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Tastings: June 2016
30 June 2016
93PTS
Norman Hardie County Chardonnay Unfiltered 2013
Prince Edward County, Ontario, CanadaNorm Hardie has rightfully earned his international acclaim, helping to place Canadian wine, especially chardonnay, on the world wine map. The County chardonnay was grown on five separate sites, and is a blend of two clones. Wild yeast fermentation was started in horizontal stainless tanks, and finished mostly in 500L French barrels, 30 percent of which were new. No sulphur was added for a year, after which the wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Alluringly (not overpoweringly) reductive, with broken stones, light smoke and burnished lemon peel / pith. Mouth-watering savoury notes through the textured, mineral-driven and lees-lined palate. Fresh green apple, citrus core and precise lemon pith acidity streams through the lengthy finish. Drinking beautifully now, but the best is yet to come over the next three to five years. A benchmark style that works perfectly for the county.Prices:| ON | $40.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Narrative Red by Okanagan Crush Pad 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOkanagan Crush Pad's Narrative line is meant to be pure, fresh and seriously quaffable - all at an affordable price. The blend is syrah/gamay. The flavours are smoked berry, ripe black cherry, raspberry jam and peppery, roasted meats. Just a touch of tannin fills out this juicy, round red that works with barbecue grilled chicken. Good value.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Stag's Hollow Renaissance Grenache 2014
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOne of the rare Canadian grenaches, let's hope this inspires more. Partial destem and partial whole berry, 40 percent of stems were added back to the ferments for a 72 hour cold soak. After fermentation this went into 300L barrels. Blended with a splash of syrah, this was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Fragrant plum, raspberry, blackcurrant and florals carry a wave of fine white pepper along fine, slightly powdery tannins and across a softly cushioned palate. Acidity is lifted and the peppery lick alluring. Tobacco and scrubby herbs mingle on the lingering finish. Very charming.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Nk'Mip Cellars Rosé 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaElectric day-glow pink in hue, this is a motley assortment of merlot, cabernet sauvignon, syrah, cabernet franc, malbec and pinot noir. Ripe, sweet and sour, with jarring Kool-Aid, candied apple and soft baking spices on the finish. Simple stuff, one well-suited for sangria or wine cocktails.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Tinhorn Creek Gewürztraminer 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaConsistently one of Canada's best gews, and one of the best values in the province. This year the heated 2015 vintage has upped the weightiness of this heady grape, further expanding its waistline. Fortunately, twenty-one-year-old vines know how to handle Mother Nature, and this, though bigger than 2014, holds a fine line of limey acidity well. Ample gingersnap spicing brings some heat to the concentrated gooseberry, lychee, freesia and peach on the round, silken palate. Perfumed rosewater lingers on the lengthy finish.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Ex Nihilo Pinot Noir 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen, aromatic nose of rhubarb and strawberries with hints of roots and compost. The attack is soft and round with juicy rooty rhubarb and strawberry jam and very little tannins before a hit of brown spices. The whole-berry fermented fruit is mix of Lake Country and Vernon vineyards picked November 2 and 3. The wine spends 9 months in 20 percent new French oak. Duck confit anyone?Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
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29 June 2016
85PTS
La Jara Organic Rosé Frizzante NV
Treviso, Verona, Veneto, ItalyGlera is splashed with ten percent raboso, slightly darkening up the hue and berry fruitiness. Tinned strawberries, slight dusty cardboard and wide, frothiness on the mouth, which is pretty much dry - a plus. Organic and fresh, this is simple stuff, best when well chilled.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
La Jara Prosecco Frizzante Organic NV
Treviso, Verona, Veneto, ItalyBright, frothy and easy, this organic prosecco brings green apple, baked red apple, apple seed and tight pithy tangerine notes. Off dry, the floral sweetness is cut with the bitter pithiness. Simple and fresh.Prices:| BC | $24.98 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Follador Prosecco Extra Dry NV
Treviso, Verona, Veneto, ItalyVery perfumed florals, apple blossoms and pear throughout this sweeter prosecco (18 g/l RS). Tight citrus and crunchy pear acidity, finishes bright but with a twist of bitter fruit. Simple, chilled, for breakfast or tea time.Prices:| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Canella Prosecco Conegliano Valdobbiadene Superiore DOCG Millesimato 2014
Veneto, ItalyLively and bright, with green apple, pear and fresh spring flowers, this vintage prosecco was blended from selected parcels thought to typify the 2014 vintage. Very well balanced, down to the almond and light stones on the perfumed pear finish. Off-dry.The Canella “Prosecco di Conegliano D.O.C.G. Millesimato” is made from grapes grown the hills between the Conegliano and Valdobbiadene.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sorelle Bronca Particella 68 Brut Prosecco Superiore NV
Veneto, ItalyThe 68 on the label refers to the official land registry plot number for the exact part of the hill in Colbertaldo where these grapes are grown, 250-320m high. Glera is splashed with Bianchetta and Perera, here creating a near-dry fizz with light white flowers, lemon peel, tight pear and yellow apple. Some powdered stone texture and bitter pear skin closes out the light palate.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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28 June 2016
86PTS
Fort Berens Pinot Gris 2015
Lillooet, British Columbia, CanadaRound and ripe, this full-bodied, fruity pinot gris from Lillooet's Fort Berens Estate Vineyard was complemented and co-fermented with 18 percent fruit from Blind Creek Vineyard in the Similkameen. Partial oak ferment and partial MLF further upped the richness, resulting in musk melon, overripe pear and yellow apples, with sandy spicing and a bitter fruit on the finish. Would prefer more acidity here, as in the sharper 2014, though difficult in the heated 2015 vintage.Prices:| BC | $18.40 | 750ml |
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85PTS
River Stone Pinot Gris 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRound, soft, fragrant peach and overripe cantaloupe in this Oliver pinot gris. Just off dry, with a creamy and blousy middle, cut with a line of mandarine pith acids. A whack of heat and some bitter pear skin on the spicy finish.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Spierhead Pinot Gris Golden Retreat Vineyard 2015
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaJust loving the how chiselled and clean, fresh and bright the Spierhead wines are becoming. This gris is a delicious citrus, red apple-scented and flavoured wine that that is almost a riesling in pinot gris clothing. Love the juicy, almost northern Euro style. Stock up for weekend patio parties when you want to impress your friends with an impressive glass of white wine.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
50th Parallel Estate Pinot Gris 2015
Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA long, dry, hot summer created a disease free (and a smoke free) growing conditions and an early start led to a mid-September pick which was a record at 50th Parallel. A slightly smaller crop weight helps to increase flavour concentrations. All fruit was selectively hand harvested and whole bunch pressed then immediately cold settled without the presence of oxygen to ensure full aromatic expression. Most of the juice is fermented cold in stainless steel but some 20% goes into three-year old French oak barrels to add texture and complexity. Look for sophisticated Intense peach, nectarine citrus nose with some underlying mineral notes. Love the creamy quince, fig flavours mostly dry finish. Serve with your favourite summer plates from salmon to chicken and everything in between.Prices:| BC | $21.85 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Ex Nihilo Pinot Gris 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRound, juicy, ripe entry with notes of pink grapefruit, pineapple, citrus aromas that spill on to the palate adding a touch of mango and honey. A tropical version of this varietal wine but with a touch of resin and spice in the finish. This could work well with veal or chicken dishes or young cheeses.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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27 June 2016
87PTS
Punto Final Malbec 2015
ArgentinaEarthy and twine-imbued black fruit dominate this ripe, concentrated and full bodied malbec. Root beer and cola jockey on the astringent palate, one cut short when bitter espresso meets perfumed violets (plus a whack of heat). Highly extracted, and well suited to grilled sweet shellacked ribs.Prices:| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $15.49 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
C.C. Jentsch Small Lot Series Malbec 2014
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWant to stump someone on a blind tasting? Pour them Okanagan malbec. Certainly a rarity in BC, though a few wineries make it successfully, especially in the warm, sun-drenched southern valley. This wine certainly qualifies, with full and ripe blueberry, perfumed cassis, sweet balsamic, cracked black pepper, baking spice and light pipe smoke. A gentle brightness of acidity and plush, fine tannins are welcoming. Sixteen months in French and American oak further build structure, though the dense fruit and bottle age has tamed and integrated the wood very well. Only 84 cases of this Small Lot Series Malbec was made, and while it's drinking well now, will certainly age short term.Prices:| BC | $49.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Black Hills Carmenere 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFresh ground black pepper over fire roasted asparagus, once this full-bodied red opens in the glass it impresses with its powerful aromatics. A rarity for BC, this Carmenere is sourced from Black Hills' Oliver estate vineyards. Inky black cherry, blackberry and cassis is balanced out by fresh acidity and complexed by earthy tobacco, roasted tomatoes and subtle tar, and buffered by ripe, ample tannins. Drinking well now, this will continue to knit with short term cellaring.Prices:| BC | $49.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Young & Wyse Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDusty gravels, pencil lead, black liquorice and thorny blackberry rule this full bodied cabernet sauvignon, while espresso and a lick of mint weave through the middle. Tannins are ripe and chewy, and finish with a bitter black cherry astringency and ample heat. Well suited to long braised red meats and a big improvement from our last tasting.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Wolf Blass Gold Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaIt’s been thirteen years since we last saw this wine and back in those days it was cork finished. Not so now. The nose is an aromatic mix of brambles and spice with touch of lifted cassis. The palate is firm and dry with a juicy cherry menthol entry, then more dried herbs and smoky firm tannins. Give this some time in a decanter now or serve with lamb chops. Best drinking late 2019 through 2022.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
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24 June 2016
89PTS
Ortas La Domeliére Rasteau 2014
Rasteau, Côtes du Rhône Villages, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceThis Hillside Rasteau red is planted on chalky-limestone terraces covered with pebbles. The mix is 70 percent grenache, 20 percent syrah and 10% mourvèdre vines that are on average 40 years. The nose is a mix of mostly red fruit flavours, flecked with liquorice and garrigue. The palate is fleshy with jammy meaty fruit flavours sprinkled with black pepper and bright acidity. This will improve over the short term in bottle or serve now with roasted pork, veal or chicken or pair with fresh goat and sheep cheeses.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.04 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
19 Crimes Shiraz Durif 2014
Victoria, AustraliaThis ripe, full and fleshy Victoria red is a spicy blend of shiraz and durif (petite sirah), full of mulled berries, spices, raspberry and blueberry jam. Happily riding the wave of sunbaked sugars, with ripe thick tannins, bittersweet cocoa and nutmeg spicing. A brisk bitter espresso note cuts off the finish short and amplifies the heat; best mitigated with saucy braised beef ribs.Prices:| BC | $18.49 | 750ml |
| PEI | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Montakarn Bella Nola 2013
CanadaBella Nola is mostly merlot 82 percent with the addition of 11/4/3/ of cabernet franc, syrah and malbec. The nose is a fragrant mix of spicy, dark fruits with a whiff of grilled meat. The palate is dry with light but grippy tannins and a slightly more spare palate of spicy, smoky red fruits. A hamburger red that will get the job done.Prices:| BC | $21.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Montakarn Marselan 2013
CanadaMarselan is a cabernet sauvignon/grenache cross put together by the French. The nose is a mix of dried herbs and black fruit and the same characteristics trickle onto its creamy, soft, juicy palate. The finish is medium short with soft tannins. Fun ready to drink red you7 can served with hamburgers or other grilled meat items.Prices:| BC | $27.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Stoneboat Stone'd Red 2013
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaStone’d Red is a 58/42 mix of pinotage and pinot noir aged some 13 months in 10 percent new French and American oak barrels. The fruit comes off two estate vineyards on the Oliver, Black Sage Gravelbar; the Home Vineyard: 35% and Orchard Grove Vineyard 65%. Pleasantly clean and fragrant on the nose, the pinotage and pinot noir mesh seamlessly mixing a plummy, juicy red fruit with earthy undertones. Soft, ready-to-drink red with a hint of minerality. Available at private wine shops or the winery direct.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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23 June 2016
83PTS
Evolve Riesling 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMid-sweet, with peach, overripe pear leading the round palate, and a plastic floral note and tangerine underneath. Simple. Chill down. Drink now.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Quails' Gate Dry Riesling 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral soapiness pervades this light riesling through to the finish, accompanied by fresh pear, bitter lemon, with a narrow thread of acidity, but ample blousiness around the corners. Though labeled dry, a slight bump of sugar is felt on the palate. Thirty-year-old vines from Mt. Boucherie were fermented cold over four weeks to retain some of the bright orchard fruit.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.99 | 750ml |
