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Tastings: July 2016
29 July 2016
88PTS
Road 13 Jackpot Syrah 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaScented violets and perfumed cassis lead this dense and fresh syrah, now well-knit after four years. Savoury anise and ripe, sweeter fruit is framed with fine, firmly structured tannins, finishing with black pepper spicing. After sixteen months in French oak, followed by an additional six months in stainless steel barrels, this was splashed with viognier before bottling.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
CedarCreek Platinum Block 5 Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is from a single block of their estate vineyards, situated in a cooler, higher altitude site. MLF was blocked to preserve the purity of fruit, and this was fermented in a mix of French oak barrels, 500L puncheons and concrete before ten months on lees in concrete and puncheons. Broken stones and lemon pith are the gateway to an alluring green apple and wild herb textured palate, lifted with crunchy acidity and lined with earthy lees. Sea salt lingers on the very lengthy finish. Textured and complex, and a baby still - wait to see what this wine does with a couple of years in the cellar.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Meyer Family Vineyards Chardonnay McLean Creek Road Vineyard 2014
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis wine is settling into a reliable pattern that makes it a slightly skinny, fresh, complex, and long chardonnay. The nose is nutty with lightly baked green apple notes that follows onto the palate with flecks of honey. The style is slightly austere, with prominent acid all perfectly balanced by a hazelnut, buttery, citrus/green apple flavour profile. Love the complexity and length in the glass. A road map for future of BC chardonnay. The McLean Creek Road Vineyard, owned by the Meyer family, is in Okanagan Falls. It has a steep southerly aspect; the soil is a mix of gravel and sandy loams. There are two separate blocks of chardonnay giving winemaker Chris Carson more options and complexity. Free run juice is fermented in stainless steel before heading to 100% French oak (27% new) to complete fermentation and go through the malolactic fermentation. There is zero battonage throughout its 11 months in oak.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
La Frenz Ensemble 2013
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada‘Ensemble’ is an assembly of sauvignon blanc and semillon, all grown mid-valley on the Naramata Bench and put together with expertise by winemaker Jeff Martin. Love the racy, figgy, mineral, chalky nose. The attack is fresh with bright, juicy acidity and richer, passionfruit notes leading to a creamy, rich finish. Long, persistent and well structured, this wine will age through 2018 and get better in the bottle. Grilled fish anyone?Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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28 July 2016
89PTS
Atlantis Mencía 2015
Bierzo, Castilla-Leon, SpainAtlantis Albariño is a part of the Atlantis series managed by oenologist Raúl Acha, producing Atlantic wines from different DOs in Spain. This mencía is perfumed black plums and herbal thorns, scrubby thistle and wild blueberries, drawn across a fresh, juicy, medium and taut body. Tannins are slightly dusky and quite grippy, perfectly suited to structure this wild fruit. Flakes of sea salt and balsamic linger on the finish. Characterful wine, from fifty-year-old vines grown 450 to 600 meters above sea level.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Lacruz Tempranillo 2014
La Mancha, Castilla-La Mancha, SpainThis fruity, youthful tempranillo from La Mancha carries bright raspberry and plum, spiced with medicinal black cherry notes. The two months in barrel is overly evident - strident wood grain rules the mouthfeel, though tannins are sanded pretty smooth. Simple, but authentically La Mancha; solid choice for BBQ ribs or chops.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Tridente Tempranillo 2013
Vinos de la Tierra de Castilla, SpainOld vine tempranillo from Villanueva de Campeán and El Pego, Zamora province in the hot Tierra de Castilla region, make up this full bodied and dense red. Fifteen months in French oak barrels for a period of 15 months further ups the concentration, resulting in a thick pour of medicinal black fruit, dark chocolate, pencil lead, balsamic reduction and roasted coffee. Tannins are thick and sticky, and the bitter espresso finish feels more than its 15.5 percent alcohol. Not shy, welcomes decanting. And roasted meats.Prices:| BC | $23.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesKnights Valley always seems to strike that middle ground between northern Napa Valley richness and restrained middle-eastern Sonoma County. There’s more red fruit and acidity than you might expect but with just the right richness and weight. The finish is long and linear with minty, spicy, red fruit and still some youthful tannin to shed. You can drink this now with a steak but it would be fine to cellar through 2020. Good value.Prices:| BC | $42.99 | 750ml |
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83PTS
The Grinder Pinotage 2013
Western Cape, South AfricaWarm dark berry jam, mocha, and wood dominate this simple, fleshy red from Western Cape. Soft and plush in the mouth, with smoked wood and black cherry jam lingering on the shorter, hot finish.Prices:| BC | $13.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $11.61 | 750ml |
| QC | $11.81 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Sledgehammer Zinfandel 2013
North Coast, North Coast Region, California, United StatesCherry berry chocolate aromas with bits of cedar, tobacco, prune and resin notes. Soft, round and definitely sweet on the attack and throughout. Look for more milk chocolate, cream, cedar bark, cherry flavours with a tart, awkward finish. It’s like being hit by a sledgehammer.Prices:| BC | $16.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.06 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.95 | 750ml |
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27 July 2016
98PTS
Champagne Bollinger R.D Extra Brut 2002
Champagne, FranceWaiting for my glass to arrive at the tasting, I thought what could go wrong? The 2002 vintage is first rate, R.D. is always an experience and Bollinger never really ever screws it up. Guess what, this wine is the Holy Grail. I suppose it's why I taste so much ordinary wine; I constantly hope that someday it will all end up like this. Okay, dreaming aside, this is a fabulous bottle of bubble. Rich and creamy, bursting with acidity that propels the nutty nuanced brioche and mineral, honeyed palate to another level. Long, persistent, entertaining and brimming with weight and intensity it still walks a fine line of acidity and tightness that makes it electric on the palate. So long on the lees, it is now a history lesson in 2002 champagne. Beg, borrow (maybe not steal) the money but buy a bottle and experience one of the great mysteries of wine. The details are: 60/40 pinot noir/chardonnay; 23 crus: 71% Grand Crus, 29% Premier Cru; the dosage is a very low: 3 to 4 grams per liter or Extra Brut.Prices:| BC | $424.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $350.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $272.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Champagne Bollinger 2005 La Grande Année Rosé Brut 2005
Champagne, FranceIf the salmon/orange doesn’t grab your attention, the generous spicy gingerbread and brioche nose will. Citrus drenched cherries and redcurrants mark the fruit that seemed to jump out of the glass with bubbles. This is a dinner wine that is big enough to suit most birds or Asian foods. If dessert is your game, the winery suggests rhubarb and red berry crumble. The wine is a 72/28 blend of pinot noir and chardonnay and 95 percent Grand Cru fruit. it is cellared for twice the required time, and bears a modest dosage of 7 grams per liter. A must for rosé champagne lovers. Champagne Bollinger was established in 1829 by Jacques Bollinger and Paul Renaudin. Mme Lily Bollinger played a key role in the company’s development between 1941 and 1977. Today it is managed by her great-nephew, Ghislain de Montgolfier. The style, while always muscular with body, depth and power, has changed of late. There is a new finesse here adding to the appeal of what was already one of the best sparkling wine producers on the planet. Some 70 percent of the grapes come from the firm's own vineyards, and uniquely some 80 percent of the harvest is barrel-fermented, with the wines being kept on their yeast lees for an extended period of time – as much as a decade for the R.D.Prices:| BC | $199.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $324.99 | 1500ml |
