or beef or hold five years.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $28.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $30.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $27.50 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Heartland Directors' Cut Shiraz 2012
Langhorne Creek, South Australia, AustraliaThe Directors’ Cut is the most powerful expression of the winery’s Langhorne Creek shiraz. The nose is rich and aromatic with meaty, black fruit scents. The palate is awash in black and blue fruits with a peppery undercurrent. The palate is a mix of cedar, coffee, vanilla, blackberry jam, resin and more meaty notes. Soft and drinkable blockbuster with a big, warm finish. Drink or hold a decade. Best with a steak grilled medium rare. After fermentation the wine spends 14 months in French and American oak.Prices:| BC | $34.79 | 750ml |
| AB | $34.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $43.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $36.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Heartland Shiraz 2013
Langhorne Creek, South Australia, AustraliaIt’s been a while since we last tasted this wine but we are impressed with the 2013. The nose is clean and fresh; unabashed Oz shiraz. The Langhorne Creek site is a mix of sandy loam that seems to pump up the black fruit flecked with licorice and pepper. Blackberry fruit coats the palate with more peppery, menthol, chalky, tobacco notes. A classic shiraz that calls for a piece of grilled lamb. Good value.Prices:| BC | $21.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $23.90 | 750ml |
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25 April 2016
81PTS
Stag's Hollow Muscat Frizzante 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaProduced from estate grown muscat ottonel and riesling, this barely sparkling white tastes of bitter lemon, Seville orange and bruised pear on the tart, lean and light palate. The bubbles prickle on the short finish.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
JoieFarm Muscat The Pure Grape (v) 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSoap, heady acacia, ripe peach, sweet salami and lime blossoms pack the palate of this off dry moscato giallo (yellow muscat), from Joie's home vineyard on the Naramata Bench. The hot, early 2015 is felt in the hefty, weighted feel of this wine, with sugar levels amplified by muted acidity. Prickly bitter lime brightens the soapy, warm finish.Prices:| BC | $22.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
JoieFarm A Noble Blend 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFirmly seated as a BC classic, this blend of gewürztraminer, riesling, pinot auxerrois, pinot blanc, muscat and schoenberger is crafted in the spirit of Edelzwicker, the traditional aromatic white blend of Alsace. Sourced from vineyards across the Okanagan, this leads with perfumed white flowers, candied citrus and rosewater before a medium bodied palate of orchard fruit, lychee and a little swell of juicy acidity, impressive in warm 2015, the earliest vintage on record in the Okanagan. Much leaner and more streamlined than the lusciousness of years past though it works; this is a slimmed down vintage, and one to match with Pad Thai or green curry.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Culmina Family Estate Unicus 2015
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe latest Unicus is perhaps the most expressive yet, no doubt aided by the warm 2015 vintage. Again you get the grassy notes with an exotic weighty yellow fruits/gooseberry/citrus notes. There’s obvious freshness here but the palate is weighty with persistent ripe grapefruit, starfruit and yellow plums with even a hint of oiliness. Aromatic and attractive and opulent if not electric. Should be a no brainer match with fresh halibut or Thai-styled prawns.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Lunessence Sauvignon Blanc - Muscat 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe winery has to be happy with this white wine that has an appealing aromatic nose of lemon-grass and honeysuckle. The attack is fresh with fine citrus notes and floral/ripe, honey undertones. Crisp and refreshing with a sweet undercurrent you could serve this with any spicy dish that needs a squeeze of lemon. Crab and black bean sauce anyone? The blend is a mix of sauvignon blanc, muscat de Alexandria and viognier.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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22 April 2016
91PTS
Jean-Paul Brun Terres Dorées l'Ancien Beaujolais 2013
Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceTerres Dorées is a limestone-laden area known as the "Region of the Golden Stones." Sustainably focused and non-interventionist in both the vineyard and winery, Brun is a firm advocate of minimal SO2, natural yeast, old vines and low yields. L'Ancien, from vines 50-80 years old, is savoury and lithe. Wild herbs, rasped stone, juicy wild raspberry and thorns are lifted with bright and lifted cherry and textured with mineral salts. Graceful, with a bamboo firm frame of tannins. Salted sage lingers on the lengthy finish. Drinking well now (mine went with truffle salted frites and lardon decked endive) or will cellar for 5+ years easy. #GoGamayGo.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Haywire Gamay Noir 2014
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis bright fruited, youthful gamay comes off the cooler Secrest Mountain Vineyard in Oliver. Cherry, raspberry, blue plums with bits of red liquorice are perfectly textured with a fine, dusty, gravel, tannin on a warm Okanagan afternoon. The fruit has a peppery red edge with more smoked stone and minerality in the finish. A perfect wine for pork or even a mushroom pasta dish. Solid.Prices:| BC | $26.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Kendall-Jackson Pinot Noir Vintner's Reserve 2013
California, United StatesIf you are new to wine and want to get your pinot noir feet wet this is a good choice. Floral, strawberry spicy fruit draws you into a glass of silky smooth, juicy, strawberry, peppery forest floor fruit that finishes ripe and long. A supple, simple, well-made pinot for grilled chicken or salmon.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $27.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $30.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Jacques Girardin Santenay Beauregard 1er Cru 2013
Burgundy, FranceBeauregard' sits just above the Grand Cru of Santenay, Les Gravières, and comes off 0.93 hectares and produces on average just over 40hl/ha form 45 year-old vines. The wine is aged for some 14 to 15 months in Allier and Vosges French oak barrels of which about 20 percent are new each year. Less pigeage in favour of more pump overs helps to extract the tannins more smoothly and to obtain wines of finesse and delicacy. The nose is a mix of black tea soaked in strawberry juice. The attack is fresh with perfect acidity solid with an earthy, rooty pinot palate and a juicy finish. If you like roots the year Pope Pius V excommunicates Queen Elizabeth I of England (1570) is the same year, the Girardin family first tended to vines in Santenay. Fast forward nearly 450 years and 13 generations to current head of the Domaine Justin Girardin.Prices:| BC | $48.99 | 750ml |
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21 April 2016
91PTS
JoieFarm Riesling iv 2006
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTasting a decade on, and reminiscing the Joie Riesling style of old. 11 percent, slender and streaming, youthful and innocent. Now, honeyed with age, this has added on layers of shimmery lime, weighted honeysuckle, quince paste and sweet pear, complexing but not overwhelming up the graceful frame. Lime pith tugs at the lengthy finish. Lovely to taste at this stage, and quite interesting to see the evolution of a style.Prices:Read Full Note
90PTS
JoieFarm Riesling iv 2007
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWow. Tasted nine years after harvest, this pours a light gold but smells and tastes of heady wild honey and stone. Mid-sweet, the intense pear butter, honey, fragrant orange blossoms and earthy undercurrent complexity (botrytis?) are held in check with a river of mandarin acidity. If you have in your cellar, lucky you. Drink now.Prices:| BC | $20.40 | 750ml |