| YK | $18.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Monte Creek Ranch Riesling 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA highlight of the Monte Creek Ranch portfolio, this is a streamlined and fruity bright light white, with white peach, yellow apple, honey and lime pulp. Candied lemon lingers on the zippy finish, crisp even in the warm 2015 vintage, their cool South Thompson location mitigating the heat. Nicely done.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 375ml |
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22 June 2016
86PTS
Bench 1775 Viognier 2015
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOverripe tangerine and perfumed apricots lead this medium bodied viognier. Round and soft on the off-dry palate, with floral dish soap and roses on a cold cream mouthfeel. A hint of gingery spice lands the warming finish. Simple and welcomes chilling.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Atlantis by Maetierra Albariño 2015
Rías Baixas, Galicia, SpainAtlantis Albariño is a part of the Atlantis series managed by oenologist Raúl Acha, producing Atlantic wines from different DOs in Spain. This juicy albariño is from a sandy soiled vineyard near the river Miño in Rias Baixas, and dominated by perfumed peach, lime peel and apricot blossoms, moderated with a bitter edged melon and pineapple rind cut. The medium bodied palate is a bit loose and the whole a bit too clean (stainless steel, cold stabilized, lees-less), but makes for a refreshing and solid white.Prices:| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Nichol Vineyard Pinot Gris 2015
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLLoving this singular BC pinot gris. Eleven to twenty-six-year-old vines, planted on granite, shard, loess and glacial till and sustainably managed are expressed in a low-intervention way. Orange salmon in hue, this Naramata Village pinot gris rested on the skins for 36 hours before fermentation in neutral French oak and stainless steel. Savoury throughout, with subtle marmalade, ample smoked stone and gentle earthy lees driven by a riffing grapefruit pith acidity and supported by a gentle tug of tannins. A standalone wine every vintage, this year is no exception.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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21 June 2016
86PTS
Quails' Gate Chasselas - Pinot Blanc - Pinot Gris 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis popular white blend throws a curve ball at the typical BC aromatic white blends with the addition of chasselas, rarely seen outside of Switzerland, let alone BC. Along with pinot blanc and pinot gris this is whole bunch pressed and fermented in stainless before the final blend is assembled. A fruit salad scented with lemon blossoms, gooseberry and tangerine. Round and a blousy on the palate, this finishes with a zippy bitter apricot note.Prices:| BC | $17.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Bench 1775 Chill 2015
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPerfumed pear blossoms, ripe melon and gooseberry lead this aromatic fruit salad. Off dry and soft around the middle, with a thread of tangerine. Lacking the acidity of last year, though with a name like Chill you can comfortably cool this down and enjoy on the patio.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Black Hills Alibi 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2015 Alibi opens with a leesy, figgy, pear, Bordeaux white tone. The mix of roughly 75/25 sauvignon blanc/sémillon is healthy and well at 12.5 percent alcohol, with a fresh attack, creamy textures and ripe tropical fruit before a touch of bitters and oiliness in the finish. Well done. Try this with grilled arctic char.Prices:| BC | $21.65 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Montakarn Tippy Toe Unoaked 2013
CanadaThe 2013 Tippy Toe spent nine months in neutral oak getting some oxygen into the 75/16/9 blend of chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and viognier. It’s looking a little tired at this time, offering buttery, oily, tropical fruit flavours with some acidity and resin pushing through the back end. Drink up with grilled seafood.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Montakarn Tippy Toe Unoaked 2014
CanadaTippy Toe is a co-fermented 64/26/10 mix of chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and viognier aged on neutral oak and nice jump up in freshness over the 2013. The attack is clean and bright with rich, honeyed, tropical fruit flavours with just the right level of acidity underneath. There is a hint of sweetness that could easily be dissipated by a touch of spice in any food pairing. I call spicy tuna sushi.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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20 June 2016
90PTS
Domaine Saint Ferréol Les Vaunières Rosé 2015
Coteaux Varois, Provence, Sud de France, FranceChateaux Varois en Provence is the smallest appellation in Provence, the most mountainous and distant from the sea. Pale pink, with salted herbs, light cherries and wild strawberries, this mineral driven, dry, streamline and savoury rosé is a charmer, and one highly suited to charcuterie.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Domaine du Dragon Cuvée Prestige Rosé 2015
Côtes de Provence, Provence, Sud de France, FranceThis pale peach, crisp, dry rosé is based on grenache, with a splash of syrah for body and spice. Earth, cherries, stones, faint white peach and rainier cherries override a base of cured meats, pomegranate and crunchy acidity. Finishes juicy and bright, with a skiff of minerality lingering on the finish. Finesse.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Famille Sumeire Cabaret Côtes de Provence Rosé 2015
Côtes de Provence, Provence, Sud de France, FrancePale pink, with light pear, light strawberry and delicate cherry blossoms. A fine skiff of sea salt, fine dried herbs and river stones on the light, lean and dry palate. Warm strawberries close the bright finish of this grenache/cinsault blend. The Sumeire family has lived in Trets, next to Mont Sainte Victoire, since the thirteenth century, and currently own three châteaux in Provence.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
CedarCreek Rosé Pinot Noir 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe first rosé with CedarCreek's new packaging, under new winemaker Taylor Whelan and Mission Hill ownership. This pale pink pinot noir is from Block 1 of the Home Block Vineyard in Kelowna, and undergoes a brief two hours of skin contact before a long, cool 22 day ferment, 85 percent in stainless and the remainder in French oak. The ripe 2015 vintage is reflected in the creamy, silken slicked palate and full body. Wild strawberries, rhubarb finish with a snappy, spicy, tart close, though the heat lingers a while.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
River Stone Malbec Rosé 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery perfumed cherry blossoms, raspberry jam and strawberries fill the full mouth of this deep-hued malbec rosé. Always a punchy pour, this year the alcohol and power is particularly felt, especially on the heated finish. A big bump of sugar and a thick coat of glycerol on the palate.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Gazela Vinho Verde Rosé NV
Vinho Verde, Northern Portugal, PortugalBright, juicy and pink, this popular patio sipper is marshmallow strawberries in adult form. Candied apple and raspberry dominate, a light spritz lifts, although a plastic note and a short finish blunts the whole. Chill way down or use in summer sangria.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.45 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.99 | 750ml |
| YK | $13.05 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Borsao Rosé 2015