| AB | $165.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $157.02 | 750ml |
| ON | $136.75 | 750ml |
| QC | $173.99 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Champagne Bollinger 2005 La Grande Année Brut 2005
Champagne, FranceLa Grande Année is only made from free-run juice and in only the best years. It’s not how you would describe the 2005 vintage, but the 70 percent Pinot Noir and 30 percent Chardonnay made from 13 Crus (Aÿ and Verzenay for Pinot Noir and Avize, Chouilly and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger for Chardonnay) seems to have overcome the wet weather. It was disgorged in 2014 after 8 years on lees and is surprisingly ready to drink. What makes the nose so beautiful and enticing is a persistent bead of pin-head size bubbles that release the aromas in the most gentle fashion possible. It’s not a shy wine, but like the Special Cuvée the current style has more finesse and restraint then we have seen in the past, adding to this wine's attraction. Creamy, warm brioche mixes with floral, nutty, tangerine and gentle spicy notes that scream complexity and length. There is more sugar ripeness and less acidity, which is why it's drinking well now and will likely age faster than the norm. Simply excellent. When you find yourself losing faith in wine, this champagne will recharge your batteries.Prices:| BC | $169.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $324.99 | 1500ml |
| AB | $165.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $157.02 | 750ml |
| ON | $136.75 | 750ml |
| QC | $173.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Bollinger Rosé Brut NV
Champagne, FranceThe multi-vintage Bollinger Rosé has been a while coming to market, perhaps because it's hard to take the serious nature of Bollinger out of the wine and make it a fun rosé. The blend is 62/24/14 pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot meunier plus five to six percent still red wine (pinot noir). There is a richness and savoury aspect to this rosé that gets the Bollinger oak fermentation and lengthy lees time in the bottle. Again, the bubbles are tiny and creamy. The palate is dry with cherries/rhubarb/plums and a dusting of spice. Best with food like crab, lobster or a fresh berry tarts.Prices:| BC | $139.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Bollinger Special Cuvée Brut NV
Champagne, FranceSpecial Cuvée first appeared on Bollinger labels in 1911 after Bollinger’s London agent heard a family member ask someone on the staff to bring up a bottle of his special cuvée from the cellar. In any definition of a non-vintage house style in Champagne, Bollinger’s ‘Special Cuvée’ is it. The tiny bubbles alone are stunning. The toasty, biscuity nose, the pure, dry attack with bits of fresh red (cherry) and white (peach) fruits and the complex mid-palate and finish will make you forget prosecco forever. Special Cuvée has aged a minimum three, sometimes four to five years before release, and there is, on average, 10 percent reserve wine in the blend, some as old as fifteen years. And 50 percent of all that wine is fermented in oak casks. The mix is 60/25/15 pinot noir/chardonnay/pinot meunier, and over 85 percent is off Grand Cru, or Premier Cru rated vineyards and with 50 hectares owned Bollinger’s they supply 70 percent of all grapes required. One of the best champagnes in the market for its class.Prices:| BC | $94.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $90.25 | 750ml |
| ON | $78.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $76.25 | 750ml |
| PEI | $74.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $79.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $79.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
La Dilettante Vouvray Brut NV
Vouvray, Touraine, Loire, FrancePretty floral, elderflower, and apple blossom scent this lifted and light sparkling chenin blanc from Vouvray. Gentle white peach lingers on the bright, dry finish. Effortless and easily drinkable, especially at brunch.Prices:| BC | $46.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Moutard Pere et Fils Brut Grande Cuvée NV
Champagne, FranceToast and a sweep of sweet brioche opens the nose of this blanc de noirs, 100 percent pinot noir from the heavy clay, limestone-laced soils of Buxeuil and Polisy in the Côte des Bar. The Moutard family have been making wine since the seventeenth century, and this is their flagship wine. Thirty-six months on the lees, this full and toasty NV draws cherry and nuts along a creamy, doughy palate. A pin-prickling acidity lifts the weight to a lingering finish. A richer style, to pair with protein, at an excellent price.Prices:| BC | $47.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tantalus Blanc de Noir 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe inaugural release of their Blanc de Noir fizz is sourced from a single block of pinot noir planted in 1985. A pale rose petal pink, the wine pours with a persistent bead and mouth-filling mousse. Enticing aromas of sun-baked red apple, chalk, orchard blossom and almond biscotti lead to a creamy/crisp mouthfeel of refreshing white cherry, gooseberry and pink grapefruit. A wine for today, or to watch evolve over the coming years.Prices:| BC | $27.74 | 750ml |
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26 July 2016
87PTS
Protea Chenin Blanc 2015
Western Cape, South AfricaRipe melon, creamy pear, greengage and fleshy nectarine is textured with spicy apricot fuzz. Lees plumps out the round mid-palate, before a bright bitter citrus and herb finish. Though a tad clumsy, this incredible value, youthful wine brings all of chenin's orchard-creamy richness and is a worthy buy.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Pazo das Bruxas Albarino 2014
Rueda, Castilla-Leon, SpainBitter melon, green and yellow apples and Asian pear throughout this Albariño from northern Spain. Crunchy acidity is tempered by a medium bodied, weighted lees-lined palate. Six hours of skin contact adds to the complexities on the palate. Dusty stones and bitter almonds linger on the finish. This is a Miguel Torres project, and their entry into the granitic soils of Rias Baixas.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Michel Delhommeau Clos Armand Vieille Vigne Muscadet Sèvre et Maine 2011
Muscadet, Pays Nantais, Loire, FranceHeady earthy lees leads to a mineral-led, streamlined and subtle palate. Mild wildflower honey and a sheen of lanolin lines the mouth and weighs the palate, but this still finishes impressively light in body, with reams of stony complexity. Michel and Nathalie Delhommeau have 28 hectares of vineyards planted predominantly on gabbro soils (rock formed from molten lava).Prices:| USA | $25.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Angiolino Maule Masieri 2013
Veneto, ItalyThere is so much I love about this wine, the least of which is that it's so smashable, it's is only produced in magnum. Of course, there's the wild ferment, natural farming, volcanic soils, no added sulphites and no filtration to also love. But most importantly, the taste: fresh hay, green apple skin, light almond, subtle wildflowers and fine bitter lemon zest humming along on the finish. A fine slick of earthy lees oils the bottom of the palate, while herbal lemon oil laced acidity brightens the whole to a lightly grippy finish. To summarize: easily smashable. And in a highly shareable size - and affordable price.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 1500ml |
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85PTS
Gazela Vinho Verde NV
Vinho Verde, Northern Portugal, PortugalA mainstay on our market, most fittingly so every summer. Refreshing and zesty with potent spritz on the palate, this light bodied blend of loureiro, pederna, trajadura and azal branco has sour citrus, green apple and mild melon in a low alcohol (9 percent) package. Simple. Chill down and pair with a garden party - these colourful bottles can be prominently displayed as the artful centerpiece.Prices:| BC | $9.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Eastcott Furzehill 2015
EnglandFrom Solaris and Serval Blanc, this dry white is from Devon. Warm elderflower, tangerine peel and Asian pear is textured with a shear of lime pith acidity and grippiness. Salted herbs linger on the finish. Tasted in the UK.Prices:| UK | $12.00 | 750ml |
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25 July 2016
83PTS
Finca Los Primos Malbec 2015
San Rafael, General Alvear, Southern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaSweet and ripe plum, blackberry gummies and candied violets fill this round malbec. Juicy fruit floods the palate, but stops quite short and sharply on the toasted finish. Simple juice.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Valle Las Acequias Malbec Oak 2011