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88PTS
JoieFarm Riesling iv 2009
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTasted seven years after harvest, the 2009 vintage strikes first with assertive smoked stoniness on the nose and palate, followed quickly with rich pear butter, lemon curd and a swath of green apple acidity. Finishes fresh with pear skin and tight lemon before a puff of tobacco ash. Acidity still mouth-watering juicy. If you have in your cellar, crack now and enjoy.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
JoieFarm Riesling iv 2011
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWhat a difference a vintage makes. The cooler 2011 has slimmed down JoieFarm's generous style and narrowed the focus of this expressive, limey and vibrant riesling. Tasted five years after harvest, the honeyed herbal wild flowers now dominate the off-dry palate, with pithy lime-laced acidity defining Anjou pear and fragrant mandarin. Spicy stoniness lingers on the finish. If you have in your cellar, crack this now and enjoy.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
JoieFarm Riesling iv 2012
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom the generous 2012 vintage, this cushioned and expressive off-dry riesling pulses with lime curd, pear, honeysuckle and fragrant herbs. Fine shimmery lime peel acidity shears the cushion of sweetness, finishing with orange creamsicle and eraser. Tasting lovely now, with four years under its belt.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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20 April 2016
87PTS
Adega on 45th Cabernet Franc 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe south Okanagan heat can transform cabernet franc from a leafy herbaceous affair into something much more interesting. In this case the earthy leafy notes that open the palate give way to notes of chocolate and dark fruit. The palate is similar with more chocolate cherry flavours with a dash of resin. The finish is dry with slightly astringent tannins. Must be served with food. Roast beef would be a good choice or cellar through 2019.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Time Cabernet Franc 2014
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSlightly reduced on the nose upon opening. Earthy, cedar, tobacco, olive aromas preview some black fruit. The attack is soft and round with warm, spicy, savoury blackberry, black cherry fruit flavours. The finish is medium long with a touch of heat but not a lot of tannin. Try this with grilled lamb chops or a piece of Manchego cheese. This should improve in the cellar over the next five years. Good value.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
NaySayer Unconventional Cabernet Franc Merlot 2011
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA little cleaner and brighter than the 2009 the 2011 presents a savoury cherry nose. The palate is drier with resiny, smoky, cherry cranberry fruit and slightly grippy tannins. The finish is dry and for the most part elegant with just a few rough edges in the back end. Best served now with grilled meat or roast chicken.Prices:| BC | $21.79 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Painted Rock Cabernet Franc 2013
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFinally, a franc with some gravitas. Youthful and exuberant its sporting some savoury olive/crushed leaf notes mixed with cran-cherry red currant fruit. It’s only medium weight but with fairly rich tannins to yet disperse. Aromatic and round this will please a lot of palates now and even more in five years. If you must drink it grill a T-bone steak to tame the edges or wait five to seven years.Prices:| BC | $44.99 | 750ml |
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19 April 2016
87PTS
Elephant Island Told You So Viognier Peanut Farm Vineyard 2014
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaYou are going to love the nose here. Although it’s not necessarily classic viognier, it is super fresh, fruity and floral. Fresh cut apples amid tropical fruit and butter with a dash of minerality mark the palate. This is crisp and clean, no doubt helped by a touch of sauvignon blanc in the mix. Pour with spicy Thai, Indian or Chinese dishes.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Mission Hill Terroir Collection No. 29 Bluebird Passage Viognier 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMission Hills likes the western area of Osoyoos for its viognier and we can see why. This unoaked version offers up a bright nose of orange and ginger followed by flavours of starfruit and nectarine. Fresh, showy and complex all in one. Try this with fresh baked halibut.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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18 April 2016
91PTS
Wakefield St Andrews Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Clare Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThis single vineyard Clare Valley cabernet sauvignon is sourced from the historic St. Andrews property, first planted in 1892. Classic terra rossa soils atop a limestone base yield this refined cab, the riper red and black fruit showing some softening at the corners, but holding the bright freshness. Ample leather, dried cherry and tobacco leaf lead, with cherry, thorny cassis and cedar bringing up the rear. Eighteen months in French oak are integrating well into the fruit, with lengthy tannins straddling ripe and grippy. Sweet spices and warm ripeness (14.5 percent alcohol) gives this a generosity that is well suited to roast pork if drinking now. Otherwise, continue to cellar for another few years.Prices:| BC | $57.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Lake Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesNot as ripe as you might hope for from the Alexander Valley, this cool, peppery, red is long on cedar, cassis and tobacco notes. The palate is round, the tannins grippy/grainy tannins and more, earthy, cassis and chocolate flavours flecked with savoury, menthol cherry and cocoa. The finish is dry with peppery note. Still youthful this bottle needs a year or two more of ageing. Try this with beef kabobs.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $29.96 | 750ml |
| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $31.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $33.79 | 750ml |
| NB | $33.79 | 750ml |
| SK | $33.63 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Sledgehammer Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
North Coast, North Coast Region, California, United StatesSledgehammer represents a growing lineup of sweet red wines that are flooding the American and Canadian marketplace. Not particularly clean this herbaceous earthy, chocolate, cedar-scented red is as sweet as they come on the palate. Cherries, prunes and milk chocolate assault your palate leaving it cloyingly sweet and almost sticky. A leafy, sweet, oaky red that is not for us.Prices:| BC | $16.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $23.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $18.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Mount Veeder Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Napa Valley, California, United StatesThe 2013 mix is 81/10/4/3/1/ cabernet sauvignon, merlot, malbec, petit verdot, cabernet franc and one percent syrah. Expect a rich wine with plenty of black and blue fruits on the nose and palate. The mid-palate is alive and juicy with spice savoury notes in the backend. Despite its mountain fruit planted at 1000 to 1600 feet this cabernet always displays a finesse and richness that makes it easy to like. Steaks anyone?Prices:| BC | $47.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Napa Valley, California, United StatesA straight up Napa cabernet that speaks to its cool vintage. The nose is a mix of red and dark fruits with a dollop of jalapeno and green pepper notes. The palate is medium body with light grippy tannins. There are bits of merlot cabernet franc and petit verdot in the mix that show more cedar and dried herbs than ripe fruit this year. This will be best served mid-term or now with a steak. Good not great.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $47.