Campo de Borja, Aragon, SpainStainless steel has preserved the bright, juicy light berry fruit in this Spanish garnacha rosado. Youthful strawberries, raspberries, pear and light warm spices throughout, with an ample fleshy core to plump out the medium body. There's a slight fruit powdery note on the finish; chill and crack this summer on a patio.Prices:Read Full Note
90PTS
Domaine Terre de Mistral Rosalie Rosé 2015
Côtes de Provence, Provence, Sud de France, FrancePouring the palest pink hue this Côtes de Provence is a blend of syrah, grenache and rolle from 300-400m altitude. Striking the right combo of light and delicate with concentration, this is led by wild strawberries, Rainier cherries, pear skin and red currant fruits. The silky, medium bodied palate finishes with delicate florals, a blink of bitter herbs and fine pink salts.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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16 June 2016
90PTS
Rombauer Vineyards Carneros Chardonnay 2014
Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United StatesFrom the southern meeting point of Napa and Sonoma meet and cooled by San Pablo Bay, this classic Carneros chardonnay was whole cluster pressed and fermented in barrel where it spent nine months (mix of French and American). Ample lees stirring ramped up the creamy texture, while the time in wood built a generous, toasty structure. Rich and full bodied, with butter, fine brioche spicing, ripe honeydew and fragrant white flowers seamless on a silken palate to a vanilla bean finish. Lemon peel acidity helps keep both the wood and alcohol in check. This balanced wine is tasty in youth, but will reward with a few years in the cellar. A polished, rich and attractive pour, best enjoyed with richer seafood or poultry.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Maverick Estate Winery Chardonnay 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe second edition of the Maverick chardonnay is a fine jump up in quality over last year. The 2014 growing season was dry, warm and long and the key factor was likely a cool September and a warm October leaving the fruit with a racy quality and tolerable alcohol at 13.4 percent. Winemaker Bertus Albertyn used a single vineyard on the Golden Mile to produce only 100 cases. The nose is a fresh mix of apricot caramel, orange blossom and citrus. The palate round with nutty leesy citrus flavours with fine acidity. The finish is long and buttery. The wine spends six months in new French oak before bottling. Halibut anyone?Prices:| BC | $26.50 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Noble Ridge Reserve Chardonnay 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLess butterscotch this year, yeah, and more tropical pineapple, mango citrus aromas and flavours. There is more acidity also which helps to handle the toasted oak flecks. It’s not Burgundy but its heading in the right direction. The wine ages 14 months in French & American barrels 50/50 French/American and 25 percent is new. It’s 100 percent Okanagan Falls fruit from the home vineyard. citrus aromas. Fresh, elegant, slightly lean palate with some oiliness. The winery suggests serving this with pan-fried salmon cakes or curried chicken. I like it with pumpkin ravioli too.Prices:| BC | $29.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Noble Ridge Stony Knoll Chardonnay 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNormally a little fresher and brighter the 2013 is a riper version with more honey and apricots mixed with red apple fruits. Not quite as floral or stony in 13 the round and soft easy-drinking style pulls you into the glass. Peach red apple slides down the palate with little or no oak influence. How does pappardelle with bacon, Gruyere, Swiss cheese and walnuts sound. The wine is 92 percent fermented in stainless steel tanks; eight percent goes into one-year-old barrels. Solid.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Liquidity Chardonnay 2014
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe style is fairly consistent here with a nutty creamy mineral nose with a swath of freshly mashed pear. On the palate it remains lively and skinny with more citrus, nutty pear fruit notes. A little softer and creamier than the 12 but still with a nervous underbelly. Food friendly our picks are halibut or roast chicken. All the chardonnay comes off the Allendale Vineyard. The wine was barrel aged for 11 months before blending and bottling.Prices:| BC | $29.90 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Wolf Blass Gold Label Chardonnay 2014
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaToasted, reductive, flinty (struck matchstick) lees, nose with ripe apple and guava aromas. The attack is fresh and mouth-watering and yes skinny in a good way. Amazing flavour and length for the price with finesse and under screwcap I suspect this will age well for another five years. It’s new Oz and we like it. Fresh halibut would be a fine match.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $24.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NFL | $23.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Upper Bench Chardonnay 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFresh open honey, citrus nut nose with a touch of matchstick, baked apple and dried spices. The attack is full flavoured floral butter, pear, nutty/lees garlic flavours with touch of dryness in the finish. A good effort that lacks a little final gloss to really sing. Drink or hold for another year. Half the wine is fermented and aged for 3 months in new French oak; 50% is fermented and aged in stainless steel. Serve with creamy chicken pasta dishes or a piece of youthful brie.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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15 June 2016
86PTS
Unsworth Vineyards Tim Buck Two Red 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig, dark and brooding, the Tim Buck Two line from Vancouver Island's Unsworth Vineyards is made from 10 percent Cabernet Libre from the Island, and 90 percent Merlot from the Naramata Bench. Dark berry compote, dusky spices and sappy resin fill the full bodied wine, plumped up with tobacco and smoked wood. Tannins are rustic, though smoothed with some time in bottle. This is a warm, hearty red best suited to beef stews or fire-roasted meats.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Le Vieux Pin Petit Rouge 2014
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPetit Rouge is Le Vieux Pin wine made with younger grapes, usually sporting higher yields. The blend is mostly merlot and cabernet sauvignon that were easily ripened in 2014 and a small amount of syrah. This is a light, fresh, soft red that you can drink now with grilled lamb chops, hamburgers, pasta and or beef dishes. Friendly but complex enough to entice the discriminating drinker.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Emiliana Coyam 2011
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileAromatic with notes of blackberries, bay leaf, violets and a dusting of coffee and chocolate. The palate weightier and richer than in the past with some meaty/leafy syrah/carmenère notes but still all in balance. The biodynamic fruit brings the wine alive from the front of the glass to the back. The grapes come off the 150-hectare Los Robles vineyard surrounded by oak trees or Coyam trees in the native dialect. The latest blend is 38% syrah, 31% carmenère, 19% merlot, 10 cabernet sauvignon, 1% mourvèdre and 1% malbec aged mostly in French oak of which about a third new.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $29.63 | 750ml |
| MB | $30.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $33.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Upper Bench Yard Wine 2013