Mendoza, ArgentinaPipe tobacco, wild blackberry, leather lead this medium bodied, concentrated malbec, one that is made from 85-year-old vines from the Don Angelino estate in Medrano, Mendoza. Ten months in French oak ups the structure, but the density of the fruit can handle it, leaving tannins plush and welcoming. Juicy black plum, vanilla-dried black raspberry and dark chocolate cherry close out the lingering, spicy finish.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $24.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Escorihuela 1884 Estate Grown Malbec 2014
Mendoza, ArgentinaThis perfumed, plush and potent dark fruited malbec is from higher altitude vineyards in the foothills of the Andes, and spends eight months in 70/30 French/American oak. Ample sweet oak evident here, framing dense and super ripe blackcurrant, earthy cassis, dusty stones and smoked branch flavours. The finish is clipped with a dusty and granular cocoa grip. Best matched to grilled meats; indeed, that is what this wine is designed for.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| YK | $18.85 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Catena Malbec Mountain Vines 2014
Mendoza, ArgentinaSoft and fleshy perfumed blackcurrant flows throughout this full wine, freshened by four mountain foothill vineyards. Plush violets, cassis and plum rest on a velvet cushion supported by a solid wood frame. Bitter dark cocoa hangs on the finish. Extraction is potent, but the ripe fruit can pretty much take it on. Not fully knit at this stage, but nothing that a decant, grilled lamb or another year or two in bottle wouldn't sort.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $24.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $24.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Le Gouleyant Malbec 2013
Cahors, Sud-Ouest, FranceTobacco and light smoke filter through the juicy black plum and leather leading this malbec, strengthened by sinewy tannins and plumped with ripe cherry and sweetly herbal raspberry fruit. The rusticity of the tannins sticks out on the finish, outlasting the fruit, and leaving an ashen note and a curl of heat. The Vigouroux family was a pioneering force in Cahors, making wine there since 1887, and re-establishing ancient vineyard sites after phylloxera wiped out the area.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $16.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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22 July 2016
86PTS
Ruffino Extra Dry Prosecco NV
Veneto, ItalyThe classic Charmat (tank method) brings the bubble to this straw-yellow fizz, with fresh honeysuckle mixed with apples and lemon lime on the nose. The palate is similar with more apple, pear and honeyed fruit with a soft, creamy, off-dry finish. Try this with spicy sushi rolls or a creamy pasta dish. Simple, fun and tasty summer bubble.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
| NB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $17.98 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Nk'Mip Cellars Dreamcatcher 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAromatic and fresh, the nose is a mix of gooseberry, lime rind and dried herbs. The off-dry palate is a blend of riesling, sauvignon blanc, ehrenfelser, pinot blanc and chardonnay, carrying on the same thread as the nose, with pear, guava, candied tangerine and gooseberry balanced by a touch of bitterness and plenty of lush acidity. Try this with a favourite curry or summer salad.Prices:| BC | $17.49 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Cuma Organic Biologique Torrontés 2015
Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, ArgentinaCuma is the organic line of wines from Michel Torino Estate. Perfumed lemon blossoms, gooseberry, white peach, subtle jasmine tea and grass is cut with a shearing citrus pith acidity on a short, heated finish. Brisk and cleansing, best chilled and drunk young.Prices:| BC | $12.49 | 750ml |
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88PTS
C.C. Jentsch The Quest 2016
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe mix is 61/27/12 chardonnay/viognier/gewürztraminer and its fresh, bright and exciting on the nose and palate. The estate fruit is from their site on Road 13, the Cachola and Sportsman's Bowl vineyards, and from a new chardonnay estate in cooler Summerland. Expect a fresh citrus palate from the Summerland chardonnay, richer floral viognier fruit, spice and aromatics from the gewürztraminer and weight and texture from some Oliver chardonnay. Love the delicious juicy drinkability here that doesn’t tire the palate. Made for alfresco summer lunches and dinners. Good value.Prices:| BC | $17.90 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Hillside Muscat Ottonel 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMuscat Ottonel was the first grape variety planted at the original Hillside farmgate winery and now boasts over 30 years of time in the ground. There is not a lot of this wine but it’s sensational, especially since winemaker Kathy Malone intervened in the vineyard to give these old vines some extra care before stepping back in the winery to let the grapes express what they had by themselves. All floral and spice, this is classic muscat ottonel that would shock a lot of Europeans with its authenticity. The grapes are hand harvested at a modest 21.5° Brix, handled gently with some skin contact before a long slow ferment – just what the doctor ordered. It ends with a touch of residual sugar, for an off-dry finish. Look for a floral, spicy, orange, ginger aromas that preview a delicate, sophisticated, elegantly-styled muscat awash in green apple, minty, rosewater flavours. The finish tastes like more. Try this with a light fish dish or a favourite sushi role. Bravo.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Noble Ridge Mingle 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAlways a bit waxy and floral, the 2014 is fresher and brighter with perfumed, honeyed fruit. The attack is spicy and warm but with brighter fruit, bits of orange, baked apple and juicy, grassy flavours. One of many fruit salad whites that come out of the Okanagan. Serve this with a favourite curry dish.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Blasted Church Holy Matrimony 2014
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLong, warm days easily ripened the 2014 crop. This fruit salad blend is a 57/33/10 mix of pinot blanc, ehrenfelser and viognier all fermented cold and slow in stainless steel tanks. The nose is a mix of honey and flowers. The palate a mix of sliced apples and honey with a touch of bitterness that helps balance out the sweetness. A summer sipper for the patio.Prices:| BC | $16.50 | 750ml |
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21 July 2016
90PTS
Domini De La Cartoixa Formiga De Galena 2013
Priorato, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainFormiga is a blend of Priorato grenache noir, carignan and syrah that is aged about 9 months in an 80/20 mix of French and American oak. The attack is round and juicy with intense stony, black fruit aromas and similar smoky, savoury, black cherry fruit flavours that fill the mouth. Try this with grilled meats, a thick steak or roast. Terrific value here in what is a serious, modern red made in an old school way. There are eleven hectares of vineyards onsite all farmed organically.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Famille Perrin Vacqueyras Les Christins 2013
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceThere is a lot to like about this grenache/syrah blend (80/20) that comes off eight hectares of old vines (50 years) located on the Commune of Sarrians, south of the Dentelles de Montmirail. The fermentation is split between wood and tanks for one month. The colour is deep, and the nose an impressive mix of black pepper and liquorice. On the palate the wine lingers, spewing peppery, plummy, rich, black raspberry fruit to a spicy mineral finish, flecked with gamey, coriander notes. Fall venison, or barbecue beef are a fine match. This will improve in the cellar through 2022.Prices:| BC | $23.49 | 750ml |
| QC | $24.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Famille Perrin Côtes du Rhône Rouge Réserve 2013
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceAh, Côtes du Rhône is such a classic bistro red. Every time I have a solid one, especially a familiar one like Perrin, I wonder why more people don't drink these food-friendly, inexpensive wines more often. Fresh and bright, this grenache/shiraz/mourvèdre/cinsault blend draws black cherry, raspberry across finely sticky tannins and ample black and white pepper. The finish is snappy and spiced, but carries a lot of heat. Roasted chicken or steak frites are a natural match.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Famille Perrin Coudoulet de Beaucastel 2013