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Liberated Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Sonoma County, California, United StatesSolid Sonoma cabernet with classic black currant fruit on the nose and palate. The tannins are medium dry and somewhat ragged but it’s nothing a piece of grilled beef can’t smooth out. Look for a medium-long smoky, black cherry finish with a touch of spice. Simple and ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Napa Valley, California, United StatesI’ve tasted a lot of Mondavi cabernet most of my adult lifetime. There have been many memorable bottles from the 1968 vintage onward but I suspect the best wines are being made right now by long-time winemaker Geneviève Janssens. This 2013 is such an example mixing 87 percent cabernet sauvignon, eight percent merlot and 5 percent cabernet franc from a very fine growing season. The style is rich but restrained, dry but with adequate fruit. It’s Napa but with style and substance and no sugar. Complexity in a glass at a very fair price. Delicious now but you could age this through 2020. A quarter of the fruit comes off To Kalon Oakville vineyard and a further 10% comes from the winery’s Wappo Hill Vineyard in the Stag's Leap District. Delicious now but you could age this through 2020.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $29.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $38.50 | 750ml |
| NB | $37.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $56.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $36.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $44.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $40.00 | 750ml |
| US | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $34.88 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Kvint Cabernet Sauvignon Dry 2009
MoldovaThe Cabernet sauvignon ‘dry,’ they make a ‘sweet,’ reminds me of an era gone by. The nose is a mix of cedar-y, red fruits including muted plums and cherries and similar on the palate with that sweet and sour spicy, baked fruit character. The finish is dry and somewhat acidic but nothing a hamburger can’t handle easily. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Fuse Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Napa Valley, California, United StatesI’m not sure who it is that is calling Fuse a ‘modern-style’ cabernet but I wonder if they really knew what modern California cabernet tasted like if they would use that descriptor to describe this cab that is nothing like the sweet, modern, undrinkable crap that is sweeping the state. Ray Signorello has always had a European bent, he buys and drinks very fine wine and expects that his wines should ape as much as possible the lean, round, flavourful, complex style of cabernet. The 2012 is barely a ‘cabernet’ at 75 percent with 11/5/5/4 blend of merlot, cabernet franc, syrah and petit verdot. I’m not sure it needs the final two grapes in this blend but I guess it’s a nod to the millennials. Warm rich supple and spicy it hits all the right buttons and you can drink it now. Best with a grilled steak.Prices:| BC | $35.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $35.00 | 750ml |
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96PTS
Signorello Padrone 2012
Napa Valley, California, United StatesIs this best Padrone ever? We think so aided and abetted by a very fine 2012 vintage from ideal bud-break, warm days, and cool and foggy nights and perfect ripeness. Padrone comes off the best blocks, all on rocky hillsides and it spends 22 months in 100 percent new French oak barrels. The 2012 is a 91/9 mix of cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc and its is the best of the best. It seems crazy to suggest its understated when the fruit and power is so bold but this wine has a finesse you don’t often see in Napa. Black fruit, chocolate, tobacco permeate this opulent red that persists forever on the palate. Cellar for a decade and drink for another. Excellent quality here but it should be for the price.Prices:| BC | $249.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $200.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Signorello Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Napa Valley, California, United StatesSlightly younger fruit and according to Ray Signorello ‘from less rocky sites’ go into the ‘Napa’ label leading to a softer structure. That said its aged in 75% new French oak barrels that tend to lends firm support to the ripe, round, rich cassis fruit. The blend of Silverado Trail fruit is 94/6 cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc. It has all the usual, tight ripe fruit held in check, restrained if you like for Napa, although in 2012 the fruit is bursting through the framework of acid and tannin. The finish is long and persistent and full of licorice, olives, tobacco and more dark fruit flavours. Serious stuff for sure.Prices:| BC | $120.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $129.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $125.99 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Beringer Founders' Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
California, United StatesA carbon copy of the 2012 but even sweeter. Cassis, black berry, cherries mark a slightly reduced nose flecked with black olives and dried herbs. The attack is round and sweet with soft warm ripe pruny fruit flavours that finish with bits of cocoa dust. Modern inexpensive American red wine that is inexplicably sweeter than it needs to be.Prices:| BC | $15.79 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $17.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Napa Valley, California, United StatesBeringer’s Napa Valley cabernet is made to be consumed young. The style is open and approachable – not nearly as tight and firm as the Private Reserve with its mountain fruit components. The fruit is a mix of sites that goes into French barrels, one half new and aged for fourteen months enough to soak up the largesse of California’s sunshine. Blueberries, cedar, licorice and chocolate power across the palate with soft edges. More chocolate and tobacco mark the silky, tannins in the finish. Drink or hold.Prices:| BC | $43.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $49.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $50.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Painted Rock Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2013 follows up on the very good 2012 and it tops it in our estimation finally bringing some finesse to the mix at Painted Rock. Ripe and juicy are not words one usually associates with local cabernet sauvignon but this 2013 reminds us of both descriptors from front to back. The juicy, balanced soft textures make it a lot easier to embrace the black currant fruit and complex tobacco flavours that no longer disappear into a pool of resin and oak. Rather there are light tannins but no obvious oak allowing the acidity and the fruit to persist for a long finish. Well done and proof we can abandon the Bordeaux recipe for something we can call the Okanagan.Prices:| BC | $34.69 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Bin 88 Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Mission Hill ‘reserve’ wines are sourced from the top 15% of all estate vineyards of which some 75% percent are coming off the same sites now year after year. In 2013 the fruit comes from Osoyoos Bench and the Black Sage Bench. The ’13 like others in the region is surprising rich, with a slightly twiggy scent mixed with smoky dark fruits and spice. The palate is dense and soft with rich sweet tannins and ripe cassis/tobacco flavours that persists throughout the finish. Hold through 2018 or serve with grilled meat. The blend is 86/8/5/1 cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot and petit verdot age fro 13 months in French and American oak.Prices:| BC | $23.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $28.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $25.25 | 750ml |