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNot near as big as last year’s offering it opens with a little more red fruit and minerality off the top. The entry is juicy and soft with silky tannins and cherry mocha fruit with a savoury undercurrent. The finish is short but all in all a pretty delicious drink. The wine spent 20 months in 30 percent new French Oak and 10 percent new oak is welcomed here. The blend is 50/45/5 merlot, cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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14 June 2016
90PTS
CedarCreek Riesling 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOne of the highlights of the CedarCreek portfolio, and especially this year, as the tight 2014 stands apart from the bloated 2015 whites. A 55-day ferment was time well spent. Vibrant and mouthwatering lime and sherbet is perfumed with tight pear blossoms and braced by green apple structure. The gentle rise of sugar is ably balanced out by an easy shear of acidity, leaving a shimmer on the tongue in its wake (and an impressive 10.5 percent alcohol). Incredible value; buy by the case, and if you don't drink it all now, it will absolutely cellar easily over the short term.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Unsworth Vineyards TimBuck Two Riesling 2015
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis second label from Cowichan Valley's Unsworth Vineyards is from Okanagan Valley sourced fruit, off dry and easily quaffable. Honeyed lime, pear skin, red apple and spring blossoms are ringed with tangerine juiciness. The finish is candied lemon drops and a touch powdery/sour lemon. You won't notice too much though when you chill this down and pour on a deck this summer. Where's the screw cap?Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Spierhead Riesling GFV Saddle Block 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPerfumed lime blossoms, cold cream and a cut of bitter key lime peel pervade this single block, single vineyard riesling, sourced from Kelowna's Gentleman Farmer Vineyard. Five months in stainless has kept a clean, almost clinical picture of the white peach, melon and green apple fruit. A bump of sugar sticks out, leaving this vintage currently in the sweet and sour vein. Best suited to prawns in fruit salsa.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tantalus Riesling 2015
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaShowing Tantalus' hand with riesling, this wine maintains a steady bead of pulpy lime acidity even though warm 2015 was the earliest vintage on record in the Okanagan. Lime pulp, white honey, pear blossom, ripe mandarin and ample stone is carried by a river of juicy acidity and a sherbet kissed palate. Off-dry and generously so.Prices:| BC | $22.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $32.50 | 750ml |
| QC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Culmina Family Estate Decora 2015
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDecora, from the Latin for beautiful is grown at 595 meters on Margaret’s Bench. The nose is lemony with floral undertones and orchard fruit scents. The attack is bright with lots of lime rind and grapefruit with a mineral/stony finish. A touch rustic for riesling but should settle down in bottle over the next year. Creamy sauces, fat cheeses and pork dishes are your best bet for early drinking.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Ex Nihilo Riesling 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaEx Nihilo sits near 50 degrees north in cool climate Lake Country, a perfect home for riesling. The all free-run, 100 percent estate juice spends a couple of weeks fermenting in stainless steel before spending a few months in tank prior to bottling. Look for a tight, fresh, citrus, apple, melon fruit flavours with a streak of petrol. The finish is equally refreshing and lean with bits of lemongrass and dried herbs. A complex, food-friendly, dry style riesling that is ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Two Hands The Wolf Riesling 2015
Clare Valley, South Australia, AustraliaClassic Clare, Watervale to be more specific. It’s all handpicked and all free-run juice fermented and left on its lees for five months. The style is fresh, bright and exuberant with a touch of talcum powder. The attack is creamy, with mouth-watering, limey pear fruit. The finish is long and linear with some stony mineral highlights. Delicious wine you can serve with most anything including Indian and Thai dishes.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
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13 June 2016
86PTS
40 Knots Stall Speed Stick Shaker Syrah 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThough 40 Knots is based in Comox, on Vancouver Island, this dense, dark and perfumed syrah is from Okanagan Valley fruit. Wild fermented and aged in French puncheons for ten months, this is full of earthy wildness. Blackberry, black cherry, blueberry and dark florals lead the smoothed, soft palate, while scrubby underbrush and peppery spice fills the bottom. Candied violets and espresso lingers on the finish. Best suited to game or lamb dishes.Prices:| BC | $43.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wolf Blass Gold Label Syrah 2012
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaLook for smoky, lightly gamey, floral, peppery notes on the nose. The attack is juicy with blackberry/blueberry flavours mixed with licorice and light vanilla notes. The finish is dry and savoury, calling for food to lighten up the mood. The Gold Label Shiraz is sourced mostly from low-yielding vineyards across the Barossa Valley floor, bringing intensity and richness. It's mixed with cooler climate Eden Valley fruit, bringing fragrance, elegance and spice. It’s all crushed in small batches in open fermenters and aged 15 months in both seasoned and new French oak. Perfect with grilled lamb or beef.Prices:| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.90 | 750ml |
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10 June 2016
89PTS
Unsworth Vineyards Pinot Noir 2014
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaAn alluring nose of perfumed black raspberry, forest and fine spice opens this light bodied Cowichan Valley pinot noir. Fermentation in stainless before sixteen months in new and used French oak, this is bright, quiet and elegant pinot. Finely sticky tannins, gently lifted acidity, subtle black cherry and a lick of pink peppercorn spice, proving that less is more. Fine florals linger on the finish. Lovely on its own, or pour with more delicate foods, like black tea and wild mushroom poached fish.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Anthony Buchanan Wines Pinot Noir 2014
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis new Okanagan pinot noir is sourced from Summerland's Jinny Lee Vineyard, and from nine-year-old Pommard clone grapes. Whole berry and without stems, this spends one week in a cool soak before fermentation starts naturally, after which it is inoculated for completion and control. After regular punch downs pre- and during fermentation, the wine spends ten months in French oak. Perfumed cherries, raspberry jam and fine cinnamon bark spicing on the round, soft palate. Acidity is lightly lifted, and tannins are downy and lush through a very spicy, bitter black cherry finish. Though I'd love to see a tighter line of acidity in future, this is a lovely introduction to the house and style.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Cirro Pinot Noir 2013
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandYou feel the cool climate right off the edge of the glass with smoke and savoury dried herbs over cherries and cedar earthy notes. Soft and juicy on the palate, the same aromas dominate, with more red berry fruits and rooty, earthy mushrooms before a touch of acidity pokes through the back end. Perfect for mushroom pasta dishes or pork chops grilled on the barbecue. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chateau St. Jean Pinot Noir 2013