Rasteau, Côtes du Rhône Villages, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceThe 30ha of Coudoulet sits just east of the Beaucastel vineyard on both sides of A7 motorway. There are many similarities to Beaucastel, including the soils and the large pebbles they refer to as ‘Galets Roulés.’ The 40/30/20/10 blend of grenache, mourvèdre, cinsault and syrah is fermented separately in concrete and blended after malolactic fermentation before ageing in oak foudres for 6 months. Look for a spicy, fresh red fruit nose with juicy red and black fruit flavours and prominent acidity. Soft and balanced, the finish is mix of black raspberry and pepper laced garrigue. Grilled lamb chops would be a perfect match.Prices:| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $32.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $33.00 | 750ml |
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20 July 2016
89PTS
Nichol Vineyard Nine Mile Red 2014
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNine Mile was named after the original name of Naramata village, and this unique wine is an original blend of St. Laurent and Pinot Noir and is grown on granite bedrock. After air time blows off a reductive note, this juicy, pure-fruited black raspberry and cherry wine charms with its authenticity. Friendly and bright, red fruit is scented with fresh rosemary and brightened by crunchy acids. Fine tannins frame the whole to a spiced, savoury finish. Easily drinkable.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Lock and Worth Square One Cabernet Franc V.4 2014
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe forth incarnate of this wine, this is 1995 planted Naramata Bench cabernet franc, grown on clay and rested seventeen months in neutral French oak before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. Fleshy black plum, black cherry, quiet anise and red currant is chiseled with structured, grippy and fine tannins and seasoned with enticing brambled herbs. Young and subtle, but with compact fruit, enjoy this now with a decant, or be rewarded with some cellar time.Prices:| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Lock and Worth Merlot 2015
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is unlike any other Okanagan merlot you've tasted, and that is a good thing. Allow this youthful, fresh red some air time to blow off a reductive note and you'll be rewarded with a pure view of 1995 planted, sandy soiled Naramata merlot. Low interventionist, this was gently destemmed before five days of skin contact, then basket pressed and fermented in neutral French oak where it spent seven months before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. Gently sweet ripe plum, black cherry and wild raspberry is suspended along a bright, fresh and hazy palate. Light-medium bodied, with feather soft tannins and a finely rasped white pepper spice on the juicy finish. This is a gulpable, soft red that will shift your perception about what merlot is / can be.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Lock and Worth Semillon 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLock & Worth is a Naramata based partnership between Matthew Sherlock & Ross Hackworth – long time colleagues and comrades from Nichol Vineyard. This is from a single vineyard in Kelowna planted in 1993 semillon, was fermented wild and whole cluster pressed before fourteen months on full solids in neutral French oak before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. Understated and confidently so, this savoury sem draws hay, earthy lees, flax, flake sea salt and a whiff of wildflower honey to a very long, finely spiced finish. The 2013 vintage is starting to really show some of the alluring waxy bacon fat that semillon builds with age. Indeed, this has a long way to go yet.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Lock and Worth Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2013
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLock & Worth is a Naramata based partnership between Matthew Sherlock & Ross Hackworth – longtime colleagues and comrades from Nichol Vineyard, further up Naramata Bench. The duo’s low interventionist winemaking philosophy is in play here, with grapes sourced from 1999 plantings on gravelly soils in Oliver. Three quarter whole cluster press and a six month layover in neutral French oak has filled out some of the mineral stoney framework, resulting in a flinty, wild herb and citrus dressed wine. Bright acidity is tempered with a cushion of pear, hay and salted, dried herbs. Aging very well.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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19 July 2016
88PTS
CedarCreek Pinot Noir 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWild yeast fermented with fruit from Block 4 of their home vineyard, this medium bodied pinot noir carries forest berries, rhubarb, ripe strawberries and black cherry jam along a smooth palate. A middling tug of cedar hewn tannins and fine cinnamon spice on the mid palate, before a heated medicinal cherry twist on the finish. The alcohol here welcomes protein; I recommend duck or chicken thighs with mushrooms.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wente Riva Ranch Single Vineyard Pinot Noir 2013
Arroyo Seco, Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesFrom the gravel-loam soils of Riva Ranch vineyard in Arroyo Seco, Monterey, this pinot noir is made of parcels dating back to 1963. Plush and silken on the palate, with waves of subtle smoke, soft black raspberry, cherry and wild raspberries riding fine-grained, slightly powdery tannins. Quite harmonious and round until a warm, bitter cocoa-dusted finish. Serve with a fire-grilled pork chop.Prices:| BC | $27.49 | 750ml |
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88PTS
50th Parallel Estate Pinot Noir 2014
Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSteady as she goes here with a bright, juicy, spicy pinot that slides down easily. Look for red cherry/raspberry rhubarb fruit with soft edges. Very drinkable and ready to go all summer with grilled duck, pork or chicken. Solid northern BC pinot style.Prices:| BC | $36.80 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Noble Ridge Reserve Pinot Noir 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaStarting to tire a bit on the nose and showing more oak and alcohol the ‘12 Reserve opens with some black raspberry pie aromas. The structure is full and rich with more red fruit flavours flecked with mint and sage. The finish is surprisingly dry, almost tannic. Needs some time to resolve the tannins that it shouldn’t really have. The Reserve spends 14 - 16 months in French oak.Prices:| BC | $29.90 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Liquidity Pinot Noir 2014
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2014 has turned the corner on finesse and elegance. There is plenty of cherry jam, fruit aromas and flavours but appropriately flecked with a savoury, cool forest floor and worsteshire notes. Beautiful soft textures with depth and persistence. Well done and should be even better with food: roast turkey, duck and or chicken dishes.Prices:| BC | $29.90 | 750ml |
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18 July 2016
88PTS
Soahc Estate Wines Chardonnay 2015
Kootenay River Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOrchard pear, cream and fine spices lead the 2015 Soahc Chardonnay, this year produced in association with Poplar Grove winery. A pioneering property in both biodynamics and location (Fruitvale), they've aligned with advisors Alain Sutre and Philippe Armenier for guidance on this project. Reflective of the warm 2015 vintage, this year's Chardonnay carries much more weight than the nimble 2014, with width on the palate gently textured with fine stone and hemmed in with green apple acids. A lick of hazelnut sits on the shorter finish.Prices:| BC | $26.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Alamos Chardonnay 2014
Mendoza, ArgentinaThis Mendoza chardonnay underwent partial malolactic fermentation before four-to-six months on the lees in French and American oak. Rich and full, with ample toasty wood and clove spice, topped by a layer of red apple and buttered pear, and a sheen of lemon on the top. A nice ribbon of lemon works hard to lift the weight, but this simple white finishes somewhat clumsy and lacking cohesion at present time.Prices:| BC | $13.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $15.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $16.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Culmina Family Estate Dilemma 2014