| NS | $31.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $25.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Lunessence Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe fruit is sourced from Black Sage Bench. The nose is herbaceous with cool/green fruit characters mixed with cedar and a fair bit of oak. The attack is similar with raw black cherry flavours sitting over some spicy toasted oak and flecked by green pepper, resin and mentholated balsamic notes. Best with barbecued meats to tone down the edges. Needs better phenolic ripeness.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Terrazas de los Andes Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2011
Mendoza, ArgentinaThe 2011 opens with a deep colour and plenty of cassis and cocoa on the nose. The attack is almost sweet and definitely ripe with more savoury, spicy cherry jam flavours dusted with chocolate and sweet pipe tobacco. Dense soft and ready to drink. Serve with grilled meats. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $20.79 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.99 | 750ml |
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15 April 2016
88PTS
JoieFarm Re-Think Pink! Rosé (iii) 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBright candied pink in hue, this 70/30 pinot noir/gamay rosé is generous and supple on the palate, with strawberry shortcake, rhubarb, Rainier cherry and pear, tightened by sun-sweet pink grapefruit and finely rasped pink peppercorn. Feels sweeter than its 4 g/l RS, though mouthwatering lime on the finish invites numerous pairing possibilities.Prices:| BC | $20.90 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Kim Crawford Pansy! Rosé 2014
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandAssertive in hue and aromas, this punchy rose is 100 percent merlot from Hawke's Bay. Cherry, watermelon and strawberry are up front and primary, the acidity is moderate and the finish is tart and candied. A simple, easy rose for summer refreshing. Not shy, pour this with salmon burgers or crusted tuna tataki.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.25 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $19.00 | 750ml |
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81PTS
Suvla Kabatepe Rosé Karasakiz Merlot 2014
Gallipoli Peninsula (Marmara) (Thracian) Region, TurkeyPouring a pale salmon, this dry blend of karasakiz, merlot and malbec opens with ample reduction and notes of beets and roasted carrots. The medium bodied palate carries the same - assertive and brisk root vegetables overtake the subtle cherry lurking underneath. A salty note carries out the short finish. Back to the drawing board.Prices:| BC | $20.29 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Pure Mirabeau en Provence Rosé 2015
Côtes de Provence, Provence, Sud de France, FranceSporting a super pale hue this Côtes de Provence is a blend of grenache and syrah grown between 300 and 400 metres above sea level and harvested at night to preserve its lively, fresh acidity. Delicate with concentration (the best combo), this is a mineral driven, crisp rosé with a wild strawberry, white cherries and crisp, pure cranberry acidity. A star for summer you can served Mediterranean-style with grilled fish and or seafood, pasta dishes and roasted vegetables.Prices:| BC | $28.49 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Painted Rock Rosé 2014
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe deep rhubarb hue is reflected on the nose and palate of this fuller bodied rosé, a blend of merlot, cabernet franc, malbec and petit verdot from estate vineyards on the Skaha Bench. Strawberry jam, red currant, pear and rosewater glide along a silken, creamy, glycerin palate, bolstered with a good bump of residual sugar and 14.5 percent alcohol. Not shy, go ahead and pour this alongside duck rillettes or rosé creamed pasta.Prices:| BC | $21.69 | 750ml |
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14 April 2016
86PTS
The Entertainer Red Blend 2014
South Australia, AustraliaThe entertainer is just that. Light fresh, lifted and aromatic with cherry cola, spices and a dash of vanilla. Simple, soft, round, gulpable red blend of shiraz and grenache with a touch of residual sugar. Medium weight, ready-to-drink, served with hamburgers around the barbecue.Prices:| BC | $15.69 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Maverick Estate Winery Rubeus 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaExpect an attractive peppery, fruit nose reflecting a 35/25/25/15 mix of syrah, cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon and merlot all co-fermented in 3400-litre wooden vat and aged in older oak for 18 months. The palate is juicy, with fresh cassis, meaty flavours flecked with pepper. The finish is soft and juicy. Fun to drink and even better with grilled lamb chops or chicken. Owner/winemaker Bertus Albertyn named the wine Rubeus after the Italian river the Rubicon - that marked the point of no return something you can’t do after you co-ferment any grapes.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Beringer Quantum Red Blend 2012
Napa Valley, California, United StatesA fine jump in quality over the 2010 beginning with a perfectly ripe blend of fruit and super silky textures. Quantum comes off a multitude of sites owned by Beringer. Black cherries plums and spice all in balance with medium weight that finishes soft and long. Ready to drink but will easily age through 2020. Excellent bottle. The foundation is cabernet sauvignon off Howell Mountain, blended with smaller portions off the valley floor plus merlot, petite sirah and malbec all aged for 16 months in French oak of which 60 percent is new. Well done.Prices:| BC | $61.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $70.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $69.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $70.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Santa Alicia Millantú 2012
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileMillantú fruit, carmenère and cabernet franc, comes off loam-clay, gravelly soils of alluvial origin and is aged 16 to 18 months before the final blend is created. Look for a dark colour and a very expressive aromatic nose that is both leafy and rich in black fruit and spices. The palate is savoury with hints cloves, smoky toasted oak cherries and boldo/bay leaf. Classic Chilean red you can serve with grilled chicken or meat.Prices:| BC | $38.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Le Volte dell' Ornellaia 2013
Tuscany, ItalyLe Volte is Bolgheri-based Ornellaia's entry-level red that is half merlot mixed with sangiovese and cabernet sauvignon. Savoury somewhat reductive nose that sits over mostly earthy cassis fruit. The palate is fresh with meaty, black cherry, licorice flavours. It is a good, not great, bottle of Le Volte with a peppery, savoury, acidic bent in the finish. Cellar through 2020 for best results.Prices:| BC | $30.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $33.00 | 750ml |
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13 April 2016
87PTS
Spier Chenin Blanc 2015
Western Cape, South AfricaGreat value for this intense, youthful chenin blanc, sourced from various vineyards in the Coastal and Breede River regions of the Western Cape. Tight and lean gooseberry, mandarin and pear are slicked with chenin's characteristic honey and kissed with meadow and hay. A wash of bitter citrus closes out the juicy finish. A step sideways from sauvignon blanc, pour with prawns or calamari.Prices:| BC | $13.50 | 750ml |
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81PTS
Stellenzicht Red Escape Red Blend 2013
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaPast the gimmicky name and label, this is a blend of shiraz/pinotage/cabernet franc/cabernet sauvignon from Stellenbosch. Muddled berries, smoky earth, saddle and powdery tannins finish short and sweet and hot. International blend. Move along.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.61 | 750ml |
| NF | $11.62 | 750ml |
| NB | $13.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Boekenhoutskloof The Wolftrap 2014
Western Cape, South AfricaPointed black fruits, thorns and smoked meats rule this syrah/mourvèdre/viognier blend from Franschoek. Tobacco and tar take over the ripe palate, one supported by smoothed, sticky tannins. Cassis and bitter black cherry close this out, trailing with cracked black pepper and a large dose of heat. Not shy, this intense red blend offers great value from the Western Cape, and is well suited to char grilled ribs.Prices:| BC | $13.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.80 | 750ml |