California, United StatesThe CSJ style is always friendly. The nose is open and inviting with a mix of cherry, rhubarb spice and earth. The attack is similar with some resin, earth, strawberry jam flavours and a lick of celery salt and licorice. Try this with your favourite chicken salad or a Margherita pizza. Ready to drink.Prices:| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tinhorn Creek Oldfield Series Pinot Noir 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBlack cherry and bittersweet chocolate ring through the Oldfield Series Pinot Noir this vintage, with fine, earth-dusted tannins and a taut band of acidity. With fruit from Black Sage Bench's Diamondback Vineyard and Golden Mile Bench's Tinhorn Creek Vineyard (16-23-year-old vines between them) this expresses a more refined and elegant wine than previous vintages. Destemmed and crushed gapes cold settle on skins for three days before fermentation, prior to pressing off to older barrels for eighteen months, and then bottle for one year. Mushrooms and black cherry continue on the medium bodied palate, brightened by a cranberry tartness. Fresh and refined at once, this is drinking lovely now (try with duck) but will continue to develop with short term cellaring. Well done.Prices:| BC | $31.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Tinhorn Creek Pinot Noir 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRed currant, cranberry, cherry, cola and earthy, wet forest prevails on this tart pinot noir, sourced from Black Sage Bench's Diamondback Vineyard and Golden Mile Bench's Tinhorn Creek Vineyard. This was partially fermented in older barrels, where they remained on lees for eighteen months. Tannins are sticky and acidity is lifted, right through to a candied cinnamon note on the warm finish.Prices:| BC | $21.49 | 750ml |
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09 June 2016
87PTS
Elephant Island Winery The Little King 2010
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis apple sparkling wine was made in the traditional method, a rare treatment with orchard fruit wines. Soft raspberry, red apple, apple blossoms and fine, bright acidity carries this delicate and off-dry pink fizz. An ideal eleven percent alcohol sparkler, perfect for brunch or summer desserts. This special wine sells out every release and it's not just for the rare or delicious factor. The Little King was created in memory of Elephant Island founders' Miranda and Del's infant son Rex Halladay, who died as a result of an unsafe sleeping situation in hospital. All proceeds from the sale of The Little King are donated to the Pediatric Nursing Education Fund. Sales of the wine have raised over $80,000 in support of on-going nursing education designed to prevent similar accidents in the future.Prices:| BC | $25.25 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Cédric Bouchard Inflorescence La Parcelle Brut Cote de Bechalin Blanc de Noirs NV
Champagne, FranceOne of the most exciting growers in Champagne, Cédric produces organic, single vineyard, single vintage Champagnes of great character. Low intervention as can be for Champagne, this is wild yeast fermented, bottled unfiltered with no dosage. Cracked stone, light toast and ample light red fruit on the expansive and powerful palate, this blanc de noirs is from a single 1.23-acre parcel of 35-year-old pinot noir in Cote de Bechalin, Aube, and has rested on the lees for 80 months (his longest aging for his wines), giving it an umami, earthy chalk body, impressive depth and immense texture. Very fine florals linger on the lengthy finish. Purchased & tasted in the UK.Prices:| US | $135.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Maverick Estate Winery Ella Brut Rose 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis tight, dry and racy traditional method fizz is 20/80 chardonnay/pinot noir from the southern Okanagan's Maverick Estate Winery, an under-the-radar winery that needs be on your radar. Owned and operated by South Africans, they farm and process exclusively estate vineyards with low impact, low intervention means. With just a hint of pink, this shearing sparkler is tight red apple, light strawberry and bing cherry, with fine toastiness and a swig of salty lees. A tight apple-cherry cut on the lengthy, shimmering finish. Fruity, crisp and dry.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Tantalus Old Vines Riesling Natural Brut 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom their 1978 block of riesling vines, this traditional method brut sells out every year, prized for its originality and rarity as much for its vibrant, mouth-watering acidity and drive. Bright and juicy, with lively and pure lime, white grapefruit and green apple and racy, textured and pithy acidity. A potent stony riesling base buttresses the whole, while piercing limey acidity carries though the very lengthy finish. Well done.Prices:| BC | $34.31 | 750ml |
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08 June 2016
88PTS
Villa Maria Reserve Chardonnay Barrique Fermented 2013
Gisborne - Poverty Bay, North Island, New ZealandHigh sunshine hours and a warm climate rights Gisborne as New Zealand's fruit basket region, and that generosity of fruit is felt in this ripe, rich, buttery chardonnay. Heady orchard fruit, crème caramel, lemon curd, hazelnuts, toasted wood and smoke throughout, with a fine line of lemon acidity that streams down the middle. Finishing dry(ish) a slight cushion of sugar (4.4 g/l), this full white will pair with your richer seafood dishes.Prices:Read Full Note
91PTS
Man O' War Valhalla Chardonnay 2013
Waiheke Island, Auckland, North Island, New ZealandValhalla signifies the heavens in Norse mythology, and the best chardonnay barrels of the vintage for Waiheke Island's Man O' War Vineyards. Expressively ripe and powerful, this bold, full white takes the Island's potent fruit and charges it with whole bunch pressing, wild fermentation in 500 litre acacia and oak puncheons and a year on the lees in both wood and tank. A piercing vein of acidity may reflect the steep hillsides and volcanic soils that made up this wine. Smoked stone, flint and eraser pervade a generous palate of salted almonds, lush pear and lemon peel. Bitter citrus lingers on the lengthy finish. Acid keeps this tightly wound and prickly, while the toasty oak density anchors it. Well integrated and certainly not shy; pair with dishes that can stand up to it or cellar for a few years.Prices:| NZ | $35.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Felton Road Bannockburn Chardonnay 2013
Central Otago, South Island, New ZealandOne of the leading biodynamic beacons of New Zealand, this linear, focused and savoury chardonnay is from the world's southernmost wine region (Central Otago) and the country's highest. Sourced from the Bannockburn subregion, this was whole bunch pressed with juice straight to barrel for fermentation with wild yeast before more than a year in barrel on full lees. The result: a vibrant, savoury, finessed and complexed chardonnay, with ample cracked stone, hints of flint, fine earthy lees, and driving citrus-flecked acidity to a very lengthy finish. Structured, with fine bones, and a vibrance on the palate that continues long after the last sip. Stunning now, but will reward over the next decade.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Chardonnay 2013
Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New ZealandFrom the dry riverbed soils of Hawke's Bay's Gimblett Gravels, this savoury chardonnay was wild yeast fermented in French puncheons before MLF and a month barrel aging on the lees. Potent smoked flint and creamy lees throughout this linear, fuller bodied wine, with salt roasted cashews, wild herbs and pear framed by well-integrated toasted wood and supported by a lemon curd base. Flaked sea salt and meadow grasses linger on the lengthy finish. Powerful and age-worthy.Prices:| ON | $34.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $35.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Toi Toi Reserve Chardonnay 2012