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSoft, round, buttery, baked apple nose with bits of honey, smoke and lees. The attack is soft, warm and round with spicy, baked apple, vanilla and citrus rind in the back end. Again, the style is more old-school California than Burgundy but not quite as fat as the 2014 and with better lees. Time in the bottle is recommended here. Made for rich, seafood dishes including Dungeness crab and lobster or veal chops in a creamy mushroom sauce.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Spierhead Chardonnay GFV Saddle Block 2015
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRipe and round and floral, the fruit is sourced from the Saddle Block within the Gentleman Farmer Vineyard. It's thirty percent barrel aged for six months in French oak, with the rest fermented in stainless steel. The palate is concentrated and buttery with lemon curd, honeysuckle and pear butter but all with a resiny, short, warm finish. This vintage of Chardonnay not quite up to the pinot gris or pinot noir quality we see at Spierhead.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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15 July 2016
89PTS
Giovanni Rosso Nebbiolo Langhe Rosso 2013
Piedmont, ItalyAnother good effort from Giovanni Rosso, here using nebbiolo's earthy tobacco and cedar notes, with ample smoky strawberry/cherries aromas for balance. The entry is dry and elegant with well-contained tannins. On the palate the fruit does a perfect dance to support the licorice, cherry/tar and savoury, celery salt flavours. A food-friendly, lighter style nebbiolo with fine elegance. Try this with your favourite mushroom dishes. Good value.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Altesino Rosso di Montalcino 2013
Tuscany, ItalyThe first duty of a Rosso di Montalcino is to be drinkable. Altesino gets that, and more, on the nose and palate with a purity of fruit and a strong undercurrent of acid to keep it all fresh and mouthwatering. Look for bright red fruits with a hint of savoury, cedar and tobacco in the background. A great food wine for raw beef or mushroom risotto.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Batasiolo Barbera d'Alba Sabri 2012
Piedmont, ItalyWhen barbera is juicy and fruity and the acidity is under control, it is a delicious everyday red suitable for a myriad of foods: beef, chicken, mushrooms all work. This wine has weight and texture, plus plummy red fruit flavours. A classic presentation of an honest Italian red and a wonderful everyday red for uncomplicated fare. Good value in BC, a steal in Ontario.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Masi Campofiorin 2012
Verona, Veneto, ItalyDubbed the original ‘Super Venetian” by Burton Anderson, Campofiorin is now in its sixth decade of production. Back then it was the beginning of the Masi 'ripasso' method of repassing the lighter Valpolicella juice over the used skins of richer Amarone pressings to add an extra injection of colour, texture and flavour to the milder Valpolicella. In this case you can look for a gamey, leather, licorice/floral nose flecked with dried herbs. The attack is fresh with a peppery, cherry, licorice flavour and more savoury, tobacco and leather notes and some bitterness in the finish. Ready to drink with a meaty ragu sauce. Masi rates the 2012 a five-star vintage on the label.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $21.75 | 750ml |
| SK | $23.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.50 | 750ml |
| NB | $23.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $22.50 | 750ml |
| YK | $23.50 | 750ml |
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14 July 2016
93PTS
Glaetzer Anaperenna 2012
Ebenezer, Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThe 2012 Anaperenna is an 82/18 mix of shiraz/ cabernet sauvignon from approximately 70-year old vines, and opens with that warm, rich, inviting Barossa Valley (Ebenezer) nose of black fruits and brown spices. The attack is glossy smooth with pure dark berry fruit and enough acidity and tannin to balance the wine perfectly in the finish. Complex and brooding. You could drink this now or cellar it another five to seven years. Easily one of the best modern vintages in Barossa and a top flight Anaperenna.Prices:| BC | $80.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $59.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $60.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Glaetzer Bishop Shiraz 2014
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaWinemaker Ben Glaetzer pulls from 90 to 95-year-old, dry farmed shiraz vines for his Bishop. The fruit is aged in mostly French barrels of which about 40 percent are new each year. Open top fermenters and hand plunging 2-3 times per day adds a softness to his wines that makes them more approachable in their youth. Look for the signature Ebenezer style, opulent dark fruit with a savoury spicy undercurrent. The attack is fresh, the acidity in check with supple, velvety tannins awash in black cherry, creamy blueberry, red licorice fruit. Glaetzer battle frosts and searing heat spikes but in the end manage to make a very good Bishop in 2014. Lamb anyone?Prices:| BC | $43.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $40.00 | 750ml |
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13 July 2016
87PTS
Graffigna Centanario Pinot Grigio Reserve 2015
San Juan, ArgentinaThis pinot grigio was sourced from vineyards in Pedernal and Tulum Valley in San Juan, and created in a tribute to the 100th anniversary of the winery, founded 1870. A pinot gris at altitude it opens with bright, clean aromas, supported by fine lees that carries onto the palate with meadow grass, green apple and grapefruit flavours. The finish is short and warming with notes of grapefruit rind oil. Chill this lean bodied white and enjoy with prawns.Prices:| AB | $13.50 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.25 | 750ml |
| BC | $12.59 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.79 | 750ml |
| SK | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $15.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Hillside Un-oaked Pinot Gris 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIt's back, and just as good as last year. Is this a complicated wine? No, but it gets full marks for being delicious. Hillside has made the long journey to terroir-based wines grown only on the Naramata bench and this one comes from around the village. Fresh and juicy, with slivers of orange that accentuate the citrus washed orchard fruit. It has a just a hint of colour a la Provençal which would tempt me to sell this as a pinot gris rosé, a category I’m sure BCers can get behind. Think grilled chicken, mussels, clams, cracked crab. Drink all summer while it lasts.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Lagaria Pinot Grigio 2014
Veneto, ItalyFrom Veneto's Lagarina Valley, this bright, lean pinot grigio brings pear, yellow apple and melon to a crisp, green, short finish. Fragrant flowers and almond play a secondary note, but this is all about the youthful and tight fruit with a twist of lees. Compact and crisp, chill and drink now with sushi or assorted shellfish.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wild Goose Pinot Gris 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFresh, persistent, honeycomb, pear and floral scents. On the palate a pinch of spice and rose petals lift the honey-lined fruit with a savoury, dried herb undercurrent touched with sugar. Lean, food-friendly and ready-to-drink. Think summer salads, lighter fish dishes or fried chicken pairings, but it can handle the spice.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
See Ya Later Ranch Pinot Gris 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is a big, rich style of pinot gris with floral, spicy, mineral aromas jumping from the glass. The attack is led by honeyed, spicy red apple and pear fruit with just enough light lees and spice to keep it all balanced. The finish is round and rich with a bit of sweetness. The acid is fine and it is not too warm. Try this with fresh fish served with a fresh fruit salsa. Good value.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Noble Ridge Pinot Grigio 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen cooked pear and grapefruit aromas. The entry is bit flabby with resiny, honey cooked fruit flavours with a touch of marzipan and spice. Not enough zest to jump out of the glass. Needs chilling.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Villa Maria Pinot Gris Private Bin 2015
East Coast, New ZealandConsistent every year, from a floral, honey, baked pear nose, to its full, juicy, sweet mid-palate. Look for honey and guava, citrus flecked throughout a very ripe pear red apple fruit palate. Best with spicy dishes that can take on the sweetness we are not so used to with pinot gris. Simple, soft and ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $17.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.99 | 750ml |
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12 July 2016
87PTS