| NF | $15.75 | 750ml |
| NS | $16.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $14.25 | 750ml |
| NB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $17.20 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Nederburg Sauvignon Blanc The Winemaster's Reserve 2015
Western Cape, South AfricaTinned asparagus, grass and pea shoots lead this assertive sauvignon blanc. Zesty tropical fruit - papaya and gooseberry - are lifted with tart, tight acidity on the palate and some heat on the finish. Simple and straightforward, for those looking for a punchy style.Prices:| BC | $11.49 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.25 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $15.27 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Upper Bench Riesling 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBright, light, fresh nose with a hint of petrol. The attack is fresh and juicy with a lime citrus, grapefruit, green apple core of flavours and a clean tart finish. It is intense and pure and fun to drink but its more sauvignon blanc/chardonnay than riesling. Try this with cheese.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Two Oceans Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Western Cape, South AfricaBright, lean pink grapefruit, gooseberry, apple and melon, cut tight with a rip of tart acidity and moderated by some mild grassy notes and a bump of residual sugar. Dry, simple and straight up and friendly for those not looking for an assertive style of savvy.Prices:| BC | $9.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $12.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $12.45 | 750ml |
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12 April 2016
86PTS
Esquinas de Argento Viognier 2015
Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThe Esquinas style is fresh and light. Look for an aromatic white with fresh kumquat aromas and flavours flecked with citrus. Bright, lean and fresh it shouts for fresh seafood especially shellfish; buttered clams anyone? There are 1200-plus acres of viognier in Mendoza.Prices:| ON | $10.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $12.50 | 750ml |
| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Argento Reserva Bonarda 2014
Mendoza, ArgentinaBonarda is the second most planted grape variety in Argentina but it gets little respect in North America and even less in its likely home, Italy. It’s late ripening but if you are patient you can get a charming peppery easy-sipping pizza/burger red. The Argento is a fresh, juicy affair, again with fairly pure fruit and a peppery, savoury finish.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Esquinas de Argento Malbec 2014
Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaWe love the vibrant dark colour. Relatively intense aromas of black and blue fruits. The attack is round and supple with more primary fruit, mild spicy notes and soft supple finish. Delicious for the price. Serve with grilled meats or chicken. Good value.Prices:| ON | $11.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Esquinas de Argento Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaAnother transformation here as the Antonini mindset permeates Argento. The fruit is 20-30 years old and perfectly ripe. Pure cassis light tannins, a touch of spice and more of that juicy character makes this a bargain for the price (think Canada, especially BC, or United States pricing for wines of this quality.) Stylish hamburger red.Prices:| ON | $11.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Argento Reserva Malbec Organic 2014
Paraje Altamira, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThe 2014 organic malbec comes off Paraje Altamira not far from the village of La Consulta in the San Carlos department. All 25 hectares are organic and 22.5 hectares are planted to the flagship malbec at 1090m above sea level. The site is awash in large rocks and there is an accumulation of prized calcium on their surface. At three years old the fruit and the wine is precocious with wonderful soft tannins and juicy pure black fruit flavours with surprising power and finesse for such a youthful project. Stunning quality for the price that would work with most roasted meats or chicken.Prices:| CDN | $25.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Argento Bonarda 2015
Mendoza, ArgentinaBonarda remains underappreciated by the gatekeepers in North America who seem to have given up on listing or selling it. The wine is just fine thank you very much offering a juicy, peppery red with aromas and flavours of raspberries and other red fruits with a dusting of pepper. Simple, fun, very drinkable. Try it with grilled chicken or pork chops, a mushroom pasta or a Margherita pizza.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Argento Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Mendoza, ArgentinaNot the best year for cabernet we think. Lots of tobacco, earth, olive, savoury, resin mark the nose and palate here. The palate is a bit flat, with savoury licorice resin and cassis but the tannins are tougher and the finish somewhat astringent. Not a reserva year?Prices:| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.50 | 750ml |
| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Argento Reserva Cabernet Franc 2014
Mendoza, ArgentinaWe love the aromatics on this wine. The style is fresh, the nose pure, the textures soft and supple on entry. The fruit is a mix of blueberries and cherries wrapped in a savoury jacket of spices, dried herbs and raspberries. An expressive rich, soft red that beguiles with its texture and length. Delicious now but will likely improve in the bottle. Serve with barbecued meat, chicken, duck or quail meat seasoned with herbs. Also perfect with hard cheeses.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Argento Single Vineyard Paraje Altamira Malbec 2014
Paraje Altamira, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaAt Argento the new focus is making wines of purity, vibrancy, elegance, balance – or the highest expression of the terroir. Easy to say but not so easy to accomplish yet winemaker Silvia Corti and consulting winemaker Alberto Antonini are getting there thanks to an amazing selection of fruit from Argento’s Paraje Altamira estate in the Uco Valley, a vineyard that sits some 1090 metres above sea level. There is terrific temperature amplitude, from 35°C to 15°C daily, and amazing calcareous soil filled with multiple sizes of rocks. The wine is fermented in concrete and aged in 12 months in untoasted, 3,500-litre, French oak foudres. The nose is rich in black fruits and mineral, stony notes with a touch of five spice. The fruit is pure and filled with finesse. Style with structure and length and while the alcohol sits at 14.5 you barely notice it.Prices:| ON | $24.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
AG Forty Seven Malbec 2015
Mendoza, ArgentinaThis is straight-up, ready to drink malbec. The colour is dark, the tannins soft, with black fruits and a dusting of milk chocolate and spice. Simple stuff you can serve with hamburgers. This one hundred percent malbec is made with fruit from Junín & Rivadavia.Prices:| ON | $10.95 | 750ml |
| PEI | $15.99 | 750ml |
| NB | $15.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Argento Reserva Chardonnay 2015
Mendoza, ArgentinaThe reserva chardonnay is a mix of Central Mendoza fruit (Lujan de Cuyo) and Uco Valley (Tupungato) of which 30 percent of the mix is aged in concrete holding oak staves. The nose is big and fruity with mineral undertones and yeasty/leesy citrus flavours. Fresh and fun you can sip this with light seafood dishes sushi or chicken salads. Clean and fresh bit with just enough character to satisfy wine drinkers.Prices:| Canada | $12.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Esquinas de Argento Pinot Grigio Cool Climate Selection 2015
Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThis little pinot grigio labelled ‘Esquinas’ turned my head first for its clever label that celebrates life of Buenos Aires street corners often cut back on a 45-degree angle to accommodate restaurants and retail stores that harbour the energy of the neighbourhood. In this case this high altitude pinot grigio boasts bright fresh fruit from the Tunuyán region of the Uco Valley. The wine is amazingly delicate and crisp with light peach nectarine fruit flavours and a touch of stony minerality in the finish. A perfect summer sipper or serve with chicken or seafood salads or try with seafood sushi rolls. Great value and cool wine list wine.Prices:| ON | $10.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $12.50 | 750ml |
| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.50 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Argento Reserva Malbec 2014
Mendoza, ArgentinaWow. The latest malbec reserva reflects all the hard work going on at Argento. The colour is deep and dark and the nose jumps form the glass. Floral (violet) notes mix with beautiful pure plum and blackberry fruit that is super juicy and slippery on the palate. The finish is long and textured flecked with white pepper and brown spices white pepper and cardamom. Seriously good for the price. Back up the truck and serve around the barbecue all summer. The fruit is 100 percent Mendoza malbec from Luján de Cuyo (Alto Agrelo) and San Carlos (La Consulta).Prices:| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $16.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $25.49 | 750ml |
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07 April 2016
92PTS
Matello Pinot Gris 2012
Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesTo me, this wine shows why Oregon pinot gris is a "thing". Granted, it's not nearly always this good. But in the skilled hands of Matello winemaker Marcus Goodfellow, pinot gris achieves greatness in the Willamette. Here, from dry-farmed, high, cool blocks of Whistling Ridge and Bishop Creek Vineyards grapes averaging twenty years are harvested, rest on skins for a day and then into a mix of stainless, microporous polymer tanks and neutral barrels before a stint on lees for six months. Honey, pear, subtle wildflowers and a shear of grapefruit pith acidity are complexed with shimmering acidity and textured with stony, smoky savoury notes. The lengthy finish ends with a welcome bitter pear skin / almond twist. Drinking beautifully now, but will go a few more years in the cellar still (wishing I had more in mine).Prices:| USA | $23.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
The Ned Pinot Gris 2015
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandPale blush in the glass, this full, round pinot gris is cut with a slicing pear skin bitterness and pink grapefruit acidity, balancing off ripe nectarine, white peach, mandarin and yellow apple with a pithy edge and a bump of ripe sweetness. Ample ginger spicing and peach fuzz on the finish. Friendly, drink now with prawns and papaya salad.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $21.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Amami Pinot Grigio 2014
Sicily, ItalyPossibly the most expensive bottle to juice ratio I've seen, this Sicilian pinot grigio bottle is adorned with a ceramic embossed heart, inscribed with words of amore. The patented ceramic is unique to Etiké, and this pinot grigio is one intended solely for the export market. Fresh hay, banana, yellow apple, pear, pine nuts and green melon in this fresh, light wine. A slick of lees veils the palate, and the finish is short and crisp. Easy pour with broth shellfish.Prices:| BC | $17.49 | 750ml |
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06 April 2016
90PTS
Bartier Bros. Merlot 2012
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRe-tasted now a few times and we still love the purity of Okanagan fruit in this 87/13 mix of merlot and cabernet franc that comes off the warm, west sloping Cerqueira Vineyard on the lower Black Sage Bench. Winemaker Michael Bartier wild ferments his wines and they are unfined and unfiltered. In 2012 everything conspired to makes this a delicious bottle of serious merlot, one of the best I have had in some time from BC. The attack is both silky and stony with a dried herb nose and a lovely reserved cherry fruit and oak character that melt together. The finish is long with some fine-grained tannin to shed. A superb wine for T-bone steak. Good to see a BC wine of this calibre in listed in BC Liquor Stores. A perfect wine for local wine lists.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Ex Nihilo Merlot 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky, dill, tobacco leaf, herbal, vanilla aromas. The attack is soft and sweet with some reduced notes on entry (definitely decant this ahead of time). The palate is a mix of rooty, smoky, herbal, cedar, black cherry flavours that with light tannins. Could be cleaner. Ready to drink now and serve with grilled beef.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $43.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Upper Bench Four Shadows Merlot 2013
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFour Shadows Vineyard belongs to Gavin and Shana’s nearby neighbour in Naramata but they are making lovely merlot with the fruit. At 14.8 percent alcohol it announces itself on the palate with a weighty spicy textures and plenty of dark fruits. The flavours are mix of black cherry and vanilla with bits of tobacco and milk chocolate and a dusting of resiny. Big round and fat it finishes long soft and spicy. Think lamb chops or a rack or Spatchcock grilled chicken. A little less oak a little more Naramata is all this wine needs to soar.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Columbia Crest H3 Merlot Horse Heaven Hills 2013
Horse Heaven Hills, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThe summer of 2013 was hot, in fact it was the warmest in the past decade and the heat carried it the fall. The result is a soupy, milky chocolate red with sweet, spicy blackberry cherry fruit with a confected, cocoa, vanilla finish. A classic, sweet red of the wine style sweeping America. Aged in oak 1/3 new American and 2/3 older French oak for some 18 months. Best with char-grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $21.49 | 750ml |
| NB | $27.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Culmina Family Estate Merlot 2013
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA solid vintage despite a cool, wet, late September but the rest of the fall was warm and dry leaving the red grapes to be picked fully ripe. Culmina’s first varietal merlot is aged 16 months in French oak barriques of which half were new. The nose is alluring with a mix of red fruits and balsamic cedar notes that spill onto the palate. Love the texture here and the weight with more red fruits with some strong underlying acidity and spice. The finish is tannic and dry at this point pointing to more time in the bottle. The oak is predominating for now and will need time to dissipate. A little less oak and a little more Golden Mile would go a long way here. Try this with grilled meats if you can’t wait.Prices:| BC | $31.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Orofino Red Bridge Red 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRed Bridge Red is 100 percent merlot grown in Kaleden on the west side of Skaha Lake. It is essentially a single vineyard wine from Chris Scott’s sloping standy, stony, rocky, Oak Knoll Vineyard that sits some 20 minutes away from the winery and, Red Bridge, a local landmark that crosses the Similkameen River. Orofino has been buying the grapes since 2005 and by picking the site in blocks they have obviously found their touch with this fruit. This is the juicy merlot we have been craving and the dense soft textures that further enhance its mouthfeel. This wine showed well at the 2015 National Wine Awards and its even better now with almost another year in bottle. The fermenters were hand-punched 3 times daily before the wine spends 20 months in American and French barrels not that you notice the wood. Stock up if you love merlot and vote for style that makes a lot of sense. Great price too.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Carmen Premier Reserva Merlot 2014