West Auckland, Auckland, North Island, New ZealandFull and rich in Auckland's typical weightier style, this was pressed into stainless steel tanks to preserve as much crisp fruit as possible, before a fermentation into new and seasoned French oak barriques and ample battonage prior to a dip back into stainless prior to bottling. Cream, eraser and stone rule, with a sweet pea / sweet pear base and a tight tingle of lemon peel acidity to cut through the wood and spiced toastiness. A massive wine that could stand up to the richest of proteins handily.Prices:Read Full Note
88PTS
Mission Estate Winery Reserve Chardonnay 2013
Hawkes Bay, North Island, New ZealandCracked stone, lemon curd and white blossoms ring on this Hawke's Bay chardonnay, from New Zealand's oldest winery (founded 1851). Restrained, perfumed pear, toast and ample stoniness continues on the full bodied palate, one amplified by whole bunch pressing, barrel fermentation (partial wild yeast, partial new oak, partial MLF) and time on the lees. The winemaking sits on top of the clear orchard fruit at present yielding some clunkiness, though bright tangerine pith and trailing tropical citrus fruits charm. Richer style, streamlined direction.Prices:| NS | $23.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
John Forrest Collection Waitaki Valley Chardonnay 2011
Central Otago, South Island, New ZealandFresh asparagus, sweet peas and white meadow flowers rule this North Otago chardonnay, from a sloping side of limestone and Waitaki river gravels. The soils are felt in the tightness and backbone of this wine, though fermentation and aging in seasoned French oak has plumped it out greatly around the sides. Cashew, brioche and cream all jockey for leadership on the full palate, though it's sweet, spring vegetation that lingers on the finish.Prices:| NZ | $45.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Greywacke Chardonnay 2012
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandSavoury, wild herbs, brioche, white peach and large flaked salt dominate this complexed, textured white from Marlborough. The majority of fruit was drawn from the Brancott Valley and Fairhall, with soils a mix of gravelly, clay loam soils and greywacke river stones. Whole bunch pressing, wild yeast and lengthy fermentation and aging in French barriques further up the complexities in this full bodied wine, while flint, hay, sweet peas and salts linger on the lengthy finish. The whole is drawn along a steady bead of acidity. Age-worthy.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Seresin Chardonnay Reserve 2013
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandFrom one of New Zealand's leading organic and biodynamic producers, this impressive Marlborough chardonnay is from clay rich hillside Raupo Creek vineyards as well as their estate vineyard's free draining Waimakariri soils. Whole bunch press and wild ferment in French oak (partial new), this spent nearly a year in barrel before light filtering and bottling without fining. Wild salted herbs dominate, with savoury and complex mineral, pear skin, subtle lemon and white grapefruit pith brightness. Acidity is lean, and the medium body streamline to a very lengthy, minerally finish. Poised and firm, this impressive wine is drinking beautifully now, but will reward even further with aging.Prices:| NZ | $35.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Waimea Chardonnay 2013
Nelson, South Island, New ZealandSpiced apple, brioche and lemon meringue fill the mouth of this full Nelson chardonnay, sourced from vineyards on the Waimea Plains on the north western tip of New Zealand's South Island. Fermentation in new and seasoned French oak and full MLF have upped the creaminess and amplified the nutmeg spiciness. A lick of flint intermingles with vanilla and heat on the finish. A bit clumsy and best poured with creamy pasta or poultry dishes.Prices:| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
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07 June 2016
88PTS
Anthony Buchanan Wines Pinot Blanc 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPerfumed apple, cherry blossoms and a soapy note opens this pinot blanc, part of the initial release from Anthony Buchanan Wines. From Naramata's long-established Zeller Vineyards, this was one third barrel fermented in new oak, with the remainder in stainless steel. When fermentation was complete, the wine was racked into new and neutral barrels for six months. The lean, (almost too) clean palate carries the orchard fruits along with white grapefruit, shy florals and a rise of citrus acidity. A nice first effort from this label.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
LaStella Vivace Pinot Grigio 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe warm generosity of the vintage is felt in the 2015 Vivace. Asian pear, yellow apple, cantaloupe and light herbs float on a loose palate, cushioned at the bottom by green fig and lees, and tightened ever so slightly with a gentle tug of citrus pith. A plumper Vivace, suited to fruited halibut or rich crab cakes.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Le Vieux Pin Petit Blanc 2015
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDefinitely reflective of the warm 2015 vintage. Ripe orchard fruit with width on the palate. Mostly sauvignon blanc and pinot gris with splashes of chardonnay, muscat and viognier makes this aromatic white round with white peach, yellow apple, gooseberry and yellow plum that gets more linear in the finish. Look for a touch of tangy grapefruit and fine spice to round out your tasting. Pair this with chicken salads or creamy pasta dishes. Super value.Prices:| BC | $18.49 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Blue Mountain Reserve Pinot Gris 2013
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTwenty-six-year-old vines from Okanagan Falls go into this elegant reserve pinot gris, 70 percent of which was fermented and aged in stainless with the remainder in three-year-old French oak. Perfumed baked pear, whiffs of clove and herbal-imbued honey lead this creamy, medium bodied wine, one laced with lemon peel and cushioned with fine lees. Vanilla bean lingers on the finish. Classy, stylish and fun to pair with fresh halibut with a fruit salsa.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Stoneboat Stone'd White 2014
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Black Sage Gravel bar is home to this eclectic mix of minerality and orchard fruits, a blend of 25/23/22/20/7/3 pinot blanc. müller thurgau, schönburger, kerner, pinot gris, viognier. The style is juicy with bright, tropical fruit flavours, just off-dry with just enough acidity to keep the sugar in check. Serve all summer on the patio.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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06 June 2016
88PTS
Villa Antinori Toscana Rosso 2012
Tuscany, ItalyThis Toscana IGT is mostly sangiovese with small quantities of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and syrah. 2012 was a drought year and the hot summer led to an early harvest of the merlot and syrah; the sangiovese and cabernet sauvignon were gathered in late September and early October. The juice is aged in French, Hungarian, and American oak barrels for twelve months followed eight months of bottle aging. A warm year has produced ripe red fruit laced with spice and toasted nuts. The attack is firm, and the textures round with classic savoury tobacco meaty, cassis and plum flavours with a hint of balsamic. Try this with grilled lamb chops. Interestingly, ‘Villa Rosso’ was first produced in 1928 by Niccolò Antinori, father of Piero Antinori and was revived by Piero Antinori in 2001 as an IGT wine made from estate fruit.Prices:| BC | $23.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $27.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.50 | 750ml |