Oyster Bay Sparkling Cuvée Brut NV
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandLemon blossoms, pear and shearing green apple open this Marlborough traditional method fizz, 100 percent chardonnay, but not labelled blanc de blanc (in line with the Keep It Simple Stupid camp). Tight and lively, with dusty stone, lemon, a light sweet pear core and overt pithy white grapefruit throughout. Leaves a powdery citrus note on the finish.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $23.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $24.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $27.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $25.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Quartz Reef Méthode Traditionnelle Central Otago NV
Central Otago, South Island, New ZealandLight golden in hue, this biodynamic pinot noir / chardonnay from Bendigo, Central Otago spent 24 months on the lees, and it is integrated beautifully. That savoury lees is joined by red apple, delicate florals and cherry, all grounded by a subtle brioche nuttiness and lifted by crisp mineral and pink grapefruit vibrancy. Fresh and complete, with a lingering pithiness on the very lengthy finish.Prices:| QC | $34.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Kim Crawford Small Parcels Fizz Méthode Traditionelle 2009
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandThis 60/40 pinot noir/chardonnay has spent 42 months on the lees before disgorging July 2013. Grapes were sourced from Marlborough's Aware and Southern Valleys. Ample toast and dough come across coarse on the palate, though there is a pleasant cherry, firm pear and red apple fruit core. A plastic note lingers on the shorter finish. Drink now.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $29.55 | 750ml |
| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
No. 1 Family Estate No. 1 Cuvée Blanc de Blancs NV
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandSpiced ginger dough, sea salt and frizzed lemon pith open this blanc de blancs, from 100 percent chardonnay. The tight, green apple and lemon character has been deepened and matured with two years on the lees, but still retains the marine freshness. Elegant and well integrated.Prices:| NZ | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Nautilus Estate Cuvée Marlborough NV Brut NV
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandThis 70/30 pinot noir/chardonnay was disgorged in September 2014 after spending three years on the lees. Five to fifteen percent reserve wine ups the ample richness here. A savoury, soy saltiness permeates a full bodied, nutty and doughy base. Ginger spicing warms the pear and red apple fruit to a very pithy, moderate finish. Rich and evolved style, missing subtlety.Prices:| NZ | $28.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Hunter's MiruMiru Marlborough NV
Wairau Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandMiruMiru translates to bubbles in Maori. This traditional method fizz has spent 18 months on the lees, after undergoing full malformation. Chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier express fairly firm oxidative character, with toast, light cherry, red apple, bread dough on a medium bodied palate, finishing with a searingly bitter lemon pith and almond note.Prices:| NZ | $25.00 | 750ml |
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11 July 2016
91PTS
Nik Weis St. Urbans-Hof Wiltinger Alte Reben 2014
Mosel, GermanyThough Schlangengraben means 'snake pit' in German, there are no snakes around this vineyard, though there are lots of little lizards that love the hot, red slate soils. Also loving the slate soils here: riesling vines, up to 110 years old (Alte Reben means old vines). Concentration with restraint, with ample stone, light honeysuckle, herbed Bosc pear and fragrant Mediterranean lemon filling the honed frame. The slippery palate pulses with a precision that is highly alluring - fortunate because with only 10.5 percent alcohol, this smashable riesling goes quickly. Wild ferment, a subtle, herbal minerality draws throughout this quietly confident wine. This is VDP Ortswein, or village wine, assigned to traditional vineyards and grapes, and often terroir driven. Trocken (dry), VDP Ortswein can append the name of the village to the label - here, Wiltinger.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Fort Berens Riesling 2015
Lillooet, British Columbia, CanadaThis off-dry riesling is whole cluster pressed from Lillooet estate fruit, fermented cold for a month and then partial press was back blended, aiming for additional richness. The result is distinctly sweet and sour, with tight and crisp apple and pear sitting atop a base of creamy sweet gooseberry and pear butter. The finish is short and chilling is welcome. Drink now.Prices:| BC | $18.40 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Soahc Estate Wines Riesling 2015
Kootenay River Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery floral, with a garden of lime blossoms and acacia textured with crystalline lemon. Off dry and juicy, with ample tropical flavours and a swipe of ginger spicing on the snappy finish. Rounder and softer than the inaugural 2014 vintage. In 2015, this was produced in association with Poplar Grove winery. A pioneering property in both biodynamics and location (Fruitvale), they've aligned with advisors Alain Sutre and Philippe Armenier for guidance on this project.Prices:| BC | $23.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Lang Vineyards Farm Reserve Riesling 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLang is all about riesling and this label is perhaps the most consistent player in the lineup. Orange blossoms and honey mix with fresh cut apples and a tangy, citrus mineral finish. Clean and fresh, this would be a fun wine to serve with pulled pork sandwiches.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Leitz Dragonstone Riesling Kabinett 2014
Rheingau, GermanyI lost my original note, so this wine was re-tasted from a new bottle and it remains a winner. Look for a smoky, green apple skin, lime/nectarine aromas with a clean, fresh, lively acidity underneath. The attack is elegant but crisp with plenty of fresh cut green apple fruit, a hint of grass, a squeeze of lime and a long orchard fruit finish. Juicy, delicate and delicious. Chicken, pork, veal - they all work here.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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10 July 2016
88PTS
Howling Bluff Sauvignon Blanc Reserve Three Mile Creek 2016
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe ‘Reserve’ HB sauvignon is defined by oak. In this case 60 percent of the Three Mill Creek Vineyard fruit was fermented in 60 percent new French oak puncheons and then aged in the wood for four months. Lime rind and passion fruit fill the palate with some scruffy, woolly elements in the back end. This will need a bit of time to settle into itself but if you like the style and are patient this should deliver sometime next spring. If you open this now, try it with veal piccata or a simply roasted chicken.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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08 July 2016
90PTS
Clos du Soleil Capella 2014
British Columbia, CanadaThe ’14 is an 88/12 mix of sauvignon blanc and sémillon that is 100 percent barrel fermented and lees stirred using only a small amount of new French oak. The nose is expressive, south desert with notes of elderflower, white peach and pink grapefruit that spill onto a creamy, citrus, grassy passionfruit palate. There is a little less electricity on the palate but has fine minerality and balance, and a little more sheen and weight in the style of a white Bordeaux. And it's delicious drinking. Serve with most west coast seafood.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Clos du Soleil Signature 2013
British Columbia, CanadaSignature is the Clos du Soleil Bordeaux blend, but I say Similkameen-style. The 2013 may be better than the very fine 2012. It is a 51/34/11/2/2 blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, petit verdot and malbec from Cawston and Keremeos. A reduced percentage of cabernet sauvignon and reduced oak ageing (now seventeen months) are setting this wine free. The fruit is pure and raw at this point with rich blackberry/black raspberry scents and flavour but all with restraint and refinement. Savoury cedar threads are spun throughout the wine setting off the black fruits, tobacco and oak. Again balance is the key here. Cellar this five years or grill a steak if you must open the bottle. Production is an impressive 850 cases.Prices:| BC | $44.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Clos du Soleil Grower's Series Makepeace Cabernet Merlot 2013