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileThis is warm Colchagua Valley merlot that is aged in a mix of French and American oak barrels for some nine months. The textures are soft and round the flavours a mix of cedar, resin, black fruits and black olives with a dollop of chocolate. Ready to drink; serve with barbecue ribs. Good value.Prices:| BC | $12.29 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Adega on 45th Merlot 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA cool year has produced a similarly style merlot that strangely exhibits some cooked raisiny fruit and tart acidity. The fresh vintage only brings the rustic dry tannins to the foreground. Time will help this red but its best served now with cheeseburgers to take on the acid and the dry tannins.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Kvint Merlot Dry 2009
MoldovaA second bottle showing age but less oxidation and more leafy, herbaceous merlot notes. The attack is old style with fresh acidity and grainy/resiny tannins in the lead. Same classic, soft round merlot textures and good weight but the fruit is fleeting. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Painted Rock Merlot 2013
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaReally enjoyed this merlot tasted in a line-up against several other local merlot and I was pleasantly surprised by the drop in aggressive resin and balsamic notes. We noticed the new oak involved dropped from 50 percent to 30 percent since the last vintage no doubt related to the juicier fruit and its more inviting texture and mouth-feel. No green helps, but the texture is what makes this wine so inviting along with some delicious black fruit with brown spices and a savoury undercurrent. More Skaha and less French oak is a recipe to drinkability and fun. You can enjoy with a rare steak and a chimichurri sauce now or wait five years for this to improve further in bottlePrices:| BC | $34.69 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Serendipity Estate Merlot 2011
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaExpect an older style nose with volatile notes and some oxidation mixed with spice (cinnamon) and black fruit aromas and flavours with bits of chocolate. Soft and round and ready to drink. The winery suggests a spicy rice Jambalaya, roasted fennel sausages or burgers.Prices:| BC | $39.90 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Lunessence Merlot 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaExpect an soft relatively sweet old-style merlot here with a lot of oak. The nose is a mix of cocoa, coffee and vanilla with bits of cherry cola. The attack, soft and round with more chocolate cherry flavours along with some acidity poking through the back end. The fruit appears to be struggling to get to the foreground through the oak. Best now with grilled meats. Too much winemaking not enough Golden Mile Bench.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mission Hill Terroir Collection No. 21 Splitrail Merlot 2012
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFinally, a year with a more fruit than dry tannins. The nose is a mix of oak and fruit with spicy, licorice, smoky, tobacco, chocolate aromas. The attack is similar with coffee, savoury, tobacco black cherry fruit with cedar-y balsamic notes. The fruit makes this style more appealing but a little juicier fruit and softer textures would set this merlot free. Especially for the price. Serve with roasted meats or cellar for five years. This will improve in the bottle.Prices:| BC | $43.49 | 750ml |
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05 April 2016
88PTS
Val de Vid Verdejo 2014
Rueda, Castilla-Leon, SpainWhite peach, tight green melon, green fig, light anise and quiet citrus blossom notes streak across this tight and crisp verdejo, sourced from La Seca in the heart of Rueda. A cool ferment preserves the acidity and bright fruit while a stint on the lees gives a just lick of leesy cushion to the lean body. Bitter green fruit and light almond on the finish.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Umani Ronchi CaSal di Serra Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore 2015
Marche, ItalyBitter almonds and oily pine nuts lead this verdicchio, one tinged with earthy grass and dried straw, perhaps reflecting the wild yeast ferment and five months on the lees. Green and yellow apples, pear, thistle, wild flowers and subtle white honey are carried on the medium bodied palate, one freshened by brisk and cleansing acidity. The finish is a touch hot even at 13 percent alcohol - and ready for protein like halibut or seared scallops. Grapes from 8-30 years old on heavy clay loam hillsides 200-350m go into this classic Castelli di Jesi. The clay weight is felt grounding this wine.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Rivera Marese Bombino Bianco 2015
Puglia, ItalyRivera is one of the leading producers of Puglia, and this fragrant and delicate bombino bianco is from the Castel del Monte region, named for the dominating 13th century hill top castle. Perfumed and tight white flowers, white grapefruit and unripe pear and melon rule this light, dry white, streaked with bitter pithyness and marcona almonds and thinly lined with lees. This was aged on the lees for two-three months in glass-lined cement vats. Clean, light and lean, chill and enjoy as an aperitif.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tenuta Olim Bauda Centive Moscato d'Asti 2015
Piedmont, ItalyVery pretty, sweet aromas sing of muscat perfume. Sweet lime blossoms, white honey, peach and gooseberry are lifted along bright acidity and tight, fine bubbles. A pear clay-like cushion provides a nice base, without overt sweetness. Dainty and darling for dessert wine and at under 6 percent alcohol, ideal for brunch also.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Quintodecimo Giallo d'Arles Greco di Tufo 2013
Campania, ItalyThere are seven types of the ancient variety greco in Italy, all of which are rich in polyphenols and anthocyanins, and resulting in a white wine with an unusually golden yellow and light tannins. Certainly evident here in this striking example, with a shining gold hue leading to light honey, quince, wild herbs, ample salts and broken stone. Great concentration on the expansive palate, all pinned with lovely refreshing acidity and tucked with that fine grip of tannins. Organically farmed fifteen year old vines from a clay soiled single vineyard at 520m ferment in small oak and stainless steel (30/70) for a month before resting on fine lees in larger vessels for seven months. Quintodecimo is an exciting advocate for native grapes of Campania, and his wines worth seeking out.Prices:| BC | $61.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Ronco del Gelso Vigna della Permuta Malvasia Isonzo 2014
Friuli-Venezia Giulia, ItalyOne of Italy's seventeen different malvasia, this is malvasia istriana, grown on the gravelly soils of the Isonzo plains, near the sea. Opening with light perfumed pear and rose blossoms, this compact white shines lemon oil, gooseberry and hay along a linear, oily palate. Great snappy acidity, lingering with sea salt spiciness on the finish. A terrific partner to simple grilled white fish or moules.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Musella Drago Bianco Garganega 2014
Veneto, ItalyThis biodynamic certified garganega is splashed with chardonnay musqué, pinot blanc, durella and chardonnay grown on calcareous, white clay and tuff soils north east of Verona. Sharp green apple, lemon and white grapefruit is expressed through racy acidity and scented with tight white florals. Lovely aperitif wine to build your appetite.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Dr. L Riesling Dry 2014
Mosel, GermanyErnie Loosen has been trying to revive the dry Riesling style of his grandfather’s wine for more than eight years now. In the case of the Dr. L Riesling Dry the goal was to get the elegant and racy characteristics of steep, slate-soil Mosel vineyards into the bottle at a reasonable price. Look for a fresh citrus palate flecked with grapefruit and guava all with super fresh acidity and a clean, stony mineral back end. Serve the Dry with lighter fish and chicken dishes. The grapes are purchased from across the Mosel River valley and fermented and stored in 100 percent stainless steel. The residual sweetness is 7.0 grams/litre while the total acidity is 7.5 grams/litre.Prices:| BC | $15.69 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Dr. L Riesling 2014