| QC | $25.50 | 750ml |
| NB | $31.50 | 750ml |
| NS | $32.50 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Tenuta di Arceno Chianti Classico 2013
Tuscany, ItalyTenuta di Arceno is a 1000-hectare property with classic rolling hillside vineyards, forests and medieval stone castles. Over the last two decades the vineyards have been replanted and expanded into a series of micro-crus relating to the property’s 12 distinct meso-climates. The fruit is bright but cool with fine aromatics. Red berries and floral aromas lead into a juicy, vibrant red with earthy, peaty forest floor tones, liquorice, ripe black cherries and savoury, dried herb nuances. The textures are soft and round and the fruit similar with a slightly tangy finish. Wild boar pappardelle is the perfect match, or a piece of pecorino cheese. The mix is 85/15 sangiovese/merlot.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.99 | 750ml |
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03 June 2016
87PTS
Borsao Garnacha 2014
Campo de Borja, Aragon, SpainWe love the value here in this blend of garnacha, tempranillo and syrah made from 15 to 25-year-old vines grown over clay and limestone soils. Stainless steel preserves all the concentrated dark berry fruit, ripened by the hot Spanish sun and saturated with smoky, bramble, savoury peppery undercurrent. The tannins are ripe and sticky, anchoring the juicy fruit, and finishing with a warm, espresso twist. An ideal easy BBQ red for grilled meats this summer.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Monte Oton 2014
Campo de Borja, Aragon, SpainPeppery, high toned and black fruited, 15-25 year old garnacha is planted on the slopes of extinct volcano Moncayo, in the arid Campo de Borja DO. Light-medium bodied this bright red practically vibrates with jittery energy and pepper, along with light balsamic, black raspberry, candied cherry and plum. Low tannins and a bright finish close off this simple, friendly wine.Prices:| BC | $14.80 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Tocado NV
Campo de Borja, Aragon, SpainBlack cherry, anise, tobacco and branch lead this high toned garnacha from Campo de Borja DO. Black pepper spicing and a tug of branchy tannins add a slight grip to the juicy palate, though it finishes with astringency. Best poured with rustic sausage and grain dishes.Prices:| QC | $10.10 | 750ml |
| NB | $10.25 | 750ml |
| PEI | $11.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Borsao Tres Picos Garnacha 2013
Campo de Borja, Aragon, SpainSuper ripe black fruit, leather, smoked plum, fragrant dark blossoms and ample lashings of pepper fill this full, voluminous garnacha from Campo de Borja DO. This is the top cuvée of Borsão, drawn from 30 to 65-year-old, head-pruned, garnacha from the slopes of the extinct Moncayo volcanic hills. The combination of older French oak barrels (for 10 months) and stainless steel is apparent, with brisk, bright and sweet dark fruit harnessed by a firm but sticky frame. Supple and fleshy on the palate, this expressive red finishes with sweet pipe tobacco, bitter blackberry thorns, perfumed violets and potent vanilla.Prices:| BC | $21.79 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Red Blend 2012
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesWashington is famous for its merlot but this Indian Wells blend can impress. The 2012 blend is 43/43/6/4/2/2 merlot, syrah, grenache, malbec, cabernet franc, mourvèdre. The attack is warm and ripe with plenty of chocolate, mocha, spice and meaty hints. It slides down easily with a sweet oak assist. An appealing style for many sipper s if not so suited to food. Try this after dinner with a piece of cheese.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $29.99 | 750ml |
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02 June 2016
80PTS
Raza Reserva Malbec 2013
La Rioja, ArgentinaBlueberry, tired blackberry and earthiness throughout this muddied, full bodied malbec. The palate feels clouded, and short, though pine, resin and tar peek up though the astringent tannins. Clumsy. Will try another bottle.Prices:| BC | $11.79 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Rodney Strong Russian River Pinot Noir 2013
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesRodney Strong was among the first to plant pinot noir in the Russian River Valley back in 1968. The original River East Vineyard planted over alluvial clay-loam soils (next to the winery in Healdsburg) remains a core contributor to the estate vineyard bottling. The beautiful 2013 dry, with a frost-free spring, a warm summer with no heat spikes and a warm, rain-free autumn spelled perfection in the Russian River. Classic cherry aromas with floral notes mingle in the glass. More of the same with brown spices and flecks of raspberry and cranberries freshen the palate and lightly briary finish. Wee suggest grilled salmon steaks, roasted chicken or roasted pork loin. Hold or drink through 2020. Delicious.Prices:| BC | $24.77 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.00 | 750ml |
| US | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $21.13 | 750ml |
| SK | $20.89 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.39 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Damilano Lecinquevigne Barolo 2010
Langhe, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyLecinquevigne is a blend of nebbiolo from five sites grown in the calcareous-clay soils several Barolo regions: Barolo. Grinzane Cavour, Monforte and Novello. The vines are 30 to 50 years old and you can feel the depth of their roots in the wine. The colour is pale red with orange highlights, the nose classic violets with earthy, cherry/tobacco, orange, leather licorice/cedar flavours. At six years old there is still some tannin dryness in the long, persistent finish to disperse. You can cellar this another three to four years or serve now with mushrooms, grilled beef or roasted chicken.Prices:| BC | $43.99 | 750ml |
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01 June 2016
89PTS
Giusti Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2011
Pedemonte Valpolicella, Verona, Veneto, ItalyFor a giant of a wine the nose is surprisingly perfumed and aromatic with bright red fruits. The flavours are more lifted, if not on volatile, with dried plums and raisins dominating. The palate is dense and spicy with a long powerful warm finish. It is all Amarone and young It’s going to need some bottle ageing to smooth pout the edges. Drink after 2020 with mature cheeses.Prices:| BC | $105.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Giusti Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore 2012
Veneto, ItalyFennel salami, candied cherries and raspberry gummies in this lighter, brighter Valpo. Medium bodied and light tannins mean you can (and should!) chill this slightly and serve with lighter fare -think pizza or charcuterie. A blend of corvina, corvinone, rondinella.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Giusti Umberto I Rosso Veneto 2009
Veneto, ItalyThe colour is deep the nose floral with savoury cassis and blueberry notes. The mix id merlot and cabernet sauvignon. The attack is warm and spicy with more floral, mineral, blueberry vanilla and spicy balsamic notes throughout and some toasted wood form 24-30 months in French oak. Tannins are light, textures are silky but they are all wrapped up in that long, dry Italian style. Lamb is the match.Prices:| BC | $99.52 | 750ml |
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July 2016