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom the annual, all-Similkameen, small-lot Grower's Series Collection that features one white and one red pick by winemaker Michael Clark, the 2013 red is an 82/18 blend of cabernet sauvignon and merlot, sourced from the Chopaka Ridge Vineyard of Cawston. The cabernet and merlot were vinified separately, and then blended together to spend 16 months in 100% French oak barrels. Look for that tell-tale fragrant savoury desert nose flecked with cedar, red and black fruits. On the palate the wine is juicy with ripe earthy, savoury berries, reminiscent of Bolgheri. Tannins are round and polished, the flavours a mix of grilled toast, mocha, black raspberry fruit. Simple but very well made and fun to drink now but should age well through 2018.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Clos du Soleil Saturn 2013
Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis 100 percent sauvignon blanc, harvested from 18-year-old vines sports a deep yellow gold colour three years on. The fruit was simply fermented for 18 days in mostly old, neutral, French oak puncheons, and then aged on the lees until bottling. Look for an expansive, ripe nose of rich butter, deep peach, apricot and floral notes. Intense lime and mandarin blossom coats the palate with vanilla, honey and heady pear nectar on the palate. A spicy and savoury finish lingers. Would make a lovely pour alongside vanilla or peach cheesecake or blue cheeses. The residual sugar count was 67.4 g/L. the harvest dates were November 20 and 21.Prices:| BC | $28.90 | 375ml |
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93PTS
Clos du Soleil Estate Reserve Red 2012
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Estate Reserve red is considered the pinnacle of the CdS portfolio. It’s a story of place: British Columbia, Similkameen, Keremeos, the Upper Bench. Only 4 barrels or just under 100 cases were made in terrific 2012 vintage. The blend 53/27/13/6/1 cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, petit verdot and malbec. The nose is enticing, offering savoury, almost perfumed floral/violet notes that preview a silky, stony, nuanced, red wine. The palate is a mix of fully ripe fruit raspberry and blackberry fruits with that late-day, sweet spice of the Similkameen Valley. Juicy, stony, complex and spicy all at once, it has the elegance to draw you back into the wine. Still young and putting on weight this is a wine for the future. The wine spent 17 months in 100% French oak barrels; it was bottled unfined and unfiltered.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Clos du Soleil Rosé 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaYou can’t like them all and as much as I admire the wines of Clos du Soleil the rosé made from 100% cabernet sauvignon needs to go back to the drawing board. The colour is fine but the attack is tart with resiny rhubarb and lemon flavours. In short, it is too much work to drink. The sauvignon blanc is so good here I would consider colouring it with some cabernet sauvignon and go for a fresher, fruitier version.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Clos du Soleil Célestiale 2013
Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis Bordeaux-styled blend mixes merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, malbec and petit verdot from the Similkameen. Look for savoury, smoky, peppery, leather, prune/plum, black berry, rooty, licorice aromas. Dry, fresh, elegant, juicy red fruits with a leaner palate flecked with tobacco, resin, coffee, black olive, gamey, sage and vanilla flavours. The finish is warm and slightly acidic. Less complex than the Estate Reserve it still needs two to four years to reach maturity. Serve now with roasted meats.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $26.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Clos du Soleil Estate Reserve White 2014
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe ’15 "Estate Reserve", a 71/29 mix of sauvignon blanc/sémillon all from the home vineyard in the Similkameen Valley is the first ever flagship white release from Clos du Soleil. The winemaking is minimal, and includes 100 percent wild ferment of the two grapes that are co-fermented. The blend spends eight months in oak puncheons. The nose is fresh and stony with complex aromas of citrus (lime) pear and white flowers. Similar flavours mark the palate with perfect acidity to support. Lovely complex, mineral white that speaks to the Similkameen. Perfect with fresh shucked oysters, or most white meats.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Clos du Soleil Fumé Blanc 2015
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2015 Fumé Blanc is all Okanagan fruit. The blend is 82/18 sauvignon blanc/sémillon. The nose is bright, with some gooseberry/passionfruit undertones not unlike the New Zealand style. Just a touch of wood fleshes out the mid-palate. The textures are slightly softer and rounder this year with the increase in sémillon, all of which tempers the fresh pineapple/grapefruit flavours. Rotisserie chicken, goat cheese or mussels will work here. Solid.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Clos du Soleil Grower's Series Pinot Blanc Middle Bench Vineyard 2015
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom the annual, all-Similkameen, Grower's Series Collection that features one white and one red pick by winemaker Michael Clark, the 2015 white is a pinot blanc that comes off the Middle Bench Vineyard in Keremeos. The nose is a delightful mix of perfumed floral notes with stony nectarine, pear and appeal notes. The palate is clean and juicy with creamy lees and stony, mineral, fruity flavours but all in a minimalist style. Quietly complex and food friendly from grilled chicken to grilled halibut. Only 206 cases made.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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07 July 2016
86PTS
A Mano Rosato 2015
Salento, Puglia, ItalySuper fruity, super fresh, this is a blend primitivo and aleatico from Puglia coming off 30-year-old dry farmed hillside vines planted on sandy soil. Fragrant ripe peaches overtake this tropical fruited wine, with the fleshy orchard fruit from first whiff to the zesty, peach fuzz finish. As round as a fruit-gummy, this is punctuated by crystallized orange and ginger spicing. Just off dry, pair this fun pink with spiced pakoras or other appetizers.Prices:| BC | $19.50 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Rocky Creek Robin's Rosé 2015
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWeighty in both hue (dark pink) and packaging (a very hefty frosted bottle), this pinot noir rosé is from two Cowichan vineyards and vines ranging from 6-20 years in age. Dry and medium bodied, with tart rhubarb, cranberry juice and light herbal leafiness. Green stem lurks in the background, mostly apparent on the short, snappy finish. The rear label informs that this is "manly but sophisticated" and contains only 74 calories / 4 ounce glass : 0 guilt.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Fort Berens Pinot Noir Rosé 2015
British Columbia, CanadaDay-glo pink this pinot noir / merlot rosé was sourced from the Fort Berens Estate Vineyard in Lillooet and Front Bench in Summerland. Mid-sweet, with a cloying and round mouthfeel, candied apple and orange drink punch on the finish. Needs ice, or even better, fruit and soda for a punch. The majority was fermented in stainless with a small portion fermented in American oak.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Jules Côtes de Provence 2015
Côtes de Provence, Provence, Sud de France, FranceSunripened strawberries, pear and stones rule this medium bodied, dryish rosé from Côtes de Provence. Cinsault, tibouren, grenache in a 70/15/15 blend come across with a lovely fruity silkiness, carried by a wave of glycerol and finish with a quenching juiciness.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Evolve Rosé 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBright light pink colour. The palate is a mix of melons and ripe strawberries with a whack of sugar that needs to be tempered by a cool serving temperature. If you like some residual sugar in your rose this sweet, soft, slippery pink is for you.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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06 July 2016
89PTS
Stag's Hollow Albarino Shuttleworth Creek Vineyard 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWe were impressed with the elegance of this the floral peach nose and the dry mineral palate with its savoury undercurrent. We like the energy here and for the first release it is impressive. The fruit came in on two different days from Shuttleworth Creek Vineyard in Okanagan Falls. It was all hand-picked and sorted. The juice is cold settled for 72 hours before yeast inoculation. One lot went into stainless steel and fermented the other went into 2nd year French oak; the proportion in the blend is 75/25 respectively. Both were aged on their lees for 2 months and stirred periodically. Very promising.Prices:| BC | $20.25 | 750ml |