Mosel, GermanyTagged medium-dry the DR L. is an elegant Mosel with floral, honey, peach and lime rind aromas. The attack is soft and round (easy-sipping) with more red apple, lime, orange and honey flavours with touch of spritz. Serve chilled or with spicy Asian dishes for best results. Only 8.5 percent alcohol with 8.5 grams of total acidity balanced off by 40 grams/litre of residual sugar.Prices:| AB | $17.50 | 750ml |
| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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04 April 2016
88PTS
Elephant Island Stellaport NV
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaStellaport is made from Stella cherries, picked extra-ripe and ultra-sweet. Its made using a solera system (in French oak) that dates a back to 2001 which explains the maderised cherry notes on the nose. A rich cassis and cocoa nose is followed by a velvet palate of jammy dark cherry, spice and dark chocolate. A heady, concentrated pour; the finish goes on and on and on. A decadent pour with dark chocolate or cherries jubilee. Trending toward an old tawny.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 375ml |
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89PTS
Juan Gil Silver Label 2012
Jumilla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainRipe plum, leather and a puff of sweet pipe smoke open this stalwart silver label monastrell, always a consistent Spanish bet. This captures Jumilla's massive heat and generosity well, highlighting the savoury, concentrated old vines (40+ year old) grown on chalky, limestone soils. Whole cluster maceration for 25 days before a year in French oak builds in structure as well as power. Not shy, this is drinking very well now in its forth year, as the grippy, ample tannins are wearing around the edges.Prices:| BC | $21.79 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $23.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Torres Laudis Priorat 2012
Priorato, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainSavoury anise, graphite and dried cassis open this Priorat, a blend of garnacha and cariñena. Bright blue plum, ripe cassis, anise and smoky quartz stoniness fill the generous body, one shouldered with plush tannins and moderate structure, and laced with bergamot. Acidity is fine, but enough to moderate the concentration and heat (14.5 percent feels hot on the finish). Drinking well now, decanted, and with herb roasted lamb.Prices:| QC | $25.75 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Fielding Estate Cabernet Franc 2012
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaCabernet franc from St. David's Bench spends thirteen months in French and American oak, 1/3 of which is new and all of which is evident in this fuller bodied, wood-hewn franc. Bramble, branch and black spiced fruit fill the full palate, one lifted with some pine resin acidity and hemmed by fine, ripe and slightly sticky tannins. Pour alongside juicy charcoal fired steaks or lamb kebobs.Prices:| ON | $21.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Long Weekend Wine Co. Cabernet 2014
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaIf the Long Weekend name or VW camper van on the label didn't give it away, this is an easy drinking, commercial red wine, aimed for those ready to enjoy, well, a long weekend. I personally think the sweeter, woody, spicy, smoked black fruit, branch and soft, medium bodied palate is better suited to a plate of mid-week ribs. Sourced from sites throughout Niagara, this is a juicy blend of cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon that sees some decent oak exposure and is ready to drink now - er - the next long weekend.Prices:| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Wolf Blass Gold Label Chardonnay Pinot Noir 2012
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaAmple apples here - warm yellow and crisp green - woven with perfumed apple blossoms through this sparkling wine from the Adelaide Hills. Equal parts chardonnay and pinot noir strike a harmonious chord between firm and ripe, between crisp and baked orchard fruits. Streaking pithy citrus acidity is met by a bump of sweetness on the stony, sage-dusted finish. Enough heft and fruity freshness here to handle many dishes (sautéed apple pork chops was a hit).Prices:| BC | $23.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.05 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Quails' Gate Old Vines Foch Reserve 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNice to see the winemaking and style of this wine improving or at least keeping up with the price. The ‘reserva’ appears more reserve and a little less wild in 2013. There is still a meaty black fruit nose with flecks of espresso and chocolate but the fruit is riper and the finish a little more restrained with a little less smoky oak all appreciated here. Serve with roasted meats.Prices:| BC | $50.16 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Quails' Gate Fortified Vintage Foch 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWarm open slightly oxidised/port-y nose with cherry jam, peppery and spirity aromas. Soft rich and sweet rich, there is a mix of raisiny, blackberry fruit flavours mix with coffee toffee and chocolate. Again like the dry version its showing more finesse than in the past. Ry with nutty cakes or a hunk of blue cheese.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 375ml |
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01 April 2016
89PTS
Ode D'Aydie Pacherenc du Vic Bilh Sec 2013
Sud-Ouest, FranceFifteen to twenty-year-old gros manseng and petit manseng grapes off clay and gravel slopes are hand harvested, pressed slow and gentle and cool fermented over a couple of weeks before resting in a mix of oak and stainless steel for seven months. Regular lees stirring ups the texture, a welcome addition to a blend that is is oft lean and simple. This is anything but; this dry, serious Pacherenc has structure and gentle intensity, with warmed honey, grapefruit, wild flowers and roasted bitter almonds. Fuller on the palate (14.5 percent), the warm sandy/stony finish lingers and is suitable for simple roasted poultry (think chicken thighs). Best enjoyed when it warms and expands in the glass. The Laplace family have been wine growing at Château Aydie for three generations, since 1927.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Cantele Alticelli Salento Fiano 2011
Salento, Puglia, ItalyBright and fragrant, this fiano shows a nice vein of acidity, more than you might expect coming from the warmth of Salento. A cool ferment in stainless steel helps preserve the crisp orchard fruit, tight white flowers, white honey, green fig, straw and thyme, all on the slick, oily film typical of the grape. Drink now as it's showing it's age - ideally with spring pea risotto or simple sautéed prawns.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Chateau Megyer Tokaji Furmint 2013
HungaryLocated in Tokaji-Hegyalja in northeastern Hungary, the Megyer estate was classified as “First Growth” in 1772 by Royal decree. Furmint, so often associated with the legendary long-lived Tokaji dessert wines, is capable of making complex, bone dry, phenolic, mineral-laden and herbal dry white wines, which is certainly the case here. Hay, salted lemon, green fig, pear skin, green apple blossom, wild herbs, broken stone fill the medium bodied frame. Eight months in stainless steel preserve the freshness, while a thin cushion of oil slicked lees provides grounding. A striking intro to dry furmint and a brilliant value too.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Tiberio Pecorino 2014
Abruzzo, ItalyPecorino is such a trendy grape that the amount of people producing "pecorino" outnumbers the number of hectares planted in the country. Caveat emptor. This is a mountain grape variety, suited to altitude and alpine environs. Tiberio's is planted on limestone at 350m, and highlights the grape's characteristic wild herbs, with a riff of wild mint, flake salt and a sheen of light white honey on the creamy palate. Brisk, finely threaded acidity propels quince and green fig to the finish. A beauty to pour with Italian vegetarian dishes - think greens, barley, pine nuts, meyer lemon, ricotta and go from there (you won't go wrong).Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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May 2016