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86PTS
CedarCreek Meritage 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHerbal and twined black cherry, ink, vanilla and strident cedar lead this full bodied meritage, a blend of malbec, cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc. Highly extracted and ripe, with sticky tannins, dense blackberry, potent violets, spicy cloves and vanilla, all scented with a dusty warm sage and pine herbaceousness. Twenty-two months in French oak and a warm southern Okanagan climate certainly have made their statement here. Assertive and powerful, only tamed at this stage with a meaty rack of lamb or a nap.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
CedarCreek Cabernet Merlot 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis Cabernet Merlot is actually predominantly merlot (58 percent) with 18/16/8 cabernet franc/cabernet sauvignon/malbec to prop up. Potent anise, cassis and stewed vanilla black fruits are hemmed in with strident cedar planked tannins and dusted with bitter black cocoa and heady cloves which overwhelm the finish. Bold and rustic, best served up with rich beef stew.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Blasted Church Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot 2013
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWe haven’t seen this wine for a while but its all grown up now. The nose is highly attractive mixing cherries and fragrant fruit cake notes with a savoury undercurrent. The wine is full-bodied but well balanced with ripe, but not overripe cassis and black cherry fruit with a twist of blackberry and cherry flavours all with a complex mix of tobacco, pepper and coffee. A perfect compliment to roasted or grilled meats. Well done. The blend is 77/19/4 cabernet sauvignon/merlot/petit verdot.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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05 July 2016
87PTS
Protea Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Coastal Region, South AfricaCabernet sauvignon from the Groenekloof ward in the Darling area goes into this smooth, supple, medium bodied red. One year in a mix of French oak (various sizes and ages) and stainless steel has provided thin, slightly sticky tannins while preserving freshness. The silken palate carries branch, leather, fresh cherry and black raspberry to a finely rasped peppercorn, bitter espresso finish.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Orofino Passion Pit Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis wine continues to cling to its youth at the three and half year mark. The nose is a mix of spice and rich cassis fruit with a stony savoury undercurrent. Toasted oak and more powerful fruit hits the palate and persists through the warm spicy, somewhat bitter finish. This guy needs time or some roasted meat to slice into the tannins and heft that await you. Cabernet with a capital C.Prices:| BC | $22.13 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Nederburg Cabernet Sauvignon Winemaster's Reserve 2013
Western Cape, South AfricaDark and wild blackcurrant, black cherry and tobacco are framed with finely structured tannins in this medium bodied, smoothed red. Light smoke and black pepper carry through the finish. Ideal now with some age under its belt. Great value.Prices:| BC | $11.49 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.10 | 750ml |
| NS | $13.85 | 750ml |
| NF | $16.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesAnother easy sipping cabernet from Ste Michelle albeit on the sweetish side of dry. The attack is round, the tannins soft with savoury, mocha coffee black raspberry fruit flavours with smoky, cedar, vanilla notes in the finish. Simple style but ready to drink. Serve with grilled beef or pork or with a mature cheese.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $27.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $26.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Culmina Family Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAt this stage the first ever release of cabernet sauvignon is showing some awkward youthful edge of most of its key ingredients. The nose is a mix of savoury medicinal scents with cedar, spice and smoke. The entry is polished and round but the tannins build up quickly and dominate the cassis fruit. The finish is somewhat acidic which accentuates the tannins. Time is required in the bottle for this variety to soften up and settle down. Serve now with a grilled, well-marbled steak.Prices:| BC | $31.00 | 750ml |
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04 July 2016
84PTS
Ironstone Vineyards Obsession Symphony 2013
California, United StatesA garden of blossoms opens this off dry California white. Symphony is a modern grape, a cross of muscat of Alexandria and grenache gris. The perfumed muscat shows to a short, snappy finish. Pear drop, lime Kool-Aid, overripe honeydew is carried by a trickle of acidity. Simple stuff; chill down.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Yalumba Christobel’s Moscato 2015
AustraliaA bowl of fragrant fruit salad in a blooming garden of flowers sums up this new moscato from Yalumba. Crystalline lime and a bead of spritz livens up baked pear, tangerine, lemongrass and ripe gooseberry fruit, all wrapped up in a sweet, zippy body and with 8.5 percent alcohol. A lime sherbet note lingers on the finish. Oz meets Asti, great for light fruit desserts.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Evolve Gewurztraminer 2015
CanadaRosewater, fragrant flowers and fine spice on first whiff - a good sign for Gew. The palate carries the same, atop a bed of pear nectar, mango and candied kiwi. There's a cutting bite of bitterness on a shorter finish, which is readily apparent when the wine is less than very chilled. Nearing 14 percent alcohol, I recommend pairing this simple white with protein, like peaches wrapped in prosciutto.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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02 July 2016
90PTS
Howling Bluff Sauvignon Blanc Reserve Three Mile Creek 2016
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLuke Smith has persisted with this Graves-style white and at 14 years of vine age, the wines are really delivering. Three Mill Creek Vineyard is the source of fruit that is barrel-fermented in 60 percent new French oak puncheons before it's aged four months in older oak. Fresh and lively, it mixes passion fruit with lime and herbal notes. Just when you think the fruit is too much, there is a bitter note to keep it all in line. Rich enough for veal or chicken, but it would be fine with mussels too.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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01 July 2016
88PTS
Spierhead Pinot Gris Golden Retreat Vineyard 2015
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAn impressive line of grapefruit acidity lifts this 2015 pinot gris, one of the hottest (read heaviest) vintages on record in the Okanagan Valley. From Summerland's Golden Retreat Vineyard, this carries creamy yellow apples, pear and spicy melon. Whole cluster pressing gives a riff of texture before a gentle wave of heat on the finish.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
CedarCreek Pinot Gris 2015
British Columbia, CanadaPinot gris from the upper CedarCreek vineyard is splashed with gewürztraminer and riesling in this soft wine, reflective of the ripe and warm 2015 vintage. This maintains a core of concentration and holds a fine elastic twang of acidity, though lacking quite a bit in comparison to the 2014. Yellow apple, pear and light honey rule the creamy palate, one plumped by 20 percent being fermented in oak and layered with a month-long ferment. Just off dry, this full bodied gris ends with some warming heat and a sweet/sour note.Prices:| BC | $17.79 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Evolve Pinot Gris 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTight white blossoms and pear on the nose of this sweeter, riper pinot gris. Wide and loose on the round palate, with red apple, nectarine and bitter musk melon closing out the hot finish (14.3 percent).Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Tinhorn Creek Pinot Gris 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe hot 2015 vintage is felt in this round, ripe pinot gris, sourced from vineyards on Oliver's Golden Mile Bench and Black Sage Bench. Peach, yellow apple, white flowers and tangerine pith finish with a giant rasp of dried sage and gingersnap spice and warming grapefruit oil.Prices:| BC | $17.49 | 750ml |
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August